A Brisbane family holiday is hot this year, and we don’t just mean the weather. Here’s why Australia’s greenest, most exciting, yet laid-back, city is the destination to beat in 2025.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs boardwalk, Brisbane
Brisbane is going places, and you’re welcome to join
The city of Brisbane has transformed in recent years, from a relaxed riverside city into Australia’s buzziest urban capital.
It’s welcoming more visitors than ever before, and unveiling swanky new developments like riverside Queen’s Wharf, a multi-billion entertainment complex, while still revelling in its laid-back charm and safe streets.
Welcoming being the right word, because Brisbanites are known for their warm hospitality and friendly banter. Also, as future host of the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s official: Brisbane’s a power player on the world stage these days, but again, just as relaxed as ever.
Brisbane’s outdoor dining scene is great for families
In a grown-up city full of nature, freedom is everywhere
Brisbane is a dynamic, diverse and inclusive destination and that’s reflected in a city which is growing in all the right ways; where nature complements the urban environment to offer an unmatched blend of unique experiences for families.
In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say Brisbane has it all, from outdoor dining of the highest standards in cool riverside neighbourhoods to documentary-level whale watching. You can roam ancient forests and pristine sand islands, engage with the city’s wide variety of cultural events or even meet koalas at the world’s largest koala sanctuary.
Although there are also plenty of amazing experiences which won’t empty your pockets. Like hiking trails out of the city where you can reach ancient forests in just 30 minutes, as well as leafy parklands with picturesque picnicking spots in glorious surroundings. Browsing local markets, lazing on the city beach, and climbing Mount Coot-Tha lookout for its panoramic views are all equally rewarding Brisbane pastimes, as is hopping on a City Cat ferry to get to know the city by river.
Some Brisbane Festival events are free for all too, like the ANZ Festival Garden which features installations and live performances; Spectrum of Happiness at Portside Wharf; the Riverfire event with its fireworks and spectacles; the drone show over the city, and some seriously cool space age art installations.
Bluey’s World – an immersive experience for kids
Bluey has a forever home in Brisbane
Of course, there are theme parks galore on the Gold Coast, just 40 minutes away from Brisbane, but now there’s a different kind of theme park right in the city too, one that’s devoted to an adorable cartoon dog who has captured family hearts around the world.
That’s right, Brisbane is now home to Bluey’s World, which opened early this year, and is already delighting Bluey Fans with its immersive experiences.
Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands
A river runs through it: Brisbane neighbourhoods for family holidays
Brisbane River is the flowing heart of the city, where crowds gather for firework displays and cruise between neighbourhoods on riverboats and City Cat ferries. You can hike and bike its many trails, kayak at Kangaroo Point or just wander across no fewer than 17 Brisbane River bridges, and with its lush parklands and buzzy communities, ‘River City’ spreads out from the water.
Brisbane city centre to South Bank
One of Brisbane city centre’s many charms is the shopping, and Queen Street Mall is the iconic spot for designer goodies and retail therapy. A huge open air mall with Uptown, Wintergarden, Queen’s Plaza, and Brisbane Arcade, it has access to the new Queen’s Wharf development: a vast dining and entertainment complex connecting the mall and City Botanic Gardens to South Bank via the river.
The CBD is just as great for food as it is for entertainment: with high-end restaurants, and the reimagined events space of Brisbane Powerhouse.
And South Bank’s cultural precinct is another must-see, not least for Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) which has a Children’s Art Centre with interactive artworks, as well as regular world-class exhibitions.
Every Brisbane visitor needs to experience the lovely South Bank Parklands where you can stroll the famous arbor walkways and enjoy Australia’s only inner-city beach, Streets Beach: a lagoon surrounded by white sand and tropical plants.
Then there’s artsy South Bank which is also all about the riverside dining and weekend markets; perfect for soaking up some neighbourhood vibes.
Brisbane Powerhouse, CBD
Kangaroo Point to Hamilton
Kangaroo Point is known for its stunning cliffs, hiking trails, kayaking spots, and panoramic views, and it’s also a top spot for watching the fireworks during major events such as New Year and the Brisbane Festival.
You shouldn’t miss New Farm either. This vibrant ‘hood with leafy streets and riverside spaces is where you’ll find lovely New Farm Park; one of Brisbane’s oldest, and grandest, parks, and a great place to be in jacaranda season.
Teens will especially love the bohemian flavours of West End, with its thriving arts scene, weekend markets and riverside park. Plus, in a city dominated by great coffee shops, West End’s brews are considered particularly fine.
St Lucia is where the University of Queensland campus is based, and only 7km out of the city centre with a young student population, pretty riverside walkways and tree-lined streets. Then there’s Hamilton, another riverside neighbourhood of luxury homes and top restaurants. You’ll find Portside Wharf here too for easy access to Eat Street Northshore, which is right next door to Bluey’s World, both of which are easily reached by City Cat from across the river.
Penthouse Suite, Star Grand Hotel, Queen’s Wharf
Where to stay on a Brisbane family holiday
Predictably, Brisbane has a brilliant selection of accommodation for families in and around the city.
You’ll find some excellent family hotels in the CBD around the river, with shiny new properties such as the Star Grand Brisbane: a luxury affair in Queen’s Wharf with three pools, 250m Sky Deck, 12,000m Leisure Deck, and multiple restaurants.
The Amora Hotel Brisbane is another recent addition, and both Dorsett and Rosewood hotels are set to open in 2026.
