The ultimate guide to family holidays in Queensland

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The ultimate guide to family holidays in Queensland

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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.

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.

Top five family holiday bucket list experiences in Queensland

• Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
• Road trip through Outback Queensland
• Visit Gold Coast theme parks
• Swim at the beautiful lakes on K’gari (Fraser Island)
• Join an Indigenous cultural tour

For more inspiration, explore these 14 pinch-me experiences not to be missed in Queensland.

Top five destinations for family holidays in Queensland

• Hervey Bay and K’gari
• The Gold Coast
• Townsville and Magnetic Island
• Cairns
• Outback Queensland

The major regions in Queensland and what they offer

South East Queensland

Tucked away in the southeast corner of Queensland, this region is known for its vibrant urban centres, coastal cities and scenic hinterland. The major cities include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich. This region of Queensland is popular for family holidays, particularly the Gold Coast for its theme parks and the Sunshine Coast for its beach lifestyle. The Gold Coast Hinterland region (sometimes referred to as the green behind the gold) also offers a lot for family adventures.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in South East Queensland:

• Swim and/or surf the beaches in Noosa and the Gold Coast
• Kayak the Noosa Everglades
• Get up close and personal with a red panda at Australia Zoo
• Picnic with an Alpaca in the Gold Coast Hinterlands
• Explore Brisbane City and visit Streets Beach
• Spend a morning at Summerland Camels

Darling Downs South West

The Darling Downs South West region of Queensland is a family holiday gem, offering a blend of rural charm and outdoor adventures. Found to the west of South East Queensland, the further west you head the further into Queensland’s Outback you will find yourself. Cities to visit in Darling Downs South West include Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Quilpie, Roma, Charleville, St George and more.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in Darling Downs South West

• Learn about life on the land on a farm stay
• Join in the annual Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba
• Go hiking at Carnarvon Gorge
• Explore the wide open spaces
• Do a self-drive road trip in the St George region

Wide Bay Burnett

The Wide Bay Burnett region of Queensland is a family holiday paradise with stunning, uncrowded beaches, natural reserves and historical attractions. This region includes family favourites like Hervey Bay, K’gari (Fraser Island) and Lady Elliot Island as well as some hidden gems such as Utopia Rock Pools and Woodgate Beach.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in the Wide Bay Burnett region:

• Go on a 4WD adventure on K’gari (Fraser Island)
• Watch baby turtles hatch at Mon Repos
• Pushbike the esplanade in Hervey Bay
• Hike into Utopia Rock Pools for an unforgettable swim
• Snorkel at Lady Elliot Island

Central Queensland

Central Queensland is a seriously underrated holiday destination for families, offering a unique mix of coastal beauty, rural landscapes, and historic sites. Stretching from the Southern Great Barrier Reef in the east to the rugged outback in the west, this region provides an array of family-friendly activities. The region’s history is brought to life in towns like Rockhampton and for those who’ve been bitten by the fossicking bug, you’ll want to visit the towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in Central Queensland:

• Day trip over to Great Keppel Island
• Visits Rockhampton’s free zoo
• Take a tour through the Capricorn Caves
• Fossick for Sapphires in the Central Queensland Highlands
• Roadtrip out to Longreach and Winton to experience the best of the Outback

Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays

The Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsundays region of Queensland is a family holiday dream, offering tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant communities. The Whitsundays, with 74 idyllic islands, are a paradise for beach-loving families, providing opportunities for snorkelling, sailing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Airlie Beach serves as the gateway to these islands, with family-friendly resorts and water activities. Mackay, known for its stunning natural environment, offers beaches, the lush Eungella National Park, and the chance to spot unique wildlife like platypuses. Inland, the Isaac region offers a glimpse into Queensland’s mining heritage and rugged landscapes, ideal for adventurous families.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays:

• Take a day tour out to Whitehaven Beach & explore the Whitsundays
• Go on a Great Barrier Reef tour
• Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Spot platypus in the wild at Eungella National Park
• Share sunrise with kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough

North Queensland

Often overlooked for Far North Queensland, North Queensland is an amazing destination for family holidays with Townsville and Magnetic Island on the East Coast through to Mount Isa in the Outback in the far west. For families wanting a little more, don’t pass up the Charters Towers region for an insight into the region’s gold rush era.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in North Queensland:

• Spend a few days on Magnetic Island and feed the Rock Wallabies
• Do the public art trail in Townsville
• Experience the Mount Isa Rodeo
• Gon a Texas Longhorn tour in Charters Towers
• Visit Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond
• Spend a day at Little and Big Crystal Creek

Far North Queensland

Far North Queensland is on many a family holiday bucket list with thanks to Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – all of which can be found in this region. This place offers endless adventures for families, from snorkelling the reef to walking among the treetops in the Daintree to chasing freshwater swimming holes in and around the Cairns region. Far North Queensland offers families a chance to create lasting memories in one of the most stunning natural settings on the planet.

Don’t miss these family-friendly things to do in Far North Queensland:

• Spend a few days exploring freshwater swimming holes in and around Cairns
• Visit Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest
• Snorkel the Great Barrier Roof
• Day trip over to Green Island
• Swim in the Cairns Lagoon and visit the Cairns Market afterwards

Outback Queensland

Outback Queensland has no official geographical boundaries, but generally, you head west from the coast and once you leave behind the sea breeze, it gets more and more ‘Outback’ the further west you go. The Outback offer adventurous families a unique holiday experience in the heart of Queensland, where vast landscapes, dinosaur fossils, red dirt and friendly towns are the norm and campfires, rugged beauty and millions of stars become your entertainment.

Don’t miss these family-friendly adventures in Outback Queensland:

• Watch a dunny race at the Winton Outback Festival
• Hike Carnarvon Gorge
• Visit the Qantas Founder Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach
• Explore the many hot springs
• Fossick for amazing gemstones

Inspiration for family holidays in Queensland