Out & About with Kids Winter #66, 2021

WINTER 2021

with kids VOTE IN THE 2021 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS WIN A BRITZ CAMPERVAN HOLIDAY CURTIS STONE’S FAVOURITE FAMILY HOLIDAYS

HOT IN THE CITY Best things to do in Australia’s capitals

Issue 66 • RRP $7.95 66 9 771832 331006 >

AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST • CAIRNS • DUNEDIN • GOLD COAST • GRANITE BELT KANGAROO ISLAND • PACIFIC PALMS • TAMWORTH • TWEED • VICTORIA’S HIGH COUNTRY

02 6554 0291

tiona.com.au

stay@ tiona.com.au

@tiona_nsw

4451 The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms (15 minutes south of Forster)

6554 0291

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stay@ tiona.com.au

@tiona_nsw

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contents

Meg Law and her family at Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island

UPFRONT

AUSTRALIA

6 Reader Instagram photos

36 Hot in the City

Our readers share their travel adventures

7 Editor’s letter 8 Moments

Curiocity Brisbane 2021

68 Kangaroo Island

10 What’s on

Upcoming events and festivals for your diary

14 What’s new

The latest attractions, experiences, accommodation and sustainability developments

30 Five Reasons to Choose Paradise Resort Gold Coast

If you’re looking for a family holiday that offers it all, you’ll find it at Paradise Resort.

32 Offers

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Great deals from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

the mistakes – and eventually learns from them – on a road trip through Victoria’s High Country

The best things to do in Australia’s capital cities with kids MEG LAW and her family discover tourism is getting back on its feet following the devastating 2019/20 summer bushfires in South Australia

88 Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Pacific Palms

76 Guide to the Granite Belt

FIONA HARPER reveals the best things to do, places to eat and drink and where to stay in Queensland’s Granite Belt

94 Ten Best Glamping Spots in Australia

80 Cairns with a Toddler

ANGELA SAURINE and her threeyear-old find lots of fun things to do in Tropical North Queensland

84 The Highs (and Lows!) of Family Travel Rookie family traveller BEN GROUNDWATER makes all

Just three hours’ drive north of Sydney, Pacific Palms offers gorgeous beaches, calm lakes and a relaxed vibe that makes it ideal for a family holiday

JODY ALLEN, from parenting website Stay at Home Mum, reveals the top places for family glamping holidays around the country

98 Highlights of the Coral Coast Highway

Driving the 1,250km route from Perth to Exmouth is a wonderful way to experience Australia’s Coral Coast

88 Ten Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids

While Queenstown gets all the glory on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin also has plenty of family-friendly attractions and experiences

EXTRAS 108 Celebrity Q&A Curtis Stone shares his favourite

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Image: Destination NSW

WORLD

A family camping on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour

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Curtis Stone and his family at Yellowstone National Park in the US

family travel experiences

110 Reviews

The Out & About with Kids team reviews Oaks Cairns Hotel, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges and Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South

116 How To... Engage in Outdoor Nature Play with Kids

Finding a patch of bush and setting your children free to play in the dirt, scramble over rocks and climb trees can have enormous benefits, ANGELA SAURINE writes

120 Must haves

The latest products travelling families need to know about

122 Insider Interview

GAYNOR REID from Accor Asia Pacific shares her family travel tips 5

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READER INSTAGRAM PICS

Our readers have shared some awesome photos of their adventures on social media.

Tag your family holiday snaps #oawk for the chance to see them republished here.

1. @kidsfunonthegoldcoast Currumbin Rock Pools, Queensland 2. @thepikeycaravan The Green Cathedral, Booti Booti National Park, NSW 3. @Wanderlustwithlittleones Sunshine Beach, Queensland 4. @theneagles14 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Holiday Park 5. @kb4travel Lake Sambell Caravan Park Beechworth, Victoria 6

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EDITOR’S LETTER So, things can change pretty quickly these days, huh? Just as it felt like we could finally see the light at the end of the very long tunnel, COVID-19 reared its ugly head in Australia once again.

