Travel Tools

Best Family Holiday in the World

Moreton Island, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef

Moreton Island
Region: Southern  
Minimum Day(s) Suggested:  1 Night 
Experience: natural, wildlife, adventure 

 
Day 1 Moreton Island 

Escape to the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches of Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island,  just over an hour from Brisbane by catamaran. A highlight of any stay at Tangalooma is the opportunity to closely interact with nature. Included in all overnight packages is the unforgettable wild dolphin feeding experience - hand feed them as they gather at the jetty each evening. Between June and October join our awe-inspiring whale watch cruise for the chance to see these gentle giants up close in their natural environment. Tangalooma has over 80 activities on offer and more than half are free. Choose from sand tobogganing on the Desert Safari tour, quad biking, snorkeling, jet-ski tours and so much more!    
 
Gold Coast  
Region: Southern  
Minimum Days Suggested:  3 Nights  
Experience: City, Themeparks, Natural, Wildlife, Adventure

Day 2 Gold Coast  

Day – Visit a Theme Park
Night  - Wine & dine watching some of the world's best cultural shows

Get more thrills and spills at one of the Gold Coast’s many Theme Parks, World class rollercoasters, heart-thumping water-slides and jaw-dropping adrenalin rides are a-plenty!  
In the evening get ready for the best cultural performances from countries far and wide followed by a scrumptious dinner in Broadbeach.

Day 3 Gold Coast  

Morning – Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Breakfast
Afternoon – Take a half day tour into the Hinterland
Evening – Dine at your favourite Gold Coast restaurant.

At the break of dawn witness a spectacular balloon inflation display, just the start of your morning ballooning. Float up to watch the sun rise over the rolling hills of the majestic Gold Coast hinterland; enjoy sweeping views of Mt Tamborine, Lamington National Park and to the east see the shimmering tall towers of the Gold Coast skyline. To top your morning off, relax with a glass of crisp, cold sparkling bubbles and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast.

Tamborine Mountain is an idyllic oasis comprised of three heritage communities: Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights. Located about an hour south of Brisbane and just inland from Surfers Paradise, Tamborine Mountain offers a quiet respite from busy city life. Explore the green behind the Gold on a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour or a 4WD .Tamborine Mountain provides many opportunities for holiday enjoyment. Explore the beautiful Tamborine Mountain National Park with its cascading waterfalls, rainforest walking tracks and remarkable coastal vistas. Take time to wander along Gallery Walk, a stretch of shops and galleries with antiques, crafts and fine restaurants. Get up close with the Rainforests on the Rainforest Skywalk. And on the weekends, browse through market stalls to buy locally grown produce (avocado and macadamia nuts especially) and then stop by the festivities at one of many events through the year.

In the evening explore some of Gold Coast’s best dining precincts to end the day with a fantastic meal.

Day 4 Gold Coast  

Morning – Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Afternoon – Go shopping
Evening - Get the best views of Gold Coast from Qdeck

With hundreds of native Australian animals on display in natural bush land and rainforest settings, visit a Wildlife Sanctuary that provides a rare opportunity to “get closer” to some amazing native wildlife. Discover fascinating wildlife shows and displays, even nightly Wildlife Adventure tours. Every moment gets exciting with all the amazing wild animal encounters.

A shopping safari in Queensland will scratch the most persistent shopping itch! From bargains at the markets to one-off creations at designer boutiques, there’s a shopping sensation to satisfy. For elite high-fashion labels, beat a path to exclusive shopping precincts in Gold Coast.  There you’ll find exclusive boutiques and fashion to die for!

Travel to the very top of the observation deck of World’s Tallest Residential Tower Q1 in one of the world’s fastest elevators. You’ll experience spectacular 360 degree Gold Coast views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.

Brisbane  

Region: Southern  
Minimum Days Suggested:  2 Nights  
Experience: City, Natural, Wildlife, Adventure 

Day 5 Brisbane  

Morning – Drive from Brisbane to Sunshine Coast and visit world famous Steve Irwin’ s Zoo
Afternoon – Get adventurous with your family on a Bridge Climb
Night – Enjoy the vibrant city life, shopping, dining & entertainment

At the Zoo there is plenty of wildlife action every day with action-packed LIVE shows and exciting encounters with amazing animals, all set in an open and natural bush environment.

