7 days for the best family holiday in Queensland
List
By Danielle Reckless
Life's little moments happen in big destinations, whether there's sand or red dirt between your toes. And from the world's largest coral Reef to the huge outback, it doesn't get much bigger than Queensland.
This is the spot to create lifelong memories with your gang on an unforgettable family holiday. Get active together, get in touch with nature, marvel at world wonders, take the classroom outside and have close encounters of the wild kind.
If you're looking for a family holiday that'll paint the kids faces with excitement and wonder, we've got you sorted.
1. The island day
There’s something for every island-loving family in Queensland, and you might just be tempted to spend more than a day here, too.
The Whitsundays has a bevy of island gems up its sleeve: Hamilton Island is one of the most popular spots for families, with everything you need at your fingertips: protected beaches, reef day trips, quad biking and even breakfast with koalas. Or check into Daydream Island to lap up the luxuries of resort-life, with the incredible Living Reef to explore and plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Easily accessible from Cairns, Fitzroy Island Resort is a family holiday haven of fringing reef to snorkel. But there’s also a turtle rehabilitation centre, indoor cinema, resort pool plus sea kayaking, paddleboarding and dive lessons for those who like a little more adventure.
The Keppel Explorer packs a huge day of island adventures around The Keppel Islands. Jump on the small group scenic boat tour to cruise to secluded beaches, wander the islands, and snorkel fringing reef where no other tourists can get to on a day tour.
A quick trip off the coast of Gladstone lies spectacular Heron Island: and while it could rest of looks alone, you’ll find there’s a lot happening above and below the surface, including a scientific research centre, turtle hatchlings and bird watching.
2. The beach day
Queensland’s beaches rank among the best in the world and it’s not hard to see why. You’ll find the most inviting kid-friendly beaches all along the 7,400km coastline from Coolangatta to the top of Cape York.
A few of our favourites for a quintessential Queensland beach day? Head to the golden shores of the Sunshine Coast where the calm beaches of Caloundra and coastal national parks will keep you busy for a day or a week or more. Or venture further north to sleepy Hervey Bay, home to Queensland’s best family beaches, the hub of whale watching, and K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) at your doorstep if you crave something a little more wild.
For an adventure-packed day that includes plenty of time at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, hop on board the zippy, unmissable Ocean Rafting boats in the Whitsundays.
The Gold Coast is perfect for family holidays too, between dips at Main Beach, Currumbin Estuary and Tallebudgera Creek, you can learn how to surf.
3. The adrenaline-fuelled day
If you’re after some real heart-pounding, stomach-dropping thrills, nowhere has more opportunity to get the family squealing than the Gold Coast. Spend a day bouncing between rollercoasters and rides at a theme park, get a skydiving experience without the need for a plane at iFly, or head out on the water for a jet ski safari or jetboat ride.
4. The Great Barrier Reef day
If your family loves to strap on a pair of fins and a snorkel, you’re spoilt for choice of where to dive in along the Great Barrier Reef. One of the best day trips from Cairns, cruise out to the state-of-the-art Moore Reef Marine Base to snorkel the reef, check out the underwater observatory and take a glass-bottom boat tour – you can even sign the kids up to be a marine biologist for the day. Or head out to the Reefworld Pontoon on Hardy Reef with Cruise Whitsundays to come face-to-face with giant Maori Wrasse and groupers among thousands of tropical fish.
While a little more off-the-radar, Townsville’s jewel Magnetic Island (or Maggie to the locals) is a tiny tropical island paradise with over 20 beautiful beaches accessed by a short ferry from the city. Set sail with Big Mama Sailing to dive in and explore the island’s coves, or go your own way and explore the two self-guided snorkeling trails that lie just off the beach at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay. There’s plenty more to do here once you dry off.
5. The wildlife day
Meeting the local wildlife is part of the experience of travelling in Queensland. There’s more kangaroos than cars on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), and keep your eyes peeled on a stroll through Brisbane bushland and you might just spot a koala resting in the trees above. Otherwise, head to the world’s largest koala sanctuary for some one-on-one time.
But for close encounters with our cuddliest residents (and a few less cuddly), visit Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. Here, you can meet wildlife from Australia and abroad, and learn about the conservation legacy the Irwins have dedicated their lives too. Or check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast where you see Lemurs, Cotton-top tamarins, Red pandas, Capybaras.
Witness nature’s miracle as baby turtles hatch and take their first steps, or take a horse-drawn wagon ride in the outback to see one of the largest herds of Texas Longhorn Cattle. And if you like the country life, you might want to get a bigger bite of farm life on a farm stay.
6. The day in Outback Queensland
Stagecoach Experience trotting along in outback
For a holiday that ventures well beyond the beaten track, pack up the family car and set your GPS for Outback Queensland.
From riding a historic Cobb and Co Stagecoach with Outback Pioneers in Longreach, to witnessing the spectacular Luminescent Longreach light and sound show at Qantas Founders Museum, there's so much to see and do in the Outback.
Not sure where to start? Check out this six-day family-friendly itinerary that includes plenty of dinosaur discovery opportunities, or head north-west on the Savannah Way.
7. The city day
Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, lends itself to an adventure for every family.
Familes who love arts and culture can explore Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in the cultural precinct of South Bank. The twin galleries are dedicated to some of the best examples of contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific and have a renowned kids art program. A little further up the Brisbane River is Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane's vibrant dining and lifestyle precient. Join the locals and soak up the famous Queensland sunshine by the water, drink in hand, or enjoy a meal overlooking the river at one of the world-class restaurants.
Leisure seekers and adventurers will find balance on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), with options to dive, sand toboggan, quadbike, or feed the wild dolphins at sunset. Just an hour from Brisbane city on River to Bay, this waterborne pocket feels a world away thanks to its collection of shipwrecks, surf breaks, and seemingly endless sandy stretches begging to be explored.
Brisbane also has an adventurous streak, with activities in the heart of the city that even the most smart phone-obsessed teenager will love. Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is one of only three in the Southern Hemisphere you can climb on a guided tour. If your legs make it, the panoramic views from the top are a worthy reward. Or soak up the city views from the water on a kayak tour with Riverlife Adventure Centre, then take it to new heights with rock climbing or abseiling along the iconic Kangaroo Point cliffs.
No matter what type of family holiday you're after, you won't find better days like this than here in Queensland.
