A woman, a child, and a man sit outdoors on wooden steps, smiling and laughing together. A meerkat stands alert behind them on a rock, adding a playful touch to the scene.

Fun Things to Do Near Brisbane: A Unique Family Day Trip You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

Explore Paradise Country near Brisbane for a fun family day out with kangaroos, koalas, pony rides, farm shows and hands-on Aussie animals.

Emily D

Published Date: 3 Feb 2026

Looking for fun things to do near Brisbane with the kids but want something fresh, easy and a little different than the regular playgrounds or beach days? If you’re up for a short drive, the farm-style charm and Aussie wildlife of Paradise Country might be just the escape your family needs. Think meeting fluffy koalas, kangaroos, and meerkats, as well as Pony Rides at an additional cost.

Smiling child patting a kangaroo at a wildlife park in Australia, surrounded by trees and natural bushland.

A group of adults and children stand at a wooden fence in an outdoor zoo, observing animals in an enclosure surrounded by trees.

Two children wearing helmets ride horses, each led by an adult in blue shirts and hats, walking on grass in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.

A koala sits on a tree branch surrounded by lush green leaves and sunlight, looking off to the side in a natural, outdoor setting.

Why Paradise Country Makes a Great Family Day Out

Close Enough for a Day Trip, But Feels Like a Holiday

Paradise Country sits on the Gold Coast and is roughly 45 minutes from Brisbane, making it a perfect option when you’re craving a quick change of scenery without the hassle of a long journey.

Get Up Close with Australian Animals and Wildlife Sanctuary Vibes

If you love Australian animals, Paradise Country offers a genuine wildlife sanctuary meets farm experience. You can meet iconic native animals like kangaroos, koalas, meerkats and even dingoes. For little ones especially, there is a Farmyard Nursery where you can see and interact with animals including chickens, ducks, goats and more, offering some of the sweetest memories for kids.

Smiling young girl feeding a brown and white goat at a sunny outdoor petting zoo, with other children and animals playing in the background

Three meerkats stand on rocks in an enclosure while four children wearing caps watch them through the glass, smiling and appearing fascinated by the animals. Sunlight shines in the background.

What to Do: Top Activities at Paradise Country

Wildlife Walkabout and Animal Encounters

Wander through the kangaroo habitat and see koalas up close.
Choose from Animal Encounters like meerkat or marmoset monkey meetups - a total win for animal lovers of all ages*

*Animal Encounters are paid experiences and vary in price. Please see the official Paradise Country Park page for further information.

Classic Farm Shows and Country-Style Fun

Watch the Stock Horse Arena & Billy Tea Show, where Aussie stock horses perform live, then enjoy traditional damper and billy tea around the campfire.

Kids can try their luck at Clancy’s Mine, a paid experience located behind the Farmhouse Restaurant, using a pickaxe to uncover hidden opals they can take home as a keepsake.

For an additional cost, children can also take part in Gold Panning, learning the traditional technique of swirling their tray through running water to search for gold and other precious gems.

Take a tractor ride on Shaun’s Tractor Ride or wander the farmyard to meet friendly farm animals, enjoying a laid-back, kid-friendly Farmstay experience.

Pony Rides are also available as a paid experience, offering younger children a gentle and enjoyable alternative to larger rollercoasters or fast-paced rides.

Two children are kneeling on grass, petting and feeding a kangaroo in an outdoor enclosure.

A small train with several open carriages carrying passengers stops at a rustic outdoor station surrounded by trees, while people stand nearby.

Two women smile while surrounded by small monkeys in a lush, green outdoor setting. One woman holds a tray of food as monkeys climb on both women and nearby branches. The atmosphere is joyful and playful.

Tips for Families

Plan ahead and check the show schedule, because you don’t want to miss the horse show or Animal Encounters.

Pack some sunscreen, hats and a picnic rug if you want to make the most of the outdoor spaces - there are lawns and shaded areas perfect for a relaxed break.

Refuel and relax with a hearty lunch at the Farmhouse Restaurant or enjoy a casual weekend bite and coffee at The Burrow Café, with both offering welcoming settings and family-friendly options during your visit.both offering welcoming settings and family-friendly options during your visit.

To prepare for a day at Paradise Country, book your tickets online in advance and explore the available viewing and entry options to plan your visit around shows, animal experiences, and family-friendly activities.

Why This Trip Feels Fresh — Even If You Think You’ve Done It All

If you’ve already visited the usual Brisbane parks or beaches, Paradise Country offers something different: a mix of wildlife sanctuary, hands-on Animal Encounters, country shows, and farm charm. It’s not just another playground, it’s a chance to connect with Australian animal life, give the kids a hands-on experience, and create memories that feel real, fun and a little bit wild.

Ready to try something new? Pack up the car and head out for a family day trip to Paradise Country. It’s the kind of easy, animal-filled adventure your kids will remember for a lifetime.

A woman holding a baby stands beside two children, all smiling and waving, with large dog and sheep mascots waving behind them in an outdoor park setting.

Two children sit on a hay bale outdoors, smiling and holding baby chicks. Sunlight filters through trees in the background, and a red tractor is visible in the distance.

Three children wearing blue hats smile and pet two goats on a grassy farm, with a wooden wagon and fence in the background.

A smiling family of four poses outdoors with a person in a large Shaun the Sheep costume. The parents and two children stand close together, laughing and enjoying a sunny day.

A collage of four family adventure photos: sitting by a dolphin pool, posing with Bugs Bunny, riding a log flume, and sliding down a blue water slide. Text in the center reads, "Mum's Little Explorers.

Text in large bold font reads “Mum’s Little Explorers” on a plain white background.

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