Brisbane

Sciencentre

A hands-on, interactive science facility particularly popular with families and children.

Mo-Su 09:30-17:00 · Adult $15.50, concession $13.50, child $12.50 · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Continental Cafe

Good food, nice atmosphere across several rooms, surprisingly good children's menu. Open for dinner 364 days a year. Watch out for the offal specials on Tuesdays. Reliable high quality.

Crowbar

This live music venue is one of the more famous music venues when it was known as "The Zoo". The Zoo folded in 2024 and was subsequently reopened as a similar live music venue known as Crowbar. Indie rock, hipsters and that alternative vibe. Host to local and international acts.

Brisbane Arcade

A secluded narrow shopping strip which acts as a pass way between Adelaide and Queen St. It contains many unique stores. It is one of the few remaining heritage shopping arcades in Brisbane.

Brisbane Festival

By far the largest and most popular event in Brisbane. Held annually at the end of September. This festival, which started as a celebration of the Brisbane River, now incorporates a number of smaller events at various places around South Bank Parklands, the Cultural Centre and the CBD as a celebration to Brisbane itself. Notably, the 'Riverfire' event which is held in South Bank every September draws the largest crowd. It offers free family entertainment all day and the city's biggest Fireworks display at night.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

World's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. Cuddle a koala, hand feed kangaroos and see other Aussie wildlife. Admission $32 adults, $21 children 3–13 years, with discounts for families and students. If you prefer not to drive, you can catch the hourly 445 or 430 buses from the city or the Mirimar boat cruise from South Bank at 10:20AM.

9AM to 5PM. Reduced hours 25 April · Adults $36, child $22, concession $24. Family rates available. Discounts if purchased online in advance

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Open Tu-Su with free admission to astronomy and space displays and a mini theatre. Admission fees apply to the Cosmic Skydome which features a wide variety of astronomy and space programs. All shows feature a "live" segment recreating the current Brisbane night sky. On weekdays (closed M and public holidays), the doors open at 10AM with school shows at 10:30AM and noon. Members of the public are welcome to attend the earlier school shows when space permits (children must be school age). The 1:30PM and 3PM sessions (Tu-F) are public programs, although the 1:30PM program may be booked for dedicated school programs (check with the Planetarium's Booking Office). During Queensland school holidays there are extra public shows on weekdays. On weekends, the Planetarium opens at 11AM and shows are also presented on Saturday night with "Saturday Night Live" at 6PM being a very popular show. There is a shop with a wide variety of astronomical/science merchandise and souvenirs. There is free parking, an adjacent bus stop and a separate cafe/restaurant.

Hours vary – from 10AM weekdays and 11AM weekends · Adult $16.10, child $9.80, concession $13.20

Earth 'n' Sea

BYO family restaurant serving up delicious pasta dishes and pizzas with unusual toppings, all with fresh ingredients, great atmosphere and strange Aussie decor. Expensive but satisfying.

Paniyiri Festival

A Greek cultural celebration held by Brisbane's large Greek population. A popular family entertainment event, offering authentic Greek foods and entertainment. In Musgrave Park.

The Ekka

Royal Queensland Show

A staple event in Brisbane's history and culture, held every August dating back to 1876. It is hosted at the RNA Showgrounds in the inner-suburb of Bowen Hills and runs for a week, where the Wednesday is a public holiday (so expect large crowds on this day). Primarily marketed toward families, attractions at the Ekka include fairground rides, a Side Show Alley, animal parades, wood chopping competitions, agricultural displays, equestrian events and Showbags, usually containing food items (such as confectionery) and novelty items. If you are in Brissy at the time, it really is not to be missed!

Christmas Parade and Pantomime

Each evening from early December until Christmas, the central city's Queen Street pedestrian mall gets taken over by elves, sugerplum fairies, live camels and a giant teddy bear. It's a popular event for families, particularly on weekends.

Anzac Square

ANZAC Square is a heritage-listed town square and war memorial located between Ann Street and Adelaide Street (opposite Post Office Square), in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is a state memorial to the men and women who participated in overseas armed service and is named in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Square is adjacent to ANZAC Square Arcade.

Wheelchair accessible

Netherworld

186 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Tu-Th 12:00-23:00; Fr 12:00-24:00; Sa 00:00-01:00,12:00-24:00; Su 00:00-01:00,12:00-23:00 · Limited wheelchair access · Vegan options

1UP Arcade Australia

55 Ipswich Rd

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

30 King St

Funhouse Brisbane City

Level 3/91 Queen St

Hey Caddy South Bank

Upper Ground, 275 Grey St

Zero Latency VR

20 Chester St

Commercial Hockey Club

106A Finsbury St