In Queensland, a large portion of school graduates partake in the traditional event known as ‘schoolies,’ a week long celebration of music, partying and other fun events. 

So, what exactly is Schoolies and where does it occur? Read on to discover the answer to these questions and more. 

What is Schoolies?

Schoolies is an Australian tradition which sees grade 12 graduates gather at different destinations to celebrate the end of their schooling. 

Quite often students organise to stay at a chosen destination with their friends and classmates, enjoying stress-free freedom and fun as they create lasting memories. It is a week of nostalgia, excitement, and adventure.

It is also about spending quality time with those friends who have spent most of their previous days with before they all head off on their own pathways and journeys in the ‘real world’.

When is Schoolies?

Schoolies is traditionally the week which directly follows the final official day of school, usually in November. In different states this may vary, which is why you will quite often hear about NSW Schoolies, or Queensland Schoolies.   

Generally, Week 1 is for Queensland graduates, and Week 2/3 is for NSW, Victorian, and all other graduates, but you can choose whatever week you like.

You can find the dates of schoolies for each state here.

How long does Schoolies go for?

Schoolies is usually only a week-long celebration, although depending on where you are visiting it can sometimes stretch longer or be a little shorter.

As Queensland schools usually finish a week before those in other states, they tend to celebrate their week but often continue on into the second week when the new wave of students come to celebrate.

Where is Schoolies held?

Traditionally, in Queensland, the biggest and best Schoolies celebration happens on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast has been hosting Schoolies for over 35 year. Not only is there a multitude of events, activities and festivities planned for the kids at night, but also plenty of things to keep them entertained during the day. 

Even so, in recent times more and more school leavers have opted for other locations up and down the Queensland coast, with some even heading out to the islands.

The Sunshine Coast has become a popular option for those still looking for the glittering coastline, beaches and night-time activities without the huge crowds and craziness that is often associated with the Gold Coast celebration.

Many students even opt for overseas trips with their family or a hinterland escape with their closest friends. At the end of the day, Schoolies is a week to celebrate and how you do so is completely up to you. 

What happens at Schoolies?

Again, what happens at Schoolies definitely depends on where your child has chosen to spend it.

If it is at the Gold Coast then you can expect thousands of school leavers descending on the beaches and in the clubs (if over 18) to party up a storm. The organisers on the coast cater well for those under 18, with live music events and festivities organised to keep them together and supervised.  There are all-ages club parties as well as hotel pool parties etc.

A great source of information on the popular locations for Schoolies, as well as the events planned can be found at the Schoolies.com website.

Accommodation during Schoolies

When it comes to booking accommodation over the well-known Schoolies weeks, be prepared for some pretty strict guidelines and hefty price tag.

Accommodation providers in the main areas are well aware kids booking in are there to celebrate and usually have some very tight restrictions around what can and can’t happen during their stay. Some places even refuse to book for Schoolies.

Due to the popularity of the event at certain places like the Gold Coast, it is  recommended accommodation is booked well in advance. 

Also, make sure you read through your child’s accommodation agreement carefully. Some hotels require an adult to be present at check-in, so knowing this beforehand will save you an unexpected trip.

If you have any queries, be sure to ring the hotel directly and clarify before paying in full.

Schoolies Safety

A big worry for parents when it comes to Schoolies is how safe their children will be. For many, it may be their first holiday away without their parents and being surrounded by so many other young party goers can be a cause for concern for many parents.

There are a number of different safety programs which run on the Gold Coast and at other major Schoolies locations to help ensure the safety of the young celebrators.

Some parents opt to book through designated websites which offer additional security options such as those offered at Schoolies.com. You can read about safety guidelines and programs here.

Red Frog Tips:

Here are a few Schoolies tips from the infamous Red Frog group:

1. Read through the accommodation agreement.

2. Cook and freeze meals for them.

3. Have important conversations with your young person.

4. Organise a check-in day.

5. Add an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number and the Red Frogs Hotline (1300 557 123) into your teen’s phone.

If your child has recently graduated and is looking for some other exciting ways to celebrate explore these Fun Activities for Teenagers in Brisbane.

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails

The trail system covers approximately 13 kilometres of terrain and is located within the beautiful Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve. The bushland setting provides a striking backdrop for the 15 IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) rated trails, making this a must-visit location for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Please note that when the term beginnner is used in Mountain Biking- this is in reference to a specific rating attached to a course. What this means is that unlike other obviously child centric bike and bmx tracks, “beginner” does not mean young child. The rating is specific to mountain bike riding and specific to that skill of moutain bike riding and speaks to the grading of the track. This is not a course for young children and instead is for competent mountain bike riders. When beginner is used in this article it speaks to the grading of the trail and/or speaking to someone new to mountain bike riding. The overwhelming feedback for this trail is that it is not suited to young children. Further disclaimer: The mountain biking community feels that this is not a course for the inexperienced which is weird considering it is a beginners trail rating. 

One of the standout features of the Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails is the variety of terrain on offer. The trails range from beginner-friendly fire roads to more technical tracks, with plenty of challenges for riders of all skill levels.

The trails are well-maintained and are marked with clear signage, making navigation easy and stress-free. The trails here are also known to be reasonably weatherproof, with water draining away quickly after a storm.

The most exciting features of the trail system are high-speed straights, jumps, and rocks which have been incorporated into the design. These features are well-constructed and provide a thrilling challenge even for more advanced riders.

The spacing of the elements allows riders to build up speed and momentum, making for a truly exhilarating ride.

Regarding difficulty, the Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails are suitable for riders of all levels as they feature green, blue and black trails. Those new to mountain bike riding will appreciate the skills area and gentle slopes, while more advanced riders will enjoy the technical challenges of the single track and jumps.

There are also plenty of opportunities to practice skills and build confidence, making this a great destination for riders who want to improve their abilities.

The Skills Area at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

The skills area is great for riders to practice and improve their technical abilities. The area features a range of challenging obstacles, including rock gardens, log rolls, and drop-offs.

The obstacles simulate real-world riding conditions, allowing riders to develop the skills necessary to tackle more challenging trails.

The skills area suits riders of all levels, with easier and more challenging options available for each obstacle. Whether you are a new to mountain bike riding, looking to build your confidence or an advanced rider looking to refine your technique, the skills area at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve is a great place to do it.

Facilities at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

Another great feature of the Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails is the facilities on offer. The parking lot is spacious, providing a safe place to leave a vehicle while riding.

Restrooms and drinking fountains near the parking area make hydration easy during your ride. There are a few covered picnic tables and signs displaying track information.

Top Tips for Mountain Biking with Kids at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

As with any physical outdoor activity, safety is paramount. Visitors to Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve should familiarise themselves with the area, paying close attention to signage and trail classifications, to choose a trail suitable for an individual’s ability and fitness level. 

• Ensure your bike is well-maintained and suitable for mountain biking
• Wear appropriate safety gear at all times 
• Ride during daylight hours
• Rest regularly to avoid injuries from tiredness
• Keep hydrated, especially on a hot day
• Supervise children at all times. 
• Carry a first aid kit and phone in case of injuries

What We Thought of Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails

Overall, we felt that the Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails are a fantastic destination for mountain bikers of all levels. The trails offer a wide range of features, terrain, and facilities catering to beginners and advanced riders alike.

With stunning views, well-maintained trails, and plenty of challenges, we thought this was a must-visit location for anyone looking for a thrilling mountain biking experience.

Another great place to practice mountain biking is the Mountain Bike Skills Course, Walkabout Creek.

How to Get to Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Mountain Bike Trails can be accessed from 7 Mary Street, Blackstone.

More Photos of Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

Fenwick Park Playground

Fenwick Park at Springfield Lakes is located in a quiet, residential area and has a small but modern playground with plenty of “big kid” appeal. The standout feature is a huge rock climbing wall which just about spans the whole length of the play space making it approximately 15 metres long. It’s covered in a variety of coloured hand and foot holds which determine the difficulty of each climb and is designed to test lower and upper body strength, coordination and agility.

