Criteria for best toddler playgrounds in Redlands

To compile this ranking of the best toddler playground in Redlands our local experts considered several key factors and metrics, including

• Toilets and accessibility
• Surface materials and fall zones
• Imaginative and creative play opportunities
• Social media and community feedback

Thornlands Community Park 

Both toddlers and their parents will fall in love with Thornlands Community Park. Cleverly designed with all ages and abilities in mind, this toddler playground in Redlands is like a mini wonderland for children, all safely encased in fencing. With a number of exciting play spaces spread out generously over a soft rubber base, toddlers can roam happily from one zone to the other while parents sit back and relax nearby.

What makes this one of our favourite toddler playgrounds in Redlands? The large sand and water play area complete with dinosaur fossil and diggers! Also to note are the exceptionally cute mini farmer’s market cubby that is just the right size for a toddler to take over, the soft fall climbing hills, and the winding scooter paths. In fact, all the the wonderful play options available here for the smallest members of our family make it one of the best.

Key Playground Features:

• Fully fenced
• Soft fall playgrounds base
• Sand pit and dinosaur fossil dig
• Water play pump area
• Toddler-sized play farmer’s market
• Toddler-safe soft fall hills and climbing sections
• Nature play
• Large slides and net climb
• Large vegetable and fruit sculptures
• Toddler swings
• Mini ninja warrior climbing course (low-to-ground)
• Bike paths
• Wheelchair and pram suitable pathways
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Accessible toilets
• Large carpark

Address: 270-282 Cleveland Road, Thornlands

You can read our full review of Thornlands Community Park playground here.

Raby Bay Esplanade Park

Raby Bay Esplanade Park in Redlands offers all of the impressive features a wow playground requires, while also catering perfectly for toddlers and young children. Although the feature Goliath Tower appears to reach sky high, it is actually easily accessible by little people and has low level slides for them to enjoy too. The entire base of the playground is covered in soft, white sand, reflective of the nearby sandy bay shores. We love the sweet fishing and fish shop imaginative play spaces. There is also a water play area with small pebbled creek and plenty of toddler-friendly play equipment and climbing structures.

Be sure to pack in the kids’ bikes or scooters when visiting this park. Not only are there wide, flat paths around the playground, but there is also a 200m ride track just nearby, complete with road markings and signs they will adore. The worst thing about this playground is working out how to get your kids to leave at the end of the day!

Key Playground Features:

• Sand-based playground
• Goliath Tower with low level slides too
• Toddler-sized climbing structure
• Fish and Chip play shop
• Net swing
• Water play pump area
• Small pebble canal
• 200m long bike and scooter path with road markings and signs
• Beach nearby
• Bike paths
• Wheelchair and pram suitable pathways
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Accessible toilets
• Ample parking

Address: Raby Esplanade, Ormiston

You can read our full review of Thornlands Community Park playground here.

Beth Boyd Park

Recent renovations have transformed what was always a popular destination for families to an absolute must-visit toddler playground for Redlands locals. Generously spaces, shaded by a canopy of trees and with a seaside location, Beth Boyd Park offers an ideal play space for families with kids of all ages. Imaginative play is in full force here too, which a spectacular pirate ship boat fort being a true highlight. Although multi-levelled, it gives off the feeling it is shipwrecked as it lies partially submerged into the soft sandy playground base. Barrels, cannons and other boat items lay strewn strategically around the larger playground area.

Toddlers will be entertained here for hours as they cool down and have a splash in the water play area complete with water pump and pebble stream. They can dig for treasure, ride the pedal-bike ride or slide down the hill slides. Afterwards, its a simple stroll to the beach where you day of fun can continue.

Key Playground Features:

• Pirate shipwreck-themed playground
• Large multi-level pirate ship fort
• Submerged boat front
• Treasure dig sand pit
• Water play pump and pebbled stream
• Inground trampoline
• Toddler swing
• Small bridges
• Bike paths
• Seaside location
• Nearby cafes 
• Wheelchair and pram suitable pathways
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Accessible toilets
• Street side ample parking

Address: Corner of John Street and Mooroondu Road, Thorneside

You can read our full review of Beth Boyd Park playground here.

Apex Park

If you are searching for a toddler playground with a sweet fairy-themed play space, then you may want to head to Apex Park in Wellington Point. Here, you will find a playground that is set far off from the road and blanketed by a canopy of green trees and shade sails. Toddlers can imagine they are a mystical fairy living in an enchanted forest as they discovery a charming gumnut hut, mini dragonfly slide, small letterbox and giant lady bug. A small inground trampoline is perfect for little people, as is the large sand pit area and wooden balance beams.

Located just to the right of the playground is a large pump bike track. Whilst some areas might be a little daring for young riders to navigate, they will love going up and down the small hills that bump their way along parts of it.

Key Playground Features:

• Imaginative play gumnut house
• Fairy home and large scale lady bug and dragon fly
• Large sandpit
• Wooden balance beams and soft round mounds to climb on
• Barrel tunnel on ground
• Inground trampoline
• Climbing net
• Crows nest
• Nature play areas
• Pump bike track
• Large shady trees
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Accessible toilets
• Large carpark

Address: 8-12 Starkey St, Wellington Point

You can read our full review of Apex Park playground here.

Wellington Point Reserve

When it comes to the best toddler playgrounds in Redlands we love, love, LOVE Wellington Point Reserve. Overflowing with nature play opportunities for little ones, the entire playground is built beneath the outstretched limbs and canopy of a row of giant Moreton Bay Fig trees. Small wooden hut frames are scattered throughout, inviting children to turn them into whatever their imagination creates. A toddler playground complete with pirate ship wheel faces out to sea, as does a climbing wall, swings and large grassy picnic area. 

The beach itself is a natural playground for kids, with plenty of fossicking opportunities to be had. This is also the point from where, at low tide, a sandy pathway emerges that leads from the playground out to King Island. Located only 1km from shore, toddlers will be amazed at being able to ‘walk on water’ and discover the hidden land. Take a bucket across as there are plenty of shells that litter the walkway – just be sure to head back before the incoming tide covers it up again!

Key Playground Features:

• Nature play playground
• Smaller toddler playground
• Pirate ship wheel
• Slides
• Nature wood hut frames
• Climbing wall
• Swings
• King Island walk
• Beachside playground
• Large climbing fig trees
• Grassy picnic area
• Covered seating
• Accessible toilets
• Large carpark

Address: 2A Main Road, Wellington Point

You can read our full review of Wellington Point Reserve here.

Capalaba Regional Park

Last on our list, but definitely no less impressive than the toddler playgrounds in Redlands mentioned above, is Capalaba Regional Park. Not only is it ideal for little ones, but this all-abilities playground has been created with ALL children in mind. Partially fenced, the main playground area contains soft rubber and bark flooring with wide pathways weaving throughout it, which are perfect for prams, scooters and bikes to traverse on. A wooden fort looks down over the playground and has wide open platforms that are safe for toddlers as well as two small shop fronts built into the base level for imaginative play.

