Top Travel Destinations in Australia with Babies and Toddlers
Australia is a playground ready for adventure. From unique wildlife, epic outback escapes and picture-perfect beaches; family getaways don't get any better.
Traveling with kids, it is never easy but it's always worth it. If you know where to go and what to do.
Take on board these words from the wise: Do not waste your time taking the kids to places where they are too young or short to go on rides and you end up waiting in massive lines just to be turned away. Get the most out of your holiday and relax knowing that family fun for the entire family is almost guaranteed, with maybe a tantrum or two sprinkled in.
We've compiled our top destinations, some great places to stay, eat and the ultimate Playgrounds by state. Grab your bags and your family and let's go!
Victoria
From the breathtaking, rugged beauty of the coastline along the Great Ocean Road to the calm of the Gippsland Lakes and the cosmopolitan cool of Melbourne, Victoria can offer wonderful family holidays to suit all tastes and budgets.
There are many day trip options not far from Melbourne. Visit the fantastic Open Range Zoo at Werribee. Ride on the legendary Puffing Billy steam train, or swim at one of the pristine beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Plus, Kids of all ages will love a visit to Phillip Island. Follow it up with a day of boogie boarding or surfing at some of the beaches in the state.
Puffing Billy
Step into a timeless world of wonder with Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy, located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and only one-hour east of Melbourne.
Gumbuya World
Gumbuya World is the key to unlocking your cool, your loud, and your wild. The only place in Victoria with water, wildlife, and rides.
Where to stay
Kangerong Holiday Park and Rye Beachside Apartments are perfectly located opposite the beach at Dromana and Rye and within a short stroll of cafes, restaurants and the local shopping centre.
Where to eat
Presenting Melbourne’s new kid-friendly brunch bar, Upsy Daisy. It’s popped up on a corner spot, just opposite the new Booran Reserve.
Top Playgrounds
There are some epic playgrounds in Victoria. A special mention goes to ArtPlay Playground. This playground is a regular CBD pit-stop due to it's convenient location.
ACT
The state that holds our nations capital city has lakes, museums, galleries, embassies, landmarks, markets, food, shopping malls, you name it. Be it family fun, arts and culture, food and wine or outdoors and nature, Canberra will not disappoint anyone. One reason to visit the ACT is to see some of the museums, memorials, galleries and a bit of culture!
National Dinosaur Museum
Discover one of the biggest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia and get up close to the skeletons and fossils when you visit The National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra.
Yarralumla Play Station
Yarralumla Play Station provides a unique, fun, educational and engaging animal experience in a supportive and caring environment.
Questacon
At Questacon, we strive to promote greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community. Kids under 4 are FREE!
The entire Jamala experience is to stay amongst the animals.
Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s housed inside landmark nursery Rodney’s Plants Plus in Pialligo – has been a staple in Canberra’s cafe scene since 1996.
Top Playground
Boundless playground caters to different levels of ability. It is a place where children, young people and their families can play, socialise, be challenged and have lots of fun.
NSW
There’s no shortage of amazing locations to keep the kids entertained in NSW. In fact, there are fun things to do that will accommodate everyone in the family. Escape the city for themed adventure parks, game parks and wildlife centres that will keep tots, teens and parents happy and engaged the whole day long.
Jamberoo Action Park
Jamberoo Action Park will provide a truly memorable experience during your day out or multi day visit to the Illawarra region.
Whale Watching
Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia during the annual migration between May and early November.
Caterpillar Lane
Let your kids go wild in this state-of-the-art play area guaranteed to bring laughs and learning. Designed for children from 1-8 years, there are games and exercise opportunities for everybody.
Where to stay
Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rugged mountain ranges, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is 100-acre resort, boasting the only water splash park with slide in Hunter Valley.
Where to eat
The Picnic Burwood is located in the picturesque Burwood Park, and provides the perfect tranquil setting to unwind.
Top playground
Darling Quarter Playground has everything you need for a great family day out and there is an array of fun activities that promote learning and imagination for all ages.
Queensland
With an abundance of beaches, hinterland, dining, attractions and more Gold Coast accommodation is in high demand – and there’s no wonder why! When you holiday on the Gold Coast you can look forward to a modest 300 days of beautiful weather, 35 beaches, 57 kilometres of coastline, two luscious national parks, world class theme parks and a dining mecca.
Here, you’ll find experiences like nowhere else on the planet, but where the most simple moments are just as memorable.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore this iconic Gold Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Immerse yourself into the wonder and natural beauty of 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest, wandering through open animal enclosures, feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas along the way.
Beaches
From beaches with unbeatable surf conditions to calm and shallow water perfect for families, Queensland has a range of awesome beaches. Plus we have year-round sunny conditions to enjoy them all.
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Take your little eco-warriors to see sea turtles at Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg. It’s home to the largest nesting population on the Australian mainland.
Where to stay
Tallebudgera Creek is an idyllic family friendly paradise and natural playground, located in Australia’s favourite swimming spot.
Where to eat
Paddock Bakery is quite possibly the most Instagrammable cafe on the Gold Coast, Paddock Bakery melts our hearts with every visit.
Muddy's playground includes water play areas plus a flying fox, sound chimes, track ride, rope bridge, slides, play houses, story telling areas, see-saw, trick track and puzzle games.
Cairns and Port Douglas
Whether you’re hankering for a relaxing break or a wild adventure, Tropical North Queensland, where the rainforest meets the reef, is a perfect holiday haven for little adventurers. Great weather, incredible swim spots, wild adventures, a pretty-as-a-picture backdrop of jungle-clad mountains and loads of family-friendly activities all add up to a holiday the family will never forget.
Find all the best things to do in Cairns for visiting families.
Yorkys Knob Beach
Yorkeys knob beach is perfect for kids and families. There are plenty of shells to be found here and ample room to build a sandcastle.
Daintree Walks
Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is undoubtedly one of the best FREE things to do for families in Cairns.
Where to stay
Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park is adventure waterpark with six water slides, including one into the pool, playground, pedal carts and jumping pillow. .
Where to eat
Wharf One Café is an iconic waterside café situated opposite the amazing fig tree playground.Enjoy a break while the children still play or bring them in for a meal, shake or smoothie.
Top Playground
Fig Tree AKA The Tree House is conveniently located beside Wharf One cafe and wrapped around a large fig tree, this is a popular choice because of its more natural aesthetic.
Northern Territory
Everyone will love the lush tropical oasis and endless summer of Darwin, the beauty and culture of Kakadu, the adventurous Katherine or the art and outback of Alice Springs and Uluru. The Territory is one big playground.There’s plenty to learn and experience during your time in the Territory but there’s also lots of ways you can lay back and relax and let the kids have some fun.
Crocodylus Park & Zoo
It is the best place in to come face to face with the largest reptiles on the planet.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is spectacular to see, and offer incredible backdrops for the natural swimming holes. The largest waterfall in the park is Jim Jim Falls, hidden away at the end of a rocky track so reaching it always feels like a fresh discovery.
Palmerston Water Park
Water slides, splash pad, wet play area with plenty of grass, shade and BBQ's for the family to use - ALL FREE!
Cooinda Lodge is a village style property is located beneath a canopy of trees beside Yellow Water Billabong, home to world-renowned Yellow Water Cruises.
Seafood on Cullen is an absolute favourite all you can eat Darwin seafood buffet! This seafood buffet restaurant in Darwin has modern decor, large windows and a casual vibe.
Home to the Darwin Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park is one of the most popular green spaces in the CBD. Its lush green surrounds overlook the harbour creating picturesque views.
Western Australia
Snorkeling adventures, camel rides and high ropes courses are just the beginning when it comes to keeping kids in Perth busy.
No matter the time of year, there are countless activities in and around Perth that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained. Whether it’s free or cheap, adventurous or tame, indoors or outdoors – there's an activity on this list that your kids will love.
Rottness Island
Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife and a rich history. Explore the best of each season on Rottnest.
Nambung National Park
The best season to visit Nambung National Park is during September and October, when the wildflowers are blooming and vistas of wattles stretch from horizon to horizon.
Monkey Mia
Famous for its wild dolphin experience, Monkey Mia is surrounded by rusty red sand dunes, white sandy beaches and water teeming with wildlife.
Where to stay
Eco friendly Sal Salis is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Nine safari style tents occupy a remote spot overlooking the Ningaloo Reef.
Where to eat
There are A huge selection of the best pubs and restaurants around Perth and surrounds that are suitable for kids and families.
Top Playground
Bardon Park is the City of Bayswater's crown jewel when it comes to reserves, with two kids playgrounds along with fantastic wetlands and walking/cycling paths.
South Australia
The wine is world-class, the food is mouth-watering, the coastline is pristine, the Outback looks like it comes from another planet, and there are adorable Aussie animals everywhere you turn. There is something for everyone!
Umpherston Sinkhole
The beauty of the Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul has to be seen to be believed. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole.
Raptor Domain
Meet an array of birds including majestic Wedge-tailed Eagles, incredibly aerobatic Black Kites, chatty Cockatoos and many more.
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is a town in northern South Australia, 846 km north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. The town is sometimes referred to as the "opal capital of the world"
Where to stay
Wilpena Pound Resort is the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The resort includes 15 glamping tents, 60 resort-style rooms and a large campground with powered and unpowered sites. The resort caters for couples and families as well as event and group accommodation.
Rise and Grind Cafe in Clarence Park is perfect suburban gem for breakfast brunch or lunch with little tackers in tow. Plenty of room for prams in this spacious cafe (as well as a dedicated parents room), and kids will love the chairs suspended from the ceiling!
Top Playground
Mukanthi Playground- Run through the belly of a giant Red-bellied Black Snake. Peer for pirates from a Crowsnest. Search for megafauna fossils and crawl in caves. Spot kangaroos whilst defending a towering wooden fort.
Tasmania
Going on a Tasmania family holiday and want to know all the best things to do in Tasmania with kids? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best family attractions Tasmania has to plan your ultimate trip.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We’re a social enterprise: a little business with a biiiig heart.
Low Head Penguin Tours
The tours are small groups of 10-15 people at a time in order to protect the birds and make sure everyone has an experience they can remember, getting up close and personal with the penguins.
Where to stay
Of all the hotels in Hobart, none is better placed to deliver an ‘eat’, ‘play’ and ‘stay’ experience than Vibe. Situated in the heart of historical Hobart, this hotel embraces the Australian lifestyle to the full.
The best place for fish and chips in Hobart is on the waterfront. Get your order away at Mures Lower Deck for fish fingers.
Tynwald Park is a popular place for family BBQ's and picnics, it also has a children's educational bike track complete with traffic lights and road signs.
From us all here at Riff Raff, happy and safe travels x
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This is so helpful, I am starting to plan my family holiday and I will check all these places out. Thank you.