Australia is a family-friendly destination that appeals to visitors of all ages, from bustling metropolises to quiet beach resorts. It’s also a country of unique experiences that will help shape your child’s appreciation of history, culture, nature and adventure. With so many must-see attractions and activities, it can be overwhelming to create an itinerary that works for the whole family, but rest assured, whatever you choose, you’ll be rewarded. Here are some planning tips and details to help you get started.
Planning a family trip to Australia
What is Australia’s top family holiday destination?
While there’s something for kids of all ages in almost every corner of Australia, a little research beforehand can help you find places with attractions and experiences that match your child’s age and interests. Whether you want to explore Australia’s cities, learn to surf on an iconic beach, or explore the outback, you’ll find a family-friendly destination that’ll fulfill any (or all) of your dreams. Once you’ve found your must-see attractions, you can start planning your itinerary to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
How long do you need to spend on holiday in Australia?
Australia is a huge country, so the ideal number of days to spend here depends on how much you want to see. A good idea is to spend three to four nights in each destination. Be sure to factor in travel time between destinations (especially if you plan to drive rather than fly), as well as any regional excursions you might want to add to your itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
When planning a family holiday to Australia, it may be easier to plan and book your trip during off-peak periods. Prices tend to be slightly cheaper during shoulder seasons such as spring and autumn. Australians travel a lot during school holidays , which means more tourists and more expensive prices in popular family destinations. If you decide to travel during this period, make sure you book well in advance to avoid regrets.
Seasonal weather may also influence your choice. Visit in the winter to explore the ski slopes or the outback, in the summer to laze on the beach, or in the spring and fall to witness exciting natural wonders like turtle hatchings, whale shark migrations and colorful wildflowers.
What are the best activities and attractions for families?
Whether you’re raising your child to be a wildlife warrior, citizen scientist, culture lover or adventure junkie, Australia has unparalleled experiences for young people. Start in our cities and introduce your children to Australian history and culture through museums, galleries and historical landmarks. Animal lovers can encounter native animals at wildlife sanctuaries, snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef or feed wild dolphins from shore. If your child loves adventure, there are surfing lessons, kayaking and even rock climbing. Finally, in every place you visit, consider booking an Aboriginal experience tour to introduce your family to the world’s oldest living culture. Children will love hearing Dreamtime stories, tasting bush tucker and learning how to throw spears and boomerangs. Learn more about unforgettable experiences for families .
What are the best hotels and resorts for families?
Australia offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options to suit all types of travellers.
There are hotels and resorts at all price points that offer great locations, facilities and concierge services for families. Some hotels offer special rooms designed with children in mind (such as Canberra’s East Hotel), kids’ clubs and babysitting services. Many hotels also offer free accommodation or free meals for children. Australia has many well-known international hotel brands, such as Hilton and Marriott, but there are also many Australian hotel brands worth experiencing. The design-focused Art Series hotels are great for families (most offer bicycle and Bugaboo stroller rentals), while QT Hotels combines five-star service with quirky décor that children of all ages will love.
For families planning to stay longer or with a large group, serviced apartment brands such as Quest and Adina may be a good choice. There are also thousands of holiday homes and apartments to choose from in Australia, many of which can be booked through reputable third-party providers such as Airbnb or Stayz.
Finally, there are fantastic camping sites, caravan parks and even farm stays in many beautiful locations for nature-loving families, although you may need a car and some equipment.
What do I need to bring?
Most hotels and resorts can provide cots and sheets (sometimes for a small fee), and all car rental companies rent infant and child seats that will fit your rental vehicle. You may find it easier to bring your own stroller, as it will be available for use at the airport and once you arrive. Folding strollers can be taken directly on board in the overhead bin, while larger strollers can be gate-checked (used in the airport before reaching the gate) and then carried on board with your checked luggage. Most airlines offer this service free of charge, in addition to your checked baggage allowance, but be sure to check with your airline for specific guidelines.