If you have a few days to spend in Brisbane city with the family, then the Cultural Precinct area, including South Bank Parklands, is an awesome spot to spend your time in this warm, friendly and relaxed Australian city.
Brisbane - a relaxed Australian city
The
Cultural Precinct area is accessible by bus and train services. It is also well located on the river and it is an easy walk from one cultural icon to another. Several key places of interest are all in close proximity to one another. In fact, we loved the area so much we returned for a second day and still felt that we could've seen and done more.
Free entry makes this museum a worthwhile stop
We literally stepped off the bus, took the elevator up to the central walkway and got all of about 200m before we just had to stop. The Queensland Museum is impossible to bypass because, firstly, it has free entry and secondly, my boys love anything to do with fossils, bones, science and both prehistoric and modern-day animals.
The free entry into the museum enables you to explore various levels of exhibits - including the Wild State Gallery, Discovery centre, Otherworlds (temporary art exhibition; Visions of our Solar System) and the Lost Creatures section. These have interesting displays and there is loads to see throughout these areas. Ask staff at the front desk if there are any special talks organised by any of the curators on the day.
Interactive sciencentre
When we were there the Museum had organised special talks and some other cool activities as part of National Science Week. The
Young Scientists of Australia (Brisbane branch) had an interactive table manned by young friendly scientists who were on hand to engage young kids and involve them in some fascinating science experiments. If you are interested to find out more about YSA please like their Facebook page (YSABris), or click on their website
here.
YSA also have branches in most states and are aimed at 14-25 year olds, hosting science shows, demonstrations, science camps and other social events for young science lovers.
Loads of cool interactive science experiments
Fees apply for entry to the Sciencentre and Mathamazing (a range of interactive activities developed by Questacon and only available until early September 2017).
We loved the Sciencentre section of the museum. Partly because it had so many hands-on activities from; illusion secrets to some cool science discoveries such a; creating a whirlpool, seeing gravity in action, controlling a charge of lightening and using the energy from our hands to power a battery. There were lots of practical useful learning tools which were interactive without the need for digital technology.
Simple, easy, effective and hours of fun. I found myself just as excited as the kids running from one exhibit to another and was also keen to try them all out myself.
Cost: Adults 14.50, Children 11.50 Family 44.50.
My Museum members free
Click
here for more information.
Brisbane Gladiators
The Gladiator exhibition is currently on show until 28 January 2018. According to the museum staff, the exhibition is aimed at older kids given the nature of the exhibit. We decided not to view the exhibition but for more information, click
here.
Entry fees apply; Adult $18, Child $12 (3-15 years) or family ticket $55
Galleries galore
Kids exhibitions
Wander past the museum and you come across The Queensland State Library which includes a free interactive level for young people. For more information about what's on at the Library for kids, click
here .
Excited to see the first ever Marvel exhibition
Moving along and you come to the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art). At the time of our visit, the highlight of my kids Cultural Precinct experience was attending the
Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe exhibition.
The current exhibition suitable for children, which runs from 4 Nov 2017 - 11 Feb 2018, is the work of Yayoi Kusama, titled
Life is the Heart of a Rainbow. This free exhibition features the exciting work of the Japanese artist who is an international phenomenon through her fascinating art. Click on the this
link to find out more about what's on at the GoMA.
GoMA fun for kids
To book in for an arty Toddler Tuesday session, click
here to find out more.
Southbank Parklands
Best of all is the Southbank Parklands area by the river. Stroll along the theatre precinct, past the Brisbane Hollywood sign and the iconic Big Wheel until you come across a welcome city sight - a true oasis in the cultural heart of Brisbane.
Cool Southbank Parklands
Southbank is divine. As a Melbournite, I'm jealous that we don't have same outdoor FREE swimming, sunbathing and cool spaces even though we have a 'Southbank' locality.
Southbank is the ultimate family and kids play space. Choose from the sandy beach play area or the refreshing blue lagoon complete with palm trees overlooking the open and inviting waters. The pools are free, clean, well maintained, supervised by lifeguards and open til late.
Take your pick - sandy beach or blue lagoon?
The area is complete with various food/drink stalls surrounding the lagoon and sits alongside the Riverside playground. The playground has some great play and climbing structures and it is easily a locale you can spend an afternoon or a whole family day out. Thank you Brisbane.
If you still are itching to do more while in the area – jump on a ferry for an affordable river ride. Click
here for more information.
Speaks for itself
