We are a family of 5 and over the years we have found it really hard to find accommodation that suits 2 adults and 3 children, typically most hotels/motels have a limit of 4 per room. When the kids were younger this was ok I would top and tail 2 kids in one bed so we didn’t have to be separated into 2 separate rooms which is not a family friendly option. For this reason we have not been on many family holidays. But I have recently learnt it is possible to holiday comfortable with 3 or more children.
My family and I were recently invited up to Big4 Adventure Whitsundays during the last school holidays. They were hosting the Junior Masterchef winner Isabella and her twins sister Sofia for the week. Isabella and Sofia cooked up a storm with their Kids in the Kitchen Workshops. Once my Miss Tween heard that the girls will be hosting the workshop she was so eager to go. We watched the Junior Masterchef series and just about every other cooking show on TV, my Miss Tween loves to cook!!
The cabin we stayed in was very spacious and perfect for our family of 5 (or could even accommodate 6 as the kids had 2 bunks in their room). It was fully self-contained, we had our own private verandah which was so lovely to relax on, air-conditioning which helped warm up the cabin in the evening and there was even a spa bath!!
They have different cabins, camping, caravan and ensuite sites to suit everyone and their budget
We had some friends over during our stay, the kitchen was a great size to prepare lunch for 10!!
The main bedroom was spacious and very comfortable
I love the gardens here at the resort, so tropical
Once we unpacked the kids were very eager to participate in their first Kids in the Kitchen Workshop. The kids had a ball at the workshop, each getting to help Isabella and Sofia. My kids enjoyed the hands on experience, learning how to make dishes that we don’t normally do at home.
This was such a fun event for Big4 Whitsundays to include for their in-house guests. These workshop are aimed for kids. The kids can attend the session which then allows the parents to have some child free time and relax a little. What a bonus!! You can view some of their upcoming events during school holidays here.
This is why Miss Tween now wants me to buy a pasta machine, Sofia showed her how to make pasta, Sofia made it look easy.
Ricotta Gnocchi with Eggplant…. ooh it was so good!
Prawn Raviolli, sadly didn’t get to try this, but it sounded delicious.
Isabella and Sofia were so lovely, their confidence in the kitchen and talking in front of a crowd just blew me away. I really do hope to see more of these girls over the coming years.
Had to get our Junior Masterchef cookbook signed!!
There is so much to do at Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, our kids had so much fun
Lagoon pool with fun slides and an area for the little kids
Mum can have a massage while the kids are in the pool
The pedal carts kept the kids entertained for so long
Great playground for all ages
18 hole mini golf
Movies under the stars
and so much more… Giant jumping pillow, tennis court, basketball, badminton and so many other planned activities free for in-house guests.
We had a wonderful time at Big4 Adventure Whitsundays. Being that we all fitted comfortably in the cabin was lovely, with the bonus the cabin had everything our family of 5 needed along with the resort itself keeping the kids entertained during most of our stay. The highlights of the kids stay were the great school holiday entertainment, the kids in the kitchen workshop, the lagoon pool and the pedal carts. I personally really enjoyed how beautifully maintained the grounds were kept and sitting out on the veranda was so peaceful especially with a family of ducks passing by. The kids were disappointed to leave.
Airlie beach is simply beautiful
A piece of Queenslands paradise
Disclosure: Flights & accommodation for my family were provided by Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
10 comments
Our family stayed in the Big4 Emerald Beach Holiday Park back in 2007 & we all loved it, it was right on the beach & close to Coffs Harbour must go there again next year when we have some more time & $ saved
(((( Hugs )))) XXXX Kisses XXXX
We are booked in for a few nights of camping here in October after we return from 4wding to Cape York and I cannot wait for the kids to wear themselves out on all the great playground equipment. I think they will be over the moon with play equipment after being cooped up in the car for 4 weeks. We always try to stay at Big 4 whenever we camp – their facilities are wonderful and they always have excellent playgrounds and activities for children. We have three boys (8, 6 and 3) so we NEED something to keep them active and entertained.
Can I suggest cheap fold up scooters… They don’t take up much room as opposed to taking bikes like we did when I was a child, but they are easy for the kids to get around the park and up to the kids activities area, and extra play equipment when bored!
Sounds like a fabulous time was had by all!
We have stayed in cabins a bit, just in caravan parks, nothing as fancy as a resort 🙂 – but yes, have found them much more convenient than hotel rooms, even back when we had only one child (we also have three). Kids sleeping in a separate room, living room & kitchen separate to bedrooms, usually a small verandah with a table and chairs. What’s not to love?
For our big road trip we have planned for next year (if the aussie dollar doesn’t drop too much further), we are planning on camping, but I can see a few cabins along the way will be luxury we’ll sometimes be prepared to pay for (if they have that sort of thing in the States, which I’m not sure of).
Hi Kirsten, did you know having a BIG4 membership entitles you to a discount at many campgrounds in the states?
BIG4 is has a reciprocal arrangement with Kampgrounds of America, who have 450 camp grounds in North America, so BIG4 members get a 10% discount on every stay (though it’s worth checking with the park to make sure they will offer the discount before you book)
More info here: http://www.big4.com.au/member-benefits/international/22/kampgrounds-of-america.aspx
Thanks Bailey, good to know.
I have not yet had kids but my husband and I do travel a fair bit and we love the Big4 parks and have stayed at many of them. We also have a Big4 membership which is fantastic – we’ve saved a fair bit of money using it. One of my favourites is Swan Hill resort along the Murray River in Victoria, lovely rooms, fantastically friendly staff and great grounds & facilities. We can’t wait to have kids and travel Australia visiting these ‘resorts’ that are far superior than ‘normal resorts’.
I love your blog and guides. However, I thought this guide was aimed at those staying at home with babies and toddlers. Not sure about other families but holidays like this are not on our horizon for a few years yet. With only one income and three kids under 6 this idea will have to go on the bucket list.
Hi I just wanted to say we stayed at this park in 2008 with two Tweens and in a tent. For a very cheap holiday, we had a site with our own ensuite, and a caravan/tent spot. So it doesn’t have to be the cabins and luxury all the way- the park activities are all free! We spent more money outside the park on island trips etc. it was however one of the best trips we ever did, we packed the kids’ fold up scooters and hardly ever saw them!
I too have 3 kids and find it hard for accommodation for 5 (any other suggestions or websites that help with this would be appreciated). Even though my kids are all under 6 years of age, I love posts like this. It gives me something to look forward to and the confidence that there are places out there for “larger” families to go to (more than 4) 🙂
Glad you had a great holiday.