Family Travel magazine #10 (Spring 2020)

Issue 10 - Spring 2020

Spectacular Spring Destinations for Families

Motorhomes + Street Art + Solo Parent Travel + Queensland

BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park, Victoria

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WELCOME

Let’s hope that spring this year brings a transformation to more than just the physical environment.

Given how quickly travel restrictions have been changing, in this issue of Family Travel I’ve chosen stories that share ideas and inspiration for holidays around Australia over the next few months.

areas in South East Queensland for families with kids of all ages. There are tips for your first motorhome trip, a rundown of the best holiday parks, and where to go to see some of the best mural art in regional Australia.

I think you’ll be surprised by some of the places I’ve included in my spectacular spring destinations story. Sue White gives us tips for travelling as a solo parent in a post COVID-19 world. Tiana Templeman has the low down on the best

Cheers, Janeece

Stay safe and happy holiday planning!

Janeece Keller Publisher, Family Travel

This publication is supported by the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas Jninstitute.org

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SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND ADVENTURES FOR EVERY AGE

All the way from the Sunshine Coast to the NSW border is paradise for families. Local mum and professional travel writer Tiana shares her picks of where to go with kids of all ages.

Image: KennySmith-TEQ

TIANA TEMPLEMAN

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Image: Jesse Lindemann-TEQ

Enjoying a family friendly getaway in South East Queensland is child’s play. Think fun for them, a little luxury for you and loads of activities to keep everyone entertained. With plenty of great things to see and do, you’ll find adventures to suit every age and budget in Brisbane and beyond.

Noosa National Park

NATURALLY NOOSA WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS

Noosa’s self-contained accommodation has plenty of space to spread out and is perfect for preparing and enjoying Noosa’s superb produce. Shop for freshly baked goods and browse the stalls at Eumundi Markets or stock up on local cheeses, breads, meats, and more at Providore on Hastings.

Staying somewhere central makes for a stress free holiday, with everything you need within easy reach. Seahaven Noosa Resort has such superb ocean views that it’s tempting to dine in, but there are also plenty of child-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby. If you don’t have your heart set on a beach view, Mantra French Quarter is an upmarket yet affordable haven where colourful lorikeets perch on the balconies each morning, adding a splash of colour to breakfast.

The pram-friendly Noosa National Park Coastal Track is perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll, with a pre- or post-walk coffee or a fresh juice at a beachside café at the start of the walk on Hastings Street. Keep an eye out for koalas overhead and dolphins in the sparkling ocean below or take the stairs down to Little Cove and paddle in the crystal clear waters or search for sea creatures in the rock pools. Ikatan Day Spa, a Balinese-inspired haven located in a subtropical rainforest, is the 5

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Image: John Bowden-TEQ

Shop for freshly baked goods and browse the stalls at Eumundi Markets

GET ACTIVE ON MORETON ISLAND

Grab your bucket and spade and your sense of adventure and explore one of the biggest ‘sandcastles’ your kids have ever seen. It’s hard to believe Moreton Island is just 75 minutes from Brisbane, with the ferry terminal located 10 minutes from Brisbane Airport by taxi. This natural wonderland is home to the world’s highest coastal dune – Mount

Tempest – which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Grab a piece of waxed masonite board and zoom down the towering sand dune on a Desert Safari Tour which visits the Moreton Island Desert, one kilometre south east of Tangalooma Resort.

You can also sign up to feed the pod of wild dolphins which have been visiting the Tangalooma Island Resort jetty since the 70s. Just before sunset each evening people wade into the tranquil waters of Moreton Bay where they’re coached by marine biologists – ‘hold your herring like an ice-cream cone’ - while dolphins wait patiently in the shallows.

Watching from the jetty as the Moreton Island

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Image: Jamie MacFadyen TEQ and Tourism Australia

perfect spot to indulge in a little me-time. A Balinese massage which includes light stretching and pressure point massage followed by a post-treatment glass of bubbly in a serene gazebo is the perfect pick-me up for parents.

South Bank Lagoon

BEST BRISBANE GETAWAYS

Image: Tourism Events QLD

Brisbane combines the genuine friendliness of a country town with big-city attractions, world-class museums, and great accommodation.

Whether your kids love animals, art, adventure, or simply running around, the Queensland capital offers plenty of fun.

BABIES & TODDLERS Hit the beach at South Bank’s lagoon which has palm trees overhanging a white sandy beach and a fun hands-on water play area for under fives.

Nearby, check out the Gallery of Modern Art’s fantastic children’s art space and the Queensland Museum’s outdoor dinosaur garden. Relax on the balcony while your little ones have a nap at Mantra South Bank or the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane.

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dolphins hunt, swim and play with each other makes for some wonderful photos.

Camping or staying at Tangalooma Island Resort for a few days gives you the chance to fully experience Moreton Island.

