Family-friendly holiday destinations
The perfect destination for your next family holiday is right here.
By Livia Gamble
June 02 2016
Australia
Gold Coast, QLD
Play: There’s so much around the Gold Coast to keep the whole family entertained. Get up close with animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or head out to sea for a spot of whale watching. Be sure to leave plenty of time to make your way around the theme parks: Sea World, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Dream World. With so much for the kids to do, you’ll no doubt see yourself venturing to the Gold Coast time and time again.
Stay: If you’re keen to stay in the heart of Surfers Paradise then check out Paradise Resort Gold Coast where each family receives one free kids’ club session per child, per day.
Canberra, ACT
Play: Many people may be surprised by how much there is for families to do in Canberra. Hire bikes and discover Lake Burley Griffin, stop off at the aquarium to check
out the colourful marine life or enter the world of science at the Questacon museum.
Stay: The Medina Executive James Court has a convenient, central location.
Byron Bay, NSW
Play: Byron Bay oozes relaxation. Family breaks here usually revolve around the beach, playing in the sand and soaking up the sun. It’s the perfect place to enjoy quality, chilled-out time together as a family.
Stay: Check out the Lord Byron Resort which offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Alice Springs, NT
Play: The red centre is a great destination for families who love adventure. From checking out the wildlife at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre to making the 4.5-hour trip to experience majestic Uluru, there is so much to do here.
Stay: The BIG 4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is an award-winning option.
Los Angeles, USA
Play: Thanks to the alluring magic of Disneyland, Los Angeles often lands itself the title as one of the ultimate overseas family holiday destinations. No matter what age you are, this spectacular ’land’ never fails to amaze. Located in Anaheim, 53 kilometres from Los Angeles’ city centre, Disneyland Resort is divided into two separate theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Get a Park Hopper ticket for entry to both parks. Entry for children under three is free, and anyone 10 years or over is charged an adult fare.
Stay: If visiting Mickey and friends is the priority, it may be worth staying on Disneyland Drive at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel or across the road from the resort entrance at Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites.
London, UK
Play: A familiar culture, no language barriers and being at the doorstep of several European countries, the home of our royals remains a consistently popular choice for Aussie families looking for an overseas adventure. The sight of Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London will send excitement levels soaring.
Stay: Children under 16 stay and eat free when staying with two parents at the Novotel London Tower Bridge.
Auckland, NZ
Play: If you’re looking to embrace nature and avoid the bustling crowds, our closest South Pacific Ocean neighbour is the ideal holiday destination. Lord of the Rings threw New Zealand’s natural beauty onto the world stage and if that’s the scenery you’re expecting, you won’t be let down.
Stay: The capital, Auckland, is a harbour city worth visiting and a great launching pad to discover the rest of the north island. Look into family-friendly hotels such as the City Central Hotel.
Lapland, Finland
Play: What could be better than taking the kids on holidays to Santa’s very own home town? About half a million visitors from around the world pay this winter wonderland a visit to say ’hi’ to the jolly red man himself. One tip of advice: don’t underestimate the cold. The temperature can hover anywhere from -7 through to -17 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
Stay: Santa Claus Holiday Village is a kid-friendly hotel right in the middle of the action.
