15 best school holiday travel ideas for families
If only there were awesome family-friendly travel booking platforms ... hang on, there are!
School holidays are here so you're probably looking for a holiday escape the whole family can enjoy.
However, picking holiday destinations and activities can be tricky. How do you know what’s available and what activities the kids might enjoy? Fortunately, help - and great holiday activities - are just a few clicks away.
With school holidays literally on the doorstep, we’ve checked out the top holiday booking platforms in Australia to see what's on offer and identified those kid-friendly adventures, frequently booked and highly rated by parents. Whether you're looking to do something in your home town or you’re about to jump on a plane, these awesome activities will entertain the kids, without breaking the bank.
So sit back, relax and read on, your holiday starts now…
Best family activities in Sydney
Taronga Zoo Entry and Return Ferry Combo, $70, Experience Oz
Taronga Zoo continues to be a much-loved kid (and adult) destination, whether you're traveling to Sydney or have lived there all your life. I personally have seen the seal show about 15 times - my daughter loved it and it was one of our favourite outings. Overlooking beautiful Sydney Harbour, the zoo is an-all day affair with over 4,000 animals to see, animal shows to watch, the sky safari to ride on, and plenty of leafy green spots to enjoy a picnic. And a ferry from Circular Quay is definitely the easiest way to get there so this combo deal is not only hugely convenient but also great value. An iconic Sydney outing that simply has to be done - a few times at least!
One parent, who booked through Experience Oz had this to say, "Zoo express was a good scenic tour of the harbour going to Taronga Zoo.. Perfect fun for the whole family. Taronga Zoo was great. Children will enjoy the variety of animals. And a bonus is you can see the beautiful landscape of Sydney. Great for photo opportunity."
Sydney Aquarium, from $40.80 per person, Klook
Enjoy the magical under water world of the Sydney Aquarium, home to over 700 species, including two of the only six dugongs displayed the world over. It's easy to get to and close to many other Sydney hotspots including Madame Tussuads at Darling Harbour.
It comes highly recommended by thousands of customers, such as this one, who left an online review: "Fun for all the family... What a great day out! The sealife on show were vary varied, and the centre was larger than I expected. There was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the animals on display, and they appeared to be well treated. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys underwater creatures, big or small."
Escape Hunt Experience Sydney, $50, Klook
If your family are into puzzles and mystery solving, then you might want to consider the Escape Hunt Experience. With four escape rooms to choose from and one outdoor escape adventure, this is heaps of family fun for ages seven years and on. You'll have clues to find, puzzles to solve and challenges to complete. Located in the city with morning or afternoon tea included, it's easy and exciting entertainment.
One reviewer made the comment, "Great experience with the kids. Staff were super friendly. Booked the Head 2 Head room and went against our family which meant some great friendly rivalry. Will definitely be back!"
Blue Mountains All Inclusive Full Day Tour with Scenic World, $285, Experience Oz
Visiting the Blue Mountains is an absolute must, whether you're a tourist or Sydney local. Enjoy the scenery, the walks, devonshire teas and so much more. This all-inclusive day tour allows you to explore everything this amazing area has to offer, including a trip on the scenic railway, entry to Scenic World and enjoying awe-inspiring views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. There's also a delicious chef-prepared lunch at a mountainside hotel and a Sydney Harbour Cruise from Parramatta to take you back to Sydney.
One customer left a five-star review and had this to say about the day: "Great tour. Wonderful lunch scenic world was great. Especially the steepest railway. Bob the host was great. He managed to for a few extra lookouts in for us. Nothing was a hassle for him. Would highly recommend this tour as it includes everything for the day."
Featherdale Wildlife Park, from $26 per person, Red Balloon
This offer gives you general admission into Featherdale Wildlife Park in Western Sydney where you can get up close and personal with over 2,000 Australian native animals from more than 250 species. You can feed the kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons and see the world's largest collection of Australian bird species, say hi (from a distance!) to a salt water croc, get photographed with a wombat and much more. A great family day out!
One Red Balloon customer was very happy with the experience and left a review saying, "We had a Japanese student staying with us and we also took our granddaughter and they had an amazing time would definitely recommend Featherdale wildlife park to anyone that love to get up and close to animals."