Resort guests can sign up for complimentary activities such as archery, badminton or croquet or discover Moreton Bay’s marine life on a snorkelling tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks. This is great for young children as the snorkel boat has a set of steps instead of a ladder, making it easy for them to get in and out of the water.

Image: Tiana Templeman Tex Templeman at iFLY Gold Coast

SURFERS PARADISE IS A TEENAGE DREAM

Surfers Paradise is filled with tourist attractions that have parents shaking their heads, wondering what they would really be like, while their teens beg to go inside. However, the old saying ‘don’t knock it until you’ve tried it’ has never been so true. Go indoor skydiving at iFLY Gold Coast or visit the world’s largest Timezone filled with 5,000 sqm of games, rides, and things that go ‘bing’,

and you’ll discover just how much fun it can be travelling with teens.

Plus Surfers Paradise is home to one of Queensland’s most famous beaches where you can swim, learn to surf or snap a selfie under the Surfers Paradise sign.

Plenty of non-beach-related action can be found around Cavill Avenue and the Cavill Mall, a pedestrian-only precinct lined with restaurants, fast food outlets, shops, and entertainment options.

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PRIMARY-SCHOOLERS Take a CityCat ride along the Brisbane River with a stop at New Farm Park where kids can clamber on the huge fortresslike playground winding through mighty Moreton Bay fig trees. Ride Australia’s oldest handoperated lift to the top of City Hall or meet the animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Capri

by Fraser Brisbane is located in the heart of the city and features Spin & Play, a kid-friendly guest lounge with a Foosball table, Xbox Kinect, beanbags, big screen TV and adjoining guest laundry.

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Whether you’re on a budget or not, enjoying takeaway at a picnic table overlooking the beach is hard to beat. Zip around sand bars on the Broadwater with Jetboat Extreme or swap the beach for the clouds on Australia’s highest external building walk atop the Gold Coast skyscraper Q1. If you aren’t feeling quite that daring, the much tamer glass-enclosed viewing area is a great spot to watch the sunset.

With a dazzling array of accommodation on offer, you’ll find the perfect spot for your family to lay their heads. Opt for selfcontained accommodation in the heart of the action at the Hilton Surfers Paradise or cheap and cheerful digs at voco Gold Coast.

With room rates starting at just $110 per night, you could treat your teen to their own adjoining room at this funky, affordable hotel.

Image: Amber Toms-TEQ

QI Observation Deck

Image: Mark Fitz TEQ

TEENS With its diamanteencrusted flip-flop sculpture, an in-house Music Curator, luxe pool deck and eye-popping dÊcor, W Brisbane is cool enough for teens and a luxurious treat for parents. Get your hearts racing with Story Bridge Adventure Climb, kayak the Brisbane River, explore the city on a CityCycle or scooter, or browse for funky finds in Fortitude Valley or at South Bank’s Young Designers Market.

Story Bridge Climb

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TOP 8 REGIONAL MURAL ART SPOTS

In 2015, geometric patterns and steampunk contraptions appeared like magic on the side of an enormous silo near Northam, Western Australia.

Large-scale mural art has since hit silos, water towers and transformer boxes all over regional Australia. These farflung splashes of colour tell local stories and celebrate Aussie artists, enjoyed for free in the great outdoors. Check out our top regional mural art picks below.

Visit their website to follow the Australian Silo Art Trail.

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S PUBLIC SILO TRAIL

Image: Annette Green

Arguably the birthplace of the Silo Trail, the idea behind this arty road trip is to expose the stories of the wildlife and people hiding behind WA’s big industries. Follow the trail from Northam, Merredin, Katanning, Pingrup, Newdegate and Ravensthorpe, all the way to Albany.

Here, you’ll be met by artists Yok & Sheryo’s Ruby and Leafy sea dragons, which are two seahorse species found in south-western Australia.

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Image: Wimmera Mallee Tourism

02. WESTERN VICTORIA’S SILO ART TRAIL – WIMMERA-MALLEE This 200-kilometre Silo Art trail in the Wimmera-Mallee region takes a little over 2 hours to complete in its entirety. Depending, of course, on how many photos you take

for social media. Don’t want to conquer it all? The Rupanyup silo, painted by Julia Volchkova, is the closest to Melbourne, Horsham, Ballarat and Bendigo.

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Image: Annette Green

04 03. WATER TOWER ART

Make a start with Warrnambool, Werribee or Falls Creek water towers in Victoria. Surprises await on water towers in Ballina, Katoomba and Gullargambone in NSW, and George Town and Kingston in Tasmania. Look out for brumbies and emus in South Australia’s murals, and the bright colours of Broome and Port Headland in WA. Queensland has a whopping thirty water tower murals dating back to the 90s. Water tower art has been springing up 16

everywhere for years, so keep your eyes peeled in your own region.

