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The Best Family Holiday Destinations in Australia
These are the best family holiday destinations in Australia for guaranteed fun.
Striking the right balance when it comes to family holidays can be tricky – you need somewhere easy to get to, with something for everyone, whether it’s your pool-loving toddler or adventurer-seeker primary schooler. Plus, don’t forget about some downtime for the parents, too.
Luckily for us, Australia is brimming with outstanding options for the whole family, from the beach to the bush and everything in between, keep reading as we round up the best family holiday destinations in Australia to bookmark for your next escape.
For the Beach Adventure: Byron Bay
There’s no doubt that Byron Bay is one of the most iconic beach towns in Australia. The coastal gem is a destination for surfers, backpackers, creatives, yogis, and, of course, the annual schoolies crowd, too.
his enclave more than provides with its chic beach bungalows, foodie hangouts and buzzing bar scene. However, existing alongside these, are a slew of family-friendly activities that make it an ideal spot to bring the kids come summer.
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Byron Main Beach and Wategos offer surfing lessons, kayaking tours alongside dolphins and turtles and endless sandcastle-making potential. Coastal walks are also a great way to use up that school-holiday energy the little ones have, even if it means you need to bribe them with ice cream at the end (pro tip: In The Pink Gelato, do decadent and delicious scoops).
The Farm is an 80-acre working farm located in Ewingsdale and houses a collection of micro-businesses, all operating with the same motto — to grow, feed, and educate its guests. Here, you’ll find the celebrated Three Blue Ducks, a much-loved restaurant and produce store, and The Bread Social, an artisan bakehouse baking everything from bio-dynamic sourdoughs to light buttery pastries. As well as food, there’s so much your kids can enjoy here, from farm tours, sunflower fields, and picnic areas where you can BYO.
A 50-minute drive from Byron is the Currumbin Wildlife Park. where you’ll see native Australian wildlife, enjoy interactive animal encounters, and experience fun-filled activities for the whole family in a lush, natural setting.
11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale
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Crystalbrook Byron is an ideal base for families thanks to its beautiful rainforest surroundings, large pool and close proximity to the centre of Byron Bay. It’s nestled in 45 acres of stunning subtropical rainforest and perfectly blends the magic of nature with responsible luxury accommodation and the local environment.
77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay
For a Road Trip for the Ages: Great Ocean Road
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This stretch of coastline is built for curious minds and restless feet. Start with a stop at Kennett River, where sleepy koalas perch high in eucalyptus trees and vivid parrots aren’t shy about making new friends. If waterfalls spark their imagination, take a gentle stroll to Sheoak Falls near Lorne or lose yourself in the enchanted rainforest of Maits Rest, where towering ferns and moss-covered logs feel straight out of a fairytale.
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, visit Wildlife Wonders near Apollo Bay, where guided walks offer a chance to see native animals in their natural habitat, from kangaroos and bandicoots to echidnas and colourful birdlife—all without fences or enclosures.
For something extra special, Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground in Warrnambool is a wonderland of flying foxes, giant slides, and winding waterways. And of course, no trip is complete without marvelling at the 12 Apostles—where the drama of the Southern Ocean meets the kind of landscapes that demand a family photo stop.
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Road trips are made for indulgence, and The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is an essential detour—think handcrafted truffles, house-made gelato, and unlimited chocolate tastings. Need something savoury? Pull up a riverside seat at Swing Bridge Cafe in Lorne for golden toasties and frothy milkshakes with a view.
For a relaxed, family-friendly meal, Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay ticks all the boxes with its spacious, laid-back atmosphere, a cracking kids’ menu, and a stellar selection of local craft beers for the grown-ups.
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Coastal adventures call for a home base that caters to both the wild at heart and those in need of a soft landing. The BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park ticks every box, with a playground, games room, and heated pool just metres from the sand.
For a boutique retreat, Sunnymead in Aireys Inlet delivers coastal charm with a splash of indulgence. Think bright, modern rooms, an on-site day spa, a solar-heated pool, and a stylish in-house restaurant, Santara, serving up bold flavours and refreshing cocktails—perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
For a resort-style escape, Great Ocean Road Resort in Anglesea blends family-friendly comforts with coastal charm. With a heated indoor pool, tennis court, day spa, and on-site restaurant, it’s the perfect base for exploring the region’s beaches, bushwalks, and wildlife encounters. Mum might even have a chance to slip away for a massage at the attached wellness centre, right, Dad?
