Travelling with your kids and exploring different destinations can be a great way to strengthen family bonds, have lots of fun and get away from the daily grind. From adventure trips to family cruises, we outline 6 fun holidays down under that are easy to organise – and perfect for the whole brood!

 1. Easy Adventure Trips

Adventure can mean fun for the whole family whether it be a zoo safari, a treetop trek or a bit of hang gliding fun.

• Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW – Situated in Dubbo, this zoo is just a 6-hour drive from Sydney (or a 1-hour flight) and offers safari tours for the whole family, as well as zoo sleepovers.
• Valley of the Giants, WA – The whole family will love this adventurous treetop trek through the forest canopies of the Walpole Wilderness. Fishing, swimming and canoeing are popular here too.

2. Snow Holidays

If you love the idea of introducing your kids to the fun that can be had in the snow, consider planning a winter holiday at a family friendly snow resort.

• Mount Hotham, VIC – Skiing lessons for both adults and kids make this a great place to be, and kids will love tobogganing, dog sledding, and catching the entertainment shows.
• Perisher, NSW – The snowsports school makes Perisher a great family winter destination, with lessons for adults, teens and kids. Childminding is available as well.

3. Theme Park Vacations

A vacation at a theme park is a brilliant way to get your family adrenaline pumping! This type of holiday can easily be combined with other types of getaways too, such as resort stays, camping or beach holidays.

• The Gold Coast Theme Parks, QLD – There are plenty of rides, slides and entertainment for all ages at the many theme parks on the Gold Coast, which include Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World.

• Adventure Park, VIC – You’ll find this one in Geelong, about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. Waterslide rides predominate here, but you’ll also find things like go-karting, archery, a wave swinger and rides for younger tots.
• Jamberoo Recreation Park, NSW – Get your family thrills on the water with a range of waterslides to while away your day, not to mention bobsledding, diving and mini golf.

4. Beachside Getaways

When the Aussie summer hits, heading to the beach is a must. Holidaying at the beach is a wonderful experience for kids that allows them to explore at their own pace, and can give them opportunities to swim, snorkel, boogie-board, kayak and more.

• Noosa RACV Resort, QLD – You’ll be just a short jump from the beach at this family friendly resort, which includes kiddie pools, a playground and school holiday activities. There are also spas and tennis courts for parents.
• Cable Beach Club, WA – Family activities here are endless, and include exploring the beach and town, visiting the markets, trekking the mudflats, kayaking and whale watching. Don’t forget about Staircase to the Moon, too!
• Limestone Coast, SA – Gorgeous beaches characterise the limestone coast and the area is known as being very family friendly. Swimming, town touring, wine tasting and cave exploring can all be experienced here, and you can tailor your trip to suit your kids’ ages and interests.

5. Camping trips

Camping is a fantastic family experience, and best of all it can be inexpensive. While it can be easy to find a camping spot in most parks, we recommend the below to make your family camping trip a little more unique.

• Rottnest Island, WA – A beautiful place to pitch your tent and camp by the beach, with kitchens and BBQs included.
• Blue Mountains, NSW – There are lots of campsites to choose from in the Blue Mountains, including Euroka and Ingar as well as a variety of other tourist parks. It gets busy so be sure to book in advance.
• Kangaroo Island, SA – Gorgeous beaches, great dining options and the chance to see iconic wildlife make this place a great family spot. If you don’t have a tent, consider sprucing up your stay at a caravan park.
• Kakadu National Park, NT – Stay in the heart of one of Australia’s most dazzling top end parks in either a designated camping area or at a commercial campground.

6. Family Cruises

Family cruises are perfect holiday options for both adults and kids and they often mean you can relax and leave the organising to someone else! Cruises range from around 2-10 nights so you can customise your trip length to suit your time and budget.

• Royal Caribbean Cruise, NSW & QLD – Royal Caribbean offers activities and excitement for kids of all ages, while Mum and Dad will love things like spas, casinos, entertainment shows and fine dining. Destinations vary, but you’ll find most cruises depart from Sydney and Brisbane.
• PS Murray Princess Cruise, VIC – A beautiful cruise option if your kids are a little older and can enjoy the flora, fauna, wildlife and food the Murray has to offer.
• Adelaide River Cruise, NT – You’ll get to gawk at huge crocodiles jumping out of the water on this cruise in Litchfield National Park! This cruise only lasts for a day, but you can combine it with a range of other activities in the park and even a spot of camping.

 

Top Family Holiday Tips

 

• Play it safe and protect your trip with family travel insurance, even when holidaying domestically.
• When out in the wilderness, prioritise safety. Tell someone where you’re going, keep an eye on your kids at all times and carry a first aid kit.
• If you’re travelling with young kids for the first time, expect a slower pace. Aiming for just one destination is a good idea too.
• Have fun! And emphasise the joy of family time. If you’re stressed out on your trip, your kids probably won’t enjoy themselves either.