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A parent’s guide to the best family accommodation in Brisbane

The whole clan will sleep soundly with our pick of the best family accommodation in Brisbane.

Finding the perfect spot to recharge the family’s batteries after a big day of exploring isn’t easy. I don’t know about you, but my crew need a swimming pool, easy meals, sufficient air conditioning, blackout blinds (or canvas) and more. From hotels with all the creature comforts to activity-crammed holiday parks that just don’t stop, the best family accommodation in Brisbane helps you tick off everything the Queensland capital has to offer before doing it all over again the following day. Here are my top suggestions.

In short

If you only pick one top-notch family accommodation in Brisbane, make it Novotel Brisbane South Bank for its unwavering dedication to helping kids have the time of their lives. Toys in the room and welcome activity packs? Iconic.

Brisbane Holiday Village, Eight Mile Plains

poolside cabanas at Brisbane Holiday Village, Eight Mile Plains
The poolside cabanas offer a soothing respite from the frenzy.

If I’m leaning right into giving the kids exactly what they want on holiday (endless activities, a big pool and hot chips on tap), Brisbane Holiday Village is the ultimate winner. Bonus: It’s located just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast’s theme parks, and offers accommodation styles for every budget. Park your caravan, pitch a tent or bunk down in a cabin before rounding up the gang for free activities such as mini golf, tennis, table tennis, bike riding or swimming in the lagoon-style pool surrounded by plush cabanas. Unpowered camp sites start from about $60 per night and prices climb all the way up to two-bedroom cabins from about $265 per night.

Address: 10 Holmead Rd, Eight Mile Plains

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Voco Brisbane, Brisbane

Another thing I look for when booking family accommodation in Brisbane is the chance to make a saving at mealtime. At Voco Brisbane, kids under the age of 12 eat for free (if parents are dining, too), so it’s another top choice. That means there’s a cheapish option for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or all three if leaving the property just feels too hard (I’ve been there). To dial up their joy further, every child gets a kids’ pack on arrival, complete with snacks and activities, plus there’s a games room with foosball, a rooftop pool, and interconnecting rooms, so they score shut eye while you can binge your favourite show. Standard rooms start from about $241 per night but you’ll obviously need to fork out more for interconnecting options. Parking is also offered on-site and each 24-hour period is priced at $36.

Address: 85-87 North Quay, Brisbane

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Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane

a couple inside a family suite at Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane
The art-inspired hotel has made sustainability a priority. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Tucked under the Story Bridge at the CBD end of Howard Smith Wharves, the six-storey, five-star Crystalbrook Vincent is my recommendation for a total splash-out. Featuring artworks by Melbourne artist and Archibald Prize People’s Choice Award winner Vincent Fantauzzo throughout, the family accommodation in Brisbane is fitted with Family Rooms complete with a king and a queen bed, a 55-inch flat-screen TV to help you log into your streaming services, blackout blinds, a rainforest shower and a Nespresso coffee machine. Loving the luxury? The Two-Bedroom Luxe Suites throw in private terraces, fully equipped kitchens and easy access to Fiume Rooftop Bar (plus the swimming pool) for expansive views over the Brisbane River and Howard Smith Wharves buzz. Prices for those Family Rooms start from about $446 per night and the Luxe options are pricier. Car parking is available on-site if you book in advance.

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

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Novotel Brisbane South Bank, South Brisbane

the standard twin bedroom at Novotel Brisbane South Bank, South Brisbane
Settle into the sleek and stylish standard twin at Novotel Brisbane South Bank.

The outstanding South Bank hotel, Novotel Brisbane South Bank, is another reliably awesome holiday spot for kids. With inclusions like a welcome gift per child, an outdoor pool, a ‘Lego Butler’ who delivers Lego kits to your room (upon request), free buffet breakfast for those aged under 16, loanable sporting equipment and guided arts and crafts classes, they’ll be stoked from every angle. Sleep-wise, I’d keep the good times rolling by locking down the interconnecting ‘N’ Family Suite stocked with colouring-in books, games and a little teepee – they’re priced from about $560 per night, but there are cheaper options. Underground parking is offered for $38 per 24-hour period.

Address: 38 Cordelia St, South Brisbane

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W Brisbane, Brisbane

the family suite at W Brisbane, Brisbane
The floor-to-ceiling glass has added a wow factor to W Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There is nothing quiet about what you’ll spy when stepping into W Brisbane, offering you and the kids a punchy palette of bold colour, giant patterns and quirky design.

Check out the ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Spectacular’ rooms that are both fitted with two two-person beds, while the ‘Marvelous’, ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Wow’ are all one-bedroom configurations. Once you’ve dropped your bags, make a beeline for the WET Deck pool area where the kids can cut loose in the covered lap pool before diving into snacky plates from the adjoining bar area (perfect for grown-up poolside cocktails, too, I can confirm). Prices start from about $640 per night and there’s secure underground parking on-site for a fee.

Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane

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Capri by Fraser Brisbane, Brisbane

Conceived by the award-winning Ministry of Design, Capri by Fraser Brisbane is a slick pick in the heart of the CBD close to Queen Street Mall, the Botanic Gardens and Eagle Street Pier — so the littlies will never tire of proximity activity. Teens will especially love the colourful reception area and indoor swimming pool, while parents will likely appreciate the laundry facilities. Prices start from about $230 per night and parking is offered at $40 per night.

Address: 80 Albert St, Brisbane

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FV Brisbane by Peppers, Fortitude Valley

a close-up of bed at FV Brisbane by Peppers, Fortitude Valley
Bed down at the luxe FV Brisbane by Peppers.

If you love a luxe apartment while on tour, I recommend the super-comfortable FV Brisbane by Peppers which extends the brand’s signature style and service. A choice of one- and two-bedroom apartments in the landmark building in Brisbane’s CBD are fitted with full kitchens, separate lounge and dining spaces and free-flowing wi-fi, but I especially like how this family accommodation in Brisbane facilitates child-minding services (for a fee). Plus, facilities span a yoga studio and gym, private cinema and a heated pool with city skyline views. Prices start from about $356 per night and there’s valet parking available for a fee.

Address: 191 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

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The Sebel Brisbane, Brisbane

the premium one-bedroom apartment at The Sebel Brisbane, Brisbane
The premium one-bedroom apartment comes with a balcony overlooking central Brisbane.

Right in the heart of the action, The Sebel Brisbane offers two-bedroom apartments with city views, full kitchens, laundry facilities, free wi-fi, separate baths and showers, Nespresso coffee machines, private balconies and LCD TVs. I like this option for kids the most, however, for its spacious level 5 heated outdoor pool with dedicated showers and changing rooms. Plus, there’s a gym up there so squeezing in a holiday workout is a cinch. Prices start from about $580 for those two-bedroom rooms but you can go cheaper with a one-bedroom option. Underground parking is available for a fee.

Address: 95 Charlotte St, Brisbane

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Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, Brisbane

With one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments fitted with full kitchens, laundry facilities, free wi-fi and balconies, as well as a 25-metre outdoor pool and gym, families of all sizes can be accommodated at Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites. Plus, you’re also an easy walk to Queen Street Mall where retail options abound and spoiling the kids is easy. Prices start from about $370 per night and there’s underground parking for $45 per night.

Address: 420 Queen St, Brisbane

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Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Brisbane

With sparkling views of South Bank, Brisbane’s most prolific arts and culture mecca, against the Brisbane River, the Mercure Brisbane King George Square is a haven for families as there’s non-stop entertainment right on your doorstep. Don’t miss the hotel’s Goldfinch Restaurant, offering children’s menus including a daily buffet breakfast where kids under the age of four eat for free. Prices start from about $235 per night and there’s valet parking available for a fee.

Address: Corner Ann and Roma St, Brisbane

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The Westin Brisbane, Brisbane

the Westin Renewal Suite Lounge Room, Brisbane
The signature Westin Suites make you feel at home in the city.

If you’re looking to really spoil the family, The Westin Brisbane’s luxurious inner-city digs are made for you. Home to spacious, family-friendly suites with interconnecting doors, plus signature Westin Suites with separate living rooms, the family accommodation in Brisbane offers seasonal family-friendly package deals that tend to include free kids’ meals, daily buffet breakfast, second room discounts, welcome packs and discounts on valet car parking. The clincher? A swim-up bar, Nautilus Pool & Bar, can be found adjacent to the shimmering blue outdoor pool. Afternoon indulgence, sorted. Prices start from about $540 per night.

Address: 111 Mary St, Brisbane

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Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island

Kookaburra Lodge, Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island
Tangalooma Island Resort is a blend of lush and tropical vibes.

Grab your bucket and spade – it’s time to explore one of the biggest sandcastles you’ve ever seen. Tangalooma Island Resort is located on Moreton Island, the world’s second-largest sand island located roughly 40-kilometres off the Brisbane coast. It’s a wonderful experience for little ones as kids can hand-feed wild dolphins, snorkel amongst shipwrecks, go whale watching, take a sand tobogganing tour or sign up for complimentary activities like archery and mini-golf. Prices start from about $310 per night and you can drive your own 4WD into the resort and park it at various locations.

Address: Tangalooma, Moreton Island

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Mantra South Bank, South Brisbane

Relax on the balcony while your little ones have a nap at Mantra South Bank, a contemporary apartment accommodation located right in the action at South Bank. With the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the Queensland Maritime Museum and ferry terminals all located less than 10 minutes’ walk away, it’s the ideal spot for energy-plus youngsters with limited stamina. Plus, being able to self-cater keeps costs down. Prices start from about $315 per night and valet parking is available for $50 per night.

Address: 161 Grey St, South Brisbane

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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What it’s really like to stay on the world’s largest sand island

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort  with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island
Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort
Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa
Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island
The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.