Where are the best family holiday parks in Queensland?
Check out our top ten list – have we missed any?
Queensland has always been a great destination for families but have you stayed at any amazing holiday parks yet? See which ones made our list!
Why choose a holiday park?
A holiday park will add that ‘community’ feel to your next holiday that’s often missing when we stay in unit accommodation. There are helpful, enthusiastic staff who love running activities with the kids or even just kicking a ball around. There are generally some shared facilities where you can meet people from all walks of life – maybe you’ll make some lifelong friends!
Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast holiday parks
1. Queensland Recreation Centres (Sunshine and Gold Coast)
This is a Queensland Government recreation centre – they have two parks – one on the Sunshine Coast and one of the Gold Coast. Queensland Recreation Centres provide school holiday and weekend accommodation for families – some of the rooms are enormous and can sleep up to seven people! We’ve reviewed the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre.
Sport equipment and facilities are available to hire at both locations – a great opportunity for family bonding and meeting new people. You’ll find heaps of activities for the kids including rock climbing and a range of options on the Coast Club program (runs on the school holidays).
2. Big 4 Treasure Island Holiday Park – Gold Coast
Let us paint a picture for you – mini golf, go carts, playgrounds, space to ride bikes, jumping pillow, kids club, pool and WATER PARK. This is the holiday park that your kids will remember when they look back at their childhoods – an amazing place to create memories.
A huge variety of accommodation types (townhouses, villas, cabins, units, powered sites) mean that there truly is something here for everyone.
3. Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park – Gold Coast
This is a camping holiday park that also provides luxury villas. Nestled safely right by an estuary, this is a great spot for kids to have safe water play! Boats and canoes are available for fishing and travelling around. There’s a surf beach close by and three swimming pools (with slides) at the complex for splashin’ the day away. Lots of walking trails available in Burleigh Heads National Park as well!
4. Big 4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Huge rig sites and recently refurbished amenities are just part of the appeal at this dog-friendly holiday park in Helensvale. You’ll also find a MASSIVE pool, fun water slide and poolside cabanas. The café is licensed!
A large range of accommodation options means that, once again, a Big 4 holiday option is a great choice for families. Check out our review of the Big 4 Holiday Park at Tweed Heads.
North Queensland Holiday Parks
5. Paronella Park, Far North Queensland
13 gorgeous acres a half hour’s drive from Cairns is home to Paronella Park – an imaginative, creative landscape. You’ll find bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and castles that tell the incredible tale of Jose Paronella. Nightly tours under flood lighting are exciting and will leave your children completely dazzled.
Lots of wildlife abounds at Parnoella – fireflies, marsupials and Dundee, the resident croc! A huge range of accommodation options, BBQs, hot showers, coin laundry, café and picnic grounds. This needs to be experienced to be believed!
6. Kurrimine Beach, Tropical North Queensland
Pack the rod and reel. This is a small fishing area between Mission Beach and Innisfail that’s perfect for kids. A huge saltwater pool, giant inflatable toys, water park, jump pillow, play room, go karts and more! The team who run Kurrimine Beach are a family themselves so they know just what you need to make sure everyone has a great time. They’ve often got special offers going on so make sure you check out their website.
Bush Camping & Free Camping near Brisbane!
It’s not all about the beach camping! Check out these great inland destinations…
7. Neurum Creek Bush Retreat (Mt Mee)
Close to Woodford lies this old-fashioned holiday park in the Mt Mee state forest. Very, very limited reception means you’re in for a tech-free break! Lots of outdoor fun like swimming, kayaking, bmxing and walking – and it’s dog-friendly! Use a swag, camp or bring your caravan or motorhome. There’s a little onsite shop and the amenities are just fine (choice of drop or normal toilet, if that’s a concern!). You can also 4WD nearby – talk to the camp staff about it. Read our review of Neurum Creek Bush Retreat here.
8. Mt Barney Lodge – Gold Coast Hinterlands
Camp, caravan, motorhome or bring your camper trailer to this shady, laid-back wonderland. The beautiful creek and intimidating mountain views provide the backdrop for some really old-fashioned fun times. There are activities run by staff like eco-walks, rock climbing, abseiling and exploring plus there’s a kids program run over the school holidays.
9. Captain Cook Holiday Village – 1770
This pet-friendly place (outside of peak periods with prior application) in the historic town of 1770 is the place to go for a unique holiday experience. Cabins, villas, bungalows, powered sites and campsites! There is a full kitchen, fans, air-con and ensuites.
This place is a hot-spot for lorikeets, kangaroos, turkeys and possums. There is a secluded surf beach (no stingers or cros allowed!), gorgeous pool and an on-site eatery. There’s also a games room for kids and staff run fun activities.
Try a holiday park for your next family adventure!
Need some tips on planning the perfect family holiday? Check out our ideas here!
