Southbank is lovely indeed and there are some great free water parks like Robelle Domain Parklands and Wynnum water/whale park

Southbank is great. Brisbane waterways. Just get out and wander around and have a look, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find

movies, shopping, The wheel of Brisbane at Southbank, Max Brenner Chocolate Cafe at Southbank, The Science Centre and Museum just next to Southbank (short walk across a bridge from the CBD), Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) often has cool exhibits for kids too

Southbank – great markets and a man-made beach! Brisbane River – an enjoyable walk with great views. CityCat Ferry – a fabulous ride up and down the river. Roma Street Parkland – a beautiful haven away from the hustle and bustle, with a great variety of trees and plants. City Botanic Gardens – loads of wildlife.

Southbank is the way to go!

I’d also suggest Southbank Beach. It’s been a little while since we visited Brisbane, but I remember visiting the beautiful botanic gardens and southbank, catching a ferry on the river and checking out the museums in town.

There is lots to do with kids practically in the CBD. I would suggest making a trip to Southbank, on Sundays they have markets in addition to the lovely lagoon/man-made beach and there are lots of lovely cafes including Max Brenners (if you love chocolate) and San Churros (if you love chocolate and Churros) and many more. It can be a little pricey on food, etc but the beach is obviously free and you also have the Maritime Museum nearby and there are often events and buskers too. Also at Southbank you have the cinemas with a huge iMax screen. Public transport is super easy, just go to the nearest train station and you can literally go straight to Southbank.
There is also the Roma St Parklands- all you need to do is get off the train at Roma St station for those and it’s literally a matter of walking to the end of the station (past where the stairs for platform 8 are) and then going up the stairs where the long distance platform is and crossing the road and then up the stairs again. There is a nice (but pricey) café there as well and it’s just a huge and beautiful garden where there are lots of water dragons running wild as well as ducks and fish in the ponds, and there is also a trackless train that takes you on a tour through the gardens. It’s a great place for a picnic.
If you can get out there, there is a great park at Ipswich, again it’s just a train ride away, only about 45min, and then the park would be within walking distance (1-2km). It is about the biggest and best playground in Brisbane, and the best part is that there is a free ‘zoo’ with a collection of Australian animals and farm animals. You could easily spend a whole afternoon or morning there and if you like Indian across the road on Limestone St, near Godfreys there is a great Indian restaurant- the best I’ve found so far in Brisbane.

South bank beach

I was told about a great website to check out for when we visit the area. It’s called brisbanekids.com.au Worth having a look & seeing what’s on.