Novotel Twin Waters
The golden, glorious state of Queensland does family vacations pretty darn well. Lazy beaches, Australian outback experiences, tropical rainforests, I could go on. There are so many reasons we keep going back. Queensland really does trump the other states in terms of family friendly accommodation which is another reason we love our Queensland vacays. So what do I mean when I say “family friendly accommodation”? I mean accommodation that welcomes families with kids with open arms, rather than just tolerating them. I mean resorts that have facilities specifically for kids, and I mean resorts that also recognise that parents need some kid free time to have a holiday too.
Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast.
Novotel Twin Waters Resort sits around a large man made lake that is a perfect safe swimming environment for families with young kids. In addition resort guests have access to a host of watercraft including catamarans, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Family friendly games and activities such as fish feeding are hosted by resort staff during the day. Our own kids loved the mini golf (actually a pitch and putt) as well. The absolute highlight through was the on water inflatable obstacle course (run by an external operator and open to the general public too). It was the water activities that were the jewel in the crown of our visit to Novotel Twin Waters Resort. Kids are also able to spend time in the daycare style kids club (at an extra cost) freeing parents up to enjoy the day spa, having surfing lessons or just swim by themselves.
Novotel Twin Waters – our whole family loved the water activities.
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, part of the Big 4 chain makes it to our list of top Queensland family friendly accommodation for their great facilities. The resort caters for all budgets (camping to cabins) and has an onsite waterpark, mini-golf, family movies and school holiday activities. My kids ask whether we can go back there all the time. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort makes a great base to explore beautiful Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Zagames Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast
The water park for over 5s at Zagame’s Paradise Resort
Zagames Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast has made a legacy of catering to Aussie families during their precious holiday time. The onsite waterpark, iceskating, rock climbing and family entertainment are some of the reasons we have returned. Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast also has a kids club onsite and most accommodation deals include some sessional childcare included. Zagames Paradise Resort caters to families on a budget and is a great family escape even for a weekend.
The best Indigenous cultural intro for kids I have ever seen – at Zagame’s Paradise Resort
Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast
The Sea World Resort water play area
Located on the picturesque Broadwater and adjacent to Sea World Theme Park, Sea World Resort earns its place in this list due to it’s extensive water play area, Sponge Bob light show, character meet and greets and kids club for over 4s (at an extra charge). The family buffet gets a special mention from us as well.
Sea World Resort Water Park
Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays
Daydream Island
If you haven’t considered visiting the stunning Whitsunday Islands it’s time to add them to your list. The balmy temperatures of north Queensland make them a year round holiday option. Daydream Island Resort and Spa is a great destination for families because of their living reef display which gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with stingrays and fish. Their Skippers club provides childcare (at an extra cost) for children 6 weeks to 12 years. As well, over twenty included activities such as archery, catamarans, snorkelling and the open air cinema make this an intensely family friendly resort.
Admittedly Queensland is a gigantic state and I know there are great family accommodation options we are yet to experience. This list includes resorts we road tested ourselves though, and that I can vouch for personally. Feel free to add your own recommendations as a comment at the end of this post if you believe I’ve missed a great one.
You might also be interested in: A family holiday to Cairns. The best four hotels for kids.
If you love the idea of reading reviews by parents of family friendly accommodation check out the site “Family Friendly Accommodation” it is a great resource!
We have had our eye on Queensland for family travel, and now we know where to stay! Those play structures look out of this world.
Oh great – Glad you’re thinking of heading to Queensland. It is stunning and yes, lots of wonderful family options.
We’d have Australia on our travel list and Queensland is definitely a contender for areas to visit. Novotel looks like a great place to stay for families. Thank you for the recommendation.
Queensland is a wonderful state to visit year round. Novotel Twin Waters is one of our faves.
Looks like a wonderland for kids. Super fun!!! We are headed to Australia this Sept. I will keep it on my list 😉
Great news that you’ll be heading Down Under in September. A great month to visit most of Australia
I think if I go I will enjoy it alot
Shayli I’m sure you would enjoy Queensland plenty!
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