Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
Ten million people can’t be wrong. That’s how many visitors have poured through the doors of the Queensland Museum since it opened more than 20 years ago. The museum is a time capsule of history, culture and human achievement, and features millions of artefacts, specimens and exhibits that tell the changing story of Queensland. Peruse the permanent and temporary exhibitions, take advantage of the public programs and school holiday activities, and come face to face with dinosaurs and giant marine reptiles. Don’t miss the Sciencentre on level one, where the whole family will be entranced by the mind-boggling array of interactive exhibits and activities.
Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art
When the rain is falling, seek shelter at QAGOMA and fall in love with artworks from around the world. QAGOMA, on the banks of the Brisbane River in South Bank’s Cultural Precinct, is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia and boasts more than 16,000 works. Check out one of the international exhibitions, keep the kids amused with interactive activities at the Children’s Art Centre, and catch a flick by an influential filmmaker at the Australian Cinémathèque. When you are all art-ed out, head to the two-hatted GOMA Restaurant for a sumptuous feast overlooking the water.
Retail Therapy
Step aside Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane might not be the country’s best-dressed city, but it sure punches above its weight when it comes to shopping. Queen Street Mall in the city centre is the shopping mecca. Here, you’ll find Australia’s most frequented pedestrian mall, lined with more than 700 local and international labels and big-name stores. If you’re looking for a bargain head to one of the Trade Secret or DFO stores. Or, for something a little bit different, go to Fortitude Valley for local designers and high-end fashion, Woolloongabba for antiques and collectables, or Paddington for home wares, books and vintage gear.
Iceworld Olympic Ice Rinks
When it’s humid and horrible outside head to Iceworld for an outing that’s cool in more ways than one. Carve up the ice on an Olympic-sized ice rink as the family enjoys a touch of Siberia in the Sunshine State. Public sessions are available daily at Iceworld’s two centres in Boondall and Acacia Ridge, so get your skates on!
Craft Beer Walking Tour
The kids have had their fun, now how about a little adult time? Nothing beats the bad-weather blues like a beer, or two. Join a three-hour Craft Beer Walking Tour with Foodi and turn that frown upside down with the help of some of Brisbane’s best artisanal brews. The tour will take you to four craft breweries around Caxton Street, where you will learn about the beer-making process, meet the brewers, and taste some of their finest amber ales. Get a babysitter for the kids and make sure you grab an umbrella.