Gold Coast
When it comes to holiday essentials, the Gold Coast has it all – great weather, beautiful beaches, activities galore and a huge choice of accommodation to suit every budget. Most Aussie families make a pilgrimage here at least once, allowing kids to get their adrenalin fix at the theme parks they’ve always dreamed of visiting while the parents indulge in a great social scene and idyllic landscapes.
For high-octane thrills, there really is nowhere else in Australia that compares. Boasting at least five theme parks as well as several wildlife parks, unique amusement centres and an array of water parks, fun is a constant companion on the Gold Coast. Old favourites Dreamworld, Wet‘n’Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and Sea World never fail to excite, while new attractions such as the Wheel of Surfers Paradise, the Segway Xperience Centre and the Waterball amusement rides at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Robina ensure that the beachside fun stays fresh and enticing.
What’s new?
For beachlovers, Hilton Surfers Paradise’s new Beach Valet service is a fun and convenient indulgence – if your hands are full just looking after the kids, your valet will transport your beach gear and belongings to and from the hotel, set up on the sand with chairs, towels and an umbrella, and bring sunscreen, cold drinks, ice-creams and snacks during the day! Your wish is their command!
Palm Beach Parkland’s Movies by the Sea commences in September, with free family classics shown on a large outdoor screen under the stars. Gather your friends and family, bring along a picnic or order a meal from the Dune Café.
For a unique animal encounter, Sea World has launched its coolest program yet – Penguin Antarctic Adventure. Donning snow gear, guests head out onto the ice with the King and Gentoo penguins, playing with the inquisitive Happy Feet birds in their sub-zero home.
Dreamworld celebrates its 30th birthday in 2011, with a host of new additions to celebrate. Family adventure ride Shockwave opened in June, with the bone-chilling new thrill ride, BuzzSaw, to open in September; while a new exotic animal enclosure, The Lair, opened in April.
The newest attraction at Wet‘n’Wild is SkyCoaster, where riders are strapped into a harness attached to a massive cable, then raised more than 53m off the ground before plummeting face first towards the ground and catapulting towards the Giant Wave Pool at speeds of up to 100km/h.
Staying there
The Gold Coast offers a full array of accommodation options from friendly and funky holiday parks to five-star luxury in high-rise palaces, with more than 800 properties and over 65,000 beds to choose from! For those travelling on a budget, Treasure Island Holiday Park and Ashmore Palms Holiday Village are popular
and affordable; while a slew of self-contained apartments ease the strain on the bank account. Top-end favourites include the Surfers Paradise Marriott and the Radisson Resort, while resort-style properties like Sea World Resort have unique offerings from nature, which make them popular family favourites.
Insider tip
“Currumbin and Springbrook Rock Pools are free, offer very beautiful scenery and are a great way to cool down in summer when even the pools get a little warm.” Molly Dunn, Gold Coast Tourism
Moreton Bay
If you feel like a gentler atmosphere, the cluster of gorgeous islands in Moreton Bay is synonymous with escape… Unbelievably, this gem is only 25km from Brisbane’s CBD – the islands are just short ferry rides away. It’s perfect for 4WD families, fishing fanatics, sand tobogganing or to just kick back, relax, swim and whale watch.
A highlight for all visitors is Stradbroke Island’s North Gorge Headland walk, which offers spectacular views. Point Lookout, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, is perfect for whale watching.
On Bribie Island, cruise the Pumicestone Passage aboard the Ferryman to see dugongs, dolphins and turtles. You can also join in with Tangalooma Water Sports on Moreton Island and Snorkel the Wrecks.
What’s new
Moreton Island is the proud home to a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Not to be missed is the Dolphin Feeding. These peaceful, intelligent creatures from the sea are untrained, and all behaviour you see is completely natural.
They will happily take fish right out of your hand! Tangalooma Resort now offers a Whale Watching Cruise and wild dolphin feeding day with expert commentary from a marine biologist.
Where to stay
For the best Moreton Island experience, head to Tangalooma Resort, which offers an abundance of activities for teens and kids, many of which are free, and include snorkelling, sailing and scuba diving.
Beach Cabins at Moreton Island is budget-style accommodation and is just a two-minute stroll from the beach. On the Beach Resort on Bribie Island offers luxurious apartment living and is just one minute from a patrolled surf beach. The Islander Holiday Resort, Stradbroke Island, offers apartment-style living with a children’s playground, tennis court, barbecue area and swimming pool and is ideally located opposite Home Beach.
