Brisbane offers many free and inexpensive family activities. Ascending Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge for a day, evening or midnight climb can bring unparalleled city views – making for a rewarding family adventure!
Experience the magic of Bluey’s World at Northshore Pavilion and bring family fun into reality through realistic sets, while discovering Heeler family home and backyard! This immersive experience takes visitors on an immersive journey into Queenslander home life through displays that recreate it.
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Stradbroke Island
Straddie (Jandai: Minjerribah), located within Moreton Bay, provides an enchanting mix of natural wonders and outdoor adventures for families to experience. Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, this idyllic island gem provides a calm sanctuary from city life.
North Stradbroke Island, one of the two largest sand islands in the world, boasts small towns, lakes, and long beaches that form part of its ecosystem. Together with South Stradbroke and Moreton Bay it forms a natural barrier protecting Coral Sea waters from any potential harm.
Experience an awe-inspiring view of Gumpi (Dunwich) Island from above with a scenic flight, or try your hand at sandboarding along its idyllic beaches. Kids will delight in sliding down sandy slopes while adults can challenge themselves on stand-up paddleboards. When finished exploring these activities, relax at one of many family-friendly venues available, like Straddie Brewing Co’s new beer hall located in Gumpi.
Mount Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha is more than just an eye-catching viewpoint; it also offers trails, attractions and ways to spend the day, providing spectacular sweeping views of Brisbane’s skyline.
Tranquil Trails Tranquil trails of Mount Coot-tha make an idyllic escape within Brisbane city‘s urban core, perfect for strolling along its vibrant precincts like Roma Street or photographing dragonflies near lily-covered ponds or photographing beautiful dragonflies by lily-covered ponds. Active adventure seekers can climb Mount Coot-tha on winding trails or ascend its summit track – both can provide thrilling journeys within its verdant embrace!
Visitors to the lookout’s observation deck can also take in breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane from sunrise and sunset, when the sun casts a golden glow over the cityscape below.
Story Bridge
The Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most recognisable landmarks. Constructed out of steel cantilever bridge, it spans the Brisbane River between Howard Smith Wharves and Kangaroo Point and was designed by John Bradfield – lead engineer of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Opened officially in 1940 and named for public official John Douglas Story who advocated its creation, its name honoring him.
Walk along or visit it during the day to admire its views and feel its breeze, or join in one of their adventures, such as Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Story Bridge should be on every visitor’s itinerary when visiting Brisbane; admission is free; however there may be fees associated with activities on and around it.
Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane (MoB), housed inside Brisbane City Hall, is a free exhibition space that explores both contemporary and historic Brisbane through art and social history. Their ever-evolving exhibition program includes workshops, talks, tours and children’s activities that complement it perfectly.
MoB promotes Brisbane’s vibrant culture through an eclectic assortment of art and artefacts, from paintings of iconic Brisbane landmarks to historic ceramics and thought-provoking multimedia presentations.
This museum is well-renowned for its dedication to accessibility and community engagement. Visitors from all backgrounds are offered learning opportunities through exhibition descriptions and audio-visual materials available in multiple languages, as well as emphasizing accessible design principles such as touch-and-explore sections for families as well as clear, concise language that caters to all audiences.