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Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover

Has your flight been delayed? Waiting for a layover and have got nothing to do? We’ve compiled a list of things to do near Brisbane Airport so you won’t be bored to death. Check it out!

We’ve got a few creative travel tips and ideas that won’t take you too far away so you don’t miss that all-important boarding announcement. Check out what we came up with!

Stuck for things to do near Brisbane airport? Don’t be!

Airports, huh? Is there any place on earth more boring – especially when you’ve got kids to wrangle? Because we live here we can offer you a couple of close-by ideas of what to do near Brisbane Airport that might appeal after you’ve checked in and your luggage is safely stowed where it needs to be.

Jet flight simulator experiences

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Jet flying simulation
Jet flying simulation

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Birds, bats, and superheroes all struggle with their envy of the F/A-18 Super Hornet – discover why with today’s awesome offer from Air Combat Centre! You’ll love being in control as the pilot, but be careful – you might just have to take on a few missions or air-to-air refueling, or fighting your enemies! Or maybe you’ve been dreaming about getting in the cockpit of a Boeing 737 Next Generation airliner. You’ll be guided by the experienced instructors as you cruise from the airport of your choice. Ready for takeoff, Captain!

Address: 8/554 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche QLD 4030

Did we mention there was a discount on offer? *See the discount offer here.

Go kart racing

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Go Karting
Slideways Go Karting

Distance to Slideways Go Karting:

Slideways Go Karting offers families the chance to burn off some energy and have some fun within kooo-ee distance of Brisbane airport. It’s a multi-level complex that’s Brisbane’s very-best go-karting experience. The perfect antidote to bored kids at the airport looking to let loose.

Address: 870 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm QLD 4009

Urban Xtreme

Distance to Urban Xtreme:

Hit the slopes… in Brisbane?! This is an indoor snow and ski venue that’s an absolute godsend for parents with kids who are busting out of their skin (so…yours). Urban Xtreme is the hottest place to chill out in Brisbane. Where else in Queensland can you ski, snowboard, trampoline, play laser tag, run the Ninja warrior and do a parkour course? Only at Hendra’s Urban Xtreme – right near the Brisbane Airport! 

You can read our write-up about them right here.

Address: 4/370 Nudgee Road, Hendra QLD 4011

Shopping at Skygate and DFO near the Brisbane Airport

Distance to DFO:

Shopping is a surefire way to kill some time! Lucky for you, Skygate and Brisbane DFO are very accessible from the airport terminal. There are a number of complimentary transfer services between these locations. Brisbane DFO offers a huge amount of outlet stores for homewares, jewellery, sporting, men’s and women’s clothing, and accessories. Skygate also has a range of alcohol, furniture, homewares, lighting, and also Woolworths.

Address: 1/7 The Cct, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008

Play mini golf

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Mini golf
Mini golf

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Grab your passport and get set to travel the world in 18 holes! Visit the countries that visit Queensland as you navigate this undulating mini golf course right next to Brisbane airport. Golf Central is open 7am – 10pm seven days a week.

Address: 40 The Circuit, Skygate, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008

Plane Spotting: Acacia Street Loop

Plane Spotting at Brisbane Airport
Plane spotting at Brisbane Airport

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What better to do when near the airport than to plane spot? These large modes of transportation are truly breathtaking to watch in action. We know that children big and small will love watching the planes do their thing! This activity is within walking distance from the airport terminal.

Address: 21-25 Acacia Street, Brisbane Airport QLD 4009

Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre and Boondall Entertainment Centre

Boondall wetlands environment centre 2
Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre

Distance to Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre:

For an educational outing, we highly recommend hopping on a train and visiting Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre and Entertainment Centre. At the Wetlands Environment Centre, you can enjoy interactive displays and learn facts about the wetland’s flora and fauna. You can also visit the Boondall Entertainment Centre where you can watch a huge range of events.

Address: 31 Paperbark Drive, Boondall QLD 4034

Nudgee Beach and Boardwalk

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Nudgee Beach boardwalk
Nudgee Beach Boardwalk

Distance to Nudgee Beach:

Nudgee Beach is only a 10-minute drive from the airport, so we recommend grabbing a cab or an Uber to get there. This is the perfect outing for those who love to enjoy views of the water and wildlife. The 2km boardwalk loops through mangroves and delivers beautiful views of the bay. The boardwalk is pram-friendly, but we do recommend being sun safe as there is no protection from the natural elements.

Read up on Nudgee Beach here.

Address: Nudgee Beach, QLD 4014

Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Tom's Confectionery Warehouse Hendra
Tom’s Confectionary Warehouse

Distance to Tom’s Confectionary Warehouse:

This is heaven on earth for those with a sweet tooth. This warehouse is only 6 minutes from the airport terminal, so we recommend jumping in a cab or an Uber to get there. When you arrive, you will be greeted with Brisbane’s largest range of sweet treats.

Address: Unit 4/358 Nudgee Rd, Hendra QLD 4011

Nudgee Golf Club

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Nudgee Golf Club
Nudgee Golf Club

Distance to Nudgee Golf Club:

Sport lovers rejoice, there is something for you too! For those who love to play golf, we recommend heading to Nudgee Golf Club. This location is just an 8-minute cab or Uber from the airport, with options of an 18-hole classic championship or a modern course.

Address: 1207 Nudgee Road, Nudgee QLD 4014

Playgrounds near Brisbane Airport

These playgrounds are all best accessible via a cab or Uber. We promise they are all well worth the trip! The kids will love these amazing playgrounds near Brisbane Airport.

TC Beirne Park: Hendra

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, TC Beirne Park
TC Beirne Park

Distance to TC Beirne Park:

This park is suitable for toddlers and all ages. There are lots of opportunities for imaginative play. There are also classic playground equipment like slides. Parents will love that it is fully fenced.

Address: 77 Gerler Road, Hendra QLD 4011

Nudgee Beach Playground: Nudgee Beach

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Nudgee Beach playground
Nudgee Beach playground

Distance to Nudgee Beach Playground:

A simple playground right along the water. There are two separate play areas and plenty of space to run and play amongst the sand and water.

Address: Nudgee Beach, QLD 4014

Hercules Street Playground: Hamilton

Distance to Hercules Street Playground:

This playground is a kid’s dream come true. It is located at a portside wharf and is well worth the trip. It has cargo nets, huge slides, obstacle-style activities, and water play.

Address: 40 Remora Road, Hamilton QLD 4007

Kalinga Park: Clayfield

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, Kalinga Park
Kalinga Park

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This playground is amazing and suitable for all ages. It is timber-inspired and overflowing with activities like nets, bars, ladders, poles, and climbing opportunities. It has a large grassed area where kids can run and play, as well as basketball and tennis facilities.

Address: 31 Kalinga Streett, Clayfield QLD 4011

Powerhouse and New Farm Park

Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover, New Farm Park - carousel
Carousel at New Farm Park

Distance to New Farm Park:

Another great option is the Powerhouse and New Farm Park in New Farm. It is about 15 minutes by taxi to them. The playground is situated in New Farm Park behind the famous Brisbane Powerhouse and was built as part of The Brisbane Bicentennial Playgrounds Project in 1988.

Read all about New Farm Park here.

Address: best access is via Brunswick Street, New Farm QLD 4005

Things to do near Brisbane Airport – got any ideas?

Got any hot local tips for travelers that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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