04. NORTH EAST VICTORIA SILO ART TRAIL

Start this 2-hour itinerary from Benalla, which is about 2 and a half hours’ drive from Melbourne.

There’s definitely lots to look at, but be sure to check out the dancing brolgas and kookaburra on the Tungamah silos. These were painted in 2018 by Sobrane Simcock, the first Australian female artist to join the silo art project.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SILO ART TRAIL

Image: Annette Green

The first of the SA trail to be completed was the silo in Coonalpyn, painted by Guido van Helton in March 2017.

The trail now extends to Kimba or Tumby Bay, with stunning images of local children, local legends and native animals.

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QUEENSLAND SILO ART

Image: Jordache Castillejos

The smallest offering is found in Queensland, with two silos decorated thus far. A Thallon silo was painted with a sunset vista in July 2017, and Yelarbon boasts a little boy playing in the Yelarbon Lagoon against a brilliant blue sky.

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Image: Annette Green

07 07. NEW SOUTH WALES

The theme of New South Wales’ silo art centres on its agricultural histories, with images of drought, resilience and plenty of sheep in the shearing country. Stop in Barraba for Fintan Magee’s mural of a water diviner, then head on to Merriwa, Portland, Grenfell and Weethalle.

08. MURAL ART TOWNS

Entire towns in regional Australia are dedicated to mural art.

Some host festivals or painting competitions, while others simply have a high concentration of murals to be found. See what you can find on a stroll around Tumby Bay, SA, Yarram, VIC,

Sheffield, TAS

Gulargambone, NSW and Sheffield, TAS. As part of the Aboriginal Street Art Project in Shepparton, Victoria, artist Adnate created powerful paintings of past local elders. The name of this project in Yorta Yorta language translates to ‘proud, strong Aboriginal people.’

Have a look at the Australian Silo Art Trail website here.

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TAKE THE LONG ROAD Family road trips are fun. Taking a motorhome instead of your car adds a new level of adventure. Here are some tips if you’re planning your first motorhome trip.

JANEECE KELLER

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PLANNING One of the best things about a motorhome trip is that you literally have your holiday home with you at all times. We found we had more flexibility in our trip and didn’t need to be as planned as in previous trips.

We weren’t ready to hit the road without a bit of a plan.

We researched our route and made sure we had booked the campgrounds for each night in advance. Travelling outside school holidays meant we had no problem getting the accommodation spots we wanted.

If you’re on the road during school holidays I’d suggest booking your preferred accommodation well in advance as the popular campgrounds often book out quickly.

The other thing you might want to plan is meals. We travelled with a toddler so made sure that we left home with enough food to keep her happy for a couple of days. One thing we learnt was that once you’re hooked up to your campsite at the end of the day, so it’s not super easy to just pop to the shops to pick up take out for the adult’s dinner. The days where

we had a basic meal plan and all the ingredients we needed before we’d set up for the night were a lot less hectic.

For those who want to wing it completely, if you hire an Apollo motorhome, the Apollo Connect app lets you search for and book accommodation and attractions nearby. If you’re feeling intrepid, you could just rent and go; leaving all planning for while you’re on the road.

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PACKING The best tip I can give is to be thoughtful with your packing and shopping lists. If you hire a motorhome you’ll likely have the basics included. We hired our van from Apollo and had all the bedding, towels, cutlery and cooking utensils we needed. There was also a microwave, toaster, hair dryer (I needn’t have packed my own), kettle and broom. We rented camping chairs and a table from Apollo so they were in the van and ready to go on pick up .

forget toilet paper if you’re planning on using the loo in the van.

Things we took which were super useful were: baby wipes, shampoo, a cutting board, sandwich bags and a couple of tupperware containers for leftovers, washing up liquid and chux, small garbage bags, a few refillable bottles of water and a head torch. Don’t

Finally, don’t over pack. There might be more space in the van than in your car, but it’s still limited.

We definitely took too many clothes. There were great washing facilities at all the campgrounds so if we’d run short we could have easily washed along the way.

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When it comes to packing I suggest packing your clothes in soft bags so that they can be stashed easily in the interior cupboards. We used Country Road duffle bags and they fit perfectly, even when full.

We used reusable shopping bags for packing our food and kitchen supplies and they fit really well into the kitchen cupboards.

DRIVING

I’ll be honest, I didn’t drive our motorhome at all. My husband did all the driving. I’d have happily taken the wheel for a while, but he was enjoying being on the open roads so much that I just didn’t get a chance.

The van we rented was seven metres long and over three metres tall, much bigger than our car.

But you can still drive it with a regular licence. Once we were out of Sydney, Adam said it was super easy. He loved the extra height and said that the visibility was much better than he’d expected. He found that being in a motorhome he felt like he could take it easy on the roads and that there was no expectation to get somewhere quickly. In his words ‘the overtaking lanes aren’t for us this holiday’.

While Adam was driving, I was on navigation and toddler entertainment duty. We installed the car seat (which we also rented with the van) in the back seats and I could see Evie clearly and easily. She loved looking out the window and having so much space around her to kick her legs. We played a lot of peek-a-boo.

You’re not meant to move around in the back of the van while it’s moving, so there were times when I sat in the back seat next to her so we could play. As an added bonus, the kitchen cupboards were within easy reach of the back seats so I had ample snacks to hand to stave off a hunger driven meltdown.

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The best part of a road trip are the activities and adventures you find 24

COOKING

Cooking in the van was much easier than I’d expected. Breakfasts were the same as what we have at home - cereal, toast, fruit, juice and coffee. We ate lunch out most days. I was keen to sample as much local produce as possible and with a toddler in tow, we find that lunch is the easiest meal to eat out. Our dinners were a mix of grazing plates and cooked meals.

Before we left home I’d packed dry goods for the trip - cereals, bread, snacks, pasta etc. This meant that I had a basic idea of meals for the journey but we were able to adapt

the plan based on what we found along the way.

We travelled in winter and temperatures outside were freezing or below most evenings, so although we had a BBQ in the van we didn’t use it. Instead I chose to cook inside. Pasta, risotto, sausages and vegetables were all easy to do on the gas and electric cooktop.

What was most surprising was that even though she was sleeping three metres away and separated by a curtain, Evie never woke up while we were cooking, eating or doing the washing up.

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SLEEPING

Sleeping in a motorhome is much more comfortable than sleeping in a tent. Not only do you have a bed, but you’re wrapped in a doona rather than a sleeping bag and there’s a roof rather than canvas over your head. I love camping, but I found the motorhome a lot less pfaff than setting up a tent for the night.

We had an Apollo Euro Deluxe van, which could sleep six adults. The lounge area at the back of the van converted into a double bed, as did the dining area in the middle. And there is a sleeping compartment above the drivers seats. We used the two conversion spaces for sleeping, which meant we had some configuration work each night.

But on the flip side, we didn’t have to navigate the ladder to the overhead compartment in the middle of the night when we had to resettle Evie.

Let’s talk about the toddler.

Travelling in the van all day meant Evie was familiar in her surroundings, so we didn’t have any of the issues we can get trying to put her to bed in a strange hotel room. And I’m not sure if it was all the stimulation during the day, 26

the country air or just knowing that we were super close by, but she slept better in the motorhome than she does at home.

we took the easy option and stayed in ensuite sites at most campgrounds 27

CLEANING

In my world mess leads to stress.

What worked well for us was having zones - Evie’s stuff was in the back where she slept, our stuff was up front where we slept.

Each cupboard had a theme (e.g. dirty clothes, jackets and gloves, bathroom essentials etc). I created a place for everything at the start of the trip and we got good at put things away when we were done using them.

When you’re travelling in the country and staying in campgrounds, mud, dirt and dust are almost unavoidable.

To try and keep the inside of the van as clean as possible, we wore our ugg boots inside and left our outdoor shoes near the door each night. We swept the van clean each day, but being such 28

a small space it was literally only a two minute job.

When it came to keeping ourselves clean we took the easy option and stayed in ensuite sites at most campgrounds. This meant we had a small cabin with a toilet, basin and shower just outside the van for our exclusive use. As a result we didn’t have to empty the black water (from the van toilet) very often.

And we only used the van shower once.

If you’re travelling in winter with a baby or toddler who usually has a bath, I’d suggest getting them used to showers at home before you go because we found no opportunities for a bath. In warmer weather however you could easily do a bucket bath outdoors.

ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES My favorite thing about road trips are the activities and adventures you find. One of the great things about being in a motorhome is that you can use your travel time wisely and get some of the logistics done en route. There was plenty of space for me to write while Adam was driving, and if we’d had older kids in the van with us, they could have happily played UNO, drawn pictures or done some writing of their own at the table.

Motorhome travel lends itself to country roads and exploring nature. On our trip to the NSW Central West we did a farm experience where Evie got to go on her first pony ride and we also took the van to Dubbo Zoo. We could have driven the van around the zoo, but because it was a sunny winter day we opted to rent one of the golf carts so we had more time in the fresh air.

If you have to take a pram (like we did), take a travel pram which folds down as small as possible. We have a Silver Cross Jet and it fit perfectly into one of the internal cupboards so was always easily accessible.

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SETTING OUT SOLO Whether by choice or design, plenty of parents travel solo with their kids. But how can we make it work post COVID? SUE WHITE

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As all of us know, parenting during COVID–solo or otherwise–hasn’t been easy. Usually when times are tough, the travel-obsessed (a club I’m definitely at a member of) mentally escape by planning future trips.

But as the travel industry shut down, it became increasingly difficult to visualise what those next trips might look like. Now, with travel on the cards again, solo parents like me are ready to get back on the road, safely.

