travelling to australia with a child

Australia with Kids: Our Experience & Family Travel Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

Are you thinking of traveling to Australia with kids, but are not sure what to expect? In this article, you can read about our experience visiting Australia with young children. We also included some practical tips for traveling Australia with kids. Find out!

We made a 35-day long trip to Australia with our three children. Our oldest son turned 5 the day we arrived in Sydney, and his twin brothers were just 3. Many people said we were completely out of our minds taking kids for such a long trip on the other side of the world, some others wished us courage…

If you are wondering whether you can travel to Australia with kids, and in particular with young kids, my answer is yes, absolutely! There are some places and some trips that you better postpone until the children are older, but Australia is a perfect choice when it comes to family travel. The country is so diverse that you can easily choose your destinations and activities in such a way that it would fit your family’s interests.

Before we jump to the practical tips for traveling to Australia with kids , I want to share a short story – what happened just before our family trip to Australia and what we learned from it. Read on!

Australia with kids – we also had our concerns before the trip

A few days before our trip, the biggest bushfires in 50 years were raging through the Blue Mountains – our first destination of the 5-week Australia trip with children.

We were glued to our TV and were seriously starting to wonder if it was a good idea to travel to Australia with toddlers. But just the day before we left, there was some good news at last: the fire was somewhat contained and the place where we were heading to in the Blue Mountains would be open for tourists…

That was not the only worry we had before the trip. The morning before our flight, one of our 3-year old twins woke up with a high fever. But as it often goes with children, he got much better after taking some medicine, and so we packed some antibiotics with us and left for the airport… With a 28-hour travel time ahead of us. The fact that he was sick was actually a blessing because he slept a lot and that made the flight so much easier for everyone. By the time we got to Australia, he was completely healthy again.

I’m only telling this so that you know that all kinds of things can happen when you travel. Just as anything can happen at home. Also, there is always a good excuse not to travel with kids . But as long as you keep an open mind and are prepared to deal with whatever comes your way, you have nothing to fear when visiting Australia with children.

Australia is an amazing destination and it’s perfect for a family trip! Find out!

Practical information and tips for a family trip to Australia

Below you can find some experience-based tips and practical information for traveling to and around Australia with kids.

Long flight to Australia with kids

Depending on where you are coming from, traveling time to Australia can be extremely long. We chose to fly without any stopovers (apart from technical stops). It resulted in a total traveling time of more than 28 hours.

When it comes to flying, we always prefer to keep the journey as short as possible. I rather have a day or two extra at the beginning of the trip at our destination than all the hassle of a 1-night stopover.

Of course, we could have chosen for a longer stopover somewhere in the Middle East or Asia, but then we would have had less time in Australia. If you decide to make a stopover, I can really recommend Dubai. It’s a great place for families with kids. Here you can read more about how to make the most of your Dubai stopover .

We also have an article with tips for flying with young children . Our flights to Australia were not very different from our other flights, and the kids handled long hours on the plane very well.

Dealing with jet lag when traveling to Australia with kids

The only thing we did on this trip that we have never done before, was taking some melatonin pills with us (melatonin is known to aid in reducing the effects of jet lag). We took the medicine on the last flight from Dubai to Sydney at the time when it was evening in Australia. That helped us and the kids to get some sleep, but of course, we were still exhausted when we landed in Sydney early in the morning.

We paid for an upgrade to a bigger room at the hotel just to be able to go to sleep as soon as possible (as it often happens, only the biggest suites were ready…). Later that day we forced ourselves and the kids out of bed and went to dinner, even though all we wanted to do was sleep…

We took melatonin for two more days at bedtime and that was it – none of us really had any serious difficulty adjusting to the 9-hour time difference. Here you can read more about how to beat jet lag .

Bringing food to Australia

There are lots of customs regulations in Australia, but here I’ll just mention one that everyone who is traveling to Australia should know. You are not allowed to bring ANY fresh food with you when you arrive in Australia (infant formula is ok).

On top of that, some states and territories prohibit the entry of fresh fruit from other parts of Australia.

There are quarantine bins provided at the airports where you can dispose of any food left in your hand luggage. Use them as the penalties can be harsh, even if you just have one apple with you. Here you can find some more official customs information on what you can or cannot bring to Australia.

Safety in Australia

Australia is a pretty safe country, as long as you don’t go swimming with crocodiles, go looking for snakes, or drive through a bushfire. Recently we saw a documentary about Australian wildlife and all the dangerous species that we never knew existed. My husband said something like, ‘It’s a good thing I didn’t see this one before we went to Australia, or I would have been terribly worried in the outback’.

The truth is, we never felt unsafe in Australia with kids – not in the city, and not in the outback.

We never saw a single dangerous animal (except for that one snake that happened to be crossing the road as we drove by). Now that I think of it, the only wild animals we saw in the Red Center , were a camel and a rock wallaby. But it’s wise to wear covered shoes in the outback rather than sandals – just in case.

One thing you should be very careful with in Australia is the sun. Sun is very dangerous Down Under and you can get burned in no time. The warmer it is, the more covered your body should be.

