25 incredible family-friendly resorts in Queensland

It’s the towering water park—bursting with slides and water fountains—within the 500m2 play zone at Oaks Oasis that will keep a young entourage entertained all day long. But it’s the restorative and tranquil 10 acres of landscaped tropical gardens that will make you feel like you’re truly on holiday. Venture outside the resort and the family-friendly beaches of Caloundra are moments away.

2. Sea World Resort and Water Park, Gold Coast

For adventure right outside your hotel room, Sea World Resort and Water Park ticks all the boxes. As well as adrenaline-rushing rides and world-famous animal encounters, cool off in this family-friendly resort’s 50-metre lagoon pool and waterfall.

The resort’s Aquaplay is the ideal spot for water-loving kids, with nightly LED light shows at the SpongeBob SplashBash.

3. RACV Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast

With Hastings St and Main Beach only a short hop away, RACV Noosa Resort is the best of both worlds.

The expansive pool areas cater for all ages, with a balmy lagoon pool complete with surrounding loungers for adults, and splash pools with water slides that the kids won’t want to leave. Fancy a kid-free afternoon? Kids Club Care is in full swing during school holidays, making ‘me time’ a reality - even if you only go as far as the onsite day spa. Bliss.

Lady Elliot Island has over 1,200 species of marine life that call the island home—and so can you. Staying on this Southern Great Barrier Reef island is as easy as choosing your own adventure. Home to one eco-resort, accommodation ranges from eco-cabins and tents to two-bedroom island suites - while steps away you can explore fringing coral reef and swim alongside turtles.

During school holidays, sign the kids up for the Junior Reef Rangers program where they can revel in learning about this incredible ecosystem.

5. Heron Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

A family holiday on Heron Island is like living and breathing the Great Barrier Reef up close. As well as unprecedented access to the Reef, guests can walk right into the ocean and snorkel in the calm, clear waters - or choose from over 20 dive sites a short boat ride away. 

During school holidays, qualified marine biologists take groups around the island to learn about the reef, marine life and birds, giving parents plenty of time to take advantage of the beach and spa facilities. Visit during turtle nesting or hatching season for an even more magical experience.

6. Daydream Island Resort, The Whitsundays

Nestled in the raw beauty of The Whitsundays, but with facilities to keep every traveller enthralled, Daydream Island Resort is easily among the best family-friendly resorts in Queensland. 

From shark and stingray feeding shows at the world’s largest open-air aquarium, to educational marine talks with marine biologists, open-air cinema screenings, mini golf and a playground, along with tours to the Reef or famous beaches, days on Daydream will entertain all.

7. Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, The Whitsundays

For a family holiday that piles on the wow-factor, Intercontinental Hayman Island’s luxurious surrounds will make for something extra special. The wow's don't stop at the setting though. Hayman Island's crew will connect you with memorable experiences from snorkelling and diving adventures to boat rides to nearby secluded islands, to fishing, jetski or kayak excursions. Take the kids on a semi-submersible reef trip or order a basket of goodies for a private sunset picnic. 

Kids aged 4 - 12 years also have the opportunity to make friends and participate in a range of activities with the Planet Trekkers Kids Club - so they can run off extra energy with beach games, arts & crafts and more while you kick back at the pool - or private heli tour.

8. Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays

Hamilton Island is famous for being the family-friendly resort destination in Queensland. Island time is all year round here, with direct flights from many major cities, and spectacular adventures once you arrive - from the ease of pool time to endless island beauty to explore.  

Swimmers of all ages can swim and snorkel right off the beach thanks to protected waters, with turtles sighted year-round. There is a variety of activities on offer across the island, including water sports, ten pin bowling, as well as visits to the island’s very own wildlife centre - don't miss breakfast with the koalas.

9. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Families who want to base themselves in the heart of Cairns can find their slice of paradise poolside, at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. An easy stroll from Cairns Esplanade and its lagoon-style public pool, the city's best dining and the marina where most Great Barrier Reef day trips depart, all the work is taken off your plate when you check in here. 

Novotel Cairns Oasis offers great family deals, babysitting services, plus a VIK (Very Important Kids) weekend program filled with fun including arts, games and movie nights. 