It’s a process that does require some creativity. For me, the first challenge is social. As a solo mum to a six-year-old son, many of my best trips have been our most social: trips where we’ve bunked in with other families or holidayed where there are crowds of other kids within arms’ reach.

But as social distancing and limits on venue capacities put the brakes on some tried and trusted options, it's time for travel-mad solo parents to reimagine their family travel.

Sure, hitting the road, COVID-style, won’t always be simple, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great.

Sue and Ollie at Smiths Lake

TIP 1: TEAM UP WITH ANOTHER FAMILY

While you may cause problems at cafes or restaurants if you travel in convoy with three carloads of relatives, COVID travel still offers plenty of scope for one of the best solo parent travel tricks: teaming up with another family. Over the years, we’ve successfully travelled with other one parent/one child families with the nuclear ‘two plus two’ family configuration, and myriad other combinations of both adults and children.

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In my experience, if you ask early enough there will always be plenty of friends who will commit to a weekend jaunt across the year, and others who will happily forward plan something bigger in the next school holidays. In times of COVID there are even advantages to be had here: most people’s travel slates are now pretty clean and their appetite to get out there has never been stronger.

TIP 2: BECOME A MICRO ADVENTURER

Micro adventurers may just be the next big thing in family travel.

Ready for some good news? They are easy for solo parent travellers because they are easy to organise

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and can be done on a schedule that suits you.

On a micro adventure, you stay local and keep things short, simply heading out for an afternoon or overnight. (Camping in the backyard was a micro adventure many families embraced during lockdown).

Now, with national parks, beaches and attractions slowly opening to visitors, a micro adventure might involve hiring a boat for morning and taking your child fishing for the first time, trying a kid-friendly walk in your local nature reserve, or exploring a new part of your own city (a great chance for a ‘pin the tail on the city map’ opportunity).

Image: John Montesi - South Australian Tourism

Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

a micro adventure might involve hiring a boat for morning and taking your child fishing for the first time 33

Image: Jonathan van der Knaap - South Australian Tourism

Image: Tourism Events QLD

TIP 3: FRIEND HOP ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

Road tripping will be making a comeback for many Australians, but for solo parent families’ long stints on the road with one driver can be unappealing.

Why not design a route that takes in as many friends and relatives houses as possible? Thinking about options for just a few 34

moments made me realise I have options every few hundred kilometres up the East Coast – a road trip in the making, with free accommodation to boot (just don’t overstay your welcome). Even better if the friends and family have their own kids – that way both you and your children will have a social experience.

TIP 4: HIKE WITH YOUR TIKE

Hiking and solo parenting are often fraught: safety considerations aside, it’s a big commitment to go on longer walks if you’re the only adult to do the inevitable carrying when your mini traveller “just can’t walk one more step

Image: Damian Breach - VisitCanberra

Spread out the travel fun, by working together with the kids to turn a local iconic experience into a family challenge (the kids could even help map our your route). Iconic walks are often easy to divide into a series of short hikes that can be done over a series of months. Take Western Australia’s famous

Bibbulmun Track. At 1000 kilometres it’s a daunting proposition in its entirety, but the website offers plenty of ideas for kid-friendly day walks and overnight explorations.

On the East Coast, Sydneysiders are spoiled for choice by stunning harbour or coastal walks, most an easy afternoon experience with coffee and ice cream at the end. In the ACT, the 145-kilometre Centenary Trail is oft forgotten, but this walking and cycling route is easily broken into kid-size chunks. Remember, if you’ve tackled a ‘big ticket’ experience like these, map the family’s achievements to inspire everyone for the next installment.

Cycling Centenary Trail

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Image: Tourism Western Australia

Stand up paddle-boarding, Cape Le Grand National Park - near Esperance

Children been begging to try stand up paddle boarding?

Why not?

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TIP 5: UP THE EXPERIENCES Tourism operators have never needed visitors more than they do right now, so if there were ever a time to spend more on experiences, this is it. If you’re driving to destinations in your own car to make social distancing simpler, or staying with friends while Airbnb-style accommodations remain closed, it stands to reason your budget could stretch to adding in a few more ticketed experiences on your trip. For solo parents, organised activities are often a chance to take the back seat of the planning and logistics for a few hours;

a welcome rest from being in charge.

Ever wanted to whale watch? This could be your year. Children been begging to try stand up paddle boarding? Why not?

Food is another way to change up your family travels. Sure, fine dining is wasted on young children, but splurging on an amazing dessert will probably be as much of a hit as the destination itself: this year, give local restaurants your custom or add an extra scoop to that inevitable ice cream purchase.

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ROAD TRIP TIPS

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MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT (MAYBE)

Road tripping with younger kids requires plenty of pre-planning before you leave. It is a good idea to have a route mapped out, ensuring you include stops with basic amenities and book a place to stay the night.

