Sunny family getaways in Qld
But, here’s a tip, you might just need to lock in a longer break as, with so many outdoor activities, white sandy beaches and nature encounters, you’ll need a day to fulfil every family members activity of choice! To help you define your itinerary, we’ve spoken to our Park Managers for their top regional tips.
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HANG OUT AT DISCOVERY PARKS – FRASER STREET, HERVEY BAY
What is the best thing to do in your park?
Both kids and adults are catered for by Park Manager Georgie at Fraser St, Hervey Bay. The youngsters can zoom around the park on one of the pedal buggies or jump around on the bouncing pillow while mum and dad mingle with other parents at the daily Happy Hour Drinks Lakeside.
What is the best thing to do on the Fraser Coast?
Georgie is adamant that you can’t go passed a day trip to K’Gari - more commonly known as Fraser Island. Enjoy your time your way; climb sand dunes, snorkel, kayak or simply soak up the sunshine on the world’s largest sand island.
If you happen to be visiting between July and October, a whale watching tour is another must. Park Reception has a Tour Desk so Georgie will be able to recommend the perfect whale charter for you; this could be simply sitting on the deck of a boat watching these mammals play in the water or, if you’re feeling adventurous, jumping into a kayak or in the water to get up close and personal with these massive, yet gentle, creatures.
What is the best free thing to do on the Fraser Coast?
Jump on a bike (which can be hired from Park Reception) or put on your comfiest walking shoes to take in the picturesque Hervey Bay Esplanade. Georgie says this 17km path is made for families, as every few metres there are picnic tables, bench seats, outdoor fitness equipment, direct beach access, BBQ’s and playgrounds to stop at for a rest break.
ABORT TO DISCOVERY PARKS - AIRLIE BEACH
What is the best thing to do in your park?
Park Manager Michael may not be a bird whisperer but, Grounds Staff Extraordinaire Debbie certainly is. You’ll find her at 8am every morning feeding a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets by the pool and Michael says it’s a sight and interactive experience not to be missed!
What is the best thing to do in the Whitsundays?
It’s unarguably top of most people’s bucket list and Michael agrees, a visit to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is a must when in this park of the world. The kids will think they’re on the set of ‘Finding Nemo’ spotting clownfish, royal blue tang (aka dory) and surfer turtles in the crystal-clear waters.
What is the best free thing to do in the Whitsundays?
Michael’s top recommendation for guests is to drive 30-minutes from the park and visit to Hydeaway Bay. You can’t come to this part of the world and not see the extraordinary uninterrupted landscape from the viewing platform. If you time your visit right and get there at low tide, you can also enjoy a walk on the sandy beach.
CRUISE INTO DISCOVERY PARKS – COOLWATERS, YEPPOON
What is the best thing to do in your park?
With over 10-hours of sunshine each day, you’ll want to be outdoors from sunrise to sunset. Park Manager Kate says the region’s outdoor fun begins in park with a dip in the resort-style pool, a jump on the bouncing pillow and a splash through the waterpark.
What is the best thing to do on the Capricorn Coast?
When friends and family visit, Kate can’t go passed taking them on an island-hopping snorkeling tour. She highly recommends the Keppel Explorer Tour and can help you book this charter from Park Reception. The day trip takes you to the Keppel Islands where you can explore secluded beaches, snorkel with turtles or just simply enjoy island life. Lunch is also provided.
What is the best free thing to do on the Capricorn Coast?
Spend an afternoon backsiding, kickflipping and tailsliding. Your teen will most like know what all this means, and Kate guarantees they will love the newly developed Yeppoon Skate Park. But, don’t worry if all family members aren’t this gnarly, the area also has a massive 2500 square-metre swimming lagoon and BBQ picnic spaces to keep everyone entertained.
Park Receptionist Ange likes a slower pace and recommends taking a 40-minute drive from the park to Byfield to explore the very popular swimming waterholes and bush walking tracks.
TAKE A DETOUR TO DISCOVERY PARKS – TOWNSVILLE
What is the best thing to do in your park?
With more sunny days than anywhere else in Australia, Park Manager Sarah says you’ll definitely want to spend an afternoon at the park’s resort-style pool and waterside. The kids will launch into the crystal water from the little tunnel waterslide over and over again while you relax on the sidelines catching up with some holiday reading under the shades of the palm trees. Swimming at sunset is pretty impressive – just check out the image below!
What is the best thing to do in region?
Be a real-life Ninja Warrior and keep the kids active with an awesome play date at Ninja Parc. Tire them out on this obstacle course climbing ropes, balancing on beams and jumping around. Dad will no doubt want to join in!
What is the best free thing to do in region?
For a fun-filled day out the whole family will enjoy, Sarah suggests heading to The Strand. This 2.2km stretch of walkway on the Townsville foreshore has gorgeous views of Magnetic Island, a waterpark and rock pool for the kids to play in, plenty of local cafes you can stop for a mid-afternoon ice cream, and picnic tables where you can just sit and enjoy the beach.
Sunny Queensland is ready for you and the kids!
