Brisbane is a playground. Families have been visiting this sun-soaked area of Australia for years, and a few key drawcards have caused this. When your skyline is dotted with roller coasters, and there is no shortage of entertainment for all ages, you inevitably become the unofficial home of the down-under family vay-cay.
We’ve pulled together the must-see amusement parks and attractions that promise joy and excitement for the whole family in Brisbane. Each one is a day well spent, so you win with whichever you choose!
Just a breezy hour’s drive from Brisbane, Dreamworld is more than an amusement park; it’s a portal to another planet. For the adrenaline junkies, the Buzzsaw, Claw, and iconic Tower of Terror will keep the thrills high, and for the little ones, ABC Kids World features calmer rides and beloved characters.
Dreamworld is also a place to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife, as it serves as a conservation park and the most significant zoological contributor to tiger conservation in the world. It also shares a location with WhiteWater World, a technologically advanced water park with crazy slides for all ages.
With over $50 million being invested into the park over the next few years, you can expect new attractions and upgrades worthy of some repeat visits.
Website: https://www.dreamworld.com.au/
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9:30am – 4:00pm, Sat – Sun 9:00am – 5:00pm
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209
The park that started it all (in Australia)! The Aussie answer to Universal Studios is the Bugs Bunny and crew-run Warner Bros Movie World, the only movie-themed park in Australia. You’ll find plenty to do here, just 45 minutes from Brisbane, with rides to shows and exclusive appearances from celebrities.
The DC Rivals Hypercoaster is the tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere with its 1.4-kilometre track, 89-degree drop and iconic Joker head. If you want something more chilled, you can join Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang on a 4D adventure in the Roxy Theatre.
It’s also important to note that simply walking the streets of Warner Bros Movie World means constant surprises and appearances from some of your favourite characters and superheroes. There really is never a dull moment.
Website: https://movieworld.com.au/
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm or 6:00pm during school holidays
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland 4210
When we think about Brisbane’s sunny weather, it makes sense there would be multiple water-based theme parks, but the leader of the bunch has to be Wet’n’Wild. Perfectly tailored to water enthusiasts of all ages, there are rides, pools and a lazy river you can spend hours floating along.
Wet’n’Wild has no shortage of slides, from simple, fun options for the kids through to something that raises the hairs for the bigger kids. You can pump the adrenaline and then chill poolside in the cabanas. Ride tubes in a group down the Tornado or Mammoth Falls, or take a solo float down the Calypso Beach Lazy River. You’ll also find various attractions like movies on the water and the FlowRider wave pool. If you and the family love the water, this is the most enjoyable way to experience it in a short 40-minute drive.
Website: https://wetnwild.com.au/
Opening hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm or 9:30am – 7:30pm during school holidays
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland 4210
It’s not all theme parks in Brisbane; there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions as well, like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! Just 15 minutes out of the city in Fig Tree Pocket, this sanctuary is spread over 18 hectares of bushland right next to the Brisbane River. Home to a variety of Australian animals, you’ll be able to meet koalas, kangaroos, cassowarys, Tasmanian devils, dingos, wombats, and saltwater crocodiles.
There are wild lorikeet feedings, educational presentations and loads of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. You’ll be able to get some professional snaps with the creatures to lock in those great memories, and best of all, the proceeds of the pics go to building new enclosures, planting trees, and providing care for the animals.
Website: https://lonepinekoalasanctuary.com/
Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland
Urban Xtreme is Australia’s largest Ski & Adventure Park and the only place to ski and snowboard in Queensland. Tailored to both adults and children, it’s a short 20-minute drive from the city, located next to the DFO.
There’s an Adventure Park, rock climbing, snow sports, and a dedicated kids’ play centre. Caroline loved it so much that she left a five-star Google review while she was still there: “Here now with my four grandchildren. They are having a fantastic time together. The staff are all on the ball with supervision and are all extremely helpful and kind to the children.”
If your kids are little, the Playland section lets them climb, crawl, slide and jump in an area designed specifically for walking-aged toddlers to six-year-olds. Everyone can really beat the heat at the indoor simulated skiing and snowboarding slopes, which cater to all skill levels.
Website: https://www.urban-xtreme.com.au/
Opening hours: Various times for several park areas:
Address: 4/370 Nudgee Road, Hendra, Queensland
Spring Hill is one of the most popular suburbs in Brisbane, and it also happens to be perfectly situated for easy access to all of the attractions mentioned above. Veriu offers Punthill Spring Hill, a comfortable and stylish spot for the whole family where you can relax, refresh and prepare for a big adventure day out. These spacious serviced apartments will ensure your whole crew is ready for a bunch of fun in Brisbane.
