They know how to do family resorts in Queensland, and the one we stayed at, the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, is a fine example.
Just down the road from the Sunshine Coast airport, where Air New Zealand will start flying direct from July, and across the river from Maroochydore, Novotel Twin Waters is an expansive haven that you'd never have to leave if you didn't feel the need to explore.
Built around a man-made lake fed by the river, there are sailboats and kayaks, and a big inflated pontoon that kids trampoline off into the water.
You can work out in the gym, go for a bike ride, then have a swim in the pool before wandering over to the spa for a massage or facial.
The buffet restaurant puts on a fabulous seafood spread on Friday and Saturday nights, and there's also a more casual bar restaurant for steak, pizza and fish and chips.
