{"id":16667,"date":"2024-10-31T11:39:04","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T00:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=16667"},"modified":"2024-11-01T15:09:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T04:09:50","slug":"woohoo-10-of-australias-best-kid-friendly-getaways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/family\/10-best-kid-friendly-getaways\/","title":{"rendered":"Woohoo! 10 of Australia\u2019s best kid-friendly getaways"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The school holidays are the perfect time for a family getaway \u2013 and getting out there doesn\u2019t have to mean breaking the bank. It\u2019s all about picking the right destination at the right time\u2026 and many of you are already all over it. In fact, 40% of Aussie travellers are considering travelling domestically during their destination\u2019s off-season to save some cash (while still making all the awesome holiday memories).<\/p>\n<p>To get your imagination firing, we\u2019ve rounded up 10 of our fave great-value, kid-friendly getaway spots (there\u2019s at least one in every state) for the upcoming summer break and beyond. Check them out!<\/p>\n<h2>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Thredbo-Hotels.d181589.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Thredbo, NSW<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16655\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/-6\" alt=\"\" width=\"4259\" height=\"2486\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Think Thredbo\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thredbo.com.au\/activities\/thredbo-alpine-coaster\/\">alpine coaster<\/a>, and some great accommodation deals. It\u2019s also the ideal time to have a crack at the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. With its gentle incline and boardwalks, it\u2019s an accessible adventure for most of the family (with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au\/things-to-do\/walking-tracks\/mount-kosciuszko-summit-walk\/visitor-info#Accessibility\">all-terrain wheelchairs available for free hire<\/a>).<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Thredbo-Hotels-The-Denman-Hotel.h2925959.Hotel-Information\">The Denman Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Geelong-Hotels.d6123247.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Geelong, VIC<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16656\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/-7\" alt=\"\" width=\"6210\" height=\"4140\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Pack your togs\/swimmers\/cossies\/boardies \u2013 whatever you prefer to call them, \u2018cause it\u2019s time to make a splash. Victoria\u2019s biggest water park, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adventurepark.com.au\/water-park\">Adventure Park Geelong<\/a>, is re-opening in November 2024, just in time for the summer school holidays. With its exciting waterslides, classic theme park rides, and Victoria\u2019s biggest Xmas lights display, it\u2019s the stuff family holiday dreams are made of. But there\u2019s plenty to do outside the park too (if you can drag the kids away). Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/things-to-do\/learn-to-surf-at-ocean-grove-on-the-bellarine-peninsula.a46677913.activity-details?&amp;rid=6123247&amp;location=Geelong%2C+Victoria%2C+Australia&amp;startDate=2024-11-28&amp;endDate=2024-11-30&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;swp=on\">nearby Ocean Grove for surf lessons<\/a>, or go for a ride along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geelongaustralia.com.au\/parks\/paths\/article\/item\/8cc9e1ca0578791.aspx\">Bellarine Rail Trail<\/a>.<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Geelong-Hotels-Vue-Apartments-Geelong.h7277481.Hotel-Information\">Vue Apartments Geelong<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Gold-Coast-Hinterland-Hotels.d6130955.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>The Gold Coast is a classic family holiday destination. But if you\u2019re 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/things-to-do\/evening-rainforest-glow-worm-experience-small-group-tour.a701356.activity-details?&amp;rid=180064&amp;location=Gold+Coast%2C+Queensland%2C+Australia&amp;startDate=2024-11-14&amp;endDate=2024-11-16&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;swp=on\">Tamborine Mountain&#8217;s glow worm caves and Rainforest Skywalk<\/a>, but make sure you leave a day to explore <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.desi.qld.gov.au\/parks\/tamborine\/things-to-do\">Cedar Creek Falls too<\/a>. We also love <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thunderbirdpark.com\/thunderegg-fossicking.html\">thunderegg fossicking<\/a> \u2013 an absolute must if any of your kiddos are Minecraft fans (or just going through their obligatory rock-collecting phase \ud83d\ude09).