With 14 shows daily, get your adrenalin pumping as you watch crocodiles launch a strike from the water's edge in the 5000 seat 'Crocoseum'. See the thrilling free flight bird show, watch playful tigers with their handlers, and elephants roam. See demonstrations of the world's most venomous snakes, giant pythons, otters and koalas, or walk among the kangaroos & wallabies that roam free.

Back from the best wildlife experience in the world, its time to see Brisbane city from a new height over the bustling city.

Get adventurous with your family on a Bridge Climb, one of the 3 bridge climbs in the world, see panoramic views of Brisbane city and river get your picture taken at the highest point of the Bridge with the beautiful skyline in the background, for a memory to cherish a lifetime.

You’re living it up in Brisbane! - a city that has grown from a regional hub on the Brisbane River to one of the most popular and vibrant cities in Australia.For shopaholics there’s the heritage listed arcades and 700 specialty stores of the Queen Street Mall. Unique and funky shopping precincts can also be found in the bustling urban villages that ring the beautiful city centre. And if you like your music loud and live, groove the night away at a hip bar or funky club at one of the city’s thriving entertainment precincts.

Day 6 Brisbane  

Morning – Take the Koala Cruise and visit the Koala Sanctuary
Afternoon – Visit South Bank
Evening – Visit Fortitude Valley

A river cruise is the perfect way to get up close and personal with Australia's cuddliest creatures while enjoying the sights and sounds of Brisbane's most attractive waterfront suburbs, that are only accessible by boat. Here's what to expect on your river cruise. A convenient departure point located right in the heart of the city! Ultra modern cruise boat complete with onboard catering and an entertaining narrated journey. The Captain will amaze you with his local knowledge!Come face to face with a unique inner-city colony of fruit bats hidden among the mangroves and see breathtaking modern mansions and historic Queenslander homes, along Brisbane's sought after riverfront. Two and one half hours at the world famous Koala Sanctuary where you can hand feed kangaroos and emus. Yes, you do get to cuddle a koala!

Nestled on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River and dominated by magnificent views of the Brisbane skyline across the water, South Bank is an exciting melting pot of colour, culture, lifestyle, good food and art.The precinct buzzes with energy and is home to Queensland's largest performing arts venue, museum and modern art gallery. Its beautiful man-made beach and lagoon on the banks of the river is lined with white silica sand and is very popular on a hot summer's day. Just a short walk from the beach, a large outdoor Piazza regularly hosts free performances, shows and short film screenings. Discover unique one-off fashion statements and quirky designer homewares along the bustling shopping strip and at the art and craft markets held every Saturday, Sunday and Friday evening.  Food, glorious food, can be found in abundance in one of many top-rated cafes and restaurants that line South Bank's perfectly manicured streets.When the Queensland sun dips below the horizon, South Bank comes alive as the trendy pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants fill with pleasure-seekers on their way to catch a ballet, opera, Broadway-style show, art exhibition, or the latest blockbuster at the cinema across the road.South Bank retains many beautifully landscaped gardens complete with free barbeques and room to throw a Frisbee or kick a ball. There are several interactive playgrounds for the kids and the beautiful Brisbane River can be enjoyed from the Clem Jones Parade lining its banks.

Fortitude Valley is where a flourishing cultural community, a pumping party scene and a highly progressive dining industry collide. This is where quality cafes spill over with early morning patrons; where sophisticated bars and clubs feature the latest in decor and music; and where shoppers discover all manner of avant-garde designs.A good place to start any visit to The Valley is the Brunswick Street Mall. Lined with cafes, bars and eateries, the mall acts as a hub, with many people starting their shopping excursions or big nights on the town right here.  Adjoining Brunswick Street is Ann Street, a strip famous for its fashion boutiques. For cutting-edge and retro designs, unique one offs, and the very latest in urban threads, try one of the many boutiques along this strip.Elsewhere, the classy James Street precinct is a sign of how fast things are moving ahead in Brisbane, and just how exhilarating they can be. Featuring fresh fish and produce markets, cookery schools, designer furniture, an art-house cinema and several hip bars and cafes.The Valley is also home to Brisbane's Chinatown, where Chinese supermarkets, exotic ingredients and steaming Yum Cha breakfasts bring people back time and time again. Entry into Chinatown Mall is marked by passing under traditional Chinese gates and 320 kilogram stone guard-lions. Walk around and you will see Chinatown is alive with architecture, fabrics, colours and emotions of the Orient.

