Great Australian family holiday's made easy

Family Holidays are one of life’s great joys; spending time away from the distractions and dramas of day-to-day life and reconnecting with each other, as well as the simpler things in life. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teenagers in tow, a family adventure need not be stressful, given there are so many options to choose from, both in our own backyard and further afield.

This handy guide has got something for everyone, whether you are longing for a tropical island getaway, a glamping adventure in the great outdoors or an activity-filled city break. The common thread throughout though is that each and every destination will provide the perfect setting in which to enjoy each other’s company and make some lasting family memories.

Mirage Whitsundays

Get away from it all with a trip to one of Australia’s most luxurious resorts, the multi-award-winning Mirage Whitsundays Resort. Located on the serene waterfront of Airlie Beach, Queensland, Mirage Whitsundays offers guests a choice of opulent five-star waterfront apartments, villas and penthouses that provide luxurious contemporary living.

The spacious self-contained serviced apartments enjoy access to the best in resort facilities, ensuring that you will want for nothing during your stay. There are 2 lagoon swimming pools, a gymnasium and a luxurious day spa.

Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Whitsundays archipelago, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your premium accommodation.

So, whether it’s luxurious break for the whole family or a romantic getaway, Mirage Whitsundays Resort is the perfect choice.

PHONE 1300 088 988 | WEB miragewhitsundays.com.au

Eurobodalla

From Batemans Bay to Moruya and Narooma, Eurobodalla is a stunning stretch of coastline boasting uncrowded beaches, river estuaries and ancient headlands. One of Australia’s best holiday destinations, families can discover 83 beaches, four major river systems, islands, vast tracks of national park and state forest, and an abundance of wildlife.

Cruise the Clyde River, the cleanest of all the major rivers on Australia’s east coast and famous for its oysters. Fill up on cheese and fresh farm products that are a highlight of these parts. Explore historic villages like Central Tilba, Bodalla and Mogo, where you can relax in cafes, wander through craftgalleries and snap up local artworks.

Just off Narooma’s coast is Montague Island, a haven for mammals and birdlife, where the clear waters teem with fish and a huge colonyof fur seals entertain snorkellers. Potato Point and South Durras are meccas for kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.

Discover Eurobodalla and bring out your better nature.

PHONE 1800 802 528 | WEB eurobodalla.com.au

Doma Hotels

If you’re wondering what to do on your next short break that promises something for the whole family, look no further than Doma Hotels’ VIP Kids package.

Designed for even the most discerning of children, the package includes:

Overnight accommodation

VIP kids check-in with Experience Passport

A kids tent with bedding set up in the lounge area of your room

Buffet breakfast per adult booked

Kids under 12 eat breakfast free

A popcorn machine for use during your stay

Secure undercover parking for one car

Free wifi and on-demand movies

Late checkout

Once you’ve settled in, some of Canberra’s best-loved attractions are easily within reach, from the fascinating Questacon to the Australian War Memorial’s vast and moving collection to go-kart racing. And when you are finished with all of these, there’s a fabulous selection of galleries, restaurants, shopping and parks close by to enjoy as well.

PHONE 02 6163 1888 | W E B domahotels.com.au

Noonaweena

Noonaweena is an eco-certified bush retreat nestled in the New South Wales Central Coast hinterland.

Situated just an hour from Sydney means there are no long car rides to endure, yet the tranquility of the 100 acre property provides a much-needed escape from city life.

Its four elegant group-accommodation lodges cater to everyone from couples to large family groups of up to 32 people.

Guests can choose from self-catered or catered stay options, and have access to the restful Nourished Day Spa for pampering massages or facials.

There are also plenty of activities to d onsite including tennis, bush walking, mountain bike tours, swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzis, ensuring lasting family memories will be made at Noonaweena’s unique ‘resting place in the bush’.

PHONE 02 4376 1290 | WEB noonaweena.com.au

Rottnest Island

Located 19km off the coast of Perth (and just 25 minutes from Fremantle), Rottnest Island feels a million miles from everything. Rediscover life’s simple pleasures as you follow a sandy track, run barefoot through the waves or experience intriguing wildlife along the Wadjemup Bidi, a network of picturesque walk trails.

