21 Best Places to Visit In Australia with Kids
Australia is the ultimate playground for adventurous families, and if you’re planning a trip with kids, you’re in for something unforgettable.
This country is massive, wild, and full of jaw-dropping contrasts. Think two world-famous reefs, animals your kids will only read about in books (until now), and cities so vibrant you’ll want to revisit them again and again. But with so much to see, choosing where to go can feel like a full-time job. Especially when you’re juggling multiple age groups, travel values, and time zones.
That’s why I teamed up with fellow family travel bloggers to bring you this curated list of the 21 best places to visit in Australia with kids. We’ve included coastal towns, islands, national parks, and cultural hubs, complete with personal tips from my blogger friends and myself and kid-approved highlights. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or a mix in between, you’ll find stops here that match your pace, priorities, and travel dreams.
So grab a notepad (or bookmark this for later), these are the places worth adding to your Australian family travel bucket list.
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How to plan a family trip to Australia
Before kicking off the list I’ve got one last thing to share with you. Australia is a relatively easy destination for families. There’s so much to offer for parents as well as kids of all ages. But planning a trip to Australia can be a challenge. My free guide Planning a Family Road Trip might be helpful.
Planning a Family Road Trip That Works for Everyone!
Family travel is all about being prepared and knowing what you’re getting into.
That’s why I put everything we sort out before a road trip into a FREE guide, from choosing a destination that fits every age and budget to the paperwork, bookings and packing.
So when you hit the road, the only thing left to do is enjoy it.
👉 Download Planning a Family Road Trip – Complete Guide & Checklists and check all the boxes for a worry-free trip.
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.
Cities and towns
1. Brisbane – Queensland
Contributed by Lanie from Make More Adventures
Brisbane is a kid-friendly city with plenty of fun things to do for all ages. But what are the top things to do in Brisbane with kids?
The most popular spot for kids in Brisbane is South Bank, located south of the Brisbane River. Not only are there multiple playgrounds at Southbank, but they also have 3 public swimming areas that have free entry. My kids love playing in the sand at Streets Beach.
In the Culture Center you’ll find some museums. Queensland Museum is a science, culture, and natural history museum where some exhibits have free entry. Inside this museum you’ll find Sparklab, aimed at kids from 6 to 13, a great interactive museum for children to enjoy. And inside QAGOMA you’ll find Children’s Art Centre which offers free entry and includes multiple interactive activities for kids under 6.
There’s more to Brisbane than interesting museums. Off the coast of Brisbane, you’ll find 2 of the largest sand islands in the world, Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. Both islands have fun activities for kids including snorkeling, sandboarding and hiking.
My family moved to Brisbane a few years ago, and even though it is a small city, there is always something fun to do with kids of all ages. One of our favorite things about living in Brisbane is the proximity to both the beach and the mountains. In an hour, you can get from Brisbane to many different beaches, country towns, and waterfall hikes.
Summers in Brisbane can get hot, but the winters are mild. Spring in Brisbane is beautiful, especially when the jacaranda trees bloom.
Top tours in Brisbane with kids
2. 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 >> Things to Do In Sydney With Kids
Top tours in Sydney with kids
3. Gold Coast – Queensland
Contributed by Holly from Four Around the World
Growing up as a child in South-East Queensland, the Gold Coast was always a favorite holiday destination of ours and now it’s the same for our 2 kids. We regularly visit the Gold Coast with kids for day trips or extended stays. As it’s a fantastic place for families, with lots of top things to do on the Gold Coast with kids.
Theme parks are often the first thing everyone thinks of and yes, the Gold Coast theme parks and water parks are some of the best in Australia, with rides and attractions for all ages.
There are beaches galore and national parks to explore together if you prefer to spend time outdoors. The Tallebudgera Creek Inlet or Currumbin Creek Inlet are both great places to swim with kids, with playgrounds nearby.
And as far as playgrounds go, there are some epic playgrounds on the Gold Coast.
Older kids will appreciate the whacky Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium in the centre of Surfers Paradise. We visit here every few years as there are always new exhibits added, plus a 7D movie theatre too.
There isn’t really a bad time to visit the Gold Coast since the weather is mild even during winter and in Summer, it’s perfect for water activities. Even on a rainy day, there are plenty of fun indoor activities the kids will love.
