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Summer school holidays in Brisbane are peak Queensland leisure vibes. While the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast may sometimes get more of the holiday spotlight, Brisbane makes a great base for families who want a mix of city days, easy access to theme parks and beaches and plenty to do close to home.
Mornings are for getting outside, afternoons call for water or air-conditioning and long evenings leave plenty of time for riverside walks once the heat drops.
Here’s what to do, what to book ahead and which Rambla neighbourhood works best for your family.
The quick read
- Dates: Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027
- Summer wins: rooftop pools, Streets Beach, river walks and kayaking on the Brisbane River
- Indoor picks: Queensland Museum, QAGOMA, South/City/SQ workshops, Urban Climb and the cinema
- Easy day trips: Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Australia Zoo, Gold Coast theme parks and Tamborine Mountain
- Stay longer: Rambla’s School Holiday Offer gives you 10% off 2+ nights and 20% off 7+ nights across all four Brisbane stays
When are the Brisbane summer school holidays in 2026/27?
The Queensland summer school holidays run from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027, a 46-day break finishing on the Australia Day public holiday.
With Christmas and New Year right in the middle, there’s plenty of room for festive events, big days out and slower days in between.
Planning the rest of the school calendar? See our winter school holidays guide and September school holiday activities too.
Beat the heat: water play, river walks and pools near each stay
Some of the best ways to beat the Brisbane summer heat are Streets Beach at South Bank, a Riverlife kayak on the river and the rooftop pool at every Rambla Brisbane stay.
At Rambla @ Story House, Kangaroo Point’s river walks are close by, while upstairs there’s a 14m rooftop magnesium pool and spa, plus ping pong.
Rambla @ Berwick House has a 10m rooftop magnesium pool and spa, while Rambla @ Perry House has a heated rooftop pool and spa for slower afternoons between plans.
At Rambla @ South City Square, the rooftop magnesium pool and spa comes with day beds and cabanas, giving you an easy place to settle in when a full day out feels unnecessary.
Streets Beach & Aquativity, South Bank
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages, especially younger kids
Opening hours: Streets Beach hours vary seasonally; Aquativity is temporarily closed for maintenance. Check Visit South Bank before you go.
Location: South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane
South Bank is one of Brisbane’s easiest summer days with kids. Streets Beach gives you a sandy lagoon right in the city, while neighbouring Aquativity adds interactive fountains and water play.
Rambla @ Story House is well placed for South Bank via the Kangaroo Point riverwalk, while South City Square also has easy public transport connections across to the precinct.
Pack swimmers, sunscreen and a change of clothes, then explore more with our guide to things to do in Brisbane with kids.
Paddling the Brisbane River with Riverlife
Cost: Day Kayak Adventure from $85; Rambla guests receive 10% off with code RAMBLA10
Best for: Older kids and active families; Adventure Ranger is strictly 8+
Opening hours: Tour times vary; bookings essential
Location: Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point
Riverlife gets older kids straight onto the Brisbane River with guided kayaking and school holiday adventures.
Its Adventure Ranger program runs full-day sessions combining kayaking with activities such as climbing or abseiling, plus options including bike riding and laser tag. It’s exactly the kind of school holiday day worth booking ahead.
Kangaroo Point after the heat drops
Save the Kangaroo Point riverwalk and Green Bridge for golden hour, when the heat starts to drop and the city lights begin to come on across the river.
From Story House, you can wander down towards the water, take in the skyline and turn the walk into an easy summer evening rather than another scheduled activity.
If you have kids asking for playgrounds, we’ve also rounded up the best playgrounds in Brisbane.
Indoor escapes for the hottest part of the day
Queensland Museum, QAGOMA, Urban Climb and the Angelika Film Centre are some favourite indoor escapes when it’s too hot or wet to be outside.
Queensland Museum Kurilpa & SparkLab
Cost: Free museum entry; SparkLab is ticketed
Best for: All ages; SparkLab is recommended for ages 6–13
Opening hours: Museum 9.30am–5pm daily; SparkLab sessions run from 9.30am
Location: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane
Queensland Museum combines dinosaurs, wildlife and natural history with plenty to explore at your own pace.
SparkLab is the hands-on option, with interactive STEM exhibits, experiments and making challenges. Numbers are limited, so booking ahead is recommended during school holidays.
QAGOMA
Cost: Free general entry; some exhibitions are ticketed
Best for: All ages
Opening hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Location: Queensland Cultural Centre, South Brisbane
QAGOMA gives you two galleries, kids’ activities, exhibitions and plenty of air-conditioned space in the middle of South Bank.
It works especially well from Rambla @ Story House or South City Square when everyone needs a few hours out of the sun without losing the whole day.
