Australia is a fantastic destination for family holidays, offering a wide variety of travel spots that cater to the interests of both parents and children. With its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and fascinating wildlife, Australia provides the perfect setting for unforgettable family memories. So if you are curious about the some of the best Australia family travel spots, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best travel spots in Australia for 2024, specifically chosen for families. It’s so important to choose the right family-friendly holiday destinations to create those special moments. That’s why highlighting Australia’s family travel spots for 2024 is crucial for planning a holiday that offers something for everyone in the family, providing a fun experience for kids and a relaxing getaway for parents.
List of Australia family travel spots
From the lively city life of Sydney, New South Wales, to the exciting theme parks of the Gold Coast, Queensland, and the educational appeal of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, we’ll discover destinations that promise a wonderful mix of fun, culture, and adventure that you can use to plan a family holiday for.
We’ll also uncover the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and the rugged, picturesque landscapes of Tasmania. Each location has been selected for its unique offerings that cater to both kids and parents, making them perfect family-friendly holiday destinations.
Parents, please follow the safety rules in this article to ensure a safe journey when you’re out with your kids.
Sydney, New South Wales
Family-Friendly Attractions
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is renowned for its dynamic atmosphere and plethora of attractions suitable for families, making it one of the best australia family travel spots. Iconic landmarks, such as the Great Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offer educational and exciting experiences. The city is also home to a variety of museums, zoos, and aquariums, perfect for a day out with the kids. Notably, the Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium provide interactive and engaging activities that are both fun and educational.
Outdoor Adventures
For families who thrive outdoors, Sydney’s numerous parks and beaches offer abundant opportunities. Activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports are readily available. Families can explore the natural beauty of places like Bondi Beach or take a ferry tour around the stunning Sydney Harbour. Additionally, the Centennial Parklands and the Royal Botanic Garden offer vast green spaces for children to play and explore.
Best Places to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, Sydney caters to all preferences and budgets. From luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Swissotel, which offer family rooms and child-friendly amenities, to more budget-conscious options like the Westend Backpackers or the Haven Inn, families can find the perfect place to stay. Many hotels are conveniently located near major attractions, making them ideal for family vacations.
Travel Tips
Visiting Sydney is an adventure, and being prepared can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Families should consider the city’s unique travel tips, such as the importance of sun protection and utilizing public transportation options to navigate the city efficiently. Additionally, many family-friendly hotels offer amenities like play areas and childminding services, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay for both parents and children.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast earns its reputation as Australia’s theme park capital, boasting an array of parks that promise thrills and spills for all ages. Dreamworld, the largest theme park, offers a mix of high-octane rides and family-friendly attractions. Wet’n’Wild provides a splash-tastic experience with its water slides and pools, while Warner Bros. Movie World brings Hollywood to the Gold Coast with character meet-and-greets and action-packed shows. SeaWorld combines marine life exhibits with rides, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment, making these family friendly holiday destinations.
Beaches and Water Activities
Renowned for its pristine beaches, the Gold Coast’s coastline stretches over 57 kilometres, offering spots like Surfers Paradise Beach, known for its beautiful golden sands and surf. Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta also provide perfect settings for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. For those seeking calmer waters, Tallebudgera Creek is an ideal spot for kayaking and picnicking, making the Gold Coast a haven for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike, making this also good travel spots for parents.
Local Wildlife Experiences
The Gold Coast is a sanctuary for wildlife, offering encounters with Australia’s native animals. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and David Fleay Wildlife Park allow visitors to get up close with koalas, kangaroos, and a wide range of bird species. These experiences not only delight but also educate on the importance of conservation, providing a memorable and meaningful aspect to any family holiday.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on the Gold Coast caters to every preference and budget. Luxury resorts and hotels offer family-friendly amenities, while vacation rentals and motels provide more economical options. Turtle Beach Resort, with its proximity to Mermaid Beach and an array of pools and dining options, stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking convenience and entertainment in one location.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Kid-Friendly Museums
Canberra shines as a beacon for families seeking educational yet thrilling experiences. Questacon stands out, captivating children with its interactive science and technology displays. Here, kids can indulge in hands-on experiments, experience the thrill of a six-metre free fall, and marvel at lightning formation demonstrations. One of the best travel spots for kids, not to be missed, the National Dinosaur Museum beckons young paleontologists with its extensive collection of dinosaurs, skeletons, and fossils. For a more immersive experience, after-hours torch-lit tours bring the ancient world to life.
Outdoor Activities
The city’s outdoor offerings are equally impressive. The National Arboretum invites families to explore its Pod Playground, where children can climb giant acorn structures and play musical instruments. For animal lovers, the National Zoo & Aquarium provides close encounters with wildlife, offering tours that include hand-feeding tigers and meeting meerkats. Additionally, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers serene walks where families can spot platypuses, kangaroos, and koalas in their natural habitat.
Dining and Accommodation
When it comes to dining, Canberra caters to all tastes. Wildflour Bakery is a must-visit for families, offering a kids’ menu and a playground to keep the little ones entertained. For accommodations, the unique Jamala Wildlife Lodge within the National Zoo & Aquarium offers suites with views of lions, tigers, and giraffes, ensuring a memorable stay.
Travel Tips
To maximize your Canberra adventure, consider these tips: plan visits to major attractions like Questacon outside of peak times to avoid long queues, and take advantage of the city’s extensive bike paths for a scenic family ride around Lake Burley Griffin. With a blend of educational attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly dining and accommodation options, Canberra promises an enriching holiday experience for families.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Wildlife Encounters
Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, offering intimate encounters with Australia’s iconic animals. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe kangaroos, koalas, and the rare blonde echidnas in their natural habitats. The island’s conservation areas, such as Flinders Chase National Park, provide guided tours to see sea lions at Admirals Arch and the endangered Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay. Additionally, Raptor Domain is a must-visit for families, offering interactive experiences with birds of prey and the chance to hold a boobook owl, creating unforgettable memories.
