Sharing is caring!

12 Best Family Resorts Australia Has to Offer in 2025

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

Let me tell you about my endless nights scrolling through resort websites, trying to find that perfect spot where my kids wouldn’t get bored and I could actually relax. Finding the best family resorts in Australia isn’t exactly a walk in the park – trust me, I’ve been there.

My family and I have stayed at so many resorts across the country, including the incredible Paradise Resort at Surfers Paradise. Through all these stays, I’ve figured out what makes a resort truly family-friendly: awesome stuff for the kids to do, rooms that don’t make you feel cramped, and those little extras that stop parents from losing their minds.

Looking at Australia’s best family resorts for 2025, we checked everything – from the kids’ clubs (because sometimes mum and dad need a break) to whether the pools are actually fun. Maybe you’re dreaming of splashing at a Queensland beach, or perhaps watching your little ones’ faces light up seeing their first kangaroo in Western Australia. This guide comes from real experiences, helping you pick the perfect spot for your next family adventure.

Paradise Resort Gold Coast

_{Image Source: Paradise Resort}

You know those places that just click with your family straight away? That’s exactly what happened when we stayed at Paradise Resort Gold Coast. It’s no wonder this place has been crowned Australia’s Best Family Resort for 13 consecutive years. Just 250 meters from Surfers Paradise Beach, this spot feels like a cruise ship on land – minus the seasickness!

Resort Overview and Location

The location is an absolute winner. During our stay, we loved that we could walk to Surfers Paradise’s center in about 500 meters. Perfect for those “I’m hungry” moments or when the kids spot something exciting in town. The resort grounds are gorgeous too – think tropical paradise meets family fun central.

Family Facilities and Activities

Let me tell you about the cool stuff that had my kids bouncing off the walls:

• They’re the only resort in Australia with a waterpark, ice-skating rink, and kids club all in one spot
• Over 55 different activities included in your stay (no sneaky extra costs!)
• Daily shows with magicians and characters that even got my usually shy one involved
• A teen club for the 13-17 crowd (because we all know teens need their own space)

The Kids Club was a game-changer for us. Kids from 0-12 years get one free session when booking direct. My little ones couldn’t get enough of the water park, and I loved that I could actually relax knowing they were well supervised.

Room Types and Pricing

Here’s the deal with rooms – they range from 29m² to 45m², so plenty of space to spread out. For 2025, you’re looking at AUD 761.44 for three nights, which honestly isn’t bad considering everything you get.

We went for a Superior Resort room in the Captains Quarters, complete with a massive Sony Smart TV that saved our rainy day blues with streaming services. Got a bigger crew? The interconnecting rooms can fit up to 8 people – perfect for those family reunions or when you’re traveling with friends.

Pro tip: Book directly through their website for those free Kids Club sessions – saves you AUD 91.74 per child. Trust me, it’s worth every penny!

Turtle Beach Resort

_{Image Source: Turtle Beach Resort}

Picture this – you’re in Mermaid Beach, surrounded by 4.5 hectares of lush gardens. That’s exactly where I found myself at Turtle Beach Resort, and let me tell you, it’s like someone took everything a family needs for an awesome holiday and wrapped it up in one perfect package.

Resort Features

My jaw dropped when I saw the water features here. Four swimming areas and six waterslides later, I realized I wouldn’t be hearing the dreaded “I’m boooored” from my kids. The Splash Zone water park became our second home – my little ones went nuts over the water cannons and dumping buckets.

The resort’s got some serious entertainment game going on:

• A 22-seat cinema playing four movies daily (perfect for those rainy days!)
• 15-hole putt-putt mini golf course (where my competitive side totally came out)
• Eight BBQ areas (because who doesn’t love a good Aussie barbie?)
• Games room with arcade games
• Floodlit tennis court

Kids Club and Activities

Club Turtle was an absolute hit with my gang. Between Nintendo Switch battles and Xbox gaming sessions, plus arts and crafts that actually kept them interested for more than five minutes, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. The staff were amazing – none of that forced fun stuff, they let the kids choose activities they actually wanted to do.

