Easter is the perfect time to take a break and enjoy the coastal gems hidden across The Southern Great Barrier Reef region.

They may not be your usual holiday spots, but they will definitely leave you with an experience you and your family won’t ever forget!

1. Woodgate

This is the ultimate family friendly holiday location with the Easter at Woodgate festival kicking off on Good Friday, bringing so much activity for you to see and do over the break. This relaxing seaside town lies on the Southern Great Barrier Reef Coast and is only a 4 hour drive from Brisbane.

Woodgate has a relaxed fishing village atmosphere, only 30 minutes from Bundaberg. For a fun night with the kids, the Easter at Woodgate festival is bringing a family movie under the stars, so don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy.

Then, on Easter Monday, the festival becomes home to over 240 market stalls, selling everything from fresh produce, clothes, plants and everything else old and new! There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained with, such as amusement rides, camel rides, face-painting and games.

2. Gladstone

Gladstone is a thriving city in the centre of the Southern Great Barrier Reef region, which acts as the gateway to surrounding picturesque islands. Gladstone is located 550km north of Brisbane and is the finish line to the QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

The event brings a lively atmosphere to the harbour, as spectators from all over Australia converge to Gladstone. The Gladstone Harbour Festival also runs from the 1 to 5 of April, which brings a huge week of festival fun from rides for the kids, free family entertainment, food, novelty events and marina markets.

Don’t miss the fantastic jetpack displays on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday!

3. Myella Farm Stay, Capricorn

Experience real outback life when you stay at Myella Farm Stay. Myella is a working cattle farm situated 1 ½ hours from Rockhampton. Start your outback adventure at Myella Farm Stay with horse riding, motorbike lessons, cow milking, whip cracking, lasso, and feeding cows, horses and chickens.

 4. Childers, Bundaberg

Deep red volcanic soil contrasts strongly against the lush green cane fields on the outskirts of Childers, a small rural town approximately 40 minutes from Bundaberg. Childers is renowned for its character and is classified as a National Trust town.

While you can hire a kayak and throw in a line into the lake at Lake Redbrook Holiday Retreat, venture further into the town of Childers for more attractions the whole family will adore. If your little ones love animals, they’ll be in for a treat. Childers is home to both Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo, with reptiles, koalas and kangaroos and Flying High Bird Sanctuary, the largest free flight aviary in Australia.

Stop into Mamminos for creamy gourmet ice-cream made to a secret family recipe handed down through generations.

5. Agnes Water/1770, Bundaberg

Surfing aficionados will be in heaven in the town of Agnes Water, which offers waves generated from the Coral Sea. Recognised as Queensland’s most northerly surf beach, this small coastal town has attracted surf lovers from all over the globe, with its warm clear water, good selection of beach breaks and the famous Agnes Water Point.

It’s no surprise the town is home to the annual Reef 2 Beach Longboard Classic! This sunny town has a reputation for being friendly, so you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome from the locals during your Easter break. If you haven’t mastered the way of the waves yet, the Reef 2 Beach Surf School has your back! If you’re looking for a way to unwind from all the excitement, the area of Agnes Water and neighbouring town of 1770 are home to Deepwater National Park and Eurimbula National Park, which offer great walking tracks with coastal views.

6. Great Keppel Island, Capricorn

Boasting the title of the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Keppel Bay, Great Keppel Island is only a 30min ferry ride from the mainland. Home to some of the best beaches in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel Island offers safe swimming spots all year round.

Take advantage of the island’s stunning coral gardens and turquoise blue waters with a spot of snorkelling or taking a dip in the ocean. The island also offers a variety of walking tracks, ranging in difficulty and duration, to suit any walker! Don’t forget to spend a day (or at least a morning!) relaxing with a good book or a nap to recharge your batteries.

7. The Banana Shire, Gladstone

Pay a visit to the Banana Shire and witness the hard-working character of the locals that inhibit these classic country townships. The shire encompasses a myriad of quaint towns, such as Banana, Biloela, Moura, Baralaba, Cracow, Goovigen, Jambin, Taroom, Thangool, Theodore and Wowan.

Embrace the local attractions such as Lake Callide, one of Queensland top inland fisheries and cast your line to try your luck at catching a metre long barramundi. Take a short drive to the Callide Lookout and experience the impressive views of the local industry giants. Don’t forget to head to Mt Scoria for a picnic and check out the incredible and rare rock formations.

 8. Carnarvon Gorge, Capricorn

 In Queensland’s Sandstone Wilderness, lies Carnarvon National Park, an ecological wonder home to some of the state’s best nature experiences. For the ultimate view, you must try taking a scenic flight with Heli-Central, which will take you from the Bandana air strip high above the incredible area.

This scenic flight offers a spectacular viewing platform to see the local wonders, such as local grazing country, the cascading gorges and sandstone cliffs of the park. Make sure to explore Carnarvon Gorge by foot as well, and experience both the natural beauty and Indigenous history that the park holds.

There are a variety of walking tracks, which will take you through cool rainforests, mossy gorges and tranquil creeks onto towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured side gorges and fascinating Aboriginal rock art and engravings.

9. Capricorn Caves

 Release your inner explorer and set off to the Capricorn Caves, a unique system of above ground caves set in a limestone ridge. If you’ve got a thirst for adventure, take a trip on the wild side and book yourself in for Adventure Caving to explore the various caves, shafts and tunnels.

Get dirty with a commando crawl and try not to panic as you squeeze through a 30cm diameter hole, known as Fat Man’s Misery, before eventually emerging for panoramic views of the valley. If you’re after a way to explore the Capricorn Caves in a less intimidating way, there is also a Cathedral Cave tour on offer.

This tour takes you through caves adorned with ancient stalactites and flowstones, as well as markings on rock scapes that early explorers used as navigation marks.