Keen to get away this summer, but don’t know where to go? Thankfully we’re blessed with literally hundreds of diverse holiday options in Australia, from the beaches and BBQ areas of our coastlines to the rainforest retreats in our hinterland ranges. Best of all, there are plenty of places where family fun is the order of the day — along with some relaxing pit stops for mum and dad, too.
The Apple Isle
Tasmania boasts some of the most picturesque heritage-listed landscapes in our fair country, and its idyllic townships and cities make for a truly relaxing holiday.
If you’re up for a road trip you can park your car on the Spirit of Tasmania, a ferry that departs from Melbourne and lands in Devonport in the state’s north. From there you can visit the larger cities of Hobart and Launceston, or meander through the smaller communities to take in the sights.
For adventure-seekers there are all types of activities on offer, from hiking to hot air ballooning to hang gliding, or you can take a leaf out of Princess Mary’s book and stick to shopping: the Salamanca Markets in Hobart — where you can pick up fresh local produce, hand-made trinkets and cute toys — are one of the princess’s fave haunts.
The Whitsundays
This North-Queensland haven of 74 islands is truly a tropical paradise. This is where turquoise-coloured water laps white-sand beaches, and sun-lovers lounge by the water for days on end. The most famous islands in the Whitsundays are Hayman, Hamilton and Daydream Island; all three have served as the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most scenic movies, including the Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey romantic comedy, Fools Good, which was filmed in Hamilton Island.
You can plan your Whitsundays vacation to suit your family and your budget, as there are resorts and packages available to cater to every taste and lifestyle. Whether it’s lazy days by the pool with a stack of books or an adrenalin-packed week of water sports and action that you’re after, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Whitsundays.
Phillip Island
Located around 140km — or two hours’ drive — south east of Melbourne, Phillip Island is the home of the world famous Penguin Parade. The Phillip Island penguin parade occurs at dusk each evening, when hundreds of Phillip Island fairy penguins march to shore on Summerland Beach, returning home after a long day of foraging for food out at sea.
It’s a magnificent sight to behold, but Phillip Island has more going for it than penguins. The quaint coastal community has an array of activities, attractions and events for families to enjoy, making the island the ideal location to enjoy with your family.
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