Epic budget holiday parks in Queensland for your next family getaway

Gold Coast

Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park

Spectacular Tallebudgera Creek is one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Gold Coast and Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park is perfectly placed right in the action. Only moments from the sandy shores, you'll no doubt spend most of your time outdoors, either barbecuing in the park area, playing in the creek's calm waterfront playground, splashing in the pool, or packing up your beach bag and heading a short distance to the nearby patrolled beach.

There are cabins and caravan/campsites, but you’ll want to book ahead to get a prized place in one of the most popular budget holiday parks in Queensland. The modern two-bedroom and three-bedroom cabins have a relaxing beachy feel that will make you feel right at home during your stay, with self-contained kitchens, bathrooms, and the option of waterview cabins too. 

Main Beach Tourist Park

If you want a down-to-earth, no-fuss kind of Gold Coast holiday – while still staying central to all the action – try Main Beach Tourist Park. Only a two-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, you’ll still feel far enough away from the hustle as you jump across the road for a surf at Main Beach or coffee hop through the trendy cafes of Tedder Avenue.

While there’s a seasonally heated pool, playground and recreation area on the grounds to keep the young ones occupied, when you want to treat them to the best Gold Coast experiences, you’ve only got to head within a 3km radius to find Sea World, Timezone, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, Australia Fair Shopping Centre and the rock pool water playground at Broadwater Parklands.

All studio and two and three-bedroom cabins at the park are fully self-contained to suit a variety of holiday goers from small families to ten-person groups, with powered sites for caravans, camper trailers, campervans and tents.

For families that can’t get enough of being out on the water, Cotton Tree Holiday Park gives you the best of both worlds. With direct access to the Maroochy River and Maroochydore Beach, spend your days kayaking, surfing, fishing or swimming. Plus, right next door is the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre with a water park and outdoor and enclosed heated pools.

Along with powered and unpowered sites, there are two-bedroom villas, one-bedroom villas and a four-bedroom beach house to choose from, depending on how much space you need. All come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, a kitchen and a deck with table and chairs for you to sit outside and enjoy a wine or two in the evening.

Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park

Barefoot and bathers are the standard attire during a stay at the Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park. With nothing between you and the ocean, your days will become one long and lazy blur as you flit between your villa and the patrolled beach at your doorstep (with the epic surf of Alexandra Headland to your right and the calmer waters of the Maroochy River mouth to your left).

When you finally decide to venture out of your beach bubble, it's easy to explore all sides of the Sunshine Coast – from the coastal ‘burbs down to Caloundra or up to Noosa, out to the freshwater swimming holes and mountain villages of the hinterland.

Coolum Beach Holiday Park

So close you’re practically on the beach, a sandy path is all that separates this budget holiday park from one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches. Popular among surfers, but also family-friendly and patrolled, Coolum Beach is the ideal place to live the beachside life away from the hustle and bustle.

Conveniently located next to the Surf Club, who serve award-winning food at reasonable prices, Coolum Beach Holiday Park is set on 10 acres of pristine beachfront land. Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean in your one or two-bedroom villa. You’ve got all the must-haves like air conditioning, a kitchenette, ensuite and a TV in your room, although chances are you’ll be spending most of your time having fun in the sun.

The park itself doesn’t have a lot of facilities, but everything you could want to see and do is all at the holiday park’s doorstep. Stretch your legs with a walk along the boardwalk to the headland, or hike up to the top of the 25-million-year-old Mount Coolum for incredible views across the Sunshine Coast. During winter - aka humpback whale migratory season - make your way to Coolum’s Point Perry for the best vantage point to spot these magnificent creatures.

To get the most out of your Sunshine Coast holiday while on a budget, read this before you go.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks, South Mission Beach

If you want to get off the beaten tourist track near Cairns, you couldn’t pick a better destination than Mission Beach. How this coastal paradise has managed to stay on the down-low for so long is a mystery, especially since it’s nestled between two World Heritage-listed wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – and is filled to the brim with natural beauty and adventure.

If you want to take full advantage of its natural charm (and save your money for snorkelling sessions, white-water rafting and island day trips), you can’t go past BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - South Mission Beach. 

Along with views facing the Coral Sea out to Dunk Island, you’ll find yourself with the options of oceanfront villas, ensuite cabins, powered and unpowered sites, all a short stroll away from the large swimming pool, games room, shaded playground, and tennis/basketball court. Plus, the BYO restaurant and kiosk on-site does a mean fish ‘n’ chips.

Heading up over a long weekend? Make sure you check out this three-day guide to Mission Beach.

There’s no denying that The Whitsundays offers million-dollar views, everywhere you look. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to stay in this part of paradise.

Set on 26 acres of lush parkland only five minutes from Cannonvale Beach (and 10 minutes from the main strip of Airlie Beach), what you’ll find at the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort can only be described as a holiday park oasis.

With poolside massage pavilions, a swim-in spa, and its own Animal Park where you can cuddle alpacas and goats, no one would blame you if you barely ventured out during your stay. And for the kids, the fun literally never stops, with tennis, mini golf, water slides, pedal karts, Kids Club, outdoor movies, and board games all on-site.

But the best part? You get all of this for as little as $115/night, which is the starting rate for their studio cabins, which sleep four people. If you’d like a little more space, you can also bunker down in a one, two or three-bedroom cottage, villa or condo, starting from $190/night.

Want to trade in a holiday park for a chartered boat? Read this guide to a Whitsundays family sailing adventure.

Keen for a quiet beach getaway? Head 15 minutes out of Bundaberg to Bargara Beach: it has all the charm of a small town, with the promise of plenty of adventure at its doorstep. The Great Barrier Reef’s Lady Musgrave Island is just a day trip away - both are family-friendly and perfect for first-time snorkelers. Fancy swimming with turtles while you’re here? Read this guide and don’t forget to visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.

When choosing where to stay, you can’t go past BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Bargara - not only because it’s kind on the bank account, but because of its stunning beachfront location. You can hire kayaks, paddle boards, bikes and pedal karts from reception, use the park’s tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, or just laze in the sun on the patrolled beach.

Each of the bright and beachy cabins has its own ensuite, cooking facilities, air conditioning and balcony with outdoor dining. There are also some pet-friendly cabins available.

Spending some time in Bundaberg? Check out these family-friendly activities - and be sure to stop by Bargara's favourite foodie stop, WIndmill Cafe.

Discovery Parks, Tannum Sands, Gladstone

If you’re after a family getaway that won’t break the bank, set your sights on Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands. With its endless esplanade, lush parklands dotted with bright blue pavilions and kids playgrounds, and golden beaches offering a mix of calm and protected to wind surf-worthy, it’s hard to imagine how this sleepy coastal town isn’t flooded with tourists year-round.

Nestled in quiet bushland, facing the estuary where the salty seas of the main beach combine with the freshwater of Wild Cattle Creek, this budget holiday park is just shy of the main strip - but close enough that you don’t really need a car if you want to explore.

Money-conscious travellers can opt for the simple standard Economy Studio, but there's also two-bedroom villas and cabins for larger groups, along with powered and unpowered sites.

Captain Cook Holiday Village, Seventeen Seventy, Gladstone

Australian history buffs aren’t the only holiday-goers who’d be thrilled to stay at the Captain Cook Holiday Village. While the Town of 1770 is well-known for its historic background as the second landing site of James Cook, it’s also a great destination for anyone keen on a low-key beachside escape. Set in two and a half hectares of calm bush setting, the holiday park backs onto a secluded beach with great surf.

When you’ve had your fill of lazy beach days, you’ve got the Southern Great Barrier Reef at your fingertips to play with. Clear time in your schedule for a snorkel or dive trip to Fitzroy Reef and/or Lady Musgrave Island while you’re in town.

Accommodation at the park is varied to suit a range of wants and needs: if basic is the aim, go for the open-plan bungalows with a double bed, triple bunks and small kitchenette (with shared outdoor bathroom facilities). If you want to splurge a bit more on space and convenience, you’ve also got the Garden Deluxe Cabins and roomy two-bedroom villas.

