No matter what you want from a vacation, Australia can offer it to you. With exciting cities and their iconic landmarks, to beautiful golden sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, to cute and friendly wildlife (at least most of it is), it is a place that will capture yours and your children’s imagination. 

It is also a pretty big place, so rather than give you a general overview, we have taken a look at four of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Australia. That should help you to plan your dream trip to the land Down Under with your family. Let us check them out!

Sydney

With more than 4.7 million residents, Sydney has the largest population in Australia. It is also the first stop on many tourist itineraries with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge two of Australia’s most famous landmarks.

• Meet Aussie Animals at Taronga Zoo

It is a ferry ride out of Sydney’s Circular Quay to find the best attraction for families in Sydney. Taronga Zoo has animals from all over the world, but it is the koalas and kangaroos that you will want to make a beeline for first. A great day out!

• Stand up Paddle Boarding at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of the world’s most iconic beaches. And while it is synonymous with surfing, you could also try it is more sedate and tranquil cousin — stand up paddle boarding. SUP is a great activity to do as a family and Bondi is a great place to do it as it is not hard to find beginner lessons and rental shops. There are so many benefits of stand up paddle boarding, as it is a great exercise.

If you want to SUP with your dog, pups are not allowed at Bondi. But, head on over to Marks park in Tamarama. Remembering to bring a life jacket for you and your four-legged friend!

• Brave the Bridge Climb

Not one for the faint of heart, the bridge climb is one of the most adventurous activities in Sydney. Children from the age of 8 can embark on a climb to the top of the bridge. Do not worry, it is safe! If you would prefer to stay grounded, you can walk across the bridge itself and enjoy views of Sydney Opera House and the city’s Luna Park. 

Melbourne

Melbourne is a little more laidback than Sydney, with its coffee culture and friendly outlook. It is the second biggest city in Australia, and it is not hard to find something to do for the family there. 

• Head to the ArtVo Trick Museum

Sometimes museums might raise an eyebrow with your kids, perhaps even a yawn. Not this one though! The ArtVo Trick Museum follows on from similar museums in Asia where you can be at the centre of a scene such as fighting a kangaroo, holding a lion by its chain, or walking across a rickety bridge. Be sure to take your camera as you will get some epic photos.

• Take a Walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria

Open during daylight hours, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria are a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With thousands of species of plants, trees, and birds, it is sure to capture the imagination of kids of all ages. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is an interactive section of the garden especially for kids. 

• Admire the Views From the Eureka Skydeck

If you liked the idea of the Bridge Climb in Sydney, you are going to love the Eureka Skydeck. You will get a birds’ eye view of the city from almost 300 metres up in the air. It is more than just a lookout point though, there are lots of interactive displays and educational activities on offer at the Skydeck. 

Brisbane

With sunshine and blue skies around for most of the year, you can plan weather-dependent activities with your family with little fear of them being rained off in the capital of Queensland. 

• Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Another way of describing Lone Pine is the largest koala sanctuary in the world. While it is not right in the city, it is well worth making the 12km detour to cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and see animals you won’t find anywhere else in their natural habitat. 

• Get Out On The River

The Brisbane River flows right through the centre of the city and is a great place to spend an afternoon. Make the most of kayaking and stand up paddle boarding together — it is especially magical at sunset! There is also a beach at Brisbane’s South Bank where you can take a swim or a ride on inflatables.

• Pig Out

Looking for a family-friendly way to enjoy the city’s nightlife scene? Not as weird as it sounds! Head to Eat Street Northshore for the Aussie take on the Asian night market. Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere is pretty great too! 

Perth

Perth is known as one of the livable cities in Australia. Surprisingly, it is one of the most isolated cities of its size in the world! That will not be on your mind, as you feel the Indian Ocean breeze though. 

• Ride Australia’s Best Rollercoaster

Adventure Land is a theme park and water park all rolled into one. It boasts rides of different sizes and degrees of terrifying so that all of the family will be kept happy. The Abyss has been voted the best rollercoaster in Australia, so why not test your bravery with a ride on that?

• Explore Rottnest Island and Meet Resident Quokkas

One of the most popular day trips from Perth is to Rottnest Island, where you will meet the unusual quokka. There is more to the island than these animals though — with bike rides and scenic beaches to chill out on!