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Top family destinations in Australia

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With its natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, Australia is the perfect playground for families.

By Allie Metz and Sue White

The sandstone ridges of the Grampians, three hours west of Melbourne , offer family-friendly adventure alongside a sophisticated food and wine scene. Kangaroos and emus roam the quiet bushland, while adrenaline-inducing activities will turn the mountain range into your personal playground. Test your strength on a rock climbing session, be immersed in Aboriginal culture at Brambuk and paddle canoes on Lake Bellfield.

Guide to the Grampians

This majestic mountain range is home to a huge array of wildlife and adventure activities alongside a rich and continuing Aboriginal history.

With beautiful coastal walks, Aboriginal tours and wildlife experiences available right in the heart of the city, Sydney is the perfect spot to balance coastal adventures with cultural immersion. Kids and teens alike will love surfing, snorkelling and soaking up the vibes on any of Sydney's beautiful beaches . Create unforgettable memories as you ferry across the harbour and climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Top things to do in Sydney with kids

From splash pads to roller coasters, Sydney is the ultimate family destination.

Read time • 4min

With its world-class museums (many of which have experiences just for kids ) and a buzzy dining scene, Australia’s capital city of Canberra is an ideal getaway for culture-lovers of all ages. The city’s compact size and proximity to nature make it easy for families to hop between award-winning cultural institutions and thrilling outdoor adventures on the same day. Go hot air ballooning, cycle beautiful bike trails, or spend the day on Lake Burley Griffin.

Top things to do in Canberra with kids

Canberra abounds with kid-friendly parklands, nature reserves and national attractions that include tailor-made spaces for youngsters.

Read time • 6min

A family trip to Cairns is all about sharing the magic of one of the world’s greatest wonders – the Great Barrier Reef . Start your adventure with a splash around in the Cairns Lagoon before heading out for a snorkel above the colourful coral. There's plenty to do between Cairns, Kuranda and Port Douglas , so having a flexible itinerary is ideal. Spot crocodiles in the Daintree Rainforest , take a train to see waterfalls and ignite a true love of nature.

Top things to do in Cairns with kids

Show the family a good time in the tropical city of Cairns.

Queensland’s Gold Coast is known as the ultimate family beach getaway. You’ll find a beguiling mix of things to do with the kids, from dining and culture to adventure and nature experiences – all alongside 57km (35mi) of white, sandy beaches. Visit Australia’s biggest selection of theme parks , meet native animals at a wildlife sanctuary and explore World Heritage-listed rainforests in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Top things to do on the Gold Coast with kids

World-famous sandy beaches, exciting theme parks and the chance to see Australian wildlife up close, the Gold Coast offers plenty for those on a family getaway.

Read time • 5min

Dazzling white sand beaches and a range of laidback accommodation have seen Rottnest Island become one of Western Australia’s most beloved family escapes. On arrival, do as the locals do and hire bicycles. A car-free zone, ‘Rotto’ is a wonderfully safe place for little ones to roam on two wheels, while older kids will appreciate having the freedom to explore the island’s 63 beaches. The island is also home to one of Australia’s cutest animals , the quokka. These adorable marsupials make for great holiday photos.

Guide to Rottnest Island

When it’s time to relax and recharge, swap the rush of the city for an idyllic escape on Rottnest Island.

Boasting dramatic wilderness and exciting cities, Tasmania has a lot to offer families. You can explore Hobart with the family , or take off in a campervan to discover the Wilderness World Heritage area that awaits to the west. Time seems to stand still as you explore hiking trails, spot wildlife and admire a sky full of stars. Give your legs a rest as you take in the scenery from a historic train, a boat cruise or a rafting adventure.

Guide to Tasmania

Reconnect with nature, wildlife and your taste buds on a trip to the impossibly beautiful island state of Tasmania.

Off the coast of South Australia , Kangaroo Island is a natural playground combining fresh local food, stunning scenery and easy access to nature. You're likely to see more kangaroos than cars here, making it perfect for families. Stroll the beaches where sea lions snooze or join a tour to swim with wild dolphins. Kids can scramble over unique rock formations or glide down the sand dunes of Little Sahara on a toboggan. For something a bit more calming, visit a lavender or honey farm to taste some of the foodie delights the island has to offer.

Guide to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise, with prolific native wildlife, dramatic coastal sightseeing and bountiful farmlands.

At roughly half the size of Switzerland, Kakadu National Park is both vast and spectacular – a gem for families to explore just three hours from Darwin . You can spot wildlife, admire rock art galleries, explore waterholes and learn about Aboriginal cultures from the land's Traditional Custodians (the Bininj/Mungguy people). Exploring such a wild, remote place has an impact on everyone who visits; expect to leave with a renewed connection to nature and to each other.

Guide to Kakadu National Park

Experience the magic of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park on an outback adventure that defies expectation.

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Australia’s top 10 family-friendly destinations

Jul 3, 2015 • 6 min read

Admiring the Sydney Opera House at dusk. Image by Shaun Egan / Getty Images

Broad, bronzed and open-skied, Australia is built for family travel – a dazzlingly diverse country strewn with tropical reefs, surf beaches and snowy heights. The vast distances between A and B can test parental patience, but with some savvy planning you can focus on the delights of exploring with people much closer to ground level than you are.

Leaf through the new edition of Lonely Planet’s Travel With Children for practical tips, or check out our list of top 10 family-friendly destinations to get you started.

Sydney Harbour

Australia’s biggest city would be just another sprawling metropolis without Sydney Harbour, the endlessly photogenic waterway around which city life circulates. Pile the kids onto a bumbling old Sydney ferry and check it out. Eyeball the Sydney Opera House from the water; chug under the Sydney Harbour Bridge ; have a picnic on Cockatoo Island or Fort Denison ; take a high-speed catamaran to Manly Beach for a surfing lesson; or disembark with your darlings at Darling Harbour for the Australian National Maritime Museum , Darling Quarter Playground, Sydney Sea Life Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney Zoo .

Touring Tasmania

Tasmania’s compact size, engaging history and accessible wilderness make for a brilliant family driving holiday: hop into a campervan for a ‘lap of the map’. Highlights include camping in Freycinet National Park , sea-kayaking around Coles Bay , beachcombing along Ocean Beach on the wild west coast, scaling the treetops at the Tahune Forest AirWalk and careening down Mt Wellington on a mountain bike. After dark, meet Tasmania’s ghosts (there are a few) on spooky tours of Hobart , Launceston and Port Arthur . On rainy days (there are also a few), Hobart’s excellent museums come to the rescue:  history , Antarctica , maritime – take your pick.

Darwin and the Top End national parks

Darwin is really hot – a cooling swim is a daily ritual here. Dunk the kids in the Wave Lagoon at the Waterfront Precinct, or drive an hour down the highway to Litchfield National Park to splash around under waterfalls. Kakadu National Park has some remote swimming holes too, but the park’s primary lures are its astonishing indigenous rock-art galleries and its wildlife (implausible numbers of snapping crocs and flapping birds). Further south is Nitmiluk National Park, where you can swim and kayak around gorgeous Katherine Gorge (actually 13 gorges). Back in Darwin, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and Deckchair Cinema provide after-dark diversions. And if you didn’t spy a croc in Kakadu, Crocosaurus Cove in downtown Darwin will get you far closer to one than seems sensible.

Far north Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef

Launch your Great Barrier Reef expedition from Cairns or Port Douglas , with a high-speed catamaran trip to an inner-reef atoll or an extended day trip to the pristine outer reef. Either way, snorkeling over this hyper-coloured world is mind-blowing.  Scuba diving is an option for teens; a sedate sail in a glass-bottom boat will help the little ones to see into the sea. Back on dry land, far north Queensland  resorts are geared for family function, with structured activities, pools, waterslides, wave skis, paddleboards and kids’ food options all standard issue.

Ditch your preconceptions: Canberra is much more than a political filing cabinet these days. The nation’s capital is a really good city for kids, with easy parking, myriad picnic spots and plenty of space to run around. Get earnest at the Australian War Memorial , then go silly at the National Arboretum Playground , with the ‘beauty of trees’ at the fore. For older kids, Questacon (aka the National Science and Technology Centre) is laced with stimulating exhibits. Equally invigorating are a few joyous somersaults atop the grassy dome of Parliament House , while more complex ideologies collide in the chambers below.

Gold Coast theme parks

With an ego the size of Queensland, the Gold Coast is its own biggest fan. But don’t the kids love it! There are five humongous theme parks here: Dreamworld , Sea World , Movie World , Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World . Get wet on a muggy Queensland afternoon, meet some nautical critters or lose your lunch on a rollercoaster. A VIP Pass will save a few dollars; an early start will save a long walk across the car park. The Gold Coast’s beach suburbs are kid-centric too, with surf lessons, jet-skiing, sea-kayaking, whale-watching… Alternatively, the much-hyped Australia Zoo is two hours north (and it actually lives up to the hype).

 Victoria’s High Country

Given the otherwise sunstroked state of the nation, the classy skiing options in Victoria’s High Country may come as either a surprise or a relief.  The big resorts here – Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham – are riddled with runs for everyone from short-arse snow bunnies to teen-scene snowboarders. It can be a pricey exercise getting here from Melbourne , hiring gear, staying in mountaintop lodges… but the payoff is a unique Australian family experience. Come back in summer for mountain biking, camping, bushwalking and assessing the bakeries in fetching high-country towns such as Beechworth, Mansfield and Bright.

Kangaroo Island

A short hop south of Adelaide , roll onto a car ferry and bob across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island (KI) , South Australia’s most underrated weekender. Big-ticket enticements for kids here include the stinky, grumpy residents at Seal Bay Conservation Park and the appropriately named Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park. In between you’ll find sand dunes (sandboarding!), surf beaches, pelican-feeding sessions , honey farms , fishing jetties, caves and wildlife parks – plenty of kiddie distractions until it’s time for some fish and chips (and a KI wine or two) at the pub in Kingscote.

Is Brisbane Australia’s most kid-friendly city? The Brisbane River is a big plus: ride a ferry around central Brisbane, or chug out to the endearing Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to hug one of the inmates. Back in the city, the riverside South Bank Parklands offer lawns, BBQs, playgrounds and the slow-spinning Wheel of Brisbane . The man-made, lifeguard-patrolled Streets Beach is here too, with shallow water for small swimmers. Further along the riverbank is the amazing treehouse playground at New Farm Park . Too humid for the park? The Queensland Museum & Sciencentre , Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art all have dedicated kids’ activity rooms, interactive experiences and school holiday programs.

Southwest Western Australia

Like Tasmania, southwest Western Australia  is a bite-sized zone that removes the adults-only appeal of lost, empty highways from the travel equation. Don’t miss the astounding Valley of the Giants near Denmark (no, not in Scandinavia) – a 600m-long treetop walk through enormous tingle trees. Other natural enticements for the kids include surfing at Ocean Beach near Walpole, hiking to lookouts in Walpole-Nornalup National Park , climbing the 68m Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park, beachcombing along Great Ocean Drive near Esperance, and going underground at CaveWorks & Lake Cave near Margaret River and Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup. For mum and dad, offerings from the southwest wine scene will help you reconstitute once the kids are in bed.

Pick up the new edition of Lonely Planet’s Travel With Children online .

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Home » Travel » Best Places To Visit With Kids And Family In Australia

Best Places To Visit With Kids And Family In Australia

Australia's top attractions and must-visit places.

Australia has it all. Beaches, surf, mountains, countryside, animals, wine and so much more. It’s a fabulous country to visit with babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. With so much on offer, it’s hard to decide where to go and what to do. For those looking for the must-do things with kids in Australia – we have you sorted. Here are some of our favorite attractions and best places to see and do with kids in tow, no matter where you are in Oz. Be sure to bookmark this one for your next itinerary!

Travel To Australia

Starting  6 July 2022 , travelers to Australia no longer need to :

• Provide evidence of vaccination status
• Complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
• Apply for travel exemption to travel if they are unvaccinated
• Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter Australia, prior to boarding your flight

As of September 9 2022, masks are no longer required on flights to Australia.

More information on entry to Australia HERE .

Want more? Check out these more in-depth city guides for family travel to Australia!

SYDNEY WITH KIDS:

• Family-Friendly Guide To Sydney – Stay, Eat, Play
• Top Family Hotels In Sydney

PERTH/MARGARET RIVER WITH KIDS:

• Family-Friendly Guide To Perth
• Top Family Hotels In Perth
• Family-Friendly Guide To Margaret River

CANBERRA WITH KIDS: 

• Family-Friendly Guide To Canberra

MELBOURNE WITH KIDS:

• Family-Friendly Guide To Melbourne
• Top Family Hotels In Melbourne

BROOME WITH KIDS:

• Family-Friendly Guide To Broome

*This guide will be continually updated with the latest travel requirements and restrictions in light of the COVID-19 situation. 

SYDNEY HARBOR - Gardens + Ferries + Opera House

Sydney Harbour is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Home to the Sydney Opera House, the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, and the ferry pier at Circular Quay, it’s a place to have fun with kids in tow. We recommend taking one of the many ferries to Manly, Watson’s Bay or Rose Bay - the ferry ride alone is breathtaking. Stroll through Circular Quay and watch the buskers, or grab an ice cream and enjoy the view. The Opera House is worth walking around, and there are plenty of spots to have a bite to eat before heading to the Botanic Gardens. Check out the architecture and watch the tourists milling around for that all-important selfie. If you’re there for New Year's Eve, make sure you get a good spot to watch the fireworks. On the western end of the harbor, The Rocks area offers a glimpse into Sydney's fascinating history, while the Museum of Contemporary Art is a must for a bit of culture and kid-friendly interactive exhibits. Looking for adventure? Then climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view has that amazing wow factor.

BLUE MOUNTAINS - Hiking

There are many national parks in Australia, so no matter where you travel to there’s one you and your family will love. We like the Blue Mountains, a short one-hour train ride out of Sydney. When you get there, take the Scenic World Cable Car Ride. You will get a spectacular view of the valley below and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Stay the night and go camping and enjoy all the outdoor adventures on offer. The small towns in the mountains also offer a great selection of luxury boutique hotels and some amazing gourmet food year-round.

Blue Mountains, www.us.sydney.com/destinations/blue-mountains

GREAT BARRIER REEF - Snorkeling + Diving

Far North Queensland is full of family-friendly spots but Cairns is probably the most accessible, with its international airport and plethora of accommodation options. The city is home to bustling markets, the Cairns Skyrail, and great beaches only a stone's throw from the world’s largest coral reef. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef stretches for over 2000 kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. As well as being one of the most famous snorkeling and diving spots in the world, it's home to thousands of species of marine life - many of which you won't find anywhere else on Earth. To explore the reef you can stay in Cairns and book a day trip, or set yourself up on one of the many islands, from The Whitsundays to the Northern Islands. While many like to get up close and personal with the reef, one of the best ways to appreciate its vastness and sheer beauty is from the air .

Great Barrier Reef , www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au

CANBERRA - Capital Hill + Parliament House

There are plenty of fun things to do for families in Canberra, Australia’s Capital city. Whether it’s visiting one of the many museums, a simple pleasure like rolling down Capital Hill and seeing the parliament buildings, or treating the whole family to brunch at one of Australia’s best concentration of cafes. You can take a tour of Parliament House and see where all the country's important decisions are made. But this little city offers more than just politics. As the nation's capital, Canberra is also home to the National Library , The National Gallery of Australia , and the National Science and Technology Center , each with great facilities for families.

Parliament House, www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament

Canberra, www.visitcanberra.com.au

KANGAROO ISLAND - Kangaroos + Nature

Outdoorsy kids will love it here! Considered one of Australia’s best wildlife experiences, Kangaroo Island offers miles of striking natural landscapes and pristine scenery, brilliant local cuisine, small-batch wines and a leisurely way of life. The kids will love the baby sea lions and the Koalas! Stay the night in one of the island's amazing accommodations, and watch the stars at night twinkling above.

Kangaroo Island, www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND - Penguins!

Phillip Island is a magical place where you and the kids can watch penguins in their natural habitat. Take a hike around the main headland and watch the birds and penguins on the mountainside. The view is quite spectacular. As dusk comes in, go to the beach and simply wait. You’ll start to see these amazing little animals come in from the sea, follow them as they waddle down the beach to the edge of the mountain, looking for a place to sleep for the night.

Phillip Island, www.visitphillipisland.com

MELBOURNE - Beach + Animals + Culture

St. Kilda, www.stkildamelbourne.com.au

Melbourne Zoo, www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/wonder

Weribee Open Range Zoo , www.zoo.org.au/werribee

Top Family-Friendly Hotels , www.littlestepsasia.com/all-cities/articles/travel/top-family-hotels-melbourne

NOOSA - Hit The Beach

If the main attraction you're looking for is the beach, then head to Noosa. The shire of Noosa is located in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast. It offers amazing beaches, a national park, boutiques, restaurants and bars, and plenty of family-friendly things to keep the kids and grown-ups happy. Feed the pelicans at Tewantin, stroll down Hastings Street for some of the region's best food and shopping, hike in the national park, or seek out Noosa's best-kept secret Little Cove to escape the crowds.

BUNDABERG - Turtle Hatching + Snorkelling + Surf Lessons

Get ready for an amazing adventure at Bundaberg, a city located just a 4.5-hour drive away from Brisbane. For starters, you can watch turtles hatch and take their first steps toward the ocean at Mon Repos. It’ll be a spectacular site for the children, and they’ll be in awe of the experience. The family can also take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and catch a glimpse of sea animals while snorkeling. For the more active members of the family, why not head for a surfing lesson at the Agnes Waters Main Beach and pick up the basics of riding some easy waves?

Bundaberg , www.bundabergregion.org

ROTTNEST ISLAND - Meet Quokkas + Whale Watching + Glass Bottom Kayaking

Animal lovers, you’re going to love Rottnest Island. Here, you get to meet the adorable quokka up close ! They’re curious creatures, so chances are they’ll come up to you, but do remember to keep a respectable distance so as not to scare or stress them. They’re generally roaming all around the island, so it’ll be pretty easy to meet some of them and snap a quick pic! If you’re at Rottnest Island from September to November, it’s prime time for whale watching as well. For something more active, the family can go glass bottom kayaking , where you can spot and admire all the vibrant corals and marine life living in those crystal clear waters.

Rottnest Island , www.australia.com/rottnest-island

GOLD COAST - Warner Bros. Movie World + Dream World

Got a family full of adrenaline junkies? Why not take a trip to the Gold Coast, where you can visit some of Australia’s best theme parks! Spend at least one full day at Warner Bros. Movie World , a film-related theme park where the kids can say hi to character mascots and take pictures together. Besides the usual roller coasters, the park also has attractions that educate guests about the process behind filmmaking. Dreamworld is also located on the Gold Coast, and is an amazing place to try out thrilling rides and the tallest drop tower.