<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Gold-Coast-Hotels-BIG4-Gold-Coast-Holiday-Park.h3935878.Hotel-Information\">BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Monkey-Mia-Hotels.d2315.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Monkey Mia, WA<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Got a youngster who\u2019s wild about the ocean? Then Monkey Mia in WA\u2019s Shark Bay is the getaway for you. It\u2019s world-famous for its daily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sharkbay.org\/place\/monkey-mia\/dolphin-experience\/\">wild dolphin feeding sessions<\/a> \u2013 one of Australia\u2019s most incredible wildlife experiences. And while that would be reason enough to visit, the region is also home to excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/wulagura.com.au\/\">cultural tours<\/a>, the Shell Beach Stromatolites (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.australiascoralcoast.com\/destinations\/shark-bay\/hamelin-pool-stromatolites\">the oldest and largest living fossils on earth<\/a>) and the fabulous <a href=\"https:\/\/exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au\/park\/francois-peron-national-park\">Francois Peron National Park<\/a>. Talk about something for everyone!<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Monkey-Mia-Hotels-RAC-Monkey-Mia-Dolphin-Resort.h2650828.Hotel-Information\">RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Adelaide-Hotels.d6051330.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Adelaide, SA<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16657\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/-8\" alt=\"\" width=\"6720\" height=\"4480\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With its unique blend of city and country, beach and rolling emerald hills, there\u2019s no topping Radelaide for its awesome variety in family fun. In town, shop till you drop in Rundle Mall, make some furry friends at<a href=\"https:\/\/www.adelaidezoo.com.au\/\"> Adelaide Zoo<\/a>, or head to Glenelg Beach for seaside fun. For a delicious day trip, hire a car and tour the Adelaide Hills for <a href=\"https:\/\/beerenberg.com.au\/pages\/strawberry-picking\">strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm<\/a> and sweet treats at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.melbaschocolates.com.au\/\">Melba\u2019s Chocolates and Confectionary<\/a>. Or why not just kick back in a luxe CBD stay with some room service? It\u2019s the perfect treat for a junior VIP \ud83d\ude0e<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Adelaide-Hotels-Miller-Apartments-Adelaide.h1639321.Hotel-Information\">Miller Apartments Adelaide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>6. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Darwin-Hotels.d6131317.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Darwin, NT<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>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 \u2013 and with it some phenomenal nature experiences. We\u2019re 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterfront.nt.gov.au\/wave-lagoon\">Wave Lagoon<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/nt.gov.au\/leisure\/sport\/facilities-and-contacts\/find-a-sports-facility\/leanyer-recreation-park\">Leanyer Recreation Park<\/a>\u2026 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crocosauruscove.com\/cage-of-death\/\">Crocosaurus Cove\u2019s Cage of Death<\/a> if you\u2019re feeling brave \ud83d\udc0a<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Darwin-Hotels-Mantra-On-The-Esplanade.h64863.Hotel-Information\">Mantra on the Esplanade<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>7. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Launceston-Hotels.d553248635003664474.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Launceston, TAS<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Wotif\u2019s Aussie Town of the Year in 2022, Launceston is a top pick at any time of year. But you\u2019ll save up to 22% on your stay* if you visit in winter, making Launnie a great-value winter sport destination. <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.tas.gov.au\/explore-our-parks\/ben-lomond-national-park\">Ben Lomond National Park<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildcavetours.com\/\">Wild Cave Tours<\/a> for family-friendly spelunking, <a href=\"https:\/\/pennyroyallaunceston.com.au\/\">Pennyroyal Launceston<\/a> for cliff walks, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/things-to-do\/launceston-hollybank-tree-ropes-course.a47749864.activity-details?&amp;rid=553248635003664474&amp;location=Launceston%2C+Tasmania%2C+Australia&amp;startDate=2025-05-22&amp;endDate=2025-05-26&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;selectedId=&amp;swp=on\">tree ropes course<\/a>, rocking climbing and zip-lining, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trowunna.com.au\/\">Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a> for close encounters of the furry kind, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gorgechairlift.com.au\/\">Cataract Gorge<\/a> for one of the best scenic chairlift rides around.