Adjacent to this is an impressive workout zone complete with cargo net wall, dual battling ropes, dip and fly bars and sit up bench. Although aimed at the grown ups, it’s also suitable for teens and younger children if used correctly and under adult supervision.

To round out the space and add some thrill factor, is a big, steel, tunnel slide built into the side of a hill where climbing up is half the fun. Journeys down this super zippy slide are sure to end in laughter and provide a fun reprieve from the more physically demanding gym style equipment. 

Fenwick Park features one picnic shelter near the playground which houses a table and some benches but there are no BBQs or toilet facilities on site. A small, grassy field provides a nice space to set up a picnic blanket or have a kick around with friends. There’s also a lovely, tree lined pathway which leads to a picturesque lake filled with birdlife and provides inspiration for adventure play.

Please note there are NO TOILETS at this playground. 

Fenwick Park Imagination Factor

This play space is more a sports park than playground with a design that’s heavily focused on exercise and physical challenges. The hilly landscape, large rock placements and bushland setting do encourage opportunities for imaginary play for creative young adventurers. Apart from the slide, there’s really no toddler-specific equipment so parents and caregivers should come prepared with additional toys or pretend play games if little ones are in tow.

Fenwick Park Accessibility

Fenwick Park is built into the side of a hill with stairs giving the most direct access to the playground. A concrete pathway also provides access to the playground from the road where street parking can be found. The slide is covered by a shade sail however the rock climbing wall and close by workout area is unshaded so best to bring sun protection or visit later in the day when the UV rating is low.

Fenwick Park Features

• No toilets
• Unfenced playground
• Massive, curved rock climbing wall
• Outdoor gym equipment
• Shaded tunnel slide
• Bark chip and rubber base
• Grassy area for ball games, picnics
• Picnic shelter
• Water fountain
• Rubbish bins
• Bench seating
• Walking/biking paths
• On street parking

Other nearby playgrounds include the Orion Mega Playground with its epic slides and the fully fenced Grande Park.

What We Thought of Fenwick Park

This small, contemporary playground is primarily designed for older children and is sure to pique the interest of climbing enthusiasts. The slide is also surprisingly speedy, much to the amusement of the kids and those watching. We’d be more than happy to have this playground as a “local” but it’s probably not exciting enough or large enough to warrant much more than a short drive to get there.

How to Get Here

Fenwick Park is located on the corner of Corfu Street and Daydream Crescent, Springfield Lakes QLD 4300.

More Photos of Fenwick Park

Moggill Conservation Park Bushwalking Trails

Moggill Conservation Park spans over almost 500 hectares of native forest and provides a protected sanctuary for many wildlife species. It’s also a playground for locals with its many bushwalking trails which can be explored on foot, bicycle or horseback. You can even bring along your doggy pals too if kept on a leash. Most trails have a moderate difficulty due to sections of steepness and range from around 3 – 10 kilometres in length making it a great choice for families with older children.

Devils Break Loop is the most popular trail and is a combination of the Nursery Break (beginning at the main carpark off Chalcot Road), Devils Break and Centre Road tracks. A general level of fitness is required to complete this track as there is a rather sharp incline which must be tackled along the Devils Break path if walking in an anti-clockwise direction.

If you’d prefer to travel down Devils Hill then you can do so by following the loop in a clockwise direction but it makes for a potentially slippery decent especially in wet conditions. This loop should take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to finish and is a pleasant walk once you’ve scaled the giant hill.

A gentler walk for young children is the shorter Centre Road Track to Survey Marker return trip which should take around one hour to complete.

You’ll be rewarded for your climbing efforts with views from Brisbane to Ipswich with glimpses of skyscrapers in one direction and mountains in the other. The trails are lined with beautiful, bird filled, towering trees, interesting rock formations and an array of colourful wildflowers which provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Paths are generous and wide and on a quiet afternoon you’d be lucky to pass more than a few other hikers or cyclists. The trails are well signed but it’s best to study the map before embarking on your trip to ensure you keep on your intended track. There is good phone reception on most parts of the walk in case you do find yourself lost or in the event of a medical emergency.

Map of Moggill Conservation Park

Click here for a map of the Moggill Conservation Park. 

Moggill Conservation Park Accessibility

There is no wheelchair accessibility at Moggill Conservation Park nor are there any toilet facilities. It might be possible to walk the track with an all-terrain pram but hilly sections of loose rocks could make for a difficult traverse.

Moggill Conservation Park features

• No wheelchair accessibility
• No toilets
• Moderate bushwalking trails
• Spectacular city and mountain views
• Dogs on leash allowed
• Horse riding and cycling permitted on management roads
• On site car parking (off Chalcot Road)

Other Bushwalking Options Nearby

A more suitable option for mini bushwalkers is the nearby Anstead Bushland Reserve which has a number of easy, low elevation tracks for little legs to navigate. It also has a small outdoor gym, several picnic shelters and toilets.  Koalas are known to frequent the area if you’re keen to spot one of these cute creatures in the wild.

Child-Friendly Eating Option Nearby

If you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails or are looking for a slower start to the weekend, then a visit to The Reserve at Anstead cafe is a fantastic, child-friendly option and is only a two minute drive from the Moggill Conservation Park.

The cafe is situated in a lovely, old Queenslander home and has a fully fenced play area for the kids. It’s popular among locals for its laidback, country feel and great menu which features a wide range of cuisines including traditional Vietnamese dishes.

What We Thought of Moggill Conservation Park

A walk through Moggill Conservation Park is an active way to get back to nature and experience the great outdoors with your Brisbane kids. We did the Devils Break Loop on an autumn afternoon and enjoyed the peacefulness and gorgeous, filtered sunlight coming through the trees. Due to its difficulty however we wouldn’t recommend this particular track for children under the age of 8. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, pack a drink bottle, respect the natural environment and bring your camera!

How to Get Here

The main carpark is located at Chalcot Road (off Mount Crosby Road) in Anstead QLD 4070.

More Pictures of Moggill Conservation Reserve

Deception Bay Skate Park

Deception Bay Skate Park is laid out into three different zones, featuring a flat bank,  street and transition terrain which accommodates different skills and skating styles. The layout caters for simultaneous users of scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and BMX’s. The smooth surface is inviting and suitable for all ages, and differing levels of experience from novice to expert.

Brisbane kids can build their confidence and develop their tricks at their own pace as they move freely around the obstacles and banks within the wide space.  

Around the perimeter of the Skate Park is bench seating and a sheltered area, ideal for spectators and places to rest tired little legs. This space is unfenced and can be quite busy, so supervision will be required.

A water fountain, the accessible parking bays and toilet facilities are also located next to the Skate Park, (near the Aquatic Centre) within the off-street parking on Maine Terrace. The skate park also has lighting for evening use, closing at 10pm.

Deception Bay Skate Park Playground and Adizone

The playground at Deception Bay Skate Park is suitable for younger children who will enjoy exploring the space between the small cubby houses by clambering across the net wall or along the net bridge before going down one of the slides or fireman pole.

Adjacent, is a small flying fox, spica spinner and a trio of swings (nest, adult, toddler).  Established trees are positioned around the edge of the bark chip play area, and provide some shade. This space is unfenced, and located near one of the two car parks, so supervision will also be required.

The playground is set mostly on bark chip, while the swings and spinner are set on rubber soft fall.

This location also features an Adizone, promoting outdoor fitness. Underneath a shade sail is an open fitness gym, which includes equipment that focuses on toning, cardio and strength training. There is also a climbing wall, with the other side open for tennis. A small, enclosed arena allows kids to play cricket, futsal soccer and basketball, just BYO equipment.  The Adizone also had lighting, so this space is also usable in the evening.

Nestled between the skate park, playground and fitness area is a shelter with two bench seats and a water fountain.

The Deception Bay Aquatic Centre, PCYC and Sports Centre, are also housed in the neighbouring area on Maine Terrace.

Accessibility

There are two car-parking areas either side of the PCYC building. The car park nearest the skate area and Aquatic Centre has two designated, accessible parking spaces either side of the accessible toilet block.

Both car park areas are connected to a smooth footpath which links the different spaces of this location together.

