Explore Queensland: 2024’s Best Resorts for Families
Plan your dream family vacation in Queensland! Check out our picks for the best family resorts, offering activities and relaxation for everyone.
Beautiful one day, perfect the next: Australia’s sunshine state, Queensland has long been a bucket list destination for families here in Australia and abroad. And it’s no wonder, with it’s natural wonders, idyllic weather, postcard perfect beaches, hinterland and rainforests there’s adventure and relaxation of offer in equal measure.
That all being said, it’s also HUGE! Queensland is big ole state, so where oh where do you go to stay and play with your family?
Experience the magic of Queensland with your family
Our guide to the best family Queensland Island resorts, Gold Coast resorts, Sunshine Coast resorts and North Queensland resorts guarantees an adventure for all ages and interests.
The best Queensland island resorts for families
Find out which Queensland island resorts top the list for family vacations. Our guide highlights the best spots that will keep kids entertained and parents relaxed.
Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Queensland 4741
Daydream Island Resort is a tropical haven for families. With an array of activities on offer across the island each day, guests can explore the island and surrounding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Resort features:
- Cockatoo Club for kids
- Child-friendly
- Activities for kids
- Outdoor pool
- Adult-only pool
- Water park
- Lifeguard
- Sauna
- Spa
- Fitness Centre
- Beach access
- Tennis
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free wifi
Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma, Moreton Island, Queensland 4025
Guests can choose to do as much or as little as they please at Tangalooma Island Resort, with over 50 activities on offer around the resort and island with the highlight being the famous dolphin feeding experience each evening!
Resort features:
- Dining and Restaurants
- Wild Dolphin Feeding
- Land Based Activities and Tours
- Water Based Activities and Tours
- Free Activities
- Resort Units
- Family Suites
- Beachfront Villas
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Reception Lady Elliot Island, Queensland 4805
Situated within a highly protected ‘Green Zone’ the coral cay is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life and is known for its abundance of manta rays, turtles, amazing array of spectacular marine life and unspoilt coral reef to explore!
Resort features:
- Activities office
- Beach volleyball court
- Beachfront café and lagoon bar
- Beachfront dining room
- Children’s playground
- Gift shop
- Padi dive shop
- Reef education centre
- Salt water pool
- Table tennis
Kingfisher Bay Resort K’gari
Kingfisher Bay, K’gari, Queensland 4581
With idyllic white beaches, endless sunshine, World Heritage wilderness to explore, it’s the perfect place to stay and unwind on island time. Take in the scenery from your private deck, or stroll down to the beach for a dip with nature right on your doorstep.
Resort features:
- Four lagoon-style pools
- Outdoor hot tub
- Three restaurants
- Four bars
- Gift shop
- General Store
- Island Day Spa
- 4WD Hire
- Free Wi-Fi
- Post box and stamps
- Austec Playground
- Tennis Courts
- Water sports (available at the Sunset Bar)
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island, Queensland 4870
Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is a National Park, discover spectacular walking trails, abundant marine life and local wildlife.
Resort features:
- Outdoor resort pool
- Swim up pool bar
- Sports & activities hub
- Weekly activity schedule
- Children’s play room
- Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
- Free WiFi
- Tour desk
Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island
14 Resort Dr, Whitsundays, Queensland 4802
Striking the perfect balance between the comfort and flexibility of self-catering amenities with the luxury of resort facilities, Whitsunday Apartments are designed to be your home away from-home on Hamilton Island.
Resort features:
- Lagoon-style swimming pool
- Heated Spa located poolside
- Reception
- Guest Lounge
- Free In-room Wifi
- Tour Desk
- Golf buggy parking & Shuttle Service
- Guest laundry
The best family resorts on the Gold Coast
Looking for a magical family vacation? Explore the best options for family travel on the Gold Coast – where kid-friendly meets luxury! Enjoy pools, games and more for an unforgettable stay.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast
122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Queensland 4217
Tailored for kids, teens, and parents alike, there truly is something for everyone at Paradise Resort Gold Coast to enjoy ensuring your holiday is jam-packed with fun.