For a Dose of Culture: Canberra
The nation’s capital has been the go-to place for school excursions for decades, and for good reason. This political playground has the perfect mix of educational activities, culture and fun.
And since it’s so small, you can cover a lot of ground in just a couple of days. Part scholastic, part leisure – Canberra is the kind of trip that will foster adventurous little minds and spark curiosity wherever you choose to go.
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Incredible galleries, museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of open-air activities promise to entertain everyone in the group. One place that’s sure to bring back your own nostalgia is Questacon. Tucked inside the National Science and Technology Centre, this interactive museum is an absolute must. It’s made up of seven science-filled rooms, each of which has hands-on experiences, experiments, and quirky displays.
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
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Fox and Bow is a cosy cafe with healthy options, and something to please even the fussiest kids. While they’re waiting for their order, the kids can amuse themselves in the outdoor play area.
Little Oink in Cook is another kid-friendly café that ticks all the boxes for little ones. These guys have thought of everything, complete with a comprehensive kid’s menu, a kiddy corner full of toys, a blackboard, and even a change table with spare nappies.
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East Hotel has a bunch of cool, contemporary rooms and suites, including the Kids Cubby. Connected to the East Apartment, it’s decked out with bunk beds, kids’ play and dining table, Lego, bean bags, and an Xbox.
69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston
For the Perfect Blend of Adventure & Culture: Hobart & Bruny Island
Here’s a family-friendly itinerary for Hobart & Bruny Island, packed with adventure, great eats, and cosy stays.
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Tasmania’s capital and its nearby island escape are perfect for curious minds. In Hobart, start at Salamanca Market (Saturdays only) for handmade crafts, local honey, and street performances. Nearby, Princes Park Playground is a fun pit stop before meeting Tasmanian devils and hand-feeding kangaroos at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. For breathtaking views, drive up Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, or dive into the bold and bizarre at MONA, where art meets adventure.
On Bruny Island, take in the 360-degree views at The Neck Lookout and spot penguins at dusk. A Bruny Island Cruise offers close encounters with seals and dolphins, while Inala Nature Reserve is home to rare white wallabies. For a relaxed beach day, Adventure Bay is perfect for paddling and sandcastle building.
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Hobart’s food scene is both delicious and family-friendly. Urban Greek serves generous Greek feasts perfect for sharing, while the Drunken Admiral offers fresh seafood in a fun, nautical setting. For something refined yet welcoming, Landscape Restaurant & Grill showcases premium Tasmanian produce.
On Bruny Island, food is part of the adventure. Get Shucked offers fresh oysters (including a drive-through), while Bruny Island Honey serves honey ice cream alongside interactive displays. Bruny Island Cheese Co. is a must for artisan cheeses, best enjoyed picnic-style. Finish with a scoop of seasonal berry ice cream from Sun Berry Ice Cream.
Stay
For a family-friendly stay in Hobart, MACq 01 Hotel blends history with modern comfort, offering spacious rooms and stunning waterfront views. For a charming self-contained option, Cottage on Quayle provides a cosy home away from home, with stylish interiors and a fully equipped kitchen in a quiet, convenient location.
On Bruny Island, the Bruny Island Lodge offers a rustic, secluded escape with plenty of space for kids to roam, while Free Spirit Pods delivers an eco-friendly waterfront stay where nature and comfort go hand in hand.
For the Water-Loving Family: Cairns
Heading to Cairns with kids means an adventure-packed escape that’s all about enjoying one of our country’s most incredible natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. The perfect trip for kids four and over; there is so much to see and do here.
From swimming in the vibrant coral reefs, splashing in the Cairns Lagoon, and taking a thrilling trip to the Daintree Rainforest to spot crocodiles, a holiday here will inspire a lifelong love of nature in your kids.
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One of the most iconic attractions in Cairns is the Kuranda Scenic Railway, an incredible feat of construction and engineering that stands the test of time. Constructed over several years in the late 1800s, the railway now operates as a tourist attraction that winds around the craggy mountains and through the lush rainforest, stopping off at viewing platforms so that you can ogle at the Barron Falls lookout and snap some photos to remember your trip.
One of Cairns’ more adventurous experiences is the Wildlife Dome, perched above the Casino of all places. Scale a treetop challenge with a Zoom entry, or keep your feet planted firmly on the ground as you explore the Wildlife Dome, coming face to face with rainbow lorikeets, black cockatoos, galahs and an enormous estuarine crocodile.