Cairns  

Region: Northern  
Minimum Days Suggested:  3 Nights 
Experience: City, Natural, Wildlife, Adventure 

Day 7 Cairns  

Morning – Explore Kuranda
Afternoon – Visit an Aboriginal Culture Park
Evening – Visit the Night Zoo in Cairns

The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is a vibrant little town surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. Travelling to Kuranda is a highlight in itself. Visitors can travel to Kuranda on Kuranda's Historic Scenic Railway, by car or bus, via the spectacular Kuranda Road, or above the rainforest canopy on Skyrail - the world's longest rainforest Cableway. Kuranda's shops and markets with their exotically handcrafted goods, Aboriginal artifacts, restaurants and coffee shops make Kuranda a well known day destination, but to truly enjoy the ambience this village has to offer you really have to stay a few nights. Whether you are looking for a cosy bed and breakfast, a well maintained multi-choice accommodation and camping park, a hotel that when you step inside you feel like you are back in the 1920s, a gorgeous resort or a backpacker's hostel, you'll find it in Kuranda.Take the time to visit some of Kuranda's many first class nature based tourist attractions, which include koalas, butterflies, native and exotic birds, kangaroos and reptiles. There are wonderful walking tracks which meander through magnificent rainforest and which are breathtaking when in flood. You can also see traditional Aboriginal dancers perform, travel on a riverboat on the mighty Barron River on join an Army Duck ride through the rainforest.

Visit an Aboriginal Culture Park in Cairns to experience the Aboriginal culture of Australia, through interactive activities you learn the traditional culture and customs of the tribes. Get acquainted with activities like Boomerang throwing, playing the Didgeridoo, fire making the traditional way & spear throwing.

Night Zoo in Cairns - A great Aussie night out! Come and see what the Aussies get up to after dark! Come and enjoy a delicious barbecue of steak, chicken, fish, fresh prawns, salads and desserts. After dinner, the guided spotlighting tour is a great experience! Meet some of Australia's favourite animals - at their place. See crocodiles, koalas, owls, and other furry creatures. During the tour sample billy tea and damper around the campfire with the authentic 'Swaggie' and the tame kangaroos. You will have the kangaroos eating out of your hand. Back at the entertainment area exchange the spotlight for a cold beer or wine (or two) and join in with the resident bush musician. Time to learn some great Aussie folk songs and dance with the 'zoo folk'. Nothing too serious here and it's great fun for all ages and nationalities.

Day 8 Cairns  

Day – Day trip to the Great Barrier Reef   

The hundreds of islands and reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef are what dreams are made of…whether it’s large natural islands made for exploration, sophisticated romantic retreats or secluded coral atolls where the only footsteps will be your own. Take an unforgettable flight over the Reef, observe its wonders from an underwater walkway, dive into the deep or cruise over it on a yacht, the Reef’s spectacular beauty will take your breath away.

Day 9 Cairns  

Morning – Up for some Crocodile Adventures
Afternoon – Explore Cairns Esplanade
Night – Visit Cairns Night Markets & City

Up for some crocodile adventures? Get close to wild crocodiles and other local wildlife in the North including beautiful tropical birds, wallabies, reptiles, insects and other native fauna. Enjoy entertaining and educational wildlife presentations including, snakes, quolls, cassowaries, koalas and crocodiles. Take a boat cruise to see crocodiles and other wildlife inhabiting the beautiful melaleuca wetland. Learn about sustainable use and conservation on the crocodile farm tour.

The Cairns Esplanade is the city's main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade, saltwater swimming lagoon and beach. You'll find numerous restaurants, bars and hotels lining the Esplanade all offering beautiful waterfront views. Visitors flock to the Esplanade to enjoy the alfresco dining and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this modern city.

In the night visit Cairns Night Markets for unique shopping and dinning experiences.