Top tours in Gold Coast with kids
4. Melbourne – Victoria
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 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 >> Things to Do In Melbourne With Kids
Top tours in Melbourne with kids
5. Margaret River – Western Australia
Contributed by Donna from Accommodation Margaret River
Margaret River, in Western Australia, is known for its beaches, wineries, caves and abundance of amazing local produce. My family and I absolutely love it here, so much so that we moved here in 2016! The region of Margaret River is a perfect place for families because it’s safe, beautiful and there’s something for everyone.
There are many top things to do in Margaret River for the whole family. Our family suggests a visit to the Busselton foreshore, where you can swim in the calm waters of Port Geographe Bay, your younger kids can play at the playground, you can walk along the Busselton Jetty. Finish your day with a nice cold beer at one of the nearby breweries.
A great thing to do in Margaret River with kids is visiting one of the six limestone caves open to the public in the Margaret River region. There are more than 100 caves in the area and they’re labeled one of the natural wonders of Australia’s South West.
Lastly, Margaret River is home to some of the best chocolate producers in Australia. So don’t skip a visit to one of our chocolate factories.
Summer is usually when most people flock to Margaret River for all the outdoor fun at the beach. But don’t overlook spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, or autumn, when the weather is mild. If you want to skip the crowds, and save money in the low season, choose winter, where you can also enjoy the lush green scenery!
Top tours in Margaret River with kids
6. Mount Gambier – South Australia
Contributed by Josie from Exploring South Australia
Mount Gambier is a city located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia and is almost exactly halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, making it a perfect place to stop and break up a road trip – especially when you have kids in tow.
Mount Gambier, aka Berrin, is one of Australia’s youngest volcanoes and is best known for the Blue Lake, a crater lake that turns from its steel-grey winter color to a cobalt blue in summer.
Nearby Mount Schank, another extinct volcano, is great for a hike around the rim of this volcano. If the weather is warm you can take a swim in a volcanic sinkhole at Little Blue Lake, 5 minutes by car from Mt. Schank.
Back in the city, you and your kids can learn more about the volcanos at the Riddoch Arts and Culture Centre.
My first visit with kids was when they were quite young, and it is still remembered today for our stop at the “possum hole” as my kids dubbed it. Umpherston’s sinkhole is a beautiful sunken garden, beautiful during the day, but if you visit in the evening as the sun sets, you will almost certainly spot possums.
A favorite with my teens on a subsequent visit was exploring the nearby forests to find the glow-in-the-dark Ghost Mushrooms.
7. Coral Bay – Western Australia
Contributed by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers
The idyllic seaside holiday town of Coral Bay is on Western Australia’s Coral Coast in the heart of Ningaloo Reef. We visited here with our 8 and 10 year old kids. We loved Coral Bay for its simplicity. The town has two family friendly caravan parks close to the water and several casual eating options.
Your days revolve around the incredible snorkeling you can do right off the beach. The sheltered bay is perfect for families. The water is clear and calm. It is the perfect place to practice snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Or you can just relax on the sand.
Snorkeling is the number one activity in Coral Bay. Beginners can stick to the shallow water in the bay. Our kids had no trouble doing the deeper drift snorkel along Paradise Beach. Glass bottom boat, turtle, whale shark and manta ray tours are all popular activities in Coral Bay. The tours take the trip to the Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay. The glass bottom boat tour and turtle tours are well priced for families.
The best time to visit Coral Bay is from May to September. It is busy so you will need to book ahead, but the weather is beautiful, and the holiday makers create a great atmosphere in the caravan parks and on the beach. Coral Bay is great for children 5 years and up depending on their ability and confidence in the water.
For a chance to spot whales, you should book between July through to October. For a swim with whale sharks your best chance is from March to June.
Top tours in Coral Bay with kid
8. Albany – Western Australia
Contributed by Ariana from Western Australian Travel
My family and I love spending holidays in Albany, Western Australia. While Albany is generally not on bucket lists, it packs a lot of punch for kids of all ages and interests. On a family trip to Albany you can enjoy your time at white sand beaches and in turquoise waters and enjoy a great foodie scene with a couple of top breweries in the region.
Our family loves spending time around the National ANZAC Centre on Mt. Clarence. A war museum that honors Australians and New Zealanders that left from Albany bound for the Great War in 1914. Their stories are told through interactive displays. Outside the center you’ll find war paraphernalia. War museums are pretty grim places, so be careful when traveling with kids. Check if it’s an age appropriate place to visit for your family.