Resort features:
- Waterpark, Pool, and Spa
- Character Experiences
- Giant Chess Board
- Indoor Jungle Gym
- Outdoor Adventure Playground
- Trampolines
- Movie Nights
- Dunk Tank
- Live Shows
- Friendly Competitions
- Kids Club & Teen Club
- and much more!
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland 4212, Australia
Discover tranquil moments as a family spent lounging beneath swaying palm trees, plunging into the resort’s iconic one-acre Lagoon Beach Pool, or passing by native families of grazing kangaroos at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort!
Resort features:
- Two Swimming Pools
- Planet Trekkers Kids Club
- Sanctuary Cove Country Club
- Golfing Destination
- The Marine Village and Marina on your doorstep
Learn more about InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort in our review here.
SeaWorld Resort Gold Coast
Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, Queensland 4217, Australia
Book an unforgettable family holiday at Australia’s only theme park resort! More than just accommodation, Sea World Resort offers the perfect combination of fun, adventure and relaxation, guaranteed to keep the whole family happy.
Resort features:
- Gymnasium
- Water Park
- Resort Pool
- Spa
- SpongeBob Light Show & Aqua Play
- Meet a Nickelodeon Character
- Shoreline Restaurant
- Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant
- Sea World Marine Park Next Door!
Turtle Beach Resort
2346 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach, Queensland, 4218, Australia
Turtle Beach Resort offers unparalleled facilities and activities to keep the kids entertained! Enjoy a cold drink on The Deck watching the kids run wild in the Splash Zone water park, or drop them into the Club Turtle Kids Club and escape for some quiet time in the Adults Only pool. Yes please!
Resort features:
- Splash Zone Water Park
- “The Deck” Restaurant and Bar
- “Club Turtle” Kids Club
- Deluxe Pools, Spas and Saunas
- Putt-Putt, Cinema, Games Room and Playground
- Tennis / Basketball Court and Gym
- BBQ Areas, Tour Desk and more
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
117 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216, Australia
With a year-round kids’ club, and an activities and events program that has something to delight every member of the family, this Gold Coast resort is definitely one to consider!
Resort features:
- Year-round kids activities
- Restaurant
- Swimming pools
- Pedal kart hire
- Mini golf
- BBQ
- Bouncing pillow
- Camp kitchen
- Pet friendly
- Access friendly accommodation
- Basketball
- Boat ramp
- Camping, glamping and caravan sites
- Cinema
- Playground
- Spa
- Tennis
- E-bike hire
- EV charger
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa
158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217, Australia
This five star family-friendly resort is in the heart of Surfers Paradise! Enjoy peaceful saltwater lagoons and an outdoor freshwater pool with a slide to a fitness centre and Sport Court, daily fish feeding, snorkeling in the saltwater lagoons and much more!
Resort features:
- Activities for kids
- Outdoor pool with fish feeding
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Fitness center
- 24 hour room service
- Bicycle rental
- Snorkeling
- Tennis
- Gift Shop
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
66-86 Siganto Dr, Helensvale, Queensland, 4212, Australia
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is in the prime position to experience all the Gold Coast has to offer. This tropical park is the closest park to the Gold Coast Theme Parks with family and dog friendly accommodation.
Resort features:
- Water/Splash Park
- Pedal Go Karts
- Playground
- Pool
- Pool – Heated
- Pool Table
- Spa
- Sports Equipment Available
- Table Tennis
- Toddler Pool
- Walking Tracks
- Wide selection of accommodation available
- Wildlife Viewing
The best family resorts on the Sunshine Coast
Searching for the best family resorts on the Sunshine Coast? Our detailed guide offers top picks with great amenities and kid-friendly activities to make your family trip unforgettable.
