With the announcement in February 2025 that 50c fares are here to stay, Queensland has never been more accessible and open for exploration. Each single trip across Translink’s bus, train, ferry, tram, on-demand services, regional urban bus networks and the Coochiemudlo Island Ferry is only 50c, regardless of how far you travel. So the question is, where will your 50c take you?
We’ve delved deep into the Translink Journey Planner to bring you this guide to approximate travel times, routes, and individual trips to take you to some of our favourite places. Now, our magazine goes out all across the Greater Brisbane region, so for ease of use we’ve assumed a starting point of the Brisbane CBD. To plan a journey specific to your starting location, use the Public Transport option on Google Maps, or head to translink.com.au/plan-your-journey
The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory at Yandina is a family-friendly space where children can play in the tropical gardens, ride a steam train, see bees making honey, and take a “round the world” trip chasing the Gingerbread Man on the river ride. There are old fashioned shops to explore, ice creams to sample, and of course – heaps of ginger products. Entry is free, but additional costs apply for attractions.
Getting there: From Brisbane Central, take the Nambour train to Nambour Station > Bus Route 631 to Pioneer Road, Yandina. Total travel time 2 hours 25 mins including 3 mins walking.
Travel cost: 2x 50c fares per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/the-ginger-factory
Coochiemudlo Island
Coochiemudlo Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point and has an awesomely quirky vibe that you’re sure to love. Play on the beaches, kayak, swim, or simply stroll around the island and enjoy its tropical beauty.
TIP: Look out for the special beach markets, held five times per year!
Getting there: From Roma Street Station, take the Cleveland Train to Cleveland Station > Bus Route 274 to Victoria Point Jetty > Coochiemudlo Island Ferry to Coochiemudlo Island. Total travel time 2 hours 23 mins including 6 mins walking.
Travel cost: 3x 50c fares per person each way
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/coochiemudlo-island-with-kids
Australia Zoo
Internationally renowned Australia Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Queensland. Immerse yourself in the interactive wildlife habitats, explore the gift shops, and delight in the daily wildlife presentations, including the awesome Croc Show in the Crocoseum. The Irwin family are regularly in attendance!
TIP: Travel schedules are definitely better on weekdays than weekends. Leave the zoo at 4:30pm to catch the best connection back.
Getting there: From Central Station, take the Caboolture Train to Caboolture Station > Bus Route 649 to Australia Zoo. Total travel time 1 hour 40 minutes including 2 mins walking.
Travel Cost: 2x 50c fares per person each way
Read our story to see how you could get FREE or cheap entry!
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/cheap-australia-zoo-tickets
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a huge variety of Australian and international animals, including binturongs, koalas, dingoes and lemurs. Some highlights to look out for on your visit include a free bird feeding show, sheep dog experience, photo opportunities, tree top challenge, and salt-water crocodile feeding. Everyone can enjoy a family fun day out at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting there: From South Brisbane Station, take the Gold Coast Train to Varsity Lakes Station > Bus Route 760 to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Total travel time 1 hour 47 mins.
Travel Cost: 2x 50c fares per person each way
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops
The Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is one of the fabulous destinations featured in our Under $50 article on the next page. What a fantastically cheap day out!
Getting there: From Roma Street Station, take the Ipswich Train to Ipswich Station > Bus Route 515 to North Street, Ipswich. Total travel time 1 hour 12 mins, including 6 mins walking.
Travel Cost: 2x 50c fare per person each way
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ipswich-rail-museum-review
Surfers Paradise
With beautiful beaches for surfing and swimming, amusement and entertainment venues, cinemas, museums, arcades, markets, accommodation, and restaurants, our detailed article will show you 25 of the best things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids.
Getting there: From South Brisbane Station, take the Gold Coast Train to Nerang Station > Bus Route 740 to Cypress Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Total travel time 1 hour 25 mins.
Travel Cost: 2x 50c fares per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/surfers-paradise-with-kids
Sea Life Aquarium, Mooloolaba
From the minute you walk in the door, you get to touch and hold sea stars, sea cucumbers and other underwater friends, and from there it just gets better! See the seal and penguin shows, Seahorse Sanctuary, and walk through the amazing Ocean Tunnel.
Getting there: From Central Station, take the Nambour Train to Landsborough Station > Bus Route 615 to Mooloolaba River Esplanade. Total travel time 2 hours 5 mins, including 7 mins walking.
Travel Cost: 2x 50c fare per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/sea-life-underwater-world
Redcliffe Botanical Gardens
Redcliffe Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot for nature-loving families to unwind and explore. Nestled in the Moreton Bay region on the Redcliffe Peninsula, this picturesque destination offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, with a sensory garden, picnic areas, and lots to explore.
Getting there: From Brisbane Central Station, take the Shorncliffe Train to Sandgate Station > Bus Route 691 to Bradley Park on Victoria Avenue, Redcliffe > Walk 215 metres. Total travel time 1 hour, including 5 mins walking.
Travel cost: 2x 50c fare per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/redcliffe-botanic-gardens
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been a Brisbane institution since 1927 and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays. Lone Pine is open over Christmas and the New Year!
There are lots of native animals to see and meet at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Getting there: From Ann Street Bus Stop 12, take the 445 bus direct to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Total travel time 35 mins.
Travel cost: 1x 50c fare per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/lone-pine-koala-sanctuary-review
The Big Pineapple (Wildlife HQ Zoo and Treetops Challenge), Woombye
The old Big Pineapple has transformed! This Queensland icon now offers the Wildlife HQ Zoo, a TreeTop Challenge, and is home to some of the biggest events on the Sunshine Coast. Immersed in a beautiful rainforest setting in the hinterland, Wildlife HQ Zoo is home to over 250 species of native and exotic animals from around the world.
Getting there: From Central Station, take the Nambour Train to Nambour Station > Bus Route 610 to The Big Pineapple. Total travel time 2 hours 11 mins including 5 mins walking.
Travel cost: 2x 50c fare per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/wildlife-hq-zoo-big-pineapple-zoo
Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central
If you’ve never been to Orion Lagoon, otherwise known as the Springfield Water Park and Robelle Lagoon, it’s time to pack your togs and towels because this is one of the BEST waterparks in the southern hemisphere.
Built to rival Brisbane’s South Bank beach and water park, Orion Lagoon covers a massive 3,500m2 within the boundaries of Robelle Domain Parklands, and has everything you could wish for for a fun-filled water play family adventure.
Getting there: From Central Station, take the Springfield Train to Springfield Central Station > walk 15 mins to Orion Lagoon. Total travel time 56 mins including 15 mins walking.
Travel cost: 1x 50c fare per person each way.
www.familiesmagazine.com.au/orion-lagoon-springfield-water-park-in-robelle-domain-parklands
If you’re looking for more inspiration of places to go with your 50c fare, check out these Family Fun Day Out suggestions or these 25 Family Friendly Activities for Under $50!
This article appeared in our print issue 66, March-May 2025.