Finally, no trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to The Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Port Douglas, Quicksilver Cruises has several tours that cater to young families with toddlers through to older kids. The Agincourt Reef pontoon (on the outer skirts of the Great Barrier Reef) has plenty of family-friendly activities, like an underwater observatory, semi-submersibles, snorkelling platforms, and specially designed introductory dive areas for kids.
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Within the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, you’ll find a kid-friendly poolside bar and restaurant. While the parents sip cocktails and dine on fish and chips, the kids can run around in the playground strategically placed next to the bar! There’s also a toddler play area for the younger bubs.
Muddy’s Cafe is another family fave. Situated within Cairns’ largest playground and waterpark, little ones can cool down in the water and fuel up with a tasty meal or fresh juice.
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Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort has mastered family-friendly accommodation. This 4.5-star resort features a sandy lagoon-style pool with Cairns’ only swim-up bar. Spacious Family Suites offer comfort and luxury, while fun-filled kids’ programs mean the kiddos will be engaged and entertained.
122 Lake Street, Cairns
For Kid-Friendly Wineries: The Hunter Valley
You’re not wrong in thinking that one of Australia’s most established wine regions is an interesting choice for a family holiday. But we promise there’s more to the Hunter Valley than meets the eye (and the palette!).
There is definitely a family-friendly side to the area, with outdoor activities in abundance, nature to explore and it’s all within an easy drive from Sydney. Some cellar doors around the Hunter Valley even cater to the entire family, namely Scarborough Wine Co with activity packs and giant Jenga, while Misty Glen Wines has a dedicated kid zone so you can try and sample a few local drops in peace.
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The Hunter Valley Gardens are a beautiful backdrop to a family day out. Take the Gardens to train around the site to soak up the perfectly manicured gardens. The Shopping Village has general stores and wine cellars for a picnic among the sprawling grounds. Take a trip on the super slide or go around the ferris wheel. Come Christmas time, the Gardens are lit up in a festive spectacular.
For one of the best family holiday memories that will last a lifetime, head to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. There, you can get up close and personal in their feeding enclosures with kangaroos and all kinds of creatures.
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Teeming with sweet treats, ice cream and drool-worthy fudge, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a welcome break from the vineyards. Plus, the open grassy area is perfect for running off the sugar high.
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The Rydges Resort Hunter Valley has made it easy for families with their kids’ clubs. Featuring a games room, carousel, and train, there are fully supervised sessions available on weekends. With recreation and dining facilities on-site, you’ll be hard-pressed to get the kids to leave the resort.
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale
Rottnest Island: A Family Escape with Sun, Sand & Quokkas
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a slice of paradise where car-free roads, turquoise bays, and adorable quokkas set the scene for an unforgettable family adventure. Whether cycling between beaches, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or indulging in local seafood, “Rotto” is all about laid-back, sun-drenched fun.
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Rottnest is made for exploration. Rent bikes and ride between secluded coves like The Basin and Little Salmon Bay, where kids can snorkel alongside colourful fish. Take a quokka selfie (a must!), then hop on a scenic boat cruise to spot dolphins and sea lions. The Wadjemup Museum offers a fascinating dive into the island’s history, perfect for curious little minds.
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After a morning of adventure, grab incredible fish and chips from Frankie’s on Rotto or enjoy a relaxed meal at Pinky’s Beach Club with stunning ocean views. Isola Bar e Cibo brings a Mediterranean flair to the island, perfect for sharing fresh seafood and antipasti, while Hotel Rottnest serves up family-friendly pub classics with a prime waterfront setting.
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For a touch of luxe, Discovery – Rottnest Island blends glamping with beachside charm, just steps from Pinky Beach. Families will love the self-contained units at Stay Rottnest, offering space and comfort with prime access to the island’s best beaches. Wake up to ocean views, salty air, and a day of island adventure ahead.
For a Taste of Farm Life: Southern Highlands
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Southern Highlands is the perfect weekend getaway for families looking to escape the city, if only for a short while. With bushland and wilderness to roam, museums to explore, and villages dripping in history and charm, it’s an easy getaway with little munchkins of all ages.
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Visit the Southern Highlands’ gorgeous parks and playgrounds. So many slides, so little time! Make your way to Berrima Park, Bradman Park, or Lake Alexandra Reserve – just be sure to bring some bread to feed the ducks. Go chase waterfalls and splash around at Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park. Belmore Falls and Nepean Dam are stunning, too.
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Treat the kids to a pastry at Gumnut Patisserie in Bowral, a quintessentially Southern Highlands haunt. Boasting a wide range of traditional French pastries, be sure to get in early, as lots of the delicious treats are sold out by the afternoon. From morning to afternoon, there is a constant stream of people selecting from the brimming display cases.
