Best Australian Family Vacation Ideas

Australia is a spectacular country where you’ll be spoilt for choice with plenty of family friendly tourist attractions and activities. You’ll be amazed by the wide open spaces, different cultures and exciting cities that this great land has to offer. Here are some amazing travelling experiences to offer in each state and territory.

Sydney

Australia’s premier city, Sydney, is well known for its much-photographed Harbour Bridge and Opera House, which are located near serviced apartments in Sydney.

The Harbour Bridge provides an amazingly magnificent backdrop among the city landscape. Around the harbour, you can catch a ferry to the lovely Manly Beach or to the beautifully located Taronga Zoo to see a variety of fascinating international and native animals like koalas and kangaroos.  For the more adventurous families with kids over 10 years old, the most ideal Sydney activity is the Harbour Bridge Climb, a guided track to the top of the Harbour Bridge where you’ll ultimately experience the Sydney views and feel on top of the world.

Melbourne

Melbourne has the most European vibe out of all of the Australian cities. The city is lined with trams travelling along city beaches, excellent restaurants and great fashion stores. The most popular attraction is Federation Square located on the banks of the Yarra River. It’s Melbourne’s most modern architecture.

Another fun location is Phillip Island, which is situated 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD. The island is known for its Penguin Parade where many little penguins leave the sea to rest on Summerland Beach.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a coastal city located in South East Queensland. You can stay at Gold Coast apartments and explore some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia with ultimate surf breaks including Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach.

There are also theme parks that kids will love. Dream World is Australia’s largest theme park with some of the tallest and fastest rides ever. Movie World is known as Hollywood on the Gold Coast with movie related rides and entertainment. Sea World has marine wildlife and water rides. Wet ‘n’ Wild is full of adventurous and laid-back water rides and attractions.

Canberra

Also known as Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra is home to some great national attractions. The Parliament House has impressive architecture and is the place for federal government. The War Memorial pays tribute to Australians who served at war and is a place to pay your respects and reflect. Questacon is known as the National Science and Technology Centre where you can watch a lightning bolt, free fall down a six metre vertical slide and be shaken by an earthquake. Here, kids can learn a lot about the significance of science in daily life.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is a naturally beautiful location with stunning scenery of dramatic cliffs, idyllic beaches, untouched bushland and amazing wildlife. It’s a short flight from Adelaide or a ferry ride from Cape Jervis. Family friendly spots include Seal Bay, Hope Cottage Folk Museum, Clifford’s Honey Farm, Parndana Wildlife Park and Flinders Chase. There are also eco tours and boat trips.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Western Australia

This location is possibly the most underrated place in Perth and has spectacular views. The area overlooks the Swan River and Darling Range, highlighting the best in Western Australia flora. Attractions include the DNA Tower, Lotterywest Federation Walkway and Family Area for playground enjoyment and picnics.

Northern Territory

The steamy far north of Australia is famous for Alice Springs Desert Park where you can see desert wildlife including bilbies, rock wallabies, emus, kangaroos, birds and reptiles.

The state is also home to Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock), a large sandstone rock that is a unique and natural wonder. Each sunrise and sunset can magnificently change its colours from brown to orange, red and grey. A guided tour will give you information on local flora and fauna and the spiritual Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area.

Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart offers fascinating historical influenced landscapes, as well as contemporary art and culture. Salamanca Place is a great meeting spot with cafes, restaurants, shops, markets, art studios and galleries. Elsewhere, kids can learn about 1820s Hobart at the Old Hobart Town Historical Model Village and sample tasty fare at Sweets & Treats, a vintage lolly shop.