Family Friendly Attractions in Queensland

Queensland offers a world of family friendly attractions for visitors of all ages. From the incredible natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, to the endless array of adventures and activities in the Gold Coast and Brisbane, there is something for everyone in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re looking for thrills, fun, or something a little more relaxed, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you and your family entertained.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, and it’s also one of the most family friendly attractions in Queensland. Kids of all ages will enjoy snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters of the reef, spotting tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and other sea life. There are plenty of day trips to choose from, as well as guided cruises and sailing trips that can take you further out to explore the deeper reaches of the reef. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos!

For a bit of education and entertainment, there are also a number of aquariums and interactive centres in the area. These allow you to get up close and personal with the reef’s inhabitants, and learn more about their habitats and behaviour. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take part in a guided dive tour and explore the depths of the reef.

No visit to the Great Barrier Reef is complete without a trip to the iconic Whitehaven Beach. This stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is the perfect spot for a family picnic, and the shallow waters are perfect for swimming and exploring. Plus, you can take a scenic flight over the reef to get a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is the perfect destination for a family holiday, with a range of attractions to suit every interest. Kids of all ages will love the theme parks, with the classic Wet ‘n’ Wild and Dreamworld offering thrills and spills galore. The Gold Coast also has plenty of animal-themed attractions, from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to the Australian Outback Spectacular. Plus, you can take a scenic journey on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or take a cruise around the Broadwater.

For a more relaxed family outing, the Gold Coast also has plenty of beaches and parks to explore. Take a trip to the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, and soak up the sun and surf with the kids. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, take a cruise along the Nerang River and explore the mangroves and wildlife. Other great family attractions include the Sea World theme park, the Wax Museum, and the Gold Coast Wax Museum.

If you’re after a bit of retail therapy, the Gold Coast also has an abundance of shopping centres and markets. Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Pacific Fair are all great spots for a family shopping spree. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll along the Broadwater and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

Brisbane

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland, and it’s also home to a range of family friendly attractions. Take a trip to the iconic South Bank Parklands for a day of fun and relaxation, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep the kids entertained. The parklands are also home to the Wheel of Brisbane, a giant ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the city skyline. Or, if you’re after something a bit more daring, take a trip to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and ascend the heights of Brisbane’s iconic bridge.

Other great attractions in Brisbane include the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Or, if you’re after a bit of culture, take a trip to the Brisbane Arts Centre for a spot of theatre, music, and art. You can also take a scenic cruise along the Brisbane River, or explore the city’s many parks and gardens.

Brisbane is also home to a number of vibrant markets, including the Saturday Markets in the CBD and the Valley Markets in the inner city. Here, you can find a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food and drinks. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafés throughout the city, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks.

The Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination for families, with plenty of attractions to suit every interest. Take a trip to the iconic Underwater World for a behind-the-scenes look at the ocean’s inhabitants. Or, if you’re after something a bit more thrilling, take a ride on the Big Pineapple, a giant roller coaster offering spectacular views of the coast. Plus, there are plenty of beaches and parks to explore, from the stunning Coolum Beach to the colourful Noosa National Park.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin. Here, you can take a guided tour to learn about the zoo’s inhabitants, and take part in a range of interactive activities. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Eumundi Markets, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

The Sunshine Coast is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Or, if you’re after something a bit more unique, take a trip to the Ginger Factory, where you can sample the local delicacy and take part in a range of interactive activities.

Townsville

Townsville is a great destination for a family holiday, with plenty of attractions to choose from. Take a trip to the iconic Reef HQ Aquarium, for an up close and personal look at the Great Barrier Reef’s inhabitants. Or, if you’re after something a bit more thrilling, take a ride on the Big Wheel, a giant ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the city skyline. Plus, there are plenty of beaches and parks to explore, from the stunning Magnetic Island to the lush rainforest of the Paluma Range.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Museum of Tropical Queensland, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Strand Markets, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Other great family attractions in Townsville include the Wetlands Centre, the Billabong Sanctuary, and the iconic Tobruk Pool.

Townsville is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Plus, there are plenty of markets and shops in the city, offering a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Castle Hill to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Cairns

Cairns is the perfect destination for a family holiday, with plenty of attractions to choose from. Take a trip to the iconic Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkeling and diving, spotting tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and other sea life. Or, if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, take a guided dive tour and explore the depths of the reef. Plus, there are plenty of day trips to choose from, as well as cruises and sailing trips that can take you further out to explore the reef.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Cairns Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with the reef’s inhabitants, and learn more about their habitats and behaviour. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Night Markets, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Other great family attractions in Cairns include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and the iconic Wildlife Habitat.

Cairns is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Plus, there are plenty of markets and shops in the city, offering a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Esplanade to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Mount Tamborine

Mount Tamborine is a great destination for a family holiday, with plenty of attractions to choose from. Take a trip to the iconic Tamborine National Park for a day of fun and relaxation, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep the kids entertained. Or, if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, take a ride on the Skywalk, a giant zipline offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy. Plus, there are plenty of waterfalls, walking trails, and wildlife to explore.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Gallery Walk, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Other great family attractions in Mount Tamborine include the Glow Worm Caves, the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Tamborine Mountain Winery.

Mount Tamborine is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Plus, there are plenty of markets and shops in the area, offering a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Witches Falls for a bird’s eye view of the rainforest.

The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is a great destination for a family holiday, with plenty of attractions to choose from. Take a trip to the iconic Whitehaven Beach for a day of fun and relaxation, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep the kids entertained. Or, if you’re after something a bit more daring, take a scenic flight over the reef to get a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder. Plus, there are plenty of beaches and parks to explore, from the stunning Hayman Island to the lush rainforest of the Conway National Park.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Airlie Beach Lagoon, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Manta Ray Markets, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Other great family attractions in the Whitsundays include the Cruising Yacht Club of Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands National Park, and the iconic Hamilton Island.

The Whitsundays is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Plus, there are plenty of markets and shops in the area, offering a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Hill Inlet lookout to get a bird’s eye view of the islands.

The Outback

The Outback is a great destination for a family holiday, with plenty of attractions to choose from. Take a trip to the iconic Outback Spectacular for a night of thrills and spills, featuring wild horse wranglers, stunt riders, and a spectacular light show. Or, if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, take a tour of the Australian Outback and explore the natural beauty of the area. Plus, there are plenty of national parks and wildlife reserves to explore, from the stunning Kakadu National Park to the lush rainforest of Lamington National Park.

For a bit of education and entertainment, take a trip to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, which is full of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Or, if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, take a stroll through the Alice Springs Markets, and browse the stalls for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Other great family attractions in the Outback include the iconic Uluru, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, and the Outback Astronomy Centre.

The Outback is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafés, offering a range of delicious meals and snacks. Plus, there are plenty of markets and shops in the area, offering a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a trip to the iconic Kings Canyon to get a bird’s eye view of the Outback.

Conclusion

Queensland is home to a world of family friendly attractions, from the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the bustling cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Whether you’re looking for thrills, fun, or something a little more relaxed, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you and your family entertained. And with so many unique destinations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a family holiday.