Queensland with children

17 July 2009 10:57am

Alan Murphy
Lonely Planet Author

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Queensland is an enormous slab of Australia put aside for pleasure-seeking pursuits. It’s a playground for kids of all ages, offering a host of treats to keep inquisitive minds and inexhaustible staminas entertained.

The Gold Coast has a host of Theme Parks that provide days of fun with immense water slides, Hollywood heroes and heart-stopping rides. If you plan to go to more then one park then it’s probably worth investing in a combo ticket.
In the heart of Brisbane, the sands of man-made Streets Beach are surrounded by tropical gardens and patrolled by lifeguards, making it a beautiful and safe spot for the family. Barbecues and picnic tables make it an all day affair.
Nearby in Brisbane, the Sciencentre inside the Queensland Museum keeps curious young minds in a suspended state of fascination, with interactive displays that make physics and chemistry downright fun!
On the Sunshine Coast, get the kids in touch with nature at Australia Zoo where crocodile shows and koala cuddles will have them oohing and ahhing for more.
In Townsville they can spot Nemo and touch sea cucumbers and starfish at the giant Reef HQ aquarium.
In Cairns, kids love a good splash in the saltwater lagoon.
Sea kayaking in the gentle waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater is good fun for water babies, while bush babies will love horse rides through the Gold Coast hinterland.
Do some island-hopping and head to tropical Daydream or Hamilton Islands in the Whitsundays, where bigger resorts run kiddies clubs, catering for energetic youngsters with all sorts of outdoors and indoor activities.

And some general tips:

All cities and most major towns have centrally located public rooms where parents can go and feed or change their babies. Libraries and other local government facilities are good places to find these facilities.
Most motels and the better-equipped caravan parks have playgrounds and swimming pools, and can supply cots and baby baths – motels may also have in-house children’s videos and childminding services.
Top-end hotels and many (but not all) midrange hotels are well versed in the needs of guests who have children.
B&Bs, on the other hand, often market themselves as sanctuaries from all things child-related.
Many cafés, restaurants and pubs have kids’ meals, or will provide small serves from the main menu. Some also supply highchairs.
Child concessions (and family rates) often apply for such things as accommodation, tours, admission fees and air, bus and train transport, with some discounts as high as 50% off the adult rate. However, the definition of ‘child’ can vary from under 12 to under 16 years.
Medical services and facilities in Queensland are of a high standard, and items such as baby-food, formula and disposable nappies are widely available in urban centres.
Major hire-car companies will supply and fit booster seats for you, for which you’ll be charged around $20 for up to three days’ use, with an additional daily fee for longer periods.

For a whole playground full of good advice, pick up a copy of Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children. The latest Queensland guidebook is also full of good ideas on how to keep the little grunters happy and safe.

Want more? Check out our Travel with children resource page, which features links to all our family-travel tips and tricks.