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Queensland with kids

The highlights of our road trip

Are you preparing for a road trip through Queensland with kids? Then be sure to keep reading! During our big road trip through Australia, we drove a stunning route along the East Coast. We especially loved the stretch between Port Douglas and Mackay: tropical North Queensland. Here you’ll find palm trees, beautiful beaches, the largest reef in the world, jungle, waterfalls and lots of wildlife!

In this blog, we share the highlights of our road trip through this beautiful part of Queensland (in the order of our travel route between Port Douglas and Mackay).

Queensland with kids - Billabong Sanctuary
Queensland with kids - Mission Beach

Four Mile Beach – Road trip Queensland with kids

Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas is a great place for families to relax and play in the sand. The shallow, warm water is perfect for children to swim in. Additionally, it’s one of the few beaches along the East Coast that is netted off. In this part of Australia, there are also deadly jellyfish, in addition to crocodiles and sharks. The most notorious of these is the ‘box jellyfish’ (Chironex fleckeri), known for its highly toxic tentacles. The jellyfish are usually more prevalent during the Australian summer season, from October to May, as they thrive in warmer water.

Queensland with kids - four mile beach
Queensland with kids - four mile beach

Great Barrier Reef Drive – Road trip Queensland with kids

The Great Barrier Reef Drive is a scenic coastal road that takes you along some of the most beautiful parts of the Queensland coast. Stop along the way at various beaches and lookout points to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Queensland with kids - Great Barrier Reef Drive
Queensland with kids - Great Barrier Reef Drive
Queensland with kids - Great Barrier Reef Drive

Palm Cove – Road trip Queensland with kids

Palm Cove, a picturesque beach village north of Cairns, is perfect for families looking for relaxation. The calm waters and pleasant weather make it a great place for children to swim in the ocean and enjoy water sports. Additionally, there are several nice playgrounds along the beachfront promenade.

This place reminds us a bit of the beautiful Lipa Noi Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Queensland with kids - Palm Cove
Queensland with kids - Palm Cove
Queensland with kids - Palm Cove

Fitzroy Island – Road trip Queensland with kids

Fitzroy Island, located off the coast of Cairns, is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and clear waters. You can snorkel here (with a bit of luck, you might see turtles!), kayak, and hike along the many trails that cross the island. We visited for a day by ferry, but it’s also possible to stay overnight on Fitzroy Island.

Queensland with children - Fitzroy Island
Queensland with children - Fitzroy Island

Millaa Millaa Falls – Road trip Queensland with kids

The Millaa Millaa Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands region. It’s a great place to cool off on a warm day and offers a beautiful setting for picnicking and hiking. Bonus: you can park right next to the waterfall, so there are no challenging hikes with small children. Be sure to arrive early, as it can get busy. We were here completely alone at 8 a.m., while by 2 p.m., there were no parking spots left. One of our highlights during our road trip through Queensland with children.

Queensland with kids - Millaa Millaa Falls
Queensland with kids - Millaa Millaa Falls

Mission Beach – Road trip Queensland with kids

If you ask us, the most beautiful beach in Queensland! Mission Beach is a relaxing seaside town with long sandy beaches and tropical rainforests. Our children enjoyed hours of fun on the beach, building sandcastles and climbing palm trees.

Queensland with kids - Mission Beach
Queensland with kids - Mission Beach

Wallaman Falls – Road trip Queensland with kids

Wallaman Falls, located in Girringun National Park, is the highest permanent waterfall in Australia. The view of this majestic waterfall is breathtaking, and there are walking trails suitable for families.

Queensland with kids - Wallaman Falls

Billabong Sanctuary – Road trip Queensland with kids

The Billabong Sanctuary in Townsville is the perfect place to meet Australian wildlife. Children can feed kangaroos, admire koalas, and learn more about Australia’s rich biodiversity.

Queensland with kids - Billabong Sanctuary
Queensland with kids - Billabong Sanctuary
Queensland with kids - Billabong Sanctuary

Heart Reef – Road trip Queensland with kids

Our flight over the Heart Reef is one of the highlights of our trip to Australia. This heart-shaped coral reef is located in the Great Barrier Reef and can be seen from the air during a helicopter flight or a plane tour from Cairns or Airlie Beach. But not only is the Heart Reef beautiful; you can also admire the Great Barrier Reef (so vast!) and the Whitsundays from the air. Highly recommended!

Queensland with kids - Heart Reef
Queensland with kids - Heart Reef

The Whitsunday-islands – Road trip Queensland with kids

The Whitsunday Islands are a paradise for families who love sun, sea, and beach. Take a boat or sailing trip to these islands, with Whitehaven Beach being a highlight due to its powdery white sand and turquoise water. Kids can snorkel and swim in the clear waters and get acquainted with the rich marine life.

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Family Photo Bingo – travelwithkids

Cape Hillsborough – Road trip Queensland with kids

Cape Hillsborough, located north of Mackay, is a unique place. Here you can spot kangaroos and wallabies on the beach early in the morning as they come to graze at sunrise. You have to wake up early, but it’s definitely rewarding. You’re guaranteed to see kangaroos since a ranger feeds the animals on the beach every morning. To be honest, this was a bit disappointing when we walked onto the beach, but the experience and photos are still beautiful.

You can also take beautiful walks in the surrounding national park and enjoy the pristine nature.

Queensland with kids - Cape Hillsborough
Queensland with kids - Cape Hillsborough

Book your family holiday to Australia

Through Booking.com you can easily find family-friendly accommodation in Australia, and the cheapest flights can be found via Skyscanner. For fun excursions, boat trips and activities, take a look at GetYourGuide.com, and you can easily rent a camper through Camperdays.

Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.

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