Eleven of Australia’s best kid-and-adult-friendly holiday locations.

Your next family trip, sorted.

I’ve been travelling with my kids since they were little. Sometimes it’s just a weekend getaway down the coast and sometimes it’s an overseas adventure that has been months in the planning.

After taking our family here, there and everywhere I can safely say I have a soft spot for home – home being Australia. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful and diverse country and we have so many amazing travel experiences literally waiting at our doorstep.

Here are some of the top holiday destinations for families around Australia (unfortunately I couldn’t name them all, because the list is huge, but these are some of our favourites).

So pack your bags, make sure you have a reliable set of wheels, and off you go.

1. South Coast/Jervis Bay (NSW).

If you think you have to travel to the Whitsundays or the Pacific Islands to see white sand then clearly no one has told you the secrets of the NSW South Coast and Jervis Bay.

There are gorgeous little townships in Huskisson and Vincentia and plenty of caravan parks and beaches to keep the whole family entertained. A definite holiday must-see, and as long as you have a comfy family car, it’s a short and easy road trip from Sydney.

2. Cape Range National Park in the Ningaloo Marine Park (WA).

What a stunning part of our coastline. Educational for everyone, a stunning reef to explore and some much needed serenity. If you’re on the western side of the range you basically have THE best point in Australia to watch the sun setting over the beach. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable visit to WA.

3. Darwin/Kakadu (NT).

The northern points of the country offer so much history, amazing scenery and, of course, plenty of crocs. In and around Darwin you will find plenty of water parks for the kids to cool down (safely).

There are also awesome outdoor cinemas, historic drives and explorations through national parks.

4. Uluru (NT).

I couldn’t write this list and not include, arguably, the most iconic natural icon of our country. A visit to Uluru gives families a chance to learn about our wonderful nation and the history of Aboriginal Australians. Kids are able to make dot paintings and hear the traditional stories of the Indigenous people.

The area surrounding Uluru also offers unique experiences with native flora and fauna as well.

5. Coober Pedy (SA).

Underground hotels, opal mines and museums and the dog fence are just some of the unique opportunities and sites available for families to witness during a stay at Cooper Pedy.

The uniquely Australian opportunities available here should see it shoot up as a priority for your next family holiday.

6. Gold Coast (QLD).

Theme parks, beaches and Surfers Paradise. This one’s a no-brainer really.

7. Cradle Mountain (Tas).

Situated in Lake St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain offers one of the most picturesque inland landscapes you can find in our country. There’s gorgeous lodge accommodation and amazing hikes and walking trails for all fitness levels. A great unique Australian family holiday.

8. Whitsundays (QLD).

Have to admit this was a toss-up between Port Douglas/The Daintree and the Whitsundays, but after a recent trip to Daydream Island my vote goes to the Whitsundays. Island activities, Whitehaven Beach and The Great Barrier Reef just a boat ride away. It has something for everyone.

8. Great Ocean Road (Vic).

No family holiday history is complete without a damn good road trip – and the Great Ocean Road is probably the best one you could choose. Check out the 12 Apostles (or what’s left of them) and see the amazing coastline that Victoria has to offer.

We promise the kids won’t be watching the iPads on this trip – they’ll be too busy looking out the windows in awe.

10. Canberra (ACT).

The War Memorial, Parliament House, Questacon, Cockington Green and the AIS are just some of the great sites you can take the family to in Canberra.

Canberra is also very car-friendly, which parents will appreciate. Just be sure to pack a jumper…

11. Jindabyne/Mount Kosciusko (NSW).

It is winter holidays after all. Maybe Australia doesn’t offer snowfields like our overseas counterparts, but we do try our best with what we have.

Take the kids for some ski or snowboarding lessons and then settle in for a warm drink in front of the fire at a lodge. Bliss.

Have you been to any of these destinations? How was your experience?

We know you want more, so here are some more snaps from the above holidays:

Want more? Try these:

Why my family fears holidays (and why I took one anyway and got stranded in Bali).

“We took our kids out of school for a year-long ‘holiday’.”