Accommodation Options

The apartments here are proper homes, not just hotel rooms with a fancy name. We checked out the different options – from one to three bedrooms – and each one’s got everything a family needs:

• Full kitchen (because takeaway every night isn’t always the answer)
• Laundry facilities (trust me, you’ll need these)
• Air con throughout (a lifesaver in summer)
• Private balcony or courtyard
• Bathroom with shower/bath combo

Pro tip: Got little legs in your crew? Grab a ground-floor room near the waterpark. Your back will thank you for not climbing those stairs fifty times a day.

The Deck restaurant became our happy place. Nothing beats sipping a cold one while watching the kids splash around in the water park. The food’s pretty good too – pizzas, salads, and kids’ meals for AUD 12.23 that actually get eaten instead of pushed around the plate.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

_{Image Source: www.kingfisherbay.com}

The moment I stepped off that ferry onto Fraser Island, I knew this wasn’t going to be like my stay at Paradise Resort. Kingfisher Bay Resort, tucked away in those tree-covered dunes, feels like something straight out of a wilderness adventure movie – but with all the comfy bits you need when traveling with kids.

Location and Accessibility

Getting here’s half the fun! The resort’s five nautical miles from River Heads, with regular ferries from Hervey Bay. It’s like those epic movie journeys, except you don’t need to battle white walkers or dragons to reach your destination. Summer hits around 29°C – perfect for those “Mum, can we go swimming?” moments.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Junior Eco Rangers program was an absolute game-changer for us. During school holidays, my little adventurers got stuck into:

• Beach scavenger hunts (my son found what he swears was a mermaid scale)
• Bush walks and crafty stuff
• Marshmallow-filled campfire sessions
• Night walks and stargazing adventures

My kids couldn’t get enough of the morning program (runs 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, lunch included). And those four lagoon-style pools scattered around the place? Pure genius for when the kids can’t agree on which pool is “the best one.”

Dining Options

Let me tell you about the food – it’s not your typical resort nuggets-and-chips situation. The chefs here draw inspiration from the indigenous Butchulla tribe, creating dishes that had my fussy eater actually trying new things. We found our groove at these spots:

• Sand & Wood Restaurant: Where breakfast dreams come true
• The Sand Bar & Bistro: Perfect for those “I’m starving” lunch moments
• Sunset Bar: Dinner with views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous

The kids’ menu surprised me – everything from familiar favorites like crumbed chicken to proper spaghetti bolognese. And if you’re booking hotel rooms, they’ve got this clever interconnecting setup with two queen beds in one room and twin singles in the other. Genius for those “I’m not sharing with my sister!” moments.

Pro tip: Time your visit with school holidays for the Junior Eco Rangers program. Trust me, your kids will be telling stories about their island adventures for months.

Daydream Island Resort

_{Image Source: Daydream Island Resort}

Picture that moment in Finding Nemo where they first see the reef – that’s exactly how my kids looked standing at the Living Reef’s edge. Here we were at Daydream Island Resort, smack in the middle of the Whitsundays, and I couldn’t help thinking we’d stumbled onto something magical. After all those family resorts I’d visited, this one hit different.

Island Experience

The star of the show? A 200-meter artificial lagoon they call the Living Reef. We’re talking 100 fish species, 80 types of coral, and 30 different invertebrates swimming around. My science-obsessed 10-year-old nearly lost it when we watched marine biologists feeding stingrays in the underwater observatory. Being right at the Great Barrier Reef’s doorstep makes this place perfect for those “Finding Nemo in real life” moments.

Family Activities and Programs

The Cockatoo Club became our second home, keeping kids aged 4-12 years busy with the coolest activities. My little adventurers couldn’t get enough of:

• Treasure hunts (because who doesn’t want to be a pirate?)
• Nature crafts that actually made it home in one piece
• Rainforest walks where every stick became a magic wand
• Animal scavenger hunts that had them squealing with excitement
• Marine experiences that beat any classroom lesson

Room Categories

With 240 rooms and suites available, finding our perfect spot wasn’t hard. We went for a Resort Room – you get either one king bed or two queens. If you’re after those Instagram-worthy views, the Superior Rooms come with three different outlooks, including poolside and ocean views.

