australia for families
It may seem like a long way away – technically, it’s about as far away from the UK as you can get! – but you might be surprised to learn that Australia is THE perfect family travel destination.
Despite the large distances and long plane journeys, travel to, from and around this impressive country is easy. Australia boasts a full airline network and excellent roads, so whatever your itinerary looks like, you won’t struggle to get from A to B.
If you choose to travel by car while exploring Australia with your family, there are a plethora of interesting stops that you can take in on the way, so you won’t have to sit in the car for too long in one stretch. Similarly, if you and your loved ones want to strap in and zoom off for a day at a time, you can take in exceptional views and year-round sunshine all the way from the bush to the coast.
From the world’s largest coral reef in Queensland to hidden gorges and waterfalls in Western Australia, fascinating and fun underground towns in South Australia to busy beaches in New South Wales, the list of excellent places to stay in Australia for families is endless.
Below are Destination Seekers’ top picks – but for more help planning the perfect family holiday in Australia, contact us directly!
SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AUSTRALIA: THE FAMILY EDITION
The Grampians: No two days in the Grampians are ever the same, making them one of the best destinations in Australia for families to explore. Located close to Melbourne, so within easy travelling distance, the sandstone ridges of the Grampians offer family-friendly, adrenaline-inducing adventures alongside a fabulous food and wine scene. If your family loves wildlife, you will see kangaroos, emus and deer roaming the charming historic towns in the area.
Sydney: By the end of their trip, families that are used to urban living will think of Sydney as their home from home! This sprawling metropolis is fantastic city for entertaining children and showing them what Australia is all about. The beautiful coastal walks, fantastic museums, Aboriginal tours, and wildlife experiences available right in the heart of the city only scratch the surface on the experiences your family can have here.
Cairns: There is plenty of action and adventure to be found in the north of Queensland in Cairns and its surrounding areas. Hire a car to take in the sights of the entire region, including the idyllic Daintree Rainforest (where you can often spot crocodiles), or the Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel your way through the spectacular underwater world together. Far North Queensland offers a magical experience for thrill-seekers big and small, and in my opinion, it’s one of the must-see places to stay in Australia for families.
Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast: This seaside region is a haven for families with children of all ages. There are countless attractions nearby, including Ripley’s interactive Believe It Or Not! Museum and, of course, the notorious Surfers Paradise Beach. You can also book into one of the many theme parks and water parks for the day to make the most of the glorious weather and test your mettle on some of Australia’s scariest rides!
Tasmania: Given its compact size, Tasmania is an excellent option for a more chilled out family holiday. Head off in a campervan to hike the stunning terrain here and spot some of the unique wildlife Australia is famed for.
Rottnest Island: Love cycling? Pick up bicycles on this secluded island and set off on your search to find the cute (but sometimes elusive) quokka. Rottnest Island is just 25 minutes away from Perth, so if you’ve chosen WA as your base, it really should be on your list of places to see.
Kangaroo Island: Stroll the beaches where sea lions snooze or join a tour to swim with wild dolphins. Scramble over unique rock formations, glide down the sand dunes on a toboggan or sandboard or visit a lavender or honey farm. Like Rottnest Island, Kangaroo Island is a short hop from a major city; it’s a 45-minute ferry ride from the port of Adelaide in South Australia.
Australia Zoo: Made famous by Steve Irwin, you and your family will have fun discovering native animals and learning all about them. From koalas to wombats, kangaroos to crocodiles, you will have a fabulous time visiting this famous Australian landmark – but make sure you set aside a whole day for the experience, as there’s so much to take in! Australia Zoo is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, up the Sunshine Coast.
Kakadu National Park: Vast, spectacular, and easily accessible, Kakadu National Park is a gem for families who like the great outdoors. Admire rock art galleries up to 20,000 years old or take a Yellow Water sunset cruise to spot birds, buffalo and crocodiles in the wild. The park itself is a few hours’ trek from Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory – but it’s well worth the journey, as its scenery is unique, and you’ll truly feel like you’ve entered another dimension when you head this far into the outback!
Have we whetted your appetite for a family holiday to Australia? We hope so!
Get in touch with Destination Seekers for more information on any of the travel destinations mentioned here or to ask for more guidance on exploring Australia as a family.
Contact our specialists at Destination Seekers for more information and guidance on exploring Australia as a family.