Another great day trip is exploring Torndirrup National Park and the Gap, which literally blows your mind with its beauty. The kids especially like the powerful wind turbines at the Albany Windfarm. Or, if you head in the other direction Two People’s Bay makes a great excursion.
Finally, the Middleton Beach or Emu Point beach precincts are both spots you can spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming (or catching waves) as well as enjoying the playgrounds and the local cafes. Also don’t miss Chainsaw Drive, a collection of wooden sculptures carved out with a chainsaw.
Albany is a solid place to visit year-round; it doesn’t experience the insane heat of Perth and places further north, and while winter is wet we have always found it doesn’t cramp our style. Wildflower season starts in late winter, so September and October are brilliant and bright months for a visit.
Top tours in Albany with kids
9. Canberra – New South Wales
Canberra is the capital of Australia. While it’s not as fascinating as neighboring cities Sydney and Melbourne there is a lot to see and do here for families. It’s especially great for foodies. Canberra is home to more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city.
A must for families with kids under the age of 10 is Cockington Green Gardens where you’ll find miniature monument from all over the world. Your kids will feel like giants!
Canberra is home to lots of great museums like the National Museum of Australia, the National Science and Technology Centre (aka Questacon) and the National Dinosaur Museum. In the National Dinosaur Museum you’ll be able to check out the largest permanent collection of prehistory in Australia. With around 25 complete skeletons of these prehistoric giants.
After a day of exploring your family will probably be hungry. Visit Patissez and enjoy a freakshake. Definitely not for the faint of heart and far from healthy, but you only live once, right? So order yourselves a mason jar filled with a yummy milkshake. But before you get to that you have to devour heaps of toppings like marshmallows, brownies and whipped cream.
Top tours in Canberra with kids
10. Perth – Western Australia
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 >> Planning a Family Trip to Western Australia: Things to Know Before You Go
Top tours in Perth with kids
11. Broome – Western Australia
Broome is known as the gateway to the Kimberleys and offers lots of fun things to do with children. With its red cliffs, white sand, turquoise waters and fossilized dinosaur footprints Broome is a great city to visit with kids. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Western Australia.
Our family loved Broome! There’s lots to see and do for parents and kids of all ages. We visited Broome while on a family road trip from Perth to Darwin and originally meant to stay for 2 nights. We liked it so much that we stayed at a caravan park near Cable beach for 4 nights.
Our son’s highlight was a visit to Gantheaume Point where you can spot dinosaur footprints. At low tide you can walk down towards the sea and spot prints of a Sauropod and Theropod. We really enjoyed our hunt for the footprints. It’s a slippery walk though, so wear sturdy shoes and hold on to smaller kids.
We also loved our time at Cable Beach. The fact that we could drive onto the beach with our 4wd campervan was amazing. We played at the beach, cooked at the beach and enjoyed the best sunset of our lives. That is quite the statement, so let me explain. The biggest reason for this being our all-time favorite sunset was that we spotted the Staircase to the Moon, appearing twice a month between March and November, when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of the bay.
The fact we spotted camels on the beach also had a lot to do with it. We’re no fan of riding camels, forced to walk the same boring short route over and over again. Held on a leash, often with more than one passenger on their backs and looking distressed. We opted out the experience and hope someday soon this attraction will no longer be an option. But seeing them on the beach was a surprise and a great conversation topic.
Lastly a trip to the Bird Observatory is a must visit in Broome with kids.
Read more >> Best campsites in Western Australia with kids
Top tours in Broome with kids
Nature and National Parks
12. The Great Barrier Reef – Queensland
Contributed by Katie from Trekking the Dream
The Great Barrier Reef is our family’s all-time favorite destination in Australia. At over 2,300km long it is the largest reef system in the world and is famous for warm, crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef with kids is our number one choice of activity. We were awestruck by the sprawling expanse of vibrant corals, multicolored fish and small reef sharks. Our kids were most excited though when ‘Wally’, a famous giant Maori Wrasse, swam up to say hello!
A semi-submersible tour is also an option and is a great way of seeing stunning reef views without getting wet! What’s more, the onboard marine guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing. It’s not a submarine, but it’s close. Who doesn’t like a peak underwater without getting wet?
We decided to surprise our kids and took a helicopter back from the reef to Cairns; this was the cherry on top of what had already been an amazing day.
We fell in love with the Great Barrier Reef for its sheer beauty and took away incredible memories of a great day out.
