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North Queensland is an incredible destination for families, offering a wide range of activities and experiences that are sure to keep everyone entertained. North Queensland is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in Australia, including the Great  Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, unique and diverse wildlife, cultural experiences and lots of wonderful family attractions. If you are a family looking for an adventure holiday like no other you have to visit North Queensland. For us locals, we are blessed with a short drive between our sister cities to enjoy holidaying at home. When travelling, finding the right accommodation to suit your family’s needs is a key component to having a great holiday. 

Here are some of the best options for family accommodation in the region.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

The Shangri-La Cairns is a fantastic family hotel located in the heart of Cairns. This hotel is known for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities that are sure to make any family holiday unforgettable. The hotel offers a range of accommodation options that are perfect for families, including spacious and interconnecting rooms and suites with stunning views of the ocean or city. The hotel also features a large swimming pool for families to relax and play together. In addition, the hotel has a range of dining options, including a family-friendly restaurant, and is conveniently located close to many family-friendly attractions in Cairns. The Shangri-La Cairns is an excellent family hotel, offering a perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and convenience.

Lavender Hill Lake Tinaroo

Relax in beautiful serenity in this Tuscan style accommodation with 3.5 acres of absolute waterfront, gardens and rainforest. Located on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, about an hour’s drive from Cairns and eight minutes from Atherton. This property is ideal for families who are looking for a peaceful and quiet getaway in the midst of nature. The lake itself is perfect for those that love watersports like waterskiing and wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating, and the property also has a private jetty and boat ramp. You can rent out the property for a special event, or just for a relaxing weekend getaway with family and friends. The house sleeps up to 26 people with an array of bedding including bunks, double beds, queen beds and king beds. All linens and towels are provided, and the house is fully equipped to be a home away from home. 

Cairns Colonial Club 

Set amidst 11 acres of spectacular rainforest gardens, the family-friendly Cairns Colonial Club has 345 modern accommodation rooms, three gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pools (one with a slide), a man-made beach, an adventure playground with mini golf and peddle carts, a purpose-built Conference and Functions Centre, Thirsty Flamingo Poolside Bar and Dining and a contemporary full-service restaurant. This great family hotel is located just five minutes drive from the heart of Cairns and offers a range of accommodation options that are perfect for families, including spacious rooms and suites with private balconies or patios overlooking lush gardens or pools. If you are a local, treat your family to ludicrous discounts, hours of fun and a tropical sleepover with a Club Colonial Membership! Offering insane value, a 12-month membership is just $185 which includes one FREE night in a contemporary Superior Room (valued at $169), a $50 dining voucher on your birthday, 20% off all food and beverages AND unlimited use of their facilities all day every day!

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park

The accommodation at Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park includes a range of family cabins, villas and camping sites that can accommodate families of different sizes and budgets. The cabins and villas are fully equipped with all the necessary amenities, including kitchenettes, living areas and private bathrooms, providing families with a comfortable and convenient stay. The camping sites offer a range of options, including powered and unpowered sites, and the park provides all the necessary facilities, including BBQ areas, a camp kitchen and amenities blocks.

One of the best things about Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park is its location – the shores of Lake Tinaroo. The park provides direct access to the lake, allowing families to enjoy a range of water activities, including swimming, fishing, boating and water sports. The park also features a swimming pool, playground and games room, providing additional entertainment options for families.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a fantastic destination for families as it offers a range of activities and amenities that cater to all ages. The island boasts beautiful beaches and hikes, crystal-clear waters, and a marine sanctuary that is perfect for snorkelling and diving. Families can take a glass-bottom boat tour, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or embark on a guided rainforest walk. The resort offers comfortable and spacious family-friendly accommodations, a movie theatre, a kids’ club and two on-site restaurants with stunning ocean views. There are a variety of rooms available; the 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartments are ideal for families. With its natural beauty and endless activities, Fitzroy Island is a perfect family destination that will create unforgettable memories for everyone. It really is an island paradise. 

Check out PakMag’s video review here

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a great destination for family holidays because it offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The island boasts pristine beaches, hiking trails and abundant wildlife, providing endless opportunities for family-friendly activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and wildlife spotting. Families can visit the Koala Sanctuary, take a sunset cruise, or enjoy a family-friendly game of golf. The island offers a range of accommodations, from cosy bungalows to spacious villas, ensuring that families of all sizes can find something to suit their needs. With its natural beauty and family-friendly activities, Magnetic Island is the perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable family holiday. SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry is the fastest way to get to the island for the day or longer stay. All four of their ferries feature air-conditioned cabins, aircraft-style and café-style seating, a fully licensed bar, outdoor viewing decks, wheelchair and pram access and access-friendly bathrooms. 

The Ville

The Ville Resort-Casino is a great family hotel because of its impressive range of amenities and activities that cater to guests of all ages. The hotel offers spacious family rooms with comfortable beds, a mini-fridge, and a balcony with stunning views of the ocean or city skyline. The Ville Resort-Casino also boasts multiple dining options, including a family-friendly restaurant and a cafe with grab-and-go snacks, ensuring that everyone’s tastes are catered to. There is also a day spa, gym, stunning pool with Cabanas for hire, and free bicycle hire for the adventurous. With all of these features and more, The Ville Resort-Casino is an excellent choice for a family holiday.

Other places to check out:

Cairns

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – This resort offers spacious rooms and suites with options for families of all sizes, as well as a lagoon-style pool, a kids’ pool and play area, and an on-site restaurant.

Pullman Cairns International – This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with options for families, as well as a great pool, free kids club activities during the school holidays, great restaurant and a fitness centre.

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort – This holiday park offers a range of accommodation options including cabins and villas with full kitchens and separate living areas, as well as a range of on-site activities and facilities for families, including a water park, mini-golf and a jumping pillow.

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa – This resort offers spacious apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as multiple pools and a spa, and a location close to Cairns’ main attractions.

 

Townsville 

The VilleThe Ville Resort-Casino is a great family hotel that offers spacious family rooms with comfortable beds, a mini-fridge, and a balcony with stunning views of the ocean or city skyline. There is also a day spa, gym, stunning pool with Cabanas for hire, and free bicycle hire for the adventurous. 

Aquarius on the Beach This beachfront hotel offers spacious and modern apartments with full kitchens and separate living areas, as well as a rooftop pool and BBQ area.

Grand Mercure Apartments Located in the heart of the city, these serviced apartments offer one, two and three-bedroom options with full kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as a pool and fitness centre.

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites These modern apartments offer one, two and three-bedroom options with full kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as a pool and gym.

Rambutan ResortThis trendy boutique hotel offers a variety of room types, including family rooms and apartments, as well as a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant.

The Whitsundays 

Airlie Beach Hotel This hotel offers family rooms with kitchenettes, laundry facilities and a pool. It’s located in the heart of Airlie Beach and is close to many family-friendly restaurants, shops and attractions.

Mantra Club Croc, Airlie BeachThis hotel offers family rooms and apartments with kitchenettes, laundry facilities and a pool. It’s located on the outskirts of Airlie Beach and offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday ResortThis resort offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including cabins and campsites, as well as a water park, playground and mini-golf course.

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