The ultimate guide to family holidays in Australia
Australia is one of the best destinations for a family holiday in the world. However, with a total area of 7.7 million square kilometres, it’s also really large. As a result, it’s impossible to see it all in one two-week family vacation. This means you’ll need to choose a region or a few key attractions that are on your bucket list.
Australia is the smallest continent and the sixth-largest country in the world, with a population of around 26.63 million people. Situated between the Indian Ocean to the west and the South Pacific Ocean to the east, Australia is divided into six states and two territories, each with its own distinct features and attractions to discover. Many visitors choose to remain in just one or two states for their family holiday to Australia, as domestic flights between states are fairly pricey.
If you’re unsure of what you’d like to see in Australia on your family holiday, make sure to read the below two articles first. Alternatively, scroll down a little further to explore Australia state-by-state.
Facts about Australia
- Capital: Canberra
- Population: Approximately 26 million
- Official language: English
- Time zones: Ranges from UTC+8 to UTC+11 (across multiple zones)
- Landmass: 7.692 million square kilometres
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Emergency numbers: 000 for police, fire, and ambulance
- Religion: Predominantly Christian, with growing religious diversity
- Electricity: 220-240V AC; three-pin sockets are common
- Wi-Fi: Widely available and free in most hotels, cafes, and public spaces
Things to do in Australia with kids
Australia is brimming with attractions and activities that cater to families of all ages. Some iconic things to experience on a family holiday to Australia are:
- Sydney: Climb the Harbour Bridge, visit the Taronga Zoo, and enjoy a day at Bondi Beach.
- Queensland: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest, or relax on the Gold Coast.
- Melbourne: Discover the laneways, take a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway, or visit the Melbourne Zoo.
- Tasmania: Wander through Freycinet National Park or meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Outback Adventures: Visit Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs for a unique desert experience.
States and territories to explore on your Australian family holiday
Queensland
Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state, covering an area of 1,72 million square kilometres. Its coastline stretches a whopping 7,400km, and Brisbane City is its capital.
Known as the ‘Sunshine State,’ Queensland offers beautiful beaches, national parks, rainforests, tropical reefs, the Outback, and cities. The diversity of experiences and warmer weather make Queensland a top choice for family holidays in Australia.
Major attractions include The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Whitsunday Islands, K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island), Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo, the Gold Coast, Brisbane City and Carnarvon Gorge.
Inspiration for visiting Queensland on your family holidays to Australia
Tasmania
Tasmania is a top choice for a family holiday in Australia if you’re short on time and love the outdoors.
Tasmania is 90,758 square kilometres in size and is separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometre stretch of Bass Strait. With Hobart as the capital, over 40% of Tasmania is protected in parks and reserves, making it an ideal outdoor destination for family holidays in Australia.
Major attractions include the Freycinet National Park, Hobart City, Cradle Mountain, Mona, the Bay of Fires, the Port Arthur Historic Site, Maria Island and the Tasman Peninsula. There are many other beautiful national parks and off-shore islands to explore here.
Inspiration for visiting Tasmania on your family holidays to Australia
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory covers an area of 1.35 million km2, with Darwin as its capital in the north and Central Australia and Uluru in the south. It’s a top choice for families looking for an adventurous holiday in Australia.
The Northern Territory’s landscape is diverse, ranging from the green tropics of Darwin and Kakadu to the plains surrounding Tennant Creek, the red sandy desert of Uluru and Alice Springs, and the waterholes and gorges in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Don’t miss Uluru, Kakadu National Park, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, the Devils Marbles, Alice Springs, Edith Falls, Tiwi Islands, Katherine Gorge, and Ormiston Gorge on your family holiday to Australia’s Northern Territory.
Inspiration for visiting the Northern Territory on your family holidays to Australia
Victoria
I can see why many international visitors don’t make it past Victoria and its famous capital, Melbourne. It’s chock full of culture, great things to do, and amazing beaches. Heading not too far out of Melbourne City provides a wealth of experiences, from dramatic coastlines to national parks and country charms along the Great Ocean Road, a family-favourite holiday road trip in Australia.
Victoria has a land area of around 227,416 square kilometres, making it the second-smallest state in mainland Australia after Tasmania. The Greater Victoria region also offers plenty of memorable destinations and experiences for your family holiday in Australia. If you have more time or feel the urge to escape the hustle of Melbourne, take a detour to the Gippsland region.
Inspiration for visiting Victoria on your family holidays to Australia
South Australia
South Australia is the fourth-largest state in Australia by land area, covering around 903,482 square kilometres. It is famous for its wine regions, particularly the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, which both boast some of the world’s best vineyards and wineries.
Adelaide, the capital city, is often praised for its planned layout with parklands. It’s also well known for its cultural events, such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival and WOMADelaide. Less than 15 kilometres from the mainland, you can take a ferry to Kangaroo Island. Here, you’ll experience diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches.
South Australia’s emerging space industry is worth watching. With initiatives such as the Australian Space Agency and the construction of a space launch facility, this industry is poised for growth.