School Holiday Workshops at South/City/SQ
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Opening hours: Selected Wednesdays during the summer holidays; no bookings required
Location: The Terrace next to Market Organics, South/City/SQ
If you’re staying at Rambla @ South City Square, some of the easiest summer activities are downstairs.
Free workshops are already scheduled for 16 and 23 December 2026, then 6, 13 and 20 January 2027, with individual themes still to be announced.
The precinct also has Angelika Film Centre, Woolworths and plenty of places to eat, giving you everything you need for a relaxed summer day without going far.
Urban Climb Newstead
Cost: Family passes from $119; individual pricing varies
Best for: All ages at Newstead
Opening hours: Weekdays 6am–10pm; weekends 8am–8pm
Location: 5 Morse Street, Newstead
Indoor bouldering is a solid option when the kids still have energy but the forecast says no to another outdoor afternoon.
Newstead is the best fit from Berwick House and Perry House. If you’re staying at Story House or South City Square, Urban Climb West End is the more convenient location.
Brisbane Powerhouse
Cost: Varies by event; some activities are free
Best for: Families, with suitability depending on the show or workshop
Opening hours: Event times vary
Location: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Brisbane Powerhouse regularly brings family shows, creative workshops and performances into the school holiday calendar.
Berwick House is the best Rambla base for New Farm, with Perry House another handy option. Check the summer program before your stay once the December and January line-up is released.
Christmas and New Year's Eve in Brisbane with kids
Brisbane’s best festive picks for kids are the King George Square Christmas tree, the city lights and the early family fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
For Christmas lights, start around King George Square and Brisbane City Hall, then wander through Queen Street Mall for more festive decorations and city atmosphere. Check the final 2026 Christmas program before you go for confirmed dates and show times.
On New Year’s Eve, South Bank is one of the main family viewing areas, while Queen’s Wharf and Kangaroo Point give you more riverfront options for catching the fireworks. Brisbane usually runs an earlier family show before the midnight display, so check the confirmed 2026 times closer to the date.
For Christmas markets, events and the latest fireworks details, see our Brisbane Christmas and New Year’s Eve guide.
You can also see what else is happening across the season in our Brisbane summer guide.
Summer day trips from Brisbane: islands, theme parks and the hinterland
One of the beauties of Brisbane is how much sits within day-trip range: beaches, islands, wildlife and theme parks, all giving families an easy change of pace during a longer summer stay.
Moreton Island
Travel: Around 10–20 minutes by car to Pinkenba, then around 75 minutes by ferry to Tangalooma
Best for: Beach days, older kids and families wanting a full-day adventure
Booking: Ferry bookings recommended in advance
Departure: Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba
Moreton Island is the full island-day option, with beach time and Tangalooma activities once you arrive. Book the ferry ahead, pack for the day and settle in for one of those classic Queensland summer outings.
North Stradbroke Island
Travel: Around 35–45 minutes by car to Cleveland, then around 25 minutes by passenger ferry
Best for: Beaches, wildlife and coastal walks
Booking: Book ahead if taking a vehicle
Departure: Cleveland
North Stradbroke Island gives you a little more freedom to build your own day, whether that’s beach hopping, a coastal walk or keeping an eye out for wildlife.
If coastal days are high on your list, explore our guide to Brisbane’s hidden beaches.
Australia Zoo
Travel: An hour and 10 minutes north by car from Rambla’s Brisbane stays
Best for: Animal-loving families and a full day out
Booking: Tickets can be bought ahead
Location: Beerwah, Sunshine Coast
Australia Zoo is one of those big days the kids will talk about long after the holiday’s over. Expect wildlife encounters, Crocoseum action and plenty of moments that feel completely different from a day in the city.
Gold Coast theme parks
Travel: Around 45 minutes to an hour south by car, depending on the theme park, traffic and where you’re staying
Best for: Primary-school kids, teens and thrill seekers
Booking: Book tickets ahead during school holidays
Location: Northern Gold Coast
Movie World and Dreamworld are the big-ticket days: rollercoasters, stunt shows, water rides, characters, snacks and the kind of full-throttle fun that usually ends with everyone exhausted and happy.
Tamborine Mountain
Travel: Just over an hour south by car from Rambla’s Brisbane stays
Best for: Rainforest walks, scenic stops and a cooler change of pace
Booking: Most walks need no booking; attractions may
Location: Gold Coast hinterland
Tamborine Mountain swaps city heat for rainforest, waterfalls, village shops and plenty of places for a long lunch.
For more ideas beyond Brisbane, see our full guide to day trips from Brisbane.
