10 of the best holiday parks for Queensland families

The Jean family have spent the last year travelling around Australia in a caravan and now they’ve put together your ultimate guide to Queensland’s best holiday parks.

The school holidays are right around the corner and its time to get ready for that epic summer holiday. The only problem is working out where to go.

The Jean family has taken some of the guess work out of it by road testing many of the best holiday parks Queensland has to offer.

And they should know what they’re talking about – they’ve spent the whole year travelling around Australia in their caravan.

Whether you’re after beach bumming, theme park fun, fishing action, a tropical paradise or a bush retreat, we’ve got all the bases covered.

David Jean, with his wife Laura and kids Maggie, 6, and Frankie, 3, during their epic trip of Australia. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling

1. ACTION PACKED

Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

Ph: 1300 640 597

Where: 25-29 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

Facilities: 13-slide water park, lagoon pool, adventure playground, half-sized basketball court, animal park, jumping pillows, mini-golf, camp kitchen, amenities, barbecues

Review: One for the family who loves to be busy. There is so much to do at this resort-style holiday park, you’ll almost be tempted to stay here for your whole holiday, shunning the other things on offer in Airlie Beach itself. Big and little kids alike will love the 13-slide water park, while the heated lagoon-style swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Then there’s the tennis court, half-court basketball, 18-hole mini-golf course and adventure playground, complete with two jumping pillows. There’s also an outdoor cinema and an animal park. The list goes on and the weekly activity schedule includes scavenger hunts, pancakes by the pool and craft activities. There’s even a weekend and school holidays kids’ club, which just happens to coincide with the opening hours of the poolside massage hut so mum and dad can enjoy some pampering. The grounds themselves are beautifully landscaped, with the caravan sites set among lush tropical gardens. The caravan sites are fairly generous and you’re sure to be visited by some of the park’s resident ducks. There’s also several family-sized bathrooms, which make life considerably better come shower time. For those without a caravan, there’s a range of condos, cabins and villas to suit any sized family. When you finally manage to drag yourself away from the pool and the kids away from the water park, reception also doubles as an information and booking centre for all the other activities and tours the beautiful Airlie Beach and surrounding Whitsunday islands have to offer.

2. OASIS IN THE BUSH

Takarakka Bush Resort

www.takarakka.com.au

Ph: 07 49844535

Where: O’Briens Road, Carnarvon Gorge

Facilities: General store, bush bar, outdoor theatre, observatory, huge camp kitchens, creek swimming area, laundry, amenities, dump point

Get up close to the wildlife at Takarakka.

Review: Discover the mysteries of the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge while based at this oasis in the bush. Located just a five-minute drive from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, this is the perfect base to explore Carnarvon’s ancient vistas, teeming with wildlife and spectacular views. There’s also plenty on offer in the resort – colloquially known as Taka. After a day spent exploring the gorge, pop back to Taka and take a cooling swim in Carnarvon Creek. Wander further down the creek to the platypus pool and watch these iconic Australians paddling about. Head over to the bush bar for happy hour and enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow explorers, then take a picnic dinner on the short walk up to the lookout and enjoy sunset. Taka is home to many wild animals – platypus, kangaroos, echidnas, kookaburras and bettongs are easy to spot. In school holidays, movies and other activities are arranged to entertain the kids each afternoon, while the adults also enjoy frequent evening movies, with iconic Aussie offerings like Red Dog and the Castle.

Carnarvon Creek is right on your doorstep.

Try a homemade pie from the general store, or take a night off cooking and enjoy a delicious two course roast dinner (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). The amenities are plentiful and well maintained and there are several large camp kitchens. Of course the gorge is the real drawcard. Give yourself plenty of time to explore its chasms, packed with ancient rock art and teeming with wildlife. Take a full-day guided tour from Taka to make the most of this unique landscape. Then at night, experience the stunning Carnarvon sky from the observatory on Takarakka’s guide to the galaxy tour. Accommodation options include caravan and camping sites, as well as cabins and safari tents.

