Planning a family holiday – one that sparks joy in all your hearts – is surely about finding a balance between fun, downtime and creating lasting memories. But how to know the best location to book? To help you decide, we’ll talk you through some of the best options, from Australia’s world-famous golden beaches to wildlife adventures and tropical holiday destinations
Fresh-air adventures, cultural days out, cocktail sipping, downtime by the sea, high-adrenaline theme park rights – they’re all possible with the kids. Our 16 hand-picked locations are made for families of all shapes and sizes. Keep parents, toddlers, big kids and teenagers all smiling with the best family holiday destinations in Australia and beyond.
With over 70 kilometres of spectacular coastline, the Gold Coast is a dream holiday destination for sun-loving families, mini surfers and sandcastle builders alike. Beyond lazing on the golden sands of the Gold Coast’s beaches, children and teenagers can try out bodyboarding at Surfers Paradise, while toddlers and small kids will adore getting up close and personal with marine life at Sea World – before filling their thrill quota on a ride or two. Theme parks, including Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld will set older children’s adrenaline pumping.
Nature-loving families will also be satisfied, with the Gold Coast Hinterland offering bushwalks, waterfalls and stunning scenery. And for one of the most popular things to do in Gold Coast, plan to visit the SkyPoint Observation Deck, a towering skyscraper that offers panoramic views to wow family members young and old.
While summer (December-February) is always a popular time to visit for families who love the hot weather, warm surf and hustle and bustle that comes with the school holiday period, visiting between May and October offers cooler (but still warm!) weather, less chance of rain, and fewer crowds to enjoy days at the beach, theme park adventures, nature walks, and water sports without the intense summer heat or crowds.
Offering an unrivalled blend of outdoor fun and tick-worthy cultural landmarks, Sydney is one of the best family holiday destinations in New South Wales. Take a collective gasp at the sheer size and grandeur of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge – experiences they’ll tell friends back home about – and tuck into family picnics at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with its fairy-like surrounds younger children will adore. Bondi Beach delivers for families, with safe swimming areas and plenty of sand for the little ones as well as grass areas for those who’d prefer to get less sandy. Active families can check out our best walks in Sydney to explore ocean cliff tops and native bushland nearby.
Got little animal-lovers in your party? Taronga Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. When little legs have done enough walking, hop on a ferry to explore the city from the water, or visit Luna Park for carnival rides that won’t fail to please. For more ideas on how to spend your time, check out the top things to do in Sydney, and see our guide to getting around Sydney to map out your days for maximum enjoyment.
For the best time to visit Sydney for pleasant weather, fewer crowds and cheaper prices, aim for September-November or March-May. Though beach lovers and school holiday makers will prefer the scorching summer (December-February) – as long as you don’t mind the crowds. Sydney is also home to some great family-friendly events throughout the year. For the incredible light displays, interactive art and music, performances and installments of Vivid Sydney, plan your trip for the end of May or beginning of June, while the Easter school holidays is the perfect time to visit for the carnival fun of the Royal Easter Show.
Byron Bay has a laid-back coastal vibe, stunning natural beauty and an abundance of family-friendly activities, from relaxing afternoons on the sand and beginner surf lessons on the town’s gentle waves to nature walks, wildlife sanctuaries and buzzing cafes and restaurants. Set up camp for the day on golden beaches like Wategos and Tallow Beach, and take gentle strolls towards Cape Byron Lighthouse – a relatively easy hike for little legs.
Budget-friendly family activities abound, such as exploring the scenic Cape Byron Track that weaves through rainforest, beaches and grassland. To stock up on self-catering goodies, families can shop in one of Byron's local markets, filled with fresh treats along with colourful crafts to take home.
The summer school holidays are a popular time for families to visit Byron Bay, but for those with more flexibility, plan your trip between either September and November or March and May for warm weather without the crowds.
Introduce your family to the delights of the Sunshine Coast with a stay in Noosa, offering a child-pleasing combo of beach fun and thrilling outdoor pursuits. Noosa’s Main Beach is wonderful for young swimmers and first-time surfers with its calm waters, while kids of all ages will enjoy the warm waters and expanse of sand. Noosa National Park contains a network of kiddie-friendly walking tracks leading to stunning lookouts and possible wildlife sightings including – fingers crossed – lazy koalas lounging in the trees.
Families on a budget will appreciate the variety of free outdoor activities in Noosa, such as good old beach fun, park visits and excursions to nearby waterfalls, many within an hour’s drive of the resort. The local markets are also fantastic for putting together affordable family meals and picking up souvenirs for friends and family back home. For families who want to explore further, there are plenty of things to do in Sunshine Coast!