Insider Tip
“Lions Park, Woorim, has just had its playground refurbished, with new climbing equipment and is a lot of fun for the littler kids. It’s two minutes from popular Woorim Beach and has a great barbecue area.” Bribie Island Tourist Information Centre
Sunshine Coast
Beach life: that’s what the Sunshine Coast delivers in spades. Pick the stretch of sand on the 100km of coastline that suits your needs best – from the glitz and glamour of beautiful Noosa, to family-friendly Caloundra and Mooloolaba. To commune with nature, pop on over to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island or head inland into the lush, green hinterland. The options to explore the pristine waterways of the region are endless, from paddling on kayaks, surfing and sailing to hiring a houseboat.
No family holiday to the region is complete without a visit to Australia Zoo, with its wildlife shows, displays and opportunities to mingle with native animals; while UnderWater World features Queensland’s biggest Oceanarium and an entertaining seal and otter show.
What’s new?
While you don’t usually associate the Sunshine Coast with theme parks, Aussie World near the Ettamogah Pub has more than 30 rides on site and has recently invested $2m on two new rides including The Giant Redback, a 16m-high platform with circular rotations.
Family-friendly Top Shots Fun Park at Maroochydore now features two 18-hole mini-golf courses, blaster boat rides, a vertical trampoline (like abseiling up a trampoline face) and an indoor rock-climbing wall.
Where to stay
From beachfront apartments to farm stays in the hinterland, the Sunshine Coast has families covered. Top end options include Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Breakfree Grand Pacific Resort and The Islander Noosa Resort, which have families at their fore; or for something completely different, try Jacaranda Creek Farmstay Bed and Breakfast, a child-friendly property on nine hectares at Eumundi.
Insider Tip
“Cotton Tree, on the Maroochy River, is a beautiful riverside park that most locals know about. It’s the perfect location to roll out the picnic rug on the grass or sand and soak up the sun. There are no waves to speak of and it’s a great place to kayak, cast a line or a safe spot for children to swim without the rush of waves.” Liz Tuckett, Tourism Sunshine Coast
Capricorn Coast
The Capricorn Coast is somewhat of the ‘middle child’ of the Queensland coast, often losing out to its flashier siblings further south or north. However, this region offers a taste of both, with great beaches, fabulous wilderness areas such as the Carnavon Gorge National Park, and hinterland and coastal adventures. The towns of Yeppoon, Rockhampton and Gladstone are also stepping off points for the Keppel Islands of the southern Barrier Reef, pristine dots in the ocean where you may find yourself the only human inhabitants.
What’s new?
The Capricorn Caves themselves might be ancient, but a new way of experiencing them is on the Family Caving Adventure. Introduce the kids to the fragile ecosystem of the caves on a true adventure, checking out the bats and other cave creatures.
Turtle nesting season is approaching (November-February, with hatchlings until March), with Loggerhead turtles nesting along the entire ‘Turtle Coast’ between Woodgate and the town of 1770. The ideal place to see these ancient mariners is at Mon Repos, a beach sanctuary 15km from Bundaberg. There is ticketed beach access, as well as an informative Visitor Centre.
Pumpkin Island is one of Australia’s hidden treasures, located off the coast of Yeppoon in the Keppel Islands group. There are just five eco-friendly self-catering cottages powered by wind and sun, overlooking a beach brimming with wildlife. Experience the reef from a glass-bottom kayak, go fishing or snorkelling, or simply chill on the secluded beaches – the perfect escape for families.
Where to stay
The flashest digs on this coastline are at Capricorn Resort Yeppoon, located on absolute beachfront and surrounded by wilderness. Family activities include horse riding, golf on two courses and watersports, as well as two lagoon pools, a waterslide and kids’ pool. On the other end of the scale, but equally appealing for families, is Carnavon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, where you can unwind in safari cabins amid uspoilt wilderness. The recently refurbished Heron Island is also a family favourite, with a great Junior Ranger program held during school holidays, encouraging your kids to become eco-warriors.
Insider tip
“Take the tour at Koorana Crocodile Farm, then grab a bite from the lunch menu, where your kids can get a taste for their famous crocodile pie/steaks.” Krista White, Capricorn Enterprise
Whitsundays
Idyllic’ is perhaps an understatement when it comes to describing the Whitsunday coastline. This patch of blue and green is one of nature’s special gifts to Australia, and an ideal place for any family to escape for a well-deserved holiday. Whether staying on one of the island resorts or in the mainland hub of Airlie Beach, head out on a day trip to explore the Great Barrier Reef or simply relax on some of the most beautiful secluded beaches in the world.