With teens, shake it up a little by planning a day in advance only and enjoying the spontaneity. Decide on a designated navigator or trip captain who is in charge of playing tour guide for the day’s activities. Research what attractions to visit over dinner the night before.

ALWAYS ALLOW EXTRA TIME, AND THEN SOME

Expect the unexpected. Add in a wee stop, a seat swap and a servo ice block, and your three-hour drive can suddenly take five.

It is advised that small babies should only be in a car seat for two hours at a time, needing regular breaks. For everyone, long journeys can be boring and tiresome – ensure there are plenty of pit stops and avoid back-to-back long driving days.

TRAVEL WITH AN EMPTY ESKY If you haven’t heard of this movement sweeping social media, then your teens and primary schoolers almost certainly have. Share your tourist dollars in small towns most impacted by the recent bushfires, floods and COVID-19.

Travel with an ‘Empty Esky’ or make a RoadTripPledge to buy local and support regional economies.

BRING A SOCCER BALL

Or a frisbee. Or a cricket bat and tennis ball. Trust us. You’ll never know when you might need it. It will double as a nice ice-breaker for meeting the kids of other families you come across en route at campgrounds and holiday parks. And always, always pack swimmers regardless of the season.

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ARM YOURSELF WITH BOREDOM TOOLS

Prepare for the inevitable chorus of ‘are we there yet?’

We recommend I Spy, Mix and Match stories (take turns telling one line each), No Go (choose five words you can’t say during the trip) or Crazy Neighbours (make up stories about people in the cars next to you while stuck in traffic!) To get those road trip tunes pumping, make a shared Spotify playlist with everyone’s favourites before departure, or take turns DJ-ing.

AudioBooks from Audible or your local library’s preferred app are a great alternative, as are podcasts.

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PACK. MORE. SNACKS

Scroggin. Trail Mix. Or if you’re Canadian, ‘GORP’ – Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Whatever you call it, a trusty fruit and nut blend (with the odd choc chip) is an energydense snack to tide you over to lunch when you’ve got the munchies. Fresh fruit, carrot sticks, rice crackers and dip is another option. The moral of the story is that you can never have too much food at the ready, especially if you’re travelling with teens.

Bring re-usable containers for leftovers, and a water bottle for each traveller

that you make a point of refilling. Wipes or hand sanitiser never go astray.

CONFIGURE YOUR CAR

It might sound like overkill, but a rotating seat roster is one trick to a smoothrunning road trip with primary schoolers and teens. Save yourselves arguments over who gets the luxurious passenger seat, or who is banished to the cruel realm of the middle seat. Packing a pillow each for some napping in the car is another great idea. If you have a baby or toddler, consider a window cover for some extra shade.

DOCUMENT THE TRIP

Which brings us to documenting your travels. Depending on your family rules, upload content straight on social media.

Or go ‘old-school’ and keep a handwritten journal. Littlies can use crayons in a sketch book, or keep a box of mementos and souvenirs that you gather. Perhaps take turns to be the camera operator and record a family video diary of daily highlights.

TAKE FAMILY SELFIES

Of course, we don’t recommend sightseeing through a lens, but taking photos is a great way of storing the memories for years to come. It is also a good way of ticking off major sites off your bucket list without protest. Make sure you don’t just snap the scenery – get at least one photo of the whole family per trip. For some top photogenic locations on a road trip, worthy of Instagram, click here.

SAFETY FIRST

Ensure you regularly swap drivers or take frequent breaks. The official advice is that the same driver should rest after 2 hours on the road. Always pack a wellstocked First Aid Kit. If you are in remote locations, consider extra water, extra fuel, satellite phone and emergency beacon.

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TOP HOLIDAY PARKS SOPHIE CULLEN

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Beach bliss or desert daydreams?

Island hopping or gold panning?

Luxury villa or powered campsite?

Waterpark or pedal kart? Choose your own adventure at Australia’s best holiday parks and resorts.

Packed with activities, suitable for every budget and found in many a town centre around the country, they’re a perfect family-friendly pick for your road trip or school holiday getaway.

Don’t take our word for it; check out this list of top 10 holiday parks voted by the Family Travel community.

01. BIG4 INGENIA HOLIDAYS CAIRNS COCONUT, QUEENSLAND

Your ticket to the tropics, make this award-winning holiday park your oasis on a laidback beach holiday in Cairns. Cool off at the newly renovated Splash Waterpark with its tipping buckets, wading pools, spas and slides, then refuel at Coco’s Kitchen. Explore the untouched beauty and ancient cultures of northern Queensland during your stay, with visits to Kuranda Village, the Daintree Rainforest and beyond.

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BIG4 BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS HOLIDAY PARK, VICTORIA

Saunter across to Sovereign Hill, a recreated goldrush town just 300 metres from BIG4 Ballarat. Rain, hail or shine, littlies can explore the indoor playland adjoining the fenced outdoor play areas. BYO bikes or hire a pedal kart seating up to four people for some unique family fun.

