3 Great Family Destinations in Australia

[rohny jones]

If you're thinking of visiting Australia for a family vacation - congrats, great choice! Australia boasts many attractions and experiences - from rainforests and stunning beaches to theme parks and fun cities - that the entire family can enjoy, allowing family members to bond and to relax together

Every family has different interests, of course. Some families may want to see the Outback, while others prefer to stick to the coasts So here are three different areas to choose from. (And by the way, to drive around I suggest you rent a van. - expecially if you plan to be covering a lot of ground.)

Mornington Peninsula

About an hour southeast of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula offers several sun-kissed beaches along with attractions that include Ashcombe Maze, a famous hedge maze and lavender gardens, Moreover, you can visit conservation areas such as the Moonlit Sanctuary, where you can not just observe but interact with friendly koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and dingos. The Enchanted Adventure Garden, on the other hand, offers nearly two dozen fun outdoor activities including another maze, along with ziplining, wall climbing, water tubing, and "tree surfing." If you happen to be here in summer (remember, winter in the Northern Hemisphere), the carnivals in the towns of Rosebud and Rye also offer tons of family fun. 

The Southwest and Margaret River

Several hours south of Perth, this area is considered to be a prime biodiversity hotspot, with extraordinary landscapes, marvelous hiking trails, amazing beaches, and wildlife spotting. It's also great for eco adventure, with various activities including surfing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and whale watching. The area is also fabulous for foodies and wine lovers, with vineyards producing some of Australia's most premium vintages as well as world-class dining including a number of reknowned restaurants.

Port Douglas

On Queensland's Sunshine Coast north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a very upmarket and sophisticated small resort town popular with families, It can be reached within 60 minutes via a spectacular coastal road. This area features the Daintree Rainforest on land and the Great Barrier Reef offshore - the only place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet. Spectacular golden Four-Mile Beach is home to fantastic resorts, and the town is dynamic, lively, and hip.