[Insert forehead slap emoji here.] As someone who spends a fair chunk of her time trying to inspire families to travel, it was devastating to hear about so many school holiday plans being cancelled as borders slammed shut once again. Judging by the number of anecdotal stories that I’ve heard about trips to Cairns falling through, I’d say the tourism industry up there has taken a particular beating. My son and I were lucky enough to make it there before the latest outbreak, so hopefully my story in this issue will encourage some readers to consider a holiday in Tropical North Queensland, and give them something to look forward to. Flying was something I’d always taken for granted. During the pandemic I read several articles by people who missed everything about being on planes, right down to airline food. “Meh,” was my usual reaction. So, I was surprised just how excited I was to be at Sydney Airport for our first flight in more than 18 months.

Maybe it was just me, but there seemed to be a jovial vibe. One thing we are going to have to get used to in this new world is flight cancellations. There were a couple of changes during our recent trip. But you just have to be prepared to adapt, and look on the bright side, whether it’s a few more hours in your destination or a bonus stopover. When our Jetstar flight home was cancelled the day before departure, we were able to book a Qantas flight a few hours later for the same price. Sure it was a bit inconvenient, but my toddler was given a Joey Club kids’ kit with an activity booklet and Etch-a-sketch, and was able to watch Frozen 2 on the inflight entertainment on my iPad, so I wasn’t complaining.

Here at Out & About with Kids, we plan to continue to bring you great stories as we ride out the pandemic. And you will find plenty in this issue. Given recent events, our story about the best things to do with kids in Aussie cities seems even more fitting than when we’d planned it, as staycations are still the safest travel option. We are also extremely excited to introduce our new dad writer, Ben Groundwater, this issue. Ben is a multi-award-winning travel writer and host of the fantastic Flight of Fancy podcast, which is my go-to when my son is sleeping during road trips. His story about his first getaway as a family of four in Victoria’s High Country literally made me LOL. We were also thrilled to recruit LA-based Aussie chef Curtis Stone as our celebrity interview this issue. What a top bloke! It’s also great to give Kangaroo Island a bit of postbushfire love with Meg Law’s story (and amazing pics!) this issue, whilst I loved interviewing the experts about engaging children in outdoor play, as the benefits of getting out and about with kids is something our team is extremely passionate about. ‘til next time, Angela Saurine, editor

Angela and Oliver at Sydney Airport en route to Cairns

Out & About with Kids Print & Digital outandaboutwithkids. com.au Publisher Elisa Elwin elisa@oawk.com.au +61 413 770 550 Editor Angela Saurine angela.saurine@ oawk.com.au Advertising Enquiries: advertising@oawk. com.au

Art Director Jon Wolfgang MIller Print Spotpress +61 430 060 700 Published by Elwin Media Pty Ltd ABN: 22 159 093 606 PO Box 4148, Balgowlah Heights, NSW 2093 Cover image A family at Curiocity Brisbane 2021.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Copyright © Out & About with Kids 2021 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission isstrictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Out & About with Kids cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine they will be returned.

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Publisher and Out & About with Kids. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication.

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Moments

CURIOCITY BRISBANE 2021 A family explores the Evanescent art installation – one of more than 60 works dotted throughout Queensland’s capital as part of Curiocity Brisbane 2021.

Evanescent means soon passing out of sight from memory or existence, such as the way a mirage disappears. The installation was inspired by the forces and natural occurrences within the changing world around us, with dichroic film used to create the illusion of the bubble-like form. The original meaning of dichroic, from the Greek word dikhroos, two-coloured, refers to an optical device which can split a beam of light into two beams with differing wavelengths.

These properties give the dichroic film its unique aesthetic effects, mimicking those of the bubble.

A 17-day celebration of science, art and technology, Curiocity Brisbane transformed the city into a world of discovery, with installations peppered along a 6.5km circuit through the City Botanic Gardens, South Bank, the Cultural Precinct and the CBD. It was presented by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and the Department of Tourism Industry Development and Innovation, and Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Economic Development Agency. Stay tuned for details of next year’s event! curiocitybrisbane.com

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Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

AUSTRALIA

WHAT’S On HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD, WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD, QUEENSLAND

Image: Lusy Productions

UNTIL JULY 11 Celebrate Warner Bros. Movie World’s 30th Birthday with the Gold Coast theme park’s biggest parade ever, a massive all-star cast and exciting Hollywood moments throughout the park. Visitors will be able to see classic characters, including the cast of the Wizard of Oz, Austin Powers and Scooby Doo. movieworld.com.au/hooray-forhollywood

HUON VALLEY MID-WINTER FEST, TASMANIA

JULY 16-17 Get ready to dress in pagan finery, sing to the apple trees, bang pots and pans and let go of any negative energy to make way for the new at the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest. The event celebrates the region’s apple-picking history and the wassail: the ages-old tradition of scaring evil spirits from the orchard to bring on a bumper crop. This year, the event is returning to its roots, with the festival to be held on an intimate scale at Willie Smith's Apple Shed. All the festival’s muchloved traditions make a comeback, including the Burning Man, Tassie's best folk-funk bands, the coveted costume competition, and tales tall and true from the state’s best storytellers. huonvalleymidwinterfest.com.au 10

ILLUMINATE ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

JULY 16-AUGUST 1 A combination of light, art, music, performance and ideas will come together at Illuminate Adelaide. With a variety of free and ticketed events, the festival will paint the city’s streets, laneways and architecture with the aim of exploring the crossroads between future technology, innovation and creative industries. illuminateadelaide.com

AUSTRALIA

JULY 22-OCTOBER 3 Move over Vivid – the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour is set to put on a show to rival the Sydney lights spectacular! The immersive Nature Illuminated experience promises an enchanting mix of nature, light, and magic. Each evening, with the help of augmented reality technology and theatrical lighting, visitors will interact with forest sprites and embark on a treasure hunt to the sounds of violins and cellos in various one-hour sessions. They can also dine on Chinese cuisine before the show at The Gardens by Lotus restaurant. natureilluminated.com

DARWIN FESTIVAL, NORTHERN TERRITORY

AUGUST 5-22 Justine Clarke will perform a free family concert on August 22 at the Darwin waterfront, to close the annual Darwin Festival. The ABC Kids favourite will join Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco to get little ones up dancing and singing. Kings of kids’ comedy, The Listies, will also perform their new show Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark at the festival on August 20 and 21. I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You, on August 6 to 8, is a critically acclaimed show where a panel of 13-year-olds from Darwin’s Corrugated Iron Youth Arts tackle the answers they get to the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. The much-loved City of Darwin Teddy Bears’ Picnic also returns to The Esplanade for a Sunday morning full of free performances, activities and delicious food on August 8. darwinfestival.org.au Image: Rachel Tagg

NATURE ILLUMINATED, SYDNEY, NSW

FLORIADE, ACT

SEPTEMBER 11-OCTOBER 10 Australia’s biggest celebration of spring is returning to its home at Commonwealth Park in Canberra in September. This year’s theme is The Future of Flowers, which visitors will see reflected in dazzling displays and a jam-packed 30-day program of activities and entertainment. NightFest, Floriade’s after-dark experience, will also return for four nights from September 30 until October 3. floriadeaustralia.com

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AUSTRALIA

FROZEN THE MUSICAL, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

UNTIL OCTOBER 3 See Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and other colourful characters from the Disney blockbuster Frozen come alive on stage in Frozen the Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. Get ready to ‘oooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the special effects, be wowed by the dazzling costumes and be left speechless at the incredible vocals — it’ll transport you to a whole new (frozen) world. frozenthemusical.com.au

SCARBOROUGH SUNSET MARKETS, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

UNTIL OCTOBER 30 Taking place every Saturday evening from 3pm, the Scarborough Sunset Markets Winter Edition brings together the best of Perth.

From food trucks to dessert connoisseurs, there is something to suit every taste bud.