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For a boutique hotel experience that welcomes little ones with open arms, look no further than Berida Hotel. The historic and breathtaking estate, just a five-minute walk from the centre of Bowal, has large family rooms, an indoor heated pool, a spa and sauna, a gym, a tennis court, and a day spa for the parents.
6 David Street, Bowral
For Outdoor Fun: The Blue Mountains
With the bush as a scenic backdrop and all that fresh, mountainous air, The Blue Mountains offer a charming escape from the bustle of Sydney and the opportunity to wind down amongst nature. With enough activities to keep the kids well entertained and enough adult-geared fun for the ‘rents, this holiday is sure to please all parties.
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Spend the day around Echo Point – the lookout for views of the Three Sisters and the dramatic Jamison Valley below is mandatory. Jazz up the experience for the kids by stopping by Scenic World and trying out the Cableway, Walkway, Railway or Skyway (if you dare) for a different perspective on the landscape.
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In the 20s and 30s, the Megalong Valley was home to nine tearooms. Today, there’s just a handful left, and a cuppa at The Megalong Valley Tearooms is well worth a visit. As you look over the rugged mountains, you’ll be served Devonshire tea and scones with clotted cream. The best part? There’s a huge garden space for kids to run around in.
824 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley
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The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is known as being the pinnacle of upscale accommodation, so rest assured you’ll be lapping up luxury when staying here, but the kids will be more than entertained, too. The resort’s dedicated KidsZone is next level.
From ten-pin bowling, a merry-go-round and a jungle gym to electric car rides, pony rides and the famous Fairmont Express Train. Just in case that wasn’t enough, they also have a brand-new ice skating rink.
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura
For Coastal Charm and Family Adventures: Phillip Island
Just two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a dream for families seeking a mix of wildlife encounters, outdoor fun, and seaside relaxation. From waddling penguins to windswept beaches and interactive attractions, this island is a playground for curious little explorers and adventure-loving parents alike.
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Kick off your island escape with the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of tiny penguins emerge from the sea at sunset—an unmissable spectacle. Get lost in the whimsical world of A Maze’N Things, where optical illusions, mazes, and interactive puzzles keep kids entertained for hours. Stroll the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve for up-close encounters with these sleepy, tree-dwelling icons. For breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse of fur seals basking on the rocks, head to The Nobbies and follow the coastal boardwalk.
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A relaxed island getaway calls for easy, delicious eats. Pino’s Trattoria in Cowes serves up classic Italian fare, from golden, crispy pizzas to house-made pasta, in a lively setting perfect for families. Mon Dieu offers a charming French-inspired menu, with flaky croissants, buttery pastries, and rich, velvety hot chocolate that’s a treat for kids and adults alike. And for a sweet fix, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a must—think handcrafted chocolates, interactive exhibits, and indulgent hot cocoa.
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For a nature-filled retreat, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island offers spacious, self-contained cottages nestled among native bushland, with walking trails and outdoor pools. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park is the go-to for a relaxed seaside stay, with cabins and campsites just steps from the sand. If a little indulgence is on the cards, Silverwater Resort delivers with contemporary apartments, sweeping bay views, and family-friendly amenities.
For the Snow Bunnies: Mount Buller
Pack your thermals and goggles for ski season in Mount Buller. Being only three hours from Melbourne, it’s a popular destination for snow-loving families keen to share their passion for skinning, snowboarding and tobogganing with the next generation.
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You can have a ball at Mount Buller regardless of your skill level. They have various ski classes for kids, including the Bunyips Ski Program for ages three to six, where they teach them all the basics of learning to ski.
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After a long day on the slopes, you’ll have a ravenous appetite, so what better place to eat than a family-friendly pizza joint? The General at Hotham is well-known for its amazing pub grub, especially its pizzas and buzzing après-ski vibe.
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Amber Lodge in Mount Buller is a cosy sanctuary for the family to call home. Surrounded by trees, these gorgeous alpine lodges have enough space for the whole family and are just a nine-minute walk from the National Alpine Museum of Australia and 10 minutes by foot from the nearest bus stop. It also comes with complimentary toboggans!
8 Goal Post Road, Mount Buller
Finished brushing up on the best family holiday destinations in Australia and after more inspo? Take a look at our family-friendly guide to the Hunter Valley. Then, check out our family-friendly guide to Canberra.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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