10. Fitzroy Island Resort, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Fitzroy Island Resort is a picturesque 45-minute boat ride from Cairns. Once you’ve arrived, there are endless island and Great Barrier Reef experiences to be had.

Snorkel the fringing coral reefs, frolic on the beaches, take a glass-bottom boat tour, hire sea kayaks for DIY family time, even pop into the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre as part of the island’s conservation work.

The family-friendly resort’s two-bedroom apartments are perfect for group stays, and when you need a break from the outdoors, head to the cinema or games room.

If island life is your dream family holiday scenario, check out Queensland’s best family-friendly islands.

Holiday park resorts for families

Don’t compromise value for money for fun on your next holiday, these family-friendly holiday park resorts will give you the quality time you crave—with all the added extras.

11. Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort, The Whitsundays

Boasting a 32-metre lagoon pool, 13-slide waterpark, tennis court, animal park, adventure playground and two jumping pillows, fun is the name of the game at Big4 Adventure Whitsundays - one of the most awarded family-friendly resorts in Queensland.

There's accomodation for every family's style on this 26-acre sprawling oasis, including camping and caravanning, hotel-style studio cabins and three-bedroom apartments. 

The Kids Club here ramps up during school holidays with goo and gunk parties, craft club, mini golf tournaments, discos under the stars and movies on the giant outdoor screen. Its location makes for a great base to do some serious Whitsundays island hopping, too.

12.  Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, Gold Coast

Water lovers of all ages will love Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park with its world-class beaches, refreshing pools, prime fishing and boating spots, water-skiing and canoeing on your doorstep. 

The holiday park runs the gamet of camping through to family cabins, with a swimming pool, tennis court and playground on hand to occupy the kids - when you're not clocking up beach time. 

13. Big4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Moreton Bay, Brisbane

Nestled on the glistening shores of Pumicestone Passage, across from Bribie Island, BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort is one to put on your radar.

About halfway between Brisbane City and the Sunshine Coast, this family-friendly resort is perfect for short escapes and long breaks. The range of accommodation options cater to every budget, from camping to safari tents to caravan sites and villas. But you probably won't spend too much time inside, with a waterpark, two huge pools (one with a swim-up bar), playground, fire pit, jumping pillow, tennis court, and more. 

14. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut

Holidaying up north? Cairns Coconut is kids paradise, boasting two swimming pools, slides, splash park and pedal cars to explore its 11-acres of landscaped gardens. Activities get a bigger boost during school holidays, and if you can pull the family away from all the entertainment here, Wet Tropics rainforest, Atherton Tablelands and Great Barrier Reef adventures are on your doorstep.

Discover more budget-friendly holiday parks in Queensland here.

Family-friendly resorts by the beach

Looking to step up your beach cricket game or teach the kids to surf on your next family holiday? A resort by the beach is what you need, and luckily, Queensland offers them up in abundance. 

15. Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island, Brisbane

You can reach Tangalooma Island Resort on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) within 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane. The ultimate island escape for the most active of tribes, experiences here are anything but ordinary.

Help rangers feed wild dolphins by night, head to the dunes for sand surfing quad biking, or keep it casual and take a sea kayak for a spin around the famous sunken wrecks.

16. Turtle Beach Resort, Gold Coast

Turtle Beach Resort is just 300 metres from Mermaid Beach, and boasts facilities for all the family including putt putt golf, a games room, cinema and playground.

The resort’s Splash Zone Waterpark has areas suitable for all ages, and four to 12-year-olds will be hooked on the Club Turtle activities.

17. Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari, Fraser Coast

At Kingfisher Bay Resort, kids don’t just have access to sand and sea, they can learn all about the world’s largest sand island’s eco-system, too. Inquisitive little ones can learn all about mangroves and the tidal zones, take bush and beach walks, listen to Aboriginal stories, sing campfire songs, and go stargazing.

There’s also spotlighting for bats, sugar gliders and frogs, plus plenty of environmental games, a ropes course, canoeing, sand sculpture and arts and craft. Plus, all of K'gari's beauty at your fingertips.