Outside of the main playground fence lies a larger parkland. With lagoons, ponds, and tranquil bush walks, your toddler will love moving from the man-made playground to the natural one, where they can feed ducks, fly a kite, or simply immerse themselves in the lush surrounds.

Key Playground Features:

• Partially-fenced playground
• Musical forest
• Sand play
• Climbing structure
• Swings
• Hill slides and climbs
• Wooden fort with small shop fronts underneath
• Bike paths
• Wheelchair and pram suitable pathways
• Lakes and ponds 
• Large parklands and bush walks
• BBQs
• Large grassed areas
• Sheltered picnic tables
• Accessible toilets
• Large carpark

Address: Pittwin Road North, Capalaba

You can read our full review of Capalaba Regional Park here.

For more fun toddler playgrounds, you may also enjoy:

Best things to do with babies and toddlers in Brisbane

The best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers

Queens Park Playground – One of our favourite playgrounds for toddlers in Ipswich

Queens Park in Ipswich slides into this list easily, because it provides so many incredible toddler-friendly experiences all in one place. The playground itself has a wonderful water play pump and stream that little ones can both operate and delight in as they either play in or race a chosen leaf down. There is plenty of toddler-sized play equipment and both a soft fall rubber playground base and lovely big grassed lawn for them to run on. The park also houses a delightful Nature Centre with native animals to meet and farm animals to greet as they walk the wide (pram-friendly) boardwalk that winds throughout. Afterwards, you can take them to the Environmental Education Centre, which is opposite the playground and has plenty of toddler play activities. The onsite café also offers kids’ meals too!

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Water play
• Toddler play equipment
• Spacious, mostly-shaded play area
• Soft fall rubber base on playground
• Animal nature centre 
• Environmental Education Centre
• On-site café with kids’ menu
• Large grassed lawns
• Toilets inc disabled access
• Nappy changing facilities

Address: 10A Milford Street, Ipswich

You can read our full review of Queens Park Playground here.

Leichhardt Park

For us, Leichhardt Park ticks all the boxes when it comes to fun, safe and imaginative playgrounds for toddlers in Ipswich. First up, the park has a soft-fall bark base and is fully fenced, which for any parent of an active toddler is an absolute god-send. On top of this, the playground’s largest section (there are two) is designed perfectly for children under 5 years of age. With a charming fruit and vegetable theme, there is a low watermelon rocker, a small vegetable and pastry store, a shop front, sweet toddler-sized climbing fort, and lots more for them to discover. For little kids who love a sandpit, there is a large one here and even a sand digger too.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Fully fenced
• Soft bark base on playground
• Large toddler-sized play area
• Fruit and veg themed
• Small fruit store (imaginative play)
• Sandpit with digger
• Toddler swings
• Toilet facilities and baby change tables
• Large grassed field (outside of fencing)

Address: 1A Old Toowoomba Road, One Mile

You can read our full review of Leichhardt Park here.

Flagstone Adventure Park

You would have to be living under a rock not to have heard of Flagstone Adventure Park, which is one of the biggest and best in Ipswich. However, with its large scale play equipment, big crowds and unfenced play spaces, it is not usually the first playground that comes to mind for parents of toddlers. Even so, we love this playground and know it has just as much to offer the younger kids as it does the teens. In fact, there is a dedicated toddler area that includes a low-to-the-ground climbing fort, sunken tunnel, toddler-sized climbing frame, toddler swings, and small slides. There are also sand play opportunities, an inground trampoline, and a large grassy field to play on. The best part – a linked water park with a zero-depth water course with jets, blasters and bubblers that toddlers will love cooling down in!

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Toddler play area
• Low-to-ground toddler fort
• Toddler climbing frame
• Sand play
• Small slides
• Toddler swings
• In-ground trampoline
• Soft fall playground base
• Accessible toilets
• Zero-depth water park play area

Address: Trailblazer Drive, Jimboomba

You can read our full review of Flagstone Adventure Park here.

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve consists of 11 hectares of native forest, within which lies a delightful wooden playground that toddlers (and all kids) will adore. Low to the ground, created from natural materials, and with a soft play base to fall on, the playground is overflowing with nature play opportunities for little ones. There is a pretend campfire and a small wooden stage that are perfect for imaginative play, as well as a climbing net, balance beam, small rope, and log obstacle course, totem poles, and a small bird’s nest swing. We love this playground for its natural play equipment, but also because of the other toddler-friendly nature opportunities you can find here, including five small bush walking trails. They are short, easy and mostly paved with bitumen, making them ideal for toddlers. Look out for the large, metal storybook frames that can be discovered along the way, which is part of Ipswich’s ‘Tales and Trails’ first 5 program.

Toddler-Friendly Highlights

• Nature play playground
• Small stage
• Imaginative play opportunities
• Low play equipment
• Soft base to playground
• Bush trails and walks
• Native forest
• Pretend campfire site
• Accessible toilets at picnic area
• ‘Tales and Trails’ story cards walk

Address: 20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich

You can read our full review of Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve here.

Faye Carr Park

Taking toddler playgrounds to the next level, Faye Carr Park in Ripley is next on our list of the best playgrounds for toddlers in Ipwsich. Little ones will delight in the bright, fun, and themed sections of this playground, with a triple rocket climbing structure being a pretty incredible site on arrival. It’s the designated snakes and ladders-themed toddler playground though that will keep them entertained for hours. Here, they will find ground-level play equipment including forts, slides, swings, spinners, rubber domes, a custom rope run, and many interactive and development activities too. If you visit this park, be sure to pack in your toddler’s preferred choice of wheels – be that a scooter, trike or bike – as the playground also features a learn-to-ride track, complete with signage.

• Snakes and ladders themed toddler playground
• Interactive play cube
• Toddler swing
• 16 developmental activities for young children
• Low to ground play equipment
• Learn-to-ride track
• OmniSpin Spinner
• Superscoops
• Custom rope run
• Rubber domes
• Rocket ship tri pod climbing structures
• Accessible toilets and change table facilities
• Rubber, bark chip and sand base

Address: 1 Joy Chambers Circuit, Ripley

You can read our full review of Faye Carr Park here.

Grande Park

Grande by name and grand by nature, this playground gifts parents of toddlers a full day of safe fun and exploration for their little ones. With so many different spaces to enjoy, parents of adventurous toddlers in particular will love the fact that all of the play areas at Grande Park are located within a fully-fenced area. With soft bark and rubber bases, ground-level play equipment, and large grassed spaces, you can relax while your toddler runs free and explores all the park has to offer.

Tip – you may want to pack a picnic, change of clothes and the kids’ bikes in for your visit to the park too. There are some lovely recreational pathways which lead through the surrounding Eucalyptus forest and down to a small creek, which is a treat for mini bushwalkers. Another big highlight is the exciting learn-to-ride track here, with its own signs and road markings.

