(yeppoon is a sh!thole...)

Keppel certainly has great beaches and beautiful clear water, but as mentioned, teh resort is closed for a major redevelopment.

I've allways liked Daydream Island.

if its over the australia day weekend then there is no better than stradbroke island, the amount of patriotic auzzies that head over on the barge is crazy, good beaches, plenty of hot clicks wearing next to nothing and very relaxing, its great fun

Go the Whitsundays.

Keppel is overrated...worked there for a while about 12 years ago and my liver is still recovering. Heard a whisper about it going broke and sitting dormant mid-way through redevelopment in any case.

From the website

Great Keppel Island Resort is closed for extensive rebuilding and refurbishment. The Resort's reopening date will be advised closer to the conclusion of the renovation.

but Great Keppel Island - Holiday Village is still open. Was possible looking at getting the Dolphin cabin....but there seems to be alot of different islands I have never heard of so might have to do more research..

Been to a few but can say I had a good time on both South Molle and Daydream

after the storms hit bris there have been suggestions that SE Qld coast is "overdue" a cyclone

QLD holidays

keep an eye on Flight Centre Deals

they have package for a family $989

daydream

I also saw a deal for Vanuatu for a week for $699 a few weeks back.

My pick is Lizard is, absolutely beautiful, the only downside is the price. Need to be a movie star to afford to stay there.

It is a national park so you can camp on the island

Yeah Jet, Lizard is a top spot and like you said $$$$$$ trouble is younger kids are discouraged and definitely dont cater for them. Good place for a honeymoon I reckon as it has a lot less people able to stay their as I think there is about 30 or so bungalows there. Islands have changed a lot since my honeymoon 27 years ago and a lot that used to be affordable have gone upmarket as Hayman has and out of reach for a lot of people.

Whitsundays ftw. Hamilton, lindeman and south molle are all kick ass. Even just stayin in airlie beach is the goods. Quality perving at the lagoon