25 bucket-list Aussie experiences for families

To celebrate our 25th birthday, we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey through Australia’s diverse landscapes and experiences with 25 epic adventures.

Imagine drifting off under glittering stars on the Great Barrier Reef, sailing Sydney’s sapphire blue harbour, or being awestruck by the sea of red crabs during their annual migration on Christmas Island. These legendary Australian destinations have it all, from beauty and culture to epic experiences. These experiences will leave your family buzzing with excitement for years to come.

In NSW

Set sail on Sydney Harbour

Exploring one of the world’s most beautiful harbours by boat is a must for families. You can set out on your adventure with the iconic charm of a Sydney ferry or the luxury of a private yacht charter. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you sail across shimmering waters, passing the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. Consider making a night of it with an overnight stay onboard your private yacht for a jaw-dropping, memory-making adventure every member of your crew will love.

Big Sky Country

Narrabri offers a rare kind of magic. The region, known affectionately as ‘Big Sky’ Country is perched on the crossroads of the Newell and Kamilaroi Highways, where the golden hues of the Namoi Valley stretch as far as the eye can see, six hours northwest of Sydney. Encompassing the city of Narrabri and beyond, including Mount Kaputar National Park, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Boggabri, Narrabri is a gateway to tranquil agricultural landscapes, sprawling national parks, and a bucket load of country charm. Families love swimming in Yarrie Lake, catching dinner at Narrabri Fish Farm, exploring Mount Kaputar National Park and stargazing from the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

Read: The best things to do in Narrabri with kids

Broken Hill

Stunning scenery, starry skies and a cast of colourful characters make the frontier mining town of Broken Hill a show-stopping destination. At 13 hours from Sydney, right by South Australia’s border, you’ll feel a million miles away from the capital. Make sure you visit Silverton, an intriguing real-life ghost town, along with some of NSW’s most remarkable national parks, including Mutawintji National Park, Kinchega National Park and the Living Desert State Park – the site of the Sculpture Symposium.

Keep reading:

• 17 must-visit NSW holiday destinations
• The Best Family Resorts in Australia

Mount Kosciuszko National Park

Mount Kosciuszko is the tallest mountain in Australia. Home to Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort, it promises unforgettable winter adventures and epic summer fun. Families can hike through wildflower meadows to lakes and waterfalls, cast a line in streams and rivers teeming with trout and cod, take on a network of mountain biking trails at Perisher and Thredbo, or explore mountain trails on horseback. For families wanting to try skiing, Charlotte Pass, Perisher’s Smiggin Holes and Thredbo’s Friday Flat are perfect for families getting started, while pros can tackle the terrain at Thredbo’s Dead Horse Gap or North Perisher. Mount Kosciuszko also offers snowshoeing, tobogganing and cross-country skiing.

Bathurst

Just three hours west of Sydney, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland settlement and it transforms into a magical winter playground in the cooler months. In July, the heritage heart of Bathurst comes alive with the Bathurst Winter Festival, featuring ice skating, illuminations, delicious food, market stalls, and a festive atmosphere filled with laughter and delightful treats. Bathurst has a range of warm and cosy family-friendly accommodations, top-notch dining and plenty of attractions, many of which are free. A haven for racing enthusiasts, fans can explore motorsport history at the National Motor Racing Museum, and drive around the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.

Bathurst also offers cultural treasures in its museums and historic sites. The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum features Australia’s only complete T-Rex skeleton, fossilised dinosaur eggs, and a vast mineral collection, while The Bathurst Rail Museum delves into local history. The splendid rural city is also the gateway to natural wonders. Follow the Bridle Track to historic Hill End, take the two-hour Buurree Walking Trail through scenic woodland near the historic gold mining town of Wattle Flat, or enjoy horseback adventures in the scenic O’Connell Valley.

In QLD

K’Gari

As the largest sand island in the world and the only place where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes, K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is a paradise for families seeking adventure. The island, which has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, boasts stunning natural wonders best explored by 4WD. If you don’t have your own, 4WD tours are available, stopping at all the top sites, including 75 Mile Beach, lush rainforests, towering sand dunes, Eli Creek and Lake McKenzie, a clear freshwater lake that is the perfect place for the little ones to play. Stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort for gorgeous accommodation, first-class facilities and the Junior Eco Rangers program, where kids can engage in fun, educational activities such as scavenger hunts, campfires, and night-time marine walks on weekends and daily during Queensland school holidays.

Read: 17 things to do on K’Gari with kids

Explore the town of 1770 in an amphibious vehicle

Embark on an unparalleled adventure that combines natural beauty, history and excitement. 1770 LARC Tours, conducted on amphibious vehicles, provide an immersive experience of the pristine coastline and vibrant marine life of the Southern Great Barrier Reef region. Utilising amphibious vehicles, known as LARCs, visitors will explore both land and sea, which makes for a thrilling journey through this picturesque area.

The tours explore 27 kilometres of untouched coastline around Bustard Bay and Round Hill Creek, situated on the coast of the Coral Sea, near the Town of 1770. The amphibious tour vehicles cross four pristine waterways and travel along deserted stretches of sandy beaches. Guests are treated to a unique perspective of the region, with highlights such as the towering Bustard Head Lighthouse, diverse bird species, and potential encounters with dolphins and turtles. For those seeking adventure, some tours also offer sandboarding down the area’s massive dunes.

Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy sun-soaked days and starlit nights on Reefsleep, a pontoon floating in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef that invites guests (over six years) to stay overnight in sleeping pods on deck. The experience starts when the day trippers depart, with snorkelling, swimming and guided dive experiences. After encounters with some of the 500 fish species, 134 varieties of sharks and rays, 30 marine mammal species, and six species of marine turtles that inhabit this area, freshen up for canapes and dinner. Then it’s time to hop in your pod to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea.

Charleville

Head into the Outback in Queensland and visit Charleville, well known for its outback hospitality. Start at the Charleville Visitor Information Centre which is also home to The Bilby Experience. Explore the Bilby nocturnal house and get up close to these endangered marsupials – a wonderful experience for families with children to learn about the conservation efforts being made to keep these beloved creatures from extinction.

Embark on a celestial adventure at  Charleville Cosmos Observatory. You can explore interactive exhibits at the observatory, learn about the stars, and look through telescopes. Daytime sun viewing sessions are perfect for families with younger children. Enlist now to discover Charleville’s biggest secret at the WWII Secret base. Families can step back in time and discover what 3500 US Air Force soldiers endured in the Outback during WWII, either on the tag-a-long tour or through the interactive exhibits.

Families can also discover the heroes of the outback, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) at their base which houses a flying simulator. A must-do is a stroll along the Warrego River Walk, keeping an eye out for local birdlife as you soak in the beauty of the outback landscape and step back in time at the beautifully preserved Charleville Historic House Museum, where families can discover the history of Charleville through displays of local artifacts and stories.

In ACT

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers families a luxurious retreat within the National Zoo & Aquarium, where modern amenities meet bespoke African decor. With three distinct five-star accommodation precincts, guests enjoy up-close encounters with captivating wildlife, from giraffes strolling past their windows to sharks swimming beside king-sized beds. Exclusive experiences include feeding resident giraffes from private Treehouse suite balconies and enjoying sumptuous high teas, gourmet dinners and guided aquarium tours. With funds supporting conservation efforts, Jamala promises unforgettable moments and unparalleled hospitality, ensuring every stay contributes to the preservation of endangered species and the expansion of the zoo.

In VIC

The Great Ocean Road

Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Great Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal route famed for its stunning scenery, iconic surf spots and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or exploring historic sites, this destination offers something for everyone

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

For sports-loving families, catching a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Victoria is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s cricket during the summer or Australian Rules football in the winter, the MCG offers thrilling matches and an electrifying atmosphere. Beyond spectating, visitors can explore the stadium’s rich history with guided tours, visit the National Sports Museum to delve into Australia’s sporting heritage, and pay homage to one of cricket’s greatest legends by visiting the statue of Sir Donald Bradman, situated out the front of the legendary stadium.

Follow the Silo Art Trail

Turn your road trip into a mural-inspired scavenger hunt along the Silo Art Trail through Victoria’s Wimmera/Mallee region. Explore the trail to spot enormous murals painted on towering grain silos transformed into colossal canvases in tiny towns. See if you can find the grumpy-looking sheepdog in Rupanyup or a kookaburra perched on a rainbow in Brim and soak up the rural charm of Victoria as you explore the small towns spread through the region.

Meander along the Murray

Cruise back in time aboard a classic paddle steamer on Victoria’s Murray River. Set sail from the historic port town of Echuca, home to the largest paddle-steamer fleet in the country, to chug along the mighty Murray, surrounded by serene bushland and towering river red gums. With friendly guides and plenty of sights to see, the kids will love visiting waterside wineries and farm gates as they soak up the rich riverboat heritage with expert guides.