There is some shade throughout the area, provided by established trees, two picnic shelters and a shade sail covering only the fitness equipment. Appropriate sun protection will be required during warmer months.

Deception Bay Skate Park features

Skate Park 

• Unfenced and unshaded
• Three different zones – flat bank, street and transition terrain
• Lighting for night use

Adizone Exercise Area

• Fenced, unshaded sports arena – Futsal soccer and basketball court, cricket stumps
• Exercise equipment, shaded by sail
• Climbing and tennis wall
• Lighting for night use

 Playground 

• Unfenced, partial shade from trees
• Bark chip and rubber soft fall base
• Cubby houses with slides
• Rope nets and bridge
• Climbing wall
• Swings (toddler, adult and nest)
• Flying fox
• Fireman pole
• Spica spinner
• Picnic shelters, rubbish bins and water fountains
• Nearby to public transport
• Off-street parking and accessible parking bays
• Accessible toilets

Other great playgrounds nearby include Symphony Crescent Park in Burpengary and Aurora Boulevard Park in North Lakes. 

What we thought of Deception Bay Skate Park

We think Deception Bay Skate Park is a location which could be enjoyed by older and younger kids simultaneously. Teens will be deeply engaged in the Skate Park or sports arena, while younger children will enjoy the playground and could even try their hand at the skate park.  Be sure to pack your own equipment and safety gear and keep in mind that parking may be limited during popular weekend sports times.

If you love Deception Bay Skate Park, you may also want to check out our list of the other Best Skate Parks in Brisbane.

How to get here 

Deception Bay Skate Park is located on Maine Terrace, Deception Bay (next to the Deception Bay PCYC, Sports and Aquatic Centre).

Other Images of Deception Bay Skate Park

Redlands Youth Plaza Skate Park

If you have a little sporting fanatic in your mix – or even if you are keen to get the kids out and moving off some of that unwanted energy – then the Redlands Youth Plaza is one of the best places to head on the Southside of Brisbane.

Also known as Calapaba Skate Park, Redlands Youth Plaza is one of Brisbane’s largest skate parks and youth entertainment hotspots.  Catering to skaters of all skill levels, the timber, steel, paving and concrete facilities include a 100m long street run with multiple connecting areas.  

The larger venue is equipped with night lighting and includes an elevated stage for various events, treed viewing and seating spaces throughout. This multipurpose public space also has a performance stage, a large lawn court, a redeveloped Rage Cage for ball sports, an art and exhibition space with permanent mounting posts and numerous social spaces. 

Numerous large, green fields are also set up for different sports including soccer, AFL and football.

Redlands Youth Plaza – Skate Park Features

Any Southside kids (or Brisbane kids in general) who love to board, scooter or bike will find plenty of ways to test their skills at Redlands Youth Plaza. One of the biggest skate and BMX parks in Queensland, the purpose-built facility provides ample practice grounds to perfect those skating tricks.

One of the main draw cards to the park is its large 6-8 foot clover-shaped bowl with pool coping. It is smooth, with ledges and a vertical wall.  Three levels of ledges surround the bowl on two sides. Capalaba Skate Park is also home to a larger connecting plaza with a 12 stair, 8 stair, big 4, access ramp gap, garden gaps, flat bar and manual pads. 

The skate park also features hubbas, hips, a sub box, sub rail, and a stepped back vertical wall.  There is seating, large grassy fields and viewing decks for people who are keen to act more as spectator than participant too.

Redlands Youth Plaza – Sporting Fields and Other Facilities

As if that was not enough already to keep your kids busy for hours on end, the Redlands Youth Plaza is also home to a range of integrated facilities providing sporting, cultural and social activity.  These include a rage cage for ball sports, including basketball, and art and exhibition space with permanent mounting posts and numerous social spaces for informal gatherings and art displays.

The skate park is surrounded by multiple large, separated sporting fields with soccer, AFL and rugby games facilities.  There is a large grassy oval for a general kick around, commercial fitness areas and so much more.

There is ample parking at the front of the Redlands Youth Plaza, which sits behind a row of small shops and eateries.  There is seating, BBQ facilities, a playground, shade shelter and plenty of shady trees too.

Redlands Youth Plaza – The Facts

• 100m long street run with ledges
• Hubbas
• Steps and gaps
• Feature bowl area containing a 6-8 foot bowl with pool coping
• Hips
• Sub box
• Sub rail
• Stepped back vertical wall
• 12 stair
• 8 stair
• Big 4
• Access ramp gap
• Garden gaps
• Flat bar
• Manual pads
• Night Lighting. 
• Large grassy oval
• Shade trees
• Shade shelter
• Playground
• Seating
• BBQ Facilities
• Park
• Kick about space
• Commercial Fitness
• Picnic Area
• Power Available
• Disability Accessible Toilets
• Carpark

If you love Redlands Youth Plaza, you may also want to check out our list of the other Best Skate Parks in Brisbane.

How to get here

Redlands Youth Plaza is located on 1 Banfield Lane, Capalaba. 

More Pictures of Redlands Youth Plaza

Go Karting Brisbane

Kingston Park Raceway

Kingston Park Raceway is the go-to venue for most Brisbane families, with various karting experiences catered for. Experience a real race event on their 1100m international standard circuit with electronic live timing. They also offer race nights, club events and weekly competitions. Be sure to check out the special offers on their website before booking too.

Age Limit: Karts available for children 10 years and over

Address: 20 Mudgee St Kingston, Queensland 4114

Contact: (07) 3826 2255

Slideaways

Slideaways is Brisbane’s answer to indoor go-karting, with a multi-level 425m track that crosses bridges, an all-weather outdoor loop, and sweepers.  Catering for the whole family, they have Cadet & Intermediate karts for children aged seven and over and have special kids and family sessions. Other extras include race nights, drift nights and birthday parties!

Age Limit: Karts available for children 7 years and over

Address: 2870 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm

Contact: (07) 3868 2225

Xtreme Carting

Xtreme Carting is well known for its 1.6km long rubberised tarmac circuit, billed as the fastest Go Kart track in Australia. It also has a 600m clay-topped dirt circuit that features a combination of tight turns, sweeping curves and short straights, unique amongst hire kart venues. Children as young as seven can ride the dirt karts, with children 14 years and older able to drive the tarmac circuit (all patrons below age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian eligible to sign an indemnity).

Note: Xtreme Carting is currently closed due to a redevelopment application.  You can keep up to date with their progress on hopefully re-opening again in the future here.

Age Limit: Dirt karts available for children 7 years and over

Address: Gold Coast Motorsport Training Centre, 540 Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Pimpama

Contact: 1300 737 137

Game Over

More than simply a Go Kart track, Game Over on the Gold Coast offers state-of-the-art electric Go Karts at their premium indoor play facility.  They have raised the bar regarding indoor Go-Karting and have karting options for everyone, including Juniors (7-12yrs), Adults (13yrs+) and even a Duo 2-seater kart.  Junior and adult races are run separately for safety reasons. Along with the karting fun, other activities you can try at the centre include laser tag, rock climbing, zip lining, an arcade and mini golf.

Age Limit: Children 7+ years can ride alone, dual karts are available with an adult driver and passenger who is at least 90cm tall

Address: 88 Siganto Dr, Helensvale

Contact: (07) 5519 3999

Big Kart Track

Big Kart Track, located on the Sunshine Coast, is the largest commercial go-karting track in Australia. At 1.2km in length, the track can have up to 50 karts racing on it once. They also offer night racing, a kids’ track, an arcade, and a cafe with a viewing deck on site.  To drive on the Big Kart Track, drivers must be 152cm tall and a minimum of 12 years of age. 

Age Limit: 12 years of age. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by at least one person over the age of 18.

Address: 2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough

Contact: (07) 5494 1613

Things to know about Go Karting

big kart track sunshine coast.

What is Go Karting?

Karting is a type of racing in which a compact four-wheel unit called a go-kart is used.  Go-karts come in all shapes and forms, from non-motorised, electric models to high-performance racing karts. The type of kart used depends on the rider’s age, the track’s surface, and whether the track is indoors or outdoors.

Is Go Karting safe?