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village, Capricorn

Sitting just off the Capricorn Coast, Great Keppel Island caters to both extremes of the holiday spectrum: do absolutely nothing but eat, swim, sleep, repeat, or explore and experience every inch that the island has to offer.

With its 17 beaches and coves – many with fringing reefs just offshore – and excellent bushwalking trails to explore, it isn’t surprising that many people opt for the latter.

The eco-friendly Great Keppel Island Holiday Village makes it a cinch as well, less than a minute’s walk from two perfect swimming beaches. There are a variety of options from campsites to holiday houses, but if you’re going for that middle range between not sleeping on the floor but not splashin’ out, go for their Decked Tents or Cabins.

The Decked Tents take on the glamping trend with a timber platform, double beds, white steamed linen, lights, fans, and a small deck with outdoor furniture. If you’d prefer to have your own bathroom and kitchen facilities, the ensuite cabins can accommodate up to four people.

For more inspiration on how to spend a family escape on Great Keppel Island, read this.

For a tranquil getaway nestled among nature, Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park won’t disappoint. Surrounded by the Cape Hillsborough National Park with the beach right in front of you, this secluded holiday park is just the ticket for escaping the daily grind.

And with 'Queenslander hut' cabin prices from only $102/night or campsites from $38, this patch of paradise is a real steal. There are also family beach cabins just steps away from the beach, that include a barbecue, ensuite bathroom and kitchenette.

Wake up to the most spectacular sunrise over the beach while you watch groups of Eastern Grey kangaroos and wallabies feed on seaweed and mangrove seed pods that washed up on shore overnight. Then, make your way to the tourist park’s diner for breakfast and coffee.

Head along The Diversity Boardwalk to see all the different types of flora and fauna that call Cape Hillsborough National Park home. As you make your way through Melaleuca woodland, a mangrove community, eucalypt open forest and vine thicket, you will see signs of the cultural significance that the local environment had for the Yuibera People.

Finish off the day enjoying the park’s pool and waterslides, or stay dry and play a round of pool in the games room.

Big4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park, Mackay

Staring out over the calm waters of Mackay’s longest continuous beach - Blacks Beach - it won’t take you long to feel relaxed and ready to get into holiday mode at BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park.

It ticks all the boxes when it comes to facilities, with a resort pool and splash pad area, an on-site convenience store, a cinema room as well as regular outdoor movies, a lending library and more. But what makes this holiday park special is those added extras like pancake breakfasts, pizza and trivia nights, sausage sizzles and kids activities during the school holidays.

Townsville

Tasman Holiday Parks, Rowes Bay

Settle your family in at one of Townsville’s best locations - looking out over Magnetic Island - at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Rowes Bay.

There are two types of Ocean Villas, starting at $179/night each, which both sleep up to six people in its compact open-plan layout with an ensuite. The private balcony is just the place to sit and soak in those beach views while enjoying the ocean breeze. The Standard Cabin is the ideal fit for tighter budgets, from $159/night. You still get a kitchenette, dining table, enough beds for five people, air conditioning and a small patio - the only thing missing is an ensuite and beach views, but neither are far away.

After you’ve had your fix of tennis, swimming and days by the beach, drive 10 minutes into Townsville to grab a bite down City Lane or along The Strand, or take in the views from Castle Hill. 

Queensland Country

Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park

A family escape to the country where the air is cleaner, the fresh produce comes directly from paddock to plate, and warm hospitality is in the locals’ blood is good for everyone’s soul.

Close to the quaint town of Killarney and just 10 km from Queen Mary Falls, Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park is an idyllic country getaway. The dog-friendly caravan park lets the whole family come along for an adventure-packed holiday of hiking, waterfall chasing, wildlife spotting (keep an eye out for platypus in the creek) and nights making new friends around the open fire.

Stay in the special dog-friendly budget cabin with all the essential mod cons like an ensuite, kitchen and TV with DVD player. If you need more space, there’s a two-bedroom cottage for up to six people and one and two-bedroom cabins. Powered and unpowered sites are also available. 

For ideas on how to spend your time in Killarney, check out this guide.

For more family-friendly accommodation in Queensland, check out these resorts and more family-approved holiday parks.

Feature image: RACV Noosa Resort