If you’re looking for a well-earned break over the summer holidays but need to tick some ‘excitement’ boxes for the kids too, we’ve found loads of fun family stays that will get the kids off their iPads and pumped for some family time. From fairy trails to bike tracks, river adventures and water parks - we have you covered when it comes to maximum enjoyment and activating those core family holiday memories.
BY ANGELA SAURINE
North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point
With a huge water park featuring giant slides, a tipping bucket and water cannons, the kids will have a ball at this resort, 25 kilometres south of Tweed Heads. As well as Sammy’s Adventure Lagoon, there’s a seasonally heated pool and a wading pool ideal for littlies. Families with younger children will also appreciate the beautiful tidal estuary that’s just a short walk away. But it’s not just about fun in the sun – a stay here also provides an educational experience. The Marine Discovery Centre helps teach guests about how to protect the ocean for future generations, with interactive digital terminals and marine and coastal science displays. Neptune’s Castle Kids’ Club, for children aged three to 12, is supervised on weekends and during school holidays, plus there’s a playground, tennis court and a games room with a toddler corner. Parents are also well catered for with an adults-only retreat, Seascape, which has a day spa, hairdressing salon, heated lap pool, gym, spa, and sauna. Accommodation options include powered and ensuite campsites, apartments, cottages and villas, and there’s an on-site restaurant, Ripples Licensed Café. What more could you ask for?
Elements of Byron Resort
Following the fairy trail around this resort searching for the mythical creatures’ homes in the trees is a delightful experience for the whole family. Set amidst native bushland on a 20-hectare site, the resort is located on Belongil Beach, around four kilometres north of Byron Bay. There’s a range of high tech one and two-bedroom villas to choose from, plus an adventure playground, a large lagoon-style pool, and a communal fire pit. Parents can take turns checking out the adults’ pool, indulging in treatments at the Osprey Spa or joining in for morning yoga. Dine at the in-house restaurant, Azure Bar & Grill or stroll down the road to the refurbished North Byron Hotel, which has a large beer garden with a playground that will keep the little ones entertained while their parents eat in peace. You can also catch the solar train into town from neighbouring North Beach Station.
Oaks Calypso Plaza Suites
Coolangatta has long been a mecca for holidaymakers and an ideal spot for families looking for a mix of relaxation and ‘things to do’. Situated in the hub of Griffith St, Oaks Calypso Plaza Suites offers a choice of 1- or 2-bedroom apartments with undercover parking and ocean views. Just a stone’s throw from Greenmount Beach and a short walk to Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks, you can take your pick for surfing and sunbathing. Long stretches of beachfront path also make scootering, cycling, and strolling a breeze. Parks are in abundance, but make sure to check out ‘Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah’ – the new inclusive playspace on the foreshore of Jack Evans Boat Harbour – complete with flying fox, suspended rope bridge and slides, as well as water and sand play zones. If staying-in relaxation is what’s required, you’ll find the azure blue lagoon pool, with slide and heated spa lets the kids play while you relax poolside. Feel like a day out of the sun? Kids will be kept happily entertained at Timezone or you can catch a family movie session at Cinebar Coolangatta, with luxury recliners and in-seat meal and drinks service so parents can put their feet up and enjoy a cheeky afternoon beverage.
Discovery Parks Byron Bay
Pitch a tent beside the Belongil Creek or stay in a lakeside cabin or safari tent at this firm family favourite. Around two kilometres north of town, it has an epic water park, two pools, a café, tennis court and a jumping pillow. It’s close to Belongil Beach and the popular bohemian-style restaurant Treehouse Byron Bay, which offers wood-fired pizzas and live music.
Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff
Spend the morning at Salt Beach and the afternoon in the lagoon-style pool during a stay at this resort in the Salt Village development. Oozing with surfy vibes, the resort has a range of rooms and suites. There’s an indoor playground at Salt Bar next door, and an outdoor one in the nearby park. Grab your bikes and scooters and enjoy the easy ride along the beachfront to Cudgen Creek where the Watersports Guru has all your watery adventures covered (from kayaking to SUP lessons to snorkelling with turtles) – or keep on riding into Kingscliff and enjoy the parks, promenade, and eateries along the way.
The Beach Cabarita
Enjoy direct access to Cabarita Beach when you stay in one of the modern, open-plan apartments at this property, which also has three pools (including a wading pool for younger kids) and a heated spa. Keen to get out and explore? There’s a skate park down the road, a meandering walk up Norries Headland which leads to an epic lookout, or pop down to the tour desk where you can book tours and get tips on the best local eateries to check out.
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