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 Top Ten Family Holiday Resorts for 2008 as voted by our readers
Click here, then click on Paradise Resort, Queensland to watch Getaway's Top 5 Australian Family Resort segment.
If you want good advice, ask an expert – and who better to recommend a family resort than the readers of Holidays With Kids! There is no more reliable inspector of a child-friendly travel experience than parents and, of course, the harshest and most honest critics of all are always the children themselves.
In our latest Reader Survey, we asked you to nominate your favourite family resorts, both in Australia and overseas. You scored each resort on facilities and activities for children, the quality of childcare and babysitting services, the standard of accommodation, the location, value for money and the overall experience. We asked you the rate the resorts from one to five, with five being the highest score.
Here are the results, ranked by the highest number of votes received. (Don’t forget to check out the star ratings at the end of each individual listing to see if the accommodation is suited to budget travellers, luxury travellers or those in between.)
The list really provides a benchmark in what Australian families want in their travel destinations and accommodation, both domestically and overseas. Keep this handy and refer to it next time you're making holiday plans because, if you're looking for places guaranteeing family fun and the best of care, this is a great place to start.
And stay tuned for the next issue, when we'll detail more of the Top Ten results.
Nominations for 2009 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 2009 awards.
Click here to complete a nomination form. |
Top 10 Resorts – Australia
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 | 1. Paradise Resort, Gold Coast QLD
Where magical holiday moments create lifelong family memories, Paradise Resort is this year’s Number One with Holidays with Kids readers! With its million-dollar themed Zone for Kids and crèche, tropical pools, restaurants and bar, the whole family will find their perfect holiday haven. |
 | 2. Sea World Resort, Gold Coast QLD
Sea World Resort is not only a dolphin’s jump away from some of the Gold Coast’s most popular theme parks, it also features great family-friendly accommodation and facilities including a popular kids’ club. |
 | 3. Club Med Lindeman Island, Whitsundays QLD
Club Med Lindeman Island has a huge range of sports and activities, dedicated kids’ clubs and secluded beaches. Club Med’s ‘most-inclusive’ packages mean everything – from accommodation and activities to food and drink – is included. |
 | 4. Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast QLD
Novotel Twin Waters Resort offers many exciting options, but if you're aged two to 12 years, Busy Bodies Kids Club will give you an unforgettable holiday. For everyone older there's activities such as kayaks, sailing, archery, golf , circus school or pampering at the day spa. |
 | 5. Hyatt Regency Coolum, Sunshine Coast QLD
Surrounded by natural bushland and with a private beach, Hyatt Regency Coolum boasts a multitude of activity options, including Australia's PGA Championship Golf Course for Dad, the Sun Spa for Mum, and Camp Hyatt for kids aged six weeks to 12 years. |
 | 10. Great Keppel Island Resort, QLD
Fringed by seventeen separate white sand beaches encircling its 28km shoreline like a pearl shell necklace, Great Keppel Island offers a unique holiday destination. |
Highly Commended
Highly commended resorts came very close in numbers of votes but did not quite make it into the Top Ten. They are, nevertheless, family favourites.
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 | Tangalooma Island Resort, QLD
Surrounded by crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and untouched National Parks, Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island is a natural wonderland to be explored.
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BreakFree Diamond Beach Resort, Gold Coast QLD
This resort offers apartment-style accommodation nestled in tropical gardens. Parents can relax in the secluded cave spa while children can have fun on the adventure playground equipped with water cannons and a giant obstacle course. |
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Daydream Island Resort, Whitsundays QLD
Daydream Island Resort and Spa is often described as the jewel of the Whitsunday islands. It offers a range of affordable holiday packages for both couples and families alike. |
Top 10 Resorts – Overseas
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 | 1. Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort
The recently renovated Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort offers water sports, nature walks and great snorkelling off white-sand beaches. Set on a private island connected to the mainland by a causeway, it has three freshwater pools, a nine-hole golf course, a gym and tennis courts. Children can enjoy their own pool, activities and nightly movies. |
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2. Bali Dynasty Resort
Bali Dynasty is perfectly located within walking distance of Kuta, but your brood will be happy in the resort with its 56-metre waterslide in the kids’ pool. There’s also a spa where you can indulge yourself. |
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3. Naviti Resort, Fiji
If Fiji is a slice of paradise, Naviti Resort is heaven for kids. The Rugg Rats Club offers a huge range of activities, including ice-cream eating competitions and donkey rides. There are also activities for teens, and parents can relax by the pool or play golf. |
 | 4. Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu
With newly renovated pools and restaurants, Le Lagon Resort is set near a pristine lagoon. Facilities include tennis courts, a 12-hole golf course, snorkelling, canoeing and a glass bottom boat for coral viewing. |
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5. Disneyland Resort, California
A visit to Disneyland is a trip of lifetime for the young and the young at heart. With two theme parks to keep you and the kids amused, three hotels and countless restaurants and eateries, welcome to endless fun! |
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6. Plantation Island Resort, Fiji
Just a short plane flight from Nadi International Airport, Plantation Island Resort is designed to suit every budget. The children will be happy in the Coconut Club while you try golf, lawn bowls, tennis, water sports or enjoy a massage. |
