Brisbane is one of Australia’s most welcoming, easygoing and adventure-filled capital cities—and it’s also one of the best destinations for families. With world-class cultural attractions, leafy riverside parks, free activities for kids, interactive museums, wildlife encounters and endless day-trip opportunities, it’s no surprise that families from all over Australia choose Brisbane for their next getaway.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a week-long family holiday, having the right vehicle makes all the difference. With family-friendly, affordable hire cars from Trend Car Rentals, you can explore Brisbane and beyond with complete comfort and confidence.
👉 View the full range at trendrentals.com.au.
In this guide, we break down the best things to do in Brisbane City as a family—from iconic must-see attractions to hidden local favourites. We’ll also share practical travel tips, driving advice, and how to make the most of your Brisbane adventure with Trend Car Rentals.
Why Brisbane Is the Perfect Family Destination
Brisbane stands out as a family destination thanks to:
✔ Safe, clean and walkable city areas
The CBD, South Bank, and cultural precincts are spacious and easy to navigate.
✔ Mild, sunny weather year-round
Brisbane averages 283 days of sunshine annually, making outdoor adventures ideal.
✔ A huge variety of family-friendly attractions
From science museums to aqua parks, wildlife sanctuaries to ferris wheels—there’s something for every age.
✔ Easy self-drive access
Hiring a car from Trend Car Rentals makes activities, day trips, and scenic drives smooth and stress-free.
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Brisbane City
Below are the must-visit attractions, broken down by interest, travel style, and accessibility.
1. South Bank Parklands — Brisbane’s Family Playground
South Bank is the heart of Brisbane’s family fun. It’s a cultural, recreational and dining precinct rolled into one—and every section has something for families.
What families love:
✓ The Streets Beach Lagoon (FREE!)
A huge man-made lagoon with lifeguards, shallow areas for toddlers, and soft white sand.
✓ Riverside green spaces
Perfect for picnics, scooter rides and relaxing under the shade.
✓ All-abilities playgrounds
Kids love the swings, climbing areas and splash zones.
✓ The Wheel of Brisbane
Take a scenic 15–20 minute ride above the city for unbeatable river views.
✓ Ice-cream, eateries and casual dining
Family-friendly food everywhere—burgers, gelato, noodles, cafés.
Parking tip:
South Bank carparks can fill quickly on weekends. Hiring a reliable, compact SUV or family sedan from Trend Car Rentals Brisbane makes parking easy and stress-free.
2. Queensland Museum & Sciencentre — Fun Learning for All Ages
If you’re travelling with curious kids, the Queensland Museum is a must. It’s interactive, educational and full of engaging exhibits.
Highlights include:
- Dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric displays
- Queensland’s natural history
- Hands-on science experiments
- Wildlife exhibitions
- Kids-learn-through-play zones
The museum is especially great for hot days, rainy weather, or when younger kids need a break from outdoor activities.
Cost: Free general admission (paid exhibitions optional)
3. The Cultural Precinct — Galleries, Art and Creativity
Next to the museum is Brisbane’s world-class Cultural Centre, including:
- Queensland Art Gallery (QAG)
- Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
- State Library of Queensland
Why it’s family-friendly:
- Many areas are designed for children
- Interactive art rooms
- Children’s exhibitions and workshops
- Calming spaces for sensory-sensitive kids
Parents who appreciate art and design will love this area as much as the kids do.
4. City Botanic Gardens — Nature, Playgrounds & Riverside Walks
Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens offer an oasis right beside the bustling CBD. Families can enjoy:
✔ Shady picnic areas
Perfect for lunch breaks.
✔ Bike and scooter paths
Safe rides for younger adventurers.
✔ Riverside boardwalk
Beautiful at sunset.
✔ Discovery trails
Educational signs about native plants and animal species.
Why drive?
Hiring a car from Trend Car Rentals gives you the freedom to hop from the gardens to South Bank, Fortitude Valley or Kangaroo Point in minutes.
5. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — Australia’s Famous Wildlife Park
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the most family-friendly wildlife experiences in Australia—and a short 20-minute drive from Brisbane City.
Family favourites:
- Cuddle or photograph a koala
- Hand-feed kangaroos
- See platypus, dingoes, lorikeets and wombats
- Watch sheepdog and bird-of-prey shows
- Enjoy child-friendly walking paths throughout the sanctuary
Getting there:
A comfortable rental car from Trend Car Rentals makes the trip easy, especially with prams, bags and extra gear.