The rooms aren’t just pretty – they’re properly kitted out with WiFi, air con, and free movies. Got a bigger crew? The Deluxe Serenity Twin rooms can connect with Serenity Suites, giving you enough space to avoid those sibling territory wars.

Pro tip: Got little ones who turn into cranky monsters when they’re hungry? Ask for a room near the central Atrium building – you’ll thank me when it’s snack time.

[Book your stay at Daydream Island Resort on Booking.com]

NRMA Port Macquarie Resort

_{Image Source: NRMA Parks and Resorts}

You know those holiday spots that take you right back to your childhood? The ones where kids actually play outside instead of staring at screens all day? That’s exactly what I found at NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park. Walking along that famous breakwall at sunset, waves crashing nearby, I felt like I’d stepped into one of those perfect Aussie holiday memories.

Resort Highlights

The spot’s right on the breakwall – absolute gold for beach lovers and bush wanderers alike. What got me excited wasn’t just the sparkling pool or fancy camp kitchen (though they’re pretty sweet). It was watching families gather around the BBQs, kids running around while parents sorted the recycling – proper old-school holiday vibes with modern touches.

Family Entertainment

School holidays here are something else. The Kids Club had my little ones actually forgetting about their iPads (miracle, right?). They’ve got:

• A playground that my kids rated “better than the one at school”
• Holiday activities that change with the seasons
• A pool that’s perfect year-round (because kids and water are like magnets)
• TV and library spots for those rare rainy days

Accommodation Types

With 16 different ways to stay, there’s something for everyone – from fancy pants to happy campers. We grabbed a Parkside Cabin (fits 6 people) with a queen bed and bunks. The setup was perfect for those “Mum, he’s looking at me!” moments. If you’re after those postcard-worthy views, check out the Riverside Cabins.

The best bit? You can go budget with powered sites for your caravan or splash out on fully kitted cabins with air con. Pro tip: Grab a Bayside Cabin if you’re into BBQ dinners on the deck – nothing beats cooking snags while watching the sunset.

[Book your stay at NRMA Port Macquarie Resort on Booking.com]

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

_{Image Source: www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au}

Let me tell you about the time I nearly drove past what turned out to be our family’s favorite holiday spot ever. Just 4 kilometers from Airlie Beach, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is hiding in plain sight, spread across 10.5 hectares of gardens that look like something from Jurassic Park (minus the scary bits).

Resort Features

My inner child went nuts when I saw what they’ve packed into this place. We’re talking:

• A 32m lagoon pool that’s heated in winter (because nobody likes blue lips)
• 13 waterslides that had my kids screaming “again, again!”
• Two giant jumping pillows (I may have tested these myself… for safety reasons, obviously)
• 18-hole mini golf course where family rivalries were born
• Outdoor cinema that saved our sanity on movie nights
• Animal park for those “Mum, can we keep it?” moments

Kids Activities

The Kids Craft Club is something else – runs every Saturday all year and ramps up to three times weekly during school holidays. My 4-12 year olds couldn’t get enough of it. Even my youngest, who usually hides behind my legs, ended up front and center thanks to their amazing Activities Co-ordinator.

Cabin Options

From powered sites (for you brave camping souls) to fancy three-bedroom condos, they’ve thought of everything. We splurged on a deluxe cabin, and let me tell you – having a proper kitchen and space to spread out saved my sanity more than once.

Pro tip: If you’ve got little ones who treat swimming gear like some kind of magical disappearing act, grab a cabin near the waterpark. Your legs will thank you after the fifteenth “But Muuuum, I forgot my towel!” trip.

[Book your stay at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort on Booking.com]

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

_{Image Source: Jamala Wildlife Lodge}

Remember how I mentioned being a bit of a nerd earlier? Well, this place took my inner wildlife geek to a whole new level. Picture waking up, rolling over, and seeing a lion casually hanging out meters from your bed. That’s exactly what happened at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, tucked inside Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium. Trust me, this isn’t your typical “here’s a pool and some slides” kind of resort.

