Top 10 Resorts and Holiday Parks for Families 2009

Roll out the red carpet - it's award season time! The results are in for Holidays with Kids annual Top 10 Awards, voted by the people who know best - our readers.

Economic woes may dominate the headlines, but quality time spent with our families is still a focus for most Australians. Rather than give up travelling, we are taking breaks in our own backyard or seeking out international destinations where our dollar goes further.

In our latest Readers' Survey (sent out to our online database of 38,000 registered members and to our magazine readership of over 600,000), we asked you to nominate your favourite resorts in Asia, the South Pacific and in Australia (4-stars and Over and Under 4-stars), as well as your favourite holiday parks around the country. You scored each resort on facilities and activities for children, the quality of childcare and babysitting services, the standard of accommodation, the location, value for money and the overall experience. We asked you to rate the resorts based on each of these criteria from one to five.

Here are the results, ranked by the highest number of votes received. The list is a great indication of what Australians are looking for in their travel experiences, and what appeals to Australian families in general. Clearly, it's the simple things in life that still matter - sun, sand and surf. Queensland resorts are still a firm favourite with Australian families, as is the perennial overseas favourite of Fiji. But newcomers to the list, particularly in Asia, show that many families are seeking out something more exotic, looking for unique cultural and environmental experiences which they can't have anywhere else.

Keep this handy and refer to it next time you are making plans.

Australia
4-stars and over

Australia
under 4-stars

South Pacific

Asia

Holiday Parks

Australia - Top Resorts 4-stars and over

1. Sands Turtle Beach Resort Gold Coast, QLD - 4.5-star

A clear winner amongst our readers, Turtle Beach on the Gold Coast appeals with its casual friendliness and relaxed ambience. Offering one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments, it's ideal for groups of any size, with plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

2. Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast, QLD - 4-star

Built around a private lagoon, Novotel Twin Waters is a tranquil retreat on the Sunshine Coast with activities to suit every member of the family. While the kids are being cared for and entertained at the kids' club, parents can be pampered at the over-water day spa or play a round of golf at the nearby links.

3. Sea World Resort Gold Coast, QLD - 4-star

Location clearly matters for Australian families, and it doesn't get much better than this. Not only does Sea World Resort offer private beach access to Broadwater, but it's also linked by monorail to Sea World - which means all the excitement of Australia's favourite marine park is right on your doorstep.

4. Dunk Island Whitsundays, QLD - 4-star

This jewel off the north Queensland coast is arguably Australia's most beautiful tropical island. Rainforest tumbles onto a white sand beach while blue butterflies flit in dappled light; meanwhile, the whole family is having a ball, playing golf, riding horses along the beach, or relaxing in the spa. The kids' club provides activities all day long.

5. Hyatt Regency Coolum Sunshine Coast, QLD - 4-star

Fronting kilometres of private beach and surrounded by bushland, this luxury resort caters to sporty types, with a PGA championship golf course, nine swimming pools, seven tennis courts, squash courts, an activities centre and jogging tracks, as well as a fully-equipped spa to unwind in. Kids are also spoilt with Camp Hyatt Kids' Club.

Australia - Top Resorts under 4-stars

1. Paradise Resort Gold Coast, QLD - 3.5-star

Paradise Resort is a perennial favourite for Australian families in search of fun, sun and value for money. It's all about kids at this resort, with the multi-million dollar Z4K (Zone for Kids), four pools and Junior Bunkhouse rooms designed specially for children. Specials such as Kids Stay and Play for Free also draw in the crowds.

2. Club Med Lindeman Island Whitsundays, QLD - 3.5-star

Aussie families love to come to Australia's only Club Med resort to chill in the sun and enjoy the all-inclusive features. There are several kids' clubs to keep every age group occupied, as well as activities such as water sports, golf, guided walks - even a circus school! 

3. Tangalooma Island Resort Moreton Island, QLD - 3-star

As well as being popular with Australian families, there's a bunch of locals who also make a regular appearance at Tangalooma Island Resort - a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins, who swim into the bay every night to be hand-fed by guests. It's this close encounter with wildlife that makes Tangalooma Island Resort so special.

