15 Best Family Holiday Destinations in Australia and New Zealand
Are you looking for the best family holiday destinations in Australia and New Zealand? Want to explore Australia with kids or New Zealand with kids?
Awesome, you are in the right spot!
This is a dream for me! I would love to travel to Australia with kids and then jump over to New Zealand for a fantastic adventure. The first step to planning a family vacation to Australia and New Zealand is knowing what areas are good for kids.
In this post, we are going to list some of the best family holiday destinations in Australia and amazing family travel destinations in New Zealand. This will give you an overview of what things you can do and see in each area.
Let’s get started with the best holiday destinations in Australia for families followed by some ideas for family vacations in New Zealand.
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Map of Australia Family Destinations
1. The Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation
2. Agnes Water Australia
Agnes Water in Australia is a perfect family getaway with its pristine beaches and exciting activities.
Things to Do in Agnes Water
Kids will love splashing in the clear waters and building sandcastles on the soft white sands of Agnes Water Beach.
For a fun family adventure, head to the nearby Town of 1770 and take a boat tour to explore the beautiful coastline and spot wildlife like dolphins and turtles.
Accommodations
Regarding accommodation, the Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spa is a fantastic choice for families. This resort offers spacious apartments with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Kids will enjoy the resort’s swimming pools and playground, while parents can relax at the spa or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
With its beautiful location and family-friendly amenities, Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spa is the perfect base for your family holiday in Agnes Water.
Contributed By: Myaustraliatrip.com
3. Brisbane Australia
Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids
Accommodations
4. Gold Coast Australia
When it comes to family fun, no place in the country epitomizes that sentiment more than the Gold Coast. After all, its tagline is “Famous For Fun”, and it sure lives up to the hype.
Things To Do on the Gold Coast
No visit to this top-tier getaway is complete without lapping it up at the beaches, where swimming, boogie boarding and building sandcastles are great ways to keep the kids occupied, not to mention there’s no better place to learn to surf.
The Seaway and the Pacific Ocean offer even more incredible experiences, such as a bus/boat road in the amphibious Aquaduck, snorkelling with turtles and fish at Wave Break Island and getting up close with majestic humpback whales during their annual winter migration.
And if your kids are emerging adrenaline junkies, they’re spoilt for choice there too. Jetboating, parasailing, the Slingshot, and Skyclimb are just a few epic choices near Surfers Paradise that’ll appeal to their wild hearts.
Plus, the Gold Coast is famously the theme park capital of Australia, with three to visit plus two waterparks, featuring all the entertainment and thrills you can throw a stick at, making this gorgeous coastal city one of Australia’s best family holiday destinations.
Contributed By: Journeydiscover.com
5. Sydney Australia
Sydney is best suited to an outdoor kind of family holiday in Australia. Sydney Harbour is a stunning centerpiece that you can travel around on the ferry network to get to a long list of famous destinations that make for great family day trips.
Ferry Terminal
The central ferry terminal is located at Circular Quay in the CBD. This is wedged in between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, so you will have no trouble finding it.
Destinations like Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, Watsons Bay, and the Gap are all a pleasant and cheap boat ride away.
Things to Do in Sydney with Kids
If you prefer to stay in the CBD then you have the waterfront areas of Observatory Hill, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour all to the west of the Harbour Bridge.
Here you will find the Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Maritime Museum, and the Powerhouse Museum.
All surrounded by countless waterfront dining options and is also not far from the Darling Quarter – a very impressive kids playground with ropes and flying foxes in a large outdoor parkland in between Darling Harbour and China Town.
Plenty to keep young kids entertained! And on Saturday nights you may also be treated to a fireworks show!
Let’s not forget a trip to Sydney Tower for the best view in town. All within walking distance of most family-friendly hotels in the CBD area.
Contributed By: Katherinerosman.com
6. Canberra Australia
Canberra is a great place for a family holiday in Australia because there are numerous things to do. There are activities suitable for when you are traveling with a baby and toddler, older children, or adults.
For a fantastic view of Canberra, hike the Mount Ainslie Summit Trail. It’s a moderate hike, and steep in parts. For an easy, stroller-friendly walk, the bridge-to-bridge route around Lake Burley Griffin is fantastic. You might also want to book the rope course in Majura Pines
Things to Do in Canberra
A key attraction is Questacon, the National and Science Technology Centre, with over 200 science exhibitions over eight interactive galleries. There’s something for all ages, from babies to adults alike.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is also popular with diverse animals, as well as a fantastic playground. You can also stay overnight at the zoo in luxury accommodation – the Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
The Australian War Memorial is not to be missed. It commemorates Australians who have died in operational service or war. Galleries take you through World War One and World War Two, as well as other conflicts.
