Why Australia is an amazing destination for families

Australia is one of the top countries in the world for children.

It offers a wide variety of activities, ensuring fun for everyone in the family, from toddlers to grandparents.

Spanning from tropical northern regions to picturesque southern shores, this expansive island provides an incredible combination of exciting activities for kids along with relaxing options for adults. No matter where you explore in Australia, you’re bound to find the perfect family getaway.

What makes Australia a great choice for families with kids?

Many of Australia’s top family experiences are free; for instance, sharing the beach with kangaroos requires nothing more than a sand shovel.

Australians are fond of kids, especially yours. They’ll be curious about where you're from, direct you to the nearest playground (even the tiniest towns usually have one), and you can easily find a reasonably clean restroom at train stations, parks, and restaurants.

When dining out, come with an appetite. Australia is the home of kid-friendly smashed avocado toast, which can be spiced up with chili flakes for adults. Even in remote areas, you won't be short on chicken nuggets for picky eaters—but wait until your family tries the beloved sausage roll (meat in pastry). No matter your location, there’s always a pub; while many countries see these as adults-only, in Australia, they embrace family dining wholeheartedly. Some even feature dedicated playgrounds where kids can run freely, showcasing Australia’s laid-back parenting style.

While Australia is a safe country, there are some risks—beyond just snakes and spiders. One concern is the potential for extreme boredom during what can be long flights to Australia (consider a stopover) or attempting lengthy travel distances within the country in one go. Additionally, Australia is no longer the budget-friendly destination it used to be; your foreign currency may stretch far, but it's wise to budget for your essential experiences.

What are the top destinations in Australia for families with kids?

Little wildlife enthusiasts will adore Queensland’s vibrant Sunshine Coast, home to slithering, swooping, and jaw-snapping creatures at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a plethora of craft breweries per capita, some with on-site playgrounds (check out Your Mates Brewing Co. in Warana) or even petting zoos featuring farm animals (like Terella Brewing in North Arm).

Aspiring paleontologists will be thrilled at South Australia’s Naracoorte Caves, celebrated by UNESCO as one of the top ten fossil sites in the world, and Outback Queensland’s Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, where they can discover Gondwana species they may have never heard of. Queensland’s Gold Coast is another favorite among Aussie families, offering amusement and water parks, golden sandy beaches, and rainforest getaways just a hop from the coast.

Future marine biologists can plunge into the waters along Western Australia’s Coral Coast to swim alongside manta rays and the gentle giants of the ocean: whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

Top activities to enjoy in Australia with children

Picture yourself basking in the sun on a pontoon boat, hearing your kids' delighted shouts as they snorkel among the vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef; stargazing through the flap of an outback desert tent; splashing under a tropical waterfall; or walking in awe through world-class museums hand-in-hand with your little ones. This is just the beginning.

To prevent feeling overwhelmed, here are some of our top picks for all ages.

Top activities for families with babies and toddlers in Australia

Explore one of Australia’s 12,000 stunning beaches

Beaches offer built-in fun with splashing water and soft surfaces for little explorers. The most frequented sandy spots feature barbecues, water fountains, clean restrooms, and lifeguards on duty. (Always swim between the red and yellow flags.) Along the coast, surf clubs are plentiful, often housing family-friendly cafes and sunscreen for those who forget their own.

With over 12,000 beaches lining approximately 60,000 km (37,285 miles) of coastline, Australia boasts incredible variety. Highlights include the striking red cliffs of Maslin Beach in South Australia (where you can enjoy nap time by visiting nearby McLaren Vale wineries) and car-free Rottnest Island in Western Australia (perfect for hiring a child trailer and biking from beach to beach). Don't miss the unique ocean pools, with 35 located in Sydney alone, offering refuge from rough currents.

In regions where the ocean isn't safe for swimming due to crocodiles or jellyfish, you'll find resort-style public pools (known as “lagoons”) with ocean vistas and splash parks. On the Great Barrier Reef, tour operators provide stinger suits to keep your family safe while exploring.

Explore Australia’s unique “Big Things”

Australia boasts over 150 amusing 'Big Things' (check out the Big Things of Australia map), including a three-story pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, a walk-through Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, and Ballina’s impressive 35-tonne Big Prawn. These attractions offer more than just photo opportunities, as many are paired with fun parks designed for little ones under five.