Gold Coast , www.destinationgoldcoast.com

CAIRNS - Aquarium + Hot Air Balloon + White Water Rafting

Enjoy a range of different activities within Cairns. Start the day with a hot air balloon ride for the family, with tours that start before dawn so that you can all watch the sunrise during the hot air balloon ride. It’s an amazing experience with an amazing view of the Antherton Tablelands, and you can snap some awesome photos while suspended in the sky. For a more adventurous activity, hit the rapids and try white water rafting  on the Barron River. Feel the thrill of working your way through grade three rapids with your raft mates and instructor, and laugh and scream to your heart’s content while you’re at it! End the day with a more relaxing activity at the Cairns Aquarium , where you’ll get to see 15,000 marine and land animals from the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Cairns , www.queensland.com/cairns

MONTAGUE ISLAND - Penguin And Seal Tours + Fishing + Whale Watching

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, why not do a short stay at Montague Island? It’s serene and peaceful, making it the perfect getaway if you need some quiet time. There’s a nature reserve that’s home to penguins, seals and other marine life, and they provide tours so you can get up close to them. From September to November, you can even whale watch as part of the tour. You can also go out to sea and learn how to fish with the team at Charter Fish Narooma , made up of passionate locals with decades of experience on the water.

Montague Island , www.montagueislandadventures.com.au

MOUNT HOTHAM - Skiing + Snowshoeing + Outdoor BBQ

If winter resorts and holidays are your thing, you might want to consider staying at Mount Hotham. They have a range of activities to keep you and the family occupied throughout your stay, including private skiing lessons and helicopter rides over snowcapped mountains. If you just want to try something more relaxing, snowshoeing is a unique and great way to explore the area together as a family. After a fun day of activities, wind down at the All Terrain BBQ for an exclusive dinner experience at a picturesque eco-village.

Mount Hotham , www.mthotham.com.au

GREAT OCEAN ROAD - Swim With Seals And Dolphins + 12 Apostles + Hot Springs

Experience a lovely, scenic coastal drive that snakes along the Southern Ocean. Besides the amazing view, you can also visit the 12 Apostles , the iconic limestone pillars along the route. Enjoy the sea breeze and snap a few family photos against the stunning view. Rejuvenate in the later part of the day at Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs , a sanctuary where you can opt for the afternoon bathing session or even salt therapy in the sanctuary’s relaxing salt room. For water activities, why not swim with marine animals? See All Dolphin Swims offers tours, where you get to swim side by side with seals and dolphins, as well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with other incredible wildlife without even getting wet!

Great Ocean Road , www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

CRADLE MOUNTAIN - Tasmanian Devil + Canyons + Hiking

Explore nature and the wilderness at Cradle Mountain, where you can hike the Overland Track , an iconic six-day alpine hike that is recommended for more experienced hikers. You can also explore the canyons on a tour, where you can even jump off waterfalls and abseil down cliffs. Sounds exciting, right? For animal lovers, get to know the Tasmanian devil and other threatened species at Devils@Cradle , a conversation center that you and the family can visit.

Cradle Mountain , www.discovertasmania.com.au/cradle-mountain

THE GHAN TRAIN - South Australia + North Australia

Get aboard the Ghan Train and spend 3 days enjoying the sights while it travels from North Australia to South Australia (or vice versa). It stops by places like the Red Centre, an extraordinary landscape of desert plains where you can learn more about Aboriginal culture and dine under the outback stars. You’ll also be passing by an outback town called Alice Springs where there are beautiful views of the mountain ranges and you can take part in activities like camel rides or experience the magic of the Milky Way.

The Ghan Train , www.australia.com/the-ghan-train

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Australia

Things to do in australia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central Business District
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sydney Opera House

2. Sydney Harbour

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

4. Sydney Ferries

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

7. City Circle Tram

8. South Bank Parklands

9. Bondi to Coogee Walk

10. The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum

11. Capricorn Caves

12. Lake McKenzie

13. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

14. Historic Village Herberton

15. Emily Bay

16. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

17. Koorana Crocodile Farm

18. Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

19. Little Sahara

20. Panorama Garden Estate

21. Ned's Beach

22. North Gorge Walk

23. ATTY Gallery

24. Opal Museum

25. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

26. Hill Inlet

27. Outback at Isa

28. Underground Hospital and Museum

29. Raptor Refuge

30. The Bat Hospital Visitor Centre

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The Best Things to Do in Australia With Kids — From a Safari Sleepover to a Waterfront Theme Park

Australia is an immense and diverse country with endless possibilities. You can go from marveling at the dazzling coastline to exploring the Outback to hanging with some of the world's most fascinating animals (we're looking at you, echidnas) without leaving the country.

And if you're headed to Oz with kids, you're in luck: There are countless experiences that take advantage of the best Australia has to offer while remaining accessible for the smallest of travelers. You can meet real-life Tasmanian devils (not just the Looney Tunes kind, though he's fun too) on the island of Tasmania. And young children can explore the Great Barrier Reef without even getting wet thanks to an underwater observatory.

Traveling with kids can bring the whole family together (plus, it can help them in school) — and arguably no destination does it better than the hands-on friendly land Down Under.

Try these nine kid-friendly experiences on your next trip to Australia for the chance to combine educational opportunities with straight-up fun.

Snooze With Animals

Head out on a night safari to see some of Taronga Zoo Sydney's 4,000 animals from more than 350 species during their Roar and Snore program . You'll help out during feeding time, get some up-close-and-personal encounters with the zoo's animals, and enjoy incredible harbor views from the safari-style campsite (talk about glamping!).

The next day, you can see some of the zoo's cutest furry residents by daylight — like the red kangaroos and koalas — with complimentary admission.

Find it: Roar and Snore at the Taronga Zoo Sydney ; Sydney, New South Wales

See the Little Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is home to tiny penguins (known as Little Penguins) who take part in a nightly penguin parade when they waddle up the beach and back to their burrows at sunset after a day of fishing.

Kids can watch these little penguins (they weigh just about two pounds and are about 13 inches tall) from eye-level when you book an underground viewing experience .

Find it: Phillip Island Nature Parks ; Phillip Island, Victoria

Feed Wild Dolphins

You don't often get the chance to be close to wild animals, let alone feed them. And while it is not advised to do that on your own, the Monkey Mia Reserve offers a program that allows visitors to get up close while ensuring the area's bottlenose dolphins stay wild.

The dolphins at the reserve are free to come and go as they please (more than 3,000 live in the bay) and are offered food three times a day between 7:45 a.m. and noon. And you and your family could be the ones to feed them — a limited number of fish are handed out to people standing in the shallow water. The number of fish is limited because staff still want the dolphins to forage for a large amount of their food.

Find it: Monkey Mia Reserve ; Denham, Western Australia

Hang Out at Bondi Beach

Ana Alarcon/Travel + Leisure

Heading to the beach is one Australian experience that's hard to miss — the country has more than 31,000 miles of coastline. However, for younger swimmers (and older ones too, for that matter) rip currents are a legitimate fear.

Thanks to Bondi Icebergs Club — with two pools (one for adults and one for kids) — you can put safe swimming first without giving up great views of one of Australia's most popular beaches. When you're done swimming, head down to the beach for a little people watching on this iconic stretch of sand.

Find it: Bondi Icebergs Club ; Sydney, New South Wales

Cuddle a Koala

There's nothing as iconic as cuddling a cute koala in Australia — and there's no better place to do it than the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (which opened in 1927 as a refuge for orphaned, sick, and injured koalas).

Kids can pet or hold the fuzzy animals — there's around 130 of them — or check out one of the other 70-plus animal species living at the sanctuary (think kangaroos, platypuses, and dingos). Plan your visit around one of the hand-feeding times for the kangaroos, wallabies, and lorikeets for an extra dose of fun (and photo opportunities).

Find it: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ; Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland

Get Up Close and Personal With Tasmanian Devils

Kids may know of the Tasmanian devil from the Looney Toons cartoon, but the real-life version is so much cooler (and cuter too). There are no cages and barriers at this "unzoo" which is focused on saving the devil, offering visitors "nose-to-nose" encounters, and the chance to feed wallabies and kangaroos.

After spending time with the animals, kids can play on the Little Devil's Playground, which includes an interactive display about Tasmanian devils.

Find it: Tasmanian Devil Unzoo ; Taranna, Tasmania

Experience Vintage Thrills

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Modeled after Luna Park in Coney Island, this theme park first opened in 1935 and features the era's vintage styling. Kids will love a spin around the hand-painted carousel that features 1,640 lights or the challenge of balancing their way through the Barrels of Fun feature. Later, take in the view of the harbor from the top of the ferris wheel and play some classic carnival games.

Find it: Luna Park Sydney ; Sydney, New South Wales

Go Underwater at the Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef . And while there are numerous ways to see the colorful coral, one of the best options for kids is from an activity platform. Hop aboard Quicksilver Cruises and travel to the Agincourt Reefs where kids will be able to snorkel (there's small snorkels and masks for toddlers) from a submerged platform that helps them get into the water.

If your child can't swim — or has had enough — there's an underwater observatory where they can watch the fish without needing to get in the water. The company also has a submarine that ventures out to the reef's lagoons for extra viewing opportunities.

Find it: Quicksilver Cruises ; Port Douglas, Queensland

Learn About Australia’s Aboriginal Heritage

One of the best parts about traveling is learning about the cultures of the places you travel to. And one of the best places to do that in Australia is at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here, kids (and their parents) can take in the Aboriginal heritage through traditional dance and demonstrations like spear and boomerang throwing.

In the evening, participate in a night fire where you'll get traditional face paint, learn Aboriginal songs, and watch the ceremonial fire light up.

Find it: Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park ; Smithfield, Queensland

Related Articles

Australia with Kids: 8 Amazing Family-Friendly Destinations [2023]

Taking a trip to Australia with kids is one of the best ways to bond and spend time together as a family. With Australia’s modern amenities, English first language and well-developed tourism trail it is a suitable destination for almost anyone – even those travelling with kids.

Regardless of age or interest, a family trip to Australia is sure to be a hit. From golden beaches, cosmopolitan cities and interesting animals, you will be spoilt for choice and will come away with a lifetime of memories. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

Top Places to Visit in Australia with Kids

The following are some of the best places to visit in Australia with kids:

#1 The Great Ocean Road

Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road is a legendary drive one of the best places to visit on a family trip to Australia.

This picturesque road is 243 kilometres in length and dotted with iconic attractions like the Twelve Apostles and the Grotto , pristine beaches , and waterfalls. 

Given the plethora of outdoor activities, this destination is well suited to active families. If your little ones have never seen a koala before, we suggest you embark on the Kennett River Koala Walk . This short trail is known for its abundance of wild koalas which can be spotted in the trees above, as well as native colourful birds.

Located in Western Australia and known as the Rubibi among the local aboriginal people, Broome is a remote beach town known for its incredible scenery, rich history, and a plethora of outdoor activities. 

Cable Beach is a 22-kilometre beach in Broome and one of the town’s main attractions. You can swim or relax on the beach here, and there are even sections of the beach you can drive on to with an appropriate vehicle. However, one of the most iconic things to do at Cable Beach is to take a camel ride at sunset. 

For a bit of culture, stop by the Broome Historical Museum . Here you can learn all about the town’s pearling history. You will be shocked by many of the stories. Otherwise, just 6 kilometres from the town is Gantheaume Point . Here you can climb along the rocks and at low tide, see real dinosaur prints etched into the rock.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and perhaps Australia’s most well-known city. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to Taronga Zoo with it’s Sky Safari cable car , there is something for every family holiday to Australia. The Art Gallery and Powerhouse Museum are all children friendly. 

For an inner-city beach day , head to Bondi Beach in Sydney. Lounge on the beach, try local restaurants or go surfing. If you don’t feel like going out into the open ocean, then stop by the Bondi Icebergs pool.

Related Post | Where to Stay in Koh Samui, Thailand for Families

#4 The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known the world over for its diverse marine system. Found off the coast of Queensland, near Cairns, it has over 3000 independent reefs making it the largest coral reef in the world. 

With that being said, it is an excellent place to experience snorkelling and scuba diving. However, if you are travelling to Australia with kids too small to don a snorkel set, then you can take a glass-bottom boat ride instead. 

#5 Kangaroo Island

The exploration of Kangaroo island is perfect for wildlife loving families travelling to Australia with kids. Here you will find everything from kangaroos to sea lions, koalas, and native birds all living within less than 4500 square kilometres. 

Don’t miss visiting Flinders Chase National Park. It is one of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island. Here you will find interesting geological attractions like Remarkable Rocks and Admiral Arch . The latter is known for its stalactites.

If you or your kids are up for an adventure, then Little Sahara is a must-do. This dune system is the ultimate place to try sandboarding.

Lorne is a polished beach town found along the Erskine River in Victoria. Here you will find a diversity of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, as well as lots of Great Ocean Road beaches to explore. 

Main Beach is located in the centre of town and has plenty of social amenities like free parking and picnic areas with BBQs. The waters are typically calm here, but for added safety, the Life Saving Club patrols the beach in the summer.

Active families will like walking along Lorne Pier or up to Shelly Beach. Otherwise, surfing is a popular sport in Lorne. Just outside of town is Teddy’s Lookout. This incredible lookout point has sweeping views of the surrounding hills, the ocean and the St. George River emptying into it.

#7 Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a picturesque island located just off the coast of Western Australia. It is a short boat ride from Perth and boasts 83 spectacular bays and beaches. The Basin is one of the best points for snorkelling.

Besides its natural beauty, Rottnest Island is known for being the home of the “happiest animal on earth”. The quokka is a small marsupial that has an ever-smiling face. They are abundant around the island, and often you will see tourists stopping to take a selfie with them. 

There is not a lot of infrastructure on the island and cars are forbidden so prepare to take the public bus or go on two wheels. Most visitors rent a bike to explore at their own place. 

#8 The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a haven for theme parks, beaches and nearby hiking trails. Here you will find Dreamworld, Movie World , and Wet’ n Wild among other top theme parks in Australia. They are great to visit with little ones.

Some of the most famous beaches are Surfers Paradise, Nobby Beach and Main Beach . They are characterised by their white sand, turquoise waters and upbeat vibe. 

When you need a break from the beaches on your family trip to Australia, visit Lamington National Park. It is carpeted in an ancient rainforest and has a ton of great hiking trails.

It doesn’t get much better than a family trip to Australia. If you are visiting, don’t miss these top destinations to maximize your family fun. 

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The Great Ocean Road Collective

Henry is of the Great Ocean Road Collective. A website dedicated to sharing the beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Australia with travellers far and wide. If you are planning your trip, need some inspiration or looking for authentic advice on Aussie travel, visit our website The Great Ocean Road Australia or check us out on Instagram .

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21 Best Places to Visit In Australia with Kids

Australia is huge and you’ll need multiple trips to see what this country in Oceania has to offer. It’s impossible to compile the ultimate guide to Australia with kids. This post covers a selection of 21 best places to visit in Australia with kids. The list covers some of the best cities in Australia to visit and the best islands in Australia for families. In addition to that, historical and national parks are also amongst the best places to go in Australia with children.

Getting to and around Australia with kids

When booking international flights, we always use  Expedia . We also used them for our flight to Australia with kids. And we use 12Go  to book domestic flight, bus, train and transfer tickets.

Australia is a great country to road trip through by RV. And there’s also the awesome option of renting your own car for your ultimate family road trip from Perth to Darwin or along the East Coast of Australia. We always opt for  Discover Cars .

Book your rental car here

How to plan a family trip to Australia

Like I said, Australia is a relatively easy destination for families. There’s so much to offer for parents as well as kids of all ages. When thinking about traveling to Australia or when you’re already planning a family road trip to Australia my free ultimate beginners guide to planning a family road trip  might be helpful.

Best spots to visit with kids in Australia

Now without further ado, let’s dive into this list of 21 best places to visit in Australia with kids. From North to South and from East to West our contributors share the family friendly destinations you should visit when on a family vacation in Australia.

Book your tours and entrance tickets for Australia here

21 Best Places to Visit in Australia with Kids

Cities and towns.

Margaret River

Mount Gambier

Nature and National Parks

The Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

The Blue Mountains (New South Wales)

Uluru (Northern Territory)

Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory)

The Gippsland Lakes (Victoria)

Kangaroo Island (South Australia)

Fraser Island (Queensland)

Phillip Island (Victoria)

Norfolk Island (external territory of Australia)

Tasmania (Tasmania)

Brisbane – Queensland

Contributed by Lanie from Make More Adventures

Here are your accommodation options for Brisbane

Top tours in Brisbane with kids

Sydney – new south wales.

Sydney has so much to offer for young and old that everyone in the family will have a great time in Australia’s most visited city. You’ll find lots of family friendly activities to do in Australia’s largest and oldest city. With some beautiful harbors, lush green parks and amazing beaches it’s easy to find things to do for kids of all ages.

One of the best things to do in Sydney with kids is wander around Sydney Harbour . Not only will you find world famous sights like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge here, but this is also the place where you can hop on a ferry to explore one or more islands. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also located here, entrance is free and there’s lot to enjoy for kids ages 5 and up.

A family trip to Sydney isn’t complete without a visit to Bondi Beach . This beautiful sandy beach is a great one to spend a day at. Roll out your beach towel, build sandcastles, admire the surfers and go for a swim. Bondi Beach is buzzing with people from early morning to night. A great way to relax during your family visit to this city.

For the best views in Sydney, visit the Sydney Tower Eye . Sydney’s tallest structure and that’s why this is the place to be to admire the city from above. And an activity that most children will love.

It’s hard to write such a small piece about such an amazing and kid friendly city as Sydney. Sydney is a personal favorite of our family. It’s one of the most culturally rich cities in the world and we can’t wait for our next visit.

Read more >> 10 Things to Do In Sydney With Kids

Here are your accommodation options for Sydney

Top tours in Sydney with kids

Gold coast – queensland.

Contributed by Holly from Four Around the World

Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia. But culture isn’t the only reason you should plan a family trip to Melbourne. Here are some of the top things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Let me start with a visit to a place every kid wants to visit: Legoland Discovery Centre. Check out miniature Melbourne landmarks made from Lego bricks, play with Lego in one of the many indoor playgrounds and go on rides, like Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice.

The Melbourne Museum is also great with kids. There are interactive activities to enjoy, view skeletons of dinosaurs and check out the displays filled with hundreds of bugs. For small kids there’s the Children’s Gallery, an indoor discovery playground.

A must is a trip in the City Circle Tram. It’s an old school tram like they don’t make them anymore. You can hop on for free when you remain in the Central Business District.