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8. Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
Fiji's first five star resort, offering everything you expect a South Pacific dream to be. It begins with an enchanting 40-acre garden setting nestled on the Coral Coast on the island of Viti Levu. Modern air-conditioned hotel rooms and bures (bungalows) come together in a style reminiscent of a traditional Fijian village. |
 | 9. Treasue Island Resort, Fiji
Located just 17 kilometres from Nadi in the Mamanuca Islands, Treasure Island provides that idyllic island ambience of sun, sand and coconut trees. The whole island is surrounded by a marine reserve, which means it's great for snorkelling - the kids might even come across baby turtles! |
 | 10. Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
The Westin's family studios are unique in Bali, designed to provide both the space and privacy that parents and children need when travelling together. The kid's rooms include a Playstation2, board games and cuddly toys, making sure younger guests feel right at home. |
 | Le Meridien, Vanuatu
The resort is set within 60 acres of lagoon front property amongst tropical gardens and its own Private Island and white sand beach. Le Meridien offers Vanuatu's most deluxe accommodation. |
 | Kartika Plaza, Bali
Right on the beachfront of popular South Kuta, the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Bali offers a mix of 318 Ocean Facing Rooms including Suites and Luxury Beachfront Villas |
 | Hilton Hawaiian Village, USA
The Hilton Hawaiian Village® Beach Resort & Spa is nestled on 22 oceanfront acres offering the perfect mix of exceptional hotel accommodations and classic Hawaiian hospitality |
 | 1. Treasure Island Holiday Park, Gold Coast QLD
Treasure Island Holiday Park is located right in the tourist capital of Australia - the fabulous Gold Coast. The park is central to all of the major theme parks and offers the holidaymaker the complete Gold Coast holiday experience. |
 | 2. Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast QLD
Discover a fun, yet relaxed family-holiday setting at the picturesque Ashmore Palms Holiday Village. Set on 14½ acres of lush, tropically landscaped gardens, the award-winning village offers quality self-contained holiday cabins, extensive family-oriented facilities, unique features and warm hospitality.
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 | 3. Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba NSW
Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort is located on the banks of the beautiful Clarence River in the picturesque coastal community of Yamba on the far north coast of NSW. Guests can take advantage of the easy access to great fishing, boating, surfing and bushwalking or choose to relax in the quiet landscaped surroundings. |
 | 4. Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort, Cairns QLD
Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort is a family friendly tropical oasis situated on the southern side of Cairns. Set amidst 28 acres of lush, landscaped gardens are individual quality condos, villas and cabins sure to suit families of all sizes. |
 | 5. Happy Hallidays Holiday Park, Forster NSW
Happy Hallidays Halliday Park is one of the few holiday providers that understand family holidays of today, are such a precious commodity. Situated 3 1/2 hours drive north of Sydney, Happy Hallidays is rated 4 1/2 stars, set amongst 11 picturesque acres and located at Hallidays Point. |
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6. One Mile Beach Holiday Park, Port Stephens NSW
One Mile Beach Holiday Park is situated right on Port Stephens most popular surf beach. The surrounding Tomaree National Park abounds with flora and fauna. The walking tracks through the national park and along the beach are a must do as is a visit to the Nelson Bay, home of the largest fleet of dolphin watching vessels in Australia. |
 | 8. Murramurang Resort, South Durras (near Batemans Bay) NSW
The wonderful shades of pristine blue from the ocean at your doorstep. The towering spotted gum trees of the Murramarang National Park. The kangaroos that share the beach with you each morning and evening. This is life at Murramarang Resort. The sheer beauty of this place will captivate you from the first minute of your arrival, and stay with you for a life time. Murramarang Resort provides world class eco facilities and activities in a truly unspoilt and natural environment with a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
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9. Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach QLD
Whether you're a family looking for a fun-filled holiday destination, a couple who love the freedom of caravanning, or an adventure traveller chasing a touch of luxury, you'll just love what Adventure Whitsunday Resort has to offer. |
 | 10. North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point NSW
Access the best views on any budget at North Star Holiday Resort. Choose from fully self-contained, air conditioned luxury villas, holiday villas, family lodges and chaletsor ensuite caravans, motor homes, tent and camping sites, all with power and cable T.V., and close to amenities and facilities. |
Highly Commended
Highly commended holiday parks came very close in numbers of votes but did not quite make it into the Top Ten. They are, nevertheless, family favourites.
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 | Ocean Beach Holiday Park, Umina NSW
Set on a stunning beachfront location on the NSW Central Coast, Ocean Beach Holiday Park owned by NRMA Motoring & Services, offers you the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a great family holiday. |
 | Great Lakes Caravan Park, Forster NSW
Great Lakes Caravan Park is a 4 1/2 star caravan park with quality self contained cabins, unique bungalows with upstairs loft, great two bedroom deluxe and waterfront cabins that overlook the scenic waters of Ohmas Bay, a relaxing time is assured. All cabins reflect the peaceful, scenic and idyllic conditions, associated with the Forster-Tuncurry area. We also have great caravan, tent sites and nine ensuite sites with room for boats, all sites are powered with water. |
 | Smugglers Cove Holiday Village, Forster NSW
Smugglers Cove nautical-themed holiday park is ideal for a relaxed family holiday. It's set on 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens beside scenic Pipers Bay in the heart of Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast.
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