• Fully fenced
• Toddler playground
• Bark and rubber based playgrounds
• Hill slides
• Spinners
• Toddler climbing fort
• Slides
• Traffic learn-to-ride track with signs
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities
• Grassy open spaces
• Bush walks
• Creek

Address: 40 Grande Avenue, Springfield Lakes

You can read our full review of Grande Park here.

If you are looking for more toddler-friendly things to do you may also be interested in:

Best things to do with babies and toddlers in Brisbane

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Thornlands Community Park, Thornlands

Thornlands Community Park hits the top of our list of toddler-friendly playgrounds in Brisbane for so many reasons. The playground itself is new, huge, and super impressive – the designers have thought of everything when it comes to family-friendly play equipment.

For toddlers in particular, the space is perfectly set up for them. Small, low-to the ground play cubbies mean they can easily navigate them on their own and fuel their imaginative play at the same time. The soft-fall base, shade sails, and wide open spaces between play equipment makes it the perfect environment for them to explore safely too. There are sand dinosaur digs, water play, tunnels to climb, swings, and so much more that they will absolutely love.

Oh – did we mention that the whole park is fenced (with toilets and change areas inside too)?!

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: The reasons are almost countless! The park is fully fenced, has toilets / change areas on site, features toddler-sized play equipment, water, and nature play facilities, as well as soft-fall flooring, and it is widely spaced.

Features: 

• Fenced playground
• Accessible toilet facilities
• Climbing structure with tunnels and two giant slides
• Pirate ship crows nest
• Soft fall, sand and wood chip base
• Partially shaded by shade sails
• Dinosaur dig area
• Water play area with pumps, funnels and pump shower
• Swings
• Large two-person flying fox
• Nature play
• Spinners
• Sandpit with diggers
• Cubby house farmers market
• Mini ninja warrior climbing course
• Fitness area
• Large oval
• BBQs
• Picnic shelters with tables
• Benches
• Grassy areas and shade trees

Location: 270-282 Cleveland Redland Bay Road, Thornlands

Read our detailed in-person review of Thornlands Community Park.

Ascot Park, Ascot

Allowing a toddler their independence while playing is what parents look for in a playground, and Ascot park delivers this in bucketloads. Created with toddlers in mind, the playground is fully-fenced and all of the play equipment has been built low to the ground. The soft-fall base and spaced out play equipment means the area is never too busy or overwhelming for little people to navigate on their own.

The playground itself has some delightful cubbies, with one actually having the front half of a truck at one side. There is a water pump, plenty of seating for parents and toilets nearby too.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: With all the equipment built low to the ground and the entire playground being fully-fenced, Ascot Park’s cute little play spaces, cubbies, and maze are perfect for toddlers.

Features: 

• Fully-fenced playground
• Accessible toilets – outside the fenced area
• Three cubby-style play forts
• Slides
• Tunnels
• Interactive sensory panels
• Swings – toddler, typical and lounger swings
• Roundabout
• Water pump with rocky creek bed
• Grass/concrete maze
• Cargo net climbing structure
• Basketball half-court (outside fenced area)
• Grassy area for ball games (outside fenced area)
• Partially shaded by shade sails
• Grassy area shaded by mature trees
• Rubberised soft fall
• Near Ascot train station
• Street parking only
• BBQ
• Cafes nearby

Location: Corner of Lancaster and Kitchener Roads, Ascot

Read our detailed in-person review of Ascot Park.

Oriel Park, Ascot

Another Ascot park that gets our vote for being extremely toddler-friendly is Oriel Park. I remember spending many hours here when my kids were young, sitting quietly on a bench beneath the shady trees and sipping a coffee from the nearby cafe while my toddlers delighted in racing around between each of the different play areas.

Being fully-fenced means you don’t have to be one step behind them the whole time and the play equipment is all the perfect size for them to navigate on their own. The old steam tractor with slide is always a huge hit too.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: This park is simple, but beautifully spaced for toddlers. It’s not overwhelming with fancy equipment, and the playground features play areas that a toddler will love and at a size they can navigate on their own. The area is canopied by shady trees, is fully-fenced, and has plenty of space for toddlers both within the playground and outside of it to run around.

Features: 

• Fenced playground
• Accessible toilet facilities
• Play equipment under shade sails and shady trees
• Bark base
• Rope climbing structures
• Castle forts
• Rope bridges
• A variety of slides
• Firefighters’ poles
• Games
• Spring riders
• Dizzy stick
• Round-a-bout
• Old steam tractor
• Swings, including infant swings and a basket swing
• Nature-based balancing obstacles
• Grassy open spaces (unfenced)
• Electric BBQs
• Picnic tables
• Park gym equipment
• Street parking
• Café and shops across the road

Location: Alexandra Road, Ascot

Read our detailed in-person review of Oriel Park.

Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane

Although the two playgrounds found at Roma Street Parkland are not actually fenced, we have still listed it as one of our favourites. In fact, the entire parkland is just such a wonderful play space for toddlers. Not only is there suitable play equipment for little ones at both playgrounds, but there are plenty of lovely big manicured lawns to roll on, gardens and flowers to exclaim at, pram-friendly pathways, a vegetable garden, a worm farm, and even a trackless train that meanders throughout the parklands. Toddlers (and their whole family) will love it!

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: Once inside, there is a full day of fun that can be found at Roma Street Parkland. Pack a picnic and spend the day alongside one of the children’s playgrounds, marvel at the worm farm, have a ride on the trackless train, or simply stoll (or scooter) along the many wide forest pathways. 

Features: 

• Two unfenced playgrounds – climbing structures, slides
• Accessible toilets
• ‘Children’s Garden’
• Lakeside BBQs
• ‘Xpress Fun’ trackless train
• Vegetable and herb garden
• Well-maintained walking paths
• Plenty of shady, grassed picnic areas
• Shaded BBQ areas with tables and chairs by the lake and scattered throughout the park
• Water bubblers
• Café
• Information hub
• ‘Spectacle Garden’ and ‘Rainforest Walk’ are open from dawn until dusk
• Metered parking is available on the street or in the car park

Location: Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill

Read our detailed in-person review of Roma Street Parkland.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground, Brisbane CBD

Located in the heart of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, this playground is a perfect play area for toddlers and younger children. With concrete seating rimming the outside of the playground, parents can happily sit down and watch on as their little ones play and explore. We absolutely love the fact that the climbing fort here caters for all ages and abilities, with wide walkways offering plenty of space for wheelchair-users and parents wanting to get on their with their toddler too.

Toddlers will love the digging pit, sensory activities, and musical chimes found here, as well as the duck-filled pond and fairy lit trees that are also part of this beautiful, spacious, and green inner-city park.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: We love the wide walkways of the main fort playground at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground, as well as the low play equipment and sensory/nature play aspects. The adjacent expansive lawns are perfect for little people to run and play on, and the duck pond, gardens, and fairy lit trees will add even more wonder to their day.

