1. Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is a must-visit city for families looking for a blend of urban adventure and natural beauty. As one of the best places to visit in Australia, Sydney offers a perfect combination of beaches, parks, museums, and iconic landmarks.
Start your family holiday by visiting the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge — not just for the views, but also for the many photo opportunities. Right nearby, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Garden, which has plenty of space for kids to run around while enjoying scenic views of the harbour.
The Taronga Zoo is one of the best Australia destinations with kids, housing animals from all over the world with a strong focus on conservation. A ride on the Sky Safari Cable Car offers amazing aerial views of the zoo and Sydney Harbour — a hit with kids and parents alike.
Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach also have shallow areas and playgrounds, making them ideal for safe swimming and sandcastle building. Don’t forget to include SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour, which captivates young visitors with its glass tunnels and shark exhibits.
Sydney seamlessly blends educational and fun experiences, making it one of the top picks for family holidays in Australia.
2. Gold Coast, Queensland
For thrill-seeking families, the Gold Coast is an unbeatable choice. Renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and exhilarating theme parks, it’s one of the most exciting Australia destinations with kids.
Start your adventure at Dreamworld, Australia’s biggest theme park, with a wide range of rides, a zoo, and the ABC Kids World for younger children. Next door, WhiteWater World offers water rides perfect for cooling off in the Queensland heat. If your family enjoys marine animals, Sea World Gold Coast provides not only entertaining shows but also hands-on encounters with dolphins and penguins.
Beyond the theme parks, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more relaxed but equally fascinating experience. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle a koala, and ride a mini train through the lush grounds.
When it’s time to unwind, head to Surfers Paradise Beach where the waves are gentle and patrolled for safety, ideal for family swimming. The Gold Coast also has scenic hinterlands such as Springbrook National Park, one of the Australia scenic spots for kids, with walking trails and waterfalls that little explorers will love.
With so much to do, the Gold Coast is the ultimate hub for family holidays in Australia.
3. Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne is a cultural hub that offers a sophisticated yet playful vibe for families. With its variety of museums, interactive exhibits, and nature experiences, Melbourne easily ranks among the best places to visit in Australia with kids.
The Melbourne Zoo is home to over 300 animal species and features a delightful butterfly house and orangutan sanctuary. The Melbourne Museum offers the Children’s Gallery — a hands-on play space designed especially for young learners. Just across the road, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens provide a great picnic area after your museum visit.
For science lovers, Scienceworks Museum is a must-see, with its interactive displays, planetarium shows, and experiments that kids can try out themselves.
If you’re after a scenic getaway, take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road. This coastal route is one of the top Australia scenic spots for kids, offering stunning views of the Twelve Apostles, kid-friendly beaches, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like koalas and kangaroos in the wild.
With its mix of education and recreation, Melbourne offers memorable experiences for family holidays in Australia.
4. Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
No list of Australia destinations with kids would be complete without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef, and Cairns is the perfect gateway for exploring this natural wonder with your family.
Families can start at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a free public swimming area that’s safe, clean, and great for all ages. There’s also a huge playground and parklands ideal for picnicking. For more interactive fun, visit the Cairns Aquarium, which offers an up-close view of the marine life found in the reef.
Taking a family-friendly snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour to the reef is a must-do. Companies like Quicksilver offer guided trips specifically geared toward kids and beginners. Even non-swimmers can enjoy the vibrant coral and fish through semi-submersible vessels.
If your family prefers rainforest adventures, Kuranda Village and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provide panoramic views of tropical landscapes. The Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park are both engaging and educational for children.
For nature lovers, Cairns is truly one of the best places to visit in Australia with kids.
5. Tasmania – Hobart and Surrounds
Tasmania is often overlooked, but it’s a treasure trove of outdoor adventure and learning opportunities. With clean air, untouched nature, and a relaxed vibe, Hobart and its surroundings are perfect for family holidays in Australia.
Start your Tasmanian adventure at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where kids can meet native animals like Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas. The hands-on feeding sessions and knowledgeable staff make the visit unforgettable.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart features interactive exhibits specifically designed for young visitors, and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a serene spot for a relaxed afternoon.
Drive out to Mount Field National Park, where families can enjoy easy walks to stunning waterfalls like Russell Falls — a true gem among Australia scenic spots for kids. Another popular destination is Bruny Island, known for its beaches, wildlife, and lighthouse views.
