BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

Award-winning family resort with 13 waterslides and endless activities in tropical Cannonvale.

Accommodation Options

Property Information

Distance to Key Locations

About BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

This isn't just a holiday park - it's a destination in itself. Family-owned and operated for nearly 40 years, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has won tourism awards for 24 consecutive years, including multiple Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards. Spread across 26 acres of botanic-like gardens in Cannonvale, just 4km from Airlie Beach, this resort offers something for every family member and every budget.

The star attraction is the massive waterslide park with 13 colorful slides - one of the largest resort waterslide parks in Australia. Kids shriek with laughter as they zoom down while parents relax by Airlie Beach's largest lagoon-style pool (32 meters and heated in winter). But that's just the beginning. With over 15 onsite activities including an animal park, 18-hole mini golf, tennis court, outdoor cinema, two giant jumping pillows, pedal karts, and kids club running year-round, boredom simply isn't an option.

What makes BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday special is how it caters to everyone. Budget campers love the tropical sites with top-notch amenities. Families appreciate the range of cabin options from simple studios to luxury 3-bedroom condos with designer furnishings. The resort even has a special sensory room for children on the autism spectrum - the first of its kind in Australian holiday parks. Add in the incredibly helpful staff, spotless facilities, and convenient location as the gateway to the Whitsundays, and you understand why families return year after year.

What Guests Are Saying

What's Included

The Location

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is located in Cannonvale, just 4km before Airlie Beach town center when coming from the Bruce Highway. While technically not in Airlie Beach itself, you're only a 5-minute drive from all the action. The Whitsunday Plaza Shopping Centre with Woolworths and other shops is practically next door, and there's a tavern just across the road.

Getting to the Whitsundays

The resort is perfectly positioned as your gateway to the Whitsundays. Port of Airlie is an 8-minute drive and Coral Sea Marina is 6 minutes away - these are where most tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands depart. Many tour operators offer courtesy pickup from the resort.

The famous Airlie Beach Lagoon is a 6-minute drive when you want a change from the resort pool. The restaurants and nightlife of Airlie Beach main street are also just 5 minutes away. The Bicentennial Walkway along the Airlie Beach foreshore and the Saturday markets are worth visiting too.

While there is a bus service (stop right out front), having a car makes it easier to explore. The resort offers a tour booking service to help arrange your Whitsundays adventures - they can book everything from sailing trips to scenic flights.

A Resort Within a Resort

Honestly, with so much to do onsite, many families find they barely leave the resort. The 26 acres of botanic-like gardens create different zones - from the action-packed waterslide area to quiet tropical retreats for the cabins. It's designed so kids can safely roam and play while parents relax. During school holidays, the resort buzzes with activities and the outdoor cinema runs nightly.

Check-in, Parking & Policies

Office Hours & Check-in

Reception is open 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. If arriving outside office hours, you must contact the resort in advance to arrange key collection. The friendly team at reception can help with tour bookings and local advice.

Parking Information

Free parking is available throughout the resort. Powered sites have parking at your site. Cabin guests have designated parking areas. There's even RV/bus/truck parking available. The resort is well-designed for vehicle access with named streets throughout.

Important to Know

Minimum night stays apply depending on the season and accommodation type. During peak periods like school holidays, bookings fill quickly. The resort charges a 1% surcharge for credit card payments. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. WiFi is available but limited and may incur charges. The resort caters specifically to families - bachelor/bachelorette parties are not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it suitable for young children?

Absolutely! This resort is heaven on earth for kids. The waterslide park has slides for different ages, the pool has shallow areas, there's a kids club running year-round, an animal park, and countless activities. The resort is safely contained within 26 acres so kids can explore freely. They even have a special sensory room for children on the autism spectrum.

How far is it from Airlie Beach?

The resort is in Cannonvale, about 4km (5 minutes drive) from Airlie Beach town center. While not walking distance to town, this location offers more space, better value, and a quieter setting. There's a bus service with a stop right out front, or it's a quick drive/taxi to all the restaurants and marina.

Are the waterslides included in the stay?

Yes! The 13 waterslides are free for all resort guests. The pool is also free and is heated to 27 degrees in winter. Most activities are included - mini golf, tennis, outdoor cinema, jumping pillows, and playground. You might pay small fees for things like pedal kart hire or craft activities in kids club.

What's the best accommodation for families?

It depends on your budget and needs. The 2-bedroom spa cottages are most popular with families - spacious, close to the waterslides, and sleep up to 8. The 3-bedroom condos are perfect for two families traveling together. Budget-conscious families love the powered sites with the excellent camp kitchen and amenities. All options give you access to the same great facilities.

Can they help book Whitsundays tours?

Yes, the resort has a tour booking office that can arrange all your Whitsundays adventures - sailing trips, Great Barrier Reef tours, scenic flights, everything. Many tours offer courtesy pickup from the resort. The staff know the region inside out and can recommend the best options for your family.

Why Trust This Guide?

We're Airlie Beach locals since 2001, living and working in the Whitsundays every day. We've spent over two decades helping visitors discover the best of this region, from Whitehaven Beach to the hidden spots only locals know about.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is a Whitsundays institution - family-owned for nearly 40 years and winner of tourism awards for 24 consecutive years. It's where local families go for staycations and where visitors return year after year. With one of Australia's largest resort waterslide parks, over 15 activities, and accommodation from budget camping to luxury condos, it truly offers something for everyone. The location in Cannonvale provides space for all these facilities while still being just 5 minutes from Airlie Beach.

We've earned recognition as Whitsundays Tourism Heroes and have First Nations Cultural Protocol training through QTIC. More importantly, we've helped thousands of travelers plan unforgettable Whitsundays experiences. If you're planning a trip to Airlie Beach, we're here to help you make it amazing.

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