One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is on the doorstep of the Whitsundays, with reef excursions and snorkelling trips ‘must dos’ for every adventurous family. You can sail there, zip over in a fast catamaran or even take a seaplane for an unbeatable view of the reef from the air.
A visit to the whitest beach in the world, Whitehaven, is also an essential part of a Whitsunday holiday. The squeaky, white silica between your toes is one of life’s simple pleasures, and a reminder of how lucky we are to have pristine environments like this in Australia.
What’s new?
While most people make a beeline for the water, there’s also plenty to enjoy on land. The new Ngaro Sea Trail blends seaways with walks from sea to summit, with trails from just over a kilometre to 7km walks across islands. Travel between islands on private or commercial craft, or hire a kayak as a reminder of how the original inhabitants of this land travelled.
For another unusual angle of the region, head to the Goorganga Plain wetlands to explore its croc-infested waterways. You can experience its wonders on an open-air tractor-drawn wagon-train, while the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari runs a daily tour that includes a wetlands experience and croc-spotting tour on the Prosperpine River.
Where to stay
Some of Queensland’s nicest resorts are located in the Whitsundays, with views to die for and facilities that fulfill every holiday fantasy. Hamilton Island has a range of accommodation options, from holiday houses to luxury resorts, and is a great hub for activities and tours; while in the southern reaches of the Whitsundays, Lindeman Island’s all-inclusive Club Med continues to lure families with activities such as the circus school and watersports. Luxurious Hayman Island has just reopened after extensive repair work following damage from tropical cyclones earlier in the year, with new Jamie Durie-designed gardens, new restaurants and recreation facilities.
On the mainland, Airlie Beach is a great base, with plenty of accommodation options as well as access to shops, restaurants and tours. Apartment-style accommodation is plentiful, with properties such as Water’s Edge, Shingley Beach Resort and Boathaven providing luxury combined with convenience. Coral Sea Resort is another top-end option, with family units offering unrestricted sea views.
For families on a budget BIG4 Adventure and Club Crocodile Resort are fun and friendly choices.
Insider tip
“The Living Reef at Daydream Island is a must for families. Kids can pick up baby sharks, pat stingrays, feed barramundi and most importantly, find plenty of Nemos. You can buy a day pass on the ferry over to the island and watch the free daily fish feeding, followed by just wandering around the island and enjoying its facilities, or if you do want to invest some hard-saved holiday cash, you could book a private fish feeding for the family, or even stay overnight on the island.” Danielle Seymour, Tourism Whitsundays
Tropical North Queensland
After being badly affected by cyclones last summer, TNQ is back in business with the wonders of the rainforest and the reef ready to welcome visiting families. This is the only place on earth where two World Heritage-listed areas are side by side, giving visitors the chance to dive to the depths one day and soar above the world’s oldest tropical rainforest the next.
‘Adventurous by nature’ is the region’s new marketing slogan, and that’s what visitors to this rugged, pristine region love to do – get active. This can be as hardcore as you like – snorkel or dive on the reef, take a scenic rail journey to Kuranda, get close to native wildlife at various wildlife parks or brave a whitewater rafting trip on a pumping river. Australia’s indigenous culture is also readily accessible in this region, with displays at Tjapukai Cultural Centre showcasing the world of the Bama people.
What’s new?
Joining Cairns’ centrally located wildlife park on the roof of the Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns ZOOm, the world’s first Challenge Ropes Course in a wildlife exhibit, is due to open in October. The course will consist of ropes, zip lines, walkways and lifts at different heights within the dome, allowing visitors to interact with birds and wildlife.
Meanwhile, Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours may be a couple of years old now, but this attraction continues to rake in the accolades including two Australian Tourism Awards in 2010. Fly through the rainforest on zip lines, stopping at five platforms to take in the birds-eye views. Great fun for any age, as long as you’re not scared of heights!
Where to stay
Cairns is the perfect base for a family holiday to TNQ, but if it’s beaches you’re after, head either south to Mission Beach or north to Palm Cove or Port Douglas. All budgets are catered for, from glitzy luxury to self-contained apartments, with caravan and campgrounds such as Ellis Beach Bungalows often occupying prime coastal real estate.
The Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort is popular with families looking for great value for money.
Insider tip
“Crystal Cascades is one of the secrets of Tropical North Queensland that locals like to hide from visitors. It is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in a tropical rainforest. A series of small waterfalls flow into large pools surrounded by boulders. Rainforest trees hang over the water, keeping it cool and refreshing. There are also picnic tables in the area, and a toilet block close by.” Dale Flack, Tourism Tropical North Queensland |