Food in Canberra
For delicious eateries, locals love Brodburger, Dobinsons Bakery, and Sammy’s @ Foreshore. Canberra is one of the best holiday destinations in Australia for families.
Contributed By: Petitecapsule.com
7. Lorne Australia
Lorne, on the Great Ocean Road in Australia, is best known for its beautiful beaches but, if you really want to treat your kids head to Live Wire Park. This is one of the best family vacation spots in Australia!
Tucked in amidst the natural beauty of the Otway Rainforest this eco-friendly adventure park features elevated ropes courses, flying foxes, and the Shockwave Zip Coaster – Australia’s most extreme zip line.
Kids love the challenge of climbing, jumping, swinging, and flying through the trees, while the less adventurous enjoy the treetop canopy walk and elevated trampoline park.
Accommodations
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Lorne, I recommend the Lorne Cumberland Resort. Located on the beachfront it has stunning ocean views and a heated indoor pool.
Contributed By: Victoria Uncovered
8. Phillip Island Australia
9. Tasmania Australia
Launceston is a historic city on the river in Northern Tasmania, Australia, and is one of the best Australian family holiday destinations. There are lots of things to see and do.
Outdoor Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids
Tasmania is an island state of Australia and has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures in outstanding natural beauty.
Our first stop when visiting Launceston was the Cataract Gorge, a river gorge located just 1.5km from the city centre. It is home to the world’s longest single-span chair lift so you can view the stunning scenery from high above.
There is also an outdoor swimming pool for the summer months, a cafe and children’s playground, walking tracks, a suspension bridge, and an abundance of wildlife.
There are also over 30 different cycle tracks around the city to explore and there are lots of incredible playgrounds in Launceston to enjoy as well.
On cooler days there are lots of all-weather activities too, you can visit the world-class Queen Victoria Museum which has a great interactive kids’ zone and also a huge dinosaur exhibit.
Indoor Things to Do in Tasmania
The Penny Royal convict-themed complex has a huge rock climbing wall, a historic boat ride, and even a zip line!
On rainy days there is a large aquatic centre, and there are 2 great soft play areas in the city too, Kids’ Paradise and Adventure Planet.
The last one is located in the Launceston Entertainment Complex (LEX) where they also have Airtime 360, a huge trampoline park, as well as a laser tag zone.
10. Victor Harbor Australia
Victor Harbor, ninety minutes from Adelaide, is a great family holiday in Australia because there is so much to do. There are two parts to Victor Harbor – the township and Granite Island.
In Victor, families can play on the beach, go on a camel ride along the sand and check out the displays at the Whale Centre. In winter, you can go whale spotting.
The foreshore has a wonderful nature play playground, mini-golf, and, over summer, a small amusement park.
Catch the Cockle Train, a steam train, to the neighboring town of Goolwa. It runs along the coast and is an activity both the young and young at heart will love.
Visit Urimbirra Wildlife Park where you can feed kangaroos and pat koalas.
Granite Island
You can walk to Granite Island, but the kids might prefer the horse-drawn tram. The main feature of the island is the Sculpture Trail. The art really captures your imagination and is a fun way to explore the island.
Marine wildlife tours leave from the causeway. You are almost guaranteed to get to see seals and dolphins. You can also go on an evening tour to see the island’s fairy penguins return to shore.
Contributed By: Curiouscampers.com.au
11. Exmouth Australia
Exmouth is a small but adventurous coastal town located on Western Australia’s northwest coast.
Best explored on a road trip from Perth, Exmouth is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant marine life.
As the gateway to the incredible World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, families can snorkel right off the beach, exploring the vibrant coral formations whilst swimming alongside marine life, including turtles.
For a truly unforgettable bucket list Australia family experience, join a tour to swim with whale sharks during the season from April to July.
Accommodations
Exmouth has a wide range of family-friendly accommodations from resorts to caravan parks, but my pick for families is the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.
Besides from camping and caravan sites, they have a range of 1 and 2-bedroom cabins plus a large swimming pool, playground and games room to keep the kids entertained.
Contributed By: Tess of Tessomewhere
Map of New Zealand Family Destinations
12. Auckland, New Zealand
When it comes to a family holiday to New Zealand, Auckland is a must-do in your New Zealand itinerary. It has activities that cater to people of all age groups.
Things to Do in Auckland with Kids
In Auckland, you get to explore the wildlife and marine life, take day tours of islands, visit waterfalls, tour museums, explore historic sites, and walk/hike through picturesque landscapes.
It provides you a wholesome travel experience that keeps the entire family entertained.
Kids will love places like Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Kiwi Valley Farm Park, Butterfly Creek, Auckland Zoo as they’ll get to see the most varied species of animals, birds, and aquatic life on the planet.
