When I was kid – back in the days when one car families were the norm – train trips during school holidays were magical adventures.

The journey from your nearest train station to your day-trip destination was almost as exciting as the ice cream and fish and chips you’d get to enjoy on arrival.  I did say almost!

As the wheels clicked and clacked hypnotically along the track, you’d get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life “from the rails” rather than the road.  As a kid I'd savour the sights of this secret world.  Quick peeks at backyard after backyard, factories, hidden streets and alleys, neighbourhood parks and bushland - all revealed in just a 30-minute journey.

Although the old open-window diesel carriages have long been replaced by electric ones – and believe me… I do appreciate the air-conditioning – I was reminded recently that train trips on school holidays are still a great way to get outdoors, reconnect and share a family adventure right here in your own city.  And getting there is still very much part of the fun.

A few weeks ago, I travelled with a friend and his two children on a Brisbane southbound service.  His 11 and 7 year olds peered and pointed out the window the whole way. Remarkably, they didn’t glance at their smart phones once!!!

Looking for some great destinations close to rail stops?  Here are five spots in and around Brisbane ripe for school holiday fun, games and exploration - all within 800m of a train station.  Feeling really adventurous?  Then travel a train line you've never tried before.

For the best value, plan your trip and take advantage of off-peak fares. Visit Translink for more details.

• Sandgate foreshore (650m from Sandgate Station on the Shorncliffe Line).  Its plentiful fish and chips outlets, foreshore walking path and parklands, children's playgrounds, shallow bayside beaches ready to be explored, and cooling sea breezes tick all the boxes!

• Manly (800m from Manly Station on the Cleveland Line).  A stroll along Royal Esplanade will uncover Manly Boat Harbour (home to hundreds of vessels of varying sizes), eateries galore, and bayside parks and play areas with spectacular views across Moreton Bay.

• Karawatha Forest (250m from Trinder Park Station - via Elizabeth Street - on the Beenleigh Line).  For the more active, Karawatha Forest is one of Brisbane's largest areas of remnant bushland with plenty of walking trails.  With distances ranging from 500m to 3km - almost all rated 'easy' - it's a great place to wander and spot some of the 200 or so species of native fauna that call Karawatha home.  It also has two picnic areas and a lookout at Poets Rock.

• Sherwood Arboretum (230m from Sherwood Station on the Ipswich/Springfield Lines).  Perched on the edge of the Brisbane River, this leafy green park is a picnickers dream.  A trip through time, the Arboretum's origins date back almost 100 years.  Riverside paths, children's playgrounds and its undulating terrain invite exploration.

• Pine Rivers Park (850m from Strathpine Station on the Caboolture/Redcliffe Lines).  From one rail ride to another!  Pine Rivers Park's pedal-powered train will keep the kids racing around for hours... and guarantee a great night's sleep when you take them home.  The children's maze, playground, electric barbecue and many shaded spots make it a top northside location to enjoy the great outdoors.

• Southbank Parklands (400m from South Brisbane Station).  Okay.  I know this is the 6th... but it simply can't be left off a list of train-friendly family locations.  Its parklands, patrolled sand beach, playgrounds and views of Brisbane's CBD are ideal for a catch-up with family or friends as well as some outdoor fun and games.

Although this list is Brisbane-centric, there are plenty of similar examples in other cities –  Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or anywhere else.  Just select a destination near a railway station (one where you can play outdoor games is always a winner in my books), check the best ticketing deals and get the kids to leave their electronic devices at home for just one day.  Tap into your inner child... you’ll be surprised what you all discover when you observe life from the other side of the tracks!

Rob

Rob is a dad, music lover and avid outdoor games player. He is also the creator of the new Aussie-invented outdoor game, Crossbones®. He is often seen throwing his bones about with family and friends in parks across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.