Five fun-filled family day trips near Brisbane
Pack the car and hit the road for these family holiday experiences on Brisbane’s doorstep.
Looking for ways to make the most of summer near Brisbane?
From epic food challenges to farm adventures, island escapes, scenic picnics and splash-worthy water play, these experiences promise fun for every kind of family.
1. Explore Queensland’s only island connected by road
Take a leisurely drive to Bribie Island and enjoy Woorim Beach – the closest patrolled surf beach north of Brisbane city centre – for a classic summer day out.
Stop in at the Bribie Island Hotel, where January brings a full calendar of kids’ entertainment, from circus workshops to pirate shows.
For a family-friendly stay, secure a spot at BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort. Kids (and the young-at-heart) can dive into the water park, play mini golf, shoot hoops, and join an extensive line-up of daily activities including sand art, trivia, disco nights, unicorn hair braiding, bingo, LEGO building and plenty more.
While you’re on the island, the Bribie Island Butterfly House is a must-visit. Home to hundreds of butterflies of varying species, this community-run sanctuary is wheelchair and stroller friendly, and packed with magical, camera-ready moments when butterflies settle gently on your shoulder or hands.
Delicious donuts at Kenilworth Bakery.
2. Tackle the 1kg donut challenge at Kenilworth Bakery (Bribie Island and Samford)
If your idea of play involves a little friendly competition and a whole lot of sugar, the Kenilworth Country Bakery 1kg Donut Challenge is a must-try.
Choose your flavour – Nutella, jam or custard – and attempt to conquer the colossal creation in one sitting.
Finish it in-store and you’ll earn your cash back and bragging rights. Both locations come with built-in adventure: Bribie Island is perfect for a post-donut beach stroll, while their newest store in
Samford makes an ideal stop on a countryside wander through a charming village surrounded by rolling green hills.
3. Picnic and roam at Ocean View Estates
If slow, scenic play is more your speed, pack a picnic blanket and head for Ocean View Estates – a hinterland winery set on 100 acres of vineyards, lakes and bushland.
Families can enjoy a relaxed picnic under the gum trees, wander the property’s bush tracks, say hello to the winemakers, or settle in for a long lunch by the lake.
Kids have room to roam freely, explore nature and burn energy, while grown-ups get a peaceful moment to unwind.
The estate feels worlds away yet is just under an hour from Brisbane, making it an easy and refreshing day trip.
4. Cool off and splash around at The Mill Water Park, Petrie
Nothing says summer holidays like water play, and The Mill Water Park delivers it in spades.
This free, fully accessible play space is packed with fountains, jets and shallow channels made for splashing, dodging and giggling.
Toddlers love the gentle sprays and gates they can open and close, while older kids gravitate to the giant tipping bucket for maximum excitement.
Beyond the water play area, two playground zones cater to toddlers and big kids alike, with forts, nets, slides, climbing towers, swings, spinners and a flying fox.
Shade sails, nearby seating and BBQ facilities make it easy to settle in for a whole afternoon of fun – and supervise from a comfortable spot.
Trevena Glen gives a glimpse into farm life.
5. Become a farmer for a day at Trevena Glen
For kids (and adults) who would rather trade screens for sunshine, Trevena Glen’s Farmer Fun Day offers a full, hands-on immersion into farm life.
Designed for ages 9+ (or 7+ when accompanied by an adult participant), this daily school holiday program lets families feed and groom animals, learn horsemanship skills, lead goats through an obstacle course, walk alpacas and llamas, clean enclosures, and meet guinea pigs, rabbits and chooks.
From brushing goats to understanding animal body language, setting up feed mixes, washing horses and even herding sheep and donkeys, it’s an experience rich in learning by doing – the purest form of play.
The program runs Monday to Friday and requires a minimum of two participants to go ahead.
Tips for a smooth road trip
More articles
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by its agent, RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. RDS and RACQO are in the RACQ group of companies. One of the companies in the RACQ group of companies has a minority shareholding in RACQI.
RDS and RACQO have not taken your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account when preparing advice regarding insurance products and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website. RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.