Visiting Melbourne was one of the highlights of our family road trip through Australia . It kind of felt like home, we felt a European vibe we didn’t encounter anywhere else in Australia. And we loved that we could enjoy food from all over the globe, every nationality can be found in Melbourne and that’s very noticeable from all the world kitchens you can enjoy here.

Read more >> 10 Things to Do In Melbourne With Kids

Here are your accommodation options in Melbourne

Top tours in Melbourne with kids

Margaret river – western australia.

Contributed by Donna from Accommodation Margaret River

Book your flight tickets here

Coral Bay – Western Australia

Contributed by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

When craving a city trip while in Western Australia with family, Perth is the top choice. This metropolitan city is the capital of WA and there’s lots to do for kids in Perth. Think theme parks, museums, shopping and amazing food.

We loved wandering around Kinigs Park. one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. A quiet oasis in the heart of the city with some of the best playgrounds. You can enjoy yourselves for hours here, when you combine your stay with a visit to the Botanic Gardens, also located in Kings Park. Don’t skip a visit to the DNA Tower for great views of Perth.

Our second tip is to see Perth from the water. Take a ferry ride from Elizabeth Quay or Barrack Street Jetty and enjoy the views of the city. Or take a day trip to nearby destinations like Fremantle, the Swan Valley Wine Region and Rottnest Island. Kids will definitely enjoy Rottnest so they can hang with the cutest locals in the world: quokka’s. While in Fremantle we highly recommend an educational family visit to the Fremantle Prison, built by British convicts in the 1850’s and in use until 1991.

But, back to Perth! A fun thing to do in Perth with kids is a trip to the Perth Observatory. Here you can learn about astronomy in the oldest observatory in Western Australia.

Perth is also a great starting point for a family road trip through Western Australia .

Read more >>   10 Things to Do In Western Australia with Kids

Here are your accommodation options in Perth

Top tours in Perth with kids

Broome – western australia.

Kakadu National Park – Northern Territory

If you’re in Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is a definite must-see! Kakadu is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where else in the world can you find Aboriginal Rock Art, six different types of terrain, watch unique Australian wildlife and swim in waterfalls, waterholes and billabongs?

There’s so much to see and do that your family can easily spend 5 days here. Let me share our family favorites with you. Start your exploration of Kakadu NP by visiting Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This centre is built on land owned by the Murumburr clan and is developed by the Bininj and Mungguy people. Here you can find the necessary information about local Aboriginal culture and gain understanding about the connection of the Bininj and Munnguy with Kakadu.

After absorbing this necessary information it’s time to wander around the park. Our top tip is to take a Yellow Water Cruise at sunset. Spot crocs, wallabies, and colorful birds while the sun goes down and the sky turns red.

Other amazing things to do in Kakadu with kids are swimming in a few of many waterholes, like GUnlom Falls and Maguk. And definitely check out 20.000 years old rock art at Burrungkuy and Ubirr.

Read more >> 8 Things to Do In Kakadu NP With Kids

Top tours in Kakadu NP with kids

The gippsland lakes – victoria.

Contributed by Bec and Mark from Explore Victoria Australia

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Family Friendly Cities in Australia: 16 of the Best Destinations

In past posts we explored the fabulous family friendly cities found in countries around the world. From London and York in England , to Milan, Rome, and Siena in Italy , to Nice and Aix-en-Provence in France , the world is a playground with endless options for the adventure loving family! In this post we will travel to the land down under to discover some of the best family friendly cities in Australia!

Australia, the largest country in Oceania, is home to the largest barrier reef in the world-the Great Barrier Reef, unique wildlife, dazzling cities, delicious eats, and great culture to connect with. Head to Sydney to explore Darling Harbor and walk out over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, visit the Hinterland waterfalls in Sunshine Coast, see some crocodiles on a river cruise in Port Douglas, or go back in history at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. No matter what adventure you seek, you are sure to find it in Australia!

If you prefer to take a road trip instead of staying in one place, a great ocean road holiday is the perfect option for you! You will find stunning scenery, amazing resorts, and plenty of family friendly attractions!

15 Family Friendly Cities in Australia

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Recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying 

Perth is located in Western Australia and it’s one of the most isolated cities in the world. The nearest city with a population of over one million people is Adelaide, which is over 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) away. Perth is the fourth largest city in Australia. It was founded in 1829, with the British’s fear that the French would establish a colony in the region. Given its location, Greater Perth is completely surrounded by nature, making it wonderful for families to explore with excellent facilities and infrastructure. 

In the city center, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the  best urban parks in the world . Covering an area of over 400 hectares (988 acres), Kings Park is roughly the same size as the Stanley Park in Vancouver, and it is a mixture of grassed parkland, botanical gardens, and natural bushland, with a beautiful view of the skyline of Perth’s CBD.  

Moving a little further from the city, Fremantle is a port city with a local market and a lot of historic sights. It is also connected with Rottnest Island, a perfect location for families to go for a staycation. The Island has a number of vacation homes, beaches, walking trails, and landmarks – it is not only a popular destination for the tourists but also the locals for a weekend getaway. 

For something more active, head to Lancelin, a small town approximately one-and-a-half hours’ drive from the city of Perth, as both adults and children will have a great time sandboarding on the largest sand dune in Western Australia. 

Recommended by Jane of Staycation Australia

Palm Cove in Far North Queensland is one of the best family friendly cities in Australia. Imagine swaying palm trees, silvery white sand, award-winning restaurants and cafes, and a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all travelers. You will also find no shortage of great things to do in Palm Cove.

Families love Palm Cove beach as it is patrolled by lifeguards and is safe for swimming.  One word of warning, though, is that during the months from November to May it is stinger season. Bring a picnic and let the little ones play in the playground on Williams Esplanade whilst the adults can relax and soak up some rays.

One of the popular tours for all the family is a cruise on the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef. You will enjoy a day of snorkeling and swimming with lunch included.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Palm Cove is during the winter months when the temperatures are mild. Summer is the wet season in Far North Queensland. The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between the months of October and December.

WHERE TO EAT: With so many restaurants and cafes to choose from in Palm Cove you can dine out at a different restaurant each night of the week.  Firm favorites are Nu Nu and Vivo, both facing the ocean on Williams Esplanade.

WHERE TO STAY: There are plenty of accommodation options available in Palm Cove. The Mantra Amphora is a popular hotel for families. It faces Palm Cove Beach on Williams Esplanade and has one of the best swimming pools in Palm Cove.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Recommended by Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels

The Sunshine Coast is situated on the South East Queensland coast just 100 kilometres (62 miles) or an hour’s drive north of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. There are lots of activities on offer in this area to suit all members of the family, no matter their interests, making Sunshine Coast one of the best family friendly cities in Australia.

Families will enjoy a visit to  Australia Zoo  (home of The Crocodile Hunter) or Seal Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium. You can also enjoy any one of the beautiful white-sand beaches such as Kings Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, or the very popular Noosa Beach.

Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for amazing hikes and views, waterfalls and a refreshing swim in a rock pool. Visit quaint little hinterland towns and visit a winery or micro-brewery, or taste some freshly made cheese.

BEST TIMME TO VISIT: There are so many things to do on the Sunshine Coast, so it is easy to visit and enjoy at any time of the year. The warmer months of October through April will allow you to make the most of the numerous water activities the coast is famous for.

WHERE TO EAT: The best way to experience the local produce of the region is by visiting one of the many farmers markets. The Original Eumundi Markets is said to be the biggest and best arts and crafts market in all of Australia. Visit with a good appetite so you can sample your way around the artisan foods. The Noosa Farmers Market is the perfect way to spend your Sunday morning grazing your way through the endless stalls. If you love seafood, visit The Spit at Mooloolaba and try fresh Mooloolaba prawns straight off the trawler.

The choices of things to do on the Sunshine Coast are endless!

Recommended by Natalie from Curious Campers

If you are looking for a city that is easy to get around and has lots of free activities, look no further than Adelaide. South Australia’s capital has a friendly, relaxed vibe without the big city hustle and bustle. Ringed by parklands, the city has a nice garden feel.

Adelaide is nestled between a strip of coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and the Adelaide Hills. Because of its unique setting, it is the perfect family holiday destination with a lot to do in a small area. In the city centre you’ll find the Adelaide Museum, Botanic Gardens, and Zoo all within a few minutes of each other.

Adelaide’s coastline has over 20 beaches , the protected waters make them some of the safest, family friendly beaches in Australia. The adjacent esplanades can have everything from playgrounds and water parks to toy train rides and mini golf to keep you busy. Glenelg and Semaphore are two popular spots.

Away from the coast, the Adelaide Hills are only 20 minutes from the city. Cleland Wildlife Park, Hahndorf Farm Barn, the Big Rocking Horse, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and berry picking at Beerenberg are all great family activities. Woodhouse adventure playground is a fun place for the whole family too.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Adelaide winters can be cool and damp so to enjoy the outdoors the best time to visit is from October to May. The city has a vibrant food scene, no matter where you stay, you’re never far from great local bakeries and cafes.

STAY: The best family friendly accommodation is in the local caravan parks. If you want to be close to the water, try family oriented West Beach Caravan Park. If you like the idea of waking up with kangaroos and echidnas on your doorstep, Belair National Park is the spot to stay.

Recommended by Ania from The Traveling Twins

Australia is a beautiful country with many great places to visit. One of the nest family friendly cities in Australia is  Canberra – the Australian capital city . The city offers a variety of things to do for families with young children and those with teenagers, including outdoor activities like biking and hiking, as well as lots of indoor options like museums and galleries.

The best family friendly spots in Canberra for young children include the National Museum, the National Gallery and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. For teenagers, Parliament House is worth a visit.

In Canberra, we had a few favorite places. One of our favorites was the National Museum of Australia where kids can learn about Australian history and culture, including Indigenous Australians. We went there twice as there was so many things to do and learn. Plus the museum has great outdoor space outside, where kids can freely run around.

My second favorite was Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre where kids can learn about science and technology through play. And the third one was the National Film and Sound Archive, a great place to explore Australian film and sound culture.

We loved Canberra as it is full of places where kids could learn from history, nature, science to arts. We totally recommend Canberra for families with kids!

Wagga Wagga

Recommended by Paula from Truly Expat

Wagga Wagga in New South Wales largest inland city with over 64,000 residences. It is one of the fastest-growing inland cities in Australia, and it is an important agricultural, military, and transport hub.

You can visit this beautiful town all year round, spend your time along the banks of the Murrumbidgee River during summer or cozying up in front of the fire at one of the gorgeous wineries in the winter. It is all there at your fingertips.

You can not visit Wagga Wagga without a trip to the Museum of the Riverina (MOR). Wagga Wagga is proud of its sporting abilities, and it is all found here at this exciting museum. Other pieces of history include: The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre, a cruise along the Murrumbidgee River, and a walk around the Botanical Gardens.

WHERE TO EAT: Did you know that the almighty Chiko roll showed its presence for the first time here in Wagga Wagga? Sure some fantastic cafes and mouth-watering farm-to-table restaurants are all around this big country town, but the most Australian thing to do is: grab a Chiko roll from a local takeaway.

WHERE TO STAY: There are many affordable, family-friendly accommodation selections in Wagga Wagga. However, I would highly recommend Quest Wagga Wagga, as it is ideally located and has all amenities ideal for families.

Port Douglas

Recommended by Tracy from Tracy’s Travels in Time

Port Douglas, located north of Cairns in Tropical Far Northern Queensland, is the perfect holiday destination for those seeking access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

In Port Douglas, although we don’t recommend swimming in the sea due to the risk of crocodiles and stingers, Four Mile beach is definitely worth a visit and stretches from Island Point to the rocky mangrove reef of the Mowbray River. For the perfect sunset location head to Rex Smeal Park with a picnic and enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere as everyone enjoys the views from the headland.

If you are interested in seeing some of the crocodiles that call Port Douglas home take a river cruise on the Lady Douglas. Cruises last 1 1/2 hours and include a trip up the Dickson Inlet with snacks and beverages to enjoy along the way.

Other things to do in Port Douglas include walking up Flagstaff Hill for beautiful views of Four Mile Beach, day trips to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree, and of course access to the Great Barrier Reef by boat (or even more fun) by helicopter.

WHERE TO EAT: There are lots of great places to eat and drink in Port Douglas. Recommendations include Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant, the Iron Bar and the Little Larder for breakfast.

WHERE TO STAY: Recommended accommodation is the Port Douglas Motel. Ideally located, reasonable prices, clean and well furnished rooms, friendly staff and a beautiful pool make this our go accommodation when we are in Port Douglas.

Recommended by Sharee from Inspire Family Travel

You can’t visit Tasmania without exploring its capital city – Hobart. Located on the Derwent River Hobart is a great place to learn about Australia’s convict past, explore historical areas, immerse yourself in culture, connect with nature, and taste a delicious range of food. 

One of the popular  places to visit in Hobart  is Mount Wellington. Drive to the summit that stands at 1,270 metres (4,167 ft.) and appreciate the breathtaking views over the city and surrounding areas.

If you are travelling on a Saturday, the iconic Salamanca Markets, which are one of the largest markets in Australia, lure visitors who are searching for some tasty local produce, handmade items, or a quirky souvenir.

While wandering Salamanca Place and the Hobart Docks admire the historic buildings that have now been converted into popular cafes, restaurants, and gift stores. Continue walking onwards to Battery Point which is one of the most historic and attractive areas in Hobart with its beautifully preserved 19 th -century buildings and houses.

To experience history and culture further you have the choice of visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or travel via ferry to MONA where you can witness contemporary art in a privately owned museum.

For a change in pace enjoy a picnic or stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The gardens boast trees that date back to the nineteenth century and a range of exquisite flower and plant displays including the world’s only Sub-Antarctic Plant House.

Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

When it comes to fun family holidays in Australia, Darwin in the Northern Territory is one of the best places to go! Although small, this capital city is unique and fun. Plus, there are plenty of fun things to do in Darwin ! 

Some of the most exciting activities include crocodiles! Head to Crocosaurus Cove on Mitchell Street to see some huge saltwater crocs, hold baby crocodiles, and even swim with crocodiles – if you dare! However, if you want to see crocodiles in the wild, head out to the Adelaide River and go on a jumping croc cruise. This is one of the best tours in Darwin and fun for the whole family – plus, it’s educational too! 

For another fun day trip, head to Litchfield National Park to swim at the base of some stunning waterfalls. Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rock Pools are all worthwhile. It only takes just over an hour to reach them from Darwin city.

WHERE TO EAT: While in Darwin be sure to also visit the famous Mindil Markets. This market is held every Thursday and Sunday evening from May to October. Here, you can grab some food from one of the dozens of food trucks and then sit on Mindil Beach and watch the sunset. There are also street performers here and plenty of shopping too, it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir. 

WHERE TO STAY: Be sure to stay near Mitchell and the Darwin Waterfront when you pick a hotel. This is the downtown area in Darwin and where you’ll find the most restaurants and activities for tourists. Plus, it is simply stunning as the ocean surrounds nearly the entire city!

Recommended by Sally from Our3kidsvtheworld

Ballarat is located approximately 1 hour west of Melbourne and is accessible by public transport utilizing the V/Line system. Ballarat is Victoria’s third largest city. Ballarat is famous for gold, with gold being discovered in Ballarat in 1851. This sparked the Victorian Gold Rush. You can learn all about this era by visiting Sovereign Hill. 

Sovereign Hill is by far the most popular attraction in Ballarat, a living open air museum depicting the story of the area during the gold rush boomtown. Prior to 1851, Ballarat was a sleepy pastoral settlement which grew rapidly into a city built on wealth derived from gold. Driving around Ballarat you’ll see many building dating back to this era. Sovereign Hill opened in 1970 and quickly become a major tourist attraction. 

You can visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park, not quite a zoo but it definitely has enough animals to keep the kids entertained for a good part of the day. The big cats are impressive and there are a good range of Australian native wildlife to visit as well.  BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Ballarat is during the Winter Wonderland event during winter. The city comes alive with all things winter. There is a light and sound show each evening in Main Street, Sovereign Hill that is definitely worth visiting with faux snow and the kids love it. There is an open air ice skating rink in the centre of town. Make a day of it at Sovereign Hill and stay for the light and sound show. Make sure you try one of their famous toffee apples. 

WHERE TO EAT: There is a new and emerging food scene happening in Ballarat and there’s no shortage of places to eat. The town centre has plenty to choose from so either google and book a table or walk in and try your luck, good recommendations include Okami Japanese, Forge Pizzeria for pizza and pasta, and if looking for something a little upmarket try Underbar. 

Recommended by Alan from Frequent Traveller

The coastal city of Bundaberg is in the Wide Bay region of Queensland. With a mild climate, calm swimming beaches and a host of attractions it’s no wonder Bundaberg is a popular year-round holiday destination and one of the best family friendly cities in Australia.

One of the best  family attractions of Bundaberg  is the Mon Repos conservation park located approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Bundaberg at the beachside suburb of Mon Repos.

Mon Repos beach is home to the largest concentration of nesting Loggerhead turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. Located within the conservation park is the Turtle Centre which has educational and interactive displays of the local marine life including the work being undertaken to protect the endangered Loggerhead turtles. Visit during turtle season from November to March and you can join nightly turtle encounter tours to experience Loggerhead turtles in their natural environment. A truly magical family experience.

The Hinker Hall of Aviation located in the picturesque botanical gardens is a must visit for the whole family and highlights the life of Bundaberg born aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler.

Perhaps the best-known export of Bundaberg is the famous Bundaberg Rum which is manufactured locally. The adjoining visitors centre has daily tours of the production distillery and provides an informative insight into the history of Bundaberg Rum.

WHERE TO STAY: Many visitors to Bundaberg choose to stay at one of the nearby beaches such as Bargara Beach which has a wide selection of accommodation styles catering to all budgets. Our choice for accommodation at Bargara the is the Point Resort which is perfectly located within a short walk to shopping, restaurants, and safe swimming beaches.

Bundaberg should be on everyone’s list of places to visit as one of the best family friendly cities in Australia with something for everyone.

Recommended by Nadia from Perth Weekend

Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley region is one of the best family friendly cities in Australia. Founded in the late 1880’s on the back of a booming pearl shell industry, Broome is a city with a rich history and vibrant multicultural community. 

Families can spend a day relaxing on Broome’s iconic beaches. Cable Beach is world-renowned for its clear turquoise waters and bright white sands that span 22 Kilometres (14 miles). There are activities for the whole family on Cable Beach including water sports, camel rides and good old fashioned beach relaxation. Viewing a spectacular Sunset over the Indian Ocean is also an absolute must for visitors!  

