Top 5 activities for families of 5 in Queensland

Cost is a big consideration when holidaying with kids. Choosing appropriate accommodation is important, but so is choosing low cost activities. My daughter Amber and I have travelled extensively through Queensland writing reviews for www.kidswelcome.com.au. Here are a few of our favourites, butthere are over 2000 on the web free web directory.


Watch turtles hatch

Where: Mon Repos, Bargara Beach, Bundaberg

It’s a natural wonder to match the whale migration and the march of the penguins. Each year turtles nest and hatch at Barbara Beach near Bundaberg in huge numbers. There are two seasons: The laying (November to January) and the hatching (January to March). For both, and a few miniscule dollars, you can join rangers for an evening watching this natural marvel. The hatching is our favourite – watching tiny turtles battle the waves is sure to crack the hearts of even monosyllabic teens and ignite adult’s paternal instincts.

Fossick for sapphires

Where: Rubyvale and Sapphire

When you get away from the coastal strip in Queensland, it’s rather like stepping back in time. The dirt is red and streets dusty. This is the backdrop for a treasure hunting adventure and, as you approach these towns, signs offering ‘clean wash’ abound. These are buckets taken from sapphire mines and, with a little instruction, they provide hours of fun washing, sifting and exclaiming for as little as $8 a bucket.

Dino discoveries

Where: Richmond, Hughenden, Winton

Parts of Queensland’s outback region used to be an inland sea which makes it the best place in Australia to find fossils. Richmond boasts the Kronosaurus Korner attraction with a working lab and theatre and a fossil digging sandpit for the little ones. The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden houses Hughie, the 7m muttaburrasaurus replica of the first entire dino skeleton found in Australia. And Lark Quarry in Winton is the site of a dino stampede. If you have dinosaur nuts in your family, the dino trail is a must!


Magnificent Maggie

Just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island sits like a jewel in the crown of the Coral Sea. Accessible by quick ferries 19 times a day, Maggie is best explored by mini moke. These small, jeep-like vehicles are open on the sides and instantly transport your family holiday of five into mode. More than 50% of Maggie is national park and one of the most famous walks (4km) is The Forts walk where it’s common to spot koalas in the wild. Maggie boasts 23 beautiful beaches and holiday accommodation options cover all styles and budgets.

The land that time forgot

In the Gold Coast hinterland, only a short drive from the famous theme parks, the quaint Tamborine Mountain awaits and Thunderbird Park combines inexpensive accommodation with numerous kid- friendly activities. Young kids will love digging for Thunder Eggs (natures volcanic bubbles) or wander up stream with the whole family in summer for a dip in the beautiful water hole.

It’s a bit more expensive, but the high ropes adventure course is great for one parent and teens while the rest of the family relax around a campfire. With Tarzan swings, suspended beams, bridges and flying foxes, it’s possible to stay in the treetops for three hours! Different colour courses are designed for varying abilities.


Words: Sarah Pyne About: Sarah Pye is the author of Kids Welcome to Queensland guidebook, Travel with Kids blog, and the Kids Welcome online directory. It includes reviews of over 2000 activities, attractions, tours, events, places to stay, places to eat, playgrounds and beaches in Australia. Plus travel tips and great travel games. Sarah travels with her daughter Amber, her chief expert! You can find them on Facebook.