3. TROPICAL PARADISE

NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park

www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/capricorn-yeppoon/

Ph: 1800 068 703

Where: Wildin Way, Mulambin

Facilities: Outdoor theatre, double loop water slide, swimming pool, bouncing pillow, playground, games room, kiosk, laundry, camp kitchens, amenities, dump point

Review: Let your kids experience summer holiday fun the way you remember it ... with a few modern perks. This park has a definite touch of old school about it. Kids cruising about on pedal cars and bikes from dawn to dusk, laughing and splashing from the swimming pool, an

The kids will love the pedal cars.

ice cream truck melodically meandering by, outdoor movies on the grass and parents enjoying a cold drink and a barbecue. All within a short stroll of Mulambin Beach and a 15-minute drive to the shops, restaurants and bars of Yeppoon. Not to forget the very impressive Yeppoon Lagoon and Keppel Kraken Splash Park. You can also take a walk over the nearby Bluff Point and admire ocean views of the Keppel Bay islands, as well as spotting turtles below. Or be adventurous and take a day trip to Great Keppel Island. There’s plenty of facilities one comes to expect from a modern holiday park too – a double loop waterslide, a bouncing pillow, a large playground and a very impressive outdoor theatre with surround sound, tiered grass seating and even a popcorn bar. The shower blocks are newly renovated and clean and there’s a couple of basic camp kitchens. Most of the powered sites are nestled among shady palm trees. There’s also an open grass space out the back for campers and a range of delux and basic cabins and villas. The office doubles as a kiosk, selling essentials like coffee, ice cream, snacks, eggs and milk, as well as beer, wine and spirits for the adults. There’s pancakes on sale for breakfast each morning, fish and chip nights and visits from local food trucks selling wood-fired pizzas, meat pies and more. Everything you need to keep the whole family happy.

4. THEME PARK FUN

BIG 4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

https://goldcoastholidaypark.com.au/

Ph: 07 5514 4400

Where: 66-68 Siganto Drive, Helensvale

Facilities: Licensed restaurant, swimming pools, petting zoo, bmx track, games room, activity centre, jumping pillow, helipad,walking trail, kangaroo and koala habitat, camp kitchen, amenities, laundry, dump point

The Jean family cool off at the Big 4 at Helensvale. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling

Review: If you’re after a theme park holiday, this is the place for you. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Outback Spectacular are all within 2km, Dreamworld and White Water World are less than 5km away, while Seaworld is under 20km away. With all these theme parks within easy reach, you’d think they’d keep the holiday park options simple. Think again. There’s a petting zoo starring a shaggy alpaca and friendly donkey, a giant jumping pillow and a heated pool area with a water slide, kids’ pool and extra large spa. Take a spin around the park on the pedal bikes, or tear up the BMX track. Spot a koala in the trees or go fishing in saltwater creek. The activity centre has pool, table tennis and table soccer, as well as a movie theatre. There’s also an arcade games room for the older kids. Kids club activities are on every Saturday, as well as every day during the school holidays. The camp kitchen takes things to the next level – it’s the best we’ve seen on our travels – with ovens, barbecues, cooktops, fridges, ample bench space AND even an aquarium. After a long day at the theme parks let the kids jump in the pool while you relax in the poolside cabanas and enjoy a cocktail from the licensed cafe, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This park is also very dog friendly. The off-leash dog area has plenty of obstacles to entertain your pooch, then pamper it at the pet wash. There’s also doggy day care kennels for while you are out at the theme parks. Work is also well underway for a giant waterpark, which will take this park to the next level in the new year. On track to be sliding in February, the total length of the slides combined is a massive 317m and it can be zoned to suit kids of all ages. Accommodation options range from caravan and camping sites to cabins and villas and even motel rooms – something for every family and every budget.

