6 Rainy Day Adventure Destinations in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
Wet weather threatening to keep you indoors? Put your rain jackets on and grab your gumboots, because we’ve put together a list of 6 perfect rainy-day play destinations for you to get outside and stretch your legs.
With La Niña bringing potentially wetter weather to SEQ this summer, it’s easy to stay indoors and wait for the rain to pass. But the wet weather is no excuse to put off nature play! Our little wildlings love jumping in muddy puddles and interacting with a wet and wonderful world. So don’t wait for cabin fever to hit, hop in the car and take a short walk in nature – we guarantee it will do wonders for you and your little ones.
These 6 walks in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are all pram-friendly and less than 2km long, offering plenty of flora and fauna for your little explorers to discover.
1. Brisbane Koala Bushlands, Burbank
Located 15km southeast of Brisbane's CBD, these bushlands are part of the Koala Coast Network – one of Australia's most important koala habitat areas. The Koala Coast protects between 3000 and 5000 koalas, as well as many other native animals. The Stockyard Creek Walking Track is 1.4km and leads to a boardwalk and viewing deck. Keep an eye out for koalas and water dragons, and listen out for frogs after the rain.
2. Berrinba Wetlands, Browns Plains
Explore the lakes, billabongs and forests of Logan’s best-kept secret. The wide, pram-friendly boardwalks weave through the wetlands, and offer glimpses of pelicans, rosellas, gliders and wallabies. Take the Billabong Outlook Circuit for an easy 600m walk through the picturesque billabongs or opt for the 2.8km Greater Wetland Walk which circumnavigates the whole wetlands.
3. Eddie Santagiuliana Way, Cleveland
Spanning from Cleveland's Raby Bay Harbour to Thornlands, this mostly off-road path takes in some beautiful scenery as it winds its way through the Redlands. Little ones will enjoy looking out for birds and other wildlife as the boardwalks pass duck ponds and mangroves. Walk as long or as little as you like along this 8km stretch, with plenty of beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the view.
4. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny
A wonderful spot with lots to offer big and little explorers, the rainforest walks are open from 7 am to 6 pm daily. Enjoy the beauty of the subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains landscape. Choose from three different loops, the longest is 1.7km long, offering glimpses of pademelons, strangler figs, butterflies and a variety of birds.
5. Gary Evans Walkway, Nambour
Smack bang in the heart of Nambour, this little oasis offers a paved walkway along the banks of Petrie Creek. Enjoy the peaceful and shady park and look out for water dragons along this 1.5km trail. The park is also home to the Model Railway, with miniature trains operating the fourth Sunday of every month, and kids under three ride free!
6. Imbil State Forest, Kenilworth
Take a gentle stroll along the Fig Tree Walk and enjoy the beauty of the Imbil State Forest. Keep an eye out for forest wildlife along the 1km boardwalk, as it meanders through towering Moreton Bay figs and Piccabeen palms. The paved pathway is great for prams and with Little Yabba Creek nearby, there’s plenty of sensory delights for little explorers.
Where are your favourite rainy-day adventure spots? We’d love to hear from you via our socials @wildlings_forestschool.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.