Family holidays to Australia
Australia has a wealth of holiday destinations, attractions and activities for families that will keep your youngsters enthralled and entertained. Whatever your family is in to; be it animals, scenery, arts, history, nature, beaches or action theme parks; whatever suits your style and budget, Australia is an exciting family playground that awaits your discovery! One thing is for certain; Australia is so big with so much to see and do that you will want to come back again and again because you didn’t experience all that this amazingly child friendly country offers families!
Places to go with kids in Australia
Here is a very brief rundown on some of the major sights and attractions that Australia has to offer your family from the tropics of Northern Queensland to the rugged wilderness of Tasmania and the desert outback of the Northern Territory.
Australian Capital Territory - Take time out together in family-friendly Canberra; Australia’s capital city, museums, galleries, memorials, government buildings
New South Wales - is absolutely bursting at the seams with family fun. Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Olympic Stadium, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley Wine Country, beaches, museums, parks, adventures, wildlife and culture - you'll find it all here
Northern Territory - is Australia’s largest natural theme park, from the tropical coastal regions of the Top End to the ancient deserts of the Centre, Outback, Aboriginal culture, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Desert, Alice Spings, Darwin, Kakadau National Park, crocodile farms
Queensland - You know what they say..."beautiful one day, perfect the next" that’s definitely Queensland! For families, Queensland is ideal with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Tropical rainforests, Beaches, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Whale Watching, Sea World, Wildlife, Warner Brothers Movie World, Outback Spectacular
Tasmania - is an island apart from mainland Australia filled with wild landscapes, friendly people, a relaxed island lifestyle, wonderful wine and food and adventure. Discover Hobart, Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur, World Heritage Area, National Parks, Gordon River, Wildlife Parks, Cradle Mountain
South Australia - More than just a playground for adults with its wonderful wineries and great foods; discover Adelaide, Outback, Kangaroo Island, Murray River, National Parks
Victoria - is quaint and old-fashioned yet very cosmopolitan and alive; discover Melbourne, Museums, Parks, Gardens, Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley Wine Country, Historical Towns, Mountains
Western Australia - with its vast expanses, remoteness and isolation is truly a diverse state with Outback, Aboriginal culture, Perth, Monkey Mia, Margaret River Wine Country, Fremantle, Desert, Broome, Coral Bay, National Parks
It’s often best to book tours yourself via phone or online and remember to involve children in decision-making. They have their own opinions and preferences; so why not let them choose by looking at the tourist brochures together. They will love it!
Child friendly accommodation in Australia
There are so many options for family accommodation in Australia, and depending on the climate you may like to try some of the fantastic caravan parks which offer either fully self-contained cabins or empty van sites for those people wishing to explore Australia via a campervan, caravan or tent. This is one of the best ways to see this vast country as you can literally stop where ever you feel like. Do establish a base though as young children need the security of a home away from home. Choose accommodations that are centrally located for your chosen activities, and stay there for at least three days before moving on.
If you choose to stay in a resort or hotel, do find one that caters for kids, not simply those that provide a roll out bed as an after thought! There are plenty of places that make kids feel really welcome by providing kids clubs, kid’s meals, baby sitting, kids activities and most importantly enough space for a family to relax, have fun and play together!
Family restaurants and local cuisine
Australian cuisine has come along way from the bush days of “kangaroo tail soup” and “damper”; and although renowned for meat pies, boiled beef, Vegemite sandwiches and sausage rolls- Australia has some of the best restaurants in the world!
Australia is extremely kid-friendly, and there are usually heavy discounts for children and at some restaurants they even eat free if you're seated early (before 5:30 p.m.). Do look for clubs and pubs, as well as all of the fast-food restaurants as these usually have indoor play-grounds or kid’s clubs that are fully supervised allowing you to enjoy a meal in peace!
Do try these Aussie favorites:
- anzac biscuits
- australian cheesecake
- bananas on the barbie
- BBQ meat patties
- damper
- lamingtons
- pavlova
- potato salad
- shrimp on the barbie
= vegemite
Australia - useful tips
There is so much for families traveling to Australia to suit all tastes, ages and budgets that will keep everyone happy for the entire trip. The climate in Australia can literally be extreme depending upon where you are and the season. For example you could be skiing on the slopes of the Snowy Mountains in NSW and then soaking up the rays in Northern Queensland during the same week! Do pack according to your holiday plans!