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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Brisbane

Friday, December 15: Arrival and South Bank Parklands

Welcome to Brisbane! After arriving at the airport, make your way to your hotel and settle in. In the morning, head to the beautiful South Bank Parklands. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Brisbane River, visit the Streets Beach for some family fun in the sun, and explore the vibrant markets offering local crafts and fresh produce. In the afternoon, visit the Queensland Museum to learn about the region's natural and cultural history. For the evening, catch a performance or movie at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

  • South Bank Parklands: Free, 4-6 hours
  • Queensland Museum: $15 per adult, $12 per child, 2-3 hours
  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Saturday, December 16: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Spend the day getting up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Start your morning by cuddling a koala and hand-feeding kangaroos. Watch mesmerizing bird shows and catch the sheepdog and shearing demonstrations. Don't miss the opportunity to spot platypus, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise back to the city in the afternoon. For the evening, head to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for breathtaking views of Brisbane at sunset.

  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: $42 per adult, $24 per child, 5-7 hours
  • River Cruise: $29 per adult, $15 per child, 1.5 hours
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb: $129 per person, 2-3 hours
Sunday, December 17: Moreton Island Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Moreton Island. Take a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can indulge in exciting water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Discover the island's unique marine life during a guided snorkeling tour around the Tangalooma Wrecks. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and explore the sand dunes by tobogganing or sandboarding. Return to Brisbane in the evening and relax at your hotel.

  • Moreton Island Day Trip: $129 per adult, $79 per child, 10-12 hours
Monday, December 18: City Botanic Gardens and Queensland Art Gallery

Start your day with a visit to the City Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the heart of Brisbane. Take a peaceful walk among the tropical plants, picnic by the river, and let the kids enjoy the playgrounds. In the afternoon, head to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Explore the impressive collections of Australian and international art, participate in interactive exhibits, and let your creativity flow at the Children's Art Centre. For the evening, unwind and enjoy a family dinner at the South Bank's River Quay precinct.

  • City Botanic Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Queensland Art Gallery: Free, donations appreciated, 2-3 hours
  • River Quay Dining: Prices vary, evening
Tuesday, December 19: Brisbane Wheel and Queensland Maritime Museum

Start the day with a ride on the Brisbane Wheel, offering panoramic views of the city and the Brisbane River. Afterward, visit the Queensland Maritime Museum to learn about the maritime history of the region. Explore the museum's fascinating exhibits, including historic vessels, model ships, and maritime artifacts. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby South Bank Parklands. In the afternoon, take a leisurely river cruise to explore the city from a different perspective. For the evening, head to the Eat Street Northshore, a vibrant market with a wide variety of food stalls, live music, and entertainment.

  • Brisbane Wheel: $21 per adult, $12 per child, 1-2 hours
  • Queensland Maritime Museum: $18 per adult, $7 per child, 2-3 hours
  • River Cruise: $29 per adult, $15 per child, 1.5 hours
  • Eat Street Northshore: Prices vary, evening
Wednesday, December 20: Mount Coot-tha and Queensland Museum & Sciencentre

Start your morning with a visit to Mount Coot-tha, offering panoramic views of Brisbane city and the surrounding area. Take a walk through the lush botanical gardens and enjoy a picnic with stunning views. In the afternoon, head back to the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre for a hands-on exploration of science, technology, and natural history. Let the kids engage in interactive exhibits and enjoy the fascinating displays. For the evening, relax and have a family dinner at one of the riverside restaurants in the Eagle Street Pier precinct.

  • Mount Coot-tha: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Queensland Museum & Sciencentre: $15 per adult, $12 per child, 2-3 hours
  • Eagle Street Pier Dining: Prices vary, evening
Thursday, December 21: Tangalooma Island Resort Day Trip

Embark on another fantastic day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort. Take a scenic ferry ride to the resort, where you can enjoy a range of activities including dolphin feeding, snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks, and exploring the island's beautiful beaches. For an adrenaline rush, try out sand tobogganing or quad biking. Relax and soak up the island atmosphere before returning to Brisbane in the evening.

  • Tangalooma Island Resort Day Trip: $129 per adult, $79 per child, 10-12 hours
Restaurants
  • The Pancake Manor: Located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, The Pancake Manor offers a wide variety of delicious pancakes and breakfast dishes. From classic buttermilk pancakes to savory options like eggs benedict, there's something for everyone. The average cost for breakfast here is about $15 per person.
  • Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar: For lunch, head to Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, a popular spot known for its delicious handmade pizzas and fresh ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Margherita or a gourmet option like prosciutto and rocket, Crust has you covered. The average cost for lunch here is about $20 per person.
  • Black Hide Steakhouse: For a memorable dinner experience, visit Black Hide Steakhouse. Located in the Treasury Casino, this upscale restaurant specializes in premium, locally sourced steaks cooked to perfection. With a stylish ambiance and attentive service, it's the perfect place to enjoy a decadent meal. The average cost for dinner here is about $60 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Brisbane, don't miss the chance to visit the CityHopper, a free ferry service that takes you along the Brisbane River with stops at various landmarks. This is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city and enjoy the scenic views. Families can also visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The planetarium offers fascinating astronomical shows and interactive displays, perfect for an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

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