Novotel Sunshine Coast
270 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4564
Conveniently situated just five kilometers away from the Sunshine Coast Airport or an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the resort provides easy access to a plethora of unique attractions. Visitors can explore iconic destinations like Australia Zoo, made famous by the legendary Steve Irwin, the vibrant Eumundi Markets, Aussie World, Sea Life, and verdant hinterlands.
Resort features:
- Cafe
- Children’s Pool
- Communal Lounge
- Family Friendly
- Games or recreation room
- Gym
- Laundry
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Outdoor Furniture
- Playground
- Restaurant
- Spa/Sauna
- Swimming Pool
- Free Wifi
Rumba Beach Resort
10 Leeding Terrace, Caloundra, Queensland, 4551
The multi-award winning Rumba Beach Resort overlooks Bulcock Beach and Pumicestone Passage, the resorts location is second to none in Caloundra.
Resort features:
- Cafe
- Children’s Pool
- Family Friendly
- Laundry
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Outdoor Furniture
- Restaurant
- Secure Parking
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
- Free Wifi
Ingenia Rivershore Resort
99 David Low Way, Diddillibah, Queensland 4559
When you’re not taking the little ones to your choice of the Sunshine Coast’s 30 beaches, Rivershore will keep you occupied with a water slide, playground and mini-golf onsite for the kids to enjoy!
Resort features:
- Water Sports
- Fishing
- Nature
- Splashpark
- Restaurant or Cafe
- Swimming Pool
- Mini Golf
- WiFi (fee may apply)
- Glamping
- Playground
- Camp Kitchen
- BBQ Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Dump Point
BreakFree Alexandra Headland Beach
180 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, Queensland, 4572
The kids faces will light up when they see the waterslide at this resort, which will keep them well entertained when you feel like relaxing by the pool!
Resort features:
- Children’s Pool
- Family Friendly
- Gym
- Playground
- Spa/Sauna
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
33A Viewland Dr, Noosa Heads, Queensland, 4567
Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas is the ideal location to immerse yourself in a laid-back beachside scene. The unique and distinct offering of both the resort and villas mean that there is something to suit everyone.
Resort features:
- Day Spa
- Games or recreation room
- Gym
- Outdoor Furniture
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
- Broadband Internet Access
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
2 Landsborough Parade, Caloundra, Queensland, 4551
The resort is set amongst 10 acres of landscaped palm gardens with the main restaurant surrounded by a tranquil waterlily filled lagoon. Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort provides guests with a variety of accommodation styles and an extensive array of resort facilities.
Resort features:
- Barbeque
- Children’s Pool
- Communal Lounge
- Games or recreation room
- Laundry
- Outdoor Furniture
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Tennis Court
- Free Wifi
The best family resorts in North Queensland
Escape to North Queensland with your family and stay in the best family friendly accommodation. Explore, relax, and create lasting memories in a tropical paradise at one of the family-friendly resorts listed below.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
122 Lake St, Cairns City, Queensland, 4870
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort offers an unforgettable stay for families of all sizes. With a range of room types, family friendly dining options, large tropical lagoon style pool and VIK Kids holiday program they’re sure to have the perfect accommodation suited to your needs.
Conveniently located near many family friendly attractions including the Cairns Aquarium (next door to the resort), The Esplanade, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome and more, Novotel Cairns a great base to explore.
Crystalbrook Riley
131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City Queensland, 4870
This five star resort features 1,000 square metres of pool to play in, cabanas to laze, a short trip to the Cairns Aquarium and over 200 free in-room movies. What more could you want for a holiday with the whole family?
Book your next family vacation for:
- Complimentary access for kids 3-14 years of age to the Cairns Aquarium
- Kids to enjoy one complimentary meal with one paying adult at Paper Crane or poolside dining
- Kids pack on arrival
- Over 200 free in-room movies with your own popcorn maker
- Opportunity to sign up and become a Junior Citizen of the Reef with the Crytsalbrook partner Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, and SpongeBob
- Plus join Crystalbrook Crowd and receive 10% off your stay and 10% off at all Crystalbrook Collection restaurants and bars
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
23/51 Anderson Rd, Woree, Queensland, 4868
Set just seven minutes’ drive from Cairns’ CBD, Cairns Coconut is an 11-hectare landscaped tropical oasis loved by families.