SPF50 sunscreen is essential, as are sunglasses and a sunhat. I advise wearing long-sleeved shirts, maybe even long trousers if you stay outdoors for a longer period of time.

Medical assistance

Medical infrastructure is supposedly very good, there is even the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the outback. Of course, that’s something you hope you’ll never need.

We were lucky and didn’t need any medical help during our trip, but it didn’t take us very long to find a pharmacy when we needed some medicine for the kids in Tasmania.

TIP: Make sure you have good travel insurance when traveling to Australia with kids. Some places are so remote that it will cost you a fortune if something were to happen!

Buying baby products when traveling in Australia with a baby

You can buy infant formula, baby food, and diapers pretty much anywhere in Australia. Of course, you should check in advance in case your baby has any specific needs.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t count on finding everything you need in the outback, so stock up in bigger towns.

The food choices are plentiful in Australia and we never had any problems finding something the kids would like to eat, even in the most remote places.

In fact, our kids often preferred kangaroo steak to spaghetti (this is not something they would do at home – traveling does that to children).

None of us experienced any stomach problems or anything like that. So there is nothing to worry about when it comes to food when traveling in Australia with children.

Family accommodation in Australia

Australia has a lot of choices when it comes to family accommodation, so look for hotels with family apartments rather than regular hotel rooms. It’s not necessarily more expensive. Actually, it can be much cheaper to stay at a family-friendly hotel with 1-3 bedroom suites than in a big business hotel with regular rooms where you hardly have space to move.

There are several advantages of staying in an apartment. First, you usually have your own kitchen which can save you lots of time and money. Most hotels in Australia don’t have breakfast included in the rate or they simply have no breakfast at all. So it’s easier if you can get some food at a supermarket the evening before.

Second, you have some you time in the evening when the children are in bed since you are not cramped in a hotel room with the whole family. On top of that, the kids have more space to move and play.

Another advantage is that many apartments have a washing machine and a laundry dryer which is something you will appreciate a lot when traveling with the family for a longer time.

Most hotels in Australia have free laundry facilities, but it’s much easier if you can do your laundry without having to leave your room. Don’t forget to buy some washing detergent at a local supermarket as it’s not always provided.

Here are some examples of the family-friendly accommodation we stayed at during our trip to Australia with kids:

• Sydney: Mantra Sydney Central .
• Blue Mountains: Old Leura Dairy .
• Alice Springs: Alice on Todd Apartments .
• Glen Helen: Glen Helen .
• Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon Resort .
• Uluru (Ayer’s Rock): Emu Walk Apartments .
• Adelaide: Majestic Old Lion Apartments .
• Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat and Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge .
• The Grampians NP: D’Altons in Halls Gap.
• Great Ocean Road: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs in Warrnambool and Cumberland Resort in Lorne.
• Melbourne: Seasons Heritage Melbourne .
• Tasmania: Salamanca Terraces in Hobart, Freycinet Lodge in Freycinet NP, Leisure Inn Penny Royal in Launceston, Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village in Cradle Mountain NP, Strahan Village in Strahan.

Playgrounds and swimming pools in Australia

There are plenty of playgrounds in most places throughout Australia, and a lot of hotels have swimming pools.

Furthermore, there are also beaches, public swimming pools, and even some natural waterholes where it’s safe to swim. Australia is great for kids!

TIP: Limit driving times – Australia is huge

Australia is bigger than you think and if you are not careful in planning your itinerary, you may find yourself driving 400 – 500km (250-320 miles) a day.

That’s ok when you are just trying to get from one place to another, but don’t do this every day. Not with the kids, and not on your own.

If you have to drive longer for a few days in a row, consider flying instead. It will be easier and probably even cheaper in the end.

Child car seat requirements in Australia

You can find more detailed information online, but here is a summary of child car seat requirements you should know when renting a car in Australia with kids (this information was accurate at the time of writing, but may have changed, so double-check):

• 0 to 6 months: Approved rearward-facing baby seat.
• 6 months to 4 years old: Rearward-facing or forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness. We rented car seats for our 3-year-old twins as it was too much trouble taking them with us from home. That’s a very expensive option if you fly between destinations as you have to pay for the car seat every time you rent a car (otherwise there is a maximum fee of 7 or 10 days, no matter how long you use them).
• 4 to 7 years old: Forward-facing approved child seat with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat. We took our own travel booster for our 5 year old and it saved us lots of money.
• 7 to 16 years old: Children who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted should use a booster seat.
• If your child is too large for the child’s car seat specified for their age, they may move to the next level.
• Children under 4 years old are not allowed to travel in the front seat of a car with two or more rows unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in an approved child restraint or booster seat.

Australian wildlife is what makes Australia great for kids

For us, Australian wildlife was one of the most important deciding factors when we chose a destination to go to with young children. In Australia, there are so many places where you can visit a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary where you can feed kangaroos or cuddle a koala or even a Tasmanian devil.

One of our favorites was Featherdale Wildlife Park near Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Also in the city, you can visit WILD LIFE Sydney or Taronga Zoo .

But that’s not all, of course.

