Australian winter wonderland: 6 trips even the kids will love

But it’s not just about the outdoors. The largest regional art gallery in Australia – Home of The Arts – just opened, the shopping is world-class at massive outdoor shopping centres like Pacific Fair, and you’ll find some of Australia’s most innovative restaurants and cafes. Take the kids to enjoy a theatre performance show or attend a workshop.

Stay in a chic surf hotel like QT, Surfers Paradise and explore from there. Oh, and don’t forget the theme parks – Wet’n’Wild, Dream World and more.

Get amongst it in Adelaide

Adelaide is overflowing with culture, flavours, events and entertainment the whole family will obsess over.

Take the kids out for the day at Glenelg, Brighton or any one of our metropolitan beaches or visit Australia’s oldest chocolate making company, Haigh’s. Or, check out Kangaroo Island on a Personal Group Tour complete with a local guide, hotel pick-up and drop off.

For accommodation, stay at the Stamford Grand Hotel, Adelaide. It’s within steps of Glenelg Jetty and beach, plus offers family getaway packages with free in-room movies and free meals for children 12 years and younger.

Embrace Victoria’s high country

Stay on a working farm in Victoria’s high country, where the kids can roam, feed chickens and pat sheep.

Book a farm stay near the alpine village of Bright at Riverbend Homestead, with views over the surrounding mountains and a wood burner fireplace to keep you toasty. Go and ski Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, two of Australia’s best ski resorts located close by, then return to the animals in the evening.

You’re also right next door to the picturesque town of Bright – full of restaurants and cafes, as well as outdoor activities, like mountain biking, hiking and horse riding.

Chase an endless summer in Cairns, QLD

Winter’s the time to visit Cairns — Winner of Wotif’s 2021 Aussie Town of the Year — with both the air and water rarely dipping below the mid-20s.

It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with nearly 100 operators on hand to take you out each day to snorkel, fish, dive or sight-see. Or, to visit close-in islands (like Fitzroy Island) for the day.

Stay in the city centre at new family hotel Crystalbrook Riley, and explore Cairns’ cosmopolitan restaurant and café scene. Take day trips from here, go white water rafting 15 minutes out of town on the Barron River, relax amongst the coconut trees at trendy Palm Cove 30 minutes north, or go chasing waterfalls and waterholes on the Atherton Tablelands.

Experience the world’s oldest culture in Kakadu, NT

It’s only three hours’ drive from Darwin to Australia’s largest national park – Kakadu – with plenty for the whole family to enjoy in winter (the state’s Dry Season).

If you’re looking for a stay the little ones will go crazy from stay in Jabiru, at its a crocodile-shaped hotel Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Or if scaly stays aren’t your jam, try a national park stay like Cooinda Lodge.

There are also loads of bookable activities the whole family will adore. Take a boat cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, wetlands that are home to a third of all Australia’s bird species, as well as monster salt-water crocs. Travel back through time exploring over 5000 Aboriginal rock art sites. Or, take a scenic flight to see waterfalls, then find a natural plunge pool to cool down in the middle of the wilderness.

Australia is a beautiful country to explore. For a holiday the whole family will love – it’s time to Wotif it. With great deals on a range of accommodation, for your kid-approved getaway plus you can book flights and car hire too. Visit Wotif.com.

Important note regarding COVID-19 and Travel: Before booking, travellers should consult the latest government restrictions for the area in which they wish to travel. Travellers should be mindful that government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between booking and travel.