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, located just outside of Broome, is a great stop for visitors to the area. There is something here for the whole family. The park is home to some of the largest crocodiles on display in Australia and visitors can watch these enormous predators in action during daily feeding tours. The kids can get a photo taken inside the giant crocodile jaws and hold baby crocs.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Broome is the dry season which is around May to October. The rest of the year is Broome’s wet season, and rainy, hot and humid and also brings the possibility of cyclones.

WHERE TO EAT: A visit to Broome would not be complete without a stop at Matso’s Brewery – Australia’s most remote brewery. Adults can sample their refreshing beers by grabbing a tasting paddle. The menu containing burgers, fish and chips, steak and nuggets for the kids will refuel visitors after a big day of exploring. 

WHERE TO STAY: Broome has accommodations to suit all travel styles. Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is a great family-friendly luxury option. RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park is a great option for travelers wishing to camp or stay in self-contained cabins.  

Recommended by Paula from Sydney Expert

The harbor city needs no introduction. Its two main icons are familiar to almost everyone and you should spend some time exploring them, but there is significantly more to discover. And best of all, many of the popular things to see and do in Sydney for families are absolutely free. 

The first thing every visitor to Sydney should do is take a ferry ride to Manly. The trip takes 30 minutes and is a great way to appreciate both the size and the beauty of Sydney Harbour. Once you arrive in Manly, you will find an enormous variety of places to eat and both harbour and ocean beaches to splash in. Shelly Beach is perfect for kids.

The next hotspot for family travellers is Darling Harbour. This huge entertainment zone features several kid-friendly attractions including the Maritime Museum, Sydney Aquarium, the Chinese Garden and best of all an epic, free playground and water play area that kids of all ages can enjoy. This is the best place in the city for family dining too!

Leave some time to walk the kids across the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It costs nothing, and the view is amazing. You could also consider the Sydney Harbor Pylon Museum, which tells the story of the bridge and offers 360-degree views of the city. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Sydney is in Spring however any time of year works as the weather is never too bad. Try to avoid travel during the Sydney school holiday periods and you will save on accommodation costs and find fewer crowds at the family attractions. However, with some planning, you can still enjoy the city at busier times. 

WHERE TO STAY: If you are travelling with 2 or more children, the Hyde Park Inn on Elizabeth Street and large family rooms at good prices. There is transport at the door when little legs tire and Hyde Park is right across the street.

Recommended by Bec from Explore Victoria

Melbourne…the world’s most livable city and one of the best family friendly cities in Australia.

For anyone wanting to  Explore Victoria,  Melbourne will be the best place to start. Planning a trip to Melbourne for families is easy with the city being amazingly kid-friendly as well as easy to get around. While there is free Melbourne CBD public transport on the trams you will need a MYKI card to get out a little further to some of the amazing Melbourne attractions. 

Kids can experience seeing the unique Australian animals with a visit to the Melbourne Zoo or have an action-packed day out at Luna Park at St Kilda where even the adults will find the inner child having a blast. If your family loves art and culture then a trip to the national gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum is the perfect way to spend some time.

You can all sit in Federation Square (or Fed Square to the locals) and enjoy a rest as you do some people watching or after you have visited the awesome ACMI. A wander around Southbank along the Yarra River is fantastic for excellent food and from there you can visit the Eureka Sky Deck for magnificent views over Melbourne.

In Melbourne, being the sports capital of the world, families who love sports will also be able to indulge in that activity in Melbourne. From AFL (Australian Rules Football), cricket and all the way to F1 racing there is a time that Melbourne hosts a world-class sporting event.

Day trips from Melbourne are also a must when visiting Victoria. You can see Little Penguins on Phillip Island, ancient rock formations on the Great Ocean Road, step back in time at Sovereign Hill, or get back to nature with some camping at Wilson’s Prom.

WHERE TO EAT: For families wanting fresh food and some souvenirs to take home look no further than the Queen Victoria Market. You can get some fine fresh food here and then plan a spectacular picnic in one of the superb green spaces that Melbourne has or you can grab something there and eat it before you go!

WHERE TO STAY: Accommodation in Melbourne is easy to find on any budget. From affordable hostels like the YHA, all the way to luxury stays at the Crown you will find a perfect place to stay that suit your budget to get the very best out of your trip to Melbourne.

Recommended by Suvarna from Suvarna Arora

Fremantle is a lovely port city in Western Australia known for its maritime history. What’s so great about this city is its chill vibes and lined-up cafes on the side of the road. Fremantle is one of the extremely family friendly cities in Australia as there are many attractions in Fremantle that are amazing for kids to visit so that they don’t get bored. Also, all the main attractions are within walking distance of one another.

Some of the top  things to do in Fremantle  include visiting the Fremantle Prison, the Roundhouse, wandering through the Fremantle market where kids can shop, eat, and can have their faces painted. The Esplanade park has a playground with a lot of trees that provide shade making it a great picnic spot. It also features a 40m (131 ft.) high Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas making it safe for kids.

There are also a few beaches in Fremantle like Bathers beach, Port beach, etc. where kids can enjoy themselves and adults can have a beer/cocktail by the beach restaurant/cafes.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: It is great to visit year-round but spring/autumn days are the best to enjoy some sunshine along with bearable temperatures as summers can be really hot.

WHERE TO EAT: When in Fremantle you can’t miss fish and chips by the harbor as it is said to be the best in the area.

WHERE TO STAY: There are a number of places to stay in Fremantle but the Esplanade hotel is situated at the best location, just adjacent to the Esplanade Park.

Recommended by Bernadette of Book Retreats  

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, behind Sydney and Melbourne. It is the capital of the state of Queensland in the northeastern part of the continent. It also boasts of sunshine more than 250 days a year, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy outdoorsy adventures!

Mt. Coot-tha looms over the city and along its sides, bikers can be seen racing down trails while people of all ages take on bushwalking trails. The Brisbane Botanical Gardens, full of sub-tropical plants, is also called the mountain home. Kids will enjoy the garden because of its Hide ‘n’ Seek Trail that leads kids on an adventure to learn more about the secrets of the forest. To take in a panoramic view of the city head to the observation deck to get a great picture of Brisbane and the surrounding areas. 

For animals lovers, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has hundreds of koalas, kangaroos, and other animals endemic to Australia. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals too. And water-lovers have too many places to choose from – from the Brisbane River and South Bank Parklands to the beaches of the Moreton Bay.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round sunshine

WHERE TO EAT: Because of the year-round sunny weather, the city has a great café culture. Outdoor dining and rooftop bars are a dime a dozen too. Their seafood is some of the freshest and the local catch is the Moreton Bay Bug, a kind of slipper lobster, which is a must-eat. The lamington, a popular confection made of a square of cake ensconced in chocolate and coconut is said to have been invented in the city. And the city also claims avo toast or avocado toast to be theirs too though Sydney may argue otherwise!

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Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa

I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!

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Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, a perfect 2-week itinerary for australia with kids.

• By Leslie Rich
• March 5, 2024

Australia is a vast and beautiful country. In two weeks you can see a lot, but you won’t have time to see it all. With everything that Australia has to offer (and not knowing if you’ll ever make it back because it’s so far away), creating the right itinerary for your family can be daunting. Here are our planning tips and a great 2-week itinerary that helps you maximize your time Down Under.

Best 2-Week Itinerary for Australia with Kids

To get started, decide how many moves you are comfortable making during your holiday. Australia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, rugged outback and cosmopolitan cities. The formula for the perfect 2-week Australian itinerary with kids incorporates all three of these elements: city plus beach plus outback or bush. In that spirit, Sydney , the Great Barrier Reef and  Uluru are a fantastic combination for families. This does require a significant amount of moving around, though, so I’ve included alternate options for those who want to simplify their travel plans or want to pack in a bit more.

TIP : The outback typically refers to Australia’s more remote areas, whereas the bush encompasses rural areas closer to civilization. The bush, which includes more accessible rainforests, countryside and mountain ranges, makes for a great substitution or addition to the outback component in our recommended itinerary.

Ready to start planning a fabulous getaway to Australia with kids?

That's what we do! Our Family Travel Advisors can help you book vetted accommodations, design a custom itinerary, arrange private tours and activities, and more. Click to send us a request!

Sydney (4-plus nights)

Sydney is a great place to begin your holiday and a must for first-time visitors to Australia. Regularly found at the top of “World’s Best” lists, Sydney is a laid-back city with top-notch restaurants and plenty of activities to keep families happy. Our 72 hours in Sydney guide provides details on where to go and what to do with kids. Highlights include the coastal walk from Bondi Beach toward Coogee, family surf lessons and climbing over the Harbour Bridge.

TIP : Sydney has great public transportation, so being close to a ferry and/or a train station will serve you well. Most international flights arrive into Sydney in the early morning. Make arrangements for an early check-in at your hotel so that you can hit the ground running. If visiting in the summer, pack swimsuits in your carry-on luggage. In the event your luggage is delayed or your hotel isn’t ready, you can start your vacation on the beach without missing a beat.

Blue Mountains — Bush (2 nights)

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about two hours by car from Sydney. The scenery is spectacular and dramatically different from the city. Go for a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, or the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottom sky tram that offers stunning views of the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and the Jamison Valley. A bit further afield are the Jenolan Caves, also well worth a visit if you have the time.

Uluru — Outback (2 to 3 nights)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is in the Northern Territory, about a three-hour flight from Sydney. It’s home to the iconic red monolith known as Uluru or Ayers Rock. A rock may not seem like much of a reason to board a flight and consume precious vacation time, but it’s a magical place, and the landscape is what everyone imagines when they picture the Australian Outback. If you are able to stay at Longitude 131 , do it — this property will take your visit to another level. In addition to guided tours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), I recommend the camel rides and sightseeing by helicopter.

Great Barrier Reef (3-plus nights)

The Whitsunday Islands are a gorgeous group of islands set on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef.  Just eight of the islands have hotels, and these are only accessible by infrequent flights or boat launches. Getting here will require patience and time, but the sugary white beaches, amazing resorts and proximity to the reef make it worth the effort. Every water activity imaginable is available on the reef; sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, submarine sightseeing and, of course, scuba diving are family favorites.

TIP : If you fly, be first to call the window seat — the views coming in are fantastic. If you are planning to visit the Daintree Rainforest as well, staying on the mainland may be preferable. Both Cairns (pronounced cans ) and Port Douglas are gateway towns to the reef. I’d opt for Port Douglas, as it is more relaxed and less touristy than Cairns, and also closer to the rainforest.

Daintree Rainforest — Bush (1 to 2 additional nights as part of Great Barrier Reef visit)

If you want to check yet another World Heritage Site off your list, include a visit to Daintree National Park, home to the oldest rainforest on the planet. The Daintree Discovery Centre is an excellent way to start your exploration. Here you can learn all about the region, wander the forest from elevated boardwalks and take in scenic views from the canopy tower. Other family activities in the region include zipline tours, horseback riding, and duck boat and 4WD adventures. If staying in Port Douglas, visit the Wildlife Habitat, where you can have breakfast with the birds and visit with kangaroos and koalas too.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Australia on Ciao Bambino

An adventurous 10-day family road trip in Western Australia

Thala Beach Nature Reserve: Oceanfront luxury next door to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Essential tips for climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Best of Australia: Kids share why they loved their trip Down Under

72 hours in Sydney with kids

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Australia was one of my favorite trips! When we travel as a family, I love to find engaging books for the kids to read before and during the trip. As a librarian, educator, and mom – here are some of my choices that other travelers to Australia might enjoy! http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-australia

I love Australia and can’t wait to go back.

That’s a great itinerary! Western Australia, although more remote, offers a lot of great places and beaches to visit, especially when traveling with kids! And for the little ones I put up a list with some great, fun fact about our county: https://worldoftravelswithkids.com/fun-australia-facts-for-kids/

I just booked some tickets for my family of 5 to Australia on the whim. Wasn’t sure if I would keep my plans because Australia is so huge. This guide is great and I will likely follow it. thanks!

Australia is among the most incredible places I have visited in the last year and indeed these places mentioned in the post are very good for sightseeing and sightseeing. I like the region because of the variety of options for having fun with friends. I also recommend the local restaurants where they offer different kinds of different foods and very tasty. I loved the post 🙂

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Australia

Things to do in australia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central Business District
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sydney Opera House

2. Sydney Harbour

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

4. Sydney Ferries

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

7. City Circle Tram

8. South Bank Parklands

9. Bondi to Coogee Walk

10. The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum

11. Capricorn Caves

12. Lake McKenzie

13. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

14. Historic Village Herberton

15. Emily Bay

16. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

17. Koorana Crocodile Farm

18. Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

19. Little Sahara

20. Panorama Garden Estate

21. Ned's Beach

22. North Gorge Walk

23. ATTY Gallery

24. Opal Museum

25. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

26. Hill Inlet

27. Outback at Isa

28. Underground Hospital and Museum

29. Raptor Refuge

30. The Bat Hospital Visitor Centre

What travellers are saying

• NSW Road trips
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• things to do
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Top attractions for kids

Sydney is a fantastic city for kids, with an array of attractions that will keep them entertained all week long. There's lots of outdoor fun to be had at beaches where they can learn to surf or look for whales, the zoos and aquariums will let them get up close and personal with native animals, and the many museums will make history fun for the whole family.

Natural wonders

Sydney is famous for its fantastic weather, so make the most of it and get out and about in nature. Sydney's many  family-friendly beaches  can be enjoyed all year round and there's one for every kind of swimmer, from floating in calm harbour coves to making a splash at a gorgeous  ocean pool  or taking on the waves with a  surfing lesson  at  Manly ,  Bondi ,  Maroubra  or  Cronulla .

Family enjoying day at Mona Vale Beach , Mona Vale

Want to bring pooch along too? Check out our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Sydney, from the sleepy town on Bundeena in the south to the tranquil Manly Lagoon in the north.

Bayview Dog Park , Bayview

For those that like a stroll, you're in luck. One of the world's most picturesque paths is the  Coogee to Bondi Walk  which hugs the coastline or amble through the vast  Royal Botanic Garden  and enjoy harbour views. Pack a basket (or swing by a cafe) and stop off to admire the city from one of its many picturesque  picnic spots .

There are many islands in Sydney Harbour , and a number of these can be explored by the public. The most interesting one for families is undoubtedly Cockatoo Island – learn about the city’s convict history on a self-guided audio tour , join the all-ages Dark Past Tour , spend the night in the camping accommodation , or simply take in the incredible views from the cafe.

Camping tents set up on Cockatoo Island,  Sydney Harbour - Credit: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Zoos & aquariums

A trip to  Taronga Zoo is a full-day adventure. Instead of driving, t ake a ferry from  Circular Quay  across sparkling  Sydney Harbour  so kids can also take in the  Sydney Opera House  from a new angle. The zoo has hundreds of animals to see, like Mali, Miya and Lexi – three rare Australian sea-lions who perform in an exciting daily show. In Western Sydney,  Sydney Zoo  offers an open-air safari-style experience.

Sydney Zoo , Bungarribee

You're spoilt for choice at Darling Harbour , kids can get up close and personal with snakes, koalas and other furry native animals at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo , then meet king penguins, sharks, turtles and dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium . Travel a little further out to Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside and Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh, just on the edge of Sydney, to meet more furry friends.

After even more quirky animal encounters? Find out where you can come face-to-face with capybaras, numbats, quokkas, owls and nudibranchs here .

Child feeding a wallaby at Featherdale Wildlife Park , Doonside 

Action & adventure

Mini adrenaline junkies will make a beeline for Luna Park an amusement park that has been thrilling children since the 1930s. Ride the ferris wheel and the rollercoasters, then try your luck at the carnival games. Nine new rides were installed in 2021, promising more thrills for all ages. Raging Waters has more than 30 waterslides and rides, plus a beach and kids' play areas.  Have a child that's eight or older and isn't afraid of heights? They can tackle Bridge Climb and reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or take on the outdoor Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye , with its 360-degree views.

BridgeClimb , Sydney

If you want to keep the kids active then head to Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney's west where they can learn a new skill at the Archery Centre , discover trapeze through Circus Arts and swim at the Aquatic Centre .

While out west, fly like a superhero at iFLY Downunder , soar into the air while strapped into a jetpack with Jetpack Adventures , ride the rapids of a man-made river at Penrith Whitewater Stadium , and walk on water at Cables Wake Park .

iFLY Downunder , Penrith

Still have energy to burn? Saddle up for  horse riding  in  Centennial Park , jump on a wild jet boat ride of Sydney Harbour , strap on a helmet to take on the mountain bike trails through  Western Sydney Parklands ,  or climb, swing and zip through the trees  at  TreeTop Adventure Park .

TreeTops Adventure Park , Abbotsbury

Museums, galleries & shows

When it comes to culture, kids are spoiled for choice in Sydney. They can board a replica sailing ship and explore a submarine at the Australian National Maritime Museum while Hyde Park Barracks has new immersive experiences that take you back in time to Sydney’s convict days. When it gets dark, they can explore the constellations at Sydney Observatory .

Australian National Maritime Museum , Darling Harbour

Meet your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds , go behind the scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (which also has an on-site museum for avid sports fans), or explore more than 20 million pieces at the Australian Museum , the country’s oldest museum. Meanwhile, aspiring firefighters can spend a day tackling fire safety activities, computer games and puzzles at Penrith’s Museum of Fire .

Museum of Fire , Penrith

The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of NSW regularly host family-friendly exhibitions and children’s workshops. Sydney’s theatres and the Sydney Opera House host a range of productions, musicals and performances throughout the year, and spending a night watching a movie under the stars at an outdoor cinema is always a winner. For family shows and festivals, check out what’s on at this up-to-date  events  calendar .

Kids with performers, ELEVATE Sydney

Tours & day trips

Make it easy to explore Sydney and beyond by signing up to a tour . Take in all the major landmarks with Big Bus , a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Learn about Australia’s convict history on The Rocks Ghost Tour through Sydney’s oldest streets, explore the city on two wheels with a cycling tour or hop aboard a harbour cruise to see the city from the water.

Bonza Bike Tours , Royal Botanic Garden

If you want to explore a little further, all-inclusive day trip tours visit places in regional NSW such as the  Blue Mountains  and  Jenolan Caves , the  Hawkesbury , the  Hunter Valley and the Royal National Park .

A long weekend in Sydney with kids

Gather your crew and show the kids the best parts of Sydney. Take your pick from surfing lessons to zoo expeditions and ocean pool dips. Here’s your guide to a family-friendly long weekend in the harbour city.

Travel inspiration

The best family-friendly beaches in Sydney

4 family-friendly adventures in the Penrith region

Plan a family holiday in Sydney

Find more attractions for kids in sydney, family fun in sydney.