Check out activities on offer The park has also recently installed ‘Reilly’s Room,’ a sensory space for children on the Autism spectrum.

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BIG4 ADVENTURE WHITSUNDAY RESORT, QUEENSLAND

It’s all about location, location, location at this sunny resort at Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Coast. Its calling card is easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, mainland national parks and all 74 Whitsunday Islands.

Nicknamed ‘Frog Park’ (visit the waterpark and Kermit Kids Club to find out why!), water babies will love splashing in its 13 waterslides and huge lagoon-style pool. BIG4 Adventure Whitsundays has well and truly earnt its 40-plus major tourism awards.

Read more family-friendly adventures in the Whitsundays here

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05 04. MANDALAY HOLIDAY RESORT & TOURIST PARK, BUSSELTON WA

Four adventure playgrounds. Three pools. Five new glamping tents.

The numbers are in and this sure is a ‘Number 1’ family choice in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. A holiday resort and tourist park, this pick serves up a full buffet of accommodation options and is a great launching point for foodie families to the region’s wineries, boutique breweries, farm tours and foreshore markets.

Provided you visit outside peak seasons, you can even bring your pets!

05. BIG4 WEST BEACH PARKS, ADELAIDE SA

Gather around a barbie, hang in the Hub, head out kitesurfing and Paddleboarding, or pop over to Glenelg from BIG4 West Beach.

It won’t be hard to keep busy at this park, which is known for its Splash Zone, a zero-depth water play space. Stick to the coast or venture in to Adelaide to explore the history, art and museums of the City of Churches.

Read more about wining and dining with kids in Margaret River here

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NRMA PORT ARTHUR HOLIDAY PARK, TASMANIA Securing its place in the Tasmanian Tourism Hall of Fame by pulling the top spot several years running, you can be sure this holiday park knows a thing or two about family vacations. Set lakeside in tranquil bushland, the park boasts lovely views to enjoy from your cabin or from around a fire pit. There’s even an outdoor pizza oven! Step back in time at the Port Arthur Historic Site and explore the best of the Tasman Peninsula.

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07 07. BIG4 EASTS BEACH HOLIDAY PARK, KIAMA NSW

Mountain meets seaside at this holiday haven on the south coast. BIG4 Easts Beach has an impressive line-up of retreats, villas, cabins and campsites to select, with a Krazy Kids Club, Play Corner and Games Room and family entertainment schedule. Swim, fish, dive and bodyboard on Easts Beach before a visit to Kiama town centre and the famous blowhole.

08. NRMA TREASURE ISLAND HOLIDAY RESORT, QUEENSLAND

Head 15 minutes north of Surfers Paradise for a family-friendly paradise of your own. Expect pirate-themed pools, pedal karts, playgrounds and jumping pillows aplenty, as well as easy access

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort

to major theme parks such as Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World. Pick and choose between wide-ranging accommodation options, from 8-berth Riverside Villas to glamping safari tents and smaller family cabins. Keep an eye out for exclusive family packages with accommodation and activities.

Read more adventures in south east Queensland at every age here

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The ultimate guide to Byron Bay with kids here

09. DISCOVERY PARKS – BYRON BAY, NSW

Byron’s reputation precedes it – there’s nowhere as beautiful or relaxed on the NSW north coast. Two kilometres from the centre of town and a stone’s throw from beaches and hinterland, this Discovery Parks offering is also home to the brand new Byron’s Barrel Waterpark. Duck next door for coffee and cinnamon rolls at the neighbouring café to enjoy with a view at Cape Byron, mainland Australia’s easternmost point.

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BIG4 MACDONNELL RANGE HOLIDAY PARK, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Family owned and operated for over 35 years, the five-star facilities of BIG4 MacDonnell Range have the kid factor down pat.

The most awarded holiday park in the Top End, they typically run Stargazing nights, Didgeridoo Shows, games nights, movie nights and more. Let loose on the BMX track (with bikes for hire) and cool down in the heated pools. Then try for yourself the famous free pancake brekky on every Sunday.

More Northern Territory adventures you need to try here

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8

SPECTACULAR SPRING DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILIES JANEECE KELLER

Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

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Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

CANBERRA, ACT

Image: VisitCanberra

In 2020, Floriade has been reimagined with the annual spring celebration moving from its traditional home in Commonwealth Park to bloom across Canberra.

From 12 September to 11 October 2020, one million bulbs and annuals will create a tulip trail through the ACT’s suburbs and city, allowing visitors to enjoy the displays

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safely while public health restrictions are in place.

Kids can learn about sustainability and the environment, search for gnomes hidden throughout Canberra and uncover new worlds with Floriade Sprouts.

