Family Adventures Worth the Drive: School Holidays Around SEQ

School holidays are the perfect excuse to get out and explore. From family day trips and rainforest adventures to fishing, 4WDing and weekend escapes, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the break across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.

Outdoor Adventures🌲

Springbrook National Park — Gold Coast Hinterland

Waterfalls, rainforest walks and spectacular lookouts make this a great choice for an outdoor family adventure.

Karawatha Forest — Brisbane

Rocky Creek Dam — Lismore

Pack a picnic, explore the walking tracks and enjoy a quieter day surrounded by Northern Rivers bushland.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail — Northern NSW

Grab the bikes and explore a section of the trail through the Northern Rivers.

Family Days Out 🌞

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — Gold Coast

Meet Australian wildlife and explore the sanctuary's family attractions for a full day out.

Dig It — Tamborine Mountain

Kids can get behind the controls of mini excavators and adults can have a go too.

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops — Ipswich

Explore historic trains, railway machinery and hands-on exhibits.

Crystal Castle — Byron Hinterland

Explore giant crystals, gardens, labyrinths and family-friendly activities in the Byron hinterland.

Summer Land Camels — Harrisville

Meet the camels and enjoy a country-style day out in the Scenic Rim.

School Holiday Events — 19 September to 5 October 2026🎪

Brisbane Festival — September

Look out for family-friendly performances, interactive experiences and free events around Brisbane.

Redcliffe KiteFest — 19–20 September

Watch giant kites take to the sky while the kids enjoy entertainment and activities by the water.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers — 18 September–5 October

Explore colourful gardens, food, entertainment and family activities across Toowoomba.

Sunshine Coast Expo — 25–27 September

A great one for families who love camping, caravanning, 4WDs, fishing and outdoor adventure.

Nimbin Show — 19–20 September

Experience a traditional country show with animals, horses, arts, crafts and family activities.

Road Trips Worth Taking 🚗 

Tamborine Mountain — Rainforest & Hinterland Adventure

Take the scenic route into the hinterland and combine rainforest walks, fossicking, the Skywalk and plenty of places to stop along the way.

Toowoomba & Lockyer Valley — A Country Road Trip

Make a day of it beyond the Carnival. Explore the Japanese Garden, visit Picnic Point or take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.

Byron Bay & Hinterland — Coastal Weekend Escape

Combine the beach, Cape Byron, fishing spots and hinterland attractions for an easy weekend away from Brisbane.

Lismore & Northern Rivers — Nature & Outdoor Adventure

Take the scenic route south and explore rainforest, walking trails, wildlife and the Rail Trail.

Bribie Island — 4WD, Fishing & Beach

For something more outdoors-focused, head to Bribie Island for fishing, boating, beach time and 4WD-accessible areas.

Before You Hit the Road 🚩

• Allow extra travel time during the school holidays.
• Check your tyres for uneven wear, damage and make sure they’re inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Make sure your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid are topped up.
• If your battery is getting older, a quick check can help avoid an unexpected breakdown.
• Check your brakes and listen for unusual noises or pay attention to changes in braking performance.
• Make sure your headlights, brake lights and indicators are all working.
• Weather can change quickly in the hinterland, so check conditions before you leave.

Planning a longer trip? If you're unsure whether your car is ready for the journey, our Service & Tyres team can help with a pre-trip check.

Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🛣️

Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend away, make sure you have a car that's ready to take you there.

Explore our range of used cars at Big Box Cars and find your next drive.