The ultimate Brisbane school holiday guide

Crisp mornings and sunny days make Brisbane winter the perfect season to get out and explore with the little ones! To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up our top winter school holiday activities to keep everyone entertained. So, whether you’re heading indoors or out, here’s how to experience Brisbane this winter.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Adventure

Looking to get outside and take advantage of the weather? Riverlife Adventure Centre has you sorted. With plenty of options to choose from, like kayaking or biking along the Brisbane River or abseiling and rock climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the sky's the limit. Or slow down the pace along the river and hop aboard the GoBoat - Brisbane’s ultimate picnic boat experience. With space for up to eight people on board, you can bring your whole family - even your furry friend! Jump onboard one of these self-captained boats and cruise underneath the iconic Story Bridge.

Once you’ve docked, take it up a level…literally. Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a must-do; climb the stairs in the winter air and take in the sweeping views of the city. Don’t forget to snap a family picture – this one will be worth framing! From here, make your way down to Felons Brewing Co. for live music and a fresh pour, while the kids say ‘ahoy’ from the giant ship playground. When they’re almost tuckered out from the adventure’s, fill their bellies (and yours too) at one of the many family friendly and delicious eateries surrounding The City, with kid menus even we’re tempted to try.

If you truly have thrill seekers on your hands, then hit the road for a day trip to the Scenic Rim. Here, you’ll find Australia’s largest zipline tour, the Canyon Flyer – perfect for kids who love to feel adrenaline from big heights. Flying through the treetops, enjoy a 360-degree view of native bushland and wildlife. It’s a full day of adventure well worth the drive!

Wildlife experiences

Winter in Brisbane marks the return of one of nature’s most incredible sights – whale season . Each year these gentle giants pass along the coastline, and you can spot them from both land and sea. Whether you head out on a whale watching tour or find one of Brisbane’s scenic lookouts, catching a glimpse of these majestic mammals is something the whole family won’t forget.  

Animals and kids - the ultimate duo. Head to Ipswich's Summer Land Camels, one of the most unique farm experiences in Brisbane! Here, little ones can get up close with the friendly camels, snapping a few adorable photos along the way whilst learning about the farm. After your exploration, head to the Homestead Cafe and Farm Shop to have a taste of local eats, camel milk gelato and coffee.

If you’re keen to learn more about Australian wildlife, then head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane’s ultimate animal lovers’ destination. Home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of native Aussie wildlife, capture moments of your kids with a nestled koala, walking amongst the kangaroos or if you’re lucky, try and find the sleepy wombats. If your kids are interested in the long neck alpaca, then Mountain View Alpaca Farm is your next stop! They can walk alongside these fluffy locals through the vineyards whilst you enjoy a tipple or two at the O’Reillys Canungra Vineyard. For a combination of wildlife and outdoor adventure, visit Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at Enoggera Reservoir. With ranger led activities designed for all ages, your kids will love getting to know a little more about the beautiful environment they live in.

Looking for a stop that has it all? Thunderbird Park at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim brings together adventure and wildlife. Think a rainforest playground, treetop adventures, pickleball, laser skirmish and mini-golf course, all set among natural bushland and walking tracks. Keep an eye out for colourful birds and native wildlife along the way. 

Blueys World

Bluey's World, Northshore Pavilion

Bluey's World

Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind guided immersive experience, that takes you into the Heeler family’s iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond – for real life! Explore multiple rooms and play games from Bluey, as you embark on an interactive adventure with your guide through the vibrant and playful world of Bluey. This expansive, multi-sensory experience features real-life sets, recognisable scenes, and beloved characters and games from hit-show Bluey.

Arts and culture

For a little magic, head out to Samford and visit The Owlery Cafe, a Harry Potter-inspired cafe with The Store of Requirement right next door. Tuck into one of their signature jaffles, then keep an eye out for the iconic light blue Ford Anglia parked out front. Inside, enter the world of wizarding, with plenty of Harry Potter bits and bobs to browse through.

Travel around the culinary world in one afternoon at Eat Street Northshore, where food, flavours and fun from all over the globe come together in one spot! Between live music and rows of food vendors to try, enjoy occasional shows and new things to discover that are guaranteed to ‘wow’ the kids, you can stay entertained all afternoon and night.

The Museum of Brisbane is always worth a visit during the school holidays, with a wide range of events running over the two-week break. It’s the kind of place you can return to more than once, with little ones sure to discover something new every time! Whether the kids want to crochet, play artist eye spy or take a ride up the famous clock tower, they are sure to have a ball.

Brisbane’s cultural centre, South Bank, is filled with activities for the kids, Queensland Arts Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is hosting Art Box for Kids, a free exhibition that invites kids to get be creative with card and coloured pencils to create their very own fashion models and outfits.  Nearby, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) hosts a variety of worldclass shows that will fill the kids with wonder. If you prefer to be outdoors you’ll find plenty to keep the energy levels up, from a swim in Streets Beach and a run around at the Riverside Green Playground to a picturesque stroll through the blooming grand arbour and towards the Epicurious Garden or experience skyline views on the Wheel of Brisbane.

Brisbane_Riverlife_Kayaking