December and January are popular times to visit Noosa thanks to the school holidays and hot summer weather, but for families that want to enjoy Noosa without the crowds and want more comfortable weather, visit between March and November. Thanks to mild winter temperatures, families will still have a great beach holiday between June and August and can expect average highs between 20 and 23°, while evenings will be cooler around 10°.
Cairns is a splendid family holiday destination if adventure and natural beauty are at the top of your crew’s agenda. This tropical paradise is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where adults and kids can snorkel their hearts out and observe vibrant coral and fish. Boat trips and Cairns’ Aquarium provide drier methods of getting acquainted with magnificent marine species like sharks, manta rays and clownfish (an absolute must for any Finding Nemo fans!).
Holidaying with toddlers? Cairns Esplanade, with its lagoon pool, skate plaza, shaded paths and playgrounds, is wonderful for budget-friendly family fun. In the nearby Daintree Rainforest, home to the rare Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and the endangered Cassowary bird, lush rainforests and scenic waterfalls await miniature adventurers and nature lovers. There’s also plenty to scratch your shopping itch and tickle your taste buds – chat with friendly street market vendors or treat the family to a slap-up meal in one of Cairn’s best eateries.
While most family holiday destinations in Australia are busiest during the summer school holidays, summer in Cairns is typically incredibly hot and humid, experiences frequent heavy rain and is even prone to cyclones. The best time to book your family trip to Cairns is between May and October, when the weather is dry and sunny – fab for exploring the reef and rainforests without the intense heat or wet season deluges. It’s worth noting that it can be busiest during the July school holidays, so book ahead if that’s when you’re planning to visit.
Our country’s capital, Canberra, offers a smorgasbord of attractions and activities for tots, older children and teens. Introduce school-age kids to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, and watch them become engrossed in over 200 exhibits and hands-on activities – it’s a budding scientist’s dream. Older kids and history buffs will love brushing up on their facts and figures at the Australian War Memorial, while with toddlers you can wander the easy walking trails of the Australian National Botanic Gardens at a snail’s pace, if necessary.
To burn off some energy, take them out for some fresh-air adventures – we’re thinking cycling, paddleboarding or sailing – on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s 11km-long artificial lake. Small as it is, there are so many things to do in Canberra for all ages – from dawn hot air balloon rides to becoming a zookeeper for a day (over 14s only).
Spring (September-November) is considered the best time to visit Canberra, as the mild weather is ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, walking and exploring. Spring also creates lovely backdrops for family picnics and walks, with their gorgeous displays of blooming flowers. While autumn (March-May) is also a good time to visit, it’s worth noting that the weather is cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain.
Rottnest Island, or "Rotto," is hands down one of most sought-after family holiday destinations in Australia, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and rare wildlife. One of the best places to visit in WA, it sits just offshore from Perth and is easily reachable via ferry from Fremantle – taking you to paradise in just 30 minutes. Rotto is home to a mind-blowing 63 beaches and 20 bays to choose from, making beach hopping, snorkelling and dawn-to-dusk swimming (all very low cost) go-to activities with kids. Gentle waves and calm waters make it wonderfully safe for families with toddlers.
Watch the kids’ faces light up as they spot quokkas – Rottnest’s most famous resident. These adorable, friendly creatures are bound to delight both kids and parents, creating cherished memories and hilarious tales to share with friends and relatives back home. For the adventurous among you, Rottnest also offers glass-bottom kayaking, skydiving and easy cycle rides around the island. Knowledge seekers can while away an afternoon at the Wadjemup Museum, which counts 40,000-year-old artefacts and outdoor sculptures among its exhibits.
The best time to visit Rottnest Island is between October and April, when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming, snorkelling and beach exploration. For a more peaceful family trip, book outside of the peak holiday times of December to February.
With its sweeping wetlands, sandstone escarpments and prehistoric Aboriginal rock paintings, Kakadu National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday with all the ingredients for enriching older children’s outlook and learning. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the NT's top attractions and is simply enormous, spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres and providing an appealing rich mix of cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty – a true playground for adventure-seeking families. Kids will love learning all about the ancient rock art sites and spotting gasp-worthy wildlife like crocodiles and exotic birds. Take bush walks through untouched wilderness, explore remote areas on a 4WD tour and glide through Kakadu's wetlands on a boat cruise.
Love swimming? Splash around in life-sized terrariums, private swimming holes and crashing waterfalls – just make sure it’s a safe spot with no snappy crocs in the vicinity! See our wild swimming guide to Kakadu to discover more.
As a trip to Kakadu may involve long days out hiking, bumpy 4WD tours and in-depth indigenous cultural exploration, a trip to Kakadu is better suited to families with older children and teenagers.