As an A-Class Nature Reserve surrounded by the sparkling Indian Ocean, Rottnest is home to 63 beaches and 20 secluded bays, as well as its most friendly resident, the quokka; the cute marsupial has made the Island is world-famous (Huffington Post recently dubbed the quokka the “happiest animal on earth".

Relax beach-side, snorkel through vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks, climb a lighthouse, or fish for delicious local seafood. Bicycles are the most common mode of transport which makes it perfect for families wanting to stay active and get back to nature.

PHONE 08 9432 9300 | WEB rottnestisland.com

Wilpena Pound Resort

Only half a day’s drive north of Adelaide, Wilpena Pound is an extraordinary 800-million-year-old natural amphitheatre situated in the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, traditional homeland of the Adnyamathanha, or Yura, people.

The Wilpena Pound Resort serves as the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and includes hotel rooms, ‘glamping’ safari tents and campsites, as well as scenic flights that provide breathtaking views of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding National Park.

As one of only a few Aboriginal owned and operated resorts in the country, the hallmark feature here is its Aboriginal cultural experiences; visitors to Wilpena Pound Resort set off on a journey with the Traditional Owners to uncover the rich history and mystique of ancient and contemporary Aboriginal culture. Yura guides provide unrivalled insight into their timeless land, which is one of Australia’s true natural wonders.

PHONE 1800 805 802 | WEB wilpenapound.com.au

Holiday Haven Tourist Parks

Only two to three hours drive from Sydney or Canberra, Holiday Haven’s 12 tourist parks make escaping to the scenic South Coast of NSW a breeze. With beach, lake and riverfront locations, the parks are conveniently located in or close to major South Coast townships including Kangaroo Valley, Berry, Huskisson and Ulladulla.

With easy access to waterways and national parks, guests can explore ample bush walking trails, enjoy more than 100 unspoilt beaches or make a splash at surfing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding.A full range of accommodation options are available from campsites to luxury camping with ensuite facilities, glamping in safari tents or fully self-contained cabins with water views.

The are a variety of onsite recreational facilities on offer including jumping pillows, splash pads, swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, mini golf, and organised school holiday activities. There really is something for all the family at Holiday Haven Tourist Parks.

WEB holidayhaven.com.au

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect base for your next family adventure, with World Heritage-listed wilderness to explore, endless activities to enjoy from the resort, and immersive nature experiences for all ages.

Fraser Island offers breath-taking scenery guaranteed to impress, outdoor options that get teens away from their screens, and picture-perfect moments for the whole family. The resort’s renowned Junior Eco Rangers program is as popular with parents as it is with the kids; mum and dad can relax with a drink as experienced rangers take their children out on an interactive nature experience.

In fact, the entertainment options at Kingfisher Bay Resort are endless:

Junior Eco Rangers program

Canoe paddle

Archery and laser skirmish

Ranger-guided walks

Hiking and fishing

Bush tucker talk & taste

Whale watching cruises (Aug-Oct)

PHONE 07 4120 3333 | WEB kingfisherbay.com

Noosa

You can’t help but fall in love with Noosa, the relaxation capital of Australia! From beautiful beaches to jumping headfirst into a new adventure each day, it has everything you need to relax.

Explore bays and rock pools along Noosa National Park’s coastal tracks – you might even spot dolphins, turtles or a koala up in the tall eucalypts. Australia Zoo, Aussie World, The Ginger Factory, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium and Big Kart Track are all within easy reach, or discover the beautiful Noosa Everglades and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. The whole family can learn to stand-up paddle along Noosa’s river, try surfing at the calm Noosa Main Beach or learn to sail.

Accommodation here caters to all budgets, from riverfront camping to five star beachfront properties, family-friendly apartments to hinterland B&Bs; there are even houseboats!

A Noosa holiday will create moments and memories the whole family will treasure.

PHONE 1300 0 NOOSA | WEB visitnoosa.com.au

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

Great Australian family holidays made easy