Outdoor Activities
The island’s unspoiled wilderness is perfect for families seeking adventure. Activities range from hiking and kayaking to more thrilling options like surfing and fishing. Stokes Bay Camp Ground and Western River Cove offer beautiful settings for these activities, with Vivonne Bay being recognized as the Best Beach in Australia for its long curved sandy shores. For those looking to explore the island’s serene beauty, a guided 4WD tour or a nocturnal tour to see the island’s wildlife after dark are excellent choices.
Local Cuisine
Kangaroo Island is a haven for food lovers, boasting fresh local produce that includes seafood, cheese, and wine. Clifford’s Honey Farm offers a sweet experience with its various flavours of honey, while Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods serves the largest range of locally caught seafood. For a unique dining experience, the rustic cafes and family-friendly restaurants across the island, such as the one at Stokes Bay, provide menus that cater to all ages, including delicious lavender scones and a selection of local wines and ciders.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Accommodations on Kangaroo Island cater to families of all sizes and preferences. From beachside resorts to eco-lodges and campgrounds, there’s something for everyone. Notable mentions include Ecopia Retreat, immersed in the natural wilderness, and Oceanview Eco Villas, offering luxury stays with stunning coastal views. For a more rustic experience, Shylie’s boutique accommodation and CABN X at Cape St Albans provide secluded escapes amidst the island’s natural beauty.
Tasmania
Separated by the Bass Strait, Tasmania offers a world apart from mainland Australia, characterized by wild landscapes, friendly people, and adventure aplenty. This island combines a cornucopia of green fields, sheltered rainforests, and dramatic sea cliffs with tranquil white-sand beaches and brilliant blue waters. Families seeking action will find plenty in Tasmania, from mountainous hiking at Cradle Mountain to world-famous mountain biking at Derby.
Nature and Wildlife
Tasmania’s unique wildlife, including the Tasmanian Devils at Devils@Cradle Mountain, makes it a nature lover’s paradise. The island’s conservation areas, such as Flinders Chase National Park, offer guided tours to see sea lions at Admirals Arch and the endangered Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay. Raptor Domain is a must-visit for families, offering interactive experiences with birds of prey.
Family Activities
- Hiking and Exploring: Families can enjoy mountainous hiking at Cradle Mountain and world-famous mountain biking at Derby.
- Rafting and Kayaking: Rafting on the Picton or Franklin Rivers and sea kayaking at Freycinet National Park offers thrilling water-based activities.
- Wildlife Spotting: Unique opportunities to observe kangaroos, koalas, and the rare blonde echidnas in their natural habitats.
- Educational Experiences: Visiting Freycinet with kids provides a fun and educational experience, as well as exploring Wineglass Bay and the entirety of Freycinet National Park.
Best Places to Stay
Tasmania offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations. From the Vibe Hotel Hobart in the heart of Hobart to the secluded cabins at Cradle Mountain Highlanders on the edge of Cradle Mountain National Park, families can choose from luxury lodges, eco-resorts, and historic inns. Accommodations cater to all preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay for every family.
Travel Tips
When travelling to Tasmania, it’s important to be prepared for the island’s variable weather conditions. Packing appropriate clothing and gear is essential. Additionally, planning visits to major attractions outside of peak times can help avoid long queues. Utilizing Tasmania’s extensive bike paths offers a scenic family ride around the island’s beautiful landscapes.
Tasmania encapsulates family holiday fun in any season, on any budget, for every age. With its combination of adventure, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly accommodations, Tasmania stands as a premier destination for family holidays in Australia.
Conclusion
In this guide to Australia’s top family travel destinations for 2024, we’ve checked out some unique places, from the bustling streets of Sydney to the tranquil wilderness of Tasmania. These spots offer fantastic experiences for both parents and kids. Each place has its own excellent attractions, giving you the chance to make unforgettable memories. Whether it’s enjoying thrilling theme park rides on the Gold Coast, visiting interesting museums in Canberra, meeting wildlife on Kangaroo Island, or exploring nature in Tasmania, these destinations cater to everyone in the family. They really show off Australia’s appeal as a holiday destination that has something for everyone.
As you plan your 2024 adventures, use these highlights to make an itinerary that’s both relaxing and exciting. These places are more than just vacation spots; they’re perfect for bringing families closer together, exploring shared interests, and showing young ones the wonders of nature and culture. With Australia’s vast landscape offering endless possibilities, these travel spots are the perfect choice for families, ensuring that a trip down under is full of fun, learning, and precious memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
What is the new favourite international travel destination for Australians as of 2024?
As reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2024, Indonesia has surpassed New Zealand, becoming the most favoured travel destination for Australians. For more information, visit ABS Media Releases.
Which regions in Australia are ideal for a family holiday?
Some of the top picks for family vacations in Australia includes the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland, the Gold Coast in Queensland, Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, Rottnest Island in Western Australia, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and Sydney in New South Wales.
What are the top global destinations for a family holiday?
For families looking to travel internationally, some highly recommended destinations include Spain, particularly for those with toddlers, the Caribbean for a family-friendly paradise, South Africa, Iceland, Greece, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Each of these locations offers unique experiences suitable for family adventures.
Which country has recently become the most popular travel destination for Australians, surpassing a 50-year favourite?
Indonesia has recently taken over as the most popular travel destination among Australians, ending New Zealand’s 50-year reign. In 2023, approximately 1.37 million Australians visited Indonesia, compared to 1.26 million who travelled to New Zealand.
