Finding a suitable place to take the family on holidays can be a mission in itself so we asked real Brisbane families where they go and this is their epic list of family-friendly holiday destinations in Queensland. If you prefer to go camping then check out our other list.
Family Friendly Holiday Destinations
Murphys Creek Escape
Murphys Creek Escape is a great bush retreat close to Brisbane.
The serenity of Murphys Creek Escape
Fraser Island
Whether you want to camp, stay in a house or even at a resort, there are accommodation ideas for every type of family, even if you don’t own a 4wd. Enjoy attractions like Champagne Pools, Eli Creek, Manchester Lake and the wild dingoes of Fraser Island.
Lake Manchester
Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast
Paradise resort offers affordable family-friendly accommodation featuring a kids club, kids water play area and kids activities to keep them busy.
The Bunya Mountains
Bunya Mountains have a whole village of gorgeous houses for rent! kangas and birds everywhere, great for littlies.
Seaworld Nara Resort
Seaworld Nara is great of course – kids club is only for kids 4+ though which kinda sucks:( it’s also pretty expensive at times but having cuddles with Elmo and Grover at the breaky buffet make it special!
Seaworld on the Gold Coast
Turtle Beach Resort
Turtle Beach Resort in Gold Coast should be considered one of the great QLD family friendly holiday destinations! Definitely recommend the wood-fired pizza! And from another Mum it was fabulous both for my 4 year old and 15 year old. Next to the woodfired pizza was a complimentary movie theatre so the kids could watch a movie while you had dinner or a few drinks! It was fabulous! (only one thing – check to see which floor you are on – we were on the 2nd floor which was fine for us – but not if you have a baby!)
Turtle Beach Resort aerial view
Treasure Island Resort & Holiday Park Gold Coast
Treasure Island Resort & Holiday Park Gold Coast is THE best place to stay with kids and so close to all the main fun of the Gold Coast.
Caloundra -Bulcock Beach and Happy Valley
Caloundra – Bulcock Beach and Happy Valley. Everything is within walking distance and not overcrowded. Happy Valley features a massive playground and grassy recreational area and Bulcock Beach is a patrolled beach with smaller waves. Just around the corner is Kins Beach for those seeking bigger ocean waves.
Coochiemudlo Island
Coochiemudlo Island is so close to Brisbane and perfect for young children and you can find a range of places to stay on websites like Stayz and Airbnb
Farm stays like Tommerups
Farm stays like Tommerups offer families something different for their holidays with an opportunity to experience country life.
P & O Cruises
P & O Cruises are a popular choice for many families seeking fun the whole family along with the option of a kids club so parents can enjoy some time together.
Fraser Lodge Holiday Park
Fraser Lodge Holiday Park at Hervey Bay offers lovely cabins within walking distance to the beach. Also features a playground, tennis court and two swimming pools. Happy kids, happy holiday!
Girraween Environmental Lodge
Girraween Environmental Lodge is right next door to the National park and perfect for non-campers! They are family-friendly and have a pool and lots of short walks. Shops close by for top-ups and easy for a self-catering holiday.
Gold Coast Tourist Park
You can camp/caravan, cabin or villa for the night or more & it is right on the water, opposite Seaworld. Shopping centre nearby for supplies. Mcdonalds across the road https://goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/parks/broadwater
Emerald beach big 4-holiday park
Emerald beach big 4-holiday park features a heated pool, jumping thing for kids, games room, basketball courts and beautiful beaches.
Jacaranda Cottages
Jacaranda Cottages at Maleny features a selection of holiday houses and cottages. It is only a short distance to Australia Zoo and the Sunshine Coast. The houses are well kitted out and feel like a home away from home.
Cape Hillsborough Resort, Mackay
Cape Hillsborough Resort near Mackay is great, good prices, family-friendly.. 🙂 two thumbs up from us 🙂
Yamba big 4 van park
Yamba big 4 van park by the water, 2 big pools, spa, kids activities eg, treasure hunt, games room and baby games room, foot paddle boats.. cabins, camp powered sites or apartment-style accommodation… is only 2 mins drive to the waves
Paradise Palms at Cairns
Paradise Palms at Cairns has pools and a huge adventure playground complete with jumping pillow, jumping castle, several playgrounds that are age rated. They also offer a golf course, mini-golf for kids and amazing food.
Rainbow Beach
Hire a house at rainbow shores, a room at a local apartment or camp on the beach. Enjoy a range of beaches including some dog-friendly beaches.
The Retreat Beach Houses
The retreat beach houses at Peregian beach are great for a family holiday. Self-contained beach houses, no roads to cross to the beach, awesome restaurants at the village and a lagoon-style pool that is perfect for toddlers 🙂 They also have beach toys, games and movies to borrow which makes it all a bit easier.
Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park
Kurrimine beach caravan and holiday park in North Queensland has a fantastic outdoor playground suitable for crawling bubs up to older kids and a giant jumping pillow. They offer indoor games, a “blocks and art room”, pool, an onsite shop with some essentials and foods, and an outside undercover movie and bbq area. They have caravan, camping and cabins and are 200m walk to the beach.
Cotton Tree Caravan Park
Nice and affordable beach front cabins and caravans with a lovely stretch of calm water perfect for littlies.
Gympie Terrace at Noosaville
Gympie Terrace at Noosaville is perfect for kids and parents with a great river for kids to swim and play in, with plenty of shade (trees) and no big waves. It features an excellent park with bike paths and playgrounds. It is not to far from the beach at Noosa, more shopping and nature walks.
Princess Palms at Palm Beach
Princess Palms at Palm Beach is fabulous. The hotel has a pool, tennis court, small kids park and fabulous views of the beach. There is immediate access to the beach river, pirate park or the brilliant child-friendly cafe which are all a 30-second walk out the back gate.
Finding suitable QLD Family Friendly Holiday Destinations is always a challenge but we hope the above suggestions give you somewhere to start. Should you wish to add anything or give a review of a destination then feel to leave in comments or email us at info@brisbanekids.com.au
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