<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Launceston-Hotels-Mantra-Charles-Hotel.h3789462.Hotel-Information\">Mantra Charles Hotel.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>8. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels.d6049663.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Canberra, ACT<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>A trip to Canberra is a rite of passage for Aussie primary schoolers \u2013 but it\u2019s so much more fun to go as a family. It\u2019s a real hit with bike riders, with awesome cycling trails around the city and heart-pumping mountain tracks like those at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stromloforestpark.act.gov.au\/\">Stromlo Forest Park<\/a>. Put aside a couple of days for the <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalzoo.com.au\/\">National Zoo and Aquarium<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.questacon.edu.au\">Questacon<\/a> (but beware of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.questacon.edu.au\/whats-on\/exhibitions\/exhibits\/free-fall\">free-fall slide<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s enough to get even the most daring thrillseeker\u2019s heart racing). The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au\/visit\/pod-playground\">POD Playground<\/a> at the National Arboretum and <a href=\"https:\/\/cockingtongreen.com.au\/\">Cockington Green Gardens miniature village<\/a> are must-visits too.<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels-Pinnacle-Apartments.h7419619.Hotel-Information\">Pinnacle Apartments<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>9. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Cairns-Hotels.d553248635404168639.Travel-Guide-Hotels\">Cairns, QLD<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16662\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/2024\/10\/-10\" alt=\"\" width=\"3008\" height=\"2000\" \/><\/p>\n<p>An iconic Aussie holiday spot, Cairns is on many families\u2019 travel radars, especially in the cooler months. But visit in summer and you\u2019ll 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitewaterraftingcairns.com\/\">whitewater rafting<\/a>, with some tours catering for daredevils as young as six.<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Cairns-Hotels-Vue-Apartments-Trinity-Beach.h3005348.Hotel-Information\">Vue Apartments Trinity Beach.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Lake-Macquarie-Hotels.0-l6054285-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels\">Lake Macquarie, NSW<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>For those classic family holiday memories, you can\u2019t beat Lake Macquarie. There\u2019s swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding for the water babies, while your thrillseekers will love BMXing on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lakemac.com.au\/Venues\/Redhead-Pump-Track\">Redhead Pump Track<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belmontwetlands.com.au\/location.html\">four-wheel-driving on Nine Mile Beach<\/a>. Or if you want to make the most of the region\u2019s stunning scenery, take a day to explore Watagans National Park. Don\u2019t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au\/things-to-do\/lookouts\/the-narrow-place-lookout\">the Narrow Place lookout<\/a> \u2013 the views over the Hunter Valley are unreal \ud83d\ude0d<br \/>\n<strong>Recommended stay:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Mannering-Park-Hotels-Ingenia-Holidays-Lake-Macquarie.h9624295.Hotel-Information\">Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie<\/a><\/p>\n<a class='vw-button vw-button--primary  vw-button--full-width' href='https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/' target='_self'><i class=\"vw-icon icon-entypo-suitcase\"><\/i> PLAN YOUR WOTIF GETAWAY <\/a>\n<p><em>Behind the stats:<\/em><br \/>\n<em>*Based on Wotif accommodation data comparing average daily rates in 2023<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The school holidays are the perfect time for a family getaway \u2013 and getting out there doesn\u2019t have to mean breaking the bank. It\u2019s all about picking the right destination at the right time\u2026 and many of you are already all over it. In fact, 40% of Aussie travellers are considering travelling domestically during their &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":16658,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[740,21],"tags":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16667"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16667"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16667\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16682,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16667\/revisions\/16682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}