Eating out with kids

Free things to do in Sydney

Family-friendly beaches

School holidays

Tours for kids

Where to stay with kids

Zoos & wildlife

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Australia

Things to do in australia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central Business District
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sydney Opera House

2. Sydney Harbour

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

4. Sydney Ferries

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

7. City Circle Tram

8. South Bank Parklands

9. Bondi to Coogee Walk

10. The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum

11. Capricorn Caves

12. Lake McKenzie

13. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

14. Historic Village Herberton

15. Emily Bay

16. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

17. Koorana Crocodile Farm

18. Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

19. Little Sahara

20. Panorama Garden Estate

21. Ned's Beach

22. North Gorge Walk

23. ATTY Gallery

24. Opal Museum

25. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

26. Hill Inlet

27. Outback at Isa

28. Underground Hospital and Museum

29. Raptor Refuge

30. The Bat Hospital Visitor Centre

What travellers are saying

Top 25 Things To Do in Sydney With Kids

Hey, you are coming to visit Sydney with kids, that’s great. You will be so welcome! You’re wondering what the best Sydney attractions are for you and your family? Let us show you around!

NB If you are a visitor to Sydney do consider buying a Sydney Go City Explorer Pass – it can save you a heap of money. 

Here you’ll find our list of top things to do in Sydney, the activities and attractions unique to our harbour city.

Visitors might also like to read my article on 150+ Fun Facts About Australia!

PS If you are v isiting Sydney with teenagers there’s a post here just for you!

Book Terrific Sydney Family Tours On This Widget!!

Of course there are many, many more than 25 fun things to do in Sydney with kids, but you need to start with the best of the best. Here it is.

Table of Contents

1.  Taronga Zoo: Meet Aussie Animals 

Hop on the ferry at Circular Quay to visit Taronga Zoo which is usually rated No.1 of all Sydney attractions for kids. The magnificent Harbourside setting is breathtaking, these zoo animals have the best views in Sydney. There are many special features of Taronga Zoo, the Asiatic elephants, the terrific animal talks and shows. (My kids love the birds and the seals best.)

Families with kids of all ages will enjoy this classic Sydney family day out. The zoo is one of the best things to see in Sydney, a visit never disappoints.

Just beware of boiling hot days as the zoo is set on a slope and walking up hill with kids can be tough. There is a sky safari which can take you from the bottom, where the ferry comes in, up to the top from where you can meander down hill, taking in all the interesting exhibitions and animals.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

Bradleys Head Road, Mosman

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm every day of the year

Getting there:  Take a ferry from Circular Quay, or use the large pay car park if driving

Check out the variety of tickets available and buy ahead on Get Your Guide here.

Or use the Sydney Go City Explorer Pass to save money on Taronga tickets. 

2.  Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay: Walk and Explore

Circular Quay is a thriving hub of activity and movement. Ferries come and go from all over the harbour and there are always buskers there too. You need to hang on to the kids’ hands as it can be busy and even a bit scary for kids at peak hours.

There are cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world bustle by. The Museum of Contemporary Art is there and Customs House with its replica of the city, exhibitions and events as well as places to eat and drink.

But the main event is the Sydney Opera House, of course. It’s massive sails pull visitors towards it. You will be amazed by its size and how well it sits within the Harbour scene.

Visitors can do all sorts of things at the Opera House, most popular being to walk around it then walk up and down the massive flights of steps at the forecourt. Many folks will then walk on to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens.

However, stay a while, you can buy tickets for shows and also explore the Opera House on a tour. Plan ahead by checking out what’s on using the excellent Sydney Opera House website here.

Buy tickets for a behind the scenes tour at Sydney Opera House here.

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge:  Climb or Walk Over

Sydney Harbour Bridge, which we locals affectionately refer to as the coat hanger, is the city’s second icon, after Sydney Opera House.

Families with children aged 8 and over might like to take part in an organised (and very safe, but thrilling) climb right to the top of the bridge. This is very expensive, a very special treat and one of the most iconic of Sydney adventures.  It’s number one on the list of adventurous things to do in Sydney, that’s for sure.

Find Sydney Bridgeclimb tickets here.

You can walk across the Harbour Bridge very easily. It’s a breathtaking walk, either from the city to the north or from Milsons Point on the north side back to The Rocks.

You can pay a small fee to climb up the pylon and see an exhibition about the bridge. It’s very interesting and the views from here are spectacular.

If you are staying in the city, start from there and cross to the north side where there are some great kid-friendly options. You could visit Luna Park, have a swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool, eat at one of Kirribilli’s many cafes and restaurants or enjoy the fenced playground at Bradfield Park, on the corner of  Fitzroy and Alfred Streets.

If the family can be well-behaved then lunch at Ripples Cafe by North Sydney Olympic Pool will be a delight.

If you’d like a longer walk continue past Luna Park and into Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay.

4. Luna Park Amusement Park: Rides and Thrills 

Luna Park is just north of the Harbour Bridge and the huge beaming face that visitors walk through is a well-known Sydney landmark.

Put Luna Park on your Sydney to do list if you and the kids love ferris wheels, merry go rounds, dodgem cars and more modern fairground attractions too. Luna Park does have a lot of vintage charm, with plenty to do for young children as well as school aged kids and teens.

There are some rides for preschoolers, the red rides are for children from 85cm – 105cm height, the green rides for kids from 106cm – 129cm and the yellow rides are for everyone 130cm+.

Luna Park Sydney

Milsons Point

Opening hours:  These vary by season, and on some days the entire park is closed for functions so you must check ahead on the website

Getting there:  Come by ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point. Milsons Point train station is a 10 minute walk away.  Many buses go to Milsons Point too.  There is pay car parking. The entrance is on Paul Street, off Alfred Street South – it’s not cheap but it makes life much easier.

Click here to buy your Luna Park tickets!

5. Sydney Harbour Cruises With Kids

There are dozens and dozens of different cruises to do on Sydney Harbour, but my kids have enjoyed the Tall Ships cruises best of all, they’ve been on the gorgeous tall ships Southern Swan or Soren Larsen. Both look just like 1850s pirate ships!

Read about many varieties of Sydney Harbour cruises for families on this post.

Or just jump straight over to Get Your Guide to check out all the cruise offerings there. Click below.

5. Royal Botanic Garden: Picnics and Walks 

For gentle charm, botanical delights and world-class harbour views, a walk in the Royal National Park is a must. There is plenty of space, a great deal of interesting flora plus the delightful Calyx building which houses exhibitions and shows.

This is one of the best places to visit in Sydney for families who love to walk and explore. Those with an interest in history and fascination with Australian flora will love it too.

There are several places to enjoy a meal, snack or just a drink in the gardens too. We like the kiosk for kids meals, or the lovely Calyx cafe when we have time to sit down for longer.

You can walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens on your way from the Opera House to the Art Gallery of NSW, passing Mrs Macquaries Chair and enjoying one of the most famous views in Sydney from there.

Garden lovers will find many free activities on offer and there are always activities for children in school holidays.

If you love to swim you will find the Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool set on the side of Woolloomooloo Bay before the Art Gallery, a wonderful place to cool off, splash and do laps, with a great cafe too.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

RBG website here

Opening hours: The RBG opens at 7am each morning and closes between 5pm and 8pm depending on the season.

You can enter the Royal Botanic Gardens from the Sydney Opera House Forecourt area and also from Macquarie Street. There are 30 hectares of garden to explore, and a terrific exhibition space with cafe called the Calyx.

Getting there:  By car, best places to try are along Mrs Macquaries Road where there is meter parking. But public transport and by foot are best.

6. Visit The Australian Museum

Sydney’s pre-eminent museum is a great mix of the old and the new. There are plenty of traditional museum exhibits, all sorts of flora and fauna of interest. There are also modern exhibits with technologies to enhance a family visit.

If you are a museum buff then this is one of your must do things in Sydney. You will learn so much about Sydney and about Australia as a whole.  Kids will adore the hands-on activities and the breadth of things to do.

There’s a special area for the under fives too, plus a fantastic cafe with sweeping city views.

Australian Museum

1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010

Open: 9.30am – 5pm every day except Christmas Day

Australian Museum website here

7.  Sydney Tower Eye: Enjoy the Views

Older kids and teens will find the golden globe that is Sydney Tower Eye one of the most fun places in Sydney to visit.  You take a lift up to the Observation Deck 250 metres above the city centre, then gaze over miles and miles of the city spreading out in all directions.

Sydney Tower is the tallest structure in Sydney. You can enjoy meals on the Observation Deck or just enjoy the views.

Sydney Tower Eye soars over a huge shopping centre, so combine with a shopping trip and your teens will be overjoyed.

Sydney Tower Eye Level 5 Westfield Sydney Corner of Pitt St and Market St Sydney, NSW 2000

Book your Sydney Tower Eye tickets with Fast Track here.

Find other great Sydney Tower Eye activities here.

8.  Darling Harbour: Spend the Whole Day (and Night!)

Look, there are so many things to do at Darling Harbour. People call it the centre of all Sydney fun. You can visit Sydney Aquarium, Sydney WILDlife, Madame Tussauds, The National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Gardens.

There is a ferris wheel, a theatre too, plus fireworks each Saturday night and all sorts of other entertainment.

There are dozens of cafes and restaurants and then, the best thing of all if you have little kids, the playground at Darling Quarter – see it’s own entry below.

Many families choose to stay at Darling Harbour and so can simply walk from their hotel or apartment. It’s also easy to walk into Darling Harbour from the city, just go via King Street or Market Street.

If coming from further afield you can catch buses and be dropped at Darling Harbour or catch the ferry from Circular Quay.

Parking:  There are several car parks and these can be quite affordable especially if you have your ticket stamped at one of the museums here or you visit at weekends. Check out:

Harbourside Parking at 100 Murray Street, Pyrmont

Darling Quarter Car Park – great for the playground

Getting here on the Darling Harbour website is helpful too.

To read much more about Darling Harbour and to find out what events are current check out the Darling Harbour website here.

9.  Take the Ferry to Manly

Taking the ferry to Manly is a great way to see Sydney Harbour and you end up at a very family-friendly destination.  Manly Wharf is a hub of cafes, restaurants and shops, and just outside you’ll find a lovely netted and sheltered harbour beach, with a water slides park along to the west end, Manly Surf’n’Slide.

Or cross the road and walk along the (at places slightly seedy) Corso and come to Manly’s famous surf beaches, with the huge pines towering above.

You can enjoy a long walk along the seafront here, all the way to Queenscliff to the north. Or have a splash between the flags at the south end, known as South Steyne and then follow the walkway south to sheltered Shelly Beach.  You pass the most gorgeous small rock pool on the way, the delightful Fairy Bower, and yes, there is a cafe there too.

Let the kids have a play, enjoy a picnic in the shade or buy some snacks from the kiosk. Then enjoy a snorkel and don’t forget to wave to the fishies.

There are also lovely places to eat in Manly, lots of very healthy choices as well as fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours.

Longer walks can be done around North Head and Manly is also the start for the 10km Manly to Spit Coastal Walk.

10.  Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi is an iconic beach in itself. And there’s also the fab walk to Bronte and on to Coogee, if the children are the walking type and not likely to go wild and leap off the cliffs. This coastal path makes the most gorgeous walk, and it’s not too long.

Bronte Beach is the most lovely spot for children, with a terrific playground, great rock pool and the ‘Bogey Hole’ plus a little train for extra mini-thrills.

There’s also a wonderful pool at Bondi Beach, read about Bondi Icebergs Pool here.

Read more about this walk on the Sydney Coast Walks website here, where you can also buy a handy PDF map.

11.  SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium : Sharks to Coral Reefs

This is a huge aquarium and one well worth visiting. Your kids will be thrilled to walk through the perspex tunnels with grey nurse sharks and massive rays gliding over their heads.

There are several different areas within the Aquarium including South Coast Shipwreck, Sydney Harbour (my fave), Dugong Island, Shark Walk and Shark Valley, Penguin Expedition and Great Barrier Reef.

I never ever get to spend as much time as I would like reading all the information, my kids tend to whizz excitedly from one exhibit to the another. Must get there alone!

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Open: Generally 10am – 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, all year.  However please check the website as times do vary by season and if special events are on

Getting there: The Aquarium is a short walk from the centre of Sydney. Walk down Market Street or King Street into Darling Harbour and you will see it. Town Hall is the nearest train station and bus stops are in King Street and Market Street. The Aquarium is a stop on the Big Bus Sydney route.

Parking : get discounted parking at local car parks, latest info is here

Buy tickets for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium here.

Or save money by buying a Sydney Explorer Pass here.

12. Visit Shark Beach at Nielsen Park

Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is the easiest netted harbour beach to visit if you are staying in the centre of Sydney. This is a beautiful spot with swooping views over the harbour, a great cafe by the beach and plenty of space to play both on the beach and on the reserve around it. The reserve has many huge fig trees around the three large picnic areas.

Sydney’s harbour beaches are calm most of the time, with no surf like the ocean beaches. There are no lifeguards however, so you do need to keep a very close eye on the kids.

Why is it called Shark Beach?  I am guessing it’s because the people who named it in early colonial times saw lots of sharks here.  Why the shark net? Well, that’s to keep out sharks!

Seriously though, there are sharks in Sydney Harbour and people have been attacked in recent years, but rarely.  There have been no fatalities in Sydney Harbour since 1963.

You can climb up the steps to Bottle and Glass Point at the east side to enjoy really wonderful views.

The Nielsen waterfront restaurant in Nielsen Park has a kiosk which serves drinks, ice creams and food to most beach lovers. You can also sit inside and enjoy the modern Italian cuisine.

Nielsen Park

Fig Tree Road, off Greycliffe Avenue

Parking:  There is a car park near the beach. It gets very busy on warm weekends though.

Bus:   Yes, bus stop by Nielsen Park. Check the Tripview app or visit Transport Info here.

Read a full review of Shark Beach here.

13.  Explore Indigenous Sydney

Visitors to Sydney can experience many aspects of indigenous culture and history, yes I still feel there is a long way to go in this area of tourism.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Aboriginal Heritage Tour at the Royal Botanic Gardens each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. An Aboriginal guide explains the history of the local indigenous people and their use of plans as food and medicine. Learn more here.

The Rocks Dreaming Tours departs from Cadmans Cottage at 10.30am daily, read more here.

Indigenous tours and experiences: find a current list on the Sydney.com website here.

See rock engravings in Sydney Harbour National Park at Dobroyd Head Balgowlah Heights. Read all the information on the National Park and Wildlife website here.

You will see lots of interesting exhibits and hear indigenous stories at the Australian Museum and the Museum of Sydney.

Check to see whether the Blak Markets are on during your stay. These markets are a showcase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people to sell arts and crafts, plus you can enjoy great food and many workshops. The website is also on online store for arts and crafts.

Blak Markets website here

Read my article and see more photos of  the Blak Markets here.

The Wilderness and Aboriginal Explorer Tour   involves bus and boat trips and shows you some really fascinating indigenous sites. The tour is run by Sydney Outback.   I have done that one and wrote about it here.

14. Snorkel at Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a small and sheltered beach close to the much larger Manly Beach. Of all the best snorkelling spots in Sydney, this is the easiest to access by public transport. Just hop on the ferry to Manly and walk along the promenade, it’s about 20 – 30 minutes from the ferry wharf.

Shelly Beach is very suitable for young snorkellers as there’s plenty to see, a nice gently shelving beach, generally calm waters plus there’s a cafe right there and space to run and rocks to explore too.

If you don’t have your own snorkel, mask and fins then you can rent or buy them at Dive Centre Manly at 10 Belgrave Street, Manly, or join one of their Snorkel Tours. Children aged 12+ can even learn to scuba dive here.

Book your snorkelling tour at Manly here.

Learn more about snorkelling at Shelly Beach on this blog post here. My family has done this a lot and can highly recommend it. The sea life there is marvellous.

15.  Learn to Surf

Even little kids can learn to surf. Manly Surf School teaches children aged 5+.  Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi teaches children aged 7+.

This is an absolute classic Sydney activity for children and most especially for your teenagers visiting Sydney.  

Book a 2-hour surfing lesson for the family at Bondi here.

16.  Darling Quarter Playground: Play and Splash

Sydney has so many amazing kids playgrounds and they are FREE – marvellous!  Visitors to Sydney who stay in the city or Darling Harbour will find the massive playground at Darling Harbour is an excellent space to let the kids run and play and burn off some energy.

There is a lot of water play there, some lovely river runs and splashing fountains, so do take a swimming costume or a change of clothes.

There are several cafes and restaurants close to the playground, plus a kiosk serving drinks and snacks within the playground. The range of play equipment is huge and suits children from toddlers to teenagers.

The one drawback is that this playground gets SO busy at peak times, especially at the weekend. Get there early or late or during the week.

Darling Quarter Playground

Tumbalong Park, Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour

Read a detailed post with parking info etc here.

17.  Susannah Place Museum

Address: 58–64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9241 1893

Susannah Place Museum website is here

Learn all about the daily lives of the ordinary citizens of Australia’s oldest suburb in this charming museum. This is a very popular museum with kids as it is all so relatable, being the stories of ordinary people.

Susannah Place Museum is open by guided tour only, with tours starting at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.  Tours last for about an hour, children under five are free.  It’s wise to book ahead on the website.

Getting there : The Museum is just a short 10 minute walk from Circular Quay and buses run nearby. The closest car park is at Quay West in Harrington Street. Book ahead with the promo code SLM for a discount (but it’s still pretty pricey.)

18.  Museum Of Sydney: Stories of the City

Opened in 1995, the museum tells the city’s story from precolonial times to the present day. Storytelling is a major focus and there are several video installations where actors play the parts of characters from the past, spinning tales tall and true.

Aboriginal people explain their people’s history and discuss their contemporary lives in Sydney.

Especially interesting to children are the subterranean excavations under a clear perspex floor and the stainless steel Collectors’ Chests where they can pull out drawers to reveal small exhibits.

Museum of Sydney

On the Site of First Government House

Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets Sydney 2000

Open: Daily 10am–5pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday

Museum of Sydney website is here

19.  Powerhouse Museum

The Powerhouse Museum is the very best of the central Sydney museums for children. It is a vast space, spread over four levels. Many of the regular exhibits will send children into transports of rapturous joy, particularly the old trains, suspended planes and the Little Wheels room with its 1600 Matchbox cars.

The Powerhouse is one of three places that form the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the others are the Sydney Observatory at the Rocks and the Museums Discovery Centre in Castle Hill.

There are a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, more than can be taken in on a single visit.  Young children are well catered for with activities and events for the littlest.  Check the website to see what is on currently but rest assured that the permanent exhibitions are a joy for kids. There’s even a permanent Wiggles exhibition!

Children aged 16 and under can visit free.

Powerhouse Museum

500 Harris Street

Ultimo 2007

Open: Daily 10am–5pm, except Christmas Day. Under fours free.

