AUSTRALIA: FAMILY HOLIDAYS
Getting ‘down’ with the kids
School summer holidays coincide with Australia’s low-season. Send them north and it will still be warm, while everywhere the range of family-friendly activities is impressive, says Julie Baxter
between and one thing’s for sure – a trip down under has enduring appeal for families of all ages. And last Christmas my three teenagers begged us to swap turkey and Brussels sprouts for king prawns and BBQs. When your client has young children, the first challenge is to persuade them they can cope with the flight. With stopovers increasingly affordable and onboard games, programmes and kids’ packs all designed to keep little ones happy, that shouldn’t be a huge issue.
I VALUE
Next comes the question of costs, a hurdle you can overcome effortlessly as Australia really is tops when it comes to family value. Children are eligible for concessions on accommodation, tours, airfares, bus, rail and train travel and entry
70 March 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
first travelled to Australia on a family holiday when my oldest daughter was just six months old. We’ve been back a few times in
fees. And attractions such as zoos, aquariums and theme parks often sell family passes, giving discounted entry for two adults and two children. Savings over the standard rates can, in fact, be substantial for families. Start looking for accommodation,
activities and holiday styles and Australia
offer a family stay with a difference. Motorhomes are also a safe, fun and cost-effective family-friendly option. Families can park up at campsites, which are generally in beautiful locations with good facilities. Dining out in family restaurants doesn’t usually break the bank either. Children’s
Great beaches, wide-open spaces, fun theme parks, amazing animals
becomes an easy sell for families. Great beaches – many of which are patrolled to make them safe for children – wide-open spaces, fun theme parks and all those amazing animals to interact with. In fact, wherever you are in Oz, there is always plenty to see and do.
Family or inter-connecting rooms are widely available, motels are reasonably priced or farmstays and houseboats can
favourites such as pizza, pasta and hamburgers are everywhere and local cafes, markets and large Asian food halls offer further low-cost variety.
CHOICE As they start to flesh out their itinerary plans, the choice for families is spectacular. Kids love the beach and as many popular Australian beaches are
patrolled, they are safe for children. But beyond the seashore the range and quality of family-friendly visitor attractions is second to none. Top of the list for most families will be the chance to meet Australia’s unique wildlife. Rainbow lorikeets, koalas, kangaroos, penguins, emus and crocodiles are all part of the animal line-up down under, and then there are echidna, Tassie Devils, wombats and possums. These are readily accessible pretty much wherever the family is based and specific tours or visitor attractions help organise up-close interactions for those who prefer the more structured approach. Dolphin cruises are a favourite and
whale watching is a great seasonal option. Animal interactions can start at the country's zoos: there’s Taronga Zoo, in Sydney; while Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Open Range Zoo at Werribee are all in Victoria. Highlights in Queensland are the Cairns Tropical Zoo/Cairns Night Zoo,
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