Family holiday destinations in Queensland (and why to go) | Finder
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6 Queensland family holiday hot spots the kids will love

Where to go and what to do in Queensland over the school holidays.

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Stephanie Yip
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Taking some time off work to spend with the kids during these school holidays?

A family trip around Queensland is a great call as the weather is still warm, averaging 30℃, so there will be plenty of days for fun in the sun. Queensland offers a range of destinations that are family friendly and packed full of activities and experiences, including the Gold Coast, Fraser Coast and the Whitsundays.

These destinations are definite holiday contenders.

Our favourite family holiday destinations in Queensland (and why you should go)

Springbrook

1. Gold Coast

A hub of family activity, the Gold Coast offers kilometres of family friendly beaches and more than a handful of theme and water parks to keep the kids entertained. Beyond the Gold Coast, you can also explore the Hinterland which includes Lamington and Springbrook National Parks.

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Fraser Island

2. Fraser Coast

The Fraser Coast offers an adventurous and picturesque holiday break. A must on the list is the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Other attractions include Lake Wabby, Mudlo National Park, Burrum Coast National Park and Jimna State Forest. This is definitely one for more active families and family holidays.

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Whitsundays

3. The Whitsundays

With 74 islands to explore, The Whitsundays is a seemingly endless paradise for families to enjoy. Eight of the islands contain resorts and many offer watersports and sailing tours, making access to the network of islands easy.

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Kuranda

4. Tropical North

A staple on any Queensland visitor’s list, the Tropical North includes iconic destinations such as The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Officially it encompasses the area between Northern Queensland (Townsville) and Far North Queensland (Cape York Peninsula) and includes Magnetic, Orpheus, Dunk and Lizard Islands.

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Sunshine coast dive

5. Sunshine Coast

Similar to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast offers family fun amidst a backdrop of pristine beaches. On top of its hundreds of kilometres of beaches, its other major natural attraction is the Blackall Ranges. For activities, kids can visit Australia Zoo, Underwater World, the Big Pineapple and Aussie World.

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Koala

6. Brisbane

A cultural melting pot, Brisbane is the gateway to unique island destinations like Moreton Bay and Stradbroke island. Compared to other Queensland destinations, staying in the city to explore its motley of museums and districts can be a more budget-friendly option that choosing to go beachside at a more touristy location.

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Top island escapes for family holidays in Queensland

These Queensland islands are the ideal playgrounds for families. They offer calm waters, watersports, family friendly accommodations and adventure activities that little ones will love.

  • Hamilton Island: This luxurious island paradise is a favourite for holidaymakers of every kind. For families it offers plenty of nautical adventures and golfing opportunities and dedicated family adventure packages are often available throughout the year.
  • Fraser Island: As the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island features a terrain unlike any other. You can four-wheel-drive across the sands, go birdwatching and explore the forestscape.
  • South Molle Island: When visiting the Whitsundays, South Molle Island is a paradise among many. The resort offers a “kids club” where little ones can socialise with other children while having close and educational encounters with native flora and fauna.
  • Daydream Island: Searching for a family friendly island in the Whitsundays? Daydream is a haven for them with water activities such as fish feeding and land activities including an outdoor cinema to keep them amused.
  • Heron Island: Heading to the Great Barrier Reef? Heron Island should be on your to-visit list. It features 20+ dive sites and its waters are brimming with all manner of aquatic life including rays, reef sharks, turtles and colourful corals.
  • Orpheus Island: Within close reach of Townsville, Orpheus Island is a gateway onto the Great Barrier Reef and offers activities such as snorkelling. It neighbours Fantome Island, an explorable island that is the site of a previous leper colony.

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