11 Brisbane Heritage Sites To Visit With Kids

Brisbane Kids love getting out and about, visiting new places and learning new things, so why not combine that with a touch of local history and culture by visiting one of these awesome Brisbane Heritage sites?

1. Boondall Wetlands

Long before Brisbane became Brisbane, it was Mian-jin to the original Indigenous inhabitants. Kids can learn more about this amazing Aboriginal cultural heritage by following the Nurri Millen Totem Trail at Boondall Wetlands. Along the trail, kids can spot the cast aluminium totems that reveal how the clans used the wetlands and their amazing array of flora and fauna. They will also enjoy exploring the tracks, boardwalk and bikeway, wildlife spotting and bird watching, going for a picnic at the picnic area and visiting the Conservation Centre for informative displays and activities.

31 Paperbark Drive, Boondall | Open: Mon-Sun, 9am-4pm | Cost: Free

2. Commissariat Store

The Commissariat Store is the perfect place for Brisbane Kids to learn about the origins of the city in which they live. This heritage building is the second oldest building (after the Windmill on Wickham Terrace) in Queensland. It dates back to 1829 when it was built by convict labour. Nowadays, it has a museum with exhibitions relating to the building’s history and interesting models of the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement, the location of which went on to become the city of Brisbane.

115 William Street, Brisbane | Open Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm | Cost: Adults $10, School Students $5, Family (2A + 2C) $20

3. Fort Lytton National Park

What you should know: Fort Lytton is a coastal fortification that was built in 1881. It served as Brisbane’s first line of defence from 1881 to the 1930s and is widely accredited as the birthplace of Queensland’s military history.

What Brisbane Kids need to know: Cannons (and cannon firing on the first Sunday of ever month); grassy knolls to run around on; rooms, tunnels and passages to explore; large military vehicles and equipment; gun posts and more!

There is also a museum, a lovely picnic are, guided tours are available and there are often special events and festivals held here.

South Street, Lytton | Open: every Sunday and most public holidays, 10am-4pm | Cost: Free

4. Caboolture Historical Village

Caboolture Historical Village is hands-on history that kids will love! Step back in time to a wonderfully recreated pioneer village set over 12 acres, with historic homes and buildings, from the general store and the village pottery to the old school and hospital — all set up as they would have been in the past and displaying a huge array of genuine artefacts. There are lots of hands-on activities, demonstrations like wood crafting, train rides, vintage cars and trucks, and a rainforest garden.

280 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture | Open: Daily, 9am-4pm | Cost: Adults $18, Children 6-16 years $10, Children under 6 years free

5. Brisbane City Hall

Built in the 1920s, this heritage listed building has lots of interesting things for Brisbane Kids to see and do. You can join a free guided tour of the building, take a ride up the City Hall clock tower (note: the clock does not chime at the weekend), visit the Museum of Brisbane and get a snack at one of the hall’s cafes. You could even follow your trip by attending one of the monthly family games nights held in King George Square.

64 Adelaide Street, City | Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm and Sat-Sun, 9am-5pm | Cost: Free

6. ANZAC Square

If you are in the city, it is definitely worth a visit to this Queensland heritage-listed square. The square is a memorial to armed service men and women and its main focal point is the Shrine of Remembrance, where the eternal flame serves as an engaging visual symbol for kids learning about remembrance for those who have fallen. There is also a crypt and war-related statues, and kids can practise their counting as they mount the steps to the shrine (19 steps in the first flight and 18 in the second), and the 18 columns of the shrine, both representing 1918 — the year of peace after World War I. The square is also a great place to stop for a picnic and some time out on a busy city day.

Between Ann Street and Adelaide Street, Brisbane City.

7. St Helena Island National Park

Located in Moreton Bay, just seven kilometres from Manly, St Helena Island is Queensland’s most historical island, where Queensland’s first high security prison operated for over sixty years from 1867. There are several tour options for visiting the island, where you can visit ruins of the penal establishment and other colonial structures, as well as a museum displaying artefacts and information about the history of the island from its Aboriginal beginnings to colonial Brisbane history. For adventurous Brisbane Kids, there is even a ghost tour of the island, for a spooky night time trip complete with ghost stories and a tour of the ruins and island cemetery by night!

8. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Parliament House and Old Government House

The Botanic Gardens are recognised for their historical and cultural significance. Dating back to 1828, they are a living museum of plant collections that can be explored on self-guided walks or guided tours. Kids will love getting out in the fresh air, seeing all the amazing plants, playing in the City Botanic Gardens Playground and feeding the ducks.

While at the gardens, you can also visit Parliament House and Old Government House. Still home to the State Parliament, Parliament House welcomes visitors who want see this historic public building and learn about the history and functions of Parliament, while Old Government House gives us a glimpse back to early colonial times and has a variety of interesting displays and kids can get hands-on with history with the interactive exhibits. Both offer tours, but times and availability need to be checked in advance.

Gardens Point, Brisbane City | Cost: Free

9. Newstead House

NOTE: Newstead House is currently closed to visitors, however there is still plenty to see from the outside and within the gardens.

Newstead House is an iconic Brisbane landmark that is rich with stories of our city’s history, including lavish parties and weddings dating back to 1846. It is a “Living Museum” which gives life to our history through activities, education programs, exhibitions and more. Newstead House is currently embarking on a new and innovative period that will help it become a cultural hub for all ages to enjoy and make it a new and exciting place for children and grown-ups alike.

Corner Breakfast Creek Road & Newstead Avenue, Newstead | Closed Mondays & Saturdays | Cost: Adults $9, Children under 15 years $6, Family $20 | Guided tours $12 per person (min. 20 participants)

10. Customs House

Located on the Brisbane River at Queen Street, Customs House was built in 1886 and replaced the less-grand Customs House at Petrie Blight. With every major port in Australia having a Customs House to collect customs and excise duties in the nineteenth century, Brisbane’s Customs House served an important role. This grand venue is now leased to the University of Queensland, serving as a space for university functions an activities in the city centre. The incredible Long Room, with its copper dome is a standout landmark in the Brisbane CBD.  A number of historical displays at Customs House give visitors more background on this historically important Brisbane location. Head to the Customs House website for a virtual tour, or visit in person (note: many spaces at Customs House are not open to the public, however Patina Restaurant and the reception area, as well as the outdoor spaces, are accessible.

399 Queen Street, Brisbane | Closed Public Holidays | Free

11. Beenleigh Historical Village & Museum

A visit to Beenleigh Historical Village is like stepping back in time. Set up as a village with heritage buildings to stroll through, including a school house, general store, council chambers and homes, the venue features examples of early Australian culture that have been preserved for future generations to marvel at. There is a lot for families to do here, with more than a dozen buildings and homesteads to explore, as well as a cafe and art gallery showcasing local artists.

205 Main Street, Beenleigh | Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-3pm (and last Sunday of the month 9am-3pm) | Cost: Adults $12, Children & students with an ID card $10 | Guided tours available

We hope your Brisbane Kids love exploring these sites and learning about Brisbane’s rich and interesting heritage!

Feature Image courtesy of Brisbane City Council.

For more heritage places to visit with Brisbane Kids, check out Zoos and Museums for lots of reviews of museums, heritage sites and other awesome attractions!