Dig IT is Australia's first excavator site designed for kids, located in Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain, only an hour from Brisbane. It's a fantastic day out with the kids, perfect for the school holidays. Thunderbird Park Thunderbird Park is an adventure park...
We are lucky to have some wonderful animal experiences in South East Queensland. This guide to the best farms and zoos in the area includes family-friendly farms, zoos and animal encounters in and around Brisbane, including easy day trips to the Gold Coast and...
The Hyatt Regency is an upmarket hotel in the heart of Brisbane. I took the whole family to sample their "Season of Sunshine" Queensland high tea, held in Lennons Restaurant. If you like high teas, have a look at my guide to the best high teas in Brisbane. The...
One of my favourite annual traditions, as a self-confessed high tea expert, is a festive high tea. This year I took my 9 year old daughter Rose to the Bacchus Festive High Tea in Rydges South Bank Hotel. If you like high teas, have a look at my list of the best high...
Located in the Pacific Fair shopping centre in Broadbeach, the new Hello Kitty Café is fast becoming a Gold Coast icon. This Japanese café is cutesy and eye-popping and will be a huge hit with the kids. It’s no wonder it’s attracting quite a buzz. The Cafe The Hello...
The QT Hotel is a modern, funky spot on the Gold Coast, so it stands to reason that their high tea offering would be just as contemporary and fun. I took my 9 year old daughter Rose with me to sample their Halloween high tea, "Trick or Tea", available daily throughout...
Just steps from the rainforest and a short stroll from Gallery Walk, Mountain Sanctuary B&B on Tamborine Mountain is a warm, welcome hideaway. This award-winning B&B offers a cosy base in the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you can expect a friendly welcome,...
So we all know I'm a self-proclaimed high tea expert. I'm from the UK, where afternoon tea is a big deal, and it's always been one of my favourite things to do. These days I live in Brisbane, but I definitely haven't lost my love of afternoon tea - or high tea as it's...
The Ekka is Brisbane's "Country to City" show. Officially titled the Royal Queensland Show, it's a massive annual event that showcases the best of Queensland and has been a tradition for 140 years. I was honestly sceptical at first - the thought of massive crowds, the...
Chocolate Country is a beautiful artisan chocolate shop in Montville, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Selling handcrafted chocolates made locally in their factory, this is a true chocolate lover's dream, and a must-visit in Montville. The Chocolate Factory in Hunchy...
The Coolum Social is a modern cafe and brunch spot in the Sunshine Coast suburb of Coolum. Just across the road from the beach, you'll find this light and airy cafe serving coffee, breakfast and lunch. The Setting Coolum is a beachside suburb at the northern end of...
Jocelyn's Provisions is a bakery and gourmet provisions store with three locations across Brisbane. Albion Park is their original store and home to the kitchen, but you'll also find stores in Camp Hill and James Street, all stocked full of wonderful products....
Tamborine Mountain Distillery is a family-run distillery located at the end of the famous Gallery Walk. Known for its handcrafted liqueurs and spirits, this award-winning distillery is the perfect place to unwind with a drink in a beautiful setting. It's...
French & Mor offers a French-inspired high tea experience in the Brisbane suburbs. Known for its patisserie-style cakes and pastries, it's also a great spot for coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats. I took my high tea buddy Rose with me to try French & Mor's...
Every winter the humpback whales migrate to the waters off the east coast of Australia. No, they don't come for the Ekka or the Medieval Festival - they come to breed and calve after spending their summers feeding in the Antarctic. Luckily for us Queensland residents,...
The Abbey Medieval Festival is held every year in July on the grounds of the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture. This is one of the most popular medieval festivals near Brisbane, attracting thousands of visitors and giving 21st century folk the chance...
White Ridge Farm is an award-winning, family-friendly farm located just north of Brisbane. With a huge variety of farm animals, and plenty of activities to keeps the kids entertained - from tractor rides and playgrounds to mini golf and more - it's a fantastic day out...
Room with Roses is something of a Brisbane institution when it comes to high tea. Often voted as Brisbane's best high tea and with a string of awards under its belt, I was excited to try this one. Located in the middle of the hustle and bustle of central Brisbane,...
Summer Land Camels is a working camel farm and dairy located in the Scenic Rim, just one hour from Brisbane. It's the largest camel dairy in Australia and offers the unique opportunity to get up close to these beautiful animals, and sample some camel products. With...
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle originally founded by William the Conqueror in 1068. With 1100 years of history, it has existed as a fortress, royal residence and today is one of the best castles to visit in England. It has huge amounts of history and is...
Warwick Castle Hotel is located in the grounds of Warwick Castle and is heavily geared towards family stays. Warwick Castle is a huge well-preserved castle in Warwickshire, well worth a day trip and great for kids. In the castle grounds they have plenty of...