The Best Family Resorts in Australia

luxury

Australia’s best five-star resorts

Roll out the red carpet. Australia has so many fantastic luxury resorts for families but we have found the best of the best. Think amazing pools, stunning locations, sleek accommodation, family activities and creative kids’ clubs that will keep the little ones entertained for days on end.

1. Sea World Resort

Gold Coast, QLD
4.5 star

Australia’s only theme park resort, Sea World Resort , boasts the perfect mix of fun, adventure and chill and is a consistent favourite in our awards. Standout features include an aquatic playground, high-energy thrill rides and meet-and-greets with Nickelodeon characters, so it is no surprise it’s such a hit with families year after year. Grown-ups can slip away to the massage and beauty salon for some downtime, though the real drawcard is the exclusive stay packages that bundle entry to Sea World Marine Park and, in some cases, other Gold Coast theme parks too.

2. Turtle Beach Resort

Gold Coast, QLD
4.5 star

Soak up the best of comfort and fun at Turtle Beach Resort, on the Gold Coast. Stay in self-contained one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, each with a private balcony or patio overlooking tropical gardens, just 300m from lively Mermaid Beach. Though honestly, the resort packs in so much action, you might never want to leave. There are four swimming zones, a Splash Zone Waterpark, a 15-hole putt-putt course and an arcade loaded with games. Little ones can also join Club Turtle kids’ club, which will keep them busy with crafts, movies, games and even mini discos after dark.

3. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Gold Coast, QLD
5 star

Perfectly positioned on the Gold Coast, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa blends laid-back luxury with family-friendly vibes. The five-star hotel’s stylish rooms and suites, flawless service and unbeatable beachside spot set the scene for a memorable stay. Kids can burn energy in the two outdoor pools, spa tubs or tennis courts, while adults unwind with blissful massages and treatments at the resort’s spa. The Family by JW program takes things up a notch with hands-on activities for every generation, making sure everyone from toddlers to grandparents leaves with sun-kissed smiles and stories to tell.

4. RACV Noosa Resort

Noosa, QLD
5 star

Surrounded by pristine beaches, rivers, hinterland, and national parks, the incredible location of RACV Noosa Resort on the Sunshine Coast is just one of the reasons it has been voted one of the best family resorts in Australia. The retreat has so much to offer families, with apartment and villa accommodation to fit every requirement. Resort facilities range from an outdoor infinity-edge heated pool to waterslides, a splash park, and a kids’ club, so parents can take advantage of the fabulous spa.

5. Fitzroy Island Resort

Cairns, QLD
4.5 star

Fitzroy Island Resort is a pristine tropical paradise just 45 minutes from Cairns aboard the Fitzroy Flyer, offering the perfect escape for families. Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkel safari, guided kayak tour, or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, join daily fish-feeding sessions, or unwind by the resort’s pool with a swim-up bar. The resort’s guest activity program keeps the whole family entertained with arts & crafts sessions, guided nature walks, a Junior Marine Biologist program and more. With a range of accommodations—including spacious Suites, Beach Cabins, and Bungalows—there’s something to suit every family. For larger groups, the show-stopping Penthouse offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and space for up to eight guests.

6. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Gold Coast, QLD
5 star

Ideally located within easy reach of Surfer’s Paradise, Sea World, HOTA and Marina Mirage, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort caters to every member of the family. The multi-room villas enjoy views of the ocean, tropical gardens and lagoons, and the property has three restaurants and a cocktail bar to suit all tastes. The Oasis pool area provides a dedicated heated outdoor pool for each adults and children, and parents can enjoy a tipple at the poolside bar while keeping a watchful eye upon their little ones.

7. Cable Beach Club Resort

Broome, WA
4.5 star

Cable Beach Club Resort is set amongst lush tropical scenery and framed by the white sand coastline and turquoise waters of Cable Beach. Is is the best family resort in Western Australia, offering premium accommodation, exceptional family facilities and four restaurants. Families can play mini-golf, basketball, or tennis. Splash in the Kimberley Pool or the resort playground with swings, slides, climbing structures, and shaded areas. A kids program takes place during the WA school holidays, with complimentary activities, games, entertainment, arts and crafts workshops and water play. Nestled in the resort gardens and inspired by Broome’s traditional Pearling Master quarters, bungalows feature spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, large bathrooms and existing bedding for four people.

8. Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains, NSW
4.5 star

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is family-friendly in all aspects from unique activities to keep the kids entertained for hours on end, to kid-friendly dining and spacious accommodation options. This family resort has pony rides, a cinema, an arcade room, a mirror maze, a garden maze, outdoor playground, soft play area for toddlers, and tennis and basketball courts. It also boasts The Blue Mountains’ first-ever ice-skating rink with themed nights to boot. If you’re visiting during NSW school holidays, The Fairmont Blue Mountains curates a fun-filled timetable of indoor and outdoor activities from pony rides, arts and crafts, cooking lessons, magicians and more. Parents will love the morning trail running sessions and the stunning Ubika day spa. The Fairmont has 224 rooms and suites with views of either Jamison Valley or the property’s manicured gardens and walkways.

9. Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef

Whitsunday Islands, QLD
4.5 star

Just as the name suggests, Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef is one of the best family resorts in Australia, where your Whitsunday daydreams come true. The secluded island resort offers 280 recently refurbished rooms and suites, three restaurants and three bars. It also features Australia’s only Living Reef – a free-form coral lagoon that wraps around the resort’s central building. Children will be entranced by the Reef Ranger program and be able to snorkel with more than 100 species of local marine life. Families can also partake in Whitehaven Beach adventures, an island-style Amazing Race or day tours exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

10. Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Canberra, ACT
5 star

Nestled within the grounds of the National Zoo & Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge allows guests to get up close to the wildlife during their stay. In a Jungle Bungalow, you can ‘tuck in’ with a tiger or have a banquet with a bear. In a Treehouse, you can have a carafe with a giraffe and, in a uShaka Lodge, you may have meerkats or lemurs watching you. Wine and dine with a lion in the unique African-themed restaurant, and during dinner, kids can go on an aquarium tour while you enjoy the main course. Free behind-the-scenes zoo tours will encounter some of the zoo’s most popular residents, such as rhinos, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and meerkats. Kids must be aged four and over to stay at this luxury family resort in Canberra.

11. InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef by IHG

Whitsunday Islands, QLD
5 star

Stay on your very own private island at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef by IHG. Kayak or walk around the island, enjoy four restaurants and swim in Australia’s largest swimming pool. When you’re not out exploring the reef, the kids will love the family-friendly lagoon pool with its shallow, sandy end, and the Planet Trekkers Kids Club’s activities, such as arts and crafts, beach activities, reef discovery walks, fish feeding, coral‑planting and bird walks. Accommodations at the resort have been designed for families with interconnecting rooms and family suites.

12. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

Palm Cove, QLD
5 star

Check into luxury at Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove. Catering to families of all sizes you can choose from one to three-bedroom suites, some with private plunge pools. After you’ve unpacked explore the lush green gardens before relaxing at the rainforest rock pool or lagoon pool, both with sandy beaches. There are plenty of dining options available onsite with La Mesa dishing up locally sourced Latin American cuisine and On The Rocks Pool Bar is perfect for drinks and lunch. There’s a kid’s playground, a tennis clubhouse, a day spa and a rooftop terrace BBQ for memorable family meals shared together.

13. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Sanctuary Cove, QLD
5 star

Tucked away amid 4.2 hectares of Sanctuary Cove’s lush greenery, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort offers a slice of paradise for kids and parents alike. The Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club and school holiday program features a roster of unique activities, from resort challenges to outdoor sports and activities, and caters to little tastebuds with an extensive kids’ menu. Families can spend their days by the expansive lagoon-style pool with a cocktail in hand, master their golf swing on one of three renowned nearby golf courses, or explore the boutiques and restaurants of the Marine Village, just a minute’s walk from the resort.

14. Shangri-La The Marina

Cairns, QLD
5 star

Shangri-La The Marina, is ideally placed for a family escape that mixes a little stop-and-flop time with some rainforest and reef adventures. The hotel is just steps from Reef Fleet Terminal, where tourist vessels depart daily to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and is in the heart of the city’s famed waterside dining precinct. The five-star address also has a swimming pool surrounded by the hotel’s private tropical gardens. Additionally, each of the guest rooms and suites boasts a private balcony or veranda to enjoy the balmy tropical temperatures.

15. The Langham Gold Coast

Gold Coast, QLD
5 star

Positioned between Surfer’s Paradise and Broadbeach, The Langham, Gold Coast is undeniably one of the best resorts in Australia. All of The Langhams’ 169 hotel rooms and 170 residences boast panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or hinterland. Dip in the indoor magnesium pool or the outdoor resort pool, complete with sand lagoon entrance and swim up pool-bar.  The Langham Kids Club is purpose-built to ensure Little Langhams have the biggest adventures, with an indoor slide, soft-bounce floor and reading nook. Parents can rejuvenate at Chuan Spa, a holistic spa guided by principles of traditional Chinese medicine, and experience fine dining at T’Ang Court or Akoya restaurants. The family can enjoy a leisurely high tea at Palm Court or grab a coffee at 26 & Sunny, the hotel’s cafe, on the way to the beach.