6. River Cruises & CityCat Ferries — Kids Love Them
Brisbane’s river ferries are not just transport—they’re an activity in themselves.
Why families love CityCats:
- Affordable and fun
- Great way to see the city
- Hop-on/hop-off convenience
- Spacious seating and shade
A full loop is relaxing for parents and exciting for kids, offering riverfront views of:
- Story Bridge
- South Bank
- Kangaroo Point
- New Farm
7. Brisbane City Hall & The Clock Tower Tour
An underrated but wonderful family activity is visiting the city’s beautiful heritage-listed City Hall.
Clock Tower Tour:
Take the old-fashioned lift to the top for skyline views. Kids love the antique feel and parents love the photo opportunities.
Cost: Free (book ahead)
8. Roma Street Parkland — Gardens, Playgrounds & Waterfalls
Just outside the CBD lies one of Brisbane’s best green spaces.
Best things to see:
- The Spectacle Garden
- The rainforest walk
- Water features
- Lakeside lawns
- Children’s discovery trails
- Massive playgrounds
Parking nearby is easy—another reason to use Trend Car Rentals for flexible travel.
9. New Farm Park & Brisbane Powerhouse
A favourite among local families.
At New Farm Park you’ll find:
- One of Brisbane’s biggest playgrounds
- Riverfront picnic lawns
- Bike paths
- BBQ areas
- Weekend markets
Next door is the Brisbane Powerhouse, a cultural hub with:
- Festivals
- Kids’ workshops
- Comedy shows
- Dining with river views
10. Mount Coot-tha Lookout & Botanic Gardens
An incredible family day out only 15 minutes from Brisbane City.
At the lookout:
- Panoramic city views
- Cafés
- Safe paths to explore
At the Botanic Gardens:
- Tropical domes
- Japanese garden
- Children’s trail
- Lagoon wildlife
- Planetarium (a must-visit!)
Driving here is easy with a rental vehicle—public transport options are limited.
11. Kangaroo Point Cliffs — Adventure & Views
Families with older kids or teens will love Kangaroo Point.
Fun options include:
- Rock climbing for beginners
- Cliff-top walks
- Riverside BBQs
- Scooter tracks
- Sunset views of the Story Bridge
Perfect for families who enjoy exercising together.
12. Eat Street Northshore — Colourful Night Markets
If your family loves food, you cannot miss this experience.
Family favourites include:
- Donuts & milkshakes
- Noodle bowls
- Burgers & BBQ
- Desserts from around the world
- Live music
- Neon lights (kids LOVE this)
Driving here is easiest with a rental car due to limited public transport in the area.
The Best Family Day Trips From Brisbane
Your Trend Car Rentals vehicle gives you the freedom to discover:
1. Redcliffe (30 minutes)
Beaches, playgrounds, Bee Gees Way.
2. Tamborine Mountain (50 minutes)
Rainforest walks, glow worm caves, family wineries.
3. Sunshine Coast (1 hour)
Australia Zoo, beaches, markets.
4. Gold Coast (1 hour)
Theme parks, beach esplanades, wildlife parks.
For day trips, hiring an SUV or spacious sedan from Trend Car Rentals Brisbane adds comfort, safety and room for all your gear.
Why Choose Trend Car Rentals for Your Family Trip?
Trend offers:
✔ Affordable rental prices
Great for long weekends and week-long family stays.
✔ Child-friendly vehicles
Including SUVs, sedans and people-movers.
✔ Easy pick-up locations
Making your Brisbane arrival smooth and stress-free.
✔ Unlimited kilometre options
Perfect for day trips.
✔ Modern, fuel-efficient vehicles
Safer and more comfortable for kids.
Learn more or book your vehicle here:
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au
Conclusion
Brisbane City is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Australia, delivering the perfect blend of nature, culture, adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re splashing at South Bank, discovering dinosaurs at the Queensland Museum, picnicking in riverside parks or exploring nearby day-trip destinations, this city offers unforgettable experiences for kids and parents alike.
To make your Brisbane adventure even easier, hiring a car from Trend Car Rentals gives you total freedom. You can travel at your own pace, visit multiple attractions in one day, pack everything you need without stress and enjoy a comfortable, reliable vehicle that’s perfect for your family.
From busy city days to peaceful scenic drives, Brisbane is a place your family will love—and with the right car, exploring it is effortless.
Start planning your trip today with Trend Car Rentals and discover family travel made simple, flexible and fun.