Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma, New South Wales © Destination NSW
7 family adventure holidays in Australia
Grab your crew and get outdoors. On land or sea, these active experiences will make unforgettable family memories.
With epic vistas, dense rainforest and sandy beaches, adventurous souls will love the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne. A road trip is a great way to see the sights, but why not experience the area’s beauty on two feet? Along the three-day guided 12 Apostles Lodge Walk, you’ll cover stretches of the walk, spotting native wildlife and enjoying gourmet meals every evening. The best part? You only have to carry your daypack.
Learning to catch a wave is an unmissable Australian holiday experience. Famous city beaches such as Bondi Beach and Manly have ample surf schools to enjoy, but you’ll find surfing towns all along the east coast of New South Wales. Seek them out on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip. Or in Byron Bay, check out The Pass, a calm, protected cove that produces slow waves perfect for new surfers.
Does your family dream of secret beaches, uninhabited islands and days filled with discovery? If so, you’ll love a guided sailing holiday in the Whitsunday Islands, a spectacular archipelago comprised of 74 islands along the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail from either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach. If you just can’t get enough of the islands, extending your family trip is easy at one of the region’s island resorts.
Get active while providing your children with the opportunity to explore the ancient cultural ties of the first inhabitants of Shark Bay – the Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal People. Kids will love Darren "Capes" Capewell as he enthusiastically shares knowledge about the land that has been passed down for thousands of years. Seek out bush foods, learn about medicinal plants and kayak around turtles, rays, sharks, fish and the elusive dugong (when in season).
Canberra isn’t just a treat for foodies; the city’s beautiful surroundings are a mecca for adventurous activities. One of the most iconic spots is picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, where you can get the adrenaline pumping on a segway tour, or cruise around on a GoBoat. For a nature fix, explore Corin Forest – a snowy playground during the winter months. To spot koalas, platypuses, emus, birdlife and kangaroos, wander the Koala Path Walking Trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
From an inland sand dune named Little Sahara (created over 17,000 years ago) to mesmerising natural attractions and oceans teeming with playful marine life, active families won’t be short of things to do on Kangaroo Island. Race down the dunes on a sandboard, feel the wind in your hair on a quad bike tour or join Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari to swim and snorkel with dolphins and seals.
Cradle Mountain’s dramatic landscape is brimming with wildlife wonders and family-friendly walking trails – with jaw-dropping vistas waiting at the top. Start in Launceston, where you can ride the world’s longest chairlift at Cataract Gorge before driving two hours to Cradle Mountain. Marvel at the scenery, spot wombats and wallabies along the Enchanted Walk and meet adorable Tasmanian devils at Devils @ Cradle.