Australia wide

Cruise ahoy

What could be better than exploring Australia’s stunning coastline on a cruise? No packing and unpacking at every new destination, with all-inclusive meals and entertainment to simplify the holiday budget and a variety of itineraries, from short getaways to longer voyages that explore the best sights along the entire coastline. Among the most kid-friendly cruise lines touring Australia are Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, with fleets offering world-class amenities and endless entertainment options, not to mention water slides, pools, rock climbing walls, and activities galore. For something truly special, Disney Wonder offers all that as well as bringing the beloved Disney experience, with its characters, shows, exceptional children’s programming, and magical atmosphere, to Australian shores.

Choo choo train

Kids and trains are a match made in horn-tooting adventure, where every journey becomes an epic ride as they chug through mountains and past lush forests and their Thomas the Tank Engine fantasies come to life. From short day trips to epic overnighters, why not ditch the car to see Australia in style and comfort on one of these legendary train rides?

• The Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth
• The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide
• The Great Southern: Adelaide to Brisbane
• Kuranda Scenic Railway: Tropical North Queensland
• Puffing Billy Railway: Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
• The Spirit of Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns

Read: The world’s 13 greatest rail journeys for families

In SA

Discover Adelaide

They don’t call it RADelaide for nothing! It might be known as the city of churches, but Adelaide boasts some seriously cool cred. It’s got a fantastic festival scene, with events like the Adelaide Festival and Fringe attracting performers and audiences from around the world. It’s also a city of thrills. Eagle Mountain Bike Park boasts 21 kilometres of exciting mountain bike trails, a jumps park, and extreme challenges. If you’re seeking loftier thrills, the West Beach Adventure Park offers 70 sky-high challenges guaranteed to get your heart racing. Test your limits as you climb, swing and crawl through the aerial labyrinth, with activities like tennis in the sky and rowing a boat mid-air. If you’re after more aerial fun, the RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval will have you clambering across the rooftop of the Western Stand before navigating to the Riverbank platform, 50 metres over the Oval’s hallowed turf. Howzat for rad?

Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is perfect for adventurous families. This unique destination offers a range of experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Home to some of the planet’s most sensational and scary wildlife experiences, you can enjoy close encounters of the koala kind at Mikkira Station and shark cage diving with great whites in Port Lincoln (best left to the big kids, however, over fives can take the Aqua Sub to view the toothsome beasts).

For a calmer encounter, join a glass-bottom boat tour to watch mesmerising giant cuttlefish going about their business – a spectacle exclusive to these waters. Or kayak over crystal-clear waters, keeping an eye out for friendly dolphins and seals. And don’t miss the towering Big Galah on the Eyre Highway. It might not be the real thing, but the iconic eight-metre-tall statue is worth a photo stop. After all the wild and wonderful adventures, kick back at Jump Ship Brewing in Port Lincoln, where local flavours and family-friendly vibes celebrate the spirit of the region.

Kangaroo Island

An untouched paradise just off the southern coastline of South Australia, secret beaches, wild animal encounters, pristine wilderness, and weird and wonderful landscapes are just a few reasons why Kangaroo Island should be at the top of your travel list. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, visitors can encounter native animals in their natural habitat, from the exhilarating experience of swimming with wild dolphins to observing majestic sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park. At Raptor Domain, get up close with native birds, while Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park provides opportunities to interact with koalas, echidnas, wallabies, little penguins, emus, and, of course, the island’s namesake roos. But it’s not all feathered, furry and flippered fun here. Marvel at the Remarkable Rocks, surreal rock formations resembling sculptures, and visit Admirals Arch, accessible via a scenic boardwalk from Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. The island also boasts some of Australia’s most photogenic beaches and bays, including the vividly blue Vivonne Bay. And thrilling activities such as sandboarding at Little Sahara or kayaking along the Harriet River only add to its charm.

SeaLink operates daily passenger and vehicle ferries departing Cape Jervis, so BYO car, or hire one when you arrive in Penneshaw, as self-driving is the best way to explore the island’s 500 kilometres of glorious coastline and 4,500 kilometres of interior.

In Tasmania

Star gaze in Tasmania

Tasmania’s dark skies are a stargazer’s paradise, with areas of low-light pollution showcasing a dazzling, jaw-dropping panorama of stars. The true spectacle, though, is the chance to catch the Aurora Australis, the celestial counterpart to the Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights). Head south for the best views, such as Cockle Creek or secluded beaches near Hobart. Aim for clear, crisp nights around the equinoxes (March and September), when the aurora is most active. With patience and a touch of luck, you might catch a celestial light show that will paint the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky with vibrant colour

In Western Australia

Ningaloo

With an estimated 30,000 humpbacks passing by annually on their way north to feed and breed off the Kimberley Coast, the Exmouth Gulf on the Ningaloo Coast is something of a whale superhighway. But there’s more to this remote stretch of paradise than humpbacks. The small resort town of Exmouth, about a 13-hour drive from Perth, promises sun, sand and swimming with some seriously big fish… whale sharks. There are a number of ethical operators offering safe full-day tours on the Ningaloo Reef for all ages to tick off a bucket list item and swim with a whale shark.

