Top Ten Family Holiday Resorts for 2005 as voted by our readers

Holidays with Kids, Australia’s leading family travel and lifestyle magazine, is proud to announce the Top Ten Resorts for 2005. The Top Ten Resorts have been nominated by Holidays with Kids readers and are based on readers’  favourites resorts, how family-friendly these resorts are and the quality of their service and  facilities for families. 

This year saw an overwhelming number of nominations for readers’ favourite holiday destinations. Whittling down the votes to just 10 top resorts was no easy task (so we included 17) but we are happy to announce the best of family friendly resorts from around the world. Though Queensland reigned supreme for many Australian families, our Top Ten encapsulates a fantastic variety of properties sure to please everyone in the family.

We would love you to write to us and make a nomination too!   Please write and tell us about your favourite holiday resort. Where is it? What did you like most about it? What set it apart from other resorts? What did the kids like about it? What were the facilities / meals like for the kids.

Nominations for 2006 Awards
Have you had a memorable experience at a family resort? Has a staff member stood out for exceptional service?

Here is the chance to have your say and nominate your favourite family resort for our 2006 awards.

Click here to complete a nomination form.

See previous winners

2004 winners
2003 winners
2002 winners

The 2005 Top Ten Resorts are as follows:

1. Sea World Nara Resort, Gold Coast, QLD

Sea World Nara Resort on the Gold Coast boasts excellent family-friendly accommodation and facilities, including its popular kids' club, lagoon-shaped swimming pool and monorail link to Sea World. 

2. Paradise Resort Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, QLD

Paradise Resort Gold Coast is a heaven for kids and a paradise for parents. With such features as the Zone for Kids Club, childcare and Junior Bunk House accommodation, the Paradise Resort caters for kids first. 

3. Disneyland Hotel, California, USA

The original Disney hotel has the feeling of magic wherever you turn. The fun and fantasy at the Disneyland Hotel will live you with sweet dreams that always end happily ever after.

4. Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Yanuca Island, Fiji

Situated just off the mainland on its own private island, Shangri-La's Fijian Resort offers pure white sandy beaches, blue lagoons and great Fijian hospitality.

5. Hyatt Regency Coolum, Sunshine Coast, Qld

The Hyatt Regency Coolum entertains the kids in the Possums, Joeys, Kookaburras and Wallabies Clubs and even has a Spa Centre where mum and dad can relax. 

6. Daydream Island Resort and Spa, Whitsunday islands, QLD

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is often described as the jewel of the Whitsundays. Situated on the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the resort offers an array of facilities for kids and parents alike.

7. Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Located on one of the magnificent beachfronts of the Sunshine Coast, Novotel Twin Waters Resort is set amidst lush tropical gardens, surrounds a private lagoon and has its own surf beach.

8. Plantation Island Resort, Malolo LaiLai Island, Fiji

To keep the kids entertained, Plantation Island Resort offers loads of activities such as canoe races, treasure hunts, weaving lessons, fish feeding, the free Coconut Club and much more!

9. Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba, NSW

If you love the great outdoors and like to enjoy it in affordable style and comfort, then the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort on the far north coast of NSW is the perfect destination.

10. Turtle Beach Resort, Gold Coast, QLD

At Turtle Beach Resort you'll find something to indulge your every mood when you feel like it - whether you're looking for relaxation and serenity, or endless fun and adventure.

Highly Commended

Certificates of Recognition have been awarded to the following 7 highly commended resorts that came very close in numbers of votes but did not quite make it into the Top Ten.  They are, nevertheless, family favourites.

Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast, QLD

The Ashmore Palms Holiday Village has a great range of facilities for the whole family, including a playground, lagoon pool with mushroom fountains and shallow swimming area and much more!

Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort, Cairns, QLD

For those who appreciate quality, cleanliness and exellent value for money, the Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort offers a full range of accommodation and great facilities and activities for the kids.

Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD

Guests are spoilt for choice with facilities at Couran Cove Island Resort, including the ultimate Day Spa, lots of activities, water sports, kids’ club, a choice of dining outlets and 22 kilometres of beach.

Crown Towers Resort, Gold Coast, QLD

You'll enjoy all the services and facilities of a world class apartment resort at Crown Towers Resort. Outside is a tropical theme park with huge lagoon pool, island, sandy beach, pirate ship and more.

Le Lagon Resort, Vanuatu

Le Lagon Resort is Vanuatu's leading resort for families, and offers guests a true Melanesian culture experience with its stunning location, cultural events and activities and traditional villages nearby.

Murramarang Resort, South Durras, NSW

Murramarang Resort is set in the pristine Murramarang National Park with seemingly endless beaches and walking trails. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, bushwalking, snorkelling, canoeing and cycling.

The Naviti Resort, Coral Coast, Fiji

The Naviti Resort is cocooned on 38 acres of lush, vibrant, tropical gardens alongside golden sandy beaches and coconut palms. The Rugg Rats Kids' Club gives parents the chance to rejuvenate and relax.

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