No zoo can compare to seeing animals in the wild. Our kids loved running behind kangaroos, feeding the parrots, and touching an echidna (Ouch, that was sharp!). We saw so much wildlife in Australia! It was great fun for the whole family and one of the best experiences of visiting Australia for kids.

It might be a good idea to check which species can be approached safely and which not. If you are not sure, better keep a safe distance.

For example, our kids were very enthusiastic when they saw a wombat for the first time, but were warned by the locals that these animals can bite if they feel threatened.

So, this is our experience when traveling in Australia with kids and practical tips for your trip. I hope this information will help you prepare for your family trip to Australia and reassure you that traveling Down Under is something that can be done with children of any age.

We have many more articles about our trip, so make sure to check them for more inspiration. Here you can find our Australia itinerary and here you can find practical tips for planning a trip to Australia .

Here you can read more about some of our favorite places when visiting Australia with kids:

• Kangaroo Island
• One Day in Sydney
• Great Ocean Road
• Kennett River Koalas
• Things to Do in Hobart
• Uluru and the Red Center
• West MacDonnell Ranges
• One day in Melbourne
• Darwin Itinerary

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Hi Jurga, I really enjoyed reading about your trip! I will be visiting Sydney for a week in April with my 4yo. I applied for our visas through the Australian ETA app and was notified that both our visas were granted. However, I read in their Government website that I would also have to submit Form 1229 for my daughter, but there is no place to add it in the app.

Did you have to do this when applying for your kids?

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi Nihan, we personally never had to do this. My understanding is that if parents travel together with the child, it's not necessary. I'm also not sure what the requirements are if only one parent travels. The best thing to do in situations like this is to check the official sources. If you are not sure where to look or can't figure out what the rules are for your specific situation, you can always contact the embassy. Good luck!

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

We are looking to travel to Australia with our 3 year old next October but due to restrictions with work and home we will only get 15 days. Controversially, we want to stay in one location. Which area would you advise? We were considering Sydney due to the ease of being in a city and stuff to do with our little one but open to any tips!

Thanks so much this was an amazing read with great tips!

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi Nic, Sydney is definitely a nice choice because you have a combination of city attractions (also lots of things for families - a zoo, a wildlife park, aquarium, etc.) and lots of nice beaches, some beautiful pools too. In addition, you can visit the Blue Mountains for a day or a few days. And there are lots of flights from everywhere. So if you are just looking for one location for two weeks, sure, it could be a very good option. Depending on the season and what you want to see/do, you could stay closer to the beach or in the center. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

Hi Jurga, Thanks for sharing this experience. We are planning a trip of a life-time with my 5yo and almost 1 yo before they start school in Sept. We flying in and out of Sydney around mid-May to mid-June for about 3 weeks. Love all the recommendations and want to go to them all - esp i think the kiddos will be excited to see all wildlife. But with our timeline, I am struggling to decide which region we should go to. What do you think are the best places in Australia to visit for May/June travels with littles for 3 weeks? Not sure if it is easier to do road-trip or fly --- we have so much luggage with the crib, formula, diapers and car seats. :( Thanks so much!!

Thursday 9th of February 2023

@Jurga, thanks so much. That’s great suggestion and advice.

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Hi Ed, that's a bit difficult one for a few reasons: mostly the season when you go (it's not ideal for the south where we always saw most wildlife), starting and ending in the same place, and all the stuff you are planning to pack...

First, maybe you should reconsider what you pack. Car seats can be rented (we never took them when our kids needed big car seats. We started taking this booster seat/backpack after they were older than 4). Cribs are usually available at all hotels/accommodations. Diapers and baby food can be purchased there (Australians have babies too ;). With our 3 kids, we took just 2 suitcases for 5 weeks. So it's doable to pack lighter - also because so many accommodations in Australia have washing machines. And if you pack smart, you really don't need that much. Take clothes that dry quickly and don't need ironing (fleece, sportswear, etc.). If you are going to more remote places, be sure to stock up on diapers/food in the bigger town where you start that part of the journey.

Anyway, I think I'd put all the practical issues aside for now and try to decide which parts of Australia you want to see. Do some research about the weather so that you know what to expect at that time of the year. I think I'd still opt for a few areas (flying between them) rather than a road trip of 3 weeks. You will see much more diverse scenery that way. With just three weeks, it's the best way to get a much better view of how diverse Australia is. I do see advantages of a road trip too, so it's really up to you. But having done a long road trip in Australia once, we really much more preferred the fly&drive approach.

As for where to go, the north of the country is perfect at that time of the year and also the Red Centre should be just fine. You can also stay in Sydney (and its surroundings) for a few days - there is a lot to see and you will find wildlife too, e.g. in the Blue Mountains. If you decide to go towards the north, you could potentially start with a few days in Sydney, then fly to Darwin for 5-6 days, then Cairns/Port Douglas area for another week or so, and back to Sydney. Another option is the combination of Sydney, the Red Center, and either Cairns or Darwin. If you opt for fly&drive approach, I think I'd do 3 areas - so Sydney and two more, also because you also have to get back to Sydney at the end.