5. CITY STAY

Brisbane Holiday Village

www.brisbaneholidayvillage.com.au

Ph: 07 3341 6133

Where: 10 Holmead Road, Eight Mile Plains

Facilities: Licensed restaurant, swimming pools, tennis court, playground, mini golf, bbq area, bike track, table tennis, multi-purpose sports field, laundries, amenity blocks

There’s always time for a round of putt-putt at the Brisbane Holiday Village.

Review: If you’re looking for a resort-style holiday close to home, this could be the place for you. Conveniently located just off the M3 Motorway, its just a 15-minute drive into the city and also offers easy access to the Gold Coast theme parks. A beautifully maintained park with all the extras. Cool off on a hot day at the lagoon area, which has two swimming pools, the smaller of which is perfect for young kids with its mushroom fountains, crocodile and water spurting serpents. Test your skill on the 18-hole mini golf course, or have a hit on the tennis court. All the equipment is available at reception. Bigger kids will love shooting hoops or playing soccer on the multi-purpose sports field, while the concrete bike track is a great place for the little ones to have a ride. There’s a modern undercover bbq area for group gatherings, or have a night off cooking and visit the lagoon restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the beef nachos. Upgrade to an ensuite caravan site and enjoy your own toilet and bathroom, as well as a large concrete pad and plenty of grass for the kids to play on. There’s also a large range of cabins to suit most budgets. Meet the wild Rainbow Lorikeets, who are fed at 3pm each day near the tennis courts, then drop into reception and borrow or board game or a DVD for a relaxing evening. The Garden City Shopping Centre is just around the corner, while out-of-towners will enjoy a trip into South Bank to explore the cafes, bars, playgrounds and swimming lagoons. You may even like to take the kids on a ferry ride.

6. WATERFRONT

Noosa River Holiday Park

www.noosaholidayparks.com.au/noosa-river

Ph: 07 5449 7050

Where: 4 Russell St, Noosaville

Facilities: Enclosed camp kitchens, laundry, amenities, boat ramp, dump point

Review: Location, location, location. Some holiday parks are all about the facilities. This is all about location. Situated smack bang on the mouth of the Noosa River, this is a boaty’s dream holiday location. Its even got its own boat ramp for easy river access. And if you’re more into the beach, that’s catered for too. Fishing, swimming, boating, jet ski riding, kite surfing ... whatever water sport you’re into, you won’t find a better location than this. And its not only the water that is convenient. Take a short stroll along the river and you’ll find yourself among some of Noosa’s best dining – so many steak and seafood bistros to choose from. Don’t feel like walking? Just take the ferry. There’s a stop right outside. And if you don’t have your own boat, that’s okay as well. There are several boat hiring places just a short walk away, offering boats, fuel and fishing gear at a reasonable price. It’s also only a short drive to Noosa National Park, where several nice walks await. Don’t forget to visit Eumundi Markets and Australia Zoo while you’re staying here. This is the kind of place you stay in for a week or more – and there’s plenty of families here that do just that. We camped across from a family who is here for five weeks – and they’ve been holidaying here for 30 years. Ideal for caravans, camper trailers, RV’s and tents, the amenities are modern, there’s a large enclosed camp kitchen with plenty of space and the staff at reception are exceptionally friendly. There’s also a playground for the little ones just outside the park’s fence, as well as half court basketball for the bigger kids.

7. FAIRYTALE

Paronella Park

www.paronellapark.com.au

Ph: 07 4065 0000

Where: 1671 Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek

Facilities: Cafe, barbecue area, amenities

This beautiful waterfall powers North Queensland’s first hydro electric plant.

