Quality time with family is what truly creates lasting memories during a holiday. As the school break approaches, parents have a wonderful opportunity to plan a six-week escape filled with fun and relaxation. The challenge lies in deciding how to spend this time: will you indulge in a luxurious getaway or opt for a budget-friendly retreat? Are you yearning for sun-soaked beaches, or are you tempted to explore the beauty of Australia’s inland regions?
No matter your family’s preferences, Australia offers a plethora of stunning holiday destinations. To ensure this school break is unforgettable, here’s your guide to selecting a vacation that delights both the children and adults alike.
Classic Coastal Escapes
You can’t beat a traditional Australian beach holiday. Children can expend energy swimming and playing in the sand while parents enjoy some well-deserved relaxation under an umbrella, engrossed in a good book. Evenings are made complete with fish and chips for dinner, followed by a generous serving of ice cream in a waffle cone.
A mere 90-minute drive from Sydney lies the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, an ideal beachfront retreat that offers luxurious accommodations just steps from the sand. This convenience allows families to maximize their relaxation time and minimize travel stress.
Indulge in Luxury
After a busy year, everyone deserves a little pampering. Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, known as Australia’s spa and natural hot springs capital, is the perfect destination to unwind.
To truly indulge, consider a stay at the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, where luxury is paramount. The hotel features the Aurora Spa and Bathhouse, complete with a sauna, magnesium reflexology pools, a salt healing room, and a unique Mountain Glacial Mist cabin. After a day of relaxation, enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant, Audrey’s, which is led by renowned chef Scott Pickett.
Your teenagers will appreciate the downtime by the pool, while spacious two-bedroom apartments ensure the entire family can relax comfortably together.
Embark on a Family Road Trip
A quintessential Australian experience is the family road trip. Load up the car, visit some quirky Big Things along the way (cheesy family photos are a must), and stop for a meat pie as you journey toward one of the country’s fantastic regional hotspots.
The Hunter Valley is a standout destination. While it boasts numerous wineries for adults, the region also offers a wealth of activities for children at the Hunter Valley Gardens, including the enchanting Christmas Lights Spectacular open from November to January.
Consider staying at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, a picturesque 70-acre manor where children can enjoy feeding animals, roasting marshmallows by the fire, playing tennis, and swimming in the indoor heated pool.
Keep It Simple and Local
Memorable family holidays don’t always require elaborate plans; sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. If you’re based in Melbourne, consider the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. This family-friendly accommodation provides spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a 20-meter heated indoor pool, along with a buffet breakfast that fuels the family for the day. Best of all, kids can stay and eat for free, ensuring everyone leaves with smiles.
When it comes to activities, catch a game at GMHBA Stadium, the home of the Geelong Cats, ride the giant Ferris wheel, stroll along the vibrant foreshore, ignite your child’s creativity at the local arts center, or stay in for a cozy night of board games. Because no family holiday—big or small—is complete without a little fun at home.
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