Bucket list family holidays that won't break the bank

Are we there yet? becomes 'wow, we're here!' It's all natural (and cost effective), baby. Incredible beaches, native wildlife and tropical adventures await.

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Are we there yet? becomes 'wow, we're here!' It's all natural (and cost effective), baby. Incredible beaches, native wildlife and tropical adventures await.

The good news is most kids don’t care about ritzy hotels. As long as there’s plenty of fun stuff to do and see within a stone’s throw of your destination, a tent, campfire and marshmallows on a stick are the only other requirements for an unforgettable family holiday.

Behold, the Australian bucket list guide for kids that won’t break the bank.

The coast with the mostThere’s a reason Queensland’s Gold Coast is a perennial Australian family favourite. The list of iconic theme parks, including Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World and Wet’N’Wild, is as long as your sun-kissed arm. Even better, the Coast’s other big draw cards for kids – white sandy beaches and warm water – are free! Make the most of your trip by staying on the more laidback, picturesque NSW North Coast so you’re close to both the Goldy excitement machine and the lush coastal towns of Byron Bay and beyond and enjoy the affordable accommodation at Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff.

The Red CentreA trip to the country’s heart should feature on every Australian’s bucket list, including kids. Not only does the Northern Territory offer an authentic outback experience, there are activities galore for the little ones, and the whole family can gain a new appreciation for the history of Aboriginal Australians – the world’s oldest civilisation. Alice Springs makes a perfect base to explore the region, with gorgeous desert landscapes, outback waterholes, animal sanctuaries, quad bike adventures and Aboriginal rock art just a few of the surrounding treasures. Then, of course, there’s Uluru – one of the world’s great natural wonders – just half a day’s drive away. Base yourself at the Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park and plan day-trips accordingly.

The Great Barrier ReefThe 2300-kilometre Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and another obvious bucket list addition – particularly since it’s threatened by climate change. What’s there to see, ask the little ones? Oh, not much – just 1600-odd species of fish, 30 species of whales and dolphins, 130 species of sharks and rays, and six species of turtles… you get the idea. Cairns makes a great base to explore the Reef and the nearby World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest. Good luck prying the snorkels off the kids at the end of your trip. First City Caravilla in Cairns is perfect for families.

Go WestA cool fact to get the kids jazzed on a Western Australia holiday: WA is the second-largest country subdivision in the world, only surpassed by Russia’s gigantic Sakha Republic! With that in mind, it’s tough deciding exactly where to plant your flag. Perth and surrounds covers all bases, from beautiful beaches, to bushland and quokkas; the Coral Coast waaay up north is paradise on Earth where you can swim with whale sharks; while the stunning south-west offers beaches, bike trails and canoeing aplenty (and world-class Margaret River wine for mum/dad). If you choose to stay down south (because we know we sold you on the wine), use Gracetown Holiday Park as your adventure base.

The Great Ocean RoadNo Australian bucket list is complete without a quintessential coastal road-trip, and Victoria’s raw Great Ocean Road has affordable kid-friendly highlights in spades. Rainforest walks, surf beaches, captivating scenery (hello, 12 Apostles), native wildlife experiences… whatever your munchkins desire can be found along this dramatic 243-kilometre stretch. The only hard part is deciding what to cram into the itinerary. Start at Anglesea Family Caravan Park and see where the coast takes you.

Take your little tigers (or devils) to TasmaniaWho needs a New Zealand or Patagonia trip – you’ll find similar “overseas” dreamscapes right here in Australia! Tassie is famed for its outdoor and wilderness activities. Almost 20 per cent of the state is World Heritage-listed, and adventurous kids can hike, kayak, mountain bike down mountains, go rafting or learn to abseil among gorgeous scenery around the island. Less intense highlights for families include visits to Hobart’s bustling Salamanca Market and Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, a day-trip to Port Arthur and encounters with the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian Devil. Discovery Parks – Hobart is the perfect adventure base.

A breath of fresh EyreSouth Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is rugged with a capital R. Its windswept coast, dramatic cliffs and, erm, rather large ocean inhabitants make for one of Australia’s great wilderness regions – and a perfect family road-trip destination. Start in Adelaide at Moana Beach Tourist Park, then head to Port Lincoln and follow the coast towards Streaky Bay, spending quality family time at beaches, sand dunes and 4x4 tracks with nary another soul in sight. Ensure to make a date with the Peninsula’s famous aquatic residents. Tour operators offer up-close experiences with sea lions, dolphins, giant cuttlefish, whales and (gulp) sharks. You go first.