The Best Budget Kid-Friendly Getaways Near Brisbane

By: Carolyn Tate, ellaslist
Nov 23, 2018

Nobody needs a holiday as much as parents do, but it’s unfortunate that when we need a holiday most is when our cash flow is the lowest. Good thing we live in Brisbane, where we’re surrounded by fantastic holiday spots and natural beauty, so a family holiday can always be on the cards, even if you’re keeping the purse strings tight. 

Here are our six favourite budget getaway ideas for those with kids:

Paradise Resort, Gold Coast

Sometimes the best answers are the most obvious. The Gold Coast is just a short drive down the highway, and Paradise Resort is a haven for families. With its kids club, nintendos in the rooms, restaurant and great pool and play area, you could be forgiven for checking in and never leaving. Add to that, four hours of kids’ club is included in your daily room charge, this is every parent’s dream.  Your days can be spent lazing by the pool or head to the beach and build some sand castles. If you want to spend a few more bucks you can head along to all the words: Seaworld, Move World, Dreamworld. If you want a ‘world’ experience on the cheap, take the kids to Paradise Country, behind Movie World, where they can pan for gems, watch farm shows and go horse riding. They’ll love it.

Website: Paradise Resort
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: Contact venue

Big4 Saltwater, Yamba

Drive a bit further south and you’ll find Yamba in Northern NSW. It’s a stunning little town with a spectacular beach and a pub that does great meals. Two minutes’ drive from the beach and 10 minutes outside Yamba is Big 4 Saltwater, set on 130 acres of pristine parkland next to the Clarence River. Kids will love spotting kangaroos and other wildlife around here in the mornings and afternoons.

Big4 Saltwater offers a range of accommodation, from unpowered camp sites to 4.5-star luxury cabins – all super affordable.

Website: Big4 Saltwater
Where: 286 O’Keefe’s Lane, Palmer’s Island 
Price: Contact venue

Fraser Lodge Holiday Park, Hervey Bay

Fraser Lodge is located in delightful Hervey Bay, with a range of accommodation options from units, two-bedroom villas, special access cabins, and (if you can ditch the kids) a luxury retreat for couples. There are also camping, caravan and motorhome sites so no matter your budget, you’re covered.
The park has two pools, a tennis court, and camp kitchens and barbecues. The kids will also love the games room, play equipment and the activity program run during school holidays. Torquay Beach is just a 250-metre stroll away, plus you’re close to shops, pubs and restaurants. 

Website: Fraser Lodge Holiday Park
Where: 20 Fraser Street, Hervey Bay
Price: Contact venue

Rumba Resort

Situated right across the road from Bulcock Beach on the Pumicestone Passage, and with the Glasshouse Mountains behind it, this resort is super kid-friendly and so much fun. It’s at the higher end of ‘budget’ but because you only have to drive up the road, travel costs are minimal, and once you get here you won’t need to hop in the car again.

The kid-friendly beach has a water play area and a great playground, as well as a walking trail that goes right along the coast. 
The resort itself has comfortable digs and a beautiful pool and spa, where the kids (and you) can look through the glass windows onto the street below. Bonus for parents: the bar in the resort has a great seasonal cocktail list.

Website: Rumba Resort
Where: The Esplanade, Caloundra
Price: Contact venue

Maroochy River Park

Maroochy River Park claims to be the Sunshine Coast’s friendliest caravan park, and promises to deliver those fun nostalgic memories you have of caravan parks as a kid. It’s an old-fashioned simple holiday experience, updated with modern facilities. We are so up for that!

They offer campsites and holiday units and cabins, with a playground, pool, camp kitchen, café, laundry, free wifi, and it’s close to shops.

Website: Maroochy River Park
Where: 1 Diura St, Maroochydore 
Price: Contact venue

Dumaresq Homestead, Goondiwindi

If you’d like something rural rather than coastal, Goondiwindi provides a nice country experience for the children. The Dumaresq Homestead houses up to 12 people so it’s great for big groups or large familes, and you can even bring your horse if you have one. 
Spend the days in nature, explore the Dumaresq River, and head into town for a meal (and a cheeky vino) at the Victoria Hotel. How’s the serenity?

Website: Dumaresq Homestead
Where: 5597 Riverton Road, Maidenhead
Price: From $165 a night

Want to find great outdoor fun for the whole family? Check out these ellaslist recommendations:

• 6 Of The Best Family Day Trips From Brisbane
• 6 Of The Best Camping Spots For Kids Near Brisbane
• The Best Bike Parks And Trails For Kids In Brisbane

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Image credit: Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise