Have you heard of Bulimba? Well, if you’re a local I’m sure you have and if you’re visiting Brisbane, you need to add it to your Brisbane family holiday itinerary.
Let us show you why with these 10 cool things to do in Bulimba experiences that the whole family will love.
Where is Bulimba?
Firstly, let’s discuss where is Bulimba? This riverside inner-city suburb is located only 4 kilometers away from Brisbane CBD and is unlike any other destination.
Easily one of the city’s favourite spots along the Brisbane River, Bulimba is a picturesque, leafy and vibrant suburb and encompasses a relaxed family-friendly community vibe.
Here you’ll experience numerous award-winning alfresco dining and bar options, boutique shops and plenty of activities for the kids. Most of these are located on the suburb’s main strip called Oxford Street Bulimba.
What we love the most about Bulimba QLD is even though it’s an inner-city suburb with a vibrant feel – it is also a family-friendly place offering great parks and public spaces, activities and events.
How To Get To Bulimba?
Bulimba is easily accessible via the city’s ferry services (CityCat and Cross River Ferry), bus route 230 or a short drive from the CBD where street parking is available.
If ever in Brisbane, Bulimba is a highly recommended destination for a family day out and to grab something to eat and drink.
So, here are our top things to do in Bulimba that the whole family will love.
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Page Contents
10 Cool Things To Do In Bulimba For Families:
1. Riverbend Books and Teahouse
Do you and the kids love books and breakfast? Well, one of the best breakfast Bulimba spots that combine both of these is at Riverbend Books and Teahouse.
This cute little cafe and award-winning bookshop (attached at the back) is a longstanding spot in Bulimba and is located at the top of Oxford Street.
Over the years Riverbend Cafe Bulimba has and continues to attract many families and locals who enjoy its delicious breakfast and lunch options, as well as, the store’s collection of classic and best-selling books.
What makes it one of the top things to do in Bulimba with the kids is you not only get to pick up a great book, sample local fresh dishes and coffee but its relaxed outdoor deck dining area will have you soaking up the bustling vibes and views of Oxford Street.
2. Bulimba Memorial Park
When visiting Bulimba with the kids, you need to check out Bulimba Memorial Park.
Located in the middle of Oxford Street, it’s the perfect place for the kids to run free and to spend some time in the area.
The memorial park has a large sports field and plenty of space for families to throw down a blanket, enjoy a picnic, kick a soccer ball and relax. While close by there is a playground featuring jungle gyms, swings, slides, seesaw and more. All year round it’s a great spot to visit with the kids, but it’s especially more so in the winter Brisbane months.
Also across the road there are plenty of options on Oxford Street to grab a coffee, snacks or food. Whether it be at the Woolworths or at our favourite cafe spots being Park Bench Espresso and Le Caprice Patisserie.
MORE FUN: If you’re in the area on Halloween the memorial park hosts an amazing Halloween Festival featuring carnival rides, entertainment, food trucks and some market stalls.
The kids will absolutely love it – be sure to check out the I Love Bulimba & 4071 Facebook Group for the latest updates and event details.
3. Bulimba Riverside Park
On the topic of parks, another great nearby park is the Bulimba Riverside Park, which stunningly overlooks the Brisbane River.
This is a favourite spot for locals and families who want to enjoy a picnic with one of the best river views in Brisbane. There is plenty of space available to do so, and weekend afternoons are usually bustling with families watching the sun go down.
Another great thing about Bulimba Riverside Park is there is a spacious playground featuring numerous swings, climbing frames and more for kids to burn up all their energy.
Facilities wise the park has a number of shaded seating areas, BBQs and toilets nearby. There’s also a fenced dog park for those four-legged family members.
TIP: Weekend mornings are busy with families and afternoons are great to enjoy a sunset picnic. If kids have a scooter or bike be sure to bring it as they can ride along the riverfront walk (keep reading for more on this!)
4. Balmoral Cinemas
Another one of our top things to do in Bulimba with kids is to catch a movie at Balmoral Cinemas.
This cinema is a popular retreat for families, locals and visitors as it shows all the latest blockbuster films but at a fraction of the price. Being located on Oxford Street, it’s close to all the restaurants and cafes – making it an easy family day out with kids.
So, if your thinking of a Brisbane day out activity, why catch a morning movie at the Balmoral Cinemas and afterward you and the kids can enjoy lunch at some of our family favourite picks being Sushi Train, Cafe 63 and Grill’d (see below for more options as well).
5. Jump on the CityCat or Cross River Ferry
Being situated along the Brisbane River, Bulimba is spoilt for gorgeous views and has its own ferry stop on this network.
So, of course, jumping on the CityCat or Cross River Ferry is going to be one of our top things to do in Bulimba with kids.
There’s nothing like cruising along the river and seeing all the amazing sights, riverfront mansions and going under the Story Bridge.
A favourite trip we’ve found for kids and families is taking the CityCat ferry from Bulimba Ferry Stop to Southbank. They get to see these sights and enjoy some time exploring one of Brisbane’s top attractions, which features plenty of park space, playgrounds, water play areas, a riverfront beach (yes beach!) and plenty of restaurants and cafes.
The trip takes around 30 minutes each way and ferries operate every 15 mins during normal hours.
TIP: Download the app for the latest CityCat ferry times and costs. Also, make sure you purchase a GO Card from any of these merchants as these ferries don’t accept cash.
6. Bulimba Golf Course
Fancy a round of golf followed by live music, delicious food and drinks and even a jumping castle for the kids?