For the full program details, visit floriadeaustralia.com

Image: Destination NSW

MONTAGUE ISLAND, NSW

Montague Island is home to hundreds of seals, thousands of little penguins and more than 90 bird species. Between September and November, you’re likely to see whales frolicking in the water around the island as they complete their southern migration.

The island is just off the South Coast town of Narooma. Families can take a day tour or stay overnight in lighthouse accommodation. Montague Island has two lovingly restored lighthouses keepers’ cottages. The cottages have five bedrooms, barbecue facilities, shower, toilets and electric power. They are suitable for up to 12 guests.

Couple enjoying a visit to Montague Island (Barunguba), Narooma

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Image: Tourism Western Australia

WILDFLOWER TRAILS, WA Follow Western Australia’s wildflower trails, with everlastings blooming in the north and orchids, daisies and desert peas in the south west.

Wildflower season starts in June in the Pilbara and Coral Coast, and spreads down to the south west by October. The best way to take in some of the over 12,000 species

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of wildflowers - is on a road trip.

The Western Australian Botanic Garden at King’s Park in Perth has an astonishingly vibrant showcase of wildflowers. It is a good excuse to visit Perth and its historic buildings, outdoor spaces, Fremantle Markets and Swan Valley foodie trail.

The magnificent MacDonnell Ranges provide the atmospheric backdrop for Parrtjima, a 10-day free-entry Aboriginal light festival. The theme for this year is ‘Lifting Our Spirits.’

The line-up of art, music and live talks will do just that from 10 - 20 September 2020. You can also expect digital light projections, large-scale sculpture and more across the Mparntwe (Alice Springs) region.

Image: NT Major Events/James Horan

ALICE SPRINGS, NT

While you’re in town check out Desert Mob, an exhibition that’s running from 11th September to 25th October 2020. The exhibition and seminar series showcases the best art emerging from desert communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

Established artists and fresh faces converge on the Araluen Arts Centre, as well as other Aboriginalled Desart centres, in order to celebrate First Nations art-making and storytelling traditions.

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WINTON, QLD Spring is a great time to explore Queensland’s outback. So why not hit the open road for Australia’s own Hollywood of the Outback, Winton. Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is making the journey to the town once again in 2020 and will roll out the red carpet this September 18 to 26.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

From unmissable screenings to masterclasses, workshops and live entertainment, the nine-day festival is a unique family-friendly experience – but half the fun is getting there. The five-day trip from Brisbane to Winton will take you through some of Queensland’s most untouched landscapes, from charming country towns to mountain ranges and sweeping deserts.

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Image: Destination NSW

COWRA, NSW

Spring in Cowra coincides with the blossoming of the Japanese Garden cherry blossoms. Wander through the picturesque Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre before enjoying celebrations of Japanese culture such as ikebana demonstrations, taiko drumming, martial arts and tea ceremonies.

While you’re in the region, explore bushranger Ben Hall’s life and the gold rush at the Grenfell Historical Museum in Grenfell, a historic gold mining town.

Or grab a bucket to pick the 11 varieties of berry coming into season at Huntley Berry Farm near Orange.

Couple enjoying a scenic walk through Cowra Japanese Garden in Cowra

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KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Image: David Edgar - South Australian Tourism Commission

Let the kids run free on Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island. Explore Seal Bay Conservation Park, where plump Aussie sea lions bask on the soft white sand. We recommend hiring a Kangaroo Island guide to walk with you around Seal Bay and explain how the island works together to protect and conserve the sea line.

Next, scramble through the Remarkable Rocks (it’s best at sunrise or sunset) and keep your

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eyes peeled for beautiful Blue Wren’s preparing their nests in spring.

Kangaroo Island is a foodie haven with fresh seafood, cheese, and wine. Be sure to visit Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, to sample lotions, potions and products made from native plants and eucalyptus oil. The kids will have fun with outdoor play areas, a restored carriage to ride and a resident emu to admire.

Image: Destination NSW

WHITE CLIFFS, NSW There’s something undeniably cool about staying in an underground hotel, and there’s something truly other-worldly about White Cliffs. This opalmining town, where most residents live beneath the surface to escape summer’s harsh temperatures, is home to one of the three of underground hotels in Australia.

The town has a last-frontier kind of appeal – like villages in American Western movies. Locals have really interesting stories to tell, and you can go on a tour of a home, which are called ‘dugouts’. Visit the many opal stores and take home a shiny souvenir, or fossick in the old diggings (this is called noodling) and you might find a bit of opal to take home. Chances are, you won’t be able to convince mum or dad to buy a ‘pineapple’. They’re amazing chunks of opal unique to White Cliffs.

Displayed artwork shown on an underground White House Dugout Tour, White Cliffs

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NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort

Executive editor Janeece Keller Contributors Sophie Cullen Janeece Keller Tiana Templeman Sue White Art director Jon Wolfgang Miller Advertising enquiries salesmanager@familytravel.com.au

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