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Things to do Near Brisbane Airport During a Layover

We have found lots of things to do near Brisbane Airport when you are waiting for a layover or your flight has been delayed.

We’ve got a few creative travel tip 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! When your wait time stretches out to a couple of hours you might feel the panic start to set in when your only options are over-priced food and over-priced gift shops. And then trying to stop your kids from completely annoying all the other bored and waiting passengers!

Because we live here we can offer you are 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.

1. Discount: Jet flight simulator experiences

Inside of a flight simulator cockpit.

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

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

2. Go kart racing

things to do near Brisbane airport

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 very-best go kart experience. The perfect antidote to bored kids at the airport looking to really let loose.

Address: 870 Kingsford Smith Dr, Eagle Farm

You can find more information about Slideways at this link. 

3. 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 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 Rd, Hendra

4. Shopping at Skygate and DFO near the Brisbane Airport

Shopping is a sure fire 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 from children’s, homewares, jewellery, sporting, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Skygate also have a range of alcohol, furniture, homewares, lighting and also a Woolworths.

TK Maxx has just opened a new store and it’s beautiful and huge and the prices are perfect for a sneaky shop before you take off – we love the photo album.. and the kids clothes… and the menswear and the homeware… oh.. we just love it all!

Address: Skygate Home and Life Centre, 30 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport

5. Play mini golf

Mini golf putter

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

Find out more about Golf Central here.

6. Plane Spotting | Acacia Street Loop

Plane Spotting at Brisbane Airport

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 St, Brisbane Airport QLD 4009

7. Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre and Boondall Entertainment Centre

boondall wetlands environment centre 2

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 wetlands flora and fauna. You can also visit the Boondall Entertainment Centre where you can watch a huge range of events.

Address: 31 Paperbark Dr, Boondall QLD 4034

8. Nudgee Beach and Boardwalk

Nudgee Beach boardwalk
Nudgee Beach boardwalk

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

9. Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse

Tom's Confectionery Warehouse Hendra

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

10. Nudgee Golf Club

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 modern course.

Address: 1207 Nudgee Rd, 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.

11. TC Beirne Park | Hendra

TC Beirne Park
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 Rd, Hendra QLD 4011

12. Nudgee Beach Playground | Nudgee Beach

Nudgee Beach playground
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

13. Hercules Street Playground | Hamilton

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

Address: 40 Remora Rd, Hamilton QLD 4007

14. Kalinga Park | Clayfield

Kalinga Park

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 St, Clayfield QLD 4011

15. Powerhouse and New Farm Park

New Farm Park - carousel
New Farm Park – carousel

Another great options 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

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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