Features: 

• Partially shaded unfenced playground
• Toilets facilities within close walking distance
• Synthetic under surfacing, mulch and sand bases
• Slides
• Swings (including infant swing and accessible swing)
• Sand play area
• Musical play area
• Sensory sculpture garden
• Bike and walking paths
• Picnic tables
• Bench seating under the shady trees
• Adjacent to the Brisbane River
• Free council WiFi
• Off-street parking
• A short walk over Goodwill Bridge from Southbank. Or catch a ferry or citycat and stop at QUT Gardens Point Campus or Eagle Street terminals.

Location: Alice Street, Brisbane

Read our detailed in-person review of Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground.

Milton Park Playground, Milton

For any little train enthusiast, Milton Park Playground offers everything a toddler could want – with its very own train too! The hero of this fully-fenced playground, the replica train has a ladder, slide, stairs, and even a fireman pole attached – all at a size compatible with toddlers and early walkers. The train itself is quite spacious and affords the room for toddlers to wander through a carriage, sit as a passenger, or head straight to the front to play pretend as the train driver.

Other playground features include a railway crossing, petrol station, play cafe for a quick stopover, and various transport-related signs. The park itself is quite compact and sheltered by shady trees, which means parents can actually relax and easily keep and eye on their toddler while they do so.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: We love that this Milton Park Playground is fully-fenced, is shaded and compact, and has the delightful train-theme throughout. So many toddlers are fascinated by trains and being able to get close to one, ride on one, and use their imagination while doing so is a big win for us.  

Features: 

• Fenced train-themed playground
• Toilets in main park
• Play equipment under shady trees
• Rubber and bark base
• Climbing structures
• Slide
• Swings
• Rockers
• Basketball half-court
• Grassy open spaces (unfenced)
• Bike and walking paths
• Electric BBQ
• Picnic tables and shelters
• Small carpark and street parking
• Fenced off-leash dog park

Location: Milton Road, Milton

Read our detailed in-person review of Milton Park.

New Farm Park Playground, New Farm

New Farm Park Playground is unfenced and is always very busy – something that would normally deter us from adding it to a toddler-friendly playground list. But this playground is just so magical, enchanting, and perfectly built for little ones that your toddler would be missing out if they didn’t get the chance to explore it!

Built seamlessly into the roots of the giant fig trees that surround it, this wooden fort playground will attract little ones just as much as the purpose-build ‘toddler’ playground nearby. Low to the ground, with wide access, and with plenty of nooks and crannies to weave in and out of, it’s no wonder this playground and surrounding park are amongst the most popular for families in Brisbane.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: New Farm Park Playground’s wide spaced and low-built wooden fort built into the trees is like a low-lying tree house that toddlers will love. There is also an actual toddler playground for tiny ones, as well as picnic lawns, toilets, other play equipment, and so much more to love about this park too.

Features: 

• Unfenced playground
• Accessible toilets
• Soft fall, bark and sand base
• Wooden fort style playground built among fig trees
• Balancing beams, ladder, bridges, fire poles, slides
• Giant rope climbing frame
• Dedicated toddler playground
• Dragon themed section
• Multiple bay swing set
• Harnessed, adaptive swings
• Various spinners
• Interactive and educational games
• Picnic shelters
• Electric BBQs
• Bike and walking paths
• Open grassy spaces
• Rose gardens
• Historic bandstand/rotunda – available for hire
• Free council Wi-Fi
• Dogs on leash friendly
• Off-street parking
• Coffee and restaurants nearby

Location: Brunswick Street, New Farm

Read our detailed in-person review of New Farm Park Playground.

Hills District All-Abilities Playground, Arana Hills

The Hills District All-Abilities Playground is not only all-inclusive, but it’s perfect for toddlers too. Fully-fenced, the playground features a delightful bee theme throughout and has a wide range of toddler-designed play equipment.

Small, soft hills house slides, and a tiny cubby lends itself well to imaginative play, with a farmer’s market and café theme. The playground is easily accessible for toddlers to move about independently, yet big enough for pre-schoolers too. We also love that the it’s on a sand base and has a watercourse near it that’s frequented by ducks. A lovely bike track also circles the playground.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: This is a wonderful toddler park due to it being fully-fenced and featuring a wide variety of toddler-friendly play equipment. It is generously spaced out and has wide lawns to run on too. There are plenty of imaginative play opportunities, lots of wildlife to meet, and, if they bring their bike or scooter along, your toddler can have fun on the bike track too.

Features: 

• Fenced, partially shaded playground
• Accessible toilets
• Toddler-friendly cubby with farmer’s market/café theme
• Musical instruments
• Sandpit with two diggers
• Seesaw
• Shaker
• Slides – numerous including roller slide
• Swings – toddler, normal and supported harness swings
• Fireman pole
• Climbing walls
• Monkey bars
• Periscope
• Garden area
• Partially shaded by shade sails and mature trees
• Rubberised soft fall and sand
• Playing fields adjacent

Location: Dawson Parade, Arana Hills

Read our detailed in-person review of Hills District All-Abilities Playground.

Karawatha Forest Park Playground, Karawatha

When it comes to nature play playgrounds for kids, you really can’t go past Karawatha Forest Park. Not only is it an important wildlife haven, but the park is also home to a fascinating Discovery Centre, numerous walking tracks, two picnic areas, and an awesome nature play space.

With a playground built from and surrounded by nature, your toddler will be able to follow natural bush paths, hop across wood stumps, climb large felled tree trunks, and enjoy a water play feature too. On certain days of the week, the park also hosts bush kindy for toddlers, where they can enjoy storytelling outside and then enjoy some time with buckets and water in the nature playground.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: Fully nature-based, this playground will have your child immersed in nature. We love the bush kindy days and the fact that, after playing, your toddler can explore the Discovery Centre and learn all about the surrounding environment and the animals that inhabit it.

Features: 

• Unfenced playground
• Toilets – 2 blocks with accessible toilets
• Nature play
• Shade trees
• Soft fall base around the climbing play area
• Water pump and rocky stream water play
• Picnic lawn
• Rocks and tree stumps climbing area
• Animal experiences
• Pollinator Garden
• Composting Station
• Native Plant Nursery
• Native Bee Hive
• Bush Kindy
• Sheltered tables
• Unsheltered tables
• Barbeques
• Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, open 9am-4pm every day but Monday when it is closed
• Network of bushwalking tracks
• Filtered water station
• Large car park with 3 disabled spaces
• Gates are open between 6.00am – 6.00pm

Location: 149 Acacia Road, Karawatha

Read our detailed in-person review of Karawatha Forest Park.

Queens Park Playground & Nature Centre, Ipswich

While it’s not strictly located in Brisbane, Queens Park in Ipswich is located less than 30 minutes away and is well worth the quick journey there. The playground here is not fenced, but the green spaces that surround it are generous and make for a wonderful place to set up for a picnic while your little one explores the area around them. There is a wonderfully long water play route that toddlers will delight in racing leaves down, as well as plenty of play equipment spread out over a large space.