Unique Wildlife Experience

Forget watching wildlife docos on Netflix – at Jamala, you’re living one! The lodge lets you get up close with some seriously amazing creatures. We’re talking white lions to sun bears, all just an arm’s length away (behind glass, obviously – I’m adventurous, not crazy). Watching my kids’ faces light up learning about endangered species beat any water park experience I’ve had, even our amazing time at Paradise Resort.

Family Accommodation

They’ve got three different ways to get your wildlife fix:

• uShaka Lodge – where cheeky Colobus Monkeys became our breakfast entertainment
• Giraffe Treehouses – perfect for those “Mum, a giraffe just ate my toast!” moments
• Jungle Bungalows – only glass between you and lions, tigers, or bears (oh my!)

Each room’s kitted out with:

• Fancy king beds with African vibes
• Air con (because nobody wants to sweat next to a lion)
• Foxtel and WiFi for those downtime moments

Educational Programs

The staff here are proper wildlife nerds (and I mean that as a compliment). They got my kids actually excited about conservation and breeding programs. The exclusive zoo tours had them spotting rare species and remembering facts I didn’t even know. Pro tip: Jump on the morning tour before the zoo opens – the animals are showing off their best moves then.

All your meals are included, and they serve up this amazing African-inspired food in the Rainforest Cave restaurant. Just a heads up though – age restrictions apply for different animal encounters. Your little ones need to be at least 6 for tiger experiences and 14 for lion encounters. Safety first, right?

[Book your wildlife adventure at Jamala Wildlife Lodge on Booking.com]

Crown Towers Perth

_{Image Source: Crown Perth}

You know how in those fancy movies, there’s always that moment when someone walks into a grand hotel and everything goes quiet? That’s exactly what happened when we stepped into Crown Towers Perth. Don’t get me wrong – I loved our time at Paradise Resort Gold Coast with its water slides and kids’ chaos, but Crown Towers? This place is like when your favorite superhero gets an upgrade.

Luxury Family Features

The lagoon pools here are something else – picture the kind of pools you see in travel magazines, but with actual families having fun instead of those impossibly perfect models. While the kids splashed around, I snuck off to the fitness center and even managed some retail therapy. The real showstopper though? The Crystal Club on level 15 – we felt like we were in a movie having breakfast with those Swan River views and fancy evening snacks.

Kids Activities

My little water baby couldn’t believe his luck with the kids’ pool – no more “it’s too deep, Mum!” moments. The Kids Hub became our rainy-day savior with arcade games and a TV that’s basically a cinema screen (98 inches!). The best bit? While my 6-year-old was living his best life in the pool, my teen actually stopped rolling her eyes for once, too busy destroying her brother at foosball in the poolside cabana.

Suite Options

Let me tell you about these rooms – they’re bigger than my first apartment! We went for a Deluxe Twin Room (47m²) that came with:

• Two queen beds (no more sibling territory wars)
• A marble bathroom that had my daughter pretending to be a YouTube influencer
• Smart TVs with streaming (because sometimes you just need that Netflix timeout)

Got a bigger crew? The Executive Suites are like something out of a lifestyle magazine, with fancy tech and furniture that looks too pretty to touch. Pro tip: Traveling with teens who need their space? The Premier Suite’s got enough room that you won’t hear “They’re breathing my air!” every five minutes.

[Book your luxury family stay at Crown Towers Perth on Booking.com]

Pullman Port Douglas

_{Image Source: www.pullmanportdouglas.com.au}

After bouncing around family resorts like a pinball (including that crazy-fun time at Paradise Resort), I stumbled onto something different at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Just 60 minutes north of Cairns, this place feels like stepping into one of those fancy tropical movies – you know, the ones where everyone looks way too relaxed to be real.

Tropical Location

The resort sits pretty at the quiet end of Four Mile Beach, and let me tell you, it’s a whole different vibe from the wonderful chaos at Paradise Resort. Think less “kids running wild with ice cream” and more “peaceful family moments.” The best bit? You’re sandwiched between two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Talk about location goals!