Museums in Auckland
Then you have museums like Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium that’ll keep the adolescent kids engaged.
Day Trips From Auckland
You can take day trip to visit the Hobbits, to islands like Waiheke island, Rangitoto island, Great Barrier island, Kawau island, Motutapu Island and relax on the beaches, or have a family picnic.
You can also visit family-friendly waterfalls like Kitekite Falls, Karekare Falls, Oakley Creek falls, Hunua falls and admire the amazing natural sights on display.
The breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, diverse flora and fauna, and friendly people of Auckland make it a delightful and safe family-friendly destination.
So if you are planning a visit to New Zealand, then don’t miss out on an opportunity to explore Auckland.
Contributed By: Thewanderingvegetable.com
13. West Coast South Island New Zealand
The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers many fun, family-friendly activities.
Things to Do on West Coast South Island
Families can enjoy seal watching, explore limestone caves, and marvel at glowworms in the Charleston area.
At Punakaiki, one of the best things to do in the West Coast region, you can explore the otherworldly Pancake Rocks. Kids adore the unique limestone rock formations and blowholes.
If you want a fun road trip with your kids, take the scenic drive along the Great Coast Road. Along the roadside, many scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and ocean panoramas entertain the whole family.
In Greymouth, you will find Shantytown, an interactive experience for children to immerse themselves in the life of a 19th-century gold-mining town.
Kids can enjoy a steam train ride and try their hand at gold panning, making it a perfect family outing.
Families visiting Hokitika can enjoy various exciting activities such as jade carving, exploring the glowworm dell at night, walking on the rainforest treetops walkway, or ziplining through the canopy.
For adventurous families, a visit to the Franz Josef Glacier is a must. Here, you can go on an easy glacier hike through the rainforest and take helicopter tours to view the glaciers from the air.
Accommodations
One of our favorite places to stay is the family-friendly Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef. It offers camping, cabins, and holiday houses surrounded by lush forests, as well as a BBQ area and kids’ playground.
With its laid-back vibe and abundant outdoor adventures, the West Coast is among the best New Zealand family holiday destinations.
Contributed By: Oli, New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide.
14. Rotorua New Zealand
Rotorua is one of the best places to visit for a family vacation in New Zealand. Rotorua is very unique as it is a geothermal hot spot. All around the town, you will find streams and rivers steaming and mud bubbling.
There are a lot of free spots where you can view this, or you can book a purpose-built facility like Hells Gate and experience your very own mud spa. Isn’t that a kid’s dream? To bathe themselves in mud, and the mud in this area is known for its healing properties.
Accommodations
You will find a great range of family accommodation in Rotorua, from budget to luxury, so whatever you choose, ensure there is enough in your budget for the wide array of adventure activities here.
Things to Do in Rotorua
You can raft the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, roll down the hill in an iconic Zorb ball, Bungy jump, and mountain bike through the forest.
Or for some more tame, but exhilarating fun, try the Rotorua Treewalk, crossing suspension bridges and platforms high up in the Redwoods Forest. Or book a Zorb Ball down Mount Ngongotaha and roll down a mountain.
There are so many free activities and attractions, you could easily stay a week with your kids and still not do everything.
Contributed By: Backyard travelfamily.com
15. Kaiteriteri New Zealand
Known for its iconic beach, Kaiteriteri, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a perfect place for families. In peak summer season, play at the beach on Waterworld, a floating waterpark.
Things to Do in Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri also boasts a mountain bike park, with miles of trails for beginner to expert riders. Bring the littles for an easy ride or get the older ones’ adrenaline pumping on more than thirty trails.
More family adventures in Kaiteriteri include boat trips and kayak tours in adjacent Abel Tasman National Park. Be on the lookout for native penguins and fur seals.
Accommodations
The Bethany Park Holiday Park is ideal for families, with your choice of campsites or cabins. As an added bonus for kids, even the holiday park offers play areas and a waterslide in the summer!
With all these activities, no wonder Kaiteriteri is one of New Zealand’s most popular family holiday destinations.
Contributed By: Melonthego.com
Are you Ready to Book an Australia Family Holiday or Vacation?
These are definitely the best family holiday destinations in Australia and New Zealand. You are going to have so much fun planning this trip!
Planning a Family Holiday in Australia or New Zealand is going to be amazing!
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We still have a long trip to Australia and New Zealand on our travel wish list. So this was a great look at some of the places we need to consider for our itinerary. Travel around will certainly require advance thought and planning. But so many great spots to see.
There are so many great spots and what I found was they are pretty far away from each other!
I’d love to go to Australia and New Zealand. I think I’d start with Sydney. Someday!