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Here in Queensland Country, we believe adventure is the spice of life, the fuel that feeds our wanderlust and fills our “cup”, right up to the brim.

And, Summer school holidays are the perfect time to grab the kids, get out and about to discover our naturally gifted and abundant region, spend time together as a family and create moments that matter.

From train rides rivalling the magic of Polar Express, the best camping locations, adrenaline pumping action including mountain biking trails, to tours of historical villages and pick your own strawberries straight from the stork, these are the activities that your kids will rave about all year long.

So, pack your bags, make your road trip playlist, set your GPS and take a country drive to Queensland Country, beginning just an hour from Brisbane for the ultimate School Holiday adventure that the whole family will love.

Join in the Family Fun

Check out our list of wholesome family fun activities that are guaranteed to make some moments to remember.

  • The Condensery in Toogoolawah – With changing exhibitions, modern art and a range of kids' craft activities and events, there’s something for the whole family at this unique cultural precinct. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Check out this link for current exhibitions and programs - https://thecondensery.com.au/
  • Miles Historical Village Tour, Miles – Family day out? Take the family to experience Queensland during the colonial period and discover what life was like before pen and paper as you explore the country village with 34 authentic buildings along the village streetscape. Open 7 days (excluding Christmas Day). Family pass (parents plus 2 school aged children) - $50. Children under 5 free. Check out this link for more information - https://www.mhv.org.au
  • Goondiwindi Natural Heritage & Water Park – Offering a range of activities for all ages, this expansive water park is the perfect spot to make unforgettable memories with the family. Take a stroll and view the vast bird life, bring your picnic blanket for a leisurely afternoon outing, or take advantage of the 3km water channel and head out for some water sports.
  • Chinchilla Botanic Parkland is the perfect road trip adventure activity. The 4.2 hectares of landscaped gardens provide plenty of space for the kids to burn the extra energy gained from sitting in the car too long. This parkland has so much to offer with a splash zone water park, climbing wall and Megafauna Discovery Place.
  • Outback Exploratorium – Delve into the mysteries of STEM with a range of interactive exhibits and displays. Designed to feed the curiosity of children, the Outback Exploratorium offers different STEM-based children’s activities most days over the school holidays. What’s happening each day is available on their website.
Row of historical wooden buildings at sunset.

Miles Historical Village, Western Downs

Off and Racing

Here our top picks of adrenaline pumping activities within Queensland Country for these school holidays:

  • Climb Toowoomba – give rock climbing a go at this newly opening rock-climbing gym. Offering bouldering, classes, and activities for all ages and abilities, the only limit is your grip strength. No booking required, so swing by anytime and experience the thrill of bouldering for yourself.
  • Bikeline – Get active with the family and experience Toowoomba and surrounds on a bike. Rent a regular city bike or e-city bike and explore the streets of Toowoomba, we recommend discovering the laneway art. If you’re looking to get the adrenaline pumping, hire a mountain bike and head to the many bike trails on the outskirts of the city.
  • Adrenaline Sports – Rev your engines for some go-karting fun in the quiet town of Withcott. Secure your race times now to guarantee an adrenaline-fueled day.
  • Bunya Mountains mountain biking – explore the world class Mountain Bike Trails tucked away in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains, with epic views guaranteed. Catering to all riding abilities, the trails range from 1.3km to 6.3km and are designed to provide a fun family day out.
  • Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – get the kids out and active along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Hire a bike from Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles or bring your own.
Man holding bicycle gazing our mountainous view.

Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails, Western Downs

Meet the Animals

Queensland Country is filled with animal-based experiences sure to entertain, from exotic animals at the Zoo, to animals integral to Australian farming. We've put together a few opportunities to meet these animals up close:

  • Darling Downs Zoo – take the kids on the ultimate animal adventure at Darling Downs Zoo. Featuring animals found nowhere else in Queensland including African Lions and White Lions, alongside the largest heard of Zebras and Giant Tortoises in the state, the Zoo is sure to delight visitors big and small. Open every day except Christmas Day, the Zoo offers free activities that allow you to learn more about their many wonderous creatures. Family passes start from $135 for 2 Adults and 2 Children.
  • Llama walks in Somerset - Get the kids off their screens and back to nature in Somerset with a llama walk along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Let the Ottaba Llamas be your guide as you mosey down the trail with your new-found llama friends. Their soft, gentle and affectionate natures are guaranteed to win the hearts of kids and adults alike.
  • Long Neck Farm – let the kids experience the relaxed bush lifestyle of Long Neck Farm. Friendly free-ranging wildlife are found throughout the farm and select livestock including alpacas, ostriches, sheep and more, are available in public enclosures for children to pat or hand feed. A café is available on the farm with light refreshments and hot meals available. The farm is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm.
  • Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay – experience life on the farm at Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay. Each day is different, offering a unique opportunity learn more about native wildlife, livestock, and farming practices.
Young girl holding lead of llama.

Ottaba Llamas, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Somerset Region

Steam Trains

  • Downs Explorer Steam Train Trip, Warwick – Enjoy an authentic steam train ride through the Countryside. Take a return trip, departing from Warwick to Stanthorpe with an optional winery tour and lunch. January 18 – Cost including winery tour and lunch: Adults - $230, children aged 2 – 14 - $165. To book and for all other scheduled trips, check out their website.
  • Downs Steam Tourism Railway & Museum, Drayton – explore the locomotives and carriages of days gone by. The station precinct showcases the behind-the-scenes operations of running trains, with turntables, train inspection sheds and the station itself. The museum is home to engines and carriages of unique importance to the Australian Railway story.

There is so much for the whole family to discover in Queensland Country. Seek wholesome adventures and make unforgettable moments like this.


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Acknowledgement of Country

Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.