If your children are curious about history, a visit to Port Arthur Historic Site provides insights into Australia’s colonial past in an engaging, family-friendly format.
Tasmania offers a mix of learning, nature, and exploration, all in one laid-back island experience.
6. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
As the capital city, Canberra offers a unique blend of national significance and family-friendly attractions. It’s one of the top Australia destinations with kids due to its compact size, cleanliness, and engaging museums.
A visit to Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is essential. With over 200 hands-on exhibits, this science museum is specifically designed for children and curious minds of all ages. From earthquake simulators to robot shows, there’s something for every interest.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is another top family attraction. It’s the only combined zoo and aquarium in Australia and offers interactive animal experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours for kids.
Don’t miss the Australian War Memorial, which offers interactive displays tailored for young visitors, helping them understand Australia’s history in a meaningful way. Families can also enjoy Lake Burley Griffin’s bike paths and boat hire options, great for a sunny afternoon.
With its educational focus and outdoor spaces, Canberra is an ideal destination for enriching family holidays in Australia.
7. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is an extraordinary destination that promises close encounters with wildlife, unspoiled beaches, and epic nature trails — perfect for adventurous families.
Begin your exploration at Seal Bay Conservation Park, where kids can walk alongside Australian sea lions with a park ranger. It’s a rare experience that combines fun and environmental education. Then head to Flinders Chase National Park, home to the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where you can spot New Zealand fur seals playing among the rocks.
Children will also love visiting Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where they can feed kangaroos, hold koalas, and learn about native Australian species.
The island’s beaches — like Vivonne Bay and Emu Bay — are some of the most beautiful and secluded in the country. These tranquil settings are ideal for safe paddling, sandcastle building, and spotting dolphins from the shore.
Kangaroo Island truly stands out as one of the best places to visit in Australia for families who love the outdoors.
8. Perth and Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Perth, with its laid-back lifestyle and sunshine, offers numerous child-friendly activities, especially when paired with a trip to Rottnest Island — famous for its adorable quokkas.
Start your visit at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which offers one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Kids will love the playgrounds and tree-top walks, while parents enjoy spectacular views of the city.
The Scitech Discovery Centre is a top pick among Perth’s indoor attractions, filled with interactive science exhibits and a planetarium that sparks curiosity in young minds.
Just a ferry ride away, Rottnest Island is one of the most unique Australia destinations with kids. The island has no cars, so families can bike around safely while discovering beaches, wildlife, and of course, taking selfies with the friendly quokkas. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and safe swimming.
Perth and Rottnest Island make a great combo for both learning and leisure — a winning formula for family holidays in Australia.
9. The Whitsundays, Queensland
For a tropical escape, the Whitsunday Islands offer turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and exciting marine adventures. It’s a perfect setting for both relaxation and exploration with kids.
The highlight is Whitehaven Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Families can explore this breathtaking location via boat tours that include picnic stops and gentle snorkeling sessions. For those new to marine life, glass-bottom boats or semi-submersibles are great alternatives.
On Hamilton Island, kids can enjoy wildlife parks, mini-golf, and even buggy rides around the island. The family-friendly resorts provide amenities like kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and pools.
This area is part of the Great Barrier Reef, so snorkeling excursions and reef education are often tailored for young audiences. These experiences not only provide fun but also help kids appreciate ocean conservation.
The Whitsundays rank among the best places to visit in Australia for families who want a mix of beach time and marine exploration.
10. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory
For a unique cultural and natural experience, Uluru is unlike anywhere else in Australia. Located in the heart of the Red Centre, this massive sandstone monolith is a spiritual and educational destination ideal for older children and teens.
Begin with a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where kids can learn about Aboriginal history, stories, and artwork. Take a guided tour around the base of Uluru, where many guides share Dreamtime stories that spark imagination and cultural respect.
Families can also explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) — a group of large rock formations nearby, offering scenic walks and photo opportunities. The Field of Light installation by artist Bruce Munro is another magical experience that mesmerizes kids with thousands of solar-powered lights illuminating the desert at night.
Though remote, Uluru provides an unforgettable adventure and is a top pick among Australia scenic spots for kids, offering a deeper connection to the land and its traditions.