Inspiration for visiting South Australia on your family holidays to Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is the largest state by land area, covering approximately 2.53 million square kilometres. The state is known for a variety of attractions that showcase its unique natural beauty, resources, and cultural offerings. As far as family holidays in Australia go, Western Australia is a top choice for laid-back, outdoorsy families.
The mining industry is big here, with a focus on iron ore, gold, and natural gas, and thus, it contributes significantly to Australia’s economy. Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is one of the most isolated major cities in the world and is known for its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant cultural scene and beautiful beaches. As far as cities go for a family holiday in Australia, it’s one of the most enjoyable. The buck for beautiful beaches doesn’t stop in Perth, and you’ll find plenty of them along the entire coast of Western Australia.
Don’t miss Rottnest Island, Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park and the Margaret River Region, which is famous for its premium wines. The space and astronomy tourism industry is growing here also.
Inspiration for visiting Western Australia on your family holidays to Australia
New South Wales
New South Wales covers an area of approximately 809,952 square kilometres and, with Sydney as its capital, is one of the most populous states in Australia. Given that many international flights land in Sydney, it’s also a popular state for family holidays. Sydney is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. However, there are plenty of other attractions in New South Wales that are outside of the city as well.
Located west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are known for their dramatic landscapes, eucalyptus forests, and deep valleys. These areas host numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views. The coastline is nothing short of stunning, either. It is popular for surfing, swimming, and generally enjoying the coastal lifestyle. New South Wales’ smaller coastal communities have long been popular family holiday destinations in Australia’s summer months.
The Hunter Valley, a famous wine-producing region, and the Snowy Mountains, known for their alpine landscapes and winter sports, are also worth visiting.
Inspiration for visiting New South Wales on your family holidays to Australia
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a small territory of around 2,358 square kilometres. It surrounds the city of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Don’t dismiss the ACT when considering family holiday destinations in Australia due to its small size, as this destination packs a large punch.
Most people think of Canberra City when they think of the ACT, which is known for its modern architecture, planned layout, and important national constitutions, such as Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Australian War Memoria. The ACT serves as Australia’s political and administrative centre.
Canberra is known for its green spaces, nature reserves and parks. As a result, it’s been dubbed the “bush capital” of Australia. The annual flower festival, Floriade, attracts visitors from all over with its entertainment and floral displays. You’ll also find the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Make sure to head up Mount Ainslie and Mount Stromlo for panoramic views of Canberra.
Inspiration for visiting the ACT on your family holidays to Australia
Family-friendly accommodation
Australia offers an array of family-friendly accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly holiday parks. Many holiday parks feature play areas and swimming pools, making them ideal for families.
The best time to visit Australia for a family holiday
Australia’s vast size means the climate varies across regions, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re headed.
- Spring (September–November): Perfect for exploring cities and enjoying outdoor activities in most regions.
- Summer (December–February): Ideal for beach holidays, but be prepared for higher temperatures in the Outback.
- Autumn (March–May): A great time for road trips and exploring the wine regions.
- Winter (June–August): Head to the Snowy Mountains for skiing or to Queensland for tropical warmth.
Family-friendly rvents and festivals:
- Sydney Festival (January): A mix of performances and outdoor fun.
- Vivid Sydney (May–June): Dazzling light displays and interactive installations.
- Royal Melbourne Show (September): Kids will love the rides and animal exhibits.
Getting there and getting around
Getting to Australia:
Australia is well-connected to international destinations, with major airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar operate domestic and international routes. Search for a great deal on flights at either Flight Centre or Sky Scanner.
Getting around on your family holiday to Australia:
- Domestic flights: The quickest way to travel between major cities. It’s a 27-hour drive between Sydney and Cairns, so often, flying is your only choice if you’re determined to tick some iconic items off your bucket list in the time frame you have.
- Trains: Scenic journeys like The Ghan or the Indian Pacific could be a little boring for kids; however, trains can be used to get around capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Buses: Affordable and extensive, though much slower.
- Car rentals: Ideal for exploring outside of capital cities and road trips.
Dining with kids in Australia
Australia’s food scene is diverse and family-friendly, with options ranging from casual cafes to high-end restaurants.
- Kid-friendly restaurants: Look for venues with dedicated kids’ menus and play areas, like Pancakes on the Rocks in Sydney or kid-friendly pubs in regional areas.
- Food markets: Visit places like Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market or Adelaide’s Central Market for fresh produce and snacks. For those self-catering, supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles or Aldi will have you covered for the week.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options are widely available.
Pro tip: Don’t miss iconic Aussie foods like lamingtons, meat pies, and Vegemite toast.
YouTube – Australia with kids
Additional resources
An Australian family holiday offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, discovery and outdoor fun. Whether you’re snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Outback, or enjoying the sights and sounds of its vibrant cities, Australia is a destination that will leave your family with lifelong memories.
- Tourism Australia for official travel information.
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