Go Karts can travel up to 70km/hr and, like any vehicle moving at that pace, can come with some risk.  Go karting venues usually offer specific karts that have been designed for kids, altered so that they can only reach restricted speeds.  All Go Karts have head restraints, seat belts and wrap-around protection bumpers, with helmets also being mandatory.  Closed in shoes, long sleeves and hoodies if you have long hair are usually also recommended.  

From what age can kids experience Go Karting?

Depending on the venue, kids from ages 7 and up can be catered for.  Some places have a minimum age restriction of 10 or 12 years old, and others offer dual-riding options where younger children can ride with an adult.  It is best to check with the venues before booking to determine their age, height and weight restrictions.

For more ideas on fun activities to do with your kids in Brisbane, you might also be interested in:

Fun activities to do with teenagers in Brisbane

Things to do outdoors in Brisbane with kids

Do the Skywalk at Mt Tamborine

Take their breath away on the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk.  Walk over pristine rock pools and through butterfly lookouts, before reaching the breathtaking 40 metre long span cantilever which hovers 30 metres above the valley.

Visit the West End markets

If your teen loves to shop then why not take the experience outdoors?  There are a million different markets that pop up each weekend around Brisbane, but most teens seem to really love the eclectic and colourful West End market vibe the most.

Try an outdoor fitness class

There are many outdoor fitness classes that are perfect for teens looking to get active in a more fun and interesting way. Boxing, Tai Chi, PT and other outdoor fitness classes are a great way to get them being healthy without being stuck in a gym.

Do the Story Bridge Climb

Our famous central landmark also doubles as a fantastic outdoor activity opportunity you can do with your teen.  The Story Bridge bridge climb is exhilarating and will no doubt captivate their attention as they walk precariously high above the fast-flowing traffic below.

Go for a bike ride along the Bulimba Creek Bikeway

The Bulimba Creek Bikeway is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon outdoors with our teen.  Travelling from Murrarie to Wishart, the easy grade bike path travels for 33km past Minnippi Parklands, Carindale Recreation Reserve and a number of other parks, lakes and open spaces.

Head to a BMX track

Teens who love their bikes generally wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get outdoors and hit their local BMX track.  With so many of them around Brisbane, you can work your way through our list of the the best ones together.

Head to Victoria Park for a round of golf (or putt putt)

Head to Victoria Park for a round of golf or putt putt with your teen.  A fun and challenging outdoor activity, you can finish off the day with a meal or donut from the Sunday afternoon food vans as the sun sets.

Go abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Abseiling is the perfect outdoor activity for teens.  Not only is it challenging but it also involves a fair amount of strength, both of the mind and body.  Kangaroo Point is one of the most popular places in Brisbane to do this, as they can enjoy sweeping views of the river and city as they descend.

Go for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane

For a different view of Brisbane City, why not take your teen for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane?  Situated in Southbank, you can always head in for a swim in the pools or lagoon before having a bite to eat too.

Do a ghost or cemetery tour

Teens love to take risks or do something a little out of the ordinary and the different crime, ghost and cemetery tours of Brisbane offer just this.  Even if they are not easily spooked, heading out after dark and hearing about the historical tales will definitely get the goosebumps rising.

Kayak along the Brisbane River

An outdoor activity that most teens love is kayaking along the Brisbane River.  Head out for a few hours, stopping in at different locations along the way or simply taking in our beautiful city from a different vantage point.

Head to to a Theme Park

Just 30 minutes south of Brisbane and you will hit a stream of action-packed theme parks that teens will love.  Whether they are chasing movie stars, thrill rides, sea animals or waterslides, grab an annual pass for cheaper tickets and go as often as they like.

Give outdoor yoga a go

Yoga.  The perfect outdoor activity if your teen is looking for a bit of meditative relaxation – especially as exam period approaches.  You can find a list of places to practice yoga outdoors in Brisbane here.

Go for an afternoon at Top Golf

Take a swing and give your teen an afternoon at Top Golf.  Located on the way to the Gold Coast, teens will love getting any frustrations out by hitting that tee and seeing how far their ball can fly.  With music, food and drinks on hand, it makes for a fun few hours for your teen and the whole family.

Sign them up to be a Keeper for a day

If your teen is an animal enthusiast then signing them up as a keeper for a day is a wonderful outdoor activity for them.  Seaworld and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary both offer hands-on keeper day experiences for teens that will give them a wonderful introduction to what the role really entails.

Book them in to a V8 Supercar experience

If your teen loves fast cars, then giving them an experience riding alongside a professional race car driver will definitely get their blood pumping.  Not cheap, but definitely memorable, there are a number of companies in Brisbane that can offer you this experience.

Give Go-Karting a go

Not too keen on introducing them to fast cars just yet, but you know they will love the exhilaration of speed on the track regardless.  Take them to Kingston Park Raceway for an afternoon of go-karting they will love.

Do a tour of the Brisbane River

Jump on board a City Cat or the free CityHopper ferries and do a day on the Brisbane River.  Hop on and off at different landmarks (Southbank, Hamilton, Kangaroo Point, Botanical Gardens) and immerse yourself both on the river and in the surrounding areas we love.

Go for a bush walk

With so many different parks, wetlands and green spaces in Brisbane, going for a bush walk in nature is a great way to help your teen reset for a busy week. Check out our list of the best walks in Brisbane to find one that you think most appeals to your teen. Or travel further afield to one of the many bushwalks at the Gold Coast (many of them featuring waterfalls)

Ride to the top of Mt Cootha for the views and lunch

Grab your bike or hop in the car and head to Mt Coot-tha for the day.  The botanical gardens are a beautiful spot to have a picnic or you can visit the cafe at the top and enjoy sweeping views of our city skyline when there.

Climb a mountain together

Brisbane is surrounded by some of the best mountains to climb with your teen.  Regardless if you think they would prefer ones with short, easy walks or more challenging, longer climbs, the breathtaking views from the top is usually reason enough to take on the journey.

Go for a horse ride

Whether you join an actual pony club or book in for a horse ride adventure in Brisbane, this is one outdoor activity that an equestrian-loving teen will be very keen to try.

Enjoy an afternoon of barefoot bowling

When most people hear the words ‘lawn bowls’ they usually immediately think of old retirees moving slowly across the green.  In truth though, teens love an afternoon of barefoot bowls, a cheap meal and something to drink. With so many awesome bowl clubs in Brisbane, once you get a taste for it we guarantee you will end up a regular before you know it.

Explore Riverlife Adventure Centre

Riverlife Adventures Centre definitely makes this list as it is a company that provides several different outdoor adventure activities in Brisbane that are perfectly suited to teenagers.  From rock climbing to abseiling to kayaking and more.  Jump online and check out all the amazing things you can try.

Do the Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park

The treetop challenge at Thunderbird Park will have your teen up in the leafy canopies in no time as they navigate a series of rope pathways and obstacle courses high above the ground.  If that doesn’t sound like the perfect outdoor activity for teens, we are not sure what does?! There are also high ropes courses on the Sunshine Coas

Go Hang Gliding at Mt Tamborine

For those chasing a bit of adventure to the tune of throwing yourself off a mountain and gliding out over the most amazing views, why not introduce your teen to hang gliding at Mt Tamborine?   There are several places that offer lessons and tandem glides to beginners.

Wander the streets at Montville and Maleny

Sometimes the perfect outdoor activity has nothing to do with adventure and everything to do with relaxation, unwinding and resetting in a busy teenage life.  Our neighbouring mountain towns of Montville and Maleny make for the perfect weekend escape with your teen.  Wander the many craft shops on the main street, stop for a bite to eat and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

Head out on an island adventure

This. Island hopping with your teen is an absolute winner when it comes to outdoor activities they will love.  Grab the board, snorkel and swimmers and head out to one of the many spectacular islands that line our eastern coastline for the day. If you don’t fancy such a huge adventure, then you could drive down to Wellington Point and walk to King Island on low tide instead. 