The best time for a family trip to the Great Barrier Reef is during the Australian winter (June to August), when the weather is pleasant and the water is warm, making it ideal for kids to swim comfortably. We enjoyed fewer crowds but still had favorable conditions when we visited in October.
Top tours in The Great Barrier Reef with kids
13. The Blue Mountains – New South Wales
The Blue Mountains are located in New South Wales is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the area. Jaw dropping rock formations, waterfalls and valleys make up the Blue Mountains. And the best thing is that they’ve got a blueish hue. This is because of the eucalyptus forest. The oil droplets from the trees create the famous blue tinge.
While there are lots of trails for experienced hikers there are lots of family friendly hiking trails and nature walks to choose from. While hiking through the Blue Mountains your family can spot waterfalls (including some hidden ones), wildlife and get a chance to learn about the flora and fauna.
Definitely visit Scenic World for some amazing attractions. The best way to check out the famous Three Sisters is by getting into a gondola of the Scenic Cableway. And make sure to hop on a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world, and get the best of both worlds by enjoying the Blue Mountains natural beauty while on a thrilling ride! The railway starts in a dark tunnel, so if your child is not a fan of the dark, that might be reason to skip this activity.
The last tip is to check out the interactive displays in the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to earn all about the unique environment, history and culture of the mountains.
Top tours in The Blue Mountains with kids
14. Uluru – Northern Territory
Uluru, aka Ayers Rock, is an iconic symbol of Australia’s cultural heritage. Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone rock formation that rises dramatically from the desert landscape in the southern part of Northern Territory. It is a deeply sacred place to the Anangu people about a 5 hour drive from Alice Springs.
When people think of Australia, Uluru is always a on top of people’s minds. It’s one of the most famous landmarks of Australia and a must visit with kids. First of all because children can learn about the culture of the first Australians. But also because this huge rock is a mindblowing thing to see.
Enjoy Uluru while following one of the walking trails around the rock. Mala Walk is a great option with kids. This is a guided trail where you’ll pick up information about the Anangu culture and hear about the history of Uluru and get to hear dreamtime stories about the origin of Uluru. One of the stories is about how animals gave shape to parts of Uluru rock. The story involves venomous snakes and is sure to interest kids of all ages.
One of the top tours in Uluru with kids is a stargazing experience. You’ll get special access to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at night an hear amazing stories about stars and planets by an astronomy guide.
Top tours to Uluru with Kids
15. 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 >> Things to Do In Kakadu NP With Kids
Top tours in Kakadu NP with kids
16. The Gippsland Lakes – Victoria
Contributed by Bec and Mark from Explore Victoria Australia
The Gippsland Lakes are a family favorite. Mark spent his childhood summers holidaying in Lakes Entrance and his parents retire there giving our family unlimited access to one of the most stunning places in Australia.
The Lakes (as the locals call it) are a collection of lakes, lagoons and marshes that are fed from 4 main rivers all starting in the Victorian High Country the Mitchell River, the Nicholson River, the Tambo and the Avon River. This inland waterway with its main holiday town being Lakes Entrance, is separated from the majestical 90-mile beach by sand dunes. Many people come to swim here. But if you’re visiting The Gippsland Lakes with kids it’s a good idea to swim at the main Lakes Entrance Beach. This beach is patrolled, which is great since currents and waves are known to be strong at times.
If you’re holidaying here you’ll find lots of fun activities for kids at The Gippsland Lakes. From mini golf to trampolines your children will have a great time. You should definitely stop by the Riveria Ice Creamery for some amazing ice cream or a get a delicious donut at Big Bears.
When you’re keen on fishing you can hire a boat (you must have a boat license and a fishing license) or you can join an offshore fishing excursion. Taking a cruise on the lakes is a special experience too. You may see the Burrunan dolphin which is only found in the Gippsland Lakes and Port Philip Bay, or the cheeky seals sunning themselves on the rocks of the Entrance.
If you would like to get out of the main towns there are some stunning villages on the Lakes where you can have the best of both worlds. Like Paynesville and Raymond Island, home to the Raymond Island Koala Walk. This is a track around an island where you can see koalas in their natural habitat.
Australia’s summer months are great for a visit here, but you will find something amazing to do in the area in any season.
Top tours at The Gippsland Lakes with kids
Islands
17. Kangaroo Island – South Australia
The third largest island of Australia can be found off the coast of South Australia and is named Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is a great destination in Australia to visit with kids because of all the unique wildlife living here. Of course you get a chance to spot kangaroos, but also koalas, seals and echidnas.