Klook Pass Sydney, $86 per person, Klook
If you're looking to do more than one activity, a convenient and affordable way is to purchase a Klook Sydney Pass. Select two, three, four or five activities from the 15 available and your’re ready to go. Included are many best seller attractions such as Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium or Blue Mountains. Simply go online, select your activities and lock everything in from the comfort of your very own armchair.
Best family activities in Melbourne
Puffing Billy Railway, $40 per person, Klook
Explore the beautiful Dandenong Ranges (or imagine you're off to Hogwarts) on Australia's famous Puffing Billy steam engine. Sit back and relax while you feast your eyes on the surrounding rainforest and enjoy a little bit of Australian history. You definitely need to book in advance for this one - and be quick about it because tickets sell out fast.
One Klook customer left a review saying, "Totally worth the trip - about 3.5hrs total (est around 45min per train trip, you get 1hr or slightly more than enough for leisure seeing and meal at Lakeside Station)! The train riding isn't for the kids only at all, but all ages would sure enjoy it. If you love the nature and little of history (of this puffing train it was the oldest steam train in Melbourne), this is definitely for you!"
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, $34.50 each, Red Balloon
Everyone, young and old, loves LEGO so a visit to Australia's LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is the perfect family-friendly activity. Enjoy the colour wonder and thousands of LEGO bricks available to build whatever you want. Enjoy 12 attractions including interactive rides, a 4D cinema, physical play zones and even LEGO toy car racing using vehicles you've built yourself.
One parent left a review saying, "I surprised my girls with a day at Legoland. The whole experience was great, each area was a different experience. My kids enjoyed being creative. The 4D movie was a hit. The play areas were great fun."
Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium, $37.60 per person, Adrenaline
Save on the entry price to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and enjoy an underwater world complete with sting rays, nurse sharks and one of the world's largest saltwater crocodiles. Plus there are daily talks and animal feedings to experience.
A hugely popular attraction, there are thousands of positive online reviews, such as this one left by a very happy Adrenaline customer: "Fantastic value for a family adventure during the school holidays. We had family members from overseas who visited Melbourne and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience."
Luna Park Melbourne Unlimited Ride Tickets, $55 per person, Experience Oz
Thrillseekers can enjoy a fun day out at Luna Park, overlooking Melbourne's beautiful Port Phillip Bay. With unlimited rides, you can take a turn on The Great Scenic Railway, the park's oldest and most famous ride, as well as other favourites such as dodgems and the ferris wheel - there's something to suit all ages.
Best family activities on the Gold Coast
Movie World, Sea World, Wet n' Wild Gold Coast multi-day unlimited entry pass, $179 (was $189), Klook
You can't go to the Gold Coast without hitting the themes parks - as I recently discovered on our last family holiday. It can be expensive so this multi-day unlimited entry pass is a excellent way to go about it - easy, affordable and heaps of fun.
One customer wrote, "It is a very attractive deal as it contains 3 parks for 3 consecutive days where you can re-enter anytime for a very affordable price! The roller coasters at Movie World are really fun but the queue is really long, might suggest to just get the Fast Track tickets to save more time."
Another customer said, "It was fantastic and easy to use. I brought the tickets before we go so don’t have to queue up in the line. The experience was great. We did one theme park a day and it was enough for us. We absolutely loved the movie world and sea world. We had so much fun, will definitely go again."
Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint 3 Day Ticket, $141.55, Experience Oz
This awesome deal includes a visit to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck for three days of family fun and action. Enjoy thrilling rides such as Sky Voyager and Dreamworld Express, then head off for some wild and crazy water slides, and then taken in a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast skyline. So much to do over three days - the perfect plan for your next holiday.
And to top it off, Experience Oz customers who redeem their Dreamworld passes during Queensland and New South Wales school holiday periods, will receive one bonus ticket to ride pass which gives you express entry on one ride throughout the day.
TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain, $65, Klook
The perfect way for the family to enjoy the great outdoors at Tamborine Mountain. Safety equipment provided, as well as more than 100 challenges, spread over six exciting courses. A very popular activity that has already been booked by thousands of Klook customers.
One parent left an online review saying, "great fun for the family, highly recommended. Very caring and professional team to look after you while you are on the premise, while another wrote, "Very nice day trip and activity for the family. Thoroughly enjoyed it."
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, $64.95, Klook
Grab an entry ticket to this fantastic wildlife sanctuary and meet and greet Australia's colourful birdlife, see the vets hard at work in the Currumbin Hospital and glimpse a range of wildlife in the Zoological gardens. A wonderful chance to get up close and personal with our favourite Aussie animals. Thousands of people have enjoyed this attraction, many of which have written favourable reviews.
