Brisbane Travel Forum

hi, we are staying in brisbane at the hillcrest in southbank in july for 2 nights, we have 2 chidren ages 10 and 4, does any one have any ideas where we could take the children. ialso would like to know of a good quality family friendly restaurant in the same area?

I have plenty of ideas but you will see when you get there everything is at your door step. Southbank is full of things to do. Here are just a couple I am sure others can give you more.
1. Southbanks man made beach is great for kids (and generally it should be warm enough to swim)
2.Get a zone 1-2 daily ticket for the ferries and cruise around the river(cheap)Hop on and off and different stops like newfarm, hamilton etc.
3.musuem and art gallery very close to your accom.
4.Walk around to the KangarooPoint cliffs for a picnic or rock climb
5.Walk across the foot bridge into Brisbane and explore the Botantical gardens.
6. Heaps of good resteraunts at southbank.
These are just a few ideas all very close to where you are(waliking distance)

If you want to venture further for a day trip. Try Australia Zoo on the sunshine Coast. Take a train to Landsborough station and the Zoo bus picks you up from there.Kids will love it. Train station also walking distance from accomm.

Have fun
Julie-Anne

I'll add to that good list, a river trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

You couldn't have picked a better place to stay. As both previous posters have indicated, it is all there in front of you. My favourite "cheapie" restaurant at Southbank is Chez Laila. You can get a variety of Lebanese food but also burgers and chips etc. for the kids. It is licensed and house wine is only about $4 per glass. At Chez Laila you can sit out on the veranda and overlook the river, it's especially beautiful at night. You'll find it on the boardwalk at Southbank 3 Ferry terminal. If you go along to the Kangaroo Point cliffs, you will come across the RiverLife Centre where you can hire kayaks, bikes, rollerblades and just about anything else you might fancy for an afternoon in the great outdoors. And don't forget to wander along from your hotel to the Cliffs at night to watch the rockclimbers and abseilers doing their thing. It's good enteratainment while you eat a barbecue dinner on the river.

There's always something on at Southbank, as the other posters indicated. I'd add a stroll through Roma Street Parklands, which is next to the Roma Street Station, a short stroll across the Victoria Bridge. It is stunning and the ideal location for some quality family time.
Some nice cityscape views from the Kangaroo Point cliffs and BBQ facilties within the Parklands and below the cliffs. South Bank Corporation policy allows the consumption of liquor at the BBQ huts with the proviso it is accompanied by a substantial meal (in other words using the BBQ). So you can take a bottle of wine with your meal (up to 8pm).
A word of caution: there has been some trouble with homeless youths in the area, particularly later at night. Avoid groups of youths hanging around and asking people for cigarettes etc.
The library has a cosy childrens section and wifi for the adults.
Another good family restaurant is West End Gardens in Melbourne Street.
You have two rail stations within close proximity: South Brisbane and South Bank Rail.
Have a great time!
Hope you have a great time!