Family Facilities

The star of the show here is this amazing lagoon pool that snakes through the resort like something out of a tropical fantasy. My kids turned into proper explorers, discovering all its bridges and secret spots. Check out what else they’ve got:

• A massive pool with a swim-up bar (mocktails for the kids!)
• Beach access (because who doesn’t love building sandcastles?)
• Championship golf course next door (Dad’s happy place)
• Fully equipped gym (for working off all those holiday treats)

Room Categories

From cozy studio rooms to massive three-bedroom apartments, there’s something for every crew size. We grabbed a two-bedroom apartment that came with all the good stuff – proper kitchen (because takeaway every night gets old), washer and dryer (trust me, you’ll need these), and enough dining space that we weren’t playing elbow wars at dinner.

Pro tip: If you’ve got water babies like mine, splash out on a swim-out apartment. Nothing beats rolling out of bed straight into the pool – it’s worth every dollar when you hear those excited morning squeals.

[Book your tropical family escape at Pullman Port Douglas on Booking.com]

Hamilton Island Beach Club

_{Image Source: Hamilton Island}

Here’s a plot twist for you – after all those family-focused stays (like my wild time at Paradise Resort), I found myself at Hamilton Island’s Beach Club, this fancy adults-only spot with just 57 rooms. But don’t click away just yet, fellow parents! Hamilton Island itself is like the Swiss Army knife of family holidays – it’s got something for everyone.

Island Activities

Think of Hamilton Island as the ultimate playground – we found over 55 different activities that’ll make your kids forget their iPads even exist. The best bit? All the good stuff like snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking comes free with your stay. And get this – no cars allowed! You zip around in golf buggies instead. My kids thought we were in some kind of Mario Kart game.

Family Programs

While Beach Club keeps its grown-ups-only vibe (fair enough), the Clownfish Club welcomes children from 6 months to 12 years of age. It’s like they’ve taken everything parents need and wrapped it up in one perfect package:

• Professional childcare (because sometimes Mum and Dad need a break)
• Daily activities that actually keep them entertained
• Age-specific spaces (no more “I’m too old for this” eye rolls)
• Meals included (one less thing to worry about)

Accommodation Types

Beach Club might be adults-only, but families aren’t left out in the cold. The Reef View Hotel and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes are perfect for the whole crew. Though if you’re planning that rare child-free escape, Beach Club rooms come with:

• Private balconies overlooking Catseye Beach (hello, sunset views!)
• Fancy bathrooms that’ll make you feel like a celebrity
• Beds you can actually configure to suit your needs

Pro tip: Want the best of both worlds? Book a family-friendly spot nearby and you’ll still get to enjoy that gorgeous Catseye Beach. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!

[Book your Hamilton Island escape on Booking.com]

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

_{Image Source: Accor – Accor Group}

You know those moments when your kids think you’ve completely lost it? That’s exactly what happened when I pulled up to this massive crocodile-shaped building in Kakadu National Park. After bouncing between regular resorts like Paradise Resort, this indigenous-owned Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel had us all giggling – I mean, how often do you get to sleep inside a giant croc?

Unique Experience

Being the only full-service hotel in Kakadu, this four-star spot nails that sweet spot between quirky and comfy. The whole building’s one big crocodile – we slept in the ‘belly,’ climbed stairs in the ‘legs,’ and my little ones couldn’t stop running around the ‘tail’ section. It’s like someone took their kids’ drawing and turned it into an actual hotel!

Family Activities

The swimming pool became our second home – my kids reckon it’s “the safest swimming spot in the Northern Territory” (because apparently, swimming inside a croc is safer than swimming with one). But what really got us excited was the Ochre Art Gallery. Watching my usually fidgety bunch sit still, learning about indigenous art and attempting to play the didgeridoo – now that’s what I call holiday magic.

Room Options

They’ve got seven different room types to pick from. We went for a Superior Family Room with a queen bed and single bed. Each room comes with all the good stuff:

• Air con (because nobody wants to cook inside a croc)
• Satellite TV and tea/coffee bits
• Mini fridge for those midnight snacks
• Private bathroom with shower

Pro tip: Grab a ground floor room unless you fancy hiking up and down the croc’s insides every time your kids want to swim.

