Go to QLD, P. Close enough that the flight won't stuff J up too much, far enough to feel like a real holiday.

We just came back from Qld - we were fortunate to stay with DH's cousin and her hubby, they had tonnes of room, but we did notice that there is a STACK of accommodation up there at the moment going really cheap. Keep an eye out for cheap flights (or do Frequent Flyer like me and FabFi have both done!) and then start trawling the net for cheap accomm.

They are hurting up there - they are doing pretty much whatever they can to get tourists back.

We were up there for 5 days, we did not a great deal apart from Sea World (FANTASTIC, loved it) and Australia Zoo (TBH, pass - kids didn't really get as much out of it as Sea World) but if you stayed on the Gold Coast there are lovely places like Labrador that are beachy and not in the madness of Surfers. Though Surfers wasn't too mad when we were there, like I said, hurting.

For the ultimate in beachy relaxation - Cairns Northern Beaches. Not as far north as Port Douglas, a bit cheaper and a bit more family friendly. I can hunt down a (gorgeous) house I stayed at last time I went to the Northern Beaches if you like?

Otherwise if you're up for a drive - Merimbula. Likewise, I stayed at another lovely house there recently.

We love our mini-breaks. Can ya tell???