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6 Easy Bushwalks with Discovery Centres for Kids Near Brisbane

ByLanie van der Horst Updated on

One of the best things about living in Brisbane is all of the free discovery centres and easy bush walks for kids that are nearby.

Within a 30-minute drive from Brisbane City, there are multiple options for boardwalk hikes and easy bush walks that include a free science-themed discovery centre for the kids to explore.

If you are looking for something to do near Brisbane, head to one of these areas to explore on a hike and then stay to learn about the wildlife through interactive exhibits at the Discovery Centre. Many of the discovery centres offer programs for kids during school holidays.

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Discovery Centres with Easy Bush Walks near Brisbane

Boondall Wetlands

Walking on the boardwalk at Boondall Wetlands
Walking on the boardwalk at Boondall Wetlands

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 15 kilometers

Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre has an indoor discovery centre for kids and walking tracks. Kids can participate in a “hide-and-seek” trail and a wetlands quiz.

The walking tracks at Boondall Wetlands range from 100m to 13 kilometers. On two separate occasions, we walked the Tabbil-ban Dhagun Boardwalk, which is 1.5 kilometers, and the 2-kilometer Billai Dhagun Circuit. Both paths are mostly paved and flat.

There is a break about halfway through the 2-kilometer walk with benches and a place to look out into the water.

Inside the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre
Inside the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre

Inside the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, the walls are filled with kid-friendly information and interactive displays. There are children’s books and comfortable seating.

Family-friendly events are held at Boondall Wetlands, especially during the school holidays.

  • toilets
  • picnic tables
  • BBQs
  • wheelchair and pram accessible

Brisbane Koala Bushlands

Interactive Wall at Brisbane Koala Bushlands
Interactive Wall at Brisbane Koala Bushlands

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 23 Kilometers

While we did not see any koalas on this walk, sometimes koalas, kangaroos, and other animals are spotted.

The Brisbane Koala Bushlands start with a mural of animals located near the toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables. The mural has buttons that, when pressed, recite information about the animals or animal sounds.

The hike is a 1.4-kilometer circuit with an estimated 30-minute time limit.

We chose to walk to the right first, but it is most likely easier to start at the left, as we had to walk uphill. The entire path is paved, and there are a few benches scattered throughout the walk. We saw families with dogs, and after we finished the trail, horseback riders.

  • toilets
  • picnic tables
  • BBQs
  • wheelchair and pram accessible

Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Koala Centre

A koala sleeping outside of Daisy Hill Koala Centre
A koala sleeping outside of Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 26 kilometers

You can always spot koalas at the koala center, but we did not see any in the wild at Daisy Hill Conservation Park.

The Koala Centre is near the parking lot. The centre is free and open daily.

There are koalas in the trees right outside the koala centre. Inside, there is a movie about koalas, hands-on activities, and lots of information.

Outside of the centre is a large field with picnic tables and BBQs. There were birthday parties and family gatherings taking place during our visit to Daisy Hill Conservation Park.

Daisy Hill Koala
Bushwalking at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park

There are 2 hikes from the Koala Centre: Paperbark Trail and Tree Discovery Trail. Many more hikes are available throughout the park.

Be careful with kids, as there is a road that intersects with the trail. Our kids tend to run ahead, and we did not know that there would be cars driving past.

  • toilets
  • picnic tables
  • BBQs
  • wheelchair and pram accessible
  • dogs allowed

Indiscapes Environmental Education Centre

Indiscapes Environmental Education Centre
Indiscapes Environmental Education Centre

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 24 kilometers

For those looking to spend the entire morning or a good part of the day on a bush walk or learning at a discovery centre, check out Indiscapes Environmental Education Centre.

There are more than 3 kilometers of trails to explore, and visitors are welcome to hike on one or more paths.

Indiscapes also has a botanical garden, which is also free to enter. There is a playground near the gardens that includes a flying fox.

Inside the learning centre, there are plenty of options for the kids to learn and explore, including looking through microscopes.

Stay a while longer and visit the cafe at Indiscapes. Breakfast is served on the weekends, and lunch, tea, coffee, and pastries are served daily.

As far as special events go, there is an Eco Market held at Indiscapes, and it includes entertainment and workshops in addition to stalls. Indiscapes also hosts weekly workshops for kids and adults.

  • toilets
  • wheelchair and pram accessible
Indiscapes Bush Walk near Brisbane
Indiscapes Bush Walk near Brisbane

Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre

karawatha discovery centre
Karawatha Discovery Centre

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 22 kilometers

In addition to the multiple trails and the science discovery centre at Karawatha Forest, there is also a nature-themed playground.

Karawatha Forest has trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Their discovery centre has lots of hands-on exhibits teaching about animals and nature. Events and workshops are often held at the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre.

Bush walking at Karawatha Forest near Brisbane
Bush walking at Karawatha Forest near Brisbane
  • BBQs
  • picnic tables
  • toilets
  • wheelchair and pram accessible

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 13 kilometers

Located at the edge of D’Aguilar National Park, Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about the local wildlife through interactive exhibits.

There is a cost to enter the Wildlife Centre, where wildlife shows are held. Daily animal feedings are open to the public as well, with information found in the visitor centre.

The tracks near the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre vary in length and difficulty.

Walkabout Creek Cafe is located near the Wildlife Centre, and a nature play area, including a dinosaur dig, is nearby.

  • toilets
  • wheelchair, and pram-accessible

What to Bring on Bushwalks with Kids

The sun is strong in Australia. Sunscreen and hats are recommended on bush walks. Depending on the walk, bug spray is helpful. Closed-toed walking shoes are the best choice.

Binoculars are fun to bring along for bird spotting, and a journal with a pencil or colored pencils can keep the kids busy as they draw what they see.

Even though most of these bushwalks are short, it is important to bring a bottle of water, and in our family, snacks are the most important thing to bring on a bushwalk with kids.

More Bushwalks near Brisbane with Kids

More Things to Do with Kids near Brisbane

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Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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