[Book your unique stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel on Booking.com]

Sea World Resort Gold Coast

_{Image Source: Sea World}

Let me tell you about the time I found Australia’s only theme park resort. After bouncing between regular resorts, walking into Sea World Resort felt like stepping into one of my kids’ wildest dreams. It’s totally different from Paradise Resort – think less “regular holiday” and more “OMG Mum, is this real?”

Theme Park Access

The Theme Parks Package here is absolutely bonkers. We got unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, and Paradise Country. My kids nearly lost it when they saw The New Atlantis precinct with its three massive rides – Leviathan, Trident, and Vortex. Pretty sure I heard “Best. Holiday. Ever!” about fifty times that first day.

Family Facilities

SpongeBob’s SplashBash Aquatic Playground became our second home. I’m not saying my kids turned into actual fish, but we did have to bribe them to get out sometimes. The resort’s packed with cool stuff:

• A SpongeBob SquarePants LED Lightshow that had us all mesmerized
• Five different places to eat (because nobody wants hangry kids)
• Direct access to the Broadwater (hello, gorgeous views!)

Room Categories

The rooms here are like something out of a family holiday fantasy. Our Family Studio Room fit all eight of us without anyone claiming their personal space was being invaded (miracle, right?). Each room comes with:

• Four double beds (no more “she’s on my side!”)
• Two massive LCD TVs (peace keeper alert!)
• Microwave and bar fridge for midnight snacks
• WiFi and streaming (because sometimes you need that quiet time)

Pro tip: Splash out on a Water View Room – watching the sunrise over the Broadwater while the kids are still asleep is pure magic.

[Book your theme park adventure at Sea World Resort on Booking.com]

Comparison Table

Alright, fellow holiday planners! After dragging my family around Australia’s best resorts (tough job, but someone’s got to do it), I’ve put together this super handy comparison table. Think of it as your cheat sheet for finding that perfect family escape – whether you’re after water slides, wildlife, or just a really good pool to throw the kids in.

Comparison of Australia’s Best Family Resorts 2025

I’ve packed this table with everything you need to know – from room sizes (because nobody wants to play sardines on holiday) to those special extras that make a resort truly awesome. Whether you’re after a wildlife adventure at Jamala or want to live it up at Crown Towers Perth, there’s something here for every family and budget.

Conclusion

After dragging my family across Australia like we’re filming some kind of reality TV show (from sweating it out in the Whitsundays to dodging crocs in Kakadu), I’ve learned one thing – Australia knows how to do family resorts! Each spot we visited had its own superpower – Paradise Resort’s like a non-stop party for kids, Jamala Wildlife Lodge lets you basically live in a zoo, and Sea World Resort? It’s like someone took all your theme park dreams and added beds.

You know how in The Avengers everyone has their favorite superhero? Well, Paradise Resort Gold Coast is my Captain America – reliable, fun, and keeps everyone happy with that perfect mix of kids’ chaos and parent peace. But hey, your family might be more into the whole Finding Nemo vibe at Daydream Island, or maybe you’re ready to channel your inner Steve Irwin at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

These places are like a box of chocolates (yes, I’m throwing in a Forrest Gump reference) – there’s something for every taste and budget. Want to self-cater? Turtle Beach Resort’s got you covered. Feeling fancy? Crown Towers Perth will make you feel like royalty. And don’t forget those sneaky perks when you book direct – like Paradise Resort’s free Kids Club sessions (which, trust me, are worth their weight in gold when you need a coffee break).

Here’s the deal though – these spots fill up faster than a pool on a hot summer day, especially during school holidays. So if you’re eyeing up a 2025 escape, don’t wait around like my kids do when it’s time to leave the pool. Think about what your crew needs – maybe it’s a killer pool, maybe it’s proximity to coffee (no judgment here), or maybe it’s just somewhere your teens won’t die of embarrassment being seen with you.

[Book your stay at Paradise Resort Gold Coast on Booking.com]

Check out more posts from this category: Australia