Best time to Visit Queensland???

[irlewy86]

Why is it everytime Queensland is mentioned water is discussed. visit www.bom.gov.au to understand more about the problem.

Sept - to October will be a busy time I'd check when school holidays are on ( both Queensland and other states) and also check to make sure your not down there for Indy, unless of course you want to send the kids to the theme parks and enjoy the racing.

[Ringo]

As a Victorian who has done the QLD pilgramidge annually for about 15 years the best times I think are

February...the place is dead, non-one around but can be hot. Except for weekends you will have your choice or parking spots and rides...no problem

November...Avoid Schoolies dates (late November) but the weather is nice (not summer yet) and the crowds are very mild....very few kids around.

[vanman_75]

any time is great do the the brisvegas thing this trip and check out for next 1 money depending and get up to the whitsundays , kids will love it , great barrier reef is something else late winter should be cool enoughfor you guys . have a good 1 eh.

[scoupedy]

My vote is for spring before of after easter holidays...beware the hotels charge 'peak' if anyone is on holidays this includes NZ, Equador and Lipizstein.. If its the parks you are after somewhere on the Spit, main beach, or surfers are all good access and close to the beaches

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by scoupedy

My vote is for spring before of after easter holidays...beware the hotels charge 'peak' if anyone is on holidays this includes NZ, Equador and Lipizstein.. If its the parks you are after somewhere on the Spit, main beach, or surfers are all good access and close to the beaches

Ummm, I thought spring was Oct/Nov..but then again this Qld we're talking here

[Quasi]

Originally Posted by blueoval

May I suggest possibly staying on the Gold Coast , say Southport and catching the yellow bus to the theme parks?

I only suggest this due the competative packages there are with the gold coast. the theme parks, especially Dreamworld, Wet & wild and Movieworld are sorta in the middle of no where.

I'm in the middle of nowhere?:O

I live opposite Dreamworld, but I understand what you man though. Wet 'n' Wild, Movieworld, and Dreamworld are located on the M1 Motorway (Pacific Hwy) around 17 minutes from Surfers Paradise heading north to Brisbane.

Before moving here, from Canberra, in July the family and I came here for a holiday, last Christmas (2006). We stayed at a place called 'Surfers Tradewinds' which is located close to Surfers and Southport (where Seaworld is). This is a great spot, with a pool, covered BBQ area, undercover secure parking, and games room. It is also not too far from both Pacific Fair and Australia fair (shopping malls).

Originally Posted by blueoval

Plus with staying at the Gold Coast your on the beach and usually have a great view.

The buses come every 15-20mins. You pay for your fare and all your theme park passes on the bus too.

Yes the public transport system is pretty good here, though when we were here on holiday we had hired a vehicle, so not too sure about how it relates to resorts (I bus and train it the 1 hour to work in Brisbane each day). One thing to keep in mind though, if driving, is that parking is expensive (at least it was to us).

Originally Posted by blueoval

As far as times of the year, I reckon April-May or September-October are good times. With great weather and you can avoid school holidays.

I agree. This would be the best times to come if wanting to avoid crowds and summer rain.

[blueoval]

sorry quasi, didnt mean it to sound so remote. : Just meant that it wasnt near much accomodation that I knew of.

I'd give my right arm to live anywhere around that area if I could.

Agree that car parking can be a bit of a rip, but I look at it as part of the experience. Thats what the spending cash is for.

[Quasi]

Originally Posted by blueoval

sorry quasi, didnt mean it to sound so remote. : Just meant that it wasnt near much accomodation that I knew of.

That's fine. Like I said I know what you mean. If heading up the M1 it does seem a bit like there's nothing around, unless you know it's there. There are a few place along the way though. In fact the 'Coomera Motor Inn' is right outside Dreamworld, and there are others in the area, but not necessarily viewable from the motorway.

As for accomodation, for the original poster, check out the Gold Coast online.

[jd dad]

First time we went was mid Feb, flew up and did the bus thing. Was about $220 for a 14 day unlimited family ticket from memory. Great to use just jump on and off as you please. Only down side is the theme park bus did the rounds of resorts/hotels etc so takes a while.

Second time drove up mid may (racing at Winters) and stayed at Ashmore Palms, great spot and only about 10-15 mins to theme parks. If your kids are good travellers I would drive as it worked out cheaper and the convenience factor is great ie no timetable to catch buses etc.

The theme park tickets were 14 days unlimited so some days we went to 2 different ones depending on the weather. The Feb trip was really busy at the parks May/June was definately quiter but weather not as hot.

[gtfpv]

i'm back . and i must say you definately see more of TASMAINIA in queensland . i think it is because the girls are all so beautifal that they have more to compete with . so they promote TASSIE .

[paul_r_d]

My sister lives up in townsville, so I am in queens every 4 months or so, best time of year is around aug, sept, oct. The heat is not over bearing and you get the 22-28 degree days. Perfect.

[atec77]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I beleive the recent rain in Queensland was a freak occurance. As much as it is a disappointment, dont be discouraged about going again. There have been many years that I have gone to Brisbane during the major holiday periods and the weather was perfect. bloody hot, but perfect. :

The recent rain is normal monsoon weather , like back in the 70's when I first got to Brisvegas.. it should continue for some years with luck .

[scoupedy]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Ummm, I thought spring was Oct/Nov..but then again this Qld we're talking here

sorry i mean Autumn