Accommodation comes in a few shapes and sizes – with cabins, condos, villas, caravan sites and camping grounds available with two swimming pools, slides, splash park and pedal cars!
If timing your visit for school holidays, be sure to call ahead to find out what activities are planned in-park – so parents can have some well earnt downtime and kids can burn off energy.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns
121-123 Esplanade, Cairns City, Queensland, 4870
Just walking distance from the centre of Cairns, restaurants, and the marina, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is just steps away from Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Art Gallery, the Esplanade Lagoon, and the city centre.
A major drawcard of DoubleTree Cairns is its proximity to Muddies Playground, one of the most popular playground for kids in Cairns.
Kids will also love the twice-weekly Baraamundi feeding in the resorts Barramundi ponds.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Pier Point Rd, Cairns City, Queensland, 4870
This hotel sits between Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea and Cairns Esplanade! Laze by the swimming pool and sample the flavours of Far North Queensland in the waterside restaurant The Backyard.
This current offer helps make a Cairns holiday more affordable:
- Booking Dates: 25 March 2024 to 31 December 2025
- Stay Dates: 25 March 2024 to 31 December 2025
- Length of Stay: Minimum 3 nights
This offer includes:
- Daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids in The Backyard
- Unlimited ice cream by the pool for kids
- Kids eat for free with a paying adult in The Backyard, Pool Bar or In-Room Dining, to choose from the kids menu
- High-speed and restriction-free Wi-Fi and broadband internet access
- *Kids are classified as 11 years and under
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
18-26 Cannon St, Manunda, Queensland, 4870
Set amidst 11 acres of spectacular rainforest gardens, the family-friendly Cairns Colonial Club houses 345 modern accommodation rooms, three gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pools, a man-made beach, a purpose-built Conference and Functions Centre plus Thirsty Flamingo Poolside Bar & Dining, a contemporary full-service restaurant.
An ideal access point for all major attractions including the reef and the rainforest.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, Queensland, 4870
Book a two-room suite for you and your family for only $399 a night. Plus, kids under 12 eat FREE!
Unwind with room service cocktails or lounge by the sapphire blue outdoor pool. Wander the expansive grounds with colourful blooms and picnic-perfect lawns, or head out to explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef or Daintree!
The hotel boasts stunning water, mountain, and garden views from its 173 rooms, all with private balconies. The hotel’s Harbourside Bar & Kitchen offers a Farm-to-Table dining experience.
Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach
2 Pacific Parade, Mission Beach, Queensland, 4852
This really is the ultimate beachfront escape! Idyllically bound by the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest and positioned absolute beachfront with direct access to the 14 km long beautiful, white sandy beach you’ll find plentiful family adventure here.
Castaways Resort and Spa offers a wide range of accommodation, with 47 Beachfront rooms and self-contained apartments, a private Beachside Villa and 18 lush Rainforest rooms spread over two centrally-located properties!
Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island
123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay, Queensland, 4819
Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors – whether you’re fishing or diving, exploring reefs or rainforests, biking or boating. For those desiring more leisurely pursuits, laze around the magnificent saltwater lagoon, stroll along the marina or dine at Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville
40371 Bruce Hwy, Deeragun, Townsville, Queensland, 4818
This holiday park is set up to make the most of the 320 days of sunshine North Queensland enjoys each year, with two resort-style pools and shaded gazebos for you to stay cool. The kids will be kept entertained with a water park, two playgrounds, a jumping cushion, volleyball court, basketball court, trikes and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Seagulls Resort
74 The Esplanade, Belgian Gardens, Queensland 4810
Set amongst three and a half acres of lush tropical gardens, their extensive facilities will help make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable one, such as an onsite restaurant, meeting facilities, guest laundry, free WiFi and parking.
