Below is a list of some of the best natural attractions around Brisbane. Undoubtedly, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, in a city and on a coastline that is literally bursting with natural beauty and wonders. Within a stroll or short drive from our doorstep, this beautiful pocket of the world we call home is also where you can find many hidden gems waiting to be explored and admired.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Lookout, Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane (west of the city)
Brisbane Lookout at scenic Mt Coot-tha is a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking views day and night.
The lookout has been in operation for over a century, yet there is so much more on offer than just the amazing views. J.C. Slaughter Falls within the Mt Coot-tha Reserve offers a natural setting for picnics and BBQs and plenty of walking tracks to suit all fitness levels.
A short drive down from the lookout is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, recognised as Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens. The Brisbane Planetarium is also just next door to these gardens, so this 3 stop journey is such a wonderful day out for families.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook
Gold Coast Hinterland
Imagine thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland
Springbrook National Park is a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area with spectacular scenery, beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views and amazing wildlife.
One of the most stunning and popular sights of Springbrook National Park is Natural Bridge — a beautiful natural arched cave through whose ceiling a sparkling waterfall tumbles like a cascade of a million droplets of light. It is a magical sight to behold, and the Natural Bridge Circuit is a great bushwalk to do with kids to explore the beautiful rainforest setting and visit this stunning natural wonder.
The walk will immerse you into the breathtaking forest, where you can look out for skinks and lace monitors, beautiful rainforest birds and even pademelons. You can also go inside the cave, where you can spot glow worms at night!
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Brisbane CBD (South of the River)
If you are looking for an experience that is a bit more action-packed, you will find no shortage of activities at Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The area is renowned for the amazing abseiling and rock climbing opportunities that it has on offer.
Not only will visitors to Brisbane get a thrill out of climbing or descending the cliffs, but they’ll get an uninterrupted view of Brisbane from atop the 20m high cliffs. After finishing your climb, you can take advantage of the barbecues at the base of the cliffs and relax by the river bank.
Cedar Creek Falls, Tamborine Mountain
Scenic Rim
One of the most delightful walks in the Tamborine area is the Cedar Creek Falls Track (1.1 km return), which explores the creek’s various cascades, rock pools, flora and fauna.
At first glance, you will know exactly why the falls are one of the most popular things to do at Mount Tamborine. These breathtaking natural freshwater pools are surrounded by an impressive amphitheatre of rock formations and lined by lush tropical rainforest filled with Strangler Figs and towering Cedar Trees.
Access to the CedarCreek lagoons is easy via sloped rock shelves, though care does need to be taken as they are often slippery.
Feel free to immerse yourself and explore the different pools and waterfalls as they flow steadily down the canyon, trickling over rocks and weaving amongst boulders.
Filling the large rock pool at the base is a natural waterfall that runs all year round but is most spectacular in the wet season. When the rains have come, the falls are thunderous in their descent, and it’s magical to sit behind them as it falls magnificently around you.
D’Aguilar National Park
The Moreton Bay Region
D’Aguilar is a national park in Queensland, Australia, 31 km northwest of Brisbane. The southern part of the park was formerly known as Brisbane Forest Park, while the northern part is at Mount Mee.
The park contains expanses of eucalypt woodland, sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforest, remote gorges and spectacular views of Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains. South D’Aguilar, formerly Brisbane Forrest Park, is made up of Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious, Mt Mee and surrounding areas.
The area combines historical interest sites, geological phenomena and plenty of walking tracks with awesome views! The Mt Nebo, Mount Glorious and Samford areas boast some of the best freshwater swimming spots in greater Brisbane. Cedar Creek, below Mt Glorious, Stony Creek, Mt Nebo, and Rocky Hole in Mt Mee all boast crystal clear streams of varying depths, ideal for Brisbane Kids to cool off.
King Island
Redlands
A definite bucket list item to experience with your Brisbane kids is the unique sea walk between King Island and Wellington Point at low tide. Also featuring a popular waterside playground and impressive climbing trees. Visitors to Wellington Point will benefit from checking the tidal conditions first as it’s only as the waters ebb to their lowest point that the natural sand walkway stretching between the point and King Island, situated about 1km offshore, is revealed.
Although the island is small, this experience is all about the journey. The 2km round trip is suitable for all ages. It is much loved by kids as the retreating waters leave behind a pathway usually littered with various marine life, such as curling shells and small mud crabs just waiting to be discovered.
Timing your trip for when the low tide falls close to sunrise promises you a spectacular view and a prime car spot.
Roma Street Parklands
Brisbane CBD (NOth
Roma Street Parklands is in the heart Brisbane City and is an amazing place to visit with your Brisbane Kids. Spread generously over 16 hectares, its lush green lawns, flower gardens, forests, lakes and playgrounds are only some of its features. You can easily spend a full day of family fun and exploration there, discovering all it offers.
The Spectacle Gardens are a beautiful display of finely manicured plants. From exotic subtropical species to rows of brightly flowering favourites set amongst hedges, water features and sculptures, it is a stunning display and will surely keep everyone happy.
Fern Gully is a short walk through a cool rainforest environment. Your children will love the towering ferns and waterfalls. See how many Water Monitor Lizards they can spot on the trees and rocks. The lake is home to many bird and reptile species; it is fenced and has BBQs and seating beside it.
We are lucky to live where we do, with many natural attractions around Brisbane. With so much natural beauty on our doorstep, there is no excuse not to get out and explore all our natural world has to offer.
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