Local DJs provide the atmosphere and soundtrack for the evening, while guests enjoy not only the food but the warm blaze from the fire pits. scarboroughbeach.net/wintermarkets 12

WIN

A BRITZ CAMPERVAN HOLIDAY IN AUSTRALIA

Vote in the Out & About with Kids 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win a holiday in a Britz campervan Down Under!

Out & About with Kids’ annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the best family travel experiences on the planet, including destinations, attractions, accommodation, tours and airlines. Head to our website and help us choose the winners by voting before 5pm AEST on Friday August 13, 2021.

It’s a great way to support our travel and tourism industry at the time they need it most!

When you vote, you’ll go in the running to WIN a seven-day holiday in a Britz campervan (up to six berths), valued at $4,000. Britz Australia is perfect for every adventure or

family getaway, with plenty of space for your parents, your kids, and even your dog, as well as your favourite bike, cricket bat, and cookbook. Don’t miss your chance to get moving and see Australia like never before in a Britz campervan!

There are pick up points across Australia, including Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Blackout dates apply during school holiday periods (16/9/2021–17/10/2021 and 09/04/2022–26/04/2022) and over Christmas and New Year (7/12/2021–31/01/22).

To vote, visit the Out & About with Kids website outandaboutwithkids.com.au For more information about Britz Campervans Australia visit britz.com 13

ATTRACTIONS

WHAT’S New

SX360 LAUNCHES AT AUSSIE WORLD

The Sunshine Coast has welcomed its first ever tier 1 thrill ride with the launch of the SX360 at Aussie World theme park at Palmview.

As Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum swing, it is bound to be a hit with adrenalin junkies. The ride reaches speeds of 80km per hour while launching 32m into the air and completing four inversions up to 5Gs, which is a never-before-seen feature on this style of ride in Australia. The Park is also building its first rollercoaster. The spinning coaster will be a classic medium-sized rollercoaster designed for all ages, featuring seven cars, seating up to four people each, that simultaneously spins while moving around the track. The rollercoaster car will reach a height of 14m before twisting and turning along the track at speeds of up to 72km per hour. aussieworld.com.au

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ATTRACTIONS

LUNA PARK TO UNVEIL FACELIFT

Iconic Sydney Harbour amusement park Luna Park is reopening soon with eight new rides, including children’s rides and family-friendly rollercoaster, Little Nipper.

A ninth ride — a new Big Dipper, which will be the first inline seating launch rollercoaster in the world — is set to open later in the year as part of its $30 million upgrade.

The Park has also introduced new annual passes from $199, which include exclusive access to the benefits of the Park’s new loyalty program for six months. The Luna Perks Loyalty Program gives members the chance to earn points to unlock special offers, food, toys, show bags and memorabilia as well as experiences. The Program will be exclusive to Annual Pass holders until January 2022.

To be introduced soon, a new interactive gamification feature called Luna Play allows visitors to view a 3D interactive map of the Park, plan their visit, see the Luna Park Leaderboards, and buy their photos taken on rides. lunaparksydney.com 15

ATTRACTIONS

WILD NEW WATERSLIDE

Wet’n’Wild theme park on the Gold Coast is set to welcome a new waterslide complex, including the tallest tower slide in Australia, in time for summer. Standing 23m high, the attraction will include three new slides and a splashzone.

The Kaboom! will be the first Master Blaster and Tailspin slide in the Southern Hemisphere.

Guests will experience a 10m drop before spiralling down a 360-degree corkscrew. The Double Barrel is a 12m-high raft ride, while the Super Ripper incorporates two new 12m-high body slides. The H2Oasis, meanwhile, will be a tropical splash zone spanning 870sq metres, with plenty of shade and seating for parents to relax while the kids splash about. themeparks.com.au

THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD OPENS IN CALIFORNIA!

Families planning a big trip to the US, when COVID-19 international border restrictions ease, have even more to look forward to with the opening of THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD at LEGOLAND® California Resort.

