Explore Brisbane on the City Cat, the local river taxi service. It's a fun, speedy way of commuting. Cruise the scenic waterways and enjoy some of its best views, while paying nothing more than local bus fares.
Make a stop at South Bank, a lovely recreation precinct in the heart of the city. Kids can have fun building sandcastles on its man-made beach and can take a dip in the lagoon, with skyscrapers as a backdrop.
Another key attraction is Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. Just 75 minutes by boat from Brisbane, it offers all kinds of exciting activities including sand tobogganing and it is also one of the few places where you can hand feed wild dolphins.
Gold Coast
Head for the Gold Coast, an hour south of Brisbane, where you'll find glorious beaches, fantastic theme parks and non-stop entertainment.
Kids, and even adults, will have such a blast at Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World that they won't want to leave.
Kids having fun at Dreamworld, Warner Bros
Besides theme parks, there are lovely attractions such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary which has over 1,400 Australian animals in natural bushland and rainforest settings. You can hand feed lorikeets and kangaroos, learn more about wombats and koalas, and even catch an Aboriginal show.
Enjoy spectacular 360° views of the Gold Coast beaches, nearby mountains and national parks from QDeck, Australia's only beachside observation deck located on the 77th and 78th floors of Q1 Resort.
For a back-to-nature experience, stay at a cosy mountain retreat such as Binna Burra Mountain Lodge or O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Both are located in the nearby Lamington National Park, barely an hour inland from the coast. Families can enjoy picnics or bush walks in the great outdoors, plus other fun-filled activities such as the Treetop Walk.
Sunshine Coast
Continue your journey to Sunshine Coast, two hours north of the Gold Coast, with rolling hills, quaint mountain villages and beautiful coastal towns of this region.
Stay at the Animal Farm@Maleny, where you can feed the goats, go horse riding, milk cows and try other farm activities.
Visit the world's largest ginger factory, where you can take a historic cane train ride and enjoy an animated boat ride as you follow the Gingerbread Man on his adventures around the world. There are also all kinds of delicious ginger goodies to try, including ginger chocolates and ginger jam.
Another highlight is Eumundi Market, with over 500 stalls selling everything from organic carrots and handmade chocolates to toys and local crafts. There are also face painters, musicians and street artists to keep you entertained.
From June to November, head for the Strawberry Fields and pick your own strawberries. Don't forget to try the delicious strawberry ice creams.
With so much to see and do, Queensland's Great Sunshine Way from Brisbane to Fraser Coast is a perfect destination for your next family vacation!