Marriott Brisbane has pools, Story Bridge views and is close to all the action of Howard Street Wharves.
Then for families who like quirky luxe and the personal touch, Hotel Indigo on Charlotte Street is a gorgeous boutique option. Although Oaks Brisbane is a good choice too, with spacious serviced apartments right on the river, featuring a gym, pools, and plenty of other amenities.
Teens will love trendy neighbourhoods such as Fortitude Valley, where you’ll find smaller boutique hotel options in hipster spots, like the luxurious Hotel X with its rooftop bar and French bistro.
When travelling with smaller children, you may prefer serviced apartments or private rentals in a less central location. St Lucia Gardens Apartments are close to the university and plenty of riverfront parks. Areas like Ascot and New Farm are also great for private rentals. And Bardon, which sits at the foot of Mount Coot-Tha for close proximity to the lookout point and parks and hiking trails in Brisbane Forest Park, has a good range of boutique hotel, guest house and B&B options.
Brisbane is home to the world’s first, and largest koala sanctuary
Get up close and personal with a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Around 12km from central Brisbane in Fig Tree Pocket, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary will be celebrating its centenary in 2027 as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. It’s a great introduction for kids to marsupials and the other unique native Australian wildlife.
There are 130 koalas at the sanctuary, alongside kangaroos, dingos and emus. Adorably, the sanctuary also cares for injured wild animals in the onsite hospital, making them our heroes. It’s a perfect day out for a Brisbane family holiday: educational on animal welfare and conservation, but also really fun with immersive experiences such as ranger talks, dingo walks, and of course – meeting the koalas.
These wildlife encounters are bookable experiences separate from ticket cost, and, excitingly, nocturnal night tours have also just been launched. If you’re not doing a night tour, then it’s best to arrive in the morning to maximise the animals’ wakeful mode.
Kangaroo, North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, a First Nations experience
North Stradbroke Island, also known by its original name of Minjerribah, is less than an hours’ drive or ferry ride from Brisbane, and one of the world’s largest sand islands. Some of the divinely long beaches are surf-friendly, and inland, you’ll find equally scenic lakes. You can go fishing and dolphin spotting at Amity Point (Pulan), or head to the lookout point at Mooloomba for scenic views.
A magical and unforgettable experience is a cultural tour with a local Quandamooka guide, as one of Minjerribah’s First Nations custodians. These range from whale watching culture walks to 4WD beach culture drives, so it’s worth figuring out how much time you have, and how much walking your kids are up for before booking – you can be collected and dropped back at the ferry point.
If you prefer to make your own way, the lovely North Gorge Walk is a 1.5km trail along the coastline and a marine-spotting hotspot for dolphins, manta rays, whales, turtles, and sharks.
Tangalooma wrecks, Moreton Island
Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, the whale watching paradise
Moreton Island, also just over an hour from the city, is another enchanting island of white sand beaches and amazing marine life, including arguably the cutest animals in the sea: turtles and dugongs. Kids will love the rock pools teeming with exciting discoveries, body boarding spots, and sporty activities like sand tobogganing.
At Tangalooma Beach on the west coast, named ‘World’s Best Beach to See Nature’ by Lonely Planet, you’ll find a cluster of shipwrecks known as the Tangalooma Wrecks: unusually close to shore, they’re a great opportunity to explore wrecks and the coral growing around them by snorkel. And if you’d like to meet the locals, you can feed the wild dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort.
The island is full of family-friendly beaches with calm waves, including Mirapool Lagoon, on the southernmost tip – cut off from the ocean by a long narrow sandbank, its crystal-clear waters are a unique combination of fresh and salt, and amazing to swim (or float in).
Peak whale watching season happens here from June to October, and there’s a land whale-watch spot here (Point Lookout) which is known as one of the world’s best places to spot migrating humpback whales from the mainland.
White Ridge Farm, Elimbah, Moreton Bay region
There’s more to do in Moreton Bay: like brilliant family farms
As well as beautiful islands, stunning coastline, and a hinterland with charming country towns like Dayboro, Samford and Woodford, the Moreton Bay region has some wonderful, family-friendly farms within a short drive of the city, which are perfect for a wholesome day out on a Brisbane family holiday.
White Ridge Farm is an interactive farm experience where kids can hand-feed friendly llamas, have a photo opportunity with Gypsy the camel, and cuddle cute baby animals. Tractor rides and miniature train rides, mini-golf and acres of open space make this is an excellent choice for kids who love to run around. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday from 9am to 3pm, and seven days a week during Queensland school holidays.
Sand tobogganing, Moreton Island
Trevena Glen Farm counts horses, goats, alpacas and donkeys among its 12 animal breeds, and offers a range of animal experiences – pony rides, small group or personalised tours with friendly guides, and special school holiday experiences including a Farmer Fun half-day programme (for kids of 7+ with an adult, 9+ without), horsemanship sessions, and riding lessons. They also have a miniature train, a fun way to see the farm when little legs are tired.
And if you’re in the area, there’s a whole lot more to see. From the laid-back Redcliffe Peninsula with its golden beaches, coastal walks, whale-watching and dolphin-spotting tours, iconic jetty and beautiful countryside; to the waterfalls, secluded swimming holes, breathtaking lookouts, lush national parks and forests of the hinterland countryside.
Tamborine Mountain Glades Glamping Spa, Scenic Rim
Discover the nature on Brisbane’s doorstep for scenic beauty and regional adventures
Find out more and get planning your Brisbane family holiday with Visit Brisbane and catch up on what’s happening today on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook