Alien markets, wake parks and tranquil temples – five must-do experiences in the City of Logan
With Easter around the corner and school holidays on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan some adventures. If you’re looking for a quick getaway or day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the City of Logan is just a short drive away and offers a refreshing mix of hidden gems, culinary delights and exciting experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, thrill-seeker or culture enthusiast, there’s plenty to explore. From bustling neon-lit night markets and action-packed water parks to serene meditation temples, here are five fun-filled things to do in Logan for your next easy escape.
Area 51 and Alien Night Markets
For the ultimate all-ages adventure, make tracks to Area 51 – Australia’s largest indoor family entertainment centre. Spanning a mammoth 10,000-sqm, the indoor play, sports and recreation facility features attractions like climbing walls, a trampoline park, a high-ropes course, a ninja park, giant inflatables, mega carnival slides and a multi-purpose sports court. Got the little ones in tow? There’s the multi-storey Gizmo’s Galaxy playground, Galacticity for under fours, and the Astrotots fun park for those under two. Connected to Area 51 is the Alien Night Market – an out-of-this-world market packed with everything you need for an unforgettable night. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Alien Night Market is a foodie paradise, showcasing the very best of Asian culture and cuisine. Alongside tasty food stalls, there’s live music and entertainment, interactive carnival games, a rollerskating rink and outdoor movies.
Bayside Wake Park
Bayside Water Park, located in Carbrook, is the go-to destination for wakeboarding and water sports enthusiasts, offering thrilling activities for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to perfect your skills, the family-owned water park has something for everyone with its top-notch facilities and expert instructors. Keen wakeboarders of all ages can hit the park and test their skills on the jumps, rails, kickers and wedges, while first-timers can learn to shred in group or private lessons. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some fun on the water.
Chung Tian Temple
Craving some zen time? Tranquility awaits at Chung Tian Temple – a serene Buddhist temple in Priestdale. Showcasing traditional Chinese architecture in peaceful surroundings, Chung Tian Temple offers a placid escape through meditation classes, mindfulness classes for kids, temple tours, Chinese calligraphy classes, transformative tai chi sessions and more. There’s also an on-site vegetarian cafe called Water Drop Tea House, and traditional tea and a vegetarian buffet is also served at the Fo Guang Cultural Centre.
Skate Paradise
Gather the crew and enjoy a blast from the past at neon-lit roller-skating rink, Skate Paradise. Let loose in the open skate sessions, learn to glide like the pros in fun-filled skate lessons with expert instructors, or drop in for the sensory skate sessions. There are special Easter and school holiday events planned (jump to the Skate Paradise website for details) with half and full-day options for all ages. Hungry? Take a break from the skates and refuel with a tasty bite from the brand-new family-friendly American diner – also home to some of the best ice-cream slushies in town.
You might like
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
Keen to get outdoors? Venture to The Daisy Hill Koala Centre, nestled in the heart of Daisy Hill Conservation Park, and get up close to super-cute koalas in their natural habitat. Best of all, admission is completely free! It’s the perfect spot for a family outing – enjoy a leisurely walk or pack a picnic and explore the lush conservation park surrounding the centre. After your visit, head down the road to popular cafe St Coco where you’ll find specialty coffee pouring alongside delicious all-day eats, plenty of sweet treats and a wholesome kids menu.
Keen to explore even more of Logan? Take yourself on a food safari at the Global Food Markets, grab a coffee at Cafe on Cusak before getting creative with all-ages art workshops at Grounded Village Studios, and indulge in strawberry ice-cream at the family-owned Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm. Catch up with friends over tea and cake at Devon Pixies Teahouse in the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, and experience the must-try char siu eggs Benedict and the signature chubby doughnuts at cult-favourite Korean bakehouse and cafe Bake It in Underwood.
You can find more information, including things to do over Easter and upcoming school holidays, over at the Explore Logan website.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at City of Logan.