Create epic family memories with a trip Down Under. With endless fun on offer, from adventurous city breaks to exploring the bounty of nature on offer, there’s something for every family. Whether you’ve got a weekend or a few weeks, here are our top picks for family fun.
For families heading to Canberra, there’s a bunch of activities perfect for everyone, from outdoor adventures to galleries and museums. One of Australia’s most-loved science hang-outs, Questacon at The National Science and Technology Centre, is an interactive wonderland where kids can feel the force of an earthquake, watch lightning strike twice and meet a friendly mechanical humanoid. Cockington Green Gardens is a miniature village in Canberra, Australia, featuring intricately crafted miniature buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, ride the miniature steam train, and enjoy the charming atmosphere. It is a popular family-friendly attraction in the area.
As an island nation, Australia offers an abundance of dolphin experiences. If you stay at Tangalooma Island Resort on Queensland's Moreton Island (a 75-minute ferry from Pinkenba wharf in Brisbane), head to the water's edge to watch wild bottlenose dolphins glide right up into the shallows to receive a fish from your hands.
From the world’s tallest and fastest thrill rides to parks where you can see native Australian wildlife, or splash around in swimming pools and water slides; you’ll find it all on the Gold Coast.
Wet'n'Wild is Australia's biggest water theme park and combines the latest in fun-filled water slides and leisure pools for all the family. Plunge seven stories down a speed coaster or simply laze in the giant wave pool. There are also around 20 acres of shaded subtropical gardens for relaxing. Dreamworld is a popular theme park located on the Gold Coast, Australia. It features over 40 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, family-friendly rides, and animal exhibits. The park is known for its iconic Big 9 thrill rides, such as the Tower of Terror and the Giant Drop, as well as its animal attractions, such as the Tiger Island and Corroboree. It is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Learning to catch a wave is an unmissable Australian holiday experience. There are some ideal spots near Sydney for families to learn to surf together. Famous city beaches such as Bondi Beach and Manly have ample surf schools to enjoy. Learning to catch a wave is an unmissable Australian holiday experience. There are some ideal spots near Sydney for families to learn to surf together. Famous city beaches such as Bondi Beach and Manly have ample surf schools to enjoy, such as the popular company 'Let's Go Surfing', which is Australia's no.1 surf school.
Ocean activities, dolphins, whales and hikes – a holiday to Port Stephens is a no-brainer for families seeking fun and adventure. Stockton Beach is where the thrills really begin. Join Sand Dune Adventures on an adrenaline-inducing quad-biking tour to explore the land which has been home to the Worimi people for thousands of years. Those aged over 16 can drive their own bike while younger kids can cruise carefree with a parent.
Finally, a trip to Australia is never complete without learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, with many fantastic travel experiences for families. From creating your own dot painting at Maruku Arts in the heart of the Red Centre in Northern Territory to heading on tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures in Queensland’s ancient Daintree Rainforest with a Kuku Yalanji guide to collect shellfish, throw a boomerang and taste some bush tucker. You can add Tours - Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre which is on Gold coast.
For an other-worldly getaway in Western Australia, stop in at the Pinnacles Desert National Park to spot the unique rock formations that dot the landscape. Kids can get out and explore the limestone formations, before learning more about the area and local animals at the visitor's centre. Just over a two-hour drive from Perth, the Pinnacles is close to Jurien Bay, the turquoise beach town that’s known for snorkelling with playful seals, a must-do if you visit the area!
In conclusion, Australia offers endless opportunities for families to create unforgettable memories. From exploring the wonders of science at Questacon to surfing the waves at iconic beaches like Bondi, there is something for every interest and age. Thrilling theme parks, up-close encounters with dolphins, and outdoor adventures in national parks are just a few more of the family-friendly activities on offer. And, of course, there are opportunities to learn about and appreciate the rich culture of Australia's Indigenous peoples, making for a truly enriching and educational holiday experience.