The best time to visit Kakadu is during the dry season, when you can expect mild temperatures and clear skies – ideal conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor adventures. Avoid the wet season (November-April), when flooding may render some areas inaccessible.
Hop down to Hobart – one of Australia’s oldest cities – for a family holiday filled with cultural attractions, scenic beauty and child-friendly activities. Hobart’s pumping waterfront is a natural place to start; smaller kids can enjoy some yacht spotting before tucking into fresh fish and chips (and ice cream!) from local vendors, while families of all ages can hope on the iconic Mona Ferry to visit the city’s quirky Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) .
At the iconic Salamanca Market, families can pick up local Tasmanian crafts and tasty treats. The nearby Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer an idyllic spot for laid-back picnics, leisurely walks and interactive exhibits to keep kids brains’ occupied. If your youngsters are old enough, hike up to Mount Wellington for rewarding panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding landscape – or make use of the Explorer Bus to access the vistas without the legwork. Those looking for a multi-day hiking adventure more further afield should undertake the 1.5 hour journey from Hobart to the Three Capes Track, one of the best bushwalking experiences around.
After some family-friendly accommodation in Hobart? Check out our Hobart area and accommodation guide for some inspo.
Aim to visit during the summer month (from December to February) for pleasant weather to experience Hobart’s outdoor beauty. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are also wonderful times to visit, with fewer crowds.
K'gari, also known as Fraser Island, is the world’s largest sand island at 122 km long. It’s easily accessible from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and fab for 4WD exploration as a family, either in your own vehicle or as part of a guided tour. Adventurous types can go swimming in crystal-clear lakes and float down the shallow, fast-flowing waters of Eli Creek, or for those looking for a slower pace, enjoy watching your kids build sandcastles on mile upon mile of golden beaches and don’t miss swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie.
Kids will love the Junior Ranger Program at Kingfisher Bay Resort, which runs through the school holidays – while the adults are sipping speciality cocktails, the kids’ll be connecting to K'gari’s natural environment through guided beach walks, wildlife spotting and even casting their own dingo footprints. And if you fall in love with Australian island holidays as a family, be sure to read Virgin Australia’s guide here for more unmissable opportunities.
Plan your visit for September to November - this period offers mild weather without the intense heat of summer and is typically less crowded than the summer school holidays. Avoid the rainier season from December-March.
Best overseas family holidays from Australia
1. Bali
Bali, a 6.5 hour flight from Sydney and around 6 hours from Melbourne, is a magical tropical paradise set to mesmerise all family members, young and old. From the calm beaches of Sanur to the thrilling Waterbom Park in Kuta, there are endless options for keeping youngsters entertained – and friendly locals will go out of their way to make young holidaymakers feel welcome and appreciated. Couple this with an extremely low cost of living, it’s much harder to say no to those daily ice creams and treats – and kids are likely to feel they’re being spoiled rotten!
Families with older kids can marvel at the island’s stunning Hindu temples, while all children will appreciate animal encounters at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or the lush, tiered landscape of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Head to the lush jungles of Ubud for nature immersion, or make your way to Nusa Dua to stay in luxury resorts with private pools and spas. For ideas on the best accommodation for the whole family, check out our guide on the best family resorts in Bali and read up on the top things to do in Bali.
The best time to visit Bali for a combination of great weather, low prices and fewer crowds is April-June and September-October. For the best weather, aim to visit Bali during the dry season (May-October) for warm weather and sunny days. Avoid the wet season (November-April) when heavy rains can limit activities. For more detailed climate info, see our detailed Bali weather and climate guide for month-by-month insights.
Fiji is fast earning a reputation as one of the best family holiday destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why – welcoming locals, turquoise waters and lush rainforests all make Fiji holidays unique and blissful. From toddlers to teens, Fiji is packed with activities to both entertain and educate, from snorkelling with vibrant marine life to kayaking on the lagoon and learning all about Fijian culture.
For families, Denarau Island makes an ideal base, with its easy airport access, child-friendly resorts and cultural experiences like the Bula Bus and Big Bula Waterpark. For some inspiration on things to do in Fiji with the family, head out island-hopping on a short cruise like “Finding Nemo”, and for a deeper investigation into Fijian life and conservation, take village tours and go coral planting with the kids. Fiji is accessible via direct flights from Australia, including 4 hours from Sydney, almost 5 hours from Melbourne and 3.5 hours from Brisbane.
Plan your visit for Fiji’s dry season, between May and October for clear sunny days, little chance of rain, and ideal conditions for snorkelling and swimming. The wet (November-April) brings more humidity and occasional tropical storms, but also fewer crowds if you'd prefer to holiday in a less busy period.
Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, offers an intoxicating blend of modern attractions and traditional culture sure to delight families of all ages. Tokyo is extremely safe and clean, therefore straightforward to explore with even the tiniest of children in tow. Take kids to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, where a blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions and super-fun food options will make them think all their birthdays have come at once. The city’s futuristic vibe is concentrated in tourist hubs like Odaiba, where children can lose themselves in cutting-edge video games, and get up close and personal with giant anime statues. The quirky Legoland Discovery Center is a must for any fan of the colourful mini bricks.
Tokyo’s many green spaces, such as Yoyogi Park, provide space to kick back and watch kids to let off steam. Spots like the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka are a must for fans of Japanese animation.
Plan your trip during the mild months of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when you can indulge in outdoor activities like visiting parks or viewing the world-renowned cherry blossoms (spring) and fiery red leaves (autumn). For winter sports lovers, check our guide to spring skiing in Japan.
Kia Ora! Queenstown, an adventure seeker’s paradise on New Zealand’s South Island, welcomes thrill-seeking families up for hiking, skiing, snowboarding across its dramatic scenery, which juts up from the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. This is simply one of the best family holiday destinations in the world, offering year-round activities for both kids and adults from heart-stopping bungee jumps to peaceful lake swims. In winter, introduce youngsters to snow sports on gentle learner slopes, or gear up for some adventurous skiing in one of four ski areas, all offering quality snow and terrain to suit all abilities.
Summer opens up opportunities for family water activities like jet boating, paddleboarding, kayaking and rafting. With older kids, autumn is fab for pulling on your walking boots and exploring some wide-open trails nearby, such as the Kepler Track where you may even spot a specimen of New Zealand’s endemic parrot, the Kea. The possibilities are endless, with off-road tours, go-karting and biking all on offer. Be sure to check out our guide to fun things to do in Queenstown for more ideas.
The best time to visit Queenstown all depends on your family’s preferred activity! Winter (June-August) is the time for skiing and snow sports, while summer (December-February) offers warmer weather for water sports, hiking and biking. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) both offer stunning scenery and cooler temperatures.
Vanuatu is an archipelago only 2.5 hours from Brisbane, and a great location for a family-friendly holiday. The capital, Port Vila, makes a fab base for exploring, with stunning beaches and activities like snorkelling in blue lagoons – or cooling off at the Mele Cascades. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline takes experience-hungry youngsters on an unforgettable journey through the trees and across expansive canyons. As you move around the islands, local ‘pikinini’ (children) are likely to be keen to make new friends, so sociable youngsters will be in their element.
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, is perfect for families hungry to learn about WWII history and partake in outdoor fun for older kids, like scuba diving into the clear waters around Million Dollar Point. Or explore the powdery white sands of Champagne Beach, shared with roaming cattle. Adventurous families can also visit the untamed Tanna Island to see Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best things to do in Vanuatu and make sure to read our essential information on travelling to Vanuatu, including entry requirements, money, language and power plugs.
For the best time to visit Vanuatu, book your trip for during dry season (May-October) for cool, less humid weather. This period also avoids the cyclone season. For more details, check out our guide on the best time to visit Vanuatu.
Samoa, around a 5-hour flight from both Sydney and Brisbane, is an island state offering an unforgettable family holiday experience. Not only is the hospitality world-renowned; Samoa’s islands offer unmatched natural beauty that in themselves are a useful geography lesson, from stunning coral reefs to lush rainforests and ancient volcanoes. The warm, welcoming culture makes Samoa fantastic for families with kids of all ages. Life moves at a slower pace here, so families can truly unwind and explore at their own leisure. Samoa's safe, quiet roads also make it ideal if you’ve got younger children.
To make your family trip go more smoothly, hire a car; this’ll give you the freedom to explore both Upolu and Savai’i, Samoa’s two largest islands, at your leisure. Make stops at Piula Cave Pool and Loimata o Apaula Stream, two stunning freshwater spots where kids will love splashing around in the clear waters. Mini snorkellers will be delighted to discover – for themselves – that Samoa’s coral reefs are teeming with colourful marine life.
Whether you’re staying at a resort or in a traditional beachside fale, there’s no shortage of family-friendly accommodation in Samoa. You’ll find that many resorts offer children’s activities and on-site dining, making family mealtimes completely hassle-free. For more details on planning your Samoa family getaway, read our guide on the best things to do in Samoa.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing family holiday in a tropical paradise, a few days of cultural exploration, or an outdoor adventure the kids will remember forever, Virgin Australia's extensive network of destinations makes it easy to create the perfect family getaway.
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