Brisbane is the family holiday destination we've all been sleeping on
But while a couple of popular hotspots typically come to mind – the nation's theme park capital on the Gold Coast, luxe and laid-back Noosa, and the natural wonders of the tropical far north – there's an even more obvious destination too many of us have been sleeping on.
Having spent my first two decades living in the state's capital, I never imagined Brisbane would be high on my list when it came to booking my first proper family holiday with kids in tow. But it turns out I, and plenty others, have been overlooking an ideal family holiday spot.
The city is known for its year-round stunning weather and laid-back vibes, but its best-kept secret is how much more it has to offer when it comes to things to do. And for any parent of young kids, the secret to a successful family holiday – and ironically the only way to relax on one – is to pack in as many activities as possible.
Leaving for a trip to the sunshine state's capital during the most recent school holidays with my two- and four-year-old, I was almost nervous looking at our itinerary and seeing how much we had jammed in. But it turns out, keeping busy is the ultimate holiday hack.
In only a three-night stay, we managed to meet koalas and other wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, TV stars at Bluey's World, visit a museum and multiple play centres, enjoy a classic high tea, dine at trendy restaurants, check out the sights of two neighbouring cities, and somehow also had time to relax and enjoy the offerings of the five-star Westin hotel in Brisbane's CBD.
While we didn't ward off the tantrums completely (see attempted fine-dining experience below), packing the schedule with easily accessible activities and attractions kept everyone occupied and entertained, gave us plenty to talk and laugh about, and even wore out the kids enough to give us a real break.
What to do in Brisbane
The city's star attraction at the moment is without doubt the epic immersive experience that is Bluey's World, which has now extended its run until February next year.
The kids' cartoon turned global pop culture phenomenon was born (and is set) in Brisbane, and even the drive to the attraction in the riverside suburb of Hamilton – past landmarks featured in the show and quaint Queenslanders in which the Heeler family would right be at home – feels like part of the experience.
Bluey's World is a big hit for the kids, obviously, but the stunning detail of the set and emotive storytelling that goes into the immersive journey through the replica Heeler house is enough to pull at any adults' heartstrings as well.
From one cultural icon to another, our next day's outing at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was just as much of a hit. Having set aside only a couple of hours, we ended up spending most of the day there starting with a 'Koala Moment' encounter, which allows visitors to get up close and even pat a koala while capturing the encounter on your own device. The following hours were spent feeding kangaroos, marvelling at crocs and reptiles, and cooing at baby barn animals, as well as taking advantage of the animal sanctuary's multiple dining options to keep us going.
Of course, it wouldn't be a trip with kids without a few disruptions and mishaps along the way.
After a smooth experience at trendy yet family-friendly CBD restaurant Cantina on night one, our attempt at upgrading to family fine dining was a decided fail.
Even with a 5pm sitting at the hotel's Settimo restaurant, fellow early diners would have agreed the sophisticated Italian diner wasn't an ideal setting for a wired preschooler and wiped-out toddler after an action-packed day.
Luckily, after dining in shifts and whisking the children from the restaurant and off to bed in our adjoining rooms, we were able to take advantage of the hotel's epic room service offering, enjoying the restaurant's signature tiramisu dessert, along with a cocktail, in the five-star comfort of our suite.
What to do in Ipswich
Under an hour's drive west from Brisbane is Queensland's oldest provincial city, which has recently had a facelift.
After a morning at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, we visited Ipswich's revamped city centre.
The transformed Nicholas St Precinct has turned the area into a lively dining and entertainment hub, while maintaining its historical charm.
The over-a-century-old pub, Hotel Commonwealth, is a great example of this, holding onto its cosiness and character after a 2024 redevelopment that saw it fitted out with a cocktail bar, beer garden, multi-storey dining options and function spaces.
Also in the new precinct are a number of entertainment venues for all ages and interests.
Again, we spent hours longer than expected at both the Mini Bounce play centre and neighbouring General Public, which caters to a slightly older crowd and features bowling, arcade games and, conveniently, a bar and diner.
While we didn't stay in Ipswich or its surrounds on this trip, boutique farmstay Linning's House at Twigley Farm is on the list for another school holiday adventure, as is the Llama Farm in nearby Pine Mountain.
What to do in Logan
Just over half an hour south of Brisbane is Logan, yet another nearby city which features stunning bush scenery alongside urban convenience, and the most epic indoor playground I've ever come across.
Area 51 is an adventurous kid's dream and caters to children as young as two with its soft play offerings, right up to the most fearless teenagers who can enjoy high ropes, a ninja park and huge trampoline park.
Then for those not as physically adventurous, high tea at Devon Pixies – located within the historic Kingston Butter Factory Precinct – is a good way to recover.
The very quaint cafe, located in one of the factory's original workers cottages, puts on a traditional high tea with its own blend, delicate sandwiches and baked goods, and a kid-friendly adaptation featuring fairy bread, decorated biscuits and milkshakes.
The venue also caters to kids with a small playground in front of its welcoming veranda, which we made good use of rather than overstaying our welcome inside the tea room after learning our lesson earlier in the trip.
Other recommended attractions in the area include the FGS Chung Tian Temple, which provides a venue for the community to celebrate its multicultural community (Logan is home to people from more than 215 cultures) and the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
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