Top activities for kids aged 4 to 11 in Australia

Discover Australia’s Indigenous cultures

There’s no age limit for diving into the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s ancient and vibrant Indigenous communities. Dreamtime storytelling captivates children, with a variety of experiences available through the Discover Aboriginal Experiences program. Your family can try traditional dot painting near Uluru or search for mud crabs on a Daintree Rainforest coastal stroll. Alternatively, visit the Tiwi Islands, where your children will be welcomed warmly, meeting local artists and enjoying “billy” tea brewed over a campfire.

Embrace the wild side with wildlife encounters

Wildlife experiences at this age leave lasting impressions, so don’t be surprised if your animal-loving child becomes a conservationist after exploring Australia.

Countless opportunities exist to learn about the country’s unique and sometimes quirky wildlife. At the Wildlife Retreat at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, koalas can be seen right from your room, complemented by night tours and stunning harbor views. On Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, you can encounter manta rays and turtles, while the jumping crocodiles of the Northern Territory’s Adelaide River offer unforgettable school report fodder.

Simply strolling through a local park or along a bush trail can lead to free wildlife sightings, particularly during dawn and dusk. Even in busy city areas, you can spot brush turkeys, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, and cockatoos everywhere, while further out in nature, brush-tailed possums, wallabies, and kangaroos can be found in their natural habitats.

Make the most of Australia’s exceptional museums and science centers

Your kids might be reluctant to ‘learn’ while on vacation, but their attitude will shift as soon as they enter one of the nation’s premier museums. For example, Questacon in Canberra is an exciting blend of education and entertainment centered around science. Discover energy concepts and then release some energy at the National Arboretum Canberra’s POD Playground.

Most museums, galleries, and science centers offer free admission for children, with the exception of certain special exhibits. Highlights include Sydney’s dinosaur-themed Australian Museum and Melbourne’s Scienceworks.

Top activities for families with tweens and teens in Australia

Ride the waves in a picturesque surf town

Australia's coastal hideaways have won over more than just celebrities. Once a small surf town near the New South Wales–Queensland border, Byron Bay now boasts global recognition, attracting stars like Chris Hemsworth. Your teenager will definitely feel the vibe, especially when you stay at a trendy motel like The Sunseeker, which offers complimentary skateboards and a nature-themed playground for younger siblings. Enroll them in surf lessons for a perfect experience. Equally Instagram-worthy are the lively beaches of Noosa in Queensland or the stunning sunset views in Broome in Western Australia.

Embark on a family hike

Teenagers might enjoy tackling one of Australia’s many multi-day hiking trails, like Tasmania’s Three Capes Track. Equally stunning are the day hikes, such as the trek to Kakadu National Park’s Jim Jim Falls, where you traverse monsoon rainforest and navigate boulders to reach a breathtaking plunge pool surrounded by towering 200m-high (656ft) cliffs. Before setting off, download the free Australian Bites and Stings app, a great companion for your bushwalking (that’s Aussie for hiking) adventure.

Essential travel tips for families visiting Australia

Given the intense Aussie sun, it’s crucial to apply plenty of sunscreen (opt for reef-safe options if you plan to swim or snorkel), wear hats, and use long-sleeved rashguards or swimsuits. These items can be conveniently purchased upon arrival in Australia. For extended beach days, consider renting a beach shelter. The popular CoolCabanas provide 50+ SPF protection, but you can also find similar options at stores like Kmart Australia.

Formal dining is often not kid-friendly, unless you dine at 5pm. Instead, check out RSLs (Returned & Services League of Australia) and surf lifesaving clubs, which are community favorites and serve affordable meals in stunning locations like Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs or Melbourne’s St Kilda RSL.

Outside major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, pharmacies (referred to as 'chemists') typically close by 5pm and may not operate on Sundays. Supermarkets stock basic medications and baby supplies but might not be open during evening hours in regional areas.

In urban areas, public transport and pathways are generally stroller-friendly, although historic city sidewalks can be a bit narrow. Some popular beaches even offer access mats that provide a path over the sand, allowing you to wheel a stroller or pull a wagon to the water. However, for excursions to more remote locations and most beaches, using a baby carrier is advisable.