Where in NSW or QLD for 3 week family holiday?

Question

I'd like to spend 2-3 weeks in NSW or QLD with family incl. 2 young kids (3 and 5). IDEALLY I'd like

- less than 45 mins from Jetstar airport for some work

- easy to reach family activities

- preferably cheap furnished apartment/house in spectacular location!

- 2-3 day tours by car nearby

Very vague I know but any ideas? I was thinking Byron Bay or similar but have no local knowledge!

Thanks for your help

Brett

Answer 1

Whats in Byron Bay for kids to do besides the beach?, nothing so why go to Byron Bay?. Sunshine Coast has an airport Jet star goes in and out of and there's more activities here to do with the children. Last time I went to Byron Bay it was filthy with rubbish all over the streets, people urinating out in the public, including the girls, YUCK along with the druggies vomiting in the street as well, so I suppose it will be a good educational for your children on what not to do.

Answer 2

Paradise Resort..voted the #1 family resort in Australia on the Gold Coast...absolutely fabulous for families.

Answer 3

I've lived in QLD and NSW. Byron is beautiful, but is creaping up in price - but is warmer than Newcastle - which is surprisingly lovely (my current location is Lake Macquarie) it is close to the Vineyards which offers fun for families of your age (my kids are 6 and 8). Lake Macquarie offers everything that a lake can - and then some - it is just beautiful - and you can fish, swim, sail, canoe, walk beside, bike beside etc etc.

Newcastle city itself has a fantastic walking spot in the harbour. We love to go there on weekends or after school for walks and icecreams. It's near the beaches - of which there are several. Parks Galore but you can't beat King Edward Park for a view and a picnic spot - and the swing sets are pretty good fun for the kids.

Parks by the Forshore/Harbour are huge and frisbies and soccer balls are often fun for girls and boys alike.

I've lived in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Brisbane and ended up down here - by accident. But it really is quite and underrated by the locals (i've lived here for 11years but am not a local - I will be a QLDer for ever).

I reckon you should consider Newcastle. Jetstar fly in and out of Willamtown Airport which is about 30 mins from Newcastle city and about 1 hour from Lake Macquarie.

Hope you have a lovely time whatever you decide.

Answer 4

Byron Bay might be too far from airport and a bid dull for the kids.  Try Ashmore Palms Holiday Village.  32klms from Gold Coast Airport .  Range of accomodation and childrens activites programme.  Lots to do on the Gold Coast as well as 2 hours drive to Sunshine Coast (Australia Zoo, Underwater World etc).  Also day trips to Tambourine Mountain, O'Riellys Plateau, even Byron Bay.  Plus loads more.  Or see other website below.  Keep in mind that both Queensland and NSW school holidays (which overlap) are the most expensive and busy times.  Enjoy your holiday.

Answer 5

I would suggest Queensland....Byron Bay is beautiful to visit however but not much to really do other than go to the beach.

I love the Sunshine Coast there is loads to do up there especially with children for example:

Australia Zoo

UnderWater World

The Big Pineapple

Eumundi Markets

The Ginger Factory

You can always go on a day trip to  Fraser Island which is beautiful as well....

Brisbane is also a beautiful city and Southbank is lovely for a day out as well...

There is an airport in Maroochydore and I know the Jetstar fly there.

Hope this helps

Di