Australia is a country of great diversity, from adorable quokkas, kangaroos and koalas to vast landscapes and natural wonders. It is perfect as a family vacation destination as it’s extremely family-friendly and easy to navigate.
When planning a trip to Australia with your kids, you need to take your time and do proper research. Obviously, having plenty of time is not something parents can brag about, so here are several valuable tips that can help you in the process.
Time your visit
Depending on whether you’re travelling from the U.S. or Europe, your flight to Australia can take anywhere between 14 to 24 hours with a layover, and it can cost you between $1000 and $1500 per person for an economy plane ticket. Due to the length of the flight and different time zones, there’ll be quite a jet lag which can be hard on the kids. It’ll take everyone at least 2 days to adjust, so a minimum of 2-week vacation is recommended.
With Australia being located south of the equator, you need to remember that their seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Australia’s northern states are commonly warm year-round, while the southern states have more pronounced seasons and cooler winters. The peak season is during Australian summer so that is when the flight and accommodation prices will be the highest.
Research your destination
Australia is a vast country that can be divided into 3 regions – the beach, the Outback and the Bush. There’s not much need to explain the beach part as Australia is world-famous for its amazing beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. The Outback refers to the vast, distant and mostly unpopulated interior of Australia. And the Bush is a local term used to describe everything between the beach and the outback which includes the mountains, countryside and rain forests areas.
It’s simply impossible to see the entire country in two weeks so you need to go for quality rather than quantity. Your starting point can be the great city of Sydney that regularly tops “The World’s Best” lists. Sydney is a city of a laid-back vibe with superb restaurants and plenty of family-friendly activities, the best of which include family surf lessons, a coastal walk from Bondi Beach toward Coogee, and climbing over the Harbour Bridge.
Situated only a three-hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay is a fantastic destination famous for having the world’s whitest sand beach. Jervis Bay is a perfect weekend getaway with stretches of powder-soft sand, snorkelling spots, secluded picnic spots, and awesome surf places. For more memorable activities that your whole family will love, make sure you don’t miss Jervis Bay Wild’s whale watching tours and dolphin eco cruises. To make sure you have time to see all the beauties, Jervis Bay accommodation will meet all the needs of your family and offer you a perfect home away from home!
If you want to prolong your stay even more, visit the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only two hours from Sydney, where you can book a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, or the Scenic Skyway, a see-through bottom sky tram offering stunning views of the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and the Jamison Valley.
Prioritise
It’s one thing having your “must-see” list of priorities in Australia, but it’s a whole different thing trying to make it all happen when you’re travelling with teens or small children. Depending on the age of your children, your travelling dynamics will vary. Guided tours are very popular since your guide handles all the details while you can immerse yourself completely into the sights and locations.
The downside of many tours is that they often have age restrictions and don’t welcome younger kids. One way around this rule is booking a private tour experience. It may cost you more but you can invite a few friends and extended family members to accompany you making it more affordable.
Other options would include Australian cruises that are very family-friendly and offer onboard child care. Or, you may decide to be completely independent and take a road trip by yourselves tailoring your trip to your specific preferences.
The great and beautiful country of Australia is waiting for you and your family! Don’t be intimidated by its vastness and diversity. All it takes is some clever planning and organization, and you’ll be quickly enjoying your unforgettable trip in the land of Down Under. Hopefully, the tips listed here will help you make the best vacation plan and make the most of your visit.