Seven great Aussie locations for a family holiday

Overseas trips are still off the agenda, which means it’s the ideal time to discover fabulous family-friendly destinations at home.

Families who are itching for a little adventure are looking to their own backyard. But where to go in Australia that will keep everyone entertained, enthralled and happy (most of the time, at least)?

Here are seven suggestions for family holidays you’ll all love.

Cape Tribulation, QLD

The headland that is Cape Trib (about a 2.5-hour drive north of Cairns) is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet — the wet tropical rainforests of the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Stroll under a canopy of fan palms and keep an eye out for Ulysses butterflies and cassowaries. You can even take the kids snorkelling and let them experience the magic of swimming with turtles. 

Blue Mountains, NSW

The sweet call of bellbirds signals your arrival in this dramatic wilderness, a two-hour drive west of Sydney. Expect stunning escarpments and eucalypt forests, waterfalls and lush valleys, and lots of great bushwalking opportunities. But the first stop on any family’s Blue Mountains itinerary is sure to be Scenic World. Ride the world’s steepest railway or the skyway for a thrilling introduction to the region’s most iconic features. 

Hobart, TAS

The Tassie capital is the perfect spot for a family city break. The world-acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art might not be right for younger kids (some of the exhibits are out-there), but having a burger on the lawn is something not to miss. Marvel at Antarctic ice breakers moored at the docks as you eat fish and chips by the harbour and learn more about the frozen continent at the fascinating Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum close by. The Salamanca Market is a great way to get a taste of Tassie, and head to the top of Mount Wellington for incredible views over the city and Derwent River.

Moreton Island, QLD

Ever tobogganed down a sand dune? This is your chance! It’s one of the many kid-friendly activities available on Moreton Island, which sits in Moreton Bay and is a 90-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. Snorkel the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, head to the island’s ocean side for a surf, or paddle in the incredibly clear turquoise waters on the bay side. If you’re a guest at Tangalooma Island Resort, you can feed wild dolphins by hand at sundown. There’s also great glamping to be had at Castaways. 

Cape Le Grand, WA

Pristine white-sand beaches contrast with dramatic rock formations in this stunning national park, a 45-minute drive from Esperance on the southern West Australian coast. This is an ideal spot for a family camping holiday. Once you’ve pitched the tent, spend your days rock climbing, fishing, bushwalking and sunbathing with the kangaroos — the beach is one of their favourite spots to hang out.

MacDonnell Ranges, NT

Expose your kids to the beauty of the red centre in the East and West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), easily accessible from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Be dazzled by sheer red-rock chasms, cool off in stunning gorges and view stunning Indigenous art at Papunya Tjupi Arts and Hermannsburg Potters. While you’re in Alice, don’t miss the marvellous Alice Springs Desert Park and its community of desert animals, birds and flora: think big red roos, golden-furred dingoes and the outrageously pretty princess parrot. 

High Country, VIC

Whether you’re hitting the ski slopes in winter or earning your dirt bike stripes amid spring wildflowers, Victoria’s magnificent High Country has got plenty of adrenaline-soaked experiences to offer the family who loves a little adventure. The Great Alpine Road has panoramic views that will take everyone’s breath away while you ponder horse-riding (this is The Man from Snowy River territory after all) or some white-water action. All of this just a three-hour drive from Melbourne.

Get covered before you hit the road

If you’re planning to drive to your chosen holiday destination, you might spend a decent chunk of time on some out-of-the-way roads. If you have Suncorp Comprehensive Car Insurance, you can add Roadside Assist — which means you’ll be able to get help with breakdowns, flat tyres, empty petrol tanks and more, anywhere in Australia,

Learn more about Roadside Assist

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• How to stay active while you’re working from home
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Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about this insurance. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

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