Most people know Brisbane and South Bank in particular for its beach, playground and water activities. I concur that these are fabulous attractions that the kids will love!
For a different experience, the iconic Arbour winds its way through South Bank ending at the culture precinct. It is here you will find some of the best places to take your kids in Brisbane that you may not know about but shouldn’t be missed.
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1. The Wheel of Brisbane
The wheel of Brisbane sits in the South Bank culture area (closest to Victoria Bridge), offering you a unique viewpoint of the City from comfortable, air-conditioned pods. Once inside you will journey for around 10-12 minutes (four rotations) while listening to comprehensive audio on the landmarks around Brisbane. From the dazzling heights at the top of the wheel, you will see 360-degree views of Brisbane City, the mountains, and other attractions.
You can mark the memory by purchasing one of their photographic storybooks they have made for you with your picture (pre-journey).
View from the Brisbane Wheel overlooking South Bank
View from the Brisbane Wheel overlooking Brisbane City skyline
The Wheel of Brisbane Opening Hours (may be subject to change)
10.00am-10.00pm from Sunday to Thursday
10.00am-11.00pm from Friday to Saturday
Tip
It always pays to look online for tickets to this popular attraction. We purchased our tickets via Groupon as they were offering a great deal at the time instead of buying them directly at the wheel.
2. QPAC
QPAC or Queensland Performing Arts Centre has been the performance home for some of the State’s leading performing arts companies since 1985. They host many events that cater to children and families. While we were visiting Brisbane there was a Peppa Pig show along with the two family musicals; Matilda and Singing in the Rain.
Tips
There is no food to be taken into the Theatre.
No photography as all performances is protected by copyright.
Check the QPAC website for a synopsis on the production as this will give you a summary of the story along with any reviews that may be available.
The closest parking area to QPAC is the Performing Arts car park which can be prepaid. There are many other car parking options available which are outlined on the QPAC Website.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre – Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
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3. QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art has a special area located on the Park level that has been created especially for children and families. Upon our visit, the exhibition and activities were based on The Gabori Sisters and the unique relationship they share with the sea. Kids could find their animal totem and create a patterned wristband; play the interactive build a digital humpty game; decorate a sea creature and navigate an under the sea, interactive animation. The exhibitions, art projects, and activities change throughout the year, and the brilliant part about the Children’s Art Centre is entry is free. It’s perfect for those children who love to be creative.
The Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art Opening Hours
Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm
Open from 12 noon Anzac Day. Closed Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day
4. Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is home to permanent and changing exhibitions. It is also the home of the Sciencentre, where you can enjoy kinetic and interactive displays and experiments.
The latest exhibition to enter the museum was “Dinosaur Discovery: Lost Creatures of the Cretaceous,” an interactive exhibition of more than 20 life-size dinosaurs from around the globe. This exhibit is the second we have visited in the museum, and they truly offer a fantastic experience for children. They capture the look, feel and size of these extraordinary creatures that lived millions of years ago.
There is an entry fee to the museum’s special exhibits (such as the Dinosaur exhibit), events and the Sciencentre. General admission, however, is free, which gives you access to various levels and plenty of displays to enjoy.
The Queensland Museum Opening Hours
Open daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Open ANZAC Day from 1.30 pm
Dinosaur Discovery Exhibit
Southbank Parking
If you travel to Southbank via car, you will find the car spaces nearby are metered. It can become quite an expensive outing so it may be worth your time to check out Visit Brisbane’s website. It offers online and early bird specials along with the rates for the various car parks in Brisbane.
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What do you enjoy the most about the South Bank Culture precinct?