The main reason we love this park though is because of the Nature Centre (situated within the grounds) that is full of native animals your toddler will love, as well as featuring wide pram-friendly pathways that area easy to navigate and a gold-coin donation fee only to enter.

Why we think it’s one of the best playgrounds in Brisbane for toddlers: A one-stop shop when it comes to a full day of toddler fun, Queens Park features a wonderful playground with water play, wide grassy fields to run on, a fabulous on-site cafe, and an incredible nature centre/zoo full of delightful native animals and birds that your toddler will adore.

Features: 

• Unfenced playground
• Toilets including disabled access (2 toilet blocks)
• Nature Centre
• Generous lawns
• Swings
• Nappy changing facilities
• 4 electric BBQ’s
• Rubber base around equipment
• Lots of shade over the playground
• Cafe
• Water pumps where children can pump the water and watch it run down the little streams made.
• 2 carparks, including free parking and disabled parking.

Location: 10A Milford Street, Ipswich

Read our detailed in-person review of Queens Park.

Tips for visiting Brisbane playgrounds for toddlers

Visiting these fabulous Brisbane playgrounds with toddlers can be a fun, but often mammoth task. Here are some of our tried and tested tips to make sure your playground visit runs smoothly:

• Have a variety of snacks available (playing is hungry work!)
• Bring a full water bottle and additional cold water for hot days
• Be SunSmart by wearing hats and applying sunscreen regularly
• Pack a change of clothes for everyone
• Have bathers, rashies, towels, and a wet bag on hand for impromptu beach visits after park play
• Bring sensible shoes and slip-on slides/thongs if you encounter sand, water etc
• No matter what the age of the children, always have some wipes on hand

For more toddler inspiration, you may also enjoy:

The best toddler playgrounds on the Gold Coast

Best things to do with babies and toddlers in Brisbane

Brisbane with a toddler

Nerima Gardens – The Japanese Gardens of Ipswich

In October 1988, a delegation led by the then Nerima Deputy Mayor Mitsuishi visited Australia seeking a Sister City.  After visiting three Australian cities, Ipswich was selected as the most suitable owing to the similarities between the two cities. In recognition of this, Nerima Gardens was designed and constructed.

Nerima Gardens seeks to capture the elements of a Japanese-style garden whilst retaining a distinctly Ipswich identity through local plants, including rare and endangered species. An idyllic retreat that carefully reflects many Japanese design elements and meanings, the park features numerous winding paths, ornamental lakes, a traditional Japanese tea house, fir trees, and an abundance of Australian native plants – many of which are indigenous to Ipswich.  

Nerima’s design takes the visitor on a journey of discovery, with the lower section portraying the ocean and Moreton Bay, while the upper area represents the Ipswich region with its undulating landscape, vegetation and river.

Nerima Gardens – A Soothing Walk in Nature

From the moment you walk beneath the solid stone entrance to the gardens it becomes very clear that this is a very considered and meticulously designed space. Like stepping into another land, the concrete pathways stretch before you, winding through the landscape and disappearing into the distance behind towering trees and plants.

My children, previously talking loudly and running towards the entrance, immediately quietened down and slowly fell into step with me as we began to walk the path. I imagine the gardens have this effect on everyone who steps within their gates.

Tranquil and serene as the atmosphere descends around you, and yet, from the gentle rustling on the ground, bats calling from the trees and bird song twinkling down from above, it is clear that life is thriving in this environment, too.

It is easy to take your time as you walk through the gardens. There is so much natural beauty to absorb, as well as some beautifully crafted manmade structures.  Mini bridges, wooden boardwalks and delicate stepping stones lead the way, with a traditional Japanese tea house sitting quietly near the entrance.

Complete with rattan matting and a small veranda overlooking a stream, visitors can actually organise a traditional tea ceremony here through the Visitors Information Centre.

A small rock waterfall that trickles in a continuous stream into the large, central ornamental lake feels like a meditation soundtrack is being played in the background. Filled with lilypads and water life, a visit to the lake during the flowering season will reward you with brightly coloured waterlilies to admire.

Keep an eye out for hidden pathways, especially one that weaves beneath two large hedged walls. Your children will enjoy moving between the giant bamboo stalks and pointing out the trees laden with hanging bats (be careful to avoid their dropping on the pathways below!).

A gentle stroll through the gardens will reward you with multiple wildlife spottings, gorgeous natural scenery and perfectly manicured gardens. Like stepping into a small Japanese parkland for a few stolen minutes, the effect these gardens will have on resting your heart, mind and soul will stay with you for some time after you leave.

Nerima Gardens – Other Useful Information

Address: Queens Park, Goleby Avenue, Ipswich

Cost: FREE

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Friday – 9.00 am – 3.45 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – 9.00 am – 5.45 pm (4pm in Winter)

Website: Nerima Gardens

Other Attractions to Visit at Queens Park

If you haven’t been to Queens Park before, we recommend coming prepared to spend a full day here exploring – or else space it out over multiple visits. Designed with families in mind, the park has numerous attractions on-site, which are all worth a visit with the kids. An idea of how you could spend your day here may be:

• Start your day at the impressively large children’s playground, which has plenty of different play equipment to cater for all ages and abilities.
• After tiring the kids out, head across the road and wander through the Ipswich Nature Centre. Meet a range of local animals and birds in this small, quaint zoo and bring only a small gold coin donation along for entry.
• By now, the kids have probably worked up quite an appetite. If you had time to pack a picnic before leaving this morning, then now would be the perfect time to spread it out on the expansive lawns under a shady tree and enjoy it. Otherwise, you can visit the Queens Park Cafe, which has a delicious lunch and kids’ menu and ice creams to devour.
• After lunch, a quick visit to the Environmental Education Centre, which is located next door to the cafe, will provide the kids with some quiet activities as they learn all about Ipswich’s unique flora and fauna and how we live affects the environment.
• Lastly, head over to the beautiful Nerima Gardens.  Ending your full day here in these peaceful surroundings will help active little bodies and minds calm down just in time for that car ride home.

Mayes Cottage

Enjoy an enriching history lesson from the 1800s when you enter Mayes Cottage. Not only will you be transported back in time, you will marvel at the cottage and the fact it is almost exactly how it was 100 years ago.

In the home you will be able to wander through and enjoy looking at how the Mayes family lived. The beautiful formal dining room includes a table set with fine bone china, the ornate beds and bed linen with mosquito nets, antique furniture, original toys, clothing, the piano in the lounge room and the original kitchen all create a very authentic experience of life in the 1800-1900s.

Mayes Cottage is filled with lots of beauty and nostalgia; it has a very peaceful and calming vibe as you wind back time. 

In 1992 Mayes Cottage was added to the Queensland Heritage register. The property is now managed by Logan City Council as a house museum; it is open to the public three days a week. 

Mayes Cottage is a typical Queensland cottage, it was built in 1887 by the Mayes Family and remained the family home for almost 100 years. They arrived in Brisbane from England in 1871. Initially the Mayes built a two-room slab hut in 1872; the slab hut is still in its original position today. 

Things to See and Do at Mayes Cottage 

• Mayes Cottage – with much of the original furniture dating from the 1880s to the 1930s. 
• Outside laundry 
• Slab hut 
• Cow shed and dairy 
• Large block with tables and lots of green space for a picnic 

Interactive Experiences for Brisbane Kids at Mayes Cottage: 

• Grab a free kids activity pack at the front door – while exploring Mayes Cottage work your way through the activities 
• Find the wardrobe and look at some of the old dresses. Which is your favourite? 
• How often was the dining room used? 
• In the males’ room, can you name the various games? 
• Play a song on the piano 
• Use the antique stereophonic to view old photos. What can you see? 
• Look in the slab hut and think about how it would have felt throughout the various seasons (winter, spring, summer, autumn) with a family of 8 living in there? 
• Check out the shed and dairy – cows need to be milked twice each day. What time do you think milking the cows would have happened? 
• Use your favourite part of the kitchen as a backdrop to pose for fun photos. Add a quirky caption to the photo. 
• Find the old laundry and see how washing used to be done in the 1800s. How long do you think a load of laundry took to do? 
• The Mayes family were beekeepers. Explore outside to see if you can find any native bees.
• What words best describe the doll sitting on the bed? What other toys can you find in the house? 
• How do you think the kids spent their day back in the 1800s? Write a diary entry to explain. 
• Find the baby shoes – when and where do you think they were worn? 

Accessibility at Mayes Cottage

Mayes Cottage is set on flat grounds allowing people of varying abilities to navigate their way around. There are accessible toilet facilities.

Parking is available within the grounds offering easy access to the outside of the cottage, the slab hut, dairy and its surrounds. Please note, the inside of Mayes Cottage is not accessible by wheelchair. 

Mayes Cottage Details

Mayes Cottage is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am to 4.00pm (excluding public holidays) with FREE entry. 

If visiting with a larger group 10 to 25 people (which includes adults, children and babies) be sure to make a booking.

Bring some snacks for a picnic outside, the friendly guides are willing to chat and answer questions. There are even picnic mats for loan if needed. 

Contact Details

For more information, or to make a booking: 

https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/mayes-cottage 

Phone: (07) 3412 4147 

Email: mayes@logan.qld.gov.au 

How to Get to Mayes Cottage 

Mayes Cottage is located at 20 Mawarra Street, Kingston QLD 4114. 

More Photos of Mayes Cottage

Local Tip: You may also like to pack your swimming gear, mountain bikes and even some dinosaur digging tools as you’ll uncover a few unexpected treasures along the way.

Starting From the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Before starting your journey, it’s best to pop by the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre which is also a logical place to begin as it is situated near the main car park.

It is here you’ll find all the information you need including detailed maps, directional signage and friendly national park staff for any additional questions you might have. There’s also a small but engaging native animal exhibit in the centre.

A rainforest cafe is a great spot to visit for a before bushwalking treat or a well earned lunch after your efforts.

In the lightly wooded area between the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and the swimmable Enoggera Reservoir, are a series of connected trails which are all paved and great beginner tracks for small children.

The Link Track and Mountain Bike Skills Course

The Link Track, as the name suggests, provides a pram and wheelchair-friendly connection between some of the key attractions including the swimming hole, events lawn and nature-based mountain bike skills course. This hidden gem is located on the southern end of the map and contains a rustic, bush-style pump track, junior trails and skills bowl to test a variety of experience levels.

The area was slightly overgrown on our last visit, but it’s an excellent use of the space and provides an opportunity for Brisbane Kids to interact with the natural environment.

Waterside Track and Dinosaur Dig

Further towards the reservoir is the gentle Waterside Track, which takes you to the water’s edge, where bird and animal life is bountiful. This leisurely stroll is only a few hundred metres long which makes it perfect for small children while parents and carers will enjoy the ambience of towering bamboo and gum tree forests.

Best and most surprising of all is the dinosaur dig found on the reservoir end of the track which is sure to delight budding archaeologists. Grab some makeshift tools and search beneath the sand for the remnants of prehistoric creatures who once roamed the land. Just remember to cover them back up for the next group to enjoy!

Araucaria Track For the Big Kids

If you want to level up your bushwalking experience, the Araucaria Track is an excellent option for primary school-aged children and above with its easy-to-moderate grading and scenic views.

The track begins at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and follows the reservoir shoreline, is approximately 5 kilometres long and takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. You might want to allow extra time to stop and pull out the camera as you’ll encounter a variety of botanicals, birds, reptiles and plenty of turtles.

Many hikers opt for a post walk, refreshing dip in the Enoggera Reservoir so make sure the swimmers and towels are packed! You can also hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards right at the water’s edge from the folks at Walkabout Creek Adventures.

Be prepared to share this popular track as it does become busy during peak times and particularly over the weekend. Also be aware of your surroundings as the area is known to be frequented by snakes, especially in the warmer months.

Although the track is relatively flat, it is not considered to be wheelchair friendly due to some exposed tree roots, muddy sections and stairs. 

How to Get to Walkabout Creek

Walkabout Creek is located at 60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap QLD 4520.

There is ample on site parking available and a nearby bus terminal – the Gap Park ‘n’ Ride.

More Photos of Walkabout Creek

What Can You Find at The Hut Environmental Centre

Upon entering The Hut, you are greeted with several large displays, including local butterfly species, and information on the local bird population and plant species in the local area.

There are endless resources, books, flyers, posters and information sheets on the local flora and fauna to view at The Hut. It is the perfect time to instigate conversations with your children about the environment, what we can find in it and how best to look after it. 

There is an area for children to explore and investigate items collected in the local bushland, including rocks, feathers, skeletons and snake skins.

Visitors are encouraged to gather and investigate objects they have found while exploring the local walking tracks.

Native Beehive in Brisbane

The Hut houses a working Native Beehive with native stingless bees producing honey. The beekeepers open and collect honey from the hive twice a year. This is an exciting meeting to attend with children, as they can see how the hive works and how honey is made.

The Hut Environmental Centre for Children

Outside of the entrance, children can complete the Mural Quiz. The incredible mural in memory of Doreen Wollard hides almost 30 native animals. How many can you find?

A variety of puzzles and games are available for the children to enjoy. When you are ready for some quite time or a bite to eat, head outside to the table and chairs on the deck, where you enjoy the views of the local bushland and maybe spot some wildlife. 

Educational Sessions at The Hut Environmental Centre

The Hut hosts many activities and community group meetings, many of which are open to the general public.

School Holiday Sessions

Sessions for children are run throughout the school holidays and focus on different topics each time. See the THECA Facebook Page for details of upcoming events.

When Can You Visit The Hut?

The Hut Environmental Centre is open to the public for morning tea once a month on a Tuesday. Just bring along a plate to share or a gold coin donation to take part.

