Outdoor Activity Suggestions

On Wednesday, July 8th the Conference schedule has been freed up to allow you to rest or explore the sights and/or attractions of SE Qld. The College will be closed, except for the Bible Exhibition and rehearsals, until 5:30pm for the BYO dinner which will be followed by the Messiah choral performance at 7pm. See below for a range of distant and relatively close attractions, some have a cost and some are free!

The following are suggestions only. Of course you are fee to do whatever you wish. Realise that there are no officially organised outdoor activities on Wednesday. This means that any groups formed on the day to attend Dreamworld for example are doing so in a private capacity and will not be supervised by Conference workers, nor will they be insured under the Conference policies.

All attendees will have to provide their own transport; however help can be given to facilitate carpooling for those that don’t have ready transport options. Please contact Brenton (0484 007 481) or Emily (0431 908 596) if you have questions or concerns. For public transport options by train or bus, see TransLink’s Journey Planner

Please note that if you wish to receive group ticket discounts for either Dreamworld or Australia Zoo you have until July 1st to register your interest.

Train/Bus/Ferry Travel from Brisbane – so cheap!

Travel any distance and pay just 50c (you can use a credit card or purchase a ticket from the dispensing machines). For example, with a 50-cent fare from Roma Street Station, you can travel to the furthest ends of the Translink South East Queensland (SEQ) network, covering extensive distances north and south. The flat rate applies to all Queensland Rail Citytrain services, excluding the Airtrain.
North: You can travel as far as Gympie North station (nearly 5 hours!).
South: You can travel as far as Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast line.
West: You can travel as far as Helensvale (connecting to G:link tram) or Ipswich/Rosewood.
This 50-cent fare applies regardless of distance, including transfers between trains and buses, provided you tap on and off.

Dreamworld Theme Park

Note: other theme park options besides Dreamworld include Movie World, Sea World and Paradise Country

Located on the Gold Coast, a 50min drive south down the Pacific Highway, Dreamworld is one of Queensland’s best theme parks. This theme park holds something for everyone from rides to shows. For more information about specific attractions click https://www.dreamworld.com.au/park-information/.

Ticket price: From $75 per person (if over 100 bookings). You have until July 1st to register your interest  in a Dreamworld group discount.

Australia Zoo

60min north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is Australia Zoo. It promises to deliver a zoo experience like no other. From seeing a huge variety of animals in their natural environment, to one-on-one encounters, it’s as wild as life gets! For more information visit https://australiazoo.com.au/.

Ticket Price: 50+ guests : Adult: $62.01 / Child: $40.76 / Concession: $53.51. If we can get 100+ guests: Adult: $58.36 / Child: $38.36 / Concession: $50.36. You have until July 1st to register your interest  in a Australia Zoo group discount.

Brisbane Activities – relatively close to the Kelvin Grove State College Campus

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

This is Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic garden, featuring 56 hectares of diverse plant life, including a tropical dome, a Japanese garden and cafe. Drive Time: ~12–15 minutes (approx. 9 km). Cost: Free entry for the gardens. (The onsite Planetarium has separate ticket costs starting around $10–$20 per person). Google Maps

Explore Brisbane City by foot utilising the cross-river bridges

Try exploring Brisbane city via its cross-river bridges, use pedestrian/cycle bridges like the Goodwill Bridge, Kurilpa Bridge from Southbank Parklands, and the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge for stunning views and connections between the CBD, South Bank, and Kangaroo Point, forming part of the popular Brisbane River Loop path, accessible by foot or bike, linking key sights like South Bank Parklands, Botanic Gardens, and Howard Smith Wharves.
Visit the Sky Deck, a public rooftop viewing platform atop Brisbane Star Casino, 100 meters above the river. It offers 360-degree views with restaurants, bars (like Cicada Blu), and even a glass walkway for city views, located within the Queen’s Wharf Precinct and accessible via lifts from Level 4, providing an affordable sightseeing spot for locals and visitors.
Hop on a City Cat (50c fares!) and view the sights from the river. Check out a suggested walking trail here.

South Bank Parklands & Streets Beach

Brisbane’s cultural heart, featuring Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, lush rainforest walks, and the Collective Markets. Drive Time: 10–12 minutes (approx. 5 km).

Cost: Free entry to the park and beach. Parking fees in the underground lot usually range from $16–$35 depending on duration, although street parking (if found) is cheaper. Google Maps

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Nestled in the stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the charming villages of Montville and Maleny make for a perfect day trip from Kelvin Grove—just over 1.5 hours’ drive (approximately 100 km). Known for their breathtaking mountain views, artisan boutiques, cosy cafés and relaxed country atmosphere, these hinterland gems offer something for everyone. While visiting, enjoy a stroll along Montville’s gallery-lined Main Street, sample local produce and cheeses in Maleny, explore the lush rainforest walks of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, or take in spectacular panoramic views from Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. It’s an easy escape into nature, fresh air and small-town charm—right on Brisbane’s doorstep.

Sunshine Coast Beaches

The Sunshine Coast offers a 100km stretch of diverse coastline, ranging from calm, family-friendly estuaries to world-class surf breaks. Unlike the Gold Coast’s glitzy high-rise backdrop, the Sunshine Coast is generally more laid-back, featuring lush greenery, boutique villages, and scenic headland walks. Beaches below are shown in increasing order of distance from KGSC.

  • Kings Beach (Caloundra) [93km|1hr 10m drive time]: The closest major beach to Brisbane. It’s famous for its oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, water fountains for kids, and rocky headlands perfect for exploring tide pools. Google Maps
  • Mooloolaba Beach [99km|1hr15m drive time]: Frequently voted one of Australia’s best, this beach is sheltered and patrolled year-round. It features a bustling esplanade and a famous “Spit” area known for fresh seafood straight from the trawlers. Google Maps
  • Alexandra Headland (“Alex”) [101km|1hr 20m drive time]: Known for its high-performance surf break and a scenic bluff that provides panoramic views—ideal for whale watching during the winter months (June–October). Google Maps
  • Coolum Beach [120km|1hr 30m drive time]: A classic Aussie surf beach with a relaxed, salt-of-the-earth vibe. It’s wide and open, offering consistent waves for surfers and a beautiful grassy foreshore for picnics. Google Maps
  • Noosa Main Beach [137km|1hr 45m drive time]: One of the few north-facing beaches in Australia, resulting in exceptionally calm, gentle waves. It is perfect for families and beginner surfers, with the chic cafes of Hastings Street just steps away. Google Maps

Gold Coast Beaches

The Gold Coast offers over 50km of diverse coastline, ranging from the high-energy “city by the sea” vibes of Surfers Paradise to the more laid-back, nature-focused southern beaches. Beaches below are shown in increasing order of distance from KGSC.

  • Main Beach [79km|1hr]: Located just north of Surfers Paradise, this beach is generally quieter and offers a sophisticated coastal retreat. It is home to upscale boutiques on Tedder Avenue and the historic Pavilion 34 café. Google Maps
  • Surfers Paradise Beach [80km|1hr]: The most iconic and central beach. It features a stunning backdrop of skyscrapers and is just steps away from the bustling nightlife, dining, and shopping of Cavill Avenue. It’s perfect for those who want a lively atmosphere and plenty of amenities. Google Maps
  • Burleigh Heads [90km|1hr 10m]: A local favourite known for its relaxed “boho” vibe. It offers a famous right-hand point break for surfers and protected waters for swimmers. The beachfront is bordered by the Burleigh Heads National Park, which features scenic headland walking trails. Google Maps
  • Currumbin Alley [98km|1hr 15m]: Famous for its surf break and the picturesque “Elephant Rock.” It is an ideal spot for beginners learning to surf, while the nearby Currumbin Creek offers calm, flat water perfect for families, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Visit the nearby famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.. Google Maps
  • Snapper Rocks & Rainbow Bay [109km|1hr 25m]: Situated at the southernmost end in Coolangatta on the border with NSW, this area is world-renowned for “The Superbank,” a man-made break that produces some of the world’s longest and best waves. Rainbow Bay is north facing, providing sheltered, calm conditions for swimming. Google Maps

Note: for travel by train and tram, use TransLink’s Journey Planner