Powerhouse Museum website is here

20.  Hyde Park Barracks

Step inside Hyde Park Barracks and fall back hundreds of years into convict times. This is the best place in Sydney to learn the horrible history of Australia’s founding as a penal settlement.

Hyde Park Barracks is one of the Sydney Living Museums and you will definitely learn a great deal about the daily life of Sydney’s earliest settlers.  Kids can also get a taste of living as a convict did, trying out hammocks and seeing how life was lived when the Barracks opened in 1819.

Address: Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 200

Open: 10am – 5pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday

Getting there: Hyde Park Barracks is an easy walk from central Sydney, being at the top of Macquarie Street and close to Hyde Park itself and the Australian Museum.

Parking: The Domain parking station offers a discount to Hyde Park Barracks visitors and is just 10 minutes away. You need to pre-book a bay and use the promo code SLM.

21.   Art Gallery of NSW

Art Gallery Road, The Domain

Open:   10am – 5pm  daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Art Gallery of NSW  visitor information web page here

Sydney’s largest and best gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW is a vast space set in a beautiful park with delightful views over Woolloomooloo Bay.

The gallery has huge collections of Australian and international art works. There are exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and interesting tours are offered.

The gallery is free to visitors, most special exhibitions are free too though some do have a charge.  There are some free tours and activities for children and families.

There is a casual cafe at the gallery which has kids menus and gives young diners crayons and paper to start their own art works.  There is also a fine dining restaurant at the gallery.

22.  Cockatoo Island

There are many islands in Sydney Harbour, and several can be visited by the public. The best one for families though is definitely Cockatoo Island.

There are so many places to explore on the island, and so much to learn about Sydney’s history both in convict times and beyond.  Start at the visitor centre where you can pick up maps and treasure hunt activities for the kids. The Convict Trail is great for children, taking you all over the island with plenty to read as well as lots of fresh air fun.

You can visit Cockatoo Island with prams and young kids, but do beware of the water which is often not fenced off. Maps show you the paths and trails which are accessible with prams.

Wear yourselves out then sit down at one of the cafes and let the kids play on the grass. This is a delightful spot to chill out too.

Find lots of photos and all the info you need to plan a day trip to Cockatoo Island on this long post.

23. Royal Botanic Garden: Picnics and Walks 

For gentle charm, botanical delights and world class harbour views, a walk in the Royal National Park is a must. There is plenty of space, a great deal of interesting flora plus the delightful Calyx building which houses exhibitions and shows.

24. Swim and Relax at a Harbour Pool 

If you are a family who loves to swim then a splash and laps at one of Sydney’s pools on the Harbour is a must.

North Sydney Olympic Pool (opening after a renovation in 2023) is one of the easiest to get to, being just over the Bridge and right beside Luna Park.  There’s a 50m lap pool with the best Bridge and Harbour views, plus outdoor kids pool plus an indoor pool.

Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Pool is on Mrs Macquaries Road close to the Royal Botanic Gardens and to the Art Gallery of NSW. Perched high above Woolloomooloo Bay it has exceptional views.

Both of these pools have great cafes beside them, so you can make a day of it.

Greenwich Baths is a marvellous spot for families with young children. This is a netted Harbour pool with lap boards and a gently sloping beach, plus space to play. There’s a cafe there and you do need to pay a small fee to enter.

Northbridge Baths is excellent for older kids and teenagers. A wide boardwalk encircles a huge netted baths, with grassy areas and beach. Great for jumping off. There’s no fee to enter but, tragically, no cafe.

25.  Escape the City on a Day Trip

Sydney is a huge city and whilst there is PLENTY to do within the city limits, there are also wonderful things to do outwith the Sydney suburbs.

The city is surrounded by National Parks, to the north is Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, to the south is the Royal National Park and to the west lies the Blue Mountains with its National Park and many interesting towns and villages.

Visitors to Sydney might be best to take a guided tour with all travel, equipment and information included. There are dozens of these on offer, including very exciting and extravagant Blue Mountains by helicopter tours. (No, I’ve never done it but a friend has and said it was marvellous.)

Check out the vast range of Sydney family-friendly tours on Get Your Guide here:

Accessible Sydney

When you are planning your visit to Sydney, do check out this Accessibility section on the Sydney.com website.

Indigenous Sydney

Check out some excellent tours run by indigenous guides on the Sydney.com website here.

PS Here’s another idea I just saw, an Ice Cream and Street Art Tour of Newtown with Local Sauce Tours. Now we haven’t done this ourselves yet but I know it would be fab for older kids and for the adults too.

Best Sydney Hotels for Families

If you are looking for a quick recommendation of where to stay in Sydney as a family, here are three places that we think are excellent:

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a super family friendly location to stay in when visiting Sydney with kids, and the Novotel goes out of its way to make families welcome. There’s an outdoor pool here and a games area, plus a hotel restaurant and room service.  You can have interconnecting roosm if you are a larger family, or two double beds in one room, ideal for families with two littler kids. Check out our Novotel Darling Harbour article here.

Check for best prices at the Novotel Darling Harbour on Booking.com here. 

Novotel Sydney Manly Beach

Stay right on iconic Manly Beach, and fear not, the hotel will provide buckets and spades and boogie boards! Manly is a fab spot for families and the Novotel welcomes them with open arms. You’ll find kids activities in school holiday periods, rooms that can be configured for families easily wither with two double beds or by having two rooms adjoining. 

The Novotel Sydney Manly Beach has a fantastic rooftop pool, a kids games area and two cafe/restaurants on site, plus all the kid friendly joys of Manly on the doorstep. This is our family’s number 1 choice!

Check here to compare prices for Novotel Sydney Manly Beach on Booking.com.

The Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach

This delightful hotel is just across the road from gorgeous Coogee Beach, the outdoors family will adore this Eastern Suburbs beach location. Rooms can be configured with two double beds, there are also some suites that work well for families. The Crowne Plaza has a restaurant in house, plus a lovely pool area. You’ll find rock pools, the beach and wonderful walks right on your doorstep too, with easy bus links to the centre of Sydney.

Find the best prices for the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach on Booking.com.

Check our more of the lovely Manly Beach Hotels here, and Manly Holiday Apartments here.

Read more about the Best Areas of Sydney to Stay With Kids on this post.

Car Rental in Sydney : Whilst you do not necessarily need a car if you are staying in the central area of Sydney, having one will mean that you can explore further afield. If you decide that you would like to rent a car in Sydney then do check out a comparison site like Discover Cars and the further ahead you can do this, the better.

Pin this post for later!

Do also check out this post:

The Best Free Things To Do in Sydney

So there we go, now you know the best things to do in Sydney with kids!  There are so many places to go in Sydney and so many wonderful Sydney activities. Never again will you ask yourself about what to do in Sydney with kids – just refer back to this list!

What your family does will, of course, depend on what sorts of things you guys love to do. The ages of your kids also make a big difference.

There are great kids’ activities, Sydney has indoor ones, outdoors ones, free ones and super expensive ones too!  There’s plenty for kids of all ages.

So this is just the start for you, 25 of the very best things, chosen by myself and my four kids.

Do you have a question? Just ask in the comments.

Happy exploring!

PS This post contains some affiliate links meaning that, if you buy an item using the link, a small commission is paid to support Hello Sydney Kids, at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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What a fantastic and informative post! Even though I don’t have young kids, this will definitely be something I’ll come back to when I have grandkids (hopefully!). I loved your photos and the places you suggested. I’m thinking we might need to hire you as a tour guide for things to do for grown ups too when we get over to Sydney again. There’s quite a few things on this list that I’d love to see and do.

I’ll write one for you! I do love to do a tour of the Northern Beaches near where we live, so many lovely places and cool cafes, what can go wrong?

We’ve been watching a bit of Bondi Resue lately – have been to Sydney half a dozen times but have never actually been to Bondi! Next time for sure …

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Unforgettable places to visit in Australia with teenagers

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Australia, The Land Down Under, is a bucket-list destination for many. Its wide sweeping plains, deep red earth, mighty rivers, ancient rainforests, pristine beaches and unique wildlife would make anyone want to trek to this amazing country, our home.

Many visitors don’t realise just how big this magnificent land is. I have lived here all of my life and I still have a list of must-see destinations that never seems to get smaller.

Places to stay in Melbourne for families

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• Must-try dishes when you visit Australia with family:

Stay connected on your vacation to Australia with teenagers

Australia with teenagers.

People plan a visit for a couple of weeks and plan to hit the main sites in a few days but don’t factor in the distance between places and to be honest, just going to the big-ticket destinations here you will miss some of the splendour of the smaller ones.

Best cities to visit in Australia with teenagers

I have been asked to put together a list of places to visit in Australia with kids as our country has started opening up and I hope some of these places will end up on your list of places to see when you get here. 

Melbourne: Naarm

I have to start with my home city. There is a long-standing dispute between Sydneysiders and Melbournians as to which city is better and I think you know where I stand on that one!

It is a beautiful green city with amazing coffee, food and culture for everyone to enjoy. There are so many  things to do in Melbourne  for families holidaying in Australia.

• National Gallery of Victoria
• Queen Victoria Market
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Eureka Sky Deck
• Go to an AFL game 
• St Kilda Beach for the Little penguins at dusk
• Shrine of Remembrance
• Melbourne Zoo
• Fitzroy Garden Fairy Tree
• Famous Street Art and Laneways
• Cruise the Yarra River
• Tour the MCG
• Visit the Australian Sports Museum

*Federation Square is a great place for kids too. You will find that they have changing displays, exhibits or live performances there on a regular basis that are great for families on their holiday in Australia with teens.

Day trips from Melbourne for families

Setting out on some day trips from Melbourne Australia with teenagers can include some of the most iconic Australian landscapes, unique Australian animals and walks through our ancient forests.

Whatever you choose to see on your day trip from Melbourne you will be sure to have a memorable experience.

• Dandenong Ranges to ride Puffing Billy
• Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
• Great Ocean Road
• Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill
• Gumbya World

For a memorable stay, choose central accommodations near the city centre, granting easy access to attractions and dining. Look for family rooms or apartments with two separate rooms to ensure everyone’s comfort and privacy.

Consider Citadines on Bourke with spacious two-bedroom apartments, Adina Apartments Southbank for proximity to landmarks, or Mantra on Little Bourke , offering central convenience and relaxation.

These options provide the space and amenities needed for an enjoyable trip. You can search for more Melbourne accommodations here. Get ready for a fantastic Melbourne adventure with your family!

More Melbourne inspiration: All the best things to do in Melbourne with teens

Hobart: Nipaluna

Tasmania is an absolutely stunning part of Australia that is often missed by visitors and locals alike. Once you have been to Tassie the memory stays with you and you long to go back. 

Many people have yet to discover its raw beauty, and there are some amazing things to do in and around Hobart with kids. It was high on my list of places to go for its beauty and to see the famous Tassie Devil, which is a must if you visit Australia with teenagers.

• Salamanca Market
• Cascade Brewery 
• Mt Wellington
• Battery Point
• Hobart Convict Penitentiary
• Cascades Female Factory
• Constitution Dock
• Tasmanian Transport Museum

You can also spend some time driving through Tasmania tasting and enjoying the amazing food and wine they grow there, although car hire can be expensive and limited in the peak season.

You can catch the ferry from Melbourne in your own car if you wish.

Day trips from Hobart for families

When in Hobart with family, you can easily go on day trips to see some magical Australian attractions. Teens visiting Australia will not miss their trip to Tasmania!

• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Bruny Island
• Hastings Caves and Thermal Pools
• Mount Field National Park
• Maria Island
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations. Here are three great options for places to stay with family rooms or suites that are conveniently located near attractions

Wrest Point Hotel Casino features an indoor pool and various dining options. It is a short drive from attractions like Salamanca Place and the MONA . In the city’s heart, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart has an indoor pool and a restaurant.

RACV Hobart Apartment Hotel offers spacious family accommodations equipped with kitchen facilities

These choices promise a wonderful family getaway brimming with comfort and unforgettable experiences. Explore additional f amily-friendly accommodations in Hobart right here.

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Sydney: Warrane

Many tourists arriving in Australia with teenagers will make their first stop in Sydney. While many think it is our capital city, Sydney is the largest Australian city, but it is not our capital city. Canberra has that honour.

Sydney is a sprawling city that offers so much for families visiting Australia for the first time. Its iconic bridge and Opera House make it one of the most recognisable cities in the world and you will find so many other  wonderf u l things to do in Sydney .

• Taronga Zoo
• Cockatoo Island
• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbor Bridge
• Ride the ferries from Circular Quay
• Visit Manly Beach
• Bondi Beach

Day trips from Sydney Australia for teens

Planning day trips from Sydney with teenagers adds a level to your vacation in Australia with teenagers. You can go home to tell all of your friends you saw all the iconic places in Australia.

• Blue Mountains
• The Hunter Valley

To ensure a memorable experience, look for accommodations in a central location like the Rocks, Darling Harbour or close to Circular Quay. This places iconic attractions and conveniences at your doorstep, enhancing exploration.

As you’re a family, prioritise two-bedroom family rooms or apartments to balance together time and privacy.

Consider Mantra 2 Bond Street for its spacious suites and facilities, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour for its outdoor pool and city views, or QT Bondi for a stay near the beach.

These options guarantee a delightful family escape filled with comfort and memorable moments. Search here for more Sydney family accommodation options.

Australia with teenagers: All the best things to do in Sydney with teens

Alice Springs: Mparntwe

Even Australians make a trip to Alice Springs a must-see. Known as the Red Center and the gateway to Uluru , it is surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, known for its striking red sands and unique rock formations.

Families with teenagers will be captivated by the rich Aboriginal culture, an integral part of Alice Springs’ identity, evident in its art and history. Some of the best things to do in Alice Springs include

• RFDS (Royal Flying Doctors Service)
• School of the Air tour
• Alice Spring Desert Park
• Camel Rides
• Hot Air Ballooning

Day trips from Alice Springs for teens

When planning day trips from Alice Springs for families with teenagers, there are various options that cater to diverse interests.

The surrounding natural beauty offers opportunities to connect with the unique essence of the Australian outback while creating lasting memories with your teenagers. Some of the best day trips include

• Uluru ( Ayers Rock) Day Trips
• West MacDonnell Ranges
• Kings Canyon
• Palm Valley

At this time, there is some serious unrest in Alice Springs, and it is not recommended to stay in Alice itself—many people who want to see Uluru land in Alice Springs and go straight to Uluru.

Featuring a swimming pool and family rooms, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs is a top choice. Desert Palms offers self-contained villas and a pool that are perfect for families. Consider staying in a cabin or villa at Discovery Parks Alice Springs .

You can search for more hotels in Alice or find a self-contained apartment .

Prepare and pack well: All the best suitcases reviewed and approved for travel .

Cairns: Gimuy

Cairns is a city where most people who visit Australia head to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Its fantastic weather makes it an excellent stop for families wanting fun in the sun and amazing experiences to top off their holiday. 

Cairns has to be one of the top places to visit in Australia with teens, and it is the easiest way to see one of the top Australian landmarks.

• Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
• Cairns ZOOM and wildlife dome
• Giant Swing Park
• Cairns Aquarium
• Rusty’s Markets for fresh local produce
• Cairns Botanical Gardens
• Find one of the many kid-friendly playgrounds

Top Australian landmarks to see from Cairns

You will find that Cairns itself can be an affordable destination if you are travelling on a budget.

But once you add some of the top attractions in Cairns , it is where your costs easily add up. In reality, there is no point visiting Cairns without ticking off the big items. You will find plenty of things to do with teenagers in Cairns.

• Daintree Rainforest
• Great Barrier Reef
• Mossman Gorge
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Fitzroy Island
• Green Island
• Atherton Tablelands

Choose accommodations in the city’s heart for easy access to all the exciting attractions. Select Cairns lodgings with family rooms or apartments offering two separate bedrooms. This provides both space and privacy.

Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort , offers modern amenities and pools by the Cairns Esplanade. Mantra Esplanade Cairns boasts waterfront views and two-bedroom apartments, while Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort provides suites with a lagoon-style pool. These choices ensure an enjoyable family getaway,

For more accommodation options , search here and prepare for a fantastic Cairns adventure with your loved ones!

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The Gold Coast is where many Aussie families spend at least one epic holiday at some stage in their travel journey. The weather is sunny and warm, and there are many things to do on  the Gold Coast for families.

Whether you have small kids looking for a relaxing beach holiday or older kids looking for adrenalin, hair-raising activities the Gold Coast is your one-stop Aussie destination!

• Australian Outback Spectacular
• DreamWorld/Whitewater World
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• High Tea at the Sky Point Observation Deck
• Have a surf lesson
• Whale-watching cruise (seasonal)
• Wander a local Sunday market
• Jet boat ride

*Money-saving tip for your holiday on the Gold Coast: There are vendors on the esplanade at Surfers Paradise, where you can get daily bargains for activities on the Gold Coast. They change daily and differ as well so you may not get exactly what you want but you will save on some amazing attractions.

Look for accommodations with family-friendly options like two-bedroom apartments for both privacy and comfort.

Check out places like the Mantra on View Hotel in Surfers Paradise with family suites and ocean views, the Paradise Resort with outdoor pools, or the SeaWorld Resort with family rooms and access to the theme park. Look for more Gold Coast places to stay .

Surfers Paradise is pretty compact, and most places you stay will be close to the bustling Cavill Avenue for shopping and dining and thrilling theme parks.

Need fun in the sun?  Visit the Gold Coast for maximum thrills with teenagers .

Adelaide, Australia, is an incredible, family-friendly destination waiting to make your vacation special. With its sunny and inviting weather, Adelaide has something for everyone.

Whether you’re after a relaxing beach escape or heart-pounding activities, this city has you covered. Your Aussie family journey won’t be complete without experiencing the warmth, charm, and excitement that Adelaide has to offer.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure Down Under!

• Go shopping at Rundall Mall
• Westbeach Mega Climb
• Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
• Go to the Beach and take a surfing lesson
• Scavenger Hunt at the SA Museum
• Westbeach Adventure
• See a Giant Panda’s at Adelaide Zoo
• Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour

Day trips from Adelaide for families on vacation in Australia

Adelaide, Australia, offers fantastic day trips for teenagers . Head to Kangaroo Island to explore wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

For an adventure, visit Cleland Wildlife Park or enjoy the stunning beaches and water activities at Victor Harbor. Adelaide Hills provides great hiking opportunities.

Kangaroo Island

• Cleland Wildlife Park
• Day trip on the Murray River
• Victor Harbour

Look for places that offer family rooms or apartments with two separate bedrooms, giving you the best of togetherness and personal space.