Go camping

Camping has long been something that parents of teens recommend.  Not only does it get them outdoors and in nature, but there are a number of important skills they can learn when immersed in the wilderness too.  They can swim in lakes, go bushwalking and lay out under the stars. Ending the evening toasting marshmallows around a fire is a pretty good incentive too.

Visit a farm or zoo

All kids, regardless how old they are, will get excited about visiting with farm animals.  Even teens will enjoy time outdoors alongside llamas, alpacas, goats, cows, sheep, horses and more.  

Head to Archerfield Speedway for a Car Show

If your teen loves big cars, giant wheels and all things action, book an evening at Archerfield Speedway.  With the air filled with gunning engines, thundering cars and squeals from the crowd, the atmosphere here is simply electric.

For more ideas on outdoor and indoor activities, check out our resource covering a variety of fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane. 

Fun activities for Teenagers in Brisbane

Escape Rooms

Fox In A Box escape rooms

The days of playing Hide and Seek are long gone. For teenagers, the latest craze is more like Solve and Escape! In a team challenge where teens have to work together to solve puzzles and crack codes, the aim is to escape from locked rooms before the time is up. This works for kids of multiple ages as well as teens and their adults. 

Escape Rooms are opening up all over Brisbane and are proving to be one of the most Facebook-recommended fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane. You can find out all about Escape Rooms in Brisbane and where you can take part here.

Challenge Rooms

Hijinx Hotel

Unlike an escape room, a challenge room has a single objective (such as remembering song patterns on a giant piano, solving word scrambles, or throwing a basketball through a hoop) that gradually becomes more difficult as your time ticks down. Your team will score a point every time you complete the objective before moving on to the next challenge. The challenge rooms at Funlab’s Hijinx Hotel at Westfield Chermside and in Surfers Paradise draw from nostalgia and have been uniquely designed for between two and six players to work together to complete challenges in a four-minute window to score points on a leaderboard. Complete a challenge to move on to the next room, or head to the quirky New York hotel-themed bar and gourmet kitchen between challenges. 

Water Sports

Older kids and teenagers who are confident swimmers love to try fun new sports such as water sports. Here in Brisbane, they can enjoy a wide range of water activities right on their doorstep.

• For fun on the Brisbane River, Riverlife offers a range of exciting activities for kids, including kayaking and standup paddle boarding.
• You can head to Walkabout Creek in The Gap to hire equipment to enjoy the Enoggera Reservoir.
• There are many options for learning to surf on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and standup paddle board hire is growing in popularity.

Rock Climbing and Abseiling

For a fitness boost and plenty of fun for teenagers, rock climbing has it all. We are lucky to have some awesome natural outdoor rock climbing here in Brisbane at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and a wide range of excellent indoor rock climbing venues.

Check out this full article for everything you need to know about Rock Climbing in Brisbane and where you can do it.

Big Kid Play Spaces

Frew Park

Forget kiddies’ playgrounds; there are plenty of play spaces in Brisbane that are awesome for tweens, teens and beyond! With flying foxes, climbing walls, giant slides and large open spaces for games, these big kid play spaces never grow old.

Check out Frew Park in Milton and Central Park in Narangba. You can also find out more about other Mega Parks here! We have also recently added a collection of Ninja Parks and trampoline parks. 

South Bank Parklands

South Bank offers not just one area to visit for teenagers but a whole host of activities to enjoy in the same space.

Streets Beach and South Bank Lagoon are trendy places for teens to hang out, and the lagoon has some deep areas for confident swimmers yet is still overseen by lifeguards. Because it’s well supervised, older teens will appreciate the freedom, and taxi-driving parents can enjoy the Collective Markets or some quality coffee at one of the many surrounding cafes off Grey Street in South Brisbane. 

Museums and Art Galleries 

The Soul Trembles was an exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art

South Bank’s museums and galleries also prove to be a surprising drawcard to teens, with their exciting exhibitions and interactive features. They often also feature events targeted at teens and great school holiday activities.

The Queensland Museum, GOMA and The Art Gallery often feature exhibitions aimed at older audiences. Follow these links to check out all of the other great Galleries and Museums in South Bank. Some of these exhibitions will be ticketed but check there isn’t a student discount. 

Go-kart Racing

For an adrenaline-pumping sport that teens will love, go-karting is pretty high on the list of fun things to do in Brisbane for teenagers. It’s really one of the best, fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane that gives them the challenge of independence and risk-taking in a safe way. 

There are a few places in Brisbane where kids can enjoy real go-kart racing, such as Slideways in Eagle Farm, and Kingston Park Raceway in Kingston.

Skirmish and Paintball

IMAGE CREDIT: Thunderbird Park

Generally, for teens over the age of 15, skirmish and paintball are fast-paced, action-packed activities to get the adrenalin flowing. This is like a game of tag for grown-up kids and teenagers! 

There are many venues for playing skirmish or paintball in Brisbane, such as Skirmish Samford Paintball at Samford, Mango Hill Skirmish at Mango Hill, Valhalla Paintball at Calvert, Delta Force Paintball at Petrie, and Spec Ops Paintball in Red Hill.

Theme Parks

While slightly outside of Brisbane, the South East’s famous theme parks can’t be overlooked as they are hugely popular with teenagers.

The main names in theme parks can all be found just south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast, such as Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’ n’ Wild and Whitewater World. To work out which to visit first here’s How to Choose Which Gold Coast Theme Park Is Right for You and Your Family.

However, there are also plenty of theme park options on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, here we have details of the Top 10 Theme Parks on the Sunshine Coast.

Our local advice around theme parks is to pack your patience especially if you go on the weekend or school holidays. We aren’t recommending your teen has the day off school, but if they did, it would definitely make the day more enjoyable. On a recent visit to a major theme park, we only managed to get on 6 rides the whole day! You can pay more to bypass queues, but it’s pretty expensive and only applies to a select few rides (so make sure it’s worth it first).

Beaches

Tallabudgera Creek and Beach.

One of the best things about Brisbane is its proximity to the coastline. Whether you live here or you are a visitor to our wonderful city, Brisbane is close to some of the best beaches in the world. There is nothing quite like the beach and waves to bring teenagers back into their bodies with a renewed sense of calm. We feel like waves matter to teenagers so head to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast or Bribie Island for the day. 

Live Sports

Going to watch live sports is a great activity to enjoy with older kids, and we have a whole host of fun options for spectators here in Brisbane. Watch the Brisbane Broncos in rugby league and the Reds in rugby union, the Brisbane Lions in the AFL, the Roar playing soccer, the Brisbane Heat at the cricket and the Bullets shooting hoops on the basketball court. Plus throughout the year, we can enjoy many exciting sporting events, such as State of Origin and T20 cricket matches that are great for family nights out.

For keen sports fans, you can click here for details of Family Memberships for watching live sports in Brisbane.

National Parks

Map out a list of National Parks close to Brisbane and create a calendar of “dates” for your teenager. In our experience waterfalls tend to invoke the teenage adventurer which is why we wrote this article on chasing waterfalls at the Gold Coast and waterfalls close to Brisbane. Some of our favourite nearby national parks and walking trails include:

• Mount Glorious walking trails
• Springbrook National Park
• Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park
• Binna Burra and Lamington National Park

Laser Tag

Laser tag was on our original list of fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane for good reason! If your teens are looking for something fun and active then Laser Tag is a great way to burn some energy and challenge friends. Whether it’s indoor laser tag or even laser tag at home, it’s a fun activity and can handle kids of multiple ages.

Bowling

Bowling has come a long way since the stale alleys of our childhood and is a great place for teenagers, especially on rainy days. These days you will notice a few differences to bowling alleys that are attracting a younger audience. 

1. The music is better (and louder)
2. They sometimes have big screens, above where the ball hits the pins. The big screen is often playing some YouTubing sensation or another shiny thing to appeal to youth. 
3. You can wear your own shoes. Okay, not all alleys have this feature, but in a lot of alleys, you no longer need to hire their shoes. This means you can be cool and bowl. (You can still hire shoes if you happen to only be wearing a pair of thongs). 
4. They serve good food and often are attached to arcade games (like King Pin at Chermside). 
5. It is all very digitised which means less social interaction (which can be a winning formula for teens).

