Exploring Down Under with the family

We are often asked if Australia is a good place for a family holiday. The answer is a resounding yes, for so many reasons but the main being that it really does offer a true sense of adventure. It is an enviable place to visit and for you and your children, let’s admit it, is has some kudos to say you are going on holiday to Australia.

We are well versed in travelling with Calpol/erm we mean children and know just the places to see and visit and that will keep all of you intrigued and entertained in good measure. For us the trick lies in what you do, where you go and for how long. Traipsing around cities is often not the most interesting pastime for kids (or adults) and careful planning of activity and downtime is the key.

We like to mix fabulous experiences with relaxation. We highly recommend, where possible staying in the many apartments or villas that we know, giving you a generally bigger place to return to at the end of day with separate rooms and lounge areas, some even with pools.

Our ultimate family self-drive holiday would include a 3 night stay in Sydney, eating out in local Asian restaurants at night and taking part in some great activities during the day. Some can climb the Harbour Bridge but the views are almost as good from the Pylon Lookout and less strenuous. Add a half day bike tour, a 3-hour boat trip on the Hawkesbury River mailboat, a day surfing and swimming on Manly beach with a great ferry ride to get there and a swim in the Olympic sized pool under the Sydney harbour Bridge and we think you will have had a blast in Sydney. And we have forgotten the Opera House, a helicopter ride over the city line and a trip to Bondi Beach.

Next port of call is the Blue Mountains, easy to get to by car, giving you the freedom to get up there with utterly stunning landscapes and good short walls on your doorstep. Be sure to visit the Jenolan Caves, all of you will love this place too.

Heading down from the Blue Mountains to Jervis Bay, your are now in relax mode for a few days, the beaches here are up there with the best in the world, stay in the family tent at the Paperbark Camp, you will remember this treat for the rest of your lives and enjoy the likes of Hyams, Murrays and Scottish Rocks beaches.  Simply stunning and you could chill out here for weeks. But temptation is not far way and you are now driving in Kangaroo aplenty land, to Batemans Bay, a lovely beach town in close proximity to incredible beaches like Pebbly beach with its famous Kangaroo population (you can get very very close to them here) and the hidden away Depot Beach. If you fancy it we can book you are simple lodge on the beach itself.  On the way down for the hikers divert off and climb Pigeon House Mountain.

Then it’s a short hop to Canberra, the country’s capital, where you can have a look at the Parliament building before flying to Alice Springs where you can visit the fascinating Flying Doctor Service and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The next day pick up your 4x4 and drive the Mereenie Loop, seeing a part of Australia few seldom visit, the mighty outback scenery and a brilliant adventure in itself stopping at Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru. This is a wonderful experience and one we thoroughly recommend. Be sure to get an Aboriginal tour whilst you are here to bring this very historical and sacred place to life.

If time and weather permits finish you trip on the Great Barrier Reef, many head to Port Douglas, where we can offer fabulous apartments and villas. Aside from a day trip snorkelling on the reef, there is the Kuranda Railway and the great fun Skyrail, offering incredible views. You must also try the Sky surfing in the Daintree rainforest.

You will see that the example itinerary really shows that we know what we are talking about. We are proud of our knowledge of Australia and no-one lese will recommend this trip to you. It combines all the essential ingredients for a truly brilliant, memorable Australian family holiday.  Give our specialist a call now to plan you next family adventure to Australia.