Joanna James
Queensland's quaintly contemporary Capital seems tailor-made for beautiful bonding experiences and character-enriching pursuits, whether revelling in natural wonders or exploring the art-riddled heritage streets. Here's how to make some spectacular Brisbane memories with your little people.
Located in the eclectic nature-kissed Southbank, Brisbane's love letter to all things art, culture, and history is a slice of the lush, jewel-toned, tropical beach! While this free inner-city seaside is entirely man-made, it's a perfect imitation that will get your hyperactive kids wriggling with joy before you can gloop on their mandatory sunscreen! Aside from swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building, the Aquativity Centre next-door sports a splash-worthy playground meant to provide kid-centric edutainment by simulating water cycles and river systems. Don't forget to take your kids on a ramble through Southbank's Arbour, a waterfront masterpiece of steel curlicues and waterfalls of bougainvillaea that will spark their vivid imaginations.
A free-spirited adventure hub that will leave the entire family rejuvenated and ready to eat their way through Brisbane's iconic food scene, the Riverlife Adventure Centre hosts a plethora of outdoorsy activities from abseiling and kayaking to water-biking and rollerblading. If you fancy a deliciously quirky and interactive tour of the storybook city, hop on an Urb-E (electric scooter) and embark on an information-rich excursion starting at Kangaroo Point and covering key landmarks such as Eagle Street Pier, the Botanic Gardens, and Howard Smith Wharves.
The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) have reached global celebrity status starting from its striking architecture that arrests visitors even before they enter, followed by the spectacularly diverse exhibitions, galleries, and interactive programmes, which include edutainment activities for every age group. Whether you have a 12-month-old, 5-year-old, or above, the museum has a specially curated Children's Art Centre that includes engaging installations, creative projects, and hands-on activities.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary hosts an all-star cast of Australia's animal celebrities for your kids to get acquainted with. From hand-feeding kangas and cuddling koala cubs to holding out their arms as a perch for the majestic white owl and observing a day in the life of a platypus family, there's plenty of enriching exposure to wildlife conservation. If you're looking for attractive Brisbane city hotel deals and prime access to regional allurements, venture no further than Oaks Brisbane on Margaret Suites.
After a day of exploring, shopping, and café hopping, wind down at the dreamy celestial spaces inside the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Here, your kids can marvel at the intricate starry cluster of the night sky above the bejewelled cityscape and enjoy one of the interactive shows such as 'Astronomy Live' where you'll be launched on a full-dome spaceflight and the 'Little Star that Could' for kids under six years.
A magical day of chasing river-to-bay sights, this stunning family bonding experience includes a myriad of unique experiences, from stopping at intimate farms and butterfly houses to exploring spooky shipwrecks and letting cheeky dolphins nibble from your palm!
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