Similar to a particular eye colour, hair texture or specific talent, a passion for travel and shared experiences is often passed down to our children. Navigating these logistical hurdles is all part of the adventure when traveling with kids. From finding activities that entertain both a three-year-old and a thirteen-year-old to navigating age restrictions on certain activities and accommodation options, the journey becomes a blend of excitement and challenge.
Fortunately, we’ve assembled a cheat sheet outlining the best places around Australia to take your kids at each age. Whether you are experiencing private island vistas in the Great Barrier Reef or on a yacht taking in the grandeur of coastal Australian outback, there is no need to compromise on quality or luxury, no matter who’s in your travelling party.
Infants + Toddlers (0-4)
Private Island Stays
An island paradise cradled by the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef and outlined by seven miles (11 kilometres) of immaculate coastline primed for exploration. Orpheus Island is the perfect location for those seeking a pristine tropical getaway, and ideal for those with infants or toddlers in toe.
Boat cruises to the neighbouring reef for an exploration of dive sites both above and below aquamarine seas, try your hand at fishing or indulge in a gourmet picnic on a private beach accompanied by the sound of gentle waves. Parents can take turns at the on-site spa or strap the baby in for island exploration and a gentle walk barefoot through white sand beaches.
Elementary School (5-10)
Melbourne & Surrounds Private Day Tours
Curated and tailored to your interests, passions and preferences, Localing Melbourne offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the most popular sites in the city and surrounds. Perfect for elementary school-aged kids with shorter attention spans, explore the colour, sounds and flavours of Melbourne’s eclectic alleyways, exploring on foot and from the backseat of a luxury vehicle to ensure your little ball of energy rests happily at the end of the day.
With tours tailored specifically for kids, involving wildlife encounters in the rolling hills of the Victorian countryside combined with opportunities for learning, you’ll come away feeling inspired, awed and, most importantly, like you won’t have to wrestle an unhappy five-year-old into their pyjamas come bedtime. To complete your trip to Melbourne, reside in United Places Hotel Botanic Gardens and enjoy ample space for the entire family and sprawling views of the urban parklands in a boutique sanctuary.
Tweens (11-13)
Outback Adventure
In the shadow of majestic Mount Mulligan, and sitting on nearly 70,000 acres (28,000 hectares) of eucalyptus-rich outback terrain, lies the adventurous Mount Mulligan Lodge. The Lodge welcomes children of all ages, and is a working cattle station with activities focussed on experiencing the landscape, wildlife and unique heritage of the region. You can explore the surrounding bushland on tailored ATV tours through red dirt, past picturesque waterways and eucalyptus forests to learn about the land or embark on station tours and explorations to the old township mine and cemetery.
For tween-aged kids, they can enjoy bespoke junior ranger tours to discover the wonders of the outback. Learn about animal tracks, bush medicine, feed barramundi and meet the unique wildlife and diverse flora that call the Queensland outback home.
Teenagers (14-17)
Adrenalin Adventure
A once-in-a-lifetime experience through the ruggedly beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales alongside a two-time Guinness World Record holder, James Castrission. Following numerous expeditions across some of the most gruelling landscapes; whether it be as the first kayaker to cross the Tasman Sea unassisted or the first-ever unassisted polar crossing journey to the South Pole, James’ unmatched knowledge and life experiences make him an inspiration for both parents and kids alike.
For teenagers, this challenging venture through lush rainforests and rocky escarpments is designed to challenge and push you past your limits, tightening your connection to the land and each other. Alongside James you will hike, abseil, canyon and climb through eucalyptus forests, across waterfalls and cliff faces in the crisp mountain air.
Come the end of the day, retire to the newly opened Capella Sydney; a haven of artistic expression and sumptuous comfort designed to indulge guests with luxurious accommodation, world-class cuisine, and cultural immersion in the heart of lively Sydney.
College/University (18-21)
The Wildside
Free-spirited adventures taking you through some of the most wildly beautiful parts of South Australia, Australian Coastal Safaris is iconic for its hands-on touring experiences and enthusiastic guides. Perfect for young adults ready to explore the raw, rugged and adventurous side of the southern state, whether you are dancing across sand hills or indulging in fresh oysters at the country’s famed Coffin Bay Oyster Farm, soak in salty sea air and the unbeatable Aussie beach lifestyle on a single or multi-day tour. You’ll also enjoy remarkable wildlife encounters, peerless fishing and the fabulous seafood that makes Eyre Peninsula so treasured by Aussies.
Graduates (22+)
Kimberley Coastline Expedition
A panorama of rugged cliff faces, coastal gorges, and majestic waterfalls, the Kimberley stands as one of Australia’s last great frontiers to the untouched Australian outback. Embark on an odyssey of epic proportions through this ancient land as you navigate labyrinthine waterways past cliff faces and natural wilderness on the beautiful custom explorer yacht, AKIKO. Synonymous with five-star experiences in the Kimberley region, AKIKO offers a range of awe-inspiring ventures that simply are not available elsewhere. As the perfect base, experience more of the region through private helicopter tours and land excursions.
Perfect for parents and young adults alike, the yacht is designed for exploration, adventure and long-range cruising, boasting exceptional expedition capabilities to navigate the thrilling waterways and reefs, with an experienced crew on hand to pass on expert destination knowledge to charter guests.