Based on the blockbuster films The LEGO® Movie™ and The LEGO® Movie™ 2: The Second Part, the new land immerses guests into the LEGO movie universe and places them on the streets of Bricksburg. It includes six interactive attractions, such as Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride, where kids and families will hop aboard Emmet’s triple decker flying couch for a thrill-seeking adventure. Surrounded by a full-dome virtual screen, guests feel the sensation of flying above lands such as Middle Zealand, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Pirates Cove and the Sistar System. The new Unikitty’s Disco Drop ride launches guests to the top of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drops, spins and bounces them back down to earth. Other rides include Benny’s Playship and Queen Watevra’s Carousel. Kids can also get creative in the Build Watevra You Wa'Na Build zone, meet Emmet and his friends in Emmet’s Super Suite, and enjoy themed treats such as Cloud Cuckoo Crepes, Benny’s Rocket Fuel and Everything is Ramen. Access is included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. legoland.com/california 16

EXPERIENCES

Image: Tourism NT-Lucy Ewing

Florence Falls at Litchfield National Park

MORE TO THE MALDIVES Children and teenagers staying at luxurious Soneva resorts in the Maldives will be able to get more out of their holiday, with several new educational courses. The Soneva Academy courses offer the chance to learn about Maldivian marine life, astronomy, mosquitoes and disease, reducing waste and plastic pollution, and the history of sailing and navigation. Five courses, for kids aged 12 and over, are available at Soneva Fushi, and two at Soneva Jani.

Those taking part in the Marine Life of the Maldives course will discover how coral reefs are created and their importance as an ecosystem, learning the basics of conducting a scientific survey before getting in the water and carrying out a small survey themselves.

The Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases course includes a screening of the Discovery Channel documentary Mosquito, in which Soneva’s managing director of science and conservation Dr. Bart Knols features prominently alongside Bill Gates. It looks at how Soneva Fushi has been tackling the island’s mosquito population since early 2019 without a single drop of insecticide, as well as the company’s plans to roll-out this sustainable pest management practice across other Maldivian islands and resorts.

Participants in the Zero Waste and Plastics course will learn how to recognise various types of plastics and their negative impact, especially for small island nations like the Maldives, and practical actions they can take towards a zero-waste lifestyle at home, including how to make their own toothpaste and body scrub from waste materials. The Adventure of the Corbin course combines nautical history with reading the stars to navigate and survival tips for being deserted on a small Maldivian island. Inspired by the Corbin, a French cargo vessel that sank in 1602, it starts at Soneva Fushi before participants are transferred to the uninhabited island of Innafushi, where they will camp for two nights, snorkel the site of the wreck and re-live the real-life adventure of 17th century sailors. soneva.com

DARWIN DAY TOURS

Small group adventure operator Autopia Tours has introduced new day tours from Darwin to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. The Kakadu Wilderness Escape explores the floodplains of Ubirr, home to ancient Indigenous rock art, with guided bushwalks and wildlife sightings. On the Litchfield National Park tour, families can explore the magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and hidden plunge pools at Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls. As an optional extra, they can also have a close wildlife encounter onboard a famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River or visit the wetlands of Fogg Dam Conservation, a bird-watchers’ paradise. autopiatours.com.au

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

with kids

with kids

THE HOLIDAY PARK THAT HAS IT ALL Looking for a family holidaydestination?

Look no further than BIG4 Easts Beach at Kiama on the NSW South Coast, where there really is something for the whole family.

1. SUNNY’S AQUAVENTURE PARK

Our water park features multi-level platforms with three water slides and a giant tipping bucket, an oceanthemed splash pad with interactive features, plus a shaded water journey for babies and toddlers. There is also a partially-shaded sunlounge area for parents to relax while children enjoy the time of their lives.

2. KRAZY KIDZ CLUB

A range of super fun activities are available at the Krazy Kidz Club on weekends and during the NSW school holidays. They include cooking classes to learn to make such things as Mars Bar balls, Crunchie slice and Malteser fudge plus cupcake decorating, as well as craft activities such as slime making, sand art, foil art and scratch art.

