Queensland family holiday road trips: From coastal escapes to reef adventures

Queensland’s coastline is dotted with destinations that go beyond the typical beach holiday.

From laid-back surf towns to reef-fringed islands and rainforest retreats, it’s a state that caters to every kind of family escape.

Whether you're chasing adventure, looking to unplug, or simply craving a slower pace, Queensland offers a refreshing mix of nature, nostalgia and new experiences.

This guide brings together six standout spots for a summer getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and rewarding.

From the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 to the tropical charm of Mission Beach, the Whitsundays’ coastal gem Bowen, and the Sunshine Coast’s Coolum and Peregian Beach, each destination offers its own blend of family-friendly accommodation, outdoor activities and local flavour.

Add in the retro surf vibes of Kirra and Coolangatta and the reef-meets-wildlife appeal of Yeppoon, and you’ve got a holiday line-up that’s as diverse as it is memorable.

The 1770 LARC! tour takes to the water.

Agnes Water / 1770, Gladstone

Tucked away on Queensland’s Discovery Coast, the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 offer a refreshing alternative to the usual summer holiday circuit.

With their blend of natural beauty, low-key charm and family-friendly experiences, they’re fast becoming a go-to for those seeking a slower, more meaningful escape.

Accommodation is easy and accessible, with the NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park offering everything from powered sites to beachfront cabins and safari tents, ideal for families who want to unplug without sacrificing comfort.

Days here are best spent outdoors.

Take to the water with 1770 Liquid Adventures for a sunset kayaking tour that’s as peaceful as it is picturesque or hop aboard the iconic 1770 LARC! for a quirky, amphibious journey through estuaries and sand dunes.

On land, coastal walking trails offer sweeping ocean views and a relaxed way to tire out the family. But perhaps the real drawcard is the atmosphere: relaxed, unhurried, and wonderfully nostalgic.

It’s the kind of place where kids roam barefoot, days end with beachside fish and chips, and families reconnect without screens.

Castaways Resort and Spa at Mission Beach.

Mission Beach, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

With its blend of rainforest, reef and relaxed coastal charm, Mission Beach is one of Queensland’s most rewarding family holiday spots.

Accommodation options include Castaway Resort and Spa, Mission Beach Resort, and Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village offering a mix of beachfront rooms, resort-style stays and spacious cabins.

Families can ferry to Dunk Island for a day of hiking, snorkelling and exploring quiet beaches.

Back on the mainland, the Mission Beach Markets are a weekend favourite, while Charley’s Chocolate Factory serves up a delectable insight into how local cocoa becomes artisan chocolate.

There are walking trails through ancient rainforest, and if you’re lucky while in and around town, you might spot a cassowary from a safe distance.

Evenings here are balmy, beautiful and made for sunset jetty strolls, and long beach walks often lead to hidden bays perfect for shell spotting and picnics.

For the older kids, Raging Thunder’s white-water rafting on the Tully River adds a thrill to the family holiday itinerary.

Cool treats in front of the Big Mango, Bowen.

Bowen, Whitsundays

Bowen is a relaxed, sun-drenched town that makes an ideal base for families looking to explore Queensland’s stunning Whitsundays coast.

With calm beaches, a welcoming coastal town feel and easy access to nearby destinations like Airlie Beach, it’s a summer holiday spot that balances downtime with discovery.

Families can stay right on the water at the NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park, where cabins and powered sites sit just steps from the sand. Days are easily filled swimming and snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay or Grays Bay, both known for their clear water and gentle conditions.

On land, Bowen’s street art trail offers a fun way to explore the town centre, while the Big Mango is a must-stop for a photo and a mango sorbet.

For lunch or dinner, Bird’s Fish Bar serves up award-winning fish and chips with a view over the marina.

Bowen is also perfectly placed for day trips to Airlie Beach and other Whitsundays hotspots, giving families access to reef tours, island hopping and more.

Learning the ropes at Coolum Surf School.

Coolum and Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast

Coolum and Peregian Beach offer a refreshing take on the classic beach holiday.

For families with older kids, Mount Coolum is a must-do. The climb and solid leg workout is rewarded with panoramic views, making it a great way to start or end the day.

Back in town, Coolum Surf School offers lessons for all ages, while the Coolum Surf Club provides casual dining by the water.

The Coolum Aqua Park is a hit with kids, and the esplanade is lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques perfect for post-beach browsing. Accommodation options in Coolum range from the beachfront Coolum Beach Holiday Park to self-contained apartments like The Point Coolum Beach, ideal for longer stays. Just 10 minutes south, Peregian Beach serves up a slower pace and a strong sense of community.

Its uncrowded beaches are perfect for families, and the village square is home to a growing collection of cafés, restaurants and artisan stores.

Lake Weyba is nearby for kayaking and nature spotting, while Peregian Springs Golf Club and Soul Skin Spa offer parents a chance to unwind, whether that’s with a round of golf or a spa day.

Accommodation in Peregian includes the family-friendly Glen Eden Beach Resort and the elevated Essence Peregian, a boutique retreat that includes both hotel and holiday home options, just steps from the sand.

With Noosa just up the road, Coolum and Peregian make a great base for day trips to more iconic hotspots, while offering a quieter, more relaxed home base.
It’s a region that caters to active families, beach lovers and those looking to slow down all in one stretch of coastline.

A family day on the beach at Kirra.

Kirra / Coolangatta, Gold Coast

On the southern tip of the Gold Coast, Kirra and Coolangatta offer a nostalgic take on the Australian beach holiday where surfboards line the footpaths, the pace is easy, and the ocean is never more than a few steps away.

For families, it’s a destination that blends laid-back charm with plenty to do.

The area’s surf culture is front and centre.

Families can sign up for lessons with Coolangatta Learn to Surf or Kirra Point Surf School, both catering to beginners and kids keen to catch their first wave.

The beaches here are wide, clean and patrolled making them ideal for swimming, sandcastle building, and long days in the sun.

Off the sand, there’s a growing collection of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants in both Kirra and Coolangatta, serving everything from acai bowls to fresh seafood.

Accommodation is varied and family-friendly, with options like the modern and spacious Kirra Point Holiday Apartments, and self-contained units such as the Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites, lining the beachfront and township streets.

The location also makes it easy to explore more of the southern Gold Coast.

Families can walk or cycle the coastal path, take a short drive to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or simply enjoy the slower pace that sets this coastal pocket apart from its bustling neighbours.

An aerial view of Yeppoon and its popular lagoon.

Yeppoon, Capricorn

Set on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon is a relaxed seaside town that makes an ideal base for families exploring the wider Capricorn region.

The town blends a mix of coastal charm and easy access to nature with wildlife and Great Barrier Reef experiences.

The Yeppoon Lagoon, overlooking Keppel Bay and beside The Rocks waterfront cafe and restaurant, is a family favourite, perfect for cooling off, relaxing and letting the kids splash around for a few hours.

Just a short drive inland, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary gives children the chance to meet native animals, while the Capricorn Dinosaur Park and Capricorn Caves bring prehistoric wonder and underground exploration to life.

Families can head south to Emu Park for a picnic in the foreshore parklands and a visit to the iconic Singing Ship sculpture.

In nearby Rockhampton, the Rockhampton Zoo is another easy day trip with younger kids in mind.

For reef adventures, Freedom Fast Cats and Keppel Explorer run day trips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, or families can stay overnight on Great Keppel Island.

For larger groups, Pumpkin Island can be booked exclusively.

There are accommodation options in Yeppoon to suit all family sizes and budgets, from NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park and Discovery Parks – Coolwaters Yeppoon to self-contained stays at Echelon Apartments Yeppoon.