Skating

Skate Paradise

Rollerskating and ice skating rinks are dotted all over Brisbane and if you have ever been to a rink on a Friday/Saturday night, you would know that these are popular with kids of all ages. In fact, according to Albany Creek Skateaway, their eldest skater is 73 years old! Whether your teen prefers the cold, blades or old-school 4-wheeler skates, skating is a fun way to pass the time with a group of friends. 

Board Games

I can see my teenager rolling their eyes but board games have evolved over the past few years and if your kids are over monopoly, then fear not! There are a number of board game shops across Brisbane where you can find something new for your family to play, that will also amuse the teens. Favourites in our house for the teens include Exploding Kittens, Katan, 5-second rule and Trouble!

Putt Putt

IMAGE CREDIT: Victoria Park

Spoiled for choice whether you want outdoor or indoor mini golf, Brisbane has them all and competitive putt-putt always ensures a good time! We have a whole article dedicated to the awesome pastime that is putt-putt in Brisbane. Read here for the best mini golf courses in Brisbane. Victoria Park putt-putt is also well known for its popular seasonal themed mini golf courses, like Easter candy land and their Halloween and Christmas courses. It just adds an extra layer of fun to impress the teens. 

Plan a party

Sometimes having social goals is a nice way to keep your teen occupied. Whether for their next birthday or maybe an end-of-exam celebration, you could consider pitching them the idea of planning a party. Finding party ideas for teens that meet your teenager’s approval might involve a number of weekends going around and testing the above activities with friends, drawing up a budget, and planning a theme, food and guest list.

This idea is obviously much more involved than one activity but might keep them from being bored every weekend. If you would rather they host it outside the home, you might appreciate our article on parks for birthday parties.

Picnics

Brisbane is blessed with thousands of parks (over 2180 in Brisbane City Council alone) and picnics are such a great way for teenagers to enjoy each other’s company (or the company of the whole family). These would be our top 3 central parks for a picnic (all pretty central to Brisbane). 

Roma Street Parkland

You only need to look at a map of Roma Street Parkland to see how expansive it is. It is a nice central location too, making it a good meeting point for teens with friends across Brisbane or for visitors to the city. 

New Farm Park

Also a centrally located park, New Farm Park sits alongside the Brisbane River. Generously shaded by old beautiful fig trees, there is tons of space to find a place to picnic. The city cat stop nearby makes a fun entry or exit and the day can continue somewhere else along the river. 

South Bank Parklands

There are three main spots to picnic at South Bank Parklands, River Quay Green, Riverside Green and Picnic Island Green being the most popular. There are BBQ facilities and heaps of shade for hot days plus coffee nearby to complement the picnic. 

Shopping

It wouldn’t be a list for teenagers without shopping being mentioned. Here are some ideas for shopping with teens in Brisbane. 

• Op shopping in Brisbane is quite the crowd-pleaser and actually makes a fun birthday party idea. Everyone gets a small budget, heads to an op shop and then enjoys the party in their newly acquired clothes. Our advice is not to choose op shops that aren’t aligned with any of the more well-known charities. We have noticed that the bargains are generally better at these smaller stores. 
• The Brisbane CBD and Queen Street Mall are fun places for teens to shop at Christmas just for the lights, atmosphere (and people-watching). 
• If you would rather they avoid the city centre, there are tons of big shopping centres that are mini-malls where they can spend a couple of hours shopping and spending time with friends (Chermside, North Lakes, Garden City etc).
• There are loads of Brisbane markets for teenagers to shop at, supporting local markets and artisans. 
• There are a surprising number of clothing outlets in Brisbane for brand-named clothing for less than you would get in retail stores. 

High Ropes Courses

There are three high ropes courses around Brisbane.

• TreeTop Challenge is located in the Tamborine Mountain rainforest, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. It features seven different courses, with over 120 challenges, including flying foxes, bridges, and high ropes. 
• The high ropes course at Wildlife HQ is located in the Sunshine Coast, about an hour and a half’s drive from Brisbane. It’s a unique attraction with three levels of difficulty that combines the thrill of a high ropes course with the opportunity to see and interact with animals from around the world.
• The high ropes course at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Gold Coast with lots of different challenges including cargo nets, rope bridges, and zip lines challenging even for the bravest teenager.

Brisbane events for teens

One of the best places to find activities for your teenagers, is on the Brisbane Kids website calendar, filled with things to do in Brisbane. Some favourite annual festivals that the whole family will enjoy (including the teen) include:

The Bris Asia Festival: With a range of free performances, events and activities like martial arts displays.

The Greek Festival: For all the food-orientated teens out there

The Medieval Festival: Enjoy the revelry of medieval reenactment including jousting and all the delicious food of yesteryear.

Riverfire: Plan a special outing with your teen to catch the fireworks and take advantage of the free public transport.

The World Science Festivals: A favourite with teenagers into science, a lot of interesting talks and discussions from leading experts in various fields of science.

Animal experiences for teens

Some might argue that teenagers are over-fun with animals but we say no! In fact, in our humble opinion as parents of teenagers, animals can help teenagers decompress and remember how awesome they truly are! Here are our top places to take teenagers for an animal experience. 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and learn about native Australian wildlife. The sanctuary also offers a range of interactive experiences, including a bird of prey show and a sheepdog display. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located at Toowong, West of Brisbane and would you believe is the largest koala sanctuary in the world? 

Australia Zoo

It might be a couple of hours in a car, but Australia Zoo will be worth the drive! This is an all-day type zoo and perfect for teenagers with their long legs and endless energy.

Personal experience: We love Australia Zoo but it can get hot and our hot tip is to always begin at the Africa Exhibit. Walk in, go straight there, and ignore all distractions along the way. Then work your way back in time for a show at the Crocoseum. This strategy works for teenagers and toddlers and makes for a much more enjoyable experience. 

Maleny Bird World

Maleny Bird World is such a fun place to take teenagers. Picture this: A massive aviary, divided into three smaller aviaries. As you proceed through, progressively the birds get bigger and more interactive. From huge parrots to smaller native birds, Maleny is a haven for rescued animals and the experience is so personalised and interactive that even the most critical teenager will be impressed. According to Bird Watcher Pro wearing shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange will usually tempt the birds to come a bit closer.

Fun activities for Teenagers in Brisbane: Free

Teenagers are known for having a whole lot of money so we thought it could be useful to summarise all the free activities on this page. If you want more detail on them, just scroll up for links. 

Brisbane Parks

If you want to find a park closer to you, check out our Brisbane Parks map to find one near to you:

School Holidays

We have a whole article on free school holiday activities and they include a lot that cater for teenagers. 

• Library activities ranging from skill building workshops and coding games. Every library will have a different program but if you look via the council website you should be able to locate the different programs. 
• Council programs offering free programs that include sports, outdoor activities and games. Our recommendation is to sign up by email to the council website and keep an eye out for the date they get released. Programs like kayaking and archery etc can book out really quickly. 

Museums and Galleries

Check the current exhibitions of the Museum of Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and The Queensland Art Gallery to see what current exhibitions would be appealing to teens. All of these venues have free entry though the individual exhibitions might be ticketed entry. Often there are student discounts so make sure you check that first and have your teenager bring along their school identification.

Road trip to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast

This list is pretty Brisbane-specific but needless to say, Brisbane is only an hour or so away from some of the best beaches in the world. A road trip and swim at the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast could be just what is needed during busy exam times. Bribie is also another option if you live in the Moreton Bay Region. The other thing we love about road trips is that car rides are possibly the best way to have a chat with a reluctant teenager. There is something about eyes forward and a car moving that seems to make it easier for conversation to flow.

Birthday freebies

Teenagers love free things and we created a list of places they can take advantage of birthday freebies in Brisbane. With the invention of apps, a lot do require prior registration and in some cases prior spending. This is not the case for all though so make sure they/you check out our list of places in Brisbane that do birthday freebies.

Fun activities for Teenagers in Brisbane: Bucket list

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

We thought it could be useful to pull together some fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane that are of the bucket list variety. Something they may not do more than once and definitely not every day. These are those special activities for graduation gifts, milestone birthdays and just because teenagers are awesome!