18. Rumba Beach Resort, Sunshine Coast

You’ll find the ideal family beachfront accommodation in Caloundra with one, two or three-bedroom apartments at Rumba Beach Resort.

Take an afternoon walk or ride along the waterfront boardwalk and coastal pathway, then cool off at Bulcock, Golden or Kings Beach. For those who prefer to relax poolside, take a dip in the resort’s two pools or kick back in the luxurious outdoor jacuzzi.

19. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Gold Coast

If your family isn’t quite up to snorkelling in the open ocean just yet, try the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa’s 5-metre deep saltwater pool—complete with tropical fish, waterfalls and an artificial coral reef.

One of the most luxurious family-friendly resorts in Queensland, the team here knows how valuable quality time shared together really is, and offers a unique 'Family by JW' program, packed with activities you can do as a family, like pizza making classes, family yoga, herb planting and more. You're also a short walk from the beaches of Surfers Paradise, when the ocean calls.

For the adults in the party, the resort features luxurious touches such as poolside cabanas and daybeds, quiet pool zones—even a state-of-the-art sports zone if you’re feeling energised. 

Queensland resorts for the whole family

Whether you’re looking for places to suit your teenagers or you’re bringing along the extended family for a holiday, these all-rounder resorts will keep the entire group entertained.

20. Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, Sunshine Coast

Perfectly positioned by the surf of Mudjimba Beach and the calm waters of Maroochy River in sparkling Twin Waters, four-star Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort really has it all for a family holiday. 

All ages will love the private lagoon beach, outdoor pool and spa, mini golf, plus range of watersports at your fingertips. The young ones will swoon over the jam-packed school holidays activity schedule that runs day and night, from sports and games to fish feeding and movies. Older kids will make use of the arcade games, kayaks and catamarans, and the nearby aqua park. 

As for the adults? Take a pilates class, play a round of golf at Twin Waters Golf Club, celebrate with high tea, or sip a cocktail by the water.

21. Peppers Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Peppers Broadbeach beachside resort has an enviable location, right in the heart of Broadbeach. The one, two, and three-bedroom suites have all the mod-cons, while the resort itself features indoor and outdoor pools, game areas for the kids and exclusive guest zones for the adults. Turns out, your family can have the best of both worlds.

22. Peppers Beach Club and Spa, Palm Cove, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Peppers Beach Club and Spa is right on the beach at Palm Cove and features one, two and three-bedroom apartments perfect for a fuss-free, family-friendly holiday.

Choose to spend your stay under a shaded palm on the beach or relax poolside at either the rainforest rock pool or the resort’s peaceful lagoon pool. Want to get away from it all? Head to the Peppers’ onsite day spa.

Family-friendly resorts for a rainforest experience

For a family-friendly holiday with eco-credentials, recharge your batteries in the rainforest to really get away from it all.

23. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Scenic Rim, Brisbane

If you’ve got a couple of budding wildlife warriors, we know just the place. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the middle of Lamington National Park has designed an Eco Rangers Program to teach children between the age of five and 12 about the local environment. Activities in this paid program include bush walks and rainforest adventures, bush survival skills, arts and crafts, nocturnal scavenger hunts and campfire cookouts.

Beyond this, tackle tree top suspension bridges and hiking trails, wildlife experiences and more - in a World Heritage rainforest that's been here since before the dinosaurs. 

24. BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland Country

Take the family off the grid at this BIG4 holiday resort at Carnarvon Gorge. One of Queensland’s best national parks is on your doorstep, so take full advantage of your surrounds.

Go wildlife spotting along 1km Nature Trail, learn about the local Indigenous landmarks and spend lazy afternoons swimming in the many rock pools. 

25. Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Screen-time will be a forgotten memory when you check into a bungalow among the trees at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Here, you'll have the best of the beach and the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest at your fingertips - not to mention the Great Barrier Reef right offshore. 

Complimentary tours for guests include nature walks, bird and butterfly watching, a tour of the coconut forest (and chance to drink and eat along the way), and stargazing with telescopes by night. You can also sign up for local tours to the Daintree or Reef, rejuvenate at the spa, or simply find your own patch of play (or solace) on the 2km of private beach. 

Ready to start planning a family holiday? Discover more unique experiences here.