Check out options like the Stamford Plaza Adelaide , where you’ll find family suites and stunning views, or the centrally located Adelaide Rockford with its spacious two-bedroom apartments and a cool rooftop pool.

Another great choice is The Playford Adelaide , known for its elegant family suites and an award-winning restaurant.

These picks guarantee a fantastic family adventure filled with both convenience and comfort! You can easily find more hotel options and self-contained apartments for your stay.

Australian Hidden Gems:  Visit Adelaide with teens for a true Aussie experience

Perth: Mooro or Goomap

Vacationing with teenagers in Perth, Australia, is a highlight of any trip to Australia. It is almost like visiting another country with its beautiful parks and beaches.

Perth, Western Australia, makes it an excellent family destination for those who enjoy outdoor adventures , the beach lifestyle and memorable landscapes.

The biggest deterrent to visiting Perth and other destinations in Western Australia is the cost. Flying from Sydney or Melbourne will add a significant cost to your holiday in Australia with teenagers.

Many families, after visiting Perth, will tell you it was worth every cent. Some of the best things for families to see and do in Perth include

• Visit King’s Park
• Fremantle Prison
• Cottesloe Beach
• Optus Stadium Roof Walk
• Cruise the Swan River
• Whale Watching
• AQWA Aquarium
• The Perth Mint

Day trips from Perth Australia for families with teenagers

Day trips from Perth can offer many wonderful opportunities for families to see some unique flora and fauna. From Islands to dunes and surf beaches, get out and explore from Perth on an unforgettable day trip .

Rottnest Island

• Margaret River
• Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and Penguin Island
• The Pinnacles

Families look for accommodations in Perth’s central city location for easy access to attractions and amenities. Choose locations with family rooms or apartments featuring two separate bedrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort.

Look for additional facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, or family-friendly dining to enhance your stay. Consider Pan Pacific Perth with family suites and an outdoor pool, The Sebel Perth offering a rooftop pool and modern apartments, or Crown Metropol Perth with spacious suites and an expansive pool area.

These options promise a memorable family adventure, but Perth has plenty of options to suit your needs.

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday?  Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens

Darwin: Garramilla

Darwin is not the first choice for many families in Australia with teenagers. It is a long way away from the rest of the Australian cities. Darwin is closer to Singapore than Sydney.

The top-end city’s warm and laid-back atmosphere is thanks to its tropical weather. Families can explore the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, witness crocodiles in their natural habitat and learn about the captivating history and culture of Indigenous Australia.

Darwin an ideal destination for families looking to experience the great outdoors and visit breathtaking Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. There are plenty of things to do in Darwin.

• Go on a sunset dinner cruise
• Ride a jetski
• Crocodile and Reptile Encounter  
• Go on a scenic helicopter flight

Day trips from Darwin, Australia for families with teenagers

Beyond the city’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, you’ll discover a world of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be explored on your day trip from Darwin with teenagers.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we venture out on exciting day trips, each offering a unique glimpse into the captivating beauty of the Top End.

• Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls Day Tour
• Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience from Darwin, Including Ferry
• Litchfield National Park
• Kakadu National Park

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations. Here are three great options for places to stay with family rooms or suites that are conveniently located near attractions

Centrally located, close to Bicentennial Park and the Darwin Waterfront with spacious family rooms is DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Darwin . Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers family-friendly rooms with views of the harbour or the city.

Located in the heart of Darwin, Mantra on the Esplanade provides well-appointed family suites with kitchenettes.

Search booking.com for more hotel options or Stayz for apartments.

Australia can be VERY expensive:  30+ realistic and easy budget travel with teens hacks

Best places to visit in Australia with teenagers

While we have included many of Australia’s main cities for families to visit, some places in Australia should not be missed.

Some of the places to see in Australia are easy to get to and can be done on a budget, and others are a once-in-a-lifetime experience when on vacation in Australia with teenagers.

The Great Barrier Reef – Cairns

One of the 7 great wonders of the natural world can’t be missed when you visit Australia with kids. Cairns, located in Far North Queensland (FNQ), is a tropical paradise and a gateway to the best of the Great Barrier Reef.

Tours are mainly the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef for families and anyone who can’t swim should go with a reputable company. Some of the best Great Barrier Reef tours include

• Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
• Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise
• Fitzroy Island Full Day Package with Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Phillip Island: Millowl

Although only slightly over 2 hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a delight for kids and parents to visit Australia with children. It is full of amazing adventures, animals, walks and unforgettable moments.

Most Victorian children have made the  journey to Phillip Island  to watch the Little Penguins waddle ashore every night to find their burrows, and it is a wonderful sight to see. 

While you can do Phillip Island on a day trip from Melbourne, you can benefit from a couple of days on the island although it is not recommended you visit during the Australian Grand Prix as it is held on the Island and it is unbelievably busy with tourists and car fanatics.

• Little Penguin Parade and Discovery Centre
• Amaze n things
• Churchill Island Heritage Park  
• Koala Conservation Centre
• Cape Woolamai
• Oswin Roberts Nature Reserve
• The Nobbies and the Arctic Journey
• Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

What an exciting getaway to look forward to! Consider accommodations featuring family rooms or apartments with two separate bedrooms to cater to your family’s comfort. This arrangement ensures privacy and space for all.

Explore options such as Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island for its convenient location and outdoor amenities, The Waves Apartments in Cowes with ocean views, or Silverwater Resort near San Remo , offering indoor/outdoor pools and more.

Search Expedia for more hotel options and Stayz for apartments.

Enjoy attractions like the Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Centre for a memorable family adventure.

The Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are not just a destination but an experience for teenagers and families. You can explore pristine white sandy beaches and see Dolphins and Turtles in the clear waters of the Coral Sea.

From the secluded bays to the panoramic viewpoints, the Whitsunday Islands offer the perfect backdrop for a family vacation with your teenagers. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, is just a stone’s throw away. Some of the best things to do in the area include

• Full-Day Whitsundays Speedboat Tour
• Whitsundays Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour
• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
• Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise
• Whitsunday Crocodile Safari including Lunch

Consider options like Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach , offering self-catering apartments and stunning views; Mantra Club Croc with family rooms and a vibrant pool area or Beach Court Holiday Villas with spacious apartments and BBQ area.

Accommodations featuring family rooms or apartments with two separate bedrooms make staying together as a family much more enjoyable. You can even consider options such as Discovery Parks . Search more hotels with Trivago and apartments with Stayz

Explore nearby gems like Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, and scenic hikes for panoramic vistas. Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Teenagers’ Cultural Experiences in Australia

Visiting Uluru is growing in popularity for domestic and international tourists. The world’s biggest rock looms large on the Horizon in the red centre of Australia.

While you can make a day trip from Alice Springs to Uluru, you can easily spend up to a week in the area learning from the local people about the significance of this amazing natural wonder. 

This place will add a significant cost to your family trip to Australia with teenagers and is possibly better to be done with older children rather than younger kids. The Red Center is known for its pure beauty and cultural significance but can get extremely hot.

• Sunrise and sunset at Uluru
• Bike around the base of Uluru
• Helicopter Flight
• Field of Light
• Ride a camel 
• Learn to dot paint with Traditional Owners of the Land

*As of 2019, you can no longer climb Uluru.

When travelling to Uluru (Ayers Rock) with your teenage children, there are a few accommodation options to consider. The closest accommodations to Uluru are typically found within Yulara, a resort town about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the rock.

The Ayers Rock Resort is the main resort in Yulara. This is the main resort in Yulara and offers a variety of accommodations, including the Sails in the Desert Hotel , or The Desert Gardens Hotel , and the Outback Pioneer Hotel.

Kangaroo Island is located in South Australia and is known for its pristine natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Kangaroo Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

It offers an excellent opportunity to connect with wildlife, explore natural wonders, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Whether hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Kangaroo Island has something to offer for everyone in the family. You can easily drive from Adelaide , jump on the ferry and explore the best things to do on Kangaroo Island today.

• Go on a Dolphin Safari
• Explore on an ATV
• Snorkelling
• Electric bike tour of Kangaroo Island

Certainly, Kangaroo Island is a wonderful destination for families. Here are three family-friendly accommodations that offer a comfortable stay.

Situated in Penneshaw, right by the Ferry terminal, Kangaroo Island Seafront offers a range of family-friendly rooms and suites. Emu Bay Holiday Homes are spacious and well-equipped. Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge is a great choice.

You can search for more hotels on Kangaroo Island and even apartments to suit your stay there.

Rottnest Island is located near Perth, Western Australia. Families visiting Australia with teens need to take a ferry ride from the mainland.

The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and marine life. The island is car-free, so families often explore on bikes , making it an eco-friendly destination.

The star attraction is the friendly quokka, a unique marsupial you can spot and even take selfies with them. You will find plenty of things to do on Rottnest Island with teens.

• Go on a Segway Tour of the island
• Guided Snorkelling Tour
• Tandem Skydiving

Most visitors choose a day trip from Perth , but if you want to stay, consider Discovery Rottnest Island , centrally located with family cabins and nearby beach access. Alternatively, check out Karma Rottnest , offering two-bedroom family units and on-site dining options.

During your stay , explore stunning beaches, spot quokkas, and enjoy water sports. These choices guarantee convenience and comfort , making for an unforgettable family vacation on Rottnest Island, Australia with teenagers.

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Best ways to see Australia with teens

There are so many ways to see Australia with kids. One way that will determine how to best visit Australia with family will be the length of time you plan to stay in Australia with teenagers.

Many families in Australia travel in caravans and stay in caravan parks. Some people find it better to hire vans or motorhomes to choose the way they travel Australia with young adults.

Driving around Australia with teenagers

Driving in Australia will give you the best opportunity to get into the regional areas and experience Australian life. Be warned, Australia is a very large country, if you drive, you will need to cover many kilometres.

Flying in Australia with young adults

As you can see, there is a plethora of things to do in Australia for families. While Melbourne and Sydney are the top family vacation spots in Australia for teenagers, it pays to travel far and wide.

Teenagers’ travel itineraries for Australia should include other cities and regions of Australia. This will give you so much more of an insight into this magical country.

You can fly in Australia with Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, REX and Bonza.

Public transport like trains, buses, and trams is readily available in cities. Purchase an Opal card in Sydney, a Myki card in Melbourne, and a Go card in Brisbane for convenient travel in Australia with teens.

Travel with confidence:   Search here for all the very best travel products for your family vacation to Sydney and beyond!

Food in Australia

Australia’s culinary scene is a tantalizing adventure filled with diverse flavours and delectable surprises. Families visiting this vast continent will discover a fusion of global cuisines to please all palates. Here’s a taste of what Australia’s culinary landscape has to offer:

Must-try dishes when you visit Australia with family :

• Tim Tam : These chocolate biscuits are an Aussie icon. Be sure to indulge in a Tim Tam Slam – a fun way to enjoy them by sipping hot coffee through the biscuit.
• Pavlova : A sweet meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and passionfruit. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
• Kangaroo : For an adventurous taste, try kangaroo meat. It’s lean, high in protein, and often served as steaks or skewers in restaurants.
• Lamingtons : These squares of sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and desiccated coconut are a popular treat, especially with kids.
• Fish and Chips : Enjoy fresh seafood from Australia’s pristine waters, particularly the classic fish and chips. Bondi Beach is known for serving some of the best.
• Vegemite : Though it’s an acquired taste, trying it on toast is a cultural experience. Kids may have mixed feelings, but it’s worth a try. WARNING: If someone offers you vegemite on a spoon at any point, do not eat it. It’s not how we eat it here at all ever!

Australia is incredibly accommodating regarding dietary preferences and restrictions, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options in most eateries. Families will have no trouble finding delicious meals that suit their tastes and dietary needs.

Know before you go: Expert travel Australia tips for families

There are some things you definitely should know before you come to Australia with kids.

Visa requirements for your visit to Australia :

• Before travelling to Australia, check the visa requirements based on your nationality. Most tourists can apply online for an eVisitor (subclass 651) or a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Ensure that you and your teenagers have valid visas before departure. You can check and   buy these documents at iVisa .

Australian Currency Tips :

• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Carrying a credit/debit card for most transactions is advisable, but having some cash on hand is helpful for small purchases. Load  a Revolut Travel Money card  with Australian Dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees.
• Currency exchange services are available at international airports and banks. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs across the country.
• Check your bank’s currency exchange rates and fees to ensure you get a favourable rate.
• Make phone calls with an   international sim card   that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a  virtual e-sim  for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can   rent a pocket modem  that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively,  buy a pocket modem  that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

Additional travel Australia with kids tips

• Australia has strict quarantine regulations, so be mindful of what you bring into the country, especially regarding food and plant products. Read the entry card properly and, if in doubt, throw it out in the bins provided.
• Consider getting travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Get a  quote through Insurance Masters  and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
• Keep emergency contact numbers and important travel documents in a secure, accessible location.
• Be aware of Australia’s diverse climate, and pack clothing suitable for the specific regions you plan to visit.

These practical details should help you plan your trip to Australia with teenagers. It’s essential to be well-prepared for a smooth and enjoyable visit to this beautiful country.

When is the best time to visit Australia with teenagers

Like most travel with teens vacations, it will depend on where you are going and what you want to do.

Many people will try to visit Australia with kids between September and March when the weather is warmer in most southern states.

If you are visiting Queensland, The Northern Territory and Western Australia, you will find that the weather is warmer all year round but, they will have a rainy season.

School holidays are spread out over the year with our school year being broken up into terms. Our longest school holidays are in the warmer months of December-January where you will find accommodation more expensive and harder to get. School holiday dates also differ from state to state.

Like most places around the world, there really is no best time to visit Australia with kids. Mother Nature and the weather will and can do whatever she likes so, just plan your trip to Australia and enjoy it while you are here!

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Australia with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Australia with young adults that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in the city. 

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations,  working out a budget , what bags and suitcases to take, travel essentials and more can be so time-consuming.

Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful , and finding the best tips for travel is essential. 

Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation , making it an epic adventure with your teens.

• Travel for Teens Americas
• Travel for Teens in Europe
• Travel with teens in Asia
• Travel teens in Australasia
• Travel teens in the Middle East
• Travel teen’s tips, tricks and advice

For more amazing ideas on the Best travel destinations in Australia for teenagers click through to our Australia  Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.

More travel inspiration for your trip to Australia

34 things to do in Kyoto with teenagers

9 best dark tourism destinations to visit with teenagers

10 best city breaks for families in the USA with teenagers

Rebecca Wyld

[email protected]

Content Creator/SEO Editor

Co-founder and SEO editor here at Wyld Family Travel. Bec has travelled to over 45 countries across 3 continents and is a journey with kids advocate. When Bec is not planning travel, she creates content for our family travel blog or does local community service work. You can find all of Bec’s detailed travel guides here on Wyld Family Travel and on other popular websites such as Lonely Planet.

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Western Australia family-friendly travel guide

About western australia.

Western Australia is big, every way you look at it.

It covers one-third of Australia – a massive 2.5 million square kilometres – and it is big when it comes to natural beauty and diversity of attractions.

In one part you can go four-wheel driving on rich red dirt in the Kimberley , while in another, you can ride some of the best surf in the country on idyllic beaches.

You can visit Australia’s hottest town, Marble Bar, or stroll along a tree-top walk in the cool shade of towering trees.

Images © Western Australia Tourism

Western Australia facts

Official language(s), emergency number, western australia holiday ideas.

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Helpful information

Where to go, best time to go to western australia, getting in and around for families, food and drinks that kids will love, electricity, safety and health precautions, most photographed spots.

In Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital city, there are many fantastic family experiences to enjoy. Visit Adventure World , Western Australia’s biggest water-based fun park. It incorporates lakes, gardens, an island castle and around 30 different rides and attractions for young and old. Spend a day at the amazing Whiteman Park , which is perhaps Australia’s best park with beautiful bushland, vintage tram and train rides, camel rides, sheep shearing, a motor museum and extensive cycleways or walking tracks.

The Kimberley

The Kimberley is remote and rugged, and although it’s three times bigger than England, has a population of only 25,000. That’s a lot of space for the kids to play in! The must-dos are to head into Purnululu National Park where you will be awestruck by the Bungle Bungles, visit the Malcom Douglas Crocodile Park , go for a cruise on the Fitzroy River, watch a movie under the stars at Sun Pictures, or swim at magnificent Cable Beach and look for pearls!

Broome is a place so magical that countless holidaymakers return year after year to enjoy its great outdoors. Visiting iconic and much-loved Cable Beach is a must and the beach is patrolled to ensure safe family swimming during the day. The stunning sunsets over low tide and easy beach access for 4WDs make it an ideal family picnic dinner spot. Cap off your visit with a ride on the beach-going camel train and take a camel selfie. Fossil discoveries are being made in the area with dinosaur footprints even being found in Broome. Imagining the prehistoric battles is easy visiting sauropod and T-Rex-style predator footprints, perfectly preserved in the rock and visible at low tide.

Check out our Broome and the Kimberley family-friendly guide here .

Fremantle and beyond

Not far away in Fremantle the whole family will love the Western Australian Maritime Museum , which is home to Australia II, some of our earliest shipwrecks and a real submarine, with kids welcome on the guided tours. ‘Freo’, as the locals call it, is also the departure point for the ferries to Rottnest Island . It’s a sensational day trip, with the kids sure to love searching for the cute little quokkas. The thing to do here is hire a bike (there are all sorts – some with child seats) and ride around the island.

Perhaps WA’s best-known attraction is Monkey Mia, situated in the beautiful Shark Bay World Heritage Area . Visitors still come here from all over the world to hand-feed the local wild dolphins. That would certainly be something special for ‘Show and Tell’! Make sure you visit Shell Beach and show the kids the oldest and largest living fossils in the world, the Hamelin Bay stromatolites.

Further north is the Pilbara, an ancient land over 2.5 billion years old. There are two absolutely beautiful national parks that will knock your socks off: the Karijini National Park with its deep gorges, waterfalls and welcoming pools, and Millstream Chichester National Park , as well as more than 10,000 Aboriginal rock carvings along the Burrup Peninsula near Dampier.

Mackerel Islands

Located a short boat ride off the coast of Onslow in the Pilbara region, Thevenard Island is part of the Mackerel Islands and an unsung treasure that was once a secret hotspot for hardcore recreational fisherman. The island is now beautifully established with new self-contained cabins dotted throughout the dunes. Setting off from Onslow across the glassy, warm water, there is action everywhere with whales, dolphins, giant billfish and tuna shattering the calm of the mirrored ocean surface. Buggies are waiting to deliver bags to the cabins and families need to bring little more than bathers to this wonderfully thought-out holiday spot. This eco paradise is completely powered by an emission-free solar farm and, if you’re lucky, you can find turtles nesting steps from the chalets and baby turtle hatchlings making their mad scramble for the ocean.

