Kids are always on the lookout for new things to learn about and understand. A day trip to Newstead House in the heart of Brisbane provides a window into our colonial history that kids can experience in a hands on way, as well as the opportunity to take in the gorgeous park surroundings and to relax with a picnic by the Brisbane River.

What is Newstead House?

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.

You can read more about the fascinating history of Newstead house here.

While many locals have driven past or even visited on a school excursion many years ago, Newstead House is 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.

What is at Newstead House for the kids?

Visiting an old house full of old furniture doesn’t seem like something that kids would find exciting, and this is a mistake that is easily made. Our visit with two 4 year olds and two 6 year olds was exciting and enthralling thanks to the energized vigour kids have for things that are new, even when they are really really old.

The top level of the house consists of all the rooms as they would have been back in 1846, with elegant furniture and furnishings including clothing, crockery, bathing jugs and bowls and tools. Once they got over their initial shock, the kids became enraptured by the idea of living without a television or computer. They lovingly oohed and aahed at the lace covered dolls, the wooden toys and the very strange looking bath and toilet! The separate dining areas for children and grown-ups generated lots of questions about what families did together in “the olden days”, and sparked their interest in what it would have been like to be a kid back then.

The downstairs part of the house, now lovingly referred to as “The Dungeon”, was dark and rustic, with a kitchen full of fascinating tools and equipment for food preservation and preparation. The huge wagon wheels resting against the wall were a great conversation starter for how people would have been able to get around in the days before there were cars.

Make a day of it

Newstead House is on a prime spot of the Brisbane River, just outside the Valley/Teneriffe precinct. It is located in Newstead Park, which is a popular spot for weddings, picnics and even corporate training days. It is connected to the new Gasworks precinct, Teneriffe and New Farm café and shopping and New Farm Park via the bike path along the river.

There are some mazes, a funny mirror and an Alice in Wonderland garden to explore on the grounds, as well as gorgeous flowering gardens and a fish pond where the resident gold fish will tickle and nibble your fingers.

Newstead House Location, Opening Hours and Admission

Newstead House is located at Newstead Park, on the corner of Breakfast Creek Road and Newstead Ave, Newstead. You can park for free in the park driveway or explore other transport options on their website.

Opening Hours

Mondays: Closed

Tuesdays – Fridays: 10am-4pm

Saturdays: Private Events Only

Sundays: 2pm-5pm.

Admission Charges

Adult $9

Child (under 15) $6

Concession $6

Family (two adults + two children) $20

Guided Tours: $ 12 per person minimum of 20 participants