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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.

1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island
Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Rockhampton Museum of Art
Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

 Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.