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Family Travel: Best Destinations to Visit with Kids [Guest Post]

Having traversed the beautiful Lake Wanaka, the decadence of the Gold Coast, kid-friendly music festivals in the UK and fanciful Moroccan villas (to name a few), the Bobux family holiday series arrives once more on the sun-drenched shores of Australia.

This time, we sought advice from expert blogger and family traveller Danielle of Bubs on the Move. And before we could say Fair Dinkum, she’d provided us with this awesome list of family holiday destinations…

I haul my own three kids everywhere, with a strong belief that there is joy to be experienced in even the most ‘mundane’ of locations.

There is no doubt though that there are places that work- I mean really work with kids- due to a combination of culture, attractions, accommodation and nature.

As my career has recently ramped up again, and time taken away with my kids has become more precious than diamonds that I am evermore inclined to seek out those winning destinations for our own family holidays.

Darwin

Darwin in the Dry Season (May-September) is my happy place. I love visiting Darwin in winter because I can cast aside my woolies and embrace flowing kaftans and tropical breezes. Refreshing swims in the natural waterholes of Litchfield National Park ninety minutes south of Darwin and Berry Springs (closer to town) is what dreams are made of.

My children love Darwin because it has two free water parks, a wave pool, and croc experiences galore. Crocodylus Cove in Darwin’s CBD allows kids to feed and handle crocodiles while the Jumping Croc cruises on the Adelaide River brings families up close to wild crocodiles that leap out of the water for a feed.

Bali

flowers in bali compound

Traveling with kids is wonderful, but it can be hard work. Luckily, visiting Bali with children gives parents the opportunity to have a real holiday as well.

Many families enjoy the luxury of hiring a private villa. Our own preference is to stay at one of the luxury resorts in Seminyak or Nusa Dua to take advantage of the wonderful facilities. Kids clubs are a blessing to parents as my children thrive of the socialising and structured activity provided in them giving me some precious respite to swim, relax or heaven forbid even have a holiday nap.

The Victorian High Country

I spent my own childhood weekending in Victoria’s high country and I have fond memories of paddling in icy cold mountain creeks, fishing for trout and bush walking. They are memories that I seek to recreate with my own children.

The towns of Marysville, Jamieson and Merrijig can all act as a base for high country exploring. Trail riding outfitters will lead families into the high country on horseback for short rides, and overnight adventures.

During winter the alpine resorts of Baw Baw, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham all offer on mountain family friendly accommodation and ski packages for both inexperienced and advanced skiers.

The Great Ocean Road

beach on the great ocean road
Stretching hundreds of kilometres, the Great Ocean Road is host to numerous seaside villages.

In the Easter school holidays, the township of Anglesea hosts the Kids Adventure Outdoors Festival which allows young kids to try their hand at surfing, rock-climbing and bush cooking. My personal favourite is the village of Airey’s Inlet where you can explore the Split Point Lighthouse that featured in the series “Round the Twist”.

Despite being called the Great Ocean Road, heading inland has its perks too. The Otway Ranges offer numerous hiking opportunities and in summer visit Gentle Annies berry picking Gardens.

For those with older children - driving the entire road is an adventure in itself. Alternatively, camping or hiring a holiday house as a base facilitates simple beachside pleasures.

About the author:

For work and holidays you can often find Danielle Esler traveling with her three young children. She writes about her family travel experiences on her blog Bubs on the Move .

What are your own favourite family holiday spots? Leave a comment below…or get started on your packing list with some kids’ shoes.