There are lots of great things to do in Kangaroo Island with kids, so make sure you’ve got a few days to explore the island. A must visit is the Seal Bay Conservation Park. This is a protected area to keep the animals and the Australian seal lions safe. This endangered species can only be seen in Western Australia and South Australia and Kangaroo Island is host to the third largest colony in the world.If you want to go for a swim you should visit Stokes Bay. The hike to the bay is fun as well, because you access it via a natural rock tunnel. Once there jump into the incredible rock pools and chill out for a few hours.
Another great thing to do in the Galapagos of Australia is visiting Remarkable Rocks. Granite boulders carved into weirdly shaped formations because of millions of years of rain, sea salt and westerly winds.
Top tours in Kangaroo Island with kids
18. K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) – Queensland
Contributed by Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers
K’gari has countless amazing locations to explore. Venture off the beaten track and discover its hidden secrets. With white beaches and diverse landscapes, it’s a perfect destination for the whole family.
We visited K’gari with our kids, ages 5 and 8, when it was still known as Fraser Island and had an amazing time! K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and is listed as a World Heritage Site. With its sandy tracks through ancient forests and ever-changing vegetation, it’s no wonder that it’s a world heritage site and a place that will keep your kids engaged. Just rent a 4WD, pack your esky, and you’re ready to go!
Our kids loved Lake McKenzie with its soft white sand and a shallow lake in stunning shades of blue. Bring toys and inflatables to make the most of it. Go early to enjoy the tranquility before the tour buses arrive. The lake is great for kids of all ages.
Eli Creek is the largest creek on the eastern beach and ideal for swimming and picnicking. Enjoy a day there with a boogie board or small pontoon and your family will have a great time.
Last, but not least: the Champagne Pools. Relax and float in foamy, shallow pools resembling a giant jacuzzi. Spend time on the beach, watch the kids build sandcastles, and enjoy the cozy cove. Unfortunately, you do have to bring your own champagne.
Top tours in K’gari with kids
19. Phillip Island – Victoria
Contributed by Sharyn from Discover Australia Now
Visiting Phillip Island with kids is a great thing to do while basing yourselves in Melbourne. Drive to Stony Point in a little over an hour and then hop on a ferry that will bring you to Phillip Island in 45 minutes or drive onto the island via the bridge connecting the island to the mainland. A longer stay on the island is also possible, because there are lots of things to do on Phillip Island for families.
My kids love it at Phillip Island because of the great activities. The most popular is the penguin parade that happens every night. Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest colony of Little Penguins, the smallest of all penguins. Around sunset the penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach after hunting for fish all day. They waddle out of the surf and up the beach to their burrows, oblivious to the people in the view areas. It is one of the best natural wonders to see, and the squeals of delight from kids of all ages makes the experience even better.
Phillip Island has many beaches we like to spend our day at. The best ones are Smiths Beach, Woolamai Surf Beach and Ventnor Beach. It is great fun jumping in the waves and playing in the sand.
On an afternoon, we like to head to our third favorite spot on Phillip Island – the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. After watching the chocolate be made it is great to indulge in a chocolate treat washed down with a chocolate drink. You can also book a chocolate making class.
Top tours in Phillip Island with kids
20. Norfolk Island – external territory of Australia (1450km southeast of Brisbane)
Contributed by Leah from Kid Bucket List
Nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, you’ll find Norfolk Island. This tiny Australian territory offers pristine beaches and lush forests. It also has a rich history, which is why it’s being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For our family, Norfolk Island is the perfect place to head to reconnect and detox from the hustle and bustle of city life. There is limited internet or phone connectivity. In fact, most holiday bookings come with a local phone as yours won’t work, so our tween and teen had no choice but to immerse themselves in island life! There are almost no crowds. The beaches are pristine and untouched, and the activities are limitless.
Our top adventures on Norfolk Island include snorkeling at Emily Bay, where we discovered the island’s resident sea turtle. We also loved Island’s Fish Fry, set on the cliffs of Puppys Point, Here you can marvel at the sunset while enjoying island dishes, homemade bread & fresh fried fish while local girls dance to traditional songs.
Another great thing to do in Norfolk Island with kids is exploring the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), especially the night tour where history was brought to life. KAVHA is one of Australia’s most interesting and important heritage sites and a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn Islander history.
The best time to visit Norfolk Island with kids is during the Australian spring and summer from September to April. This period offers pleasant weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. The ideal conditions for outdoor activities, beach adventures and family exploration of the island’s natural beauty and historical sites.