Skydiving

While usually presumed to be an activity for adults, skydiving also makes the list of fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane! Tandem skydives can be really unique and exhilarating experiences for thrill-seeking kids and their families. There are several operators around Brisbane that offer skydiving for teenagers. You can read all about this extreme sport, the age minimums and where you can do it here. If they aren’t quite ready for jumping out of a plane then you could also look into indoor skydiving.

Snorkelling the wrecks

Teenagers can discover the beauty of Moreton Bay and explore the underwater world snorkelling the wrecks of Tangalooma, an adventure that blends excitement and learning into one unforgettable experience. Tour operators vary on age requirements so make sure you check that before booking. We also recommend checking cancellation policies in case of bad weather. 

Whale watching 

Whale watching is a seasonal activity but one you can rest assured will end in the delight of seeing the migrating humpback whales as they head up and down the Queensland Coast. With such an abundance of these majestic animals (thanks to protection laws), you will find that almost all tour operators guarantee sightings. This is a wholesome activities for the entire family and will be appreciated not only by your teenager but also by you! 

Tours range from a couple of hours to all-day tours like Tangalooma’s whale-watching cruise which includes a trip to Moreton Island for Dolphin Feeding at their resort. 

Wheel of Brisbane

Okay, we agree not quite a bucket list item unless you are a visitor to Brisbane. However, it is also one of those activities you might only undertake once or twice in your life and we figured it deserved to make the list of fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane. The wheel of Brisbane takes about 15 minutes and can hold 6 teenagers! They must all be over the age of 12 to ride unaccompanied so older children can still enjoy this activity but an adult will need to jump on board.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a popular graduation gift, climb to the top of the city, challenge the mind and the body and then finish up with a fancy dinner at South Brisbane or somewhere along the river.

Unique things to do with teenagers in Brisbane

We thought we would finish up this seemingly neverending list with some less well-known ideas, that you won’t find on all the generic lists for teenagers. Teenagers are not all the same and so we wanted to make sure we included some unique ideas that might also be of interest.

• Visit the Japanese Garden in Toowoomba, Australia’s largest, most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden for a zen experience. The Water features will ensure everyone leaves in a more relaxed state than when they entered.
• Take a day trip to the Crystal Castle in Northern NSW to fill the teenager with good vibes.
• Climb mount Coolum for the sunrise and for the perfect place to set some new goals.
• Hire a segway and take a segway tour through South Bank Parklands.
• Do a ghost tour in Brisbane.
• Day trip to North Stradbroke Island, you can do it all by public transport including busing it over on the Island.
• Check out the events calendars for local universities. Sometimes they will have open exhibitions that may have interactive displays and activities that might cater to your teen’s interests. This activity also offers a nice soft opportunity to familiarise your teenager with a local university and get them accustomed to navigating through the grounds.
• Have a fancy brunch at the cafe in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
• Check out the current events at the State Library of Queensland, particularly over the school holidays who regularly seem to offer a variety of fun activities for teenagers.
• If your teens are interested in history then they might enjoy the Queensland Maritime Museum and smaller museums like The Beenleigh Historial Village, Ferny Grove Tram Museum and the Abbey Museum.
• Take them to Surfers Paradise. It might not be your cup of tea but it’s probably where they will end up celebrating schoolies, so maybe use it as an opportunity to check out different accommodation options.

For more awesome ideas of fun things to do with older kids in Brisbane, check out Top Activities for Tweens in Brisbane.

Formal Dress Shops

The below shops specialise in formal wear and have actual stores in Brisbane that you can go to try them on. Many may need you to make a booking to do this, so please call them beforehand if you need to schedule a time first. A lovely idea is to make a day of the try-on and pair it with a very grown-up Brisbane high tea. 

Miss Runway Boutique

Finding formal dress boutiques that stock a range of loved designers and brands can be challenging – but they’ve got you. From feminine and flirty silhouettes to structured and sleek shapes, Miss Runway Boutique is your go-to for formal dresses. From lace dresses to full-skirted cocktail dresses, there’s a style to suit everyone.

Phone: 0435 826 191

Location: Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Shop 2035 Level 2/322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly

Gossip Gowns

Gossip Gowns is located in Norman Park and is filled with hundreds of formal gowns in sizes 00 to 20 and lots of fitting rooms! They hand-pick all of their collections from worldwide and bring them together in the Brisbane store. They offer personalised service with a smile, and if you can’t make it into the store, you can buy online and receive one of the beautiful gowns delivered straight to your door.

Phone: 3899 8610

Located: 170 Bennetts Road, Norman Park

Sentani Boutique

From floor-length gowns to cocktail pieces, Sentani Boutique’s selection of dresses caters for bridal parties, formals and evening wear. They keep their collection fresh, ensuring the best new formal and evening dresses are ready for your special event.

Phone: 07 3076 8719

Located: 24/43 Lang Parade, Milton

Ferrari Formal

Ferrari Formals is more a one-stop formal shop and whilst it does have formal dresses, there are not quite as many options as other stores and not too many in smaller sizes. Still, with stores in Underwood and Aspley to choose from, it may be worth having a look in case you find just what you are searching for here.

Phone: 07 3863 2967 (Aspley) or 07 3841 8450 (Underwood)

Located: 1303 Gympie Road, Aspley and  Unit 1, 2910 Logan Road, Underwood

Formal Wear of Brisbane

Located 13km north of Brisbane CBD, Formal Wear of Brisbane specialises in the latest styles of formal and & evening gowns in sizes from 2 – 20.

Phone: (07) 3491 6699

Located: 16 Morrisby St, Geebung

Miss Savage

Miss Savage is a ‘By Appointment’ event wear boutique & online store stocking an extensive range of formal dresses and gowns for every shape, size, style and budget. As Formal wear experts in Brisbane since 2006, they custom-make gowns in Petite to Plus sizes 4 – 30 to ensure every girl’s dream comes true!

Phone: (07) 3394 2501

Located: Shop 3/267 Given Terrace, Paddington

White Runway

White Runway makes it simple and easy when it comes to dress shopping in Australia. They don’t believe in the concept of wearing a dress just once, especially when it comes to formal attire. At White Runway, they have a carefully selected range of flattering formal dresses chosen for their timeless quality that can all be worn to another special day.

Phone: 0435 826 191

Located: Shop 2035 Level 2/322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly

An Eye For Style

Billed as a one-stop shop, An Eye For Style may specialise in weddings and wedding hair and makeup, but they also have a lovely selection of formal dresses. You can even book them for your formal hair and makeup if you are looking for an expert!

Phone: 0413 167 998

Located: Shop 2/99 Bloomfield St, Cleveland

Smooche Boutique

Located in Brisbane’s beautiful Bayside, Smooche Boutique has been at the forefront of fashion in Brisbane for over 14 years. The boutique is well known throughout the area for having outfits for all occasions, from casual wear to bridal and formal wear and caters for all sizes ranging from size 6-24. They endeavour to find their customers unique and different designs by supplying a variety of top labels and brands at competitive prices. 

Phone: (07) 3893 0161

Located: 98 Glenora St, Wynnum

Destiny Chic

Destiny Chic are a unique business in Brisbane that offer a wide range of custom-made formal dresses. You can either choose from their in-house collection or email them with the dream dress you want. They can make it fit perfectly for you. Almost all of the styles featured on their website are real dresses worn by real customers for their formal and wedding, so you can see how well their dresses fit.    

Phone: 0425 408 093

Located: 488 Ipswich Rd, Annerley

The Bridal Company

Although their name suggests it is all about weddings, The Bridal Company has a fantastic selection of formal dresses too. You can browse their selection online and if you want to visit their showroom, a new one has just opened at Ormeau – a very quick drive from Brisbane.

Phone: (07) 5665 9436

Location: Unit 7/214 Lahrs Rd, Ormeau

The Wardrobe

The Wardrobe offers formal dress hire and sales from their boutique store in Bald Hills. With sales sections under $300, this team can get you the perfect dress for a reasonable price or give you the option to hire a formal dress!

