1. Undara Volcanic National Park

Heading to Cairns? Drive three hours west to Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can explore one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems, formed after a volcanic eruption nearly 200,000 years ago. Bird watch, take gentle bushwalks, enjoy a picnic surrounded by savanna woodland and stay the night in a restored railway carriage – the perfect Queensland family adventure.

2. Qantas Founders Museum

If you’ve got a budding pilot or aviation enthusiast in the family, a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum is a must. Based in the heart of Outback Queensland in Longreach, this one-of-a-kind museum is home to an impressive collection of historical aircraft and full-size replicas. 

3. Dinosaur Trail

Practising palaeontologist on-board? Take a trip to Outback Queensland’s Dinosaur Trail. Witness the only known evidence of a dinosaur stampede, stand in awe Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils, and fossick to find your own.

4. Cape Hillsborough National Park

Meet wild wallabies at sunrise on the beach, explore tidal pools, volcanic rock formations, and lush eucalypt forests at Cape Hillsborough National Park – a must-do for families near Mackay.

5. Natural Bridge

Springbrook National Park’s Natural Bridge is like stepping back in time, with ancient Gondwana rainforest weaved with walking trails that are not too challenging for little legs. Explore glow worm caves after dark – a magical rainforest experience not far from the Gold Coast.

6. Kuranda Scenic Railway

Hop aboard this heritage train from Cairns to Kuranda and see the Wet Tropics from an entirely different vantage point. Watch waterfalls, mountains, and rainforest roll past – a scenic ride kids will remember forever.

7. Bunya Mountains National Park

From ancient bunya pines to cascading waterfalls and jungle-like rainforest, Bunya Mountains National Park is perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and family picnics. BYO tent if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

8. Surf the sand dunes

Here we don't just surf waves, we surf sand dunes. From islands to the outback, there's plenty of spots to hit high speeds sandboarding. One of the best? Head to Birdsville and scale the famous ‘Big Red’ – an epic 40-metre high sand dune in the Simpson Desert. 

Wildlife & Animal Encounters

9. Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Take your eco-warriors to see sea turtles at Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg. It’s home to the largest nesting population on the Australian mainland, and one of the most rewarding things to do with kids in Queensland. The nesting season runs November to late March. For a chance to see the nests erupt with tiny turtles, January to March is the best time.

10. Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere

Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast is the whale watching capital of Australia, but you can also learn more about this pristine marine playground at the Discovery Sphere. Check out immersive exhibits and snap a photo with Nala, Hervey Bay’s 12-metre whale sculpture.

11. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Meet koalas, kangaroos, and other Aussie wildlife at Brisbane’s famous sanctuary, supporting vital conservation work.

12. Spot platypus at Eungella National Park

Mackay’s Eungella National Park’s Broken River is a platypus-spotting sanctuary, where, if you’re quiet, you might spy the shy marsupial in its natural habitat. It's perfect for day trips or overnight camping with the whole family. 

13. Lady Elliot Island

Perched on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is the place for kids to learn about our magnificent reef and its marine life. And if your kids don’t mind getting wet, it’s a great place to swim with turtles, spot manta rays and humpback whales (in season) too. Guided tours from resident marine biologists teach kids about conservation and the reef ecosystem.

14. Discover the underwater world from dry land

If you can’t make it out to the Great Barrier Reef visit Cairns Aquarium, the only aquarium in the world to exclusively showcase the aquatic wildlife from the region's two World Heritage-listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Down south, Sunshine Coast's SEA LIFE is home to the region's only colony of Little Blue Penguins. Wander through the 80m Ocean Tunnel to watch Grey Nurse Sharks swim past, and swing by the  Seal Presentation - ideal for families with younger kids.

15. Australia Zoo

This sprawling 1000-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to over 100 different animal species, as well as a dedicated team of conservationists and state-of-the-art animal hospital where you can watch in awe as vets save the lives of local wildlife. Want to hang out for longer? Book at night at the zoo's Crocodile Hunter Lodge. 

16. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Kids can hand feed ‘roos, interact with cheeky lemurs in the Lost Valley, watch eagles soar at the Free Flight Bird Show, or visit one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world. This is one of the best wildlife experiences for kids on the Gold Coast, and a must on every Gold Coast family itinerary. 

