The school holidays are the perfect time for a family getaway – and getting out there doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. It’s all about picking the right destination at the right time… and many of you are already all over it. In fact, 40% of Aussie travellers are considering travelling domestically during their destination’s off-season to save some cash (while still making all the awesome holiday memories).
To get your imagination firing, we’ve rounded up 10 of our fave great-value, kid-friendly getaway spots (there’s at least one in every state) for the upcoming summer break and beyond. Check them out!
1. Thredbo, NSW
Think Thredbo’s just for skiing? Think again. The Snowy Mountains region is amazing all year round, especially for families. Visit in summer for gorgeous wildflowers, thrilling mountain biking, an awesome alpine coaster, and some great accommodation deals. It’s also the ideal time to have a crack at the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. With its gentle incline and boardwalks, it’s an accessible adventure for most of the family (with all-terrain wheelchairs available for free hire).
Recommended stay: The Denman Hotel.
2. Geelong, VIC
Pack your togs/swimmers/cossies/boardies – whatever you prefer to call them, ‘cause it’s time to make a splash. Victoria’s biggest water park, Adventure Park Geelong, is re-opening in November 2024, just in time for the summer school holidays. With its exciting waterslides, classic theme park rides, and Victoria’s biggest Xmas lights display, it’s the stuff family holiday dreams are made of. But there’s plenty to do outside the park too (if you can drag the kids away). Head to nearby Ocean Grove for surf lessons, or go for a ride along the Bellarine Rail Trail.
Recommended stay: Vue Apartments Geelong.
3. Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
The Gold Coast is a classic family holiday destination. But if you’re looking for something different, swap the beaches and theme parks for rainforests and wildlife with a stay in the incredible Hinterland. Top of your to-do list has to be Tamborine Mountain’s glow worm caves and Rainforest Skywalk, but make sure you leave a day to explore Cedar Creek Falls too. We also love thunderegg fossicking – an absolute must if any of your kiddos are Minecraft fans (or just going through their obligatory rock-collecting phase 😉).
Recommended stay: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.
4. Monkey Mia, WA
Got a youngster who’s wild about the ocean? Then Monkey Mia in WA’s Shark Bay is the getaway for you. It’s world-famous for its daily wild dolphin feeding sessions – one of Australia’s most incredible wildlife experiences. And while that would be reason enough to visit, the region is also home to excellent cultural tours, the Shell Beach Stromatolites (the oldest and largest living fossils on earth) and the fabulous Francois Peron National Park. Talk about something for everyone!
Recommended stay: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
5. Adelaide, SA
With its unique blend of city and country, beach and rolling emerald hills, there’s no topping Radelaide for its awesome variety in family fun. In town, shop till you drop in Rundle Mall, make some furry friends at Adelaide Zoo, or head to Glenelg Beach for seaside fun. For a delicious day trip, hire a car and tour the Adelaide Hills for strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm and sweet treats at Melba’s Chocolates and Confectionary. Or why not just kick back in a luxe CBD stay with some room service? It’s the perfect treat for a junior VIP 😎
Recommended stay: Miller Apartments Adelaide.
6. Darwin, NT
Sure, summer in Darwin is hot. But visiting in the warmer months can save you up to a huge 122% on your accommodation*. And that heat brings the wet season – and with it some phenomenal nature experiences. We’re talking stunning sunrises and sunsets, epic thunderstorms and majestic, thunderous waterfalls. Make the most of it with a chopper ride over Jim Jim and Twin Falls. If you feel like a taking a dip, check out the Wave Lagoon and Leanyer Recreation Park… or Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death if you’re feeling brave 🐊
Recommended stay: Mantra on the Esplanade.
7. Launceston, TAS
Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year in 2022, Launceston is a top pick at any time of year. But you’ll save up to 22% on your stay* if you visit in winter, making Launnie a great-value winter sport destination. Ben Lomond National Park is a dream come true for anyone looking forward to their first snow experience, with fantastic skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing too. Want even more adventure? Check out Wild Cave Tours for family-friendly spelunking, Pennyroyal Launceston for cliff walks, tree ropes course, rocking climbing and zip-lining, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters of the furry kind, and Cataract Gorge for one of the best scenic chairlift rides around.
Recommended stay: Mantra Charles Hotel.
8. Canberra, ACT
A trip to Canberra is a rite of passage for Aussie primary schoolers – but it’s so much more fun to go as a family. It’s a real hit with bike riders, with awesome cycling trails around the city and heart-pumping mountain tracks like those at Stromlo Forest Park. Put aside a couple of days for the National Zoo and Aquarium and Questacon (but beware of the free-fall slide – it’s enough to get even the most daring thrillseeker’s heart racing). The POD Playground at the National Arboretum and Cockington Green Gardens miniature village are must-visits too.
Recommended stay: Pinnacle Apartments.
9. Cairns, QLD
An iconic Aussie holiday spot, Cairns is on many families’ travel radars, especially in the cooler months. But visit in summer and you’ll save up to 20% or more on your stay* and enjoy some serious wet-season perks. That means awesome waterfalls, active wildlife (including the normally elusive cassowaries), and super clear waters on the reef. The full rivers also make for incredible whitewater rafting, with some tours catering for daredevils as young as six.
Recommended stay: Vue Apartments Trinity Beach.
10. Lake Macquarie, NSW
For those classic family holiday memories, you can’t beat Lake Macquarie. There’s swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding for the water babies, while your thrillseekers will love BMXing on Redhead Pump Track and four-wheel-driving on Nine Mile Beach. Or if you want to make the most of the region’s stunning scenery, take a day to explore Watagans National Park. Don’t miss the Narrow Place lookout – the views over the Hunter Valley are unreal 😍
Recommended stay: Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie
Behind the stats:
*Based on Wotif accommodation data comparing average daily rates in 2023