The ultimate guide to family holidays in Queensland

A guide to family holidays in Queensland

Dreaming of a family holiday to Queensland? You’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide to family holidays in Queensland, we’ll discuss a little about Queensland, why it’s a fantastic family travel destination, the best time to visit, bucket list experiences, major regions to visit and inspiration for Queensland family travel.

A little about Queensland

At over 1.8 million square kilometres, Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia by area and the third-most populous with over five million people. 72% of the population lives in South East Queensland, which is where you’ll find the state’s capital, Brisbane. What this means, is that once you leave the capital, family holidays in Queensland are blissfully uncrowded.

Why Queensland is fantastic for family holidays

Known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Queensland has stunning beaches and five of Australia’s World Natural Heritage areas, including the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics, Riversleigh Fossil Fields, K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Scenic Rim. Its capital, Brisbane, is a vibrant city bordered by the Brisbane River, and it’s not too far away to reach the popular tourist destinations of The Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Inland, the vast Outback offers many memorable road trips with rugged landscapes, hot springs, fossicking, fossils and opportunities for adventure. In general, Queensland’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle ensure it’s a favoured destination for both domestic and international family holiday makers seeking natural beauty and adventure.

^{Gold Coast Aqua Park © Jessica Palmer}

When is the best time to visit Queensland for a family holiday?

Queensland is so large that there really is no best time to visit. It largely boils down to the holiday type you’re looking for. Here’s a general breakdown of the seasons and their implications:

Dry season (winter)

Queensland’s dryest season is usually during winter (June to August). The weather is typically mild and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, this is also peak tourist season in the north, so expect higher accommodation prices and larger crowds the further north you head in Queensland for your family holiday.

Wet season (summer)

December to March is characterised by increased rainfall and higher temperatures, particularly in the northern regions. The upside is fewer tourists and lush landscapes, but the downside is the potential of tropical storms and cyclones which may or may not disrupt your travel plans.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer a balance between fewer crowds and favourable weather conditions. Accommodation costs are lower than peak times, and temperatures are still pleasant.

Queensland school holidays can also bring a rush of activity to popular tourist spots. However, ultimately, the best time to visit Queensland for family holidays depends on your preference for weather, what you want to do and your tolerance for crowds.