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3. THE BEACH

Whether you enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, body-boarding or just splashing about, you can do it all at Easts Beach, where the sapphire-blue ocean waves lap onto golden sands. This 400m-long beach offers a chance to relax, unwind and bask in the sun while your children build sandcastles. Easts Beach offers the complete package, from dancing waves at sunrise to a moonlit evening stroll.

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4. JUMPING PILLOW

There's no better way for the kids to have hours of uncomplicated fun and burn off energy than bouncing and jumping on our Jumping Pillow. It has a shade structure, is surrounded by soft white sand, and is fully fenced so everyone can safely enjoy themselves. It's loads of fun for the young and young-at-heart, so mum and dad are encouraged to join in the fun too!

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5. POOL COMPLEX

The pool complex has two pool areas: a heated lounge pool with children’s play area and plunge pool, plus a large main pool with two lap lanes and a disability ramp.

MORE INFORMATION: eastsbeach.com.au

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HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS

LITTLE MONKEYS REBORN!

Little Monkeys Indoor Play Corner at BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama has reopened following its COVID-19 closure.

While the south coast Park’s popular Sunny's Aquaventure Park is closed for maintenance over winter, kids can still play on the jumping pillow and in the holiday park’s two playgrounds. The pool complex, which features a heated pool and some fun splash play features, is also open.

Set on a 400m-long beach, BIG4 Easts Beach Kiama offers a range of super fun

activities at the Krazy Kidz Club on weekends and during the NSW school holidays, including cooking classes to learn to make such things as Mars Bar balls, Crunchie slice and Malteser fudge, as well as craft activities such as slime making, sand art, foil art and scratch art.

The Park has a flexible bookings policy with cancellations up to 72 hours before arrival, giving guests peace of mind. big4.com.au/caravan-parks/nsw/ illawarra/easts-beach-holiday-park 19

HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS

ADULTS’ RETREAT REVAMP It’s long been recognised as one of the most family-friendly resorts in Australia, now North Star Holiday Resort on the NSW Tweed coast provides even greater appeal for parents as well. The resort, at Hastings Point, has given its adults’ retreat, Seascape, a major makeover. The new look reflects the resort’s beachside location, with natural timbers and tones and a cool coastal palette. While the kids are being entertained at Neptune’s Castle Kids Club, mum and dad can make the most of the leisure centre’s day spa, hair and beauty salon, heated pool, gym, spas and sauna.

Just 30 minutes’ south of the Gold Coast and 30 minutes north of Byron Bay, North Star is spread across 10ha of sub-tropical gardens with pools, a beautiful beach and a crystal-clear tidal estuary. As well as its giant twolevel water park, Sammy’s Adventure Lagoon, the resort has an outdoor playground, a games room with pool tables, an air hockey table, table tennis, pinball machines and arcade games, as well as a tennis court. Little Treasures play corner is a fun and entertaining area for children aged up to three-years-old that features a colourful ocean mural, toys and climbing equipment especially designed for toddlers.

There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from campsites and caravan spots to cabins, cottages, apartments and luxury villas.

North Star’s onsite restaurant, Ripples, is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-away. It serves fresh local seafood and Aussie favourites, as well as Thai, Japanese and Italian dishes, and a great selection of beer and wine.

North Star has also been awarded Eco-Tourism Australia certification, which is recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, with more than 50 environmental or sustainable initiatives. It is one of only two holiday parks in NSW to achieve the certification. The new Marine Discovery Centre, which is open on Saturdays and during school holidays, aims to help people understand and care for the aquatic environment, its inhabitants and vital eco-systems, and learn about the challenges of climate change, marine litter, plastic waste, pollutants and fishing. northstar.com.au

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HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS

PET PAMPERING AT WYNDHAM RESORTS Australian pet services platform, PetCloud, has teamed up with resort company Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific to make it easier for pet parents to have a holiday. PetCloud’s nationwide network of pet sitters, