Best Travel Time:

Queensland is warm and sunny almost year-round. The busiest season is summer, so you’re best off taking the family during the September holidays when it’s quieter and the sun isn’t so intense.

Getting there:

Flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Gold Coast airport are regular and cheap, starting from as little as $80 per person one way including checked luggage. From Brisbane it’s just a 1 hour drive south to the Gold Coast.

Getting around:

From the airport, you can pick up a hire car, catch a taxi or use the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle. We’d recommend hiring a car so you can fully explore the Gold Coast region.

Choose accommodation in Surfers Paradise for the beach and the main tourist strip within walking distance. With a hire car you can explore the many beaches along the Gold Coast at your leisure and carry the body boards and floaties without a worry.

Accommodation:

3-star family apartments in Surfers Paradise start at around $150 per room per night. Book early, as rooms fill up fast and become more expensive closer to school holidays.

Meals

The Gold Coast is famous as a foodies paradise, with countless Asian, seafood and pub-style restaurants. As there’s so much competition, prices are affordable with meals easy to find around $15-$20 each.

Getting there:

Carnival cruises depart from Circular Quay. This can be easily accessed by public transport or taxi, with drop off points or short term parking available if you’re getting a lift from friends or family.

Best Travel Time:

Cruises depart year-round. There is a higher chance of storms in our summer months so April to November is ideal.

Accommodation:

Based on inside quad share cabin.

Getting around:

Everything you need is provided right onboard. At each destination, your ship will either dock or anchor and carry passengers to shore by small boats.

Meals

All included in your fare. A cover charge applies to specialty dining, snacks and some drinks

Best Travel Time:

Depends on chosen location. Generally camping weather is best just before or just after summer. Take the family on a camping trip during the Easter or September holidays.

Getting there:

Hire a campervan from major cities around Australia. This sample holiday uses the Cruisin Seeker on a trip through New South Wales

Accommodation:

The Cruisin Seeker contains two double beds and its own kitchen. Stay at camp sites for access to toilet and shower facilities. There are other brands such as Britz and Maui also containing a shower and toilet are also available from Discovery Campervans.

Powered sites are available at most caravan parks and range from approximately $40-$70 per night for a family of four. A Britz campervan hire includes 10% discount for powered sites at Big4 Parks.

Getting around:

You can jump straight out of bed and on the road in your own campervan. Pick up a map or follow one of our suggested itineraries.

Meals

With your own kitchenette including fridge and pantry, you can prepare meals just like at home. Stock up at grocery stores in major towns. But don’t miss the chance to experience local lifestyles along the road with the occasional meal out at a family-friendly pub or restaurant.

Best Travel Time:

The Australian ski season runs from early June to early October. Peak snowfall is usually during July and August, so the winter break is perfectly timed for a family snow trip! Perisher is the largest and one of the most popular resorts in Australia.

Getting there:

Overnight parking in Perisher resort areas is limited, so leave the car at Bullocks Flat (just outside of Jindabyne) and catch the Skitube up the mountain. There’s two ways to get to Jindabyne – drive 5.5-6 hours from Sydney via Canberra, or fly to Canberra and catch a coach to Bullock’s Flat. For families, it’s easiest to drive your own car to Jindabyne.

Getting around:

Catch the local shuttle bus to Bullocks Flat and take the Skitube Alpine Railway up to the ski fields each morning. Once you’re on the mountain, take a chairlift up to the top of the run and you’re ready to go!

Accommodation:

Resorts on the snow are limited, expensive and sell out quickly. Most families choose to stay in Jindabyne and catch the Skitube up to the snow each day. There’s plenty of options from self-contained townhouses to hotel rooms.

Meals

Rest stops and restaurants are found at the bottom and top of major ski runs all over the mountain. The ski school program includes lunch for kids, and can cater to any special dietary requirements. In Jindabyne, there are many restaurants and pubs to choose from.

Best Travel Time:

Temperatures are warm year round, with the wet season between November and April. The driest and mildest weather is from June to August, so we recommend you take your tropical Fiji holiday during the winter school holidays.

Getting there:

We have used a package price that included flights accommodation and transfers.

Accommodation:

Features pool views and located just steps away from large swimming pool.

Getting around:

Plantation Island Resort is set on 553 acres on the stunning Malolo Lailai Island, just 16 kilometres offshore west from Nadi. Utilising 23 acres of this island paradise, the resort rests on a pristine stretch of beach fronting the lush lagoon and surrounded by exotic gardens.

Meals

Kids eat free included in this package.