Swap your overseas family holiday for these incredible Queensland destinations

Chase thrills, meet your favourite cartoon characters and action heroes, and discover whole new worlds of fun at the Gold Coast’s theme parks.

There’s a little something for every family here: rollercoasters and stunt shows at Warner Bros. Movie World, thrills and cuddles with native fauna at Dreamworld, an aquatic playground for all ages at Wet’n’Wild, or a celebration of the ocean and its curious creatures at Sea World. You can even purchase multi-park passes to supersize your theme park experience and save money along the way.

The action continues with plenty of activities along the coast and into the countryside – from beaches and surf school to wildlife sanctuaries and hinterland hiking trails. Here’s a five day Gold Coast family holiday itinerary to help get planning started.

Hawaii = The Whitsundays

World-famous beaches, bathtub-like water you can play in for hours, and a tonne to do above and below the surface. Hawaii and The Whitsundays draw a lot of comparisons for family holidays that are equal parts adventure and rejuvenation – so head north to Queensland’s paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island is a holiday wonderland for families. Base yourselves here for a week and you’ll have your pick of over 60 activities to try on the island – and that’s before you jump off to explore the reef or day trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Race Go-Karts, have breakfast with the koalas at Hamilton Island Wildlife, tour the island on quad bikes, play mini-golf, and swim or snorkel right off Catseye Beach.

Or nearby, Daydream Island is even better than your imagination. This resort-haven has everything you need at your fingertips: family-friendly accommodation, great dining options, and huge pool areas. But the pièce de résistance is the Living Reef: a unique 200-metre long coral lagoon that’s home to over 100 species of marine fish, 80 species of coral, starfish, crabs and rays. Kids can get up close in the touch-tank, take it all in from the aquarium observatory, jump in for a snorkel, or sign up to the reef ranger program and help out the marine biologists for a day. Plus you have all the beauty of the Whitsundays islands on your doorstep.

Costa Rica = Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

If Costa Rica’s beaches and jungles have been top of your bucket list, set your sights on Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, where you can relax on an island one day and step into rainforest the next.  

Kick off your family holiday on Fitzroy Island. Just 45 minute Fast Cat ride from Cairns, Fitzroy’s coral beaches and rainforest are as alluring as the Great Barrier Reef that surrounds it – one reason the whole island is designated as national park. Settle into a beach cabin, jungle bungalow or self-contained apartment then discover everything you can do here (there’s a lot). From sea kayaking and boat tours to dive lessons, indoor cinema and games, there’s never a dull moment. Don’t miss a visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre, which rescues and nurtures sick and injured turtles.

Then it’s time to head into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. This isn’t just any jungle experience: your family can connect with the world’s oldest surviving culture, in the world’s oldest rainforest. Get a deeper understanding of the Daintree on an Indigenous tour, taste tropical fresh fruits pulled straight from the tree, then explore the rainforest and beaches on horseback.

Fiji = Heron Island

If you’re looking for somewhere to just be, we’ve got just the place. She goes by the name of Heron Island.

A safe coral lagoon for snorkelling, tidal walks to explore marine life with only getting your feet wet, and a laidback sense of calm you can escape to: Heron Island offers a taste of Fiji, all in a tiny speck of an island. 

A two-hour boat ride from Gladstone (or a speedy 20-minute helicopter flight), Heron island is the perfect place for families who want to strip away the busy-ness of life and replace it with simplicity.

Besides snorkelling in the lagoon, or heading out via boat to explore the larger sections of the reef (you’re nearly guaranteed to see a turtle), the kids can enrol in the Heron Island Junior Rangers Program. The nature-based program is for kids aged between 7 and 12, and offers a range of activities such as bird watching and reef walks to nurture a sense of exploration and caring for the environment.

In case you need one more reason to visit, Heron is a popular nesting site for Green and Loggerhead Turtles, with nesting mums (from November) and baby hatchlings (January to March), stealing the show every year. Watching hatchlings make their dash for the water is a moment your whole family will never forget.  

Cancun = Noosa

At face value, Noosa is picture-perfect. A resort town at the ocean’s edge, lined with world-class restaurants and cafes, designer boutiques, and beaches you can’t drag yourself away from. But peel back the layers and you’ll find it’s got a lot more up its sleeve. With local adventure at every turn, you won’t need to bundle the kids in the car for days.

Your first port of call should be Noosa Main Beach. This north-facing cove offers gentle waves for little legs to play, and is lifeguard patrolled from 7am-4pm during warmer months. Enrol in surf school, or take the trails towards Noosa National Park: look out to see the stunning coastline, look up to spot koalas in the trees.

Slip over to Noosa River to get a little more action on jet-skis, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. For a longer paddle, the beauty of UNESCO biosphere Noosa Everglades is a short drive away. Nomatter how you spend your day, end it at a waterfront restaurant that serves up cocktails for the parents, and kids menus that’ll serve up smiles from your tribe.

Explore your Noosa accommodation options and follow this guide to 7 days in Noosa with the kids to plan your trip.

London = Brisbane

Take a spin on the Wheel of Brisbane, peer out over the skyline and you might just think you’re looking down on The Thames instead. Well, almost – the bright blue sky and sunshine might be the giveaway that you’re in Brisbane, not London.

But if you’re looking for a family holiday this year that’ll inspire your children with art and science, offer a cultural immersion, and plenty of fun along the way – book your flights to Brisbane.

South Bank (that’s Brisbane, not London) is the place to play and learn, with free entry art galleries, science museums, and hands-on workshops for the kids. Once you’re done, take a short stroll into the parklands for a dip at inner-city Streets Beach. But it doesn’t end there: you’ll find fun for the whole family all over the city, and a little out of it too: take a side-trip to swim under these waterfalls, or jump on board Yalingbila Tours – an Indigenous whale-watching cruise that departs South Bank for the waters around Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Here’s activities to fill a week-long family holiday, and where to eat while you’re here. 

The Dinosaur Ridge Trail = Australian Dinosaur Trail

While Colorado's Dinosaur Ridge Trail is world-famous for its fascinating dinosaur tracks, Jurassic Park fans can follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this ancient land right here in Queensland.

A journey along Australia's Dinosaur Trail passes through the towns of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond, taking visitors on a range of unique experiences such as seeing dinosaur footprints and Australia’s best-preserved dinosaur skeleton. 

Ready for the ultimate dino digging adventure? Here's out to unearth dinosaur bones in Outback Queensland on a family road trip.