An alternative is to fly up to Cairns or Port Douglas and then drive back towards Sydney following the coast (this is the trip we once did in about 3.5 weeks, starting in Cairns and ending in Sydney). But there will be lots of driving and not always much to see (+ you'll have to be selective what you do with just 3 weeks for the entire trip).

Hope this helps a bit. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Hi Jurga, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences! how long was your roadtrip in total and what your itinerary?

Friday 5th of February 2021

Hi Rebecca, this trip we did with kids was 5 weeks and you can find our complete itinerary here. As you will see, we visited many different parts of Australia in one trip. You can easily pick the places/areas that interest you most and make your own itinerary based on ours, to adjust it to your interests and the time you'll have. Hope this helps.

Thursday 8th of October 2020

Hi Jurga, Thanks for sharing your experience in Australia. I'd love to take my kids to these places. They would love it for sure. But for now, we're just in the dreaming phase.

Wednesday 14th of October 2020

Hi Art, yes, traveling to Australia for holidays from abroad isn't for any time soon it seems. Hope you can make it happen. It's a wonderful destination for a family trip. So much diversity!

Travelling to Australia with children on an ETA or eVisitor visa

Anyone wishing to enter Australian territory needs to apply for and obtain a visa prior to departure. If you decide to travel to Australia and you’re not an Australian passport holder, you will need to get a visa for yourself and your family.

Many parents may wonder whether their children can be added to their visa or if they will need to apply for a separate travel authorisation. This article will explain how to travel to Australia with kids so that you will go through passport control hassle-free.

Do children need a visa for Australia?

All foreigners, regardless of their age, must hold a valid visa to enter the country. The type of Australian visa that you and your children will need to apply for will depend on your specific circumstances, nationality, and travel plans.

If you are visiting Australia for tourism short-term, the quickest and easiest visas you may be able to apply for are the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the eVisitor visa.

At the border , each foreigner will need to present a printed copy of their visa to the border control officers together with the passport they used during the application and the Incoming Passenger Card they will have been provided with during travel.

Australian visas for minors: the ETA

The Australian ETA is an electronic permission to travel. This means that you won’t need to visit an Australian embassy or consulate and will be able to apply for your travel authorisation completely online .

As long as you have access to a reliable internet connection and keep your supporting documents at hand, you should be able to complete the ETA application in minutes.

Unless they hold an Australian passport, your children will need to apply for a separate ETA . Each minor will have to submit an individual ETA application and all applicants need to meet the visa requirements for Australia .

• Minor has their own passport : Help your child complete their separate ETA application and enter their passport details.
• Minor is on a parent’s passport :Help your child complete their individual ETA application. Enter your passport details — or the details of the passport where the minor is featured — but use the minor’s personal information (name, date of birth, country of birth) as they appear on the passport.

How can minors apply for the eVisitor visa for Australia?

The ETA travel authorisation and eVisitor visa for Australia are very similar in their requirements and application process. Again, the eVisitor application can be completed entirely online from anywhere in the world . You’ll only need your passport, a valid email address, the application fee, and relevant supporting documents.

All travellers need to submit a separate eVisitor application if they wish to travel to Australia with this visa. Therefore, all your children must complete an individual application.

The steps to complete an eVisitor application for a minor are the same as the ETA steps mentioned above.

Can I sponsor my child’s trip to Australia?

Please note that it’s not possible to sponsor family members on short-term visas like the ETA and eVisitor visas. As mentioned before, each family member must obtain their own travel permit.

However, in many cases, it’s possible for parents on permanent visas to sponsor their children for migration purposes to Australia. This is not an automatic process and there’s no guarantee that the application will be granted.

Besides meeting all the legal requirements for migration to Australia, the child must be:

• Natural, adopted, or stepchild of an Australian citizen or of the holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• Dependant on the sponsor. This means that the child must depend completely or in great part on the sponsor for financial support
• Under 25 years of age when the application is submitted. If the child is over 18, they must also be a full-time student and financially dependent on the sponsor
• Unmarried, not engaged, and not in a de-facto relationship

When travelling to Australia with children, you should also ensure that you are up-to-date with any additional requirements.

Related Posts

Extending a tourist visa for australia, travel to australia with a criminal record, being a digital nomad in australia: visa options and advice.

Why Australia is one of the best places to visit with kids

Nov 10, 2023 • 8 min read

Find the best activities for all ages with our guide to family-friendly Australia © Rafael Ben-Ari / Getty Images

One of the best countries on the planet for kids is Australia .

It serves up a diverse range of experiences , with something to appeal to everyone from the youngest to the oldest member of your family.

From the northern tropics to the southern coastlines, this vast island is bursting with that rare double whammy: kid-tastic activities paired with a long pour of adult soul juice. Whichever way you spin in Australia, you’ll hit the family travel jackpot.

What makes Australia good for kids?

Many of the best experiences for families in Australia are free; sharing the beach with kangaroos, for example, costs nothing more than a sand shovel.

And Australians love kids, especially your kids. They’ll want to know where you come from, point you to the closest playground (even the smallest of country towns will have one) and there’s always a reasonably clean loo (bathroom) easily found at train stations, parks and restaurants.

