The right accommodation can really make or break a family holiday, especially when it comes to having options to keep the kids occupied! A holiday is so much more memorable for the kids when there are fun things to do.
That’s why we’ve put together our list for the best kid-approved family stays in Queensland. You can thank us later, parents!
1. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Gold Coast Hinterland
Nature lovers and inquisitive families will get a lot out of a stay at O’Reilly’s. There are adventures like a flying fox to check out the rainforest from above and Segway tours to get a closer look on the ground. My pick for kids of all ages is the glow worm tour to see millions of the tiny luminescent critters. Magic!
2. Turtle Beach Resort
Gold Coast
Turtle Beach is close to all the Gold Coast fun (there’s even a bus stop right out the front) and is perfectly equipped for families. You’ll have spacious and air-conditioned rooms in your apartment, so you won’t feel too cramped, as well as a kitchen so you can easily cook for yourselves. Major highlights include the Splash Zone Waterpark, mini-golf course, cinema, playground, and the games room. The Club Turtle kids’ program has craft activities, Lego sessions and even some disco parties to keep younger kids entertained, while parents can unwind at the Chelonia Day Spa. The woodfire pizza is pretty good too!
3. Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Sunshine Coast
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is the kind of place a kid dreams about. The giant multi-level waterpark is 500sqm of waterslides and sprinklers. But don’t worry, parents – you can watch from a (dry) distance on one of the sun lounges. Oaks also has a mini-golf course, tennis court, climbing frame and a beach volleyball course. There’s so much to do you won’t even need to leave the resort!
4. Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Whitsundays
Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is the perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays. And ‘adventure’ is definitely right, with a massive 32m lagoon pool, playground, tennis court and not one but TWO jumping pillows! The kids’ club will banish any remaining boredom, especially over the school holidays, with trivia nights, pony rides and annual events like Chocolate Week. All this, plus you’re only 10 minutes from the beach 🌊
5. Brisbane Gateway Resort
Brisbane
Brisbane Gateway Resort’s cabins are about a 25-minute drive from the Brissie CBD, making this a great, but quiet, base for exploring the city. The kids will love the playground, tennis court, and pool, and family dinners will be a breeze in the barbecue area. Head into the city to join one of the free Brisbane Greeters walking tours or pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the Roma Street Parkland.
6. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Cairns
Thrillseeking families, this one’s for you. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort has an epic number of activities on site – it’s like staying at a theme park! There are caravan and camping sites, as well as family condos to stay in. For the kids, there are playgrounds, huge jumping pillows, waterslides, badminton, mini-golf and outdoor movies every night. Coconut is pet-friendly too, so even furry family members can come and join the fun.
7. Mantra PortSea
Port Douglas
Swim, rest, repeat is the perfect holiday mantra (see what we did there?) and it’s easy to follow when you’re at Mantra PortSea. Moments from the beach, this resort has three pools (one with a waterslide) for the kids and a swim-up bar for the parents. There’s also on-site bike hire, which is a great way to get around and see the sights. Mantra Portsea is just a short walk from Macrossan Street, so you’ll be set for all your souvenir-shopping and cafe-brunching needs too.
CHECK OUT WOTIFHeads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.