If you find yourself with a bit of time to kill during either a stopover in Brisbane or on a short stay, it might be helpful to know which fun things are located close to the airport. Helpful when you don’t want to go too far or are staying nearby, below is a list of some of the best ways to entertain your family without venturing too far from Brisbane Airport.
DFO Shopping
It’s got the duty-free price tag but at a much larger (and more inviting) shopping centre, all within minutes of the Brisbane airport. DFO Brisbane is the best place to head if you are looking for a bit of retail therapy at discounted prices. Even better – the DFO Tourism Passport enables domestic and international visitors to access exclusive offers and discounts. You can drive there in minutes from the airport or – if you are needing to head back – grab the free Airport Skygate Transfer Bus from either terminal. Shop till you drop and grab a bite to eat too.
Address: 18th Ave, Brisbane Airport
Urban Xtreme
Looking to stretch those legs after sitting on a long-haul flight? Urban Xtreme, located only a short 5 minutes drive from the airport, is the ultimate indoor adventure playground for kids. Spoilt for choice, kids can spend hours running between the ten different activities on offer here including their Ninja Warrior Course, rock climbing walls, snow sport simulation rides, trampolines, dodgeball, laser tag and more!
Address: 4/370 Nudgee Rd, Hendra
Golf Central BNE Mini Golf
Located right beside the Brisbane Airport, Golf Central BNE is a wonderful family-friendly venue with plenty of different activities to discover. The ‘Round the World’ themed mini golf course has 18 holes to putt your way around, with water features, rolling greens, and ricochets adding a fun challenge to the game. Afterwards, you can test your swing on the driving range or enjoy a meal at the clubhouse.
Address: 40 The Circuit, Skygate
North-side Playgrounds
Hercules Street Park Hamilton
If you are looking for a playground where the kids can jump, climb, swing and slide while you watch on with a coffee, then you are in luck. Several incredible playgrounds are located close to the airport and cater for all ages and abilities. To save you time we have done up a list of parks near the Brisbane airport, but if you have a little more time it might be worth checking out our full Brisbane playground directory too.
Northshore Riverside Park
Just a short distance from the Brisbane airport lies the newly developed riverside attraction, Northshore Riverside Park. Home to a pirate-themed playground, a small beach, a park with BBQ and sculptures, a cycle path and walkways as well as a delightful cafe, this area is the perfect place for a family to unwind when they have been travelling for a while. Peaceful, relaxing, and with gorgeous riverside views to boot, it’s a small journey but will feel like you are miles away from anywhere.
Address: 305 Macarthur Avenue, Northshore, Hamilton
Eat Street Markets, Northshore
Image thanks to Brisbane Marketing
After a busy day of travelling one of the last things you want to do is decide what to eat for dinner – especially when you are not sure what is on offer in the area. For this reason, the Eat Street Markets in Hamilton would be our pick of places to visit near the airport – even if you aren’t that hungry! Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the markets are a treasure trove of good food, drinks and live entertainment. With over 70 speciality mini restaurants, bars, produce stores and two stages for live entertainment, you will get your fill and more on a trip here with the family.
Address: 221D Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton
Nudgee Beach
Not quite the glittering white sands of the Gold or Sunshine Coast, but Nudgee Beach is the closest beach to the airport and has a lot to offer for someone looking for activities nearby. Aside from the sand and water aspect, Nudgee Beach is bordered to the north and west by the Boondall Wetlands. Here you will find plenty of walking tracks, wildlife and a great environmental centre. Nudgee Beach also has a great playground for the kids to enjoy.
Address: Fortitude Street, Nundah
Go Karting
If you are looking for a bit of an adrenalin rush then you may want to check out Slideways Indoor Go Karting at Eagle Farm. Catering for all ages, the centre has a multi-level 425m track that crosses bridges, an all-weather outdoor loop, and a sweeper. There are also Cadet & Intermediate karts for children aged seven and over. An easy 5-minute drive from the airport makes this a great option for any family to kill time on a layover.
Address: 2870 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm
Tom’s Confectionary Warehouse
Do you have a sweet tooth? Tom’s Confectionary Warehouse will help satisfy it in a BIG way with its giant store filled from floor to ceiling with every delight you could need. The kids will think they have died and gone to heaven as they wander the isles and take in the marvellous sweet scent. You may need more time here than you think though as the options are endless! It holds a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Pick and Mix!
Address: Unit 4/358 Nudgee Rd, Hendra
If you have a little longer in Brisbane you may also be interested in:
Fun Activities in Brisbane with Kids
11 Brisbane Heritage Sites To Visit With Kids
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