7 meaningful family holidays in Australia
From partaking in wildlife conservation to learning about Indigenous culture, Australia has lots of special experiences that make for the perfect family holiday.
South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is known as a wildlife haven for good reason. Not only can you meet the animals that call this island home, but you can also get involved to help. Ecotourism operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island has a range of educational tours that are great to do as a family, from bushwalks with wildlife researchers to swimming alongside dolphins. The experience may even inspire the family to support wildlife conservation efforts closer to home.
Uluru, in the heart of the Northern Territory, holds great cultural significance for the Anangu Aboriginal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. Just about every experience here – from sunset camel rides and walks around Uluru to epic drone shows after dark – offers the opportunity to discover the Anangu people’s rich and ancient culture. It’s a truly special experience to share for kids and adults alike.
Spanning 243km (150mi), Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s best road trips and a perfect family getaway. Surf enthusiasts should begin in Torquay, where surf lessons are available. The iconic 12 Apostles is a trip highlight, and if the kids have extra energy to burn, take the Gibson Steps to the beach for a close-up view of the giant rock formations. Then, stop in at Wildlife Wonders near Otway National Park for a guided wildlife tour. It’s perfect for the whole family – accessible to all abilities, and wheelchair friendly, too.
The World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is a wonderland of rugged outback terrain. One of the most special things to do in this area is to take a freshwater dip within the forest. Maguk natural waterfall and plunge pool (this requires a 4WD to access), Moline Rockhole and the plunge pool at Jim Jim Falls are a few favourite spots. A family-friendly tour with Offroad Dreaming will make sure you see the best of the best.
Australia’s Dinosaur Trail makes for a pretty cool holiday for kids who love all things Jurassic. Located in outback Queensland, the trail links the towns of Hughenden, Richmond and Winton, home to some of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur and megafauna fossils. Dust off 98 million-year-old dinosaur bones, come face-to-face with life-sized model dinosaurs, join a fossil technician program and see fossilised dinosaur footprints – all while getting to experience Australia’s outback.
One of Australia’s most unique holidays? A trip to Christmas Island to see one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the red crab migration. Between November and January (each year is slightly different), millions of red crabs march toward the ocean to spawn, creating a carpet of red across the island. Plus, there are plenty of extra activities to keep the kids busy; explore more than 60 dive and snorkel sites, splash in the natural rockpool found at Dolly Beach and hike through densely forested national parks.
Tasmania’s rugged wilderness is the best place to ditch the WiFi and reconnect with each other in nature. Hop on a bike and explore the mountain trails – a highlight is riding from the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington down to Hobart. Or try a kayaking tour with Roaring 40s kayaking; they do everything from day tours to multi-day expeditions. For something a little less adrenaline-pumping, stop by Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for a visit with local wildlife, including iconic Tasmanian devils.