One customer said, "a nice small scale park for the children . has a tram to take us around for tired feets. also has a nice flying fox line which my children enjoyed very much. the food at the sanctuary cafe was great. we also enjoyed the lorikeets feeding, but birds claw was painful. will recommend for young children. Friday currumbin market serves delicious street food. must try!
Beginner Surf Experience in Gold Coast, $75 per person, Klook
You're never too young (or too old) to start surfing and what better way for the family to spend two hours on the Gold Coast than participating in a beginners surf lesson. Instructors will teach the basics so you'll all know how to stand up right, find your balance and (hopefully!) catch some waves.
One beginner surfer loved it and left the review, "Coaches are nice and professional! All the people can stand up on the board by the end of the class ;) that was awesome!"
I can't decide on an activity!
If you're gifting family members an activity or holiday experience but can't decide which amazing one to book, then why not give the gift of choice. Most holiday booking platforms offer gift cards, such as Experience Oz, Adrenaline, Klook and Red Balloon - so you can pick the amount you wnat to pay and let the receiver do all the decision making. An excellent gift that just keeps on giving...
So when are the school holidays for 2024?
To make your holiday booking process even easier, below are the beginning and end dates for school terms, with slight variations from state to state. However, you should always check with your own school about specific days such as the pupil-free days, which can also vary. Obviously school has pretty much broken up for the summer holidays but below are the dates for the coming year so you can get completely organised in advance:
NSW
Term 1: Thurs 1 Feb 2024 – Fri 24 Apr
Term 2: Mon 29 Apr 2024 – Fri 5 July 2024
Term 3: Mon 22 Jul 2024 – Fri 27 Sep 2024
Term 4 - Mon 14 Oct 2024 – Fri 20 Dec 2024
ACT
Term 1 – Tues 20 Jan 2024 to Fri 12 Apr 2024
Term 2 – Mon 29 Apr 2024 to Fri 5 Jul 2024
Term 3 – Tues 23 July 2024 to Fri 27 Sept 2024
Term 4 – Monday 14 Oct 2024 to Fri 17 Dec 2024
Queensland
Term 1 : Mon 22 Jan 2024 – Thurs 28 Mar 2024
Term 2: Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Fri 21 Jun 2024
Term 3: Mon 8 Jul 2024 – Fri 13 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 30 Sept 2024 – Fri 13 Dec 2024
Victoria
Term 1 : Thurs 30 Jan 2024 – Thu 28 Mar 2024
Term 2: Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Fri 28 Jun 2024
Term 3: Mon 15 Jul 2024 – Fri 20 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 7 Oct 2024 – Fri 20 Dec 2024
South Australia
Term 1: Tues 30 Jan 2024 – Thurs 28 Apr 2024
Term 2: Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Fri 28 Jun 2024
Term 3: Mon 15 Jul 2024 – Fri 20 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 7 Oct 2024 – Fri 20 Dec 2024
Western Australia
Term 1: Wed 31 Feb 2024 – Thu 28 Mar 2024
Term 2: Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Fri 28 Jun 2024
Term 3: Mon 115 Jul 2024 – Fri 20 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 7 Oct 2024 – Thu 12 Dec 2024
Tasmania
Term 1: Wed 7 Feb 20234 – Thur 11 Apr 20234
Term 2: Mon 29 April 2024 – Fri 5 Jul 2024
Term 3: Tue 23 Jul 2024 – Fri 27 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 14 Oct 2024 – Thu 19 Dec 2024
Northern Territory
Term 1: Tue 30 Jan 2024 – Fri 5 Apr 2024
Term 2: Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Fri 21 Jun 2024
More Coverage
Term 3: Tue 16 Jul 2024 – Fri 20 Sep 2024
Term 4: Mon 7 Oct 2024 – Tue 13 Dec 2024
Need to shop for the school holidays? Have a look at our list of the best suitcases you can buy for little ones. If you're heading somewhere tropical, you might want to check out our list of the best kids sunhats and the best swimming costumes. Going somewhere cold? Here is the best snow gear to keep everyone toasty and warm. Want to shop some more? Pop over to news.com.au and see what's on offer on our coupons page.
Originally published as 15 best school holiday travel ideas for families
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