17. Rainforestation Nature Park

Looking for one of the best things to do with kids in Cairns? Just 30 minutes the CBD lies, Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on land and water, dive into the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with dance and Dreamtime activities, feed kangaroos and wallabies, and see jaw-dropping wildlife presentations.

18. Find incredible crocodile encounters

Eye off with one of the most fearedreptiles in the world – the estuarine (or saltwater crocodile) – in their natural habitat aboard Whitsunday Crocodile Safari’s River Runner. Over 150 of these prehistoric creatures call the Proserpine River home, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.

In Cairns, jump aboard Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see Saltwater Crocodiles up close and personal, or wander around more than 2500 metres of timber boardwalks to spot tropical birds, wallabies and reptiles.

Beach & Water Adventures

19. Streets Beach at South Bank

If you’re heading to Brisbane with your family, pack your swimmers. Streets Beach is a kid-friendly lagoon-style swimming spot at South Bank, ideal for families wanting to beat the city heat this summer with plenty of green space, playgrounds and places to grab a bite nearby too.

20. Tangalooma Island Resort

A short ferry ride from Brisbane, Tangalooma Island Resort on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is packed with water and land-based activities to keep kids busy from sunrise to sunset. Feed wild dolphins, snorkel wrecks, and toboggan down sand dunes - this family-friendly destination is one of the best things to do with kids in Queensland.

21. Hamilton Island

From Catseye Beach to mini golf, go-karts, and Great Barrier Reef tours, Hamilton Island in The Whitsundays is packed with family-friendly fun. Local tip: Your kids will love having breakfast with the koalas at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park.

22. Daydream Island

Daydream Island (a short ferry ride from Airlie Beach) is home to the only resort in Australia with a living reef. Kids can join the Junior Reef Program to learn about coral, visit the underwater observatory, or join the daily stingray feeding beside marine biologists. A giant lagoon pool with kids wading area awaits and you can kayak, SUP or snorkel from the beach. It's the ultimate family escape.

23. Tallebudgera Creek

This sweet spot is family favourite on the Gold Coast and one of the best free things to do with kids. Enjoy patrolled swimming, shaded picnic spots, and gentle conditions ideal for SUP, kayaking, or paddling with little ones. When hunger strikes, the nearby kiosk serves creek-side coffee, sweet treats, and kid-friendly snacks.

24. Fitzroy Island Resort

Headed to Cairns? Add Fitzroy Island to your itinerary. There's sheltered lagoons, fringing coral reef to explore and one of Australia’s best beaches – Nudey Beach. If you kids aren’t keen to go snorkelling, join a glass-bottomed boating tour to see the incredible marine life.

Thrills, Spills & Family Eats

25. Paronella Park

Kids will feel like they’ve stepped into a fairy tale when arriving at this century-old ruined Spanish castle set amongst acres of tropical rainforest. Explore the gardens, fountains and waterfalls, before throwing down a picnic blanket on the grass for lunch. 

26. Aussie World

No trip to or from the Sunshine Coast is complete without a pit stop at Aussie World. Let the little ones burn off some energy at the giant slides, mini golf, dodgems and thrill rides and tuck into some classic pub grub upstairs.

27. Eat Street Northshore

Round up your hungry kids when in Brisbane and sample your way through stalls serving everything from Japanese pizzas to Spanish-inspired paella at Eat Street Northshore. Save a little room for ice cream cronuts, candy floss creations and loaded donut fries. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and kids 12 years and under get in for free.

28. Wet ‘n’ Wild

A rite of passage for any Gold Coast kid growing up, Wet ‘N’ Wild is still as popular as it was when it first opened in the 80s. And while the thrill-factor has been turned up a notch, there’s still that balance of good-time nostalgia combined with crowd-pleasing fun for all ages. Book a cabana to spoil the family and have a shady spot to retreat to.

29. Ginger Factory, Yandina

Hop aboard the 118-year old ginger train, let kids run wild in the play zone, go on the interactive boat road, taste honey, and end with a ginger-inspired ice cream. A hands-on treat for all ages, entry is free for families, with a small fee for tours.

30. Gold Coast theme parks

The Gold Coast is famous for family fun, and its theme parks are a must on any list of top things to do with kids in Queensland. From sky-high coasters at Dreamworld to character cuddles at Movie World and up-close animal encounters at Sea World, there’s a theme park adventure to suit every family.