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Australia’s Best Family Resorts: 3-star & 4-star

So you’ve decided to go on holiday in Australia and you don’t want to break the bank doing it. Next step: choosing which resort is best for you and your family. Our list of the best-value family resorts in Australia under four stars will guide your decision. These resorts have incredible waterparks, kids’ clubs your children won’t want to leave, spacious family accommodation, fantastic locations, and more. Our Best Family Resorts in Australia awards recognise resorts with exceptional facilities, bold new amenities, exciting experiences, action-packed kids’ clubs and versatile family dining.

1. Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Gold Coast, QLD
4 star

Holding tight to its crown for the 15th year running, Paradise Resort Gold Coast is a Gold Coast favourite that hasn’t lost an ounce of its magic. It’s the only resort in the country to boast a giant water park, with a lagoon pool, spa, and enormous aqua play attractions, plus an ice rink and laser tag arena. There’s also a kids’ club, a pint-sized train and teddy bear workshops for little ones and poolside movies that roll long after sunset. Parents aren’t forgotten either, with wine tastings, cooking demos and quiet corners to catch their breath. And while it is located just 250m from Surfers Paradise Beach, this place has everything you need to forget the outside world even exists.

2. Reef View Hotel

Hamilton Island, QLD
4 star

The Reef View Hotel pairs roomy, stylish accommodation with private balconies framing either the sparkling Coral Sea or Hamilton Island’s lush gardens, making it a relaxed, family-friendly island escape. Island shuttles zip you to Hamilton’s full slate of activities and attractions, but the resort itself keeps everyone busy, with catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling gear ready to go. Families score big too, with kids up to 12 staying and eating free at participating restaurants when sharing a room with their parents, though standard terms and conditions do apply.

3. Kingfisher Bay Resort

K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD
4 star

Families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation will find it on K’gari (Fraser Island), where pristine beaches, lush forests, shimmering lakes and sweeping sand dunes await. Situated amongst it all is Kingfisher Bay Resort, where you can step straight onto the island’s western beach or unwind by the lagoon-style pool. Accommodation options include roomy family suites and self-contained villas, making it easy to spread out and recharge. The Junior Eco Rangers program is a highlight for kids, offering hands-on activities from fishing and beach games to campfires, stargazing and marine life exploration. Available on weekends and school holidays, it keeps young explorers entertained and curious.

4. Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

Caloundra, QLD
4 star

From its waterpark and stunning resort-style pool to its putt-putt golf course, sandpit, climbing frame and giant Kangaroo Jumper, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is one of Australia’s best kid-friendly resorts. If you can tear the little ones away from the incredible facilities and activities on site, and you’re an Oaks Discovery member, children under five get to eat for free. With its awesome location close to the beach and the bustling hub of Caloundra, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for boating and swimming in the sheltered waters of Pumicestone Passage. 

5. Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

Sunshine Coast, QLD
4 star

The Sunshine Coast is one of the best family holiday destinations in Australia, and there’s so much to do at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort! At this classy, feature-packed resort you can sail a catamaran on the private lagoon, enjoy a round of mini-golf, take a dip in the resort pool, eat at SOLA Restaurant and Bar and get involved with the year-round events calendar. The VIK (Very Important Kids) Program entertains the kids with activities like fish feeding, sand castle competitions, beach cricket and egg and spoon relays. You’ll love spotting the kangaroos roaming around the resort.  If you want to get out and explore, you are just metres from the beach and the Maroochy River.

6. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Cairns, QLD
4 star

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is an ideal destination for families seeking to create a memorable holiday for their kids. This family-friendly resort’s spacious rooms provide a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the Reef or nearby rainforests. Families love the VIK (Very Important Kids) program with kids’ activities in the lagoon pool and throughout the resort ranging from pool pony races to dance parties and movie nights. The resort’s central location allows easy access to Cairns’ attractions, including the Esplanade Lagoon and the Cairns Night Markets.

7. Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley, NSW
4 star

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Families can spread out in spacious rooms, villas, and suites, with plenty of room for everyone to unwind after a day of play. Kids will love the onsite water park, resort-style pool, and endless outdoor activities including mini golf, bike trails, and a dedicated kids’ club, while parents can indulge in world-class wineries, a championship golf course, or a rejuvenating spa treatment. With multiple dining options catering to every taste and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley delivers unforgettable experiences for families seeking both excitement and quality time together.

8. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Manunda, QLD
4 star

Some resorts are made for families. Cairns Colonial Club Resort is one of them. Spend your holiday flitting between three sparkling lagoon pools with a poolside bar and a man-made beach, golfing in the putt-putt course, exploring the kids’ playground, and riding redal karts around the resort’s 11 acres of rainforested gardens. Stay in 345 modern & spacious accommodation options. In certain room types, children under 12 stay free. The Studio Family Rooms are ideal for families with kitchenettes and separate sleeping areas, offering privacy and comfort for both parents and children. The resort is an ideal base from which to explore some of Cairns’ most popular attractions and gives easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

9. Tangalooma Island Resort

Moreton Island, QLD
3.5 star

Uncomplicated and packed full of adventurous things to do, Tangalooma Island Resort is a paradise for active families. This family-friendly resort sits pretty on Moreton Island, just 40 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane. It boasts an eco-centre, tennis and squash courts, and so much more. Kids can tour an old whaling station, feed kookaburras, learn about dolphins, helicopters and learn how to sail a catamaran. That’s not even mentioning the other amazing activities and tours available for a small fee, including clear bottom kayak tours, whale watching, sand dune safaris and helicopter flights.

10. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay, NSW
4 star

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay is a brilliant pick for families planning a relaxed coastal holiday, and it’s no surprise it earned a place in The Best Family Resorts in Australia awards. Set right on the sparkling waterfront, the resort combines spacious apartment-style accommodation with kid-friendly conveniences, from the lagoon-style pool to easy beach access for sandcastle sessions and safe splashing. Parents can unwind with sunset views over Shoal Bay while the young ones burn energy on the foreshore, explore nearby trails or enjoy simple seaside fun. With its unbeatable location, room to spread out and laid-back holiday atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot families return to year after year.

11. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

Coffs Harbour, NSW
4 star

BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort is a family-friendly hotspot for a beach getaway. If your family enjoys the feeling of sand between their toes, be sure to visit the white sand Diggers Beach, only metres away from your room. The family will have a blast at the outdoor rock pool, while the little ones have their own children’s pool and play area. For active families, beach volleyball, tennis courts and mini golf await you.

12. Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort

Salamander Bay, Port Stephens, NSW
4 star

Head to Salamander Bay to stay at this gorgeous family resort. Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort is surrounded by one of Australia’s largest swimming pools. You can dive right into the pool’s crystal-clear water flowing past your room. Or opt for a holiday apartment with its own private plunge pool. The onsite gymnasium is perfect for those looking to keep in shape while away, while the heated spa and Japanese steam room are premium facilities for self-care.

13. Silverwater Resort Phillip Island

San Remo, VIC
4 star

Silverwater Resort Phillip Island was a standout for our readers. Nestled on a leafy slope above the water on Phillip Island, it offers roomy self-contained accommodation perfect for families of all sizes. Kids will love the outdoor pool, playground and easy access to bushland and coastal walks. The resort’s warm, welcoming vibe and convenient location make it a stress-free launchpad for adventures to penguin parades, beaches and wildlife parks. It is the ideal resort for creating a holiday that blends comfort, nature and fun for everyone.

14. Mercure Gold Coast Resort

Carrara, QLD
4 star

Mercure Gold Coast Resort has been voted one of Australia’s Best Family Resorts because of its range of family-friendly activities and amenities. From giant chess, poolside ping pong table, dedicated Kid’s Hub and exploring the veggie garden, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. Plus, the school holiday program is jam-packed with activities for the whole family – think free movie nights, face painting and delicious ice cream. Family rooms provide ample space for everyone. Featuring cozy beds, modern amenities and a welcoming ambience. Family rooms feature a king bedroom (for parents to retreat to) interconnecting with a twin queen bedroom for the kids to enjoy, ensuring privacy and flexibility for your family’s needs. Pet-friendly accommodation is available too!

15. The Islander Noosa Resort

Noosaville, QLD
4 star

Centrally located and just a short drive from Noosa Beach, The Islander Noosa Resort is a kid-friendly resort tucked away amid more than 1.5 hectares of tropical gardens, including three outdoor pools. The Lagoon Pool has a waterfall and bridge, and is bound to be a hit with the kids. Then have a hit on the tennis courts; connect with other families at the Clubhouse; and explore the nearby Noosa River, national park and main beach.

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