Secret Brisbane – 5 Places or Activities You’ve Never Heard About!

With a population of more than 2.1 million and growing, you could be excused for thinking that there are no “secret spots” left in Brisbane.
However, we’ve uncovered five hidden gems that you probably don’t know about, and are perfect destinations or activities for Brisbane families.

1. Bunya Crossing Reserve – Secret waterhole and picnic area

Just past the northern Brisbane suburb of Ferny Hills is the Bunya Crossing Reserve at the end of Dugandan Road, Bunya. This is a great spot for a swim or a canoe in this accessible patch of the South Pine River. Kids will also love catching little fish in nets and running around in the open green spaces. There are picnic tables, a gas BBQ, a toilet and plenty of car parking space. You can also walk up or downstream of the river along the recreational trails. The reserve is closed at sunset and opens again at sunrise.

For more waterholes near Brisbane, check out  White Cedar Creek and Cedar Creek Falls reviews.

2. IndigiScapes at Redlands

There is a lot to love about IndigiScapes at Redlands and we are always surprised how little people know about it. It is an environmental educational centre boasting a Discovery Centre, native nursery, café, gift shop, native botanical gardens, nature trails, and a playground for children. What is so fantastic about it, is how hands-on it is; the discovery centre, in particular, is extremely engaging for kids. Their playground is nature play based and the entire outdoor space has a lovely whimsical feel to it. They do host workshops from time to time and also events throughout the year. 

Check out our Directory of Brisbane playgrounds for more local parks with playgrounds.

3. Coochiemudlo Island – Brisbane’s secret island getaway

Day trippers and holidaymakers regularly visit the islands off the coast of Brisbane, especially the popular Moreton Island.  

A lesser known and lesser frequented one is Coochiemudlo Island. With three sandy beaches and calm, clear water; this island is a quiet haven for families. Simply take a ferry from the Victoria Point jetty (running every thirty minutes from 5am until 11.30pm) and 10 minutes later you’re landing on Coochiemudlo. 

A regular barge service is also available if you wish to take your vehicle or boat across the bay. However, there is really no need as the island is only about a kilometre across and the beach areas are next to the jetty and barge ramp.

Instead, take bicycles and cycle around the small island to find a secluded spot to call your own, or hire bikes or a tinnie or BBQ boat once on the island from Coochie Boat & Bike Hire. Picnic or purchase food from the Coochie Kiosk. The three beaches also have barbecue, toilet and shower facilities, and the main beach is patrolled by the Surf Lifesaving Association. The island is also a great spot for fishing, with species such as Bream, Whiting, Flathead, Flounder, Tailor, Cod, and Snapper found in the surrounding waters. We also appreciate the addition of the Coochiemudlo Playground which gives younger Brisbane Kids something additional to do while you are on the Island. 

4. Brisbane Public Harvest – Secret spots for foraging free food

Here’s a unique idea for a weekend activity with the kids – foraging for free food in Brisbane’s public spaces. Don’t be concerned; we’re not talking about going through rubbish bins for leftovers. A Brisbane local, who goes by the user name of ‘Horst’ has created a google map called Edible Brisbane that shows the location of edible fruit trees on public land. It provides an extensive list, with directions, to hidden Brisbane locations where you can find mangos, guavas, avocados, passionfruit, mulberries and many more fruits begging to be picked and enjoyed.

You can also add to this list if you stumble across something edible growing in your local area on public property. Falling Fruit, another website that lists free food that can be foraged in urban areas(search under Brisbane) and also has an excellent list of fruit trees that can be accessed by the public for free. We also wrote an article on where to pick fruit in Brisbane that might interest you. 

5. Café Lagarto – Secret spot for food, plants and animals

Driving past, you would never guess what’s behind the gates at the Lifestyle Centre in Samford Valley. Cafe Lagarto is a highlight for delicious food and drink, while there are also a number of shops, plant nursery, fenced playground, and a farmyard walk, which is always popular with the kids. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch, including a yummy kids menu and plenty of seasonal treats for everyone in the family. 

Now that we’ve uncovered Brisbane’s best-kept secrets, they might not stay secret for much longer! Add to our list and share your family’s secret spot with us. You may also like to look at our Fun Activities in Brisbane for Kids for further inspiration, including 10 Brisbane Heritage Sites to Visit with Kids or the Brisbane Kids guide to Plane Spotting in Brisbane.