Broome

Embark on an enchanting adventure in Broome, Western Australia, where ancient traditions blend with natural beauty. Four-wheel-drive along the golden shores of Cable Beach, beneath a sky painted in hues of crimson and gold. Indulge in the town’s fresh seafood delights, explore its rich pearling history, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage. Head to Gantheaume Point, just a short distance from Cable Beach, at low tide to stand in the exceptionally large, fossilised footprints of the sauropods, ornithopods, and stegosaurus – dinosaurs that roamed here more than 120 million years ago.

Read: 24 things to do in Broome with kids

In the NT

Tiwi Islands

Journey to the Tiwi Islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin with SeaLink. In this vibrant archipelago – where the Arafura and Timor Seas meet – discover art and culture, and a fierce love for Aussie Rules football. Made up of two main islands, Bathurst and Melville, along with nine small, uninhabited islands, the personality packed Tiwi Islands are home to a thriving Indigenous community. Families can enjoy a taste of their creative spirit at one of the many art centres or book a tour with a local guide to explore the island’s stunning landscapes, which mirror its colourful art – think emerald rainforests, stark white clay cliffs, sapphire blue waters, fiery red beaches – all topped off with sunsets that are a blaze of orange.

Road trip from Darwin to Uluru

Stop one: Darwin

Begin your journey Darwin. Enjoy the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, explore Indigenous art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, take a deep dive with crocs at Crocosaurus Cove and enjoy interactive touchscreen portals, decommissioned equipment, and an immersive VR experience on a tour of Darwin’s Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Stop two: Litchfield National Park

A 1.5-hour drive from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, and swimming holes. Start your adventure with a refreshing swim and a picnic amidst lush tropical scenery.

Stop three: Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park)

Located about 320 kilometres south of Darwin is Katherine Gorge. Take a cruise or kayak through the stunning gorges carved by the Katherine River to appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder.

Stop four: Mataranka Thermal Pools

Just south of Katherine, these crystal-clear thermal pools provide a safe, croc-free spot for a refreshing dip.

Stop five: Daly Waters Pub

This iconic outback pub, located along the Stuart Highway, is a quirky stop full of character and history. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal and experience genuine outback hospitality.

Stop six: Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

A sacred site for the local Warumungu people, giant granite boulders are scattered across a wide valley and offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Stop seven: Alice Springs

Upon reaching Alice Springs, take some time to explore this vibrant town. Alice Springs Desert Park is a great place for kids to learn about Central Australia’s diversity of life and Earth Sanctuary is an innovative eco-tourism attraction offering both day and night tours of the outback for families. Don’t miss a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility to learn more about the important work they do.

Stop eight: Tnorala (Gosse Bluff)

Marvel at Tnorala, also known as Gosse Bluff, a massive crater formed more than 130 million years ago by the impact of a comet. Trek around the rim of the crater of this geological marvel shaped by cosmic forces.

Stop nine: Kings Canyon

Spend the night at Kings Canyon Resort to immerse your family in the natural beauty of Central Australia and wake fresh for the three-hour walk around the rim of the canyon in the morning. There’s also a one-hour Kings Creek Walk on the floor of the canyon for little legs.

Stop 10: Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Explore timeless wonders in this extraordinary National Park. Trek around the base of Uluru by camel or bikes, unleash creativity at Maruku Arts and answer the call of Kata Tjuta’s mesmerising Valley of the Winds. When night falls, marvel at Field of Light Uluru and the epic Wintjiri Wiru drone and light show, or go old school, stargazing with Outback Sky Journeys Astro Tours.

Christmas Island

Christmas Island offers something a little different from the usual tropical getaway. This Australian gem, located in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rugged coastline marked by towering cliffs and pristine beaches that lead to untouched coral reefs. Families can forge their own adventures along nature trails that wind through the island’s heart, leading to hidden waterfalls, gushing blowholes and lush jungle grottos. But the main event? The annual crab migration, when millions of red crabs make their grand journey from the forests to the coast, turning the island crimson during the wet season, from October to December.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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