4. Islander Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast, QLD - 3.5-star

With a selection of two and three-bedroom self-contained villas, the Islander Noosa offers an affordable option for families in exclusive Noosa. This resort is incredibly wellequipped, with three swimming pools, three spas, two tennis courts and a games room to keep the kids occupied.

5. Club Crocodile Airlie Beach, QLD - 3.5-star

This value resort offers the relaxed ambience of an island escape without having to leave the mainland. Built around a free-form swimming pool, each room is configured to ensure maximum comfort for families. The resort offers a host of complimentary activities and entertainment.

Highly Commended - Australia

Highly commended resorts came very close in numbers of votes but did not quite make it into the Top Ten.  They are, nevertheless, family favourites.

• BreakFree Diamond Beach Resort, Gold Coast QLD - 4-star
• Couran Cove Island Resort, Stradbroke Island QLD - 4-star
• Hayman Island, Whitsundays QLD - 5-star

Top 10 Family Resorts - South Pacific

1. Shangri-La's Fijian Resort

The top billing of this resort yet again proves that Fiji is still in favour with families in search of fun and value. Located on private Yanuca Island, the Fijian Resort fulfils every tropical dream, with palm-lined beaches, warm blue water and friendly locals. The resort's Little Chief's Kids' Club is also incredibly popular.

4. Plantation Island Resort, Fiji

If you're after a classic Pacific island experience, you'll find it here in spades! Plantation Island Resort is located on Malolo Lailai Island. The kids will love running wild on the island, or can have fun in the Coconut Club kids' club.

9. Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island, Fiji

Conveniently located near Nadi airport, the Radisson has a stack of attractions for families, including five lagoon swimming pools and Fiji's only whitewater tunnel waterslide! A kids' club, babysitting services, an 18-hole championship golf course and 10 tennis courts also ensure no one's bored on this family holiday.

10. Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa

Located on Fiji's Coral Coast, the Warwick has long been a favourite with Australian families. All-inclusive packages make it an affordable option for families, while activities such as squash, horse riding and water sports should keep everyone busy and happy.

Highly Commended

• Malolo Island Resort, Fiji
• Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Fiji

Top 10 Family Resorts - Asia

1. Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort Sabah, Malaysia

Borneo is increasingly popular with families looking for holidays with a difference. With its own orangutan education centre, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is the perfect place to get an introduction to Sabah, while activities such as horse riding, watersports and ATV safaris keep adventurous children on the go.

2. Club Med Bali Nusa Dua, Bali

Newly renovated to capture the serene essence of Bali, this is one of Club Med's most beautiful resorts, with pools of water lilies, Balinese-style bungalows, and a palm-lined beach. Club Med's all-inclusive packages include kids' club activities for all ages, a circus school and flying trapeze.

3. Bali Dynasty Resort Kuta, Bali

This resort is all about families, with one of Bali's best kids' clubs located in an "enchanted garden", plus a children's pool complete with a 56-metre waterslide. There are special kids' suites with bunk beds and Sponge Bob decorations, as well as family rooms that sleep up to five people.

4. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand

Located on a peaceful beach in the north of Phuket, this gorgeous 5-star resort is as well known for its family-friendly facilities as it is for its exotic, lavish setting. There are three pools, an award-wining spa, a kids' club and the cooking school, where adults and children alike can learn the secrets of Thai cuisine.

5. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Sabah, Malaysia

Another surprise entry from Malaysian Borneo, this resort combines tropical elegance with convenience to the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu. Its kids' club is one of the largest in Malaysia. Cultural and nature-based activities provide a point of difference.

Located in the Laguna complex on Bangtao Bay, this resort features a four-acre waterpark with waterfalls and slides, and a daily kids' club program (including visits from the resident baby elephants!). Resort guests can access the facilities at the other four resorts in the complex.

Luxury villas are the latest trend in Bali, offering the facilities of a resort with the hospitality of a private home including private chefs and housekeepers. Serene's one-, two- and three-bedroom villas open onto lush gardens and pools, giving your family more space and privacy.

8. Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

Little touches make this resort special for families - gifts for kids upon check in, a mini menu of favourite foods, and a newly-installed waterslide in the freshwater pool. There are also activities galore at the Westin Kids' Club. Two-bedroom units are available for families, complete with Playstations.

