Brisbane, Australia is such a diverse city featuring natural wonders, stunning sandy beaches, modern architecture, and an abundance of things to do. As every metropolitan city, Brisbane comes with huge downsides - a bustle and stress related to every big city. If you’re travelling with your family and would love to thoroughly enjoy without experiencing the busy side of the city, you’re lucky - Brisbane offers an abundance of exciting day trips.
We’re going to talk about amazing natural & cultural destinations that are easily reachable from Brisbane city. The most convenient way to explore Brisbane’s surroundings is by booking a cruise and enjoy the freedom. Cruise Agency Australia has diverse cruise offerings that are more than suitable for your next memorable family trip.
Keep reading and start filling your bucket list:
We’re going to talk about amazing natural & cultural destinations that are easily reachable from Brisbane city. The most convenient way to explore Brisbane’s surroundings is by booking a cruise and enjoy the freedom. Cruise Agency Australia has diverse cruise offerings that are more than suitable for your next memorable family trip.
Keep reading and start filling your bucket list:
Moreton Island is a beautiful day trip from Brisbane, where you can snorkel the Tangalooma Wreck
1. Explore Moreton Island - the third largest sand island
Moreton Island is such a brilliant getaway from the city, and it’s only an hour away from the city centre. The island features extremely long strips of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, sandy dunes, beautiful viewpoints, thick jungle, and an abundance of exciting activities for families. If you’re an adventurous soul, Moreton Island is one of the most beautiful destinations for sandboarding.
For people who don’t feel comfortable planning a trip itinerary, you can book one of many Tangalooma day trips. Tangalooma trips include various activities such as parasailing, snorkeling around the shipwrecks, swimming with wild dolphins, enjoying a cocktail in a 5-star resort, and much more.
Moreton Island is such a brilliant getaway from the city, and it’s only an hour away from the city centre. The island features extremely long strips of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, sandy dunes, beautiful viewpoints, thick jungle, and an abundance of exciting activities for families. If you’re an adventurous soul, Moreton Island is one of the most beautiful destinations for sandboarding.
For people who don’t feel comfortable planning a trip itinerary, you can book one of many Tangalooma day trips. Tangalooma trips include various activities such as parasailing, snorkeling around the shipwrecks, swimming with wild dolphins, enjoying a cocktail in a 5-star resort, and much more.
North Stradboke Island or "Straddie" has stunning white sandy beaches
2. North Stradbroke Island
Straddie, a local name for North Stradbroke, is a fantastic getaway located just off Brisbane’s coast and offers a stunning natural environment with plenty of exciting activities. If you’re into exploring off-the-beaten-destinations, and enjoying stunning sandy beaches by yourself, then Stradbroke might be a great choice. It’s hard to mention all the activities in a block of text (believe us, there are many!), but let’s try!
Gorge Walk, a stunning natural pathway leading through thick pine forest all the way to the beautiful sandy beach, is one of the best active activities you can do. If you decide to jump in crystal clear waters, you can expect colourful coral reefs and abundant underwater life, including giant manta rays and reef sharks. Another highlight is a Cylinder beach which features a blue lagoon surrounded by pristine waters and sandy coastline… such a perfect place for your kids.
Straddie, a local name for North Stradbroke, is a fantastic getaway located just off Brisbane’s coast and offers a stunning natural environment with plenty of exciting activities. If you’re into exploring off-the-beaten-destinations, and enjoying stunning sandy beaches by yourself, then Stradbroke might be a great choice. It’s hard to mention all the activities in a block of text (believe us, there are many!), but let’s try!
Gorge Walk, a stunning natural pathway leading through thick pine forest all the way to the beautiful sandy beach, is one of the best active activities you can do. If you decide to jump in crystal clear waters, you can expect colourful coral reefs and abundant underwater life, including giant manta rays and reef sharks. Another highlight is a Cylinder beach which features a blue lagoon surrounded by pristine waters and sandy coastline… such a perfect place for your kids.
A visit to Mt Coot-tha for sunset provides fantastic City views and is the perfect place to end the day
3. Admire the View From Mt. Coot-tha
‘Coot-tha’ originates from a native Aboriginal tradition where people hike around the mountain and collect highly-nutritious honey. Currently, the hill serves as a perfect getaway, just a short ride off Brisbane’s CBD. Locals enjoy participating in physically-demanding activities, such as running, hiking, mountain biking, and observing a breathtaking view over Brisbane and stunning Moreton Bay. If you’re heading there with your family, be sure to check Kuta cafe - a cozy restaurant serving beverages, food, and stunning views over lights of Brisbane. Also, don’t forget to get lost in the greenery of Brisbane Botanical Gardens that spread over whooping 52 hectares.
‘Coot-tha’ originates from a native Aboriginal tradition where people hike around the mountain and collect highly-nutritious honey. Currently, the hill serves as a perfect getaway, just a short ride off Brisbane’s CBD. Locals enjoy participating in physically-demanding activities, such as running, hiking, mountain biking, and observing a breathtaking view over Brisbane and stunning Moreton Bay. If you’re heading there with your family, be sure to check Kuta cafe - a cozy restaurant serving beverages, food, and stunning views over lights of Brisbane. Also, don’t forget to get lost in the greenery of Brisbane Botanical Gardens that spread over whooping 52 hectares.
No trip to Brisbane is complete without watching the colourful Rainbow Lorikeet at feeding time
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife and what would be a better way of experiencing it than visiting massive Currumbin Sanctuary. The whole place is centrally located, and you can easily reach it from Brisbane CBD by car. The sanctuary’s area is enormous, and it will take you some time to explore it properly, so we suggest you visit as early as possible. For instance, at 8am, you can experience a majestic Rainbow Lorikeet feeding where thousands of colourful parrots rush to eat their breakfast. There are many workshops and specific shows around the park which aim to educate people about species and wildlife diversity. Tickets start at $40 per person, but you can get a nice discount with a family pass that costs $125.
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife and what would be a better way of experiencing it than visiting massive Currumbin Sanctuary. The whole place is centrally located, and you can easily reach it from Brisbane CBD by car. The sanctuary’s area is enormous, and it will take you some time to explore it properly, so we suggest you visit as early as possible. For instance, at 8am, you can experience a majestic Rainbow Lorikeet feeding where thousands of colourful parrots rush to eat their breakfast. There are many workshops and specific shows around the park which aim to educate people about species and wildlife diversity. Tickets start at $40 per person, but you can get a nice discount with a family pass that costs $125.
South Bank Parklands has a man-made beach with palm trees in the middle of the City
5. South Bank Parklands
If you don’t like the idea of going too far away from the city, but still want to feel like you’re out, then South Bank Parklands is the place for you! Located in the heart of Brisbane, just next to CBD, it’s an easily reachable place that will give you a completely different vibe. The whole area consists of many man-made beaches, an abundance of palm trees, restaurants and bars, and a variety of water activities. If you’re travelling with your kids, there are a few furnished water playgrounds surrounded by rocks where your kids can truly enjoy. For recharging, don’t forget to check the surrounding restaurants and cafes.
If you don’t like the idea of going too far away from the city, but still want to feel like you’re out, then South Bank Parklands is the place for you! Located in the heart of Brisbane, just next to CBD, it’s an easily reachable place that will give you a completely different vibe. The whole area consists of many man-made beaches, an abundance of palm trees, restaurants and bars, and a variety of water activities. If you’re travelling with your kids, there are a few furnished water playgrounds surrounded by rocks where your kids can truly enjoy. For recharging, don’t forget to check the surrounding restaurants and cafes.
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