Well, you’re in luck as every Sunday from 12pm, the Bulimba Golf Course hosts a fun event serving up all this for families.
Sunday sessions at Bulimba Golf Course is one of the best times to visit with the family as it allows keen golfers to test their skills on this inner-city compact 9 hole par 3 course, and the kids can have a ball playing at the club’s Sports Interactive Bubble Zone.
Best of all from 2pm a round of golf is only $10 per round. So, why not make a visit to the Bulimba Golf Course on your family’s Bulimba day out. It’s also a short 10 minute (700m) walk from Bulimba Ferry along Quay Street.
To secure a table for this event be sure to call 07 3399 6524.
7. Bulimba Library FREE Kids Events
A free and easy thing to do in Bulimba with kids is to simply head to the local Bulimba Library.
Located at the top of Oxford Street, this cute little library has a good collection of books for the kids and quiet areas in the library to sit and read.
Every week they hold a variety of free children activity sessions, which encourage storytelling and reading, singing and rhyming, craft play, STEM and more.
It’s a popular activity for local parents and is a great way to spend an hour before/after exploring the suburb and Oxford Street’s shops, restaurants and park spaces.
Here you can find all the latest Bulimba Library events for kids.
8. Bulimba Riverwalk to Hawthorne
As this inner-city suburb is situated along the Brisbane River, one of the top things to do in Bulimba is to head to the foreshore and do its riverwalk.
Running from Bulimba Ferry Terminal to Waterline Crescent, this short but scenic Brisbane riverwalk (10min; 800m) will have you seeing the ferries coming and going, the riverfront mansions and apartments, the Brisbane city skyline views and the bustling suburb of Tenneriffe across the water.
For more of a workout and to see more of the 4171 area, we recommend continuing the walk to Hawthorne Ferry, which will take 20 minutes (1.8km), and have you exploring the lovely suburb of Hawthorne.
Directions: Walk along the riverwalk till you get to Waterline Crescent, then take the walk/ bikeway cut through onto Leura Terrace. At the end turn left onto Barton Street, then first right onto Gordon Street and follow it all the way till you get to Hardcastle Park and Hawthorne Ferry.
Here is another gorgeous riverfront park (Hardcastle Park) featuring a playground, basketball court, swings and picnic area.
9. Coffee Break at Hawthorne Garage
While in Hawthorne, why not continue your walking tour and head to the main dining and entertainment precinct on Hawthorne Road, which is about a 10 minute walk from Hawthorne Ferry down Lindsay Street.
Featuring a cineplex and numerous eateries and shops, one of our favourite family friendly coffee, snack and fresh grocer spots to visit and recharge is at the Hawthorne Garage.
This relaxed venue serves excellent coffee and tasty treats such as bagels, brownies, cakes, pastries, salads and deli items.
They have an old-school garage feel, plenty of outside undercover seating, high chairs and the classic pickup truck out front is a popular photo opp for the kids.
Afterward, you can head to the nearby AFL park and playground next to the cineplex building.
10. Sunset at Il Molo Bulimba Italian Kitchen & Bar
Perched above and at the end of Oxford Street (next to the ferry), Il Molo Bulimba is the only restaurant in the suburb that directly overlooks the Brisbane River.
As a result, this alfresco relaxed venue is a popular spot to enjoy brunch, lunch or sunset dinner with a view.
And, best of all, it’s a family friendly spot with plenty of seating inside and outside and serves up deliciously classic Italian dishes and new favourites such as handmade pasta, woodfired pizzas and Italian wines.
Bulimba Restaurants and Cafes
One of the best things Bulimba offers is an array of dining options for families. You’re truly spoilt for choice as it features various cuisine options including Thai, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Seafood, and your classic burger joints.
So to help you and the family decide on where to eat in Bulimba here are some of our top family friendly Bulimba restaurants and cafes:
- La Quinta (Mexican)
- Vietnamese Mint (Asian)
- Sugo Mi Bistro Pizzeria (Italian)
- Grill’d (Burgers)
- Riverbend Teahouse and Bookshop
- Le Caprice Pâtisserie
- Willies Fine Foods (Breakfast/ Lunch)
- Sushi Muri (Asian)
- Bellissimo Coffee Bulimba (Coffee/ Snacks)
- Oxford 152 (Pub Style)
- Cafe 63 (Modern Australian)
- Ill Molo Bulimba (Italian)
Brisbane Family Accommodation Near Bulimba
If you’re looking to stay somewhere in Brisbane that is close to Bulimba and easy to get to this bustling inner-city riverside suburb.
Below are some of the best family accommodation Brisbane has to offer to easily get you visiting Bulimba on your family’s day out in Brisbane:
- The Calile Hotel
- Goldsborough Place Apartments
- Crystalbrook Vincent (formerly Fantauzzo Brisbane)
- Oakwood Hotel Brisbane
- Brisbane W Hotel
- Marriott Hotel Brisbane
- Stamford Hotel Brisbane
- Meriton Hotel Brisbane (Herschel Street)
- Rydges Hotel Brisbane (South Bank)
- Emporium Hotel Southbank
- Novotel Brisbane South Bank
What’s ideal about these Brisbane holiday accommodation options is they’re conveniently located and have all the amenities/ facilities to make your family holiday Brisbane trip a comfortable one.
MORE TRAVEL: Want more fun family holidays Queensland ideas? Then you need to check out the BIG 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Park. It’s super affordable and only a 50-minute drive from Brisbane.
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