Top tours in Norfolk Island with kids
21. Tasmania – Tasmania
Contributed by Sharon from Tasmania Explorer
An amazing place to explore with a family is Tasmania. This island state is perfect for discovering the amazing wilderness and history attractions that Australia offers.
One of the big advantages to exploring Tasmania for families is that it’s Australia’s smallest state. You can drive around and visit many different places without the long drives that are necessary in the rest of Australia.
A great place to start is at one of Tasmania’s National Parks. Take a ferry to Maria Island for the day. Here, my kids loved spotting all the wild animals including wallabies, wombats seemingly everywhere and so much more. This used to be a convict settlement so you can also learn some history while you are here.
Freycinet National Park is another must visit for a hike and swim at Wineglass Bay. Finally, don’t miss Port Arthur Historic Site in Hobart to visit this infamous convict prison. My kids loved trying out the solitary confinement cells, chains and learning the personal stories of the convicts.
The best time to visit is in the warmer months from November to April. Definitely hire a car to get around as public transport is not very good. Tasmania is great for kids of all ages.
Top tours in Tasmania with kids
FAQ – Traveling to Australia with Kids
Before I end this post let’s answer some frequently asked questions about a family trip to Australia. These are general questions lots of people have about an Australia family trip.
What are the best places to visit in Australia with kids?
Australia offers a plethora of family-friendly destinations that are perfect for creating lasting memories with your kids. From the iconic city Sydney, to the stunning Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, the vibrant city of Melbourne and the breathtaking landscapes of the Blue Mountains, there is no shortage of incredible places to explore in Australia with kids.
Are there any kid-friendly activities in Australia?
Absolutely! Australia is known for its wide range of kid-friendly activities. You can take your little ones hiking with a chance of spotting wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. Or spot colorful coral and marine life while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or Ningaloo Reef. Additionally, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin offer child-friendly museums, amusement parks, and outdoor adventure parks that cater specifically to young travelers.
What are the top attractions for kids in Sydney, Australia?
Sydney offers a multitude of kid friendly attractions that will keep your children entertained throughout your visit. Take them to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to discover the wonders of the ocean. Or embark on a whale-watching tour during the migration season. Don’t forget to spend a day at the iconic Bondi Beach, where the whole family can enjoy the sun, sand and surf.
Most children don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Are there any family-friendly accommodations in Australia?
Australia has a wide range of family-friendly accommodations that cater to the needs of travelers with kids. Many hotels and resorts offer spacious family suites or interconnected rooms, as well as amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs. It’s always a good idea to check the specific facilities and services offered by each accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay for your family.
And there are also lots of camping spots all over the country. Caravan parks as well as campsites in and near nature and national parks.
What are some outdoor activities suitable for kids in Australia?
Australia’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities for outdoor adventures with kids.
Take them on a family hike in the stunning Blue Mountains or Karijini National Park, where they can marvel at waterfalls and unique rock formations. Explore the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park in Queensland, spot camels in the vast Outback, or have a picnic at one of the many beautiful parks and gardens in cities all over Australia.
Are there any safety considerations when traveling with kids in Australia?
While Australia is generally a safe destination for travelers, it’s important to take some precautions when exploring with kids. Stay vigilant when swimming in the ocean and always follow the instructions of lifeguards. When swimming in lakes or rivers always check if you can run into crocodiles.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, make sure to carry sunscreen, insect repellent and sufficient drinking water. And be aware of signs warning you for run ins with wildlife like crocs and dingo’s.
Ready to Start Mapping Out Your Aussie Adventure?
With so many unforgettable places to visit in Australia with kids, it’s easy to see why families fall in love with this country. Whether you’re chasing beach days, cultural experiences, wildlife sightings, or wide-open outback roads, Australia delivers.
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Did you enjoy the Best Places to Visit in Australia with Kids?
If so, read more about Australia Family Travel:
- 21 Best Places to Visit In Australia with Kids
- Ultimate Perth to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary for families
- Planning a Family Trip to Western Australia: Things to Know Before You Go
- 25 Best Places to Visit In Western Australia with Kids
- Camping in Western Australia with Family: Things to Know Before You Go
- 25 Best Campsites in Western Australia with Kids
- 16 Best Things to Do In Sydney with Kids
- 16 Best Things to Do In Melbourne with Kids
- 12 Best Things to Do In Kakadu NP with Kids
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