Queensland attractions take out top spots in Wotif bucket list

Queensland has been voted the ultimate bucket list holiday destination for the nation’s children. Check out which spots are on the list.

Queensland is king of the kids with the Sunshine State voted the ultimate bucket list holiday destination.

A survey from leading travel company Wotif found Queensland was home to almost half of all nominations for the country’s top tourism experiences for kids under 13.

Queensland took out the top two spots, with the Gold Coast theme parks (No. 1) and the Great Barrier Reef (No. 2) at the top of the list.

Isabella Soakai, 9, having fun at Dreamworld. The Gold Coast theme parks are No 1. on Aussie kids’ travel bucket list. Picture: Josh Woning

Dinosaur experiences in outback Queensland (seventh) and Australia Zoo (10th) also made the top 10.

The findings come ahead of the winter school holidays with tourism operators hoping for a bumper period despite the lingering threat of coronavirus outbreaks in southern states.

Winter is when Queensland traditionally welcomes the bulk of southern visitors looking to escape their chilly climate.

The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination with young and old alike.

Kids surveyed in the Wotif study could not go past the Gold Coast’s theme parks in a welcome vote of confidence for the industry.

The data also showed kids want what they don’t have -with respondents from southern states envious of a warm weather holiday, while those from the north wanted to see snow.

Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said the findings showed wanderlust was alive and well in the next generation of travellers.

Dinosaur experiences in outback Queensland are a must. Picture: Wayne Hewitt

“We want to inspire families to get exploring and look for education outside of the classroom,” he said.

“From Australia’s rich culture, unique wildlife, and diverse geography, we hope the Aussie Kids Bucket List motivates families to get their kids involved in the holiday planning and commit to seeing some of the incredible sights in Australia.”

Robert Irwin with a Sumatran Tiger cub at Australia Zoo. The zoo came in at No 10 on the list. Picture: Animal Planet

ULTIMATE KIDS BUCKET LIST

1. Tick off the Gold Coast theme parks, QLD

2. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, QLD

3. Learn about Aboriginal culture at Uluru, NT

4. See the quokkas on Rottnest Island, WA

5. Watch the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, VIC

6. Spotting wildlife, waterfalls and crocs in Kakadu, NT

7. Discover Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, QLD

8. Swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, WA

9. Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia, WA

10. Visit Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, QLD

11. Overnight safari at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW

12. Sleep underground in Coober Pedy, SA

13. Explore Questacon in Canberra, ACT

* As voted by Wotif.com users