One of just two hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Hollywood Hotel is a movie-themed hotel which is loads of fun. You may bump into favourite characters while dining or you can take a dip with Goofy! Guests at the hotel also get an extra free day at Disneyland.

10. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand

This resort is just minutes away from the bustle of Patong, yet secluded on a private beach and flanked by lush tropical jungle. Large suites are available for families, while top-notch facilities include a kids' club, fitness centre and a cooking school.

Highly Commended

• Club Med, Bintan Island, Indonesia
• Holiday Inn, Phuket
• Shangri-La Resort, Hong Kong

Family Holiday Parks

Set right on the Clarence River, Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort has long been a family favourite, with excellent facilities including two pools, water slides, tennis courts and a kids' play area. School holiday activities will put a smile on every kid's face, and mum and dad will love the range of accommodation choices, from powered caravan sites to upmarket cabins and waterfront spa villas.

Treasure Island Holiday Park, Gold Coast QLD

This budget holiday village owned by NRMA offers great value in a central location, as well as a host of family-friendly facilities. Three pools, tennis and basketball courts, a giant jumping pillow and mini-golf ensure everyone's happy and busy. Accommodation ranges from three-bedroom townhouses (which sleep up to nine people) to poolside cabins, which means it's great for larger families.

Nature rules supreme at this eco-village, located within the Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast. Here your neighbours will be kangaroos and kookaburras, plus there's a gorgeous deserted beach to call your own. Kids can explore this unspoilt environment in the free Eco Kids' Club (operating school holidays and long weekends); you can also hire bikes, laze on the beach or take guided nature walks.

Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast QLD

Quirky, fun and colourful, Ashmore Palms is praised for being family-friendly, unpretentious and great value. Its resident macaw parrots are a hit with the kids, with Morning Tea with the Macaws and daily feeding sessions; while the free activities such as face painting and sand art will also fill in the morning. A range of fully self-contained cabins suit all budgets and are great for large groups or family reunions.

Perfect for a short break from Sydney, this holiday park makes the most of its beachside location, offering luxurious 5-star villas just metres from the surf as well as a range of cabins, caravan sites and camping spots. A kids’ adventure playground features a jumping pillow, swings and slippery dips, while the tropical resort pool is always a hit.

Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park, Busselton WA

Western Australia's first ever entry into our Top 10 Awards comes courtesy of this highly-regarded tourist park on WA's Geographe Bay. The wineries of Margaret River are just 20 minutes away, and there's miles of beach for the whole family to swim, fish and explore. The kids can go nuts on the latest Megatoy and Amazon play equipment; or hire a bike to ride around the park.

Nestled into 44 hectares of beachfront parkland near Coffs Harbour, Darlington Beach has a strong environmental focus and is the proud holder of a Silver Gumnut Award for sustainability and community responsibility. The park has its own worm farm, horticulturalist and on-site nursery, and there is an abundance of native wildlife wandering through the grounds.

Adelaide Shores, West Beach SA

Adelaide Shores is a 135 hectare tourism precinct, which includes an award-winning resort as well as a caravan and tourist park. A member of Big4, it earns it 4.5-star rating with facilities including deluxe cabins, a licensed cafe, heated swimming pools and 10 BBQ areas. There are two public golf courses in the complex, plus an adjoining skate and BMX park and boating facilities.

Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach QLD  

The winner of Queensland Tourism's Best Caravan and Tourist Park in 2008, Adventure Whitsunday presents a tropical island experience without having to leave the mainland! Set in 10 hectares of landscaped grounds, it features Airlie Beach's largest resort pool, water slides, tennis, outdoor movies, a huge adventure playground and a Kids' Club which operates during school holidays.

Happy Hallidays Holiday Park

Jumping pillows, little red trains, mini golf and a new indoor play area - it all adds up to colourful fun for kids of all ages. Ideally located near beaches, shops and the bowling club, Happy Hallidays makes families its priority, especially during school holidays when it runs a special children's program. Accommodation choices include bungalows and villas (some with spas); caravan and camping is also popular.

Highly Commended

• Smugglers Cove Holiday Village, Forster NSW
• Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, Cairns QLD
• Big 4 Soldiers Point Holiday Park, Port Stephens NSW
• Great Lakes Caravan Park, Tuncurry NSW

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