Regarding those eateries, come hungry . Australia is ground-zero for kid-friendly smashed avocado on toast, which you can adult-elevate with some chili flakes. Even isolated areas aren’t chicken nugget-less for one-track eaters – but wait until your family discovers the crowd-pleasing sausage roll (meat mince in pastry). Wherever you are, there’s also always a pub; considered adults-only venues in many other countries, in Australia they welcome the family mealtime circus with open arms. Some even have dedicated playgrounds where little ones run barefoot and free, a reflection of Australia’s relaxed approach to parenting.

It’s a safe country, but dangers do exist – and we’re not just talking snakes and spiders. One is death by extreme boredom getting to Australia on what, for many visitors, will be a long flight or two (plan a stopover) or attempting long in-country distances in one hit. Australia is also not the cheap haven it once was; your foreign currency will likely go far, but budget for your must-do experiences.

Where are the best places to travel in Australia with kids?

Mini wildlife warriors will love Queensland ’s lush Sunshine Coast , where they’ll find slithering, swooping and jaw-snapping animals at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo . Meanwhile, parents might froth over the most craft breweries per capita, some boasting on-site playgrounds (try Your Mates Brewing Co . in Warana) or even petting zoos with farm animals (like at Terella Brewing in North Arm).

Budding paleontologists will dig (literally) South Australia's Naracoorte Caves (rated by UNESCO as one of the world's 10 greatest fossil sites) and Outback Queensland's Australia’s Dinosaur Trail , where they'll learn about Gondwana species they may have never heard of before. Queensland’s Gold Coast is also a favorite with Aussie families. This is where you’ll find amusement and water parks, golden stretches of sand, and rainforest retreats a toe-tap from the coast.

Future marine biologists can dive into the waters on Western Australia’s Coral Coast to swim with manta rays and the gentle giants of the seas: whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

The best things to do in Australia with kids

Imagine lying sundrenched on a pontoon boat, listening to your kids squeal through snorkels at underwater coral on the Great Barrier Reef; counting stars through the opening of an outback desert tent; splashing beneath a tropical waterfall or walking hand-in-hand amazed in world-class museums. This is just the start.

To discourage overwhelm, here are some of our top recommendations for all age groups.

Best things to do in Australia with babies and toddlers

Visit one of australia’s 12,000 beaches.

Beaches come with the inbuilt entertainment of water splashing and soft falls for little learning legs. The most popular stretches of sand have barbecues, water fountains, public restrooms and on-duty lifeguards. (Remember to only swim between the red and yellow flags.) Situated oceanside, surf clubs are also ubiquitous across the country. They typically have family-friendly cafes attached and bottles of sunscreen on-hand, in case you forgot your own.

Australia has over 12,000 beaches spread along roughly 60,000km (37,285 miles) of coastline, resulting in staggering diversity. Standouts include the red cliffs at Maslin Beach in South Australia (where you can pass nap time by strolling through the multiple McLaren Vale wineries close by) and the car-free Rottnest Island in Western Australia (where you can hire a child trailer and bike from beach-to-beach). Also not to be missed are the country’s unique ocean pools (there are 35 ocean pools in Sydney alone), all offering sanctuary from rip currents and surf.

In areas where the ocean is unsafe for swimming due to crocodiles or jellyfish, you’ll find resort-like public pools (called “lagoons”) with ocean views and splash parks. And on the Great Barrier Reef , tour operators will provide you with a stinger suit to keep your family safe.

Visit one (or more) of Australia’s quirky “Big Things”

Australia is home to over 150 toddler-impressing "Big Things" (there’s even a Big Things of Australia map ) including the Sunshine Coast’s three-storey-high pineapple, a walk-through Big Banana in Coffs Harbour or Ballina’s 35-tonne Big Prawn . More than just a photo opp, many have adjoining fun parks geared to the under-five set.

Best things to do in Australia with kids aged 4 to 11

Learn more about australia’s indigenous people.

It’s never too early for a cultural deep-dive into Australia’s ancient and living Indigenous cultures. Dreamtime storytelling keeps kids enthralled, with a multitude of offerings in the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collection. Your family can learn to make traditional dot paintings near Uluru or dig for mud crabs on a Daintree Rainforest coastal walk. Or head to the Tiwi Islands , where your offspring will be doted on, as you meet local artists and partake in “billy” tea, prepared over a campfire.

Go wild with wildlife

Wildlife encounters at this age are forever tattooed on impressionable minds, so don’t be surprised if your critter-obsessed kid turns into a conservationist after visiting Australia.

Opportunities to learn more about the country’s endemic and sometimes unusual species are countless. At the Wildlife Retreat at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo , koalas appear right at your room’s window, while night tours and harbor views come as part of the package. At Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find manta rays and turtles, while the jumping crocodiles in the Northern Territory’s Adelaide River take the cake – or rather the bait – for show ‘n’ tell school reports.

But even just wandering at the local park or along a bush track will result in free wildlife sightings , especially at dawn and dusk. Even in densely urban areas, brush turkeys, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos are a dime a dozen, while further out you’ll find brush-tailed possums, wallabies and kangaroos in the wild.

Take advantage of Australia’s top-notch museums and science centers

Your kids may be loath to “learn” on holidays, but they’ll change their tune as soon as they step into one of the country’s world-class museums. Case in point: Questacon , in the capital city of Canberra is an “edutainment” science-based extravaganza. Learn about energy, then unleash it by planting yourself at the National Arboretum Canberra’s POD Playground .

With the exception of charges for special exhibitions, admission is free for children at many museums, galleries and science centers, including Sydney’s dino-tastic Australian Museum and Melbourne’s Scienceworks .

Best things to do in Australia with tweens and teenagers

Catch waves in an insta-friendly surf town.

Celebrities aren’t the only ones won over by the lure of Australia's seaside escapes. A once-tiny surf town near the New South Wales–Queensland border, Byron Bay now has international cachet, drawing high-wattage residents like Chris Hemsworth. Your teen will say “it’s a vibe,” especially when you check into a retro-cool motel like The Sunseeker , with its complementary skateboards and nature-inspired playground for younger siblings. Sign them up for surf lessons and you’re set. Equally TikTok-worthy are Noosa ’s buzzing beaches in Queensland, or the steamy sunset backdrops of Broome in Western Australia.

Take the family on a hike

Older kids may appreciate exploring one of Australia’s many multi-day trails , such as Tasmania ’s Three Capes Track . Just as spectacular are the hikes that can be tackled in a day, like the walk to Kakadu National Park ’s Jim Jim Falls through monsoon rainforest and over boulders to a plunge pool surrounded by dramatic 200m-high (656ft) cliffs. Before you head out, download the free Australian Bites and Stings app as a handy “bushwalking” (Aussie for hiking) prop.

Planning tips for traveling in Australia with kids

The nuclear-grade Aussie sun means you’ll want to lather on the sunscreen (reef-friendly brands if swimming or snorkeling), hats and long-sleeved rashguards or swimsuits. All can be easily purchased in Australia on arrival. For longer days spent oceanside, consider renting a beach shelter. Portable and offering 50+ SPF, CoolCabanas are the most popular brand, but you can also purchase knock-offs at retailers like Kmart Australia.

Like anywhere, formal dining and kids don’t mix, unless you’re eating at 5pm. Instead, look to RSLs ( Returned & Services League of Australia ) and surf lifesaving clubs, which are beloved by communities, and serve cost-effective meals in often spectacular locations, such as Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs or Melbourne’s St Kilda RSL .

Outside of major cities like Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, pharmacies (called "chemists") close by 5pm and may not be open on Sundays. Supermarkets also carry basic medication and baby supplies, but may not be open in the evenings in regional areas.

Public transportation and pathways in urban centers are usually pram (stroller) friendly. (Although sidewalks can be narrow in city's historic areas.) Some major beaches even have access mats that create a pathway across the sand, which make it possible to push a carriage or pull a wagon down to the water. However, a baby carrier for adventures further afield and to most beaches is a good idea.

Explore related stories

Feb 13, 2022 • 6 min read

Australia's best wild swimming spots are the ones you have all to yourself, even in the middle of summer.

Mar 2, 2021 • 6 min read

Dec 18, 2020 • 11 min read

Sep 24, 2020 • 6 min read

Sep 24, 2020 • 7 min read

Aug 8, 2020 • 5 min read

Mar 25, 2020 • 6 min read

Oct 16, 2019 • 2 min read

Sep 24, 2019 • 5 min read

Aug 5, 2019 • 5 min read

Italy Family Vacations

Spain Family Vacations

Japan Family Vacations

Australia Family Vacations

A Perfect 2-Week Itinerary for Australia with Kids

• By Leslie Rich
• March 5, 2024

Australia is a vast and beautiful country. In two weeks you can see a lot, but you won’t have time to see it all. With everything that Australia has to offer (and not knowing if you’ll ever make it back because it’s so far away), creating the right itinerary for your family can be daunting. Here are our planning tips and a great 2-week itinerary that helps you maximize your time Down Under.

Best 2-Week Itinerary for Australia with Kids

To get started, decide how many moves you are comfortable making during your holiday. Australia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, rugged outback and cosmopolitan cities. The formula for the perfect 2-week Australian itinerary with kids incorporates all three of these elements: city plus beach plus outback or bush. In that spirit, Sydney , the Great Barrier Reef and  Uluru are a fantastic combination for families. This does require a significant amount of moving around, though, so I’ve included alternate options for those who want to simplify their travel plans or want to pack in a bit more.

TIP : The outback typically refers to Australia’s more remote areas, whereas the bush encompasses rural areas closer to civilization. The bush, which includes more accessible rainforests, countryside and mountain ranges, makes for a great substitution or addition to the outback component in our recommended itinerary.

Ready to start planning a fabulous getaway to Australia with kids?

That's what we do! Our Family Travel Advisors can help you book vetted accommodations, design a custom itinerary, arrange private tours and activities, and more. Click to send us a request!

Sydney (4-plus nights)

Sydney is a great place to begin your holiday and a must for first-time visitors to Australia. Regularly found at the top of “World’s Best” lists, Sydney is a laid-back city with top-notch restaurants and plenty of activities to keep families happy. Our 72 hours in Sydney guide provides details on where to go and what to do with kids. Highlights include the coastal walk from Bondi Beach toward Coogee, family surf lessons and climbing over the Harbour Bridge.

TIP : Sydney has great public transportation, so being close to a ferry and/or a train station will serve you well. Most international flights arrive into Sydney in the early morning. Make arrangements for an early check-in at your hotel so that you can hit the ground running. If visiting in the summer, pack swimsuits in your carry-on luggage. In the event your luggage is delayed or your hotel isn’t ready, you can start your vacation on the beach without missing a beat.

Blue Mountains — Bush (2 nights)

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about two hours by car from Sydney. The scenery is spectacular and dramatically different from the city. Go for a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, or the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottom sky tram that offers stunning views of the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and the Jamison Valley. A bit further afield are the Jenolan Caves, also well worth a visit if you have the time.

Uluru — Outback (2 to 3 nights)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is in the Northern Territory, about a three-hour flight from Sydney. It’s home to the iconic red monolith known as Uluru or Ayers Rock. A rock may not seem like much of a reason to board a flight and consume precious vacation time, but it’s a magical place, and the landscape is what everyone imagines when they picture the Australian Outback. If you are able to stay at Longitude 131 , do it — this property will take your visit to another level. In addition to guided tours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), I recommend the camel rides and sightseeing by helicopter.

Great Barrier Reef (3-plus nights)

The Whitsunday Islands are a gorgeous group of islands set on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef.  Just eight of the islands have hotels, and these are only accessible by infrequent flights or boat launches. Getting here will require patience and time, but the sugary white beaches, amazing resorts and proximity to the reef make it worth the effort. Every water activity imaginable is available on the reef; sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, submarine sightseeing and, of course, scuba diving are family favorites.

TIP : If you fly, be first to call the window seat — the views coming in are fantastic. If you are planning to visit the Daintree Rainforest as well, staying on the mainland may be preferable. Both Cairns (pronounced cans ) and Port Douglas are gateway towns to the reef. I’d opt for Port Douglas, as it is more relaxed and less touristy than Cairns, and also closer to the rainforest.

Daintree Rainforest — Bush (1 to 2 additional nights as part of Great Barrier Reef visit)

If you want to check yet another World Heritage Site off your list, include a visit to Daintree National Park, home to the oldest rainforest on the planet. The Daintree Discovery Centre is an excellent way to start your exploration. Here you can learn all about the region, wander the forest from elevated boardwalks and take in scenic views from the canopy tower. Other family activities in the region include zipline tours, horseback riding, and duck boat and 4WD adventures. If staying in Port Douglas, visit the Wildlife Habitat, where you can have breakfast with the birds and visit with kangaroos and koalas too.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Australia on Ciao Bambino

An adventurous 10-day family road trip in Western Australia

Thala Beach Nature Reserve: Oceanfront luxury next door to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Essential tips for climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Best of Australia: Kids share why they loved their trip Down Under

72 hours in Sydney with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

• Facebook Created with Sketch. Like
• Share Icon Created with Sketch. Share

Start a Discussion

Australia was one of my favorite trips! When we travel as a family, I love to find engaging books for the kids to read before and during the trip. As a librarian, educator, and mom – here are some of my choices that other travelers to Australia might enjoy! http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-australia

I love Australia and can’t wait to go back.

That’s a great itinerary! Western Australia, although more remote, offers a lot of great places and beaches to visit, especially when traveling with kids! And for the little ones I put up a list with some great, fun fact about our county: https://worldoftravelswithkids.com/fun-australia-facts-for-kids/

I just booked some tickets for my family of 5 to Australia on the whim. Wasn’t sure if I would keep my plans because Australia is so huge. This guide is great and I will likely follow it. thanks!

Australia is among the most incredible places I have visited in the last year and indeed these places mentioned in the post are very good for sightseeing and sightseeing. I like the region because of the variety of options for having fun with friends. I also recommend the local restaurants where they offer different kinds of different foods and very tasty. I loved the post 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids

Family travel blog.

A 10-Day Family Road Trip Adventure in Western Australia

Essential Tips for Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Thala Beach Nature Reserve: Luxury Near the Great Barrier Reef

Get the latest family travel news, exclusive deals & more.

Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations.

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!

Forgotten Password

Create an Account

Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.

• Name First Last
• Password Enter Password Confirm Password
• Yes, please!

Australia Recommends 2024

Travel Inspiration

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Itinerary and planning tips

• Activities and things to do tips
• Getting around tips

Safety tips

Other useful tips.

Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australia Tourism Commission

Family travel tips: how to plan a family trip

Make lasting memories on a family holiday with these helpful planning tips.

By Allie Metz

Exploring Australia with your children is an incredible way to create a deeper family connection. Quality time outdoors, in each other’s company and meaningful experiences will strengthen your bond as a unit while each of you grows as an individual. But of course, travelling with young ones can have its challenges. If you’re getting ready to plan a family holiday in Australia, be sure to consider these tips for making the most of your adventure.

Hill Inlet, Whitsundays, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

When travelling as a family, a bit of planning can go a long way to ensure a truly memorable break. One key consideration is time of year. With most families scheduling trips during the school holidays , it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you have access to your first choices for accommodation and experiences.

While it’s important to plan key elements of your holiday, strive to have a flexible itinerary in place to account for unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your timetable. For example, the day you may have picked for a surf lesson could end up being rainy or windy. If you leave a few days in your schedule for downtime, that will give you the opportunity to move activities to other days if needed.

When planning your activities, be sure to check in advance with any organised tours or experiences you’d like to book. Some have limited capacity and may be fully booked weeks ahead of time. So if your family has their heart set on a specific experience, it may be best to secure your booking first and plan other activities around that.

Tips for activities and things to do with kids

Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Keep the kids entertained and the budget in check by taking advantage of free experiences. Many kid-friendly museums offer free general admission (although you may need to book in advance) and it’s easy to find incredible public parks, playgrounds, botanic gardens and water-play parks that are completely free. Even our dining scene is kid-friendly, with some restaurants offering free kids’ meals on certain days of the week.

A packed itinerary can wear out even the most seasoned of travellers, and kids are certainly no exception. Be sure to allow plenty of downtime between tours and activities to rest and reflect. It may also help energy and enthusiasm levels if your downtime coincides with the hottest time of the day. Give everyone a break from the sun, replenish your fluids and put your feet up for a few hours before hitting the tourist trail again.

Keep things exciting by including a range of different activities in your schedule. Cities and regional towns have kid-friendly museums perfect for stimulating your child’s imagination, many with interactive exhibits designed for specific age groups. Outdoor experiences also abound, with everything from amusement parks to beaches where adventurous kids can learn a range of watersports. There are also incredible Aboriginal-run tours targeted to children, teaching them about Australia’s unique Indigenous cultures, bush tucker and fun skills like throwing spears and boomerangs.

Tips on getting around

Blue Mountains Drive, Wentworth Falls, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Not only are frequent stops essential for road safety , but they are also a great chance for your kids to have a comfort break, stretch and release some energy. If you’re on a family road trip , you’ll find rest stops and service stations at regular intervals, but consider mapping out a few minor detours to combine your break with a kid-friendly attraction. Stop at one of the country’s famous “Big Things”, or take a Tourist Drive detour (you’ll spot brown road signs indicating where to turn off) to find historic towns, scenic lookouts, caves, waterfalls and other attractions. 

Take the pressure off travelling around the city by utilising public transport and hop-on hop-off tourist buses. Services are inexpensive (children generally pay a concession fee) and will take you to all the major attractions without the hassle of finding parking. Some services, such as Melbourne’s  City Circle Tram, are completely free! In Sydney , there are caps to weekly transport rates, so you will never pay more than the maximum weekly fare, regardless of how often you use the transport network. Most buses, metros, trains and trams can accommodate prams and other access requirements, making them a great option for getting around.

Having a few games on hand is a great way to keep kids engaged while travelling. They can be used to pass time while driving, to discover secrets of the city you’re exploring or to keep them entertained while dining out – all while reducing screen time. Colouring pages are a great option, as are bingo cards featuring Australian icons and wildlife. Discover some great ideas here. There are also some great apps you can download for city-based scavenger hunts that will introduce your family to a secret side of the city.

Kids Hiking the Grampians, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Ensure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons by following some simple guidelines that will help keep you and your family safe and healthy. Australia is a safe country with a low crime rate, and some common sense will help keep you and your family safe during your visit. Always look carefully both ways before you cross roads and use marked crossings wherever available. If embarking on a bushwalk or visiting a wilderness area, make sure you do your research beforehand, pack sufficient water and food, stick to clearly marked trails, and always inform others of your whereabouts and plans. Visit our health and safety FAQ page for tips on water safety, road safety, bushfire safety and more.

As with anywhere in the world, if you are spending time outdoors it’s important to practice sun safety. Apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay well hydrated. If swimming in the ocean, consider choosing a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life and coral.

Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance when visiting Australia. Australia’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, with hospitals and medical centres readily available in most urban areas if you need medical attention during your trip.

 Visitor Information Centre, Julia Creek, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

For help with booking, unbiased local recommendations and great deals and offers, your first stop in any destination should be the Accredited Visitor Information Centre . The friendly faces here can help you find everything from great tours and experiences to family-friendly restaurants and even discounts to help you get the most out of your visit. Some centres even have historical and cultural exhibitions right on site for kids to discover.

With so many kid-friendly activities on offer, it can be easy to forget to set aside some time for yourselves. Thankfully, there are some great experiences that are designed for mum and dad to enjoy while the kids are kept equally entertained. There are many themed museums that young and old will love, such as transport and military museums. If you’re a history buff with a brave brood, try a ghost tour at one of the country’s World-Heritage listed historical sights like Tasmania's Port Arthur. 

Finally, if a little down time is what you’re after, there are a number of wineries and breweries around the country with playgrounds, and even farm animals, to keep the kids busy while parents relax with some of the world’s finest craft beer and wine.

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.