South East Queensland shines in winter with its sunny days, natural backdrops and hundreds of options to escape the city this school holiday break.
The SEQ Food Trails is your guide to some of the region’s best day trips for kids (big and small), allowing users to create, map and share their own school holiday road trips within South East Queensland.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said South East Queenslanders were spoilt for choice when it came to amazing and affordable local school holiday day trips.
“There’s a reason why South East Queensland is a world-class tourism destination and now is the time to tick off that local bucket list item you wouldn’t usually be able to do.
“What’s so special about us is our envious climate, where you can visit the beach, shop in world-class precincts and experience a wintery forest escape, all within a two hour road trip of each other.
“Most importantly, gourmet foodie tours like SEQ Food Trails will be the big cash boost our cafes, restaurants and small businesses have been waiting for after the devastating months of closures.
“The message is clear, support our local businesses and explore your own backyard these school holidays because South East Queensland is open for business.”
Enjoy these family friendly road trips from the SEQ Food Trails
Legendairy – Awassi Cheesery – 1 ½ hours from Brisbane
Get back to nature in style with a visit to Awassi Cheesery, a boutique sheep farm and dairy nestled in the tranquil Grantham Hills of the Lockyer Valley. The kids will love getting to know the friendly Awassi lambs, while parents will love indulging in the delicious cheese selections on offer. Farm gate opens from Thursday to Sunday, luncheons by appointment.
Koala-ty time with the kids – Daisy Hill Conservation Park – 35 minutes from Brisbane
Get up close and personal with an Aussie favourite at the Daisy Hill Conservation Park and adjoining Koala Centre. Bring a picnic and your bikes to spend the day exploring the world class walking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eyes peeled to say hi to the resident koalas and red-necked wallabies.
Go old school – The Retro Diner – 45 minutes from Brisbane
Get ready for some old-fashioned fun with the Retro Diner’s retro theme. Enjoy traditional milkshakes, hearty burgers and homemade cakes and slices using ingredients locally sourced where possible. It’s right in the Top of Town a historic precinct packed with cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect way to end a day out exploring the epic Queens Park. Add in a stop to the local ice creamery at 88 Limestone St for ultimate parent bragging rights.
Get back to nature – Redlands IndigiScapes Centre – 40 minutes from Brisbane
Situated on 14.5 hectares of serene natural bushland, IndigiScapes will surprise the family with its native botanical gardens, local bush trails, nature playground and on-site café serving morning tea with a bush tucker twist. Just down the road, Sirromet offers a rustic Italian lunch served at its Tuscan Terrace followed by family game of Supa Golf at the on-site 9 hole course.
Top of the World – Picnic Point – 1 ¾ hours from Brisbane
Perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range overlooking Main Range and the Lockyer Valley, Picnic Point offers one of the best views in South East Queensland. The little ones will enjoy the extensive parklands, while the big kids can explore the many bush tracks. Lunch is sorted at the Picnic Point Café and Restaurant.
Sun, Sand and Seafood – Sandstone Point Hotel – 1 ¼ hours from Brisbane
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Moreton Bay Region is at the Sandstone Point Hotel. Kick back in the extensive gardens, take in the ocean views and bathe in the winter sun, while the kids are entertained by the on-site playground and petting zoo. Wrap up the day with a relaxing walk along nearby Woorim Beach, one of Brisbane’s closest patrolled surf beaches.
Take me to the fair – Caloundra Street Fair – 1 ½ hours from Brisbane
A hidden treasure on the Sunshine Coast, the Caloundra Street Fair has something for the whole family. Featuring more than 120 unique stalls, the Caloundra Street Fair is packed with activities for kids, locally handcrafted products and art, tasty food and sweet treats, live entertainment and street theatre. Open every Sunday from 8am – 1pm.
Hump day is not just Wednesday – Summer Land Camels – 1 hour from Brisbane
Visit Summer Land Camels for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Australia’s largest camel dairy where you’ll learn more about their dairy operation, cheese, gelato and skincare production. You can also enjoy a relaxing camel ride through the farm. Perfect for families wanting an authentic and educational farm experience that they‘ll always remember.
A shore thing – Manly Harbour Village – 35 minutes from Brisbane
Looking for something a little closer to home? Manly Harbour Village will make you feel like you’ve been transported far from the city. Weekends are abuzz with the Farmer’s Markets on Saturday and Creative Markets on Sunday, or take a relaxing stroll along the winding Esplanade dotted with parks, shops, cafes and restaurants of all kinds.
The SEQ Food Trails site offers users a free, easy and mobile friendly tool to create, map and share their unique food trails from the hundreds of food and recreation experiences across South East Queensland.
The online platform has been developed by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) in collaboration with participating South East Queensland councils, and modelled on the Sunshine Coast Food Trails created by Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland.
More information can be found at seqfoodtrails.com.au.