Where to stay in Brisbane for the summer holidays: four neighbourhoods compared
The best Rambla base depends on your family size and which part of Brisbane you want closest to the front door.
| Room types | Best for | Rooftop | Closest summer picks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rambla @ Story House | Studios only | Couple with one small child, or families booking neighbouring studios | 14m magnesium pool & spa, plus ping pong | Kangaroo Point riverwalk, Riverlife and South Bank |
| Rambla @ South City Square | Studios only | Couple with one small child, or families booking neighbouring studios | Magnesium pool & spa with day beds and cabanas | South/City/SQ workshops, Angelika Film Centre and South Bank |
| Rambla @ Berwick House | 1-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom 2-bathroom Executive Apartment | Families of four and longer stays | 10m magnesium pool & spa | Brisbane Powerhouse and Urban Climb Newstead |
| Rambla @ Perry House | 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom 2-bathroom Executive Apartments | Families of four and longer stays | Heated rooftop pool & spa | Brisbane Powerhouse and Urban Climb Newstead |
Rambla @ Story House, Kangaroo Point
Story House is a strong pick for South Bank, the river and outdoor summer days.
The property is studio-only, so it suits a couple travelling with one small child, or families booking neighbouring studios. Studios include a kitchenette and laundry.
Rambla @ South City Square, Woolloongabba
South City Square works particularly well when you want easy entertainment built into the stay.
South/City/SQ has a cinema, supermarket, dining and free holiday workshops, while the Rambla rooftop adds a pool, spa, day beds and cabanas.
The Rambla property is studio-only, with a kitchenette and laundry. Larger families can book neighbouring studios.
Rambla @ Berwick House, Fortitude Valley
Berwick House is one of the strongest options for a family of four or a longer stay, with one-bedroom apartments and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom Executive Apartment offering more space than a typical hotel room.
Apartments include a full kitchen and laundry, while upstairs there’s a 10m magnesium pool and spa for afternoons back at base.
Rambla @ Perry House, Bowen Hills
Perry House is another strong option for a family of four, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom, two-bathroom Executive Apartments.
Every apartment has a full kitchen and laundry, while the rooftop has a heated pool and spa for the quieter parts of the week.
Why an apartment works across a six-week break
For longer Brisbane school holiday stays, a serviced apartment gives families more flexibility than a standard hotel room, especially when you have your own kitchen or kitchenette and in-apartment laundry.
At Berwick House and Perry House, the one and two-bedroom apartments add proper living space too, so you can have flexibility for different bedtimes.
Kitchen facilities mean breakfast before a big outing, easy lunches and dinner at home when another restaurant meal feels like too much. In-room laundry handles swimmers, towels and the inevitable pile of sweaty summer gear.
Digital check-in across Rambla means you can Walk Right In on arrival and get everyone settled.
What to book before December, and how to save on your stay
Summer is peak family travel season, so book the limited-capacity parts first.
Worth organising ahead:
- Moreton Island ferry transfers
- Riverlife kayaking and Adventure Ranger days
- Australia Zoo
- Gold Coast theme parks
- SparkLab and any ticketed exhibitions or shows you particularly want to see
Then sort your ultimate holiday base.
Rambla’s School Holiday Offer applies across all four Brisbane properties during Australian school holiday periods.
Stay two nights or more and save 10%, or stay seven nights or more and save 20%. The offer also includes late check-out and one complimentary car park.
For a break this long, the seven-night saving is a game changer. Choose the neighbourhood that fits your family, unpack properly and leave room for local exploring, a couple of big outings and plenty of pool time in between.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer School Holidays in Brisbane
What are the school holidays in Brisbane?
Queensland’s 2026/27 summer school holidays run from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027. Check your individual school calendar as some non-state schools can vary.
What are some free activities for school holidays in Brisbane?
Free Brisbane school holiday activities include Streets Beach at South Bank, Queensland Museum general entry, QAGOMA, riverside walks and playgrounds. South/City/SQ also has free workshops scheduled across the summer break.
What can you do in Brisbane with kids when it’s raining?
Try Queensland Museum and SparkLab, QAGOMA, Angelika Film Centre, Urban Climb or one of Brisbane’s indoor play and trampoline venues. South/City/SQ is particularly handy because the cinema, shops, dining and Rambla are all within the precinct.
What are some good day trips for families from Brisbane?
Popular family day trips include Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Australia Zoo, the Gold Coast theme parks and Tamborine Mountain. Choose based on whether your family wants beaches, animals, rides or a cooler hinterland day.
What are some cheap family accommodation options in Brisbane?
Rambla’s School Holiday Offer gives you 10% off stays of two nights or more and 20% off seven nights or more. Having a kitchen or kitchenette and in-apartment laundry can also help keep food and laundry costs down during a longer family stay.
