The northern part of Australia is a world of contrasts and it is this that makes it a wonderful place to explore with children. It doesn’t matter what you like to do, you can do it here. From lounging by a resort pool, to feeding a koala. From riding high above the treetops to walking on the sea floor. Watch your kids as they discover new experiences.

From Cardwell in the north to Sarina in the south, Central Queensland is a place of contrasts. Along the coastal strip, sugar pioneering towns like Proserpine and Mackay give way to tropical fruit growing areas like Bowen, famous for its mangoes. The climate varies wildly from the wet tropical air of Cardwell to sunny Townsville or the deep, damp rainforest of Eungella.

Hand feed dolphins, drift down crystal clear streams, encourage baby turtles to the water’s edge and watch in awe as giant whales leap from the water. From whales to turtles and caves to crocs, the Fraser Coast is a place of exploration and adventure – it’s the stuff of childhood dreams, and a place where you can make them come true.

Stretching from Gympie in the north to Beerwah in the south, this area conjures up the promise of languid days at the beach, the smell of sunscreen, the calming sounds of waterfalls and the flap of thongs (that’s footwear in Queensland!) This region includes iconic destinations like Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Australia Zoo. It’s also where we call home!

The pulsing heart of this region is, without a doubt, Brisbane city itself, wallow in child-friendly museums and galleries and then strip down and have a swim at the man-made beach. It may be geographically small, but Brisbane and the Granite Belt is a region of contrasts, it offers families a wealth of variety without the need to travel huge distances itself.

When most Australians think of holidays in Queensland they picture the Gold Coast with its expanse of sand and high rise buildings towering beyond. For many Australian families the theme parks are the major draw card but it’s not all about adrenalin. This is a region with stunning beaches, world class surf, calm water boating, waterfront cycle paths and tours galore.

A trip to the western parts of Queensland gives kids a sense of freedom they can’t experience in the city and it’s almost a coming-of-age pilgrimage which every kid should endure, and adventurous children will embrace. The never-ending horizon and bold blue skies of western Queensland are part of the spiritual heart of Australia.