As the days start getting longer, thoughts turn towards the great outdoors and all things sunshine and fun in Brisbane. For Mum and Dad with the kids in tow – just because it's fun, doesn't mean it has to break the bank.
From barbecues in the park to kayaking on the lazily winding Brisbane River, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination in sunny Queensland.
For everything from kayaking to rock climbing, hit Riverlife Adventure Centre at the base of the Kangaroo Point cliffs and now with new premises in front of the Streets Beach at Southbank.
Kayak on the river right in the middle of the city with buildings reaching up to the sky like a giant's fingers, and the Story Bridge arching from south to north. Or take a lesson in rock climbing up the beautiful sandstone cliffs.
Riverlife also offer bikes and roller blades on the banks of the Brisbane River - so you can explore the inner-city crossing over the Goodwill Bridge into the Botanic Gardens.
Stop off at South Bank for a barbecue – there's 14 of them and they're free to use. There are also covered tables or you can throw your own rug down and enjoy the beautiful parklands.
The best and most engaging activities have been chosen to present to children in schools or in groups at the Children's Art Centre at South Bank. From cane ball weaving and circus dioramas to mosque snow domes and henna hand tattoos – the choice might as well be limitless.
Continue broadening everyone's horizons at the Queensland Museum, Sciencentre and Art Gallery.
To get a better understanding of the city, catch a CityCat and go for a cruise. These ferries run from the University of Queensland in the west to Brett's Wharf in the east – you can get a daily ticket for the littlies meaning they have unlimited travel.
Further west in Fig Tree Pocket the whole family can get up close and personal with all manner of native Australian fauna at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Catch the bus, drive or take a leisurely cruise down the Brisbane River from North Quay on the Miramar. The whole cruise takes about one-and-a-half hours, arriving at Lone Pine at around 11.20am. The boat departs Lone Pine for the city at 1.30 pm.
The cruise takes in some of Brisbane's historic buildings and Indooroopilly Island, one of Australia's largest bat colonies.
When you arrive the whole family can interact with koalas, kangaroos, emus and a heap of other furry friends. For more information visit www.experiencebrisbane.com.