The Coral Coast

Western Australia’s Coral Coast has somehow managed to fly under the radar of major tourism over the years, but now the secret is out. Starting just under two hours north of Perth and running for 1,200 kilometres north to Exmouth, the Coral Coast is attracting more visitors than ever – from both home and abroad – due to its uninterrupted stretches of white sandy beaches, pristine private islands and coral reefs, carpets of Australian wildflowers and incredibly diverse marine life.

Check out our Coral Coast family-friendly guide here .

Perth’s own holiday island is Rottnest. Perfectly set up for bike-riding and exploring its 63 beaches and bays, ferries leave daily from Fremantle to take daytrippers and holidaymakers to the relaxed island named after its population of adorable native quokkas, which are Insta-famous. Accommodation varies from camping to luxury apartments with boating, fishing and snorkelling all popular activities. Segway tours are popular for those aged 12 and above and free guided walks take visitors into the natural quokka habitat, with joeys often seen peeking out of pouches from March to August.

Margaret River

A small town in the WA’s Southwest, but with a big reputation, Margaret River pulls large numbers of tourists from around the world to experience the best in WA fresh produce, some of the world’s greatest wines and surf that attracts world champions. Margaret River is a beautiful spot any time of year and the surrounding areas feature some of the state’s finest restaurants, farm experiences, forest walks, fishing and surfing.

Western Australia is divided into two regions with differing climates. In the southern half of the state there are four seasons – summer, autumn, winter and spring, while in the north there are just two – the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’.

Perth boasts more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital city so sunshine is usually the standard order. The southern coastal areas of the South West region average a maximum of around 32 degrees in Summer, and 14 degrees in Winter.

The northern dry season (April-September) has long days of sunshine and blue skies and is the ideal time to visit the northern tropics. Temperatures range from 24°C overnight to around 34°C during the day.

The wet season (October-March) has temperatures in the mid to high 30s, high humidity and the occasional tropical storm.

Getting there

Perth International Airport is the major tourist gateway into Western Australia and Australia’s fourth busiest airport. Facilities at Perth Airport include a restaurant, bar and coffee shop, gift shop, ATMs, car rental, children’s playground, baby change rooms and internet and post services.

Commercial airports in Western Australia are located in Perth, Albany, Esperance, Exmouth, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Karratha, Broome and Kununurra.

Taxis and buses

Perth Airport is about a half an hour’s drive from the centre of Perth. Taxis are available outside the domestic and international terminals 24 hours a day. An Airport-City shuttle operates with convenient pick up points located near accommodation throughout Perth. A shuttle bus also runs between the airport and Fremantle.

In Broome, the  Broome Town Bus Service  goes to all the city’s hot spots – plus kids ride free.

Getting around

Driving is the best way to get around Western Australia if you want to visit the state’s more remote regions. However, there are usually long distances involved in getting between major towns and attractions so good preparation and a roadworthy, reliable vehicle are vital.

Because Western Australia is such a vast state, flying is usually the least time-consuming way of getting between major cities and also offers the chance to enjoy aerial views over the landscape.

Perth and Fremantle share a reliable and efficient public transport system and getting around is easy and convenient. The Perth metro area has a free shuttle service known as the Central Area Transit (CAT). There are also four train lines covering much of the Perth metropolitan area.

Ferry services traverse some sections of the Swan River, and regular high-speed ferries travel from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys to Rottnest Island.

Western Australia is a gourmet paradise with a myriad of dining choices and locally-produced food and wine of the highest calibre. Sunny Perth is a wonderful location for al fresco dining and drinking, with more cafes per head than any other city in the world.

There are restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, so head to the bustling centres of Perth city, Northbridge, Fremantle and Subiaco for a rich blend of cultural flavours. Local produce ranges from wonderful seafood like the famous WA rock lobsters to deliciously sweet tropical fruit from the state’s north.

The Swan Valley area and the South West are among Australia’s top wine-making regions. In between tasting some of the country’s best reds and whites you can sample locally made beers, breads, cheese and chocolates.

Where to shop

All major shopping centres offer the most on-trend, well-known brands that supply a mix of fashion and homewards. The most popular shopping centres include: Garden City, Booragoon; Westfield Carousel, Cannington; Centro Galleria, Morley; and Claremont Quater, Claremont.

Smaller department stores will have shops with unique items, perfect for buying souvenirs and keepsakes.

Tipping is not customary nor expected in Australia, though appreciated by service staff.

What to wear

Casual, lightweight clothing is fine for much of the year in Western Australia. Hats and sunscreen are absolutely essential for any season. Bring an umbrella. You’ll definitely need good raingear if you’re visiting the north during the wet season.

In the south of the state, a lightweight overcoat or jacket may be needed for winter. Remember that in the desert there may be blistering heat during the day, but night-time temperatures can drop to below zero. Warm, comfortable, layered clothing is a must when visiting outback Western Australia.

Electricity mainly operates on 240 volts at 50 Hz in Australia. If you have a device that does not accept these, you will need a voltage converter.

When driving on stretches of highway in outback Australia, be aware of the huge Road Trains which transport livestock and other goods to remote areas of Australia. The general advice to motorists if you see a road train coming is to pull off the road at a distance and wait for the road train to pass. Depending on the wind direction, the cloud of dust will prevent vision and hide rocks and other debris bouncing along in the truck’s wake.

Road trains can be longer than 10 cars and take longer to stop completely if you cut in front of one, so allow plenty of room before you attempt to overtake one.

The Karijini National Park

The Karijini National Park is a definite place to go to in Perth. The park offers activities like swimming holes and bushwalking with an accompanying view for the whole family to enjoy – leaving your insta-followers breathless. With every aspect of the park as a backdrop and the long list of things to do while you’re there, makes it the perfect destination.

The Pinnacles

Take a step back in time with a visit to the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park,  where incredible natural limestone structures harking back 25,000 to 30,000 years jut out of deep red earth. Formed from sea shell deposits and shaped by coastal winds, the Pinnacles are Western Australia’s most visited attraction with some standing as tall as five metres. Be sure to bring some bottled water and a hat with you on this aesthetic escapade as no drinking water is available inside the national park.

The best day trips from Perth

Looking to hit the highway for just a day or weekend? There are so many extraordinary options within a 90-minute drive of Perth.

Mandurah is just 71 kilometres from Perth and renowned for its magnificent beaches and estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour. A relaxed holiday vibe and long stretches of coastline, water sports and wildlife watching make it an obvious choice for families. Home to a healthy population of dolphins, a visit wouldn’t be complete without an eco-certified dolphin cruise. You might even spot them while kayaking, canoeing or water biking. But the ultimate adventure for little ones is commandeering the local Pirate Ship, or at least a scenic cruise with pirate-themed entertainment.

Read : Mandurah is a hidden gem for families

A small fishing town boasting mammoth white sand dunes and turquoise oceans, Lancelin is just 126 kilometres from Perth. Sandboarding, 4WDing, quad biking or dune buggy tours are available for those who want to explore the 40-metre dunes. Famous for kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing with Back Beach offering consistent waves for all levels. Between Wreck Point and Lancelin Island, 14 shipwrecks have been found, some dating back three centuries and make for great diving. Littlies might prefer Lancelin Bay for swimming and snorkelling.

Just 38 kilometres south of Perth is the seaside suburb of Rockingham and 37 kilometres of stunning coast heaving with native wildlife. Soft sandy beaches with calm shallow waters for little ones and surf for bigger kids offer a dose of H20 fun. Kayak around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park accompanied by sea lions and frolicking fairy penguins. Settle in for a picnic at Bell and Churchill Park or enjoy a guided swim with wild dolphins.

Read : The best things to do in Rockingham with kids

WA accommodation

Mandalay holiday resort and tourist park, karijini eco retreat, gracetown caravan park.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

A Snob's Guide to Summer Travel With Kids

We know your standards for the ultimate family vacation are high. Lucky for you, ours are too.

The Educational Trip

It sounds boring, until you tell them they're going to see giraffes in their natural habitat—and will get to brag about it to all their friends.

*Perfect for: little kids

Unlike the vast Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is small enough that you are practically guaranteed to snap all the top sightings in a few nights’ stay. Unpack into an interconnected tented suite specially configured for families at Angama Mara , then learn the art of keeping quiet as animals parade below in the Great Rift Valley. Days can begin with a hot air balloon ride or a game drive through the savannah to spy the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and end with parents at a sundowner and the littles in the Beading Studio. Maasai naturalists take everyone out on walking safaris, where they teach about medicinal plants on the escarpment and explain the relationship between the Maasai people and the wildlife that surrounds them. Come in July during the Great Migration, the largest land-based movement of animals (in this case, wildebeest and zebra) on the planet. Your kids will never see The Lion King with the same eyes again.

*Perfect for: big kids

Fly from the country’s capital of Lima to the Sacred Valley’s capital of Cusco, where you can ride on Paso horses through the Andean valley’s lush pathways. Dine at a working farm, called Hacienda Huayoccari , which has been run by the same family for 100 years, then spend the night at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas , the 17 th -century monastery-turned-hotel. Lazy tweens can take the luxe Hiram Bingham train all the way up to nearly 8,000 feet, or test their strength by disembarking at Km 104 and hiking up to enter Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun, just as the Incas did. Marvel at the citadel built into the steep slopes of the Andes, to this day their techniques and origin unknown. Then sleep above the clouds at Sanctuary Lodge , the Belmond property up there, and enter the 15 th -century UNESCO World Heritage Site before the crowds, with mostly only llamas in your company. Back in Cusco, tour the baroque churches and stay warm with hot chicha drinks, made from local corn. Can’t be bothered to book this all yourself? Blue Parallel can orchestrate the whole shebang, from flights to park permits.

The Adventure Trip

Adrenaline-pumping thrills to test their boundaries and spike their dopamine (in a good way).

Tossed into the North Atlantic just one degree below the Arctic Circle, this volcanic island of just 387,000 inhabitants feels like the best of far-flung New Zealand and the most exciting of snow-swept British Columbia. It’s also Scotland, Norway, Yellowstone, and Alaska, and all just a five-hour flight from the East Coast. The capital has been experiencing volcanic activity lately, so you may have to skip the best red-eye cure: A dip in the Blue Lagoon , a natural geothermal hot spring set conveniently between Reykjavik’s two airports and open at 8am. Either way, hop a flight to Akureyri, the second-most populous city in the country, and prepare to be awed by the vast mountain landscape of Deplar Farm . The grass-roofed wooden structure belies the luxury you’ll find within, including meals of local lamb and just-caught salmon prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. Included in every stay in summer is surfing, whale watching, fat-tire bike riding, hiking glaciers, lake fishing, and a peek at the single geothermal borehole that gives power to all 2700 residents of the Fljót Valley. Headed back toward the international airport, take the kids on a drive around the Golden Circle, a 190-mile loop of road that connects the geyser that literally gave all others their name (yes, it’s called Geysir) with Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the Mid-Atlantic Rift (in which you can snorkel in dry suits), and the stunningly beautiful, 100-foot-tall Gullfoss waterfall.

You couldn’t possibly hit all the high-octane attractions in Costa Rica — the howler monkeys barking from the treetops of Tortuguero National Park, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, zip-lining or horseback riding near the Arenal volcano, tapir- and ocelot-spotting on the Osa Peninsula—but if you pick two destinations in this bicoastal isthmus country, you’ll sneak a lot in. Park yourself first on the Osa Peninsula’s Cielo Lodge , a six-suite eco-lodge spread across 380 acres where guides will take you hiking through the rainforest to rushing waterfalls ripe for the jumping, get you catching waves on the second-longest left-hand break in the world, and frog-walking by moonlight. Then head up to Nayara Gardens , where the newly built Arenal Casitas come with private walled gardens and plunge pools surrounded by rain forest. From there, it’s an easy trek to go horseback riding at Arenal, ziplining in the cloud forest, and testing fate on an inflatable that takes you down class IV rapids. No kid comes home from Costa Rica without scheming a plan to return.

*Perfect for: all ages

Haters will hate, but there’s honestly no better way to tour the highlights of the largest state in the union than via cruise. To see it all, sign up for one of Oceania ’s Seattle-to-Seattle routes, each of which comes with an Alaska Explorer Youth Program that lets kids ages 5-12 head out with high-energy counselors and learn a little more about the 49 th state. But kids of all ages will start and end in Seattle, then cruise to ports like Ketchikan (ziplining!), Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier canoeing!), Sitka (sea kayaking and wave running!), and Victoria, British Columbia (bike tours!), but you can expand on this excursion by adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in Denali National Park, all stress-free and orchestrated by Oceania and including a four-hour scenic train ride into the interior and a hike to Denali’s Primrose Ridge with a naturalist who will explore the 10,000-years-long history of this Native American landscape. This is Alaska done right, trust us.

The Beach Trip

Heading out on a beach holiday doesn’t have to mean dumping the children in camp and working your way through the latest Plum Sykes novel.

West coasters have a straight shot to the Big Island, which offers about as far-flung a culture as you can find without needing to update your passport. There are tons to do outdoors—from surfing to exploring Volcanoes National Park to hiking through a lava tube—that will introduce your kids to the outer limits of Mother Nature’s wild imagination. The challenge will be picking a home base. There’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel , which was originally built in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, and is the property that really put this destination on the map. Set on the Kohala Coast, the resort offers activities like lawn games and lei-making, an authentic luau with hula dancers, plus direct access to white-sand Kauna'oa Bay, where you can swim with the manta rays. Alternatively, snag a suite at the grand Mauna Lani , now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, set in the middle of King Kamehameha’s royal fish ponds. Whichever you choose, carve out some time to learn to surf in Kona, visit a black sand beach like Punaluʻu, indulge in some shave ice at Ululani's , and just soak in all that untouched beauty. Now that's aloha.

It may be one of the most visited islands of Spain, but Americans typically never make it to this Balearic Island (though that’s changing with United Airlines’ new direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from JFK). There are plenty of family-friendly hotels on the sparkling beaches, but come summer they will likely be flooded with tourists. So instead book one of the new Garden Suites at Castell Son Claret , a 19th-century castle-turned-hotel with just 43 rooms, all set on 326 acres. Awaken to unimpeded views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range and a soundtrack of the braying sheep who will be neighbors for your stay. The Moorish architecture and glam jet-set design (not to mention the restaurant, Sa Clastra , run by native son Jordí Canto) will dazzle parents, while the pool (and those sheep) will keep the kids busy. Because the retreat is located in the middle of the island, it's an easy trek to one of the 20 hiking routes that wind through the terraced hills of the Tramuntanas (don't skip the adorable town of Valldemossa, ideal for that holiday card photo!), or down to beloved beaches like sandy Palmanova and the hidden cove of Cala Portals Vells. Don't miss that 13 th -century cathedral in Palma, or the chance to indulge in chef Santi Taura's prix fixe menu at Dins (we suggest hiring a sitter for this one).

This tiny islet in the Caribbean was first colonized by the Huguenots, and it still retains a très sophisticated French vibe. Little kids will love the gentle white-sand beaches, but this is a place for dining and shopping, too, so families with tweens and older are the best audience for this refined destination. Pack the D'Ascoli caftans and Vilebrequin trunks and book a villa through Le Barth Villa Rental , which gives you access to all the facilities—including the new kids club and the spa—at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa . (Our pick: the 10-bedroom Villa Unik , designed by Philippe Starck.) Or go traditional and stay at the casual-chic Le Sereno , whose beachfront villas overlook the pristine Grand Cul de Sac sands. Book ahead for classic dining spots like the upscale Bonito and Hotel Eden Rock ’s Jean-Georges restaurant, but don’t skip local favorites either, like the laid-back Ti' Corail . Indulge in life’s simple pleasures, like perusing the fresh produce at Marché or the Gustavia fish market. Then splurge on mother-daughter outfits at Clic and swimsuits at Delfina for your journey to Anse du Gouverneur beach. The shells (and the memories) are gratis.

The Nature Trip

Two foolproof ways to inspire genuine awe in even the most jaded tween.

SWITZERLAND

Words can barely capture the magic of summertime in the Swiss Alps. There’s the chocolate and cheese, of course, but the infinite shades of green that blanket the mountains and pines, the jagged edges of the mountains that scrape the sky, and the intimate connection to the environment that locals have (and happily share) will turn even the most jaded outdoors adventurer into a Swissophile. Experience it all at Tschuggen Grand Hotel , an exceedingly modern retreat on the edges of the mountains that’s accessed by a private train only a child could dream up. (Seriously.) Summer is a season for biking and hiking, and even small limbs can make the trek to the Bergkirchli, a church from 1492, or make the sunrise climb to spot bears and birds. Imagine long, leisurely days that begin with a frigid mountain-lake swim and end with a delicious hot tub and—for Mom and Dad—a muscle-melting massage at the 54,000-square-foot Bergoase Spa, set beneath glass-and-steel “sails” that twinkle in the mountain light. A south-facing Junior Suite with a sun loggia is the ultimate spot for that much-deserved cup of hot cocoa.

Horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, oh my! Montana’s state tagline is “Get Lost,” and it’s possible to actually lose yourself in one of the nation's largest—and least populated—states, but it can be hard to narrow down precisely how. So park yourself for a week at the Resort at Paws Up , just outside the town of Greenough, and you’ll gain access to 37,000 acres and all the amenities of a traditional dude ranch, but at a seriously luxe level. Choose a kitted out two-bedroom glamping tent on the banks of the Blackfoot River or one of the mountain homes, and have the concierge orchestrate the Wild West week of your dreams, with activities ranging from survival training and pony rides for little kids to cattle herding and chuck wagon dinners for the older ones. Confident kids can also pave their own path on an ATV adventure or take aim at the shooting range, or just learn the patience it takes to catch trout with an expert. Don’t be surprised if your city rats long to be country mice once they’ve trotted on a trail in the shadow of those spectacular Bitterroot Mountains. This just may become the start of an annual tradition.

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Australia

Things to do in australia with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central Business District
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sydney Opera House

2. Sydney Harbour

3. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

4. Sydney Ferries

5. Sydney Harbour Bridge

6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

7. City Circle Tram

8. South Bank Parklands

9. Bondi to Coogee Walk

10. The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum

11. Capricorn Caves

12. Lake McKenzie

13. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

14. Historic Village Herberton

15. Emily Bay

16. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

17. Koorana Crocodile Farm

18. Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

19. Little Sahara

20. Panorama Garden Estate

21. Ned's Beach

22. North Gorge Walk

23. ATTY Gallery

24. Opal Museum

25. National Vietnam Veterans Museum

26. Hill Inlet

27. Outback at Isa

28. Underground Hospital and Museum

29. Raptor Refuge

30. The Bat Hospital Visitor Centre

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