Our guide to unforgettable family holidays, right here at home
Overseas holidays will always have a special kind of magic. New cultures, different food, long flights that somehow feel exciting and exhausting all at once. But when you’re travelling with kids, there’s also something incredibly special about exploring what’s right here in our own backyard.
Australia is packed with family-friendly destinations. From calm beaches and wildlife encounters to reef adventures, rainforest escapes and city breaks built for little legs and big curiosity. Whether you’re planning your first trip away with a baby, travelling with toddlers, or juggling school holiday adventures, there are so many places across Australia that make family travel genuinely enjoyable.
Here are some of our favourite family holiday destinations in Australia, plus a few practical tips to make your trip smoother.
🌊 Beach vibes & theme park fun
Gold Coast, QLD
The Gold Coast is a classic for a reason. Theme parks like Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld make it a dream destination for active families, while the long stretch of beaches means there’s always space to swim, build sandcastles or book the kids into surf lessons.
From beachfront walks to family friendly cafes and endless accommodation options, it’s one of the easiest destinations in Australia to travel with kids.
Sunshine Coast, QLD
A little slower paced than the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is perfect if you’re chasing relaxed beach days with plenty of kid-friendly activities mixed in. Think calm swimming spots around Noosa, trips to Australia Zoo, wandering the Eumundi Markets and coastal paths ideal for prams.
Travel tip: Look for resorts or holiday parks with kids’ clubs, shallow pools and water slides. Having built-in entertainment makes a huge difference when travelling with little ones.
🐠 Far North Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns & Port Douglas, QLD
If your family loves nature, animals and being in the water, Far North Queensland is hard to beat. Cairns and Port Douglas are the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, offering everything from reef cruises and snorkelling to rainforest walks, crocodile spotting and wildlife parks.
It’s educational, adventurous and surprisingly family friendly, with many tours designed specifically for kids.
Best time to go: May to October, when the weather is cooler and drier.
Where to stay: Cairns and Port Douglas both have a wide range of family resorts, apartments and tour options, making them great bases for exploring.
🏝️ Island & coastal gems
Rottnest Island, WA
A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island feels like a world away. With no cars, safe bike paths, sheltered bays and the famous quokkas, it’s an easy win for families. Kids love riding bikes, snorkelling straight off the beach and exploring the island at their own pace.
The Whitsundays, QLD
Turquoise water, white sand and island adventures. The Whitsundays are perfect for families who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. Many resorts cater specifically to families, with kids’ clubs, calm swimming areas and reef experiences suited to all ages.
Kangaroo Island, SA
For wildlife loving families, Kangaroo Island is unforgettable. Seal colonies, koalas, kangaroos, rugged coastlines and incredible natural landscapes make it feel like an outdoor classroom for kids.
Ningaloo Reef, WA
One of Western Australia’s best kept family travel secrets. Ningaloo Reef offers world-class snorkelling straight from the beach, stunning coastline and the chance to see whale sharks from March to July.
Accommodation ranges from simple beachside cabins in Coral Bay to luxury glamping and eco-stays. Families can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, rock pools and exploring Cape Range National Park. It’s a truly special, nature-focused family escape.
🏙️ City breaks & culture
Sydney, NSW
Iconic sights meet kid-friendly experiences. From the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo, ferry rides, coastal walks and beaches like Bondi and Manly, Sydney is packed with things to do as a family.
Melbourne, VIC
Perfect for families who love sport, food and culture. Melbourne’s laneways, markets, museums and nearby day trips to places like the Great Ocean Road or the Grampians make it ideal for a flexible family getaway.
Canberra, ACT
Often overlooked, Canberra is one of the most family friendly cities in Australia. With free museums, interactive galleries, Parliament House and wide open spaces, it’s an easy, educational and affordable option for families.
Travel tip: Look for multi-attraction passes to save money on zoo visits, museums and major attractions.
🌿 Nature & adventure escapes
Blue Mountains, NSW
Just outside Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer waterfalls, bushwalks, scenic lookouts and the famous Scenic Railway. Many walking tracks and lookouts are pram-friendly, making it great for families wanting nature without going remote.
Kakadu National Park, NT
For adventurous families, Kakadu is a powerful experience. Ancient Aboriginal rock art, wetlands filled with wildlife and dramatic landscapes make it one of Australia’s most culturally and environmentally rich destinations.
Tasmania
Cool climate, clean air, incredible food and untouched wilderness. Tasmania is perfect for families wanting wildlife encounters, national parks, historic towns and slower travel. From seeing Tasmanian devils to exploring old convict sites, there’s something for every age group.
Accommodation tip: Look for family cabins or cottages that offer space, heating, kitchens and outdoor areas so kids can play while you slow down.
🌵 Unique outback experiences
Alice Springs & the Red Centre, NT
Travelling to Australia’s Red Centre is a powerful way to show kids the diversity of this country. Camel rides, visits to the School of the Air, learning about Aboriginal culture and exploring desert landscapes create memories that last a lifetime.
Best time to go: April to September to avoid extreme heat.
🏡 Choosing family-friendly accommodation
Where you stay can completely change your family holiday experience.
When travelling with kids, look for:
- Self-contained apartments or Airbnbs with kitchens
- Laundry facilities for messy days
- Separate sleeping spaces so everyone rests better
- Ground-floor access or lifts for prams
- Pools, playgrounds or safe outdoor areas
- Central locations close to shops, beaches and activities
Being able to prep simple meals, store snacks and have space to spread out can turn a stressful trip into a genuinely enjoyable one.
✈️ General family travel tips for Australia
- Plan activities for all ages. Try to balance adult interests with things kids genuinely enjoy. A mix of downtime and adventures always works best.
- Pack for changing climates. Australia’s weather varies hugely. Even within one state you can experience heat, rain and cool nights. Layers, hats and sun protection are essential.
- Leave room for rest. Not every day needs to be packed. Some of the best memories come from slow mornings, park stops and beach afternoons.
- Bring the right bag. Easy access to snacks, water bottles, spare clothes, sunscreen and entertainment makes all the difference when you’re on the move.
🤍 Making family travel easier
Family holidays don’t have to be chaotic to be memorable. With the right destination, a little planning and a bag that actually supports you, travelling Australia with kids can be one of the most rewarding things you do.
From quick weekend getaways to big once-in-a-lifetime adventures, there is so much beauty, fun and connection waiting across Australia.
And sometimes, the best family holiday isn’t found overseas at all. It’s right here.
