Don’t let the kids have all the fun, you can enjoy your family holiday too! Need to get away? Want to take the kids, but can’t bear the thought of organising it all? Not to mention all the packing, and then the long face they pull when you all pile into the car. With almost three months worth of Australian school holidays each and every year, you’re bound to be planning a trip with the kids.
And if they’re not yet at school, make the most of it and get away while you still can. You only need to see a child’s face light up when they’re spending time with their family, to understand the important role quality time together plays.
48% of us always travel with our kids, according to recent surveys by TakeABreak.com.au. And, did you know, you can even take your pets away with you too.
What are the Options?
As the range of accommodation types varies, so do the particular facilities on offer. Some places ‘accommodate’ children, while others are truly child-friendly, providing high chairs, porta-cots, baby monitors, plastic cups and plates, games and books for the whole family. Always make contact well in advance to determine exactly what the specific arrangements are, that way you avoid disappointment.
Whether it’s a short weekend away or an extended trip… ensuring you have the right ‘equipment’ to keep the children entertained is the best way for you to enjoy your holiday too!
Generally children are happy to join the family in a bush walk or hanging out by the pool, but if you want to get some ‘adult’ time as well, then perhaps somewhere with a kids club or child-minding facilities may be a better choice.
Book Well in Advance
With many more holiday properties now specifically catering to the family friendly market it’s much easier to find somewhere suitable to take the kids. Not only is family friendly accommodation a growing niche, but operators are realizing that people with kids want to be invited back, so they generally take good care of places they stay.
Along with a growing supply, is even faster growing demand, as more and more people realize they can take their kids on holiday with them, and still have fun too, you’ll need to book early for school holiday dates.
Check it Out
Whilst a range of family friendly holiday properties are available, it pays to contact the operator to check on the range of facilities that they offer (are they just tolerant of children, or do they really welcome them and cater specifically for them too?). What do you need to bring in the way of bedding, meal dishes and cutlery, high chair, baby monitor and toys?
A quick conversation will determine whether the property is truly ‘family friendly’ or if they are simply tolerant and would really prefer your children did not stay.
Take Care and Beware
We all have slip, slop, slap drilled into us by now and are fully aware of the responsibility that we have to our children in the heat of the summer months. Don’t forget that a long car trip has its responsibilities too.
For your own sake, as well as theirs, make the car comfortable for your kids. Take their favourite toy, ensure they have a bottle of water and plenty of healthy snacks, a blanket and perhaps a pillow too, plan in advance for nap time (if they still have one), take precautions against car sickness and make sure they visit the bathroom before you leave on a big trip.
When traveling long distances don’t forget to stop for frequent breaks for snacks, bathroom breaks and exercise (a local park is always a good place to stop), and don’t leave them in a hot or locked car as they will quickly suffer from the effects of heat.
Got that sorted? Now don’t forget to pack the same comforts for yourself!
Where to Stay?
The following are a sample family friendly places across Australia found online:
Australian Capital Territory
Gungahlin Homestay Bed and Breakfast
Gungahlin ($90-100/night)
13kms to the north of the city, with easy access to all popular tourist attractions. You are sure of a warm welcome and modern clean facilities including an ensuite and Foxtel. AAAT Four star rating. Full breakfast included in the tariff! Great value!
New South Wales
Ashton HouseNorth Sydney ( $170-250/night )
The house is set in a cul de sac - 7 minutes from the CBD by car - Bus stop 300 meters away - 5 minutes from hospital - coffee shops - restaurants and shopping mall - 10 minutes from Balmoral beach (a non-surf beach) with it's beautiful esplanade.
Banjo's House
Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest ($750-1300/week)
Banjo's house is situated on a water front reserve over looking the North Arm Cove Bay.This stunningly appointed retreat, is self-contained 3 bedroom, offering spacious accomodation for a family, or couples. Accomodating up to 8 adults.
Northern Territory
Erldunda Station B & B
Erldunda ( $80-120/night )
Situated on a 1200sq mile working cattle station 200 km south of Alice Springs on the main highway to Uluru(Ayres Rock)
Queensland
Currumbin Hillside Holiday Home "Katta"
Currumbin ( $215-450/night )
This stunning and ultra modern holiday home has been lovingly & architecturally designed to create comfort for any holiday maker. Surrounded by a gorgeous bush setting with sensational views from Currumbin to Surfers.
South Australia
Island Breeze
Vivonne Bay ( $125-165/night )
Island Breeze, new modern self contained Holiday home at Vivonne bay. Highly recommended by all tour operators. See "SPECIALS" from May - August. Feed the wallabies and the local wildlife from the deck. Fish from the jetty, or the beach.
Dream Weaver Houseboat
Mannum ( $57-133/person per night )
Luxury houseboat, launched in July 2004. The latest in open plan design with living area not only across the front, but all one side of the boat. Pamper yourself in the jacuzzi on the top deck or in the private spa for two in the main bathroom.
Tasmania
350 on Argyle
Apartment 3, North Hobart ( $150-210/night )
This self contained apartment is part of a Heritage listed property very close to the renowned North Hobart Restaurant area, a short distance to Salamanca, the waterfront, Mount Wellington, the Botanicial Gardens and Hobart's Sports Facilities.
Victoria
Country Wide Cottages
Villa, Lorne ( $120-170/night )
Try out our lovely three bedroom Villa. Indulge in one of our in-house massage and winter pamper packages. Surrounded by bushland, birds and kangaroos abound! Central to the Otways, Lorne, galleries, berry farms and wineries. Pets Welcome!
Lavender Hill Retreat
Daylesford ( $150-200/night )
2 to 14 Guests...Once you book you have exclusive use & privacy...Treat yourself to a Spa Country getaway with some great extravagances...kick back, relax & take in the fresh air & Wombat forest views from the outdoor Hot Jacuzzi Spa.
Western Australia
Cable Beachside Resort
Broome ( $130-270/night )
Situated 400 metres from fabulous Cable Beach, 16 very spacious fully S/C 1, 2 & 3-bedrooom apartments. Own carport and laundry. Walk to restaurants.
TakeABreak.com.au lists a fantastic range of many different types of accommodation, right across Australia (everything from holiday houses to houseboats. For more places that are family friendly, Australia-wide go to
Take a Break - Family Holidays, where you can search by region and locality, by type of accommodation and by holiday dates.
This article is an excerpt from an article published on TakeABreak.com.au which lists a wide range of family friendly accommodation Australia wide at
Take a Break