The Hut hosts several walks, workshops, and a yearly art show throughout the year.

Accessibility at The Hut Environmental Centre

Ten parking spaces can be found at The Hut, just off Fleming Road in Chapel Hill. There is also a cafe and a corner store across the road from The Hut with additional parking.

There is ramp access to The Hut Environmental Centre, which has kitchen facilities and toilets.

Walking Tracks to Explore

While visiting The Hut Environmental Centre, why not enjoy some of the many walking tracks up and around Mt Coot-tha? The Butterfly Track and the Reservoir Track start at The Hut and are easy walks. Trails can also be followed up to the summit of Mt Coot-tha.

At the top of Mt Coot-tha you will find a cafe, where you can enjoy a meal, snack or an ice cream after your walk. You can find a map of the walking tracks in this area here.

TOP TIP – It’s best to wear long pants and covered in walking shoes when visiting The Hut, as the gravel walking tracks can be slippery for younger children.

How to Get to The Hut Environmental Centre 

The Hut Environmental Centre is located at 47 Fleming Road, Chapel Hill. 

To find out more about The Hut Environmental Centre, please visit http://www.theca.asn.au/

Bunnings Playgrounds

There is a fenced playground in many of the larger Bunnings stores spread throughout Queensland. The playground is usually located next to the Bunnings café and close to the garden section.

Most Bunnings playgrounds are of a similar design, featuring a contained climbing fort with a series of connected tunnels upon a rubber soft fall base. A viewing bubble is often found at the top of the fort, shaped like a spaceship. Here, children can wave to mum and dad down below.

A spiral tunnel slide adds a bit of excitement to the experience as kids swirl their way back down.

Most Bunnings playgrounds will also have some ground-level game panels to interact with; these vary from store to store. Accessible toilets can usually be found close to the playground and café.

Bunnings’ playgrounds are fenced and fitted with child-safe locks; however, parents or guardians must supervise children in the playground at all times as they are not supervised by Bunnings staff. The playgrounds are recommended for children aged 4-12 years old.

Bunnings Hardware Café

Larger stores which house a playground will typically also contain a café. The café has barista-made coffee and other hot drinks. Cold bottled beverages are also available.

A selection of pre-prepared food items like wraps, quiches, cakes and cookies can be purchased. Tables and chairs provide a comfortable place to eat.

Some Bunnings stores even provide a selection of board games to use in the café.

Kids D.I.Y. Workshops

Kids can have fun on the weekends or during the school holidays and get creative at one of the free D.I.Y. workshops for children.

Hosted at Bunnings, your Brisbane Kids can join the fun and make exciting projects such as toolboxes, decorated calico tote bags or magic wands. Bunnings offers activities of different themes that regularly change, ranging from garden and woodworking to mosaics and recycled art and craft. 

There are cooking classes for little chefs, while junior gardeners can learn how to plant vegetable seeds to start their own edible gardens.

Workshops are also regularly held before special events like Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

These workshops are ideal for most children aged between 3-12 years old, though we recommend checking the fine print before you attend. A parent or guardian must accompany the child during the workshop and remain in-store.

How to Book a Bunnings Workshop

If you want to browse workshops and/or make a booking, visit the Bunnings website and search for your local store. From the store information tab, select “More details,” then scroll down the page. Under the heading “Find & book a workshop or activity,” you can search for what is available in your area. Please note that spaces in all classes are limited.

Kids D.I.Y. videos

If you cannot visit a Bunnings store, let your kids get creative with their own D.I.Y. project at home. Bunnings has a selection of simple kids’ craft and D.I.Y. videos available for free on their website. There’s something to suit all ages and skill levels. So, your next family weekend project may just be a click away.

Find Your Nearest Bunnings Warehouse

With over 500 Bunnings Warehouse stores in Australia, there is bound to be one near you. To locate your closest Bunnings, visit the Bunnings website. 

More Photos of Bunnings Playgrounds

Free daily tours allow guests to explore the marble halls of City Hall and climb the heights of the Clock Tower to experience Brisbane from a unique angle. You’ll discover the beautifully symmetrical building is steeped in history and cultural significance from hosting concerts in the elegant auditorium to remaining the current home of the office of the Lord Mayor.

Free Daily Tours

The City Hall

Built between 1920 and 1930 and located at King George Square, the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall underwent extensive (and expensive – $215million) renovations which were completed in 2013. Tourists and locals are invited to learn about the construction of the hall, the Pantheon inspired auditorium and inner workings of council in free and informative daily tours that run for 45 minutes.

The tours are run by friendly and passionate guides who regale the secrets and stories of the hall revealing fascinating titbits you couldn’t hear elsewhere. Access to certain areas and rooms are dictated by the daily function schedule, meaning each visit is likely to be a little different from the last.

The building’s craftsmanship and the dedication to restoring its original features is impressive to say the least, making this a worthwhile tour to pop on your Brisbane city itinerary. Whether you’ve lived in Brisbane your whole life or are simply passing through, you are guaranteed to learn a thing or two about the “people’s place”.

The Clock Tower

While visiting Brisbane City Hall, make sure to book a FREE Clock Tower tour which encourages visitors to take a step back in time and explore the workings of what was once Brisbane’s tallest structure. 

The 15 minute tour, which kicks off from the Museum of Brisbane reception on level 3, starts with a journey in a vintage cage lift system which is a real highlight in itself. You’ll quickly arrive at the fully enclosed, 76 metre high viewing platform giving you 360 degree views of the city below which has changed dramatically since the tower’s construction 90 years ago.

With a keen eye you’ll be able spot some other iconic Brisbane locations such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank and Roma Street Parklands. During the descent down the lift briefly stops behind the giant clock face while a knowledgeable tour guide explains the clock’s fascinating time keeping mechanism as it begins to wind up for the next chime.

What Age is the Tour Best Suited For?

If you have friends with one day in Brisbane with kids, this could be a fun activity in addition to other inner city icons like South Bank and the Roma Street Parklands.

The Brisbane City Hall and Clock Tower tours are a fun addition to a day out in Brisbane city but a bit of pre-planning is required to ensure you secure tickets for your desired date and time.

Although the tours are free and accessible to all ages, they are probably best suited to older school-aged children and adults due to the length and slower pace of the main tour plus the information heavy talk is likely to be of greater interest to a more mature crowd.

The Clock Tower tour is appropriate for a slightly younger audience as the littles are sure to enjoy the novelty of climbing inside a real, operational clock and it is only 15 minutes long.  Brisbane Kids will also earn a “I went up the Clock Tower at MoB” sticker, which is a neat souvenir to take home.

Unfortunately, the Clock Tower tour is not wheelchair or pram friendly as the upper level can only be accessed via a narrow set of stairs. You might also be required to carry small children up to the observational deck as the staircase is rather steep.

The City Hall tour is wheelchair accessible with the option to use lifts if required. Any prams, backpacks and other large items can be secured in a free locker room during the tours.

When and How to Book

Tours of the City Hall run daily at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm, although these are subject to change if the hall is in use. Bookings are absolutely essential as there is a 20 person limit per tour and popular times do book out in advance.  Visit Museum of Brisbane to book online or phone 07 3339 0845. 

TIP: The auditorium hosts a FREE classical concert every Tuesday starting at 12pm.  If you can do the tour mid week then the 10:30am session would time perfectly to see the concert straight after!

The Clock Tower tours run every 15 minutes, 7 days a week from 10:15am – 4:45pm. Tickets must be purchased separately to the City Hall tour either online or at the reception desk. You’ll need to get in quick as the tour only accommodates seven people at a time.

Please note, the clock does not chime over the weekends so during the week is the best time to go if you want to see it in action. You’re unlikely to actually hear the bells ringing internally as the tour is designed to be squeezed in between the chiming.

Other Things Worth Visiting Nearby

Your day doesn’t need to end after the tours conclude as there is so much more to see while in the city centre. Most obvious is the Museum of Brisbane as it’s located within the hall hosting a fabulous range of local exhibitions and kids activities throughout the year.

Situated on the hall’s ground level and tucked down a corridor to the right as you walk in is the reincarnation of Brisbane’s oldest cafe – the Shingle Inn.  Originally opened in 1936 on Edward Street, the store was forced to close in 2002 due to city developments but the original store fit out was gifted to the people of Brisbane. It now resides within the hall and is a great option for lunch or a coffee.

And, if a morning inside has caused the kids to go a little stir crazy, then the beautiful Roma Street Parklands is a great and nearby location to stretch those legs and take in some stunning floral displays. A quick bus trip over the river will land you at South Bank, GOMA and the Queensland Museum which are all must see destinations while visiting the river city with your family or friends. So why not make a day of it and rediscover the best Brisbane has to offer?

More Photos of City Hall and the Clock Tower

The fun begins when you walk under the welcoming sign marking your arrival at Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Your children will feel the anticipation as they navigate the long boarded walkway through the trees that lead up to the centre. 

Make sure to tell the kids to keep an eye out for local wallabies that frequent the grounds around this boardwalk, and see if they can spot the possum boxes hidden in the trees nearby!

Koala sightings assured

As soon as you enter the two gates to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre enclosure, the kids should easily spot the three resident girl koalas. Usually found tucked up sleeping in the high branches, or munching lazily on some gum leaves, the two levels of walkways mean the koalas are nice and close for children to enjoy.

Note: These irresistibly cute little residents of the centre aren’t available for cuddles.

Who are the Daisy Hill koalas?

Signs on either side of the path introduce you to the resident koalas of Daisy Hill Koala Centre, of which there are now four – Aretha, Molly, Kyra and Jordan, all of whom are cared for by the friendly and chatty rangers who work at the centre.  The three females live in the outdoor enclosure, while Jordan lives indoors in his bachelor pad.  

The koalas at the centre all have their own story – they’ve all been through some illness or injury, making them unsuitable for release into the wild. 

The Daisy Hill Environment Centre

Conservation Education

The Daisy Hill Education Centre features lots of large, colourful displays. The koala centre is perfectly designed for children in terms of height and being hands-on in design. Children will learn all about the plight of the koalas in South East Queensland and how we can all help out.

Throughout their visit, kids will discover everything that makes our koalas unique, including their life-cycle and biology.  The layout is easy for kids to work through, with many exhibits and interactive displays to keep them engaged.

If your Brisbane Kids are keen to learn more about these gorgeous Australia animals, then check out our Koala Facts for Kids. 

The koala hospital play space

Visitors of Daisy Hill Koala Centre will learn how to spot a koala in the wild through activities that invite the children to take on the role of koala detectives. Children will also learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of injured koalas and who to call for help such as wildlife rescue.

This learning is further extended in the koala hospital playspace, allowing children to apply their learnt skills with fluffy injured toy koalas.

Bushwalking and picnics

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is the perfect way to spend an hour or more with the family mid-week or on weekends.

Once you have exhausted all there is to do at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, there is no better way to wind down than by taking that picnic and setting up at one of the many beautiful, shady spots sprinkled within the natural reserve surrounding it.

This is the first of Queensland’s national parks to include a 790-metre disability-friendly path and wheelchair-accessible barbecue to allow as many visitors as possible to experience all that the Daisy Hill Forest offers.

Walking Trails at Daisy Hill

While there are many shared tracks (this means they are open to mountain bikes and horses), two single-use walkings are most popular with families, especially those with young children. One is 450 metres and is a disability discrimination-compliant trail, which means it is suitable for wheelchairs with some assistance. Both walks are close to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. 

You can look forward to a lovely cool trail through a Melaleuca Wetland. The second single-use walk is 800 metres winding through open Eucalypt forest. 

If you want more information or make group bookings visit their website here: http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/daisyhill-centre/ or call them on (07) 3299 1032.

Daisy Hill Conservation Park factsheet

• Daisy Hill Koala Centre is open every day except Christmas, New Years and Good Friday from 10 – 4 pm
• Admission is FREE
• Wildlife Officer talks happen every day inside Daisy Hill Koala Centre at 11 am and 2 pm.
• Walkways and ramps on both levels at Dairy Hill Koala Centre are accessible by prams, wheelchairs and small children.
• The theatre closes each day at 3:15 pm, so it’s a good idea to get to the centre before then as its woodland-decorated interior should not be missed!
• If it has been raining, access to the viewing tower may be closed, so it is best to wait for a sunny day to make the most of it
• Pack a picnic and a frisbee and use the 435 hectares of Eucalyptus forest that makes up the Daisy Hill Conservation Park. 
• The park has numerous picnic tables, wood and electric BBQs and two large cabins with toilets, including wheelchair-accessible ones.
• There are no cafes onsite, so make sure you BYO snacks and drinks

Parents will love 

• The shady natural surroundings at Daisy Hill Koala Centre are perfect for kids to run about and recharge.
• The hands-on learning fun in the koala centre.
• The accessibility for wheelchairs, prams and early walkers. Aside from the viewing towers, every aspect of the Environment Centre and conservation park is designed to be accessible.
•  The BBQs and unlimited picnic spots.
• The koalas!

Kids will love 

• The colourful displays throughout Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
• The hands-on learning experiences.
• Learning how to help koalas in the real world.
• The interactive koala hospital play space.
• The viewing tower, for a birds-eye view of the centre.
• The resident koalas of Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
• The open spaces, the bird songs and the chance to spot a wallaby!

How to Get to Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Daisy Hill Koala Centre is located 25km south of Brisbane on Daisy Hill Road in Daisy Hill.

Directions to the centre are well-signed from the entrance of Daisy Hill Conservation Park and it has a designated car park for guests.

More Photos of Daisy Hill Koala Centre

If you loved this wildlife centre then make sure you check out Walkabout Creek, The Gap where you will find another wonderful opportunity to introduce your Brisbane Kids to the native wildlife of Australia.