Review: Who wouldn’t want to stay at a castle built in a mystical tropical rainforest? Cane farmer and entrepreneur Jose Paronella’s dream was to build a castle and he did just that, opening it to the public in 1935. This stunning creation, surrounded by 13 acres of rainforest, captures the imagination of kids and adults alike. Over the decades, the rainforest has moved in to reclaim many of the structures, but this only adds to the charm. Take a guided tour to learn about the park’s history, then meander about, marvelling at the unique architecture, the beautiful gardens and the waterfall that still powers North Queensland’s first hydro electric plant. Then head out for a night tour, which culminates in a brilliant light and sound show featuring the very talented “String Family”. All of this is included in your ticket, which is valid for two years. Plus you get a night in the boutique caravan park, where the simple facilities and sites are surrounded by rainforest. There are also a small number of cabins available. The friendly and helpful staff ensure this is a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.

8. BACK TO NATURE

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat

www.ncbr.com.au

Ph: 1300 733 901

Where: 268 Rasmussen Road, Neurum

Facilities: 312 acres, 1.5km creek frontage, amenities, some hire equipment available

Feel the serenity at Neurum Creek.

Review: Put away the technology and get back to nature for a few days. This is old school camping with the added benefit of hot showers and toilets. The kids will spend their days climbing rocks, building cubbies and making new friends. Be sure to pack the bikes as there’s ample room to ride around the camp sites, as well as a dedicated bike track. Enjoy a swim or a paddle in the creek, then kick back with a good book and listen to the birds. If you’re up for something a bit more energetic, take a drive into D’Aguilar National Park (Mount Mee section) and enjoy one of the bushwalks on offer. At the end of the day light the camp fire, toast marshmallows and watch the stars. The camp sites are large and shady and some powered sites are available. There are plenty of open spaces and larger camp areas, making this the ideal place for group camping – think family reunions.

9. BEACH BUMMING

Beachcomber Coconut Holiday Park

www.beachcombercoconut.com.au

Ph: 1800 008 129

Where: 122 Kennedy Esplanade, South Mission Beach

Facilities: Swimming pool, water slide, playground, camp kitchen, licensed cafe, amenities

Review: Beachfront at South Mission Beach and backing onto a tropical rainforest, this is the perfect place for a chilled out holiday. There’s plenty of room for big rigs among the tropical trees at the back of the park, where cassowaries are regular visitors. Smaller vans can also park next to concrete pads closer to the swimming pool and slide, where the kids spend plenty of time when they’re not in the playground. Go for a jog or a walk on the firm sand of South Mission Beach, or read a book while the kids build sandcastles and splash in the water. On calm days hire a boat (no license required) and head out to explore Dunk Island and do a spot of reef fishing. This park is beautifully landscaped and the facilities are all well maintained. There’s even a big oven in the camp kitchen. The cafe is like an old-school takeaway, serving up fish and chips, pizzas, burgers and schnitzels.

10. BORDER HOPPER

Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park

www.tweedholidayparks.com.au/tweed-holiday-parks-kingscliff-beach

Ph: 02 6674 1311

Where: 125 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Facilities: Camp kitchen with entertainment space, laundry, amenities, dump point, beach frontage

Review: If you want to enjoy a beachside holiday a little bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast, this could be the place for you – even if it is across the border. Kingscliff is just 115km south of Brisbane and with genuine beach frontage – you would have to literally park your van on the sand to get any closer to the beach – this is the ideal place for a relaxed coastal getaway. This is a small park and that, combined with generous double slab sites plus car space, gives it a peaceful, relaxed feel. On one hand, this is the kind of place you go for a traditional beach holiday – think body boarding, beach cricket, kite flying and lying on the sand with a good book. But it is still close enough to the Gold Coast should you have a hankering to visit the theme parks. The park is also right in the heart of Kingscliff, with a bowling club on one side and the surf lifesaving club on the other. Right behind is the Kingscliff Hotel and a surprising range of boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Then comes Cudgen Creek, an estuary which offers perfect swimming for the little ones and a break from the wind. The camp kitchen is modern and generous, with ovens, barbecues, fridges, toasters, kettles, microwaves, a flat screen tv and comfortable couches. Accommodation options include beachfront caravan sites, ensuite sites and tent sites, as well as two-bedroom and three-bedroom cabins.