Phone: 0434 919 040

Location: 17b Bald Hills Rd, Bald Hills

After 5

After 5 are a Brisbane-based family business, aiming to provide quality designer gowns for over 30 years. No matter your budget, they will do everything they can to accommodate you, including payment plans. 

Phone:  (07) 3808 4099

Located: 1/130 Kingston Rd, Underwood

Myers

Myers is always a great retail chain to check out as it carries a lot of stock, has numerous stores around Brisbane and will cater for designer brands and brands that are not so expensive. Always worth having a look as you can find your perfect dress here.

Formal Dresses Brisbane Hire

Hiring is becoming increasingly popular and is a brilliant way to get the designer dress of your dreams at only a fraction of the price. Most kids will only wear their formal dress once and are more likely fall in love with a design that is more expensive than you would like. Hiring a dress will solve all of this and the below stores specialise in it.

All the Dresses

All The Dresses brings all the designer clothing available for hire online in Australia into one beautiful website. With over 7,000 items listed from 23 reputable Australian clothing hire companies, you’re sure to find the perfect dress for your occasion. If there is a dress to hire, it will be on this site too.

O.N.S. Boutique

One Night Stand Boutique stocks a variety of stunning dresses from Australia’s top designers, including brands that are not available anywhere else – all of which are available for you to hire. Their hire collection includes leading Australian designers; Thurley, Stephanie Chehade, Zimmermann, D’Lelle, Ae’lkemi, Ixiah, Lexi, Elle Zeitoune, Bec & Bridge, Nicholas, Camilla, Talulah, Winona, and Nookie.

Phone:  0411 966 522

Located: 1a/53 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe

Dress for a Night

Dress for a Night is based in Sydney but has a straightforward and organised hire set up for Brisbane. Catering for sizes 4 – 18, they stock over 1300 dresses from more than 25 Australian and International designers. They offer next-day delivery within Australia and have a fantastic ‘backup dress option’, which allows you to get 80% off your second outfit when you hire two at once.

Phone: (02) 8904 0635

The Wardrobe

The Wardrobe offers formal dress hire and sales from their boutique store in Bald Hills. With sales sections under $300, this team can get you the perfect dress for a reasonable price or give you the option to hire it!

Phone: 0434 919 040

Location: 17b Bald Hills Rd, Bald Hills

Designer Night

Designer Night gives you access to over 200 designer garments. For over five years, they have been adding to their collections to give customers a wide range of choices in several different designer brands, cuts, colours and sizes. You can order online or contact them to view the dresses at their showroom. Designer Night is at a residential address, so bookings are essential.  

Phone: 0488 141 419

Location: 24 Ascot Crescent, Samford Valley

The Volte

Borrowers at The Volte will only need to fill out and sign-up to open an account and search for a dress hire. You can refine your search by viewing and selecting options for available sizes, designer brands, colours and rental period. You also need to choose when you would like your dress hire to be delivered. To avoid inconvenience, you can book a request in advance and lock in that perfect outfit hire as early as you like. One thing to note, though, is that as you are sourcing a dress from other people who have registered their clothes on the site, you are not allowed to make any alterations.

Style Theory

Style Theory’s Brisbane Dress Hire service gives you access to an endless designer wardrobe for a fraction of the retail price. With thousands of Australian and international styles to choose from, you can hire dresses from the likes of Zimmermann, Love Shack Fancy and Misha. Whether looking for the perfect formal dress in Brisbane or casual styles for your weekend cocktail hour, they’ve got you covered.

Phone: 0450 192 824

Your Closet

With over 1000 designer dresses and accessories for hire, Your Closet is the perfect solution for women in Brisbane to access luxury designer fashion for a fraction of the retail price. They offer next-day delivery to anywhere within Brisbane’s CBD and allow you to browse over 2000 designer dresses and gowns. Just reserve your favourite online and get it delivered to your door. The dress is yours for 4 or 8 days and comes with accidental damage insurance. 

Phone: (02) 5551 6146

Dress Hire AU

Dress Hire AU doesn’t have a Brisbane store, but they offer express shipping Australia-wide to ensure you receive your dress as quickly as possible. If you are in between sizes or can’t decide which style you prefer, you can also add a backup dress to your order for just $15!

Phone:  (03) 7001 2690

Her Style AU

Her Style offers next-day delivery for you to hire dresses in Brisbane. Rent designer clothes from your favourite labels, with over 500 dresses from over 25 international and Australian designers, across sizes 6 to 16.   Her Style offer Stylist assistance via chat, phone, email, or in-store and they do recommend chatting with one of our stylists before you place your order, to get the correct size. If your item doesn’t fit right, they have easy returns or exchanges to bring you the right outfit for your next event.

Formal Dresses Brisbane Online

There are so many online options nowadays, but the ones below are based in Australia (some in Brisbane), making delivery and dealing so much easier.

One Honey Boutique

The One Honey Boutique website acts as a Catalog of available styles; some items are in stock now, some are made to order and some are pre-order; it depends on the style and size you want. Please ensure you check stock with the store before ordering online, as all orders need to be approved by them first. They do have a showroom at the Gold Coast if you want to check out what stock they have and try anything on.

Phone: (07) 5602 6610

Located: 2/40 Bundall Rd, Bundall QLD 4217

Noodz Boutique

Based in Australia, Noodz Boutique carry a carefully selected range of long formal dresses under their own label NBLUXE, Portia and Scarlett and Tina Holly. Some of their formal dresses are designed in-house and exclusive only to Noodz Boutique. With overnight delivery Australia-wide available for most of their formal gowns, you can be stress-free knowing your dress will arrive in time for your special day or night.

Phone: 1300 207 177

As I Am Fashion

As I Am Fashion, an online retailer of designer plus size fashion, was founded by Shannon Baird in 2009. The mission of As I Am Fashion is to promote confidence to its beautiful curvaceous customers. They supply fashionable, top-quality clothing designed specifically for the fuller figure. As I Am Fashion currently stocks sizes 14-36. The As I Am Fashion Showroom is now open for private appointments. You are welcome to try on in-stock items, have a stylist consultation and have a free measuring service if needed.

Phone: 0450 179 414

Location: 1/12 Velox Cct, Upper Coomera

Beginning Boutique

Beginning Boutique sources dresses locally and brings them together in one space for a reasonable price. Their head office is in Fairfield, Brisbane, which makes buying online a lot easier, knowing they will be easy to contact.

Phone: 0413 028 685

Tania Olsen Designs

Tania Olsen Designs is an Australian-based label that crafts timeless yet modern pieces for every occasion. They have been creating formal dresses for more than 15 years and have dresses available in sizes AU 2-40 on their online site.  

House of Troy

House of Troy is an online-only boutique that offers a range of affordable graduation gowns to suit any budget. Their online shop has over 1,000 designer dresses in stock from sizes 4-24, with prices starting at just $199.00. 

Phone: 0479 192 441

That’s So Fetch

That’s So Fetch is an Australian store that stocks a vast range of formal dresses. They have a Victoria-based store, but you can get your desired dress in Brisbane within a day or two.

FM Formal Wear

FM Formal Wear is based in the Redcliffe Peninsula, Queensland. They are a family owned and run business and love to bring a bit of colour into your formal style. If you want to make a time to come & see their range of products, please call to make a booking.

Phone: 0424 748 208 

Located: 180 Lakeview Promenade, Newport, 4019

ASOS

Duchess Boutique

Although their store is in Victoria, Duchess Boutique has all its dresses online. Feel free to peruse their formal dresses online and know that if it is in stock, they should arrive in Brisbane pretty within a few days once sent. They do offer an exchange if you are not happy within seven days.

Phone: 03 9381 4446

Location: 529-521 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC

Glam Corner

Access an endless designer wardrobe with GlamCorner. Choose from their extensive selection of designer styles and hire dresses that are perfect for your next Brisbane event. Online Retailer.

Spoilt for choices, hopefully, your daughter will be able to find their dream formal dress in no time at all! And with that stress out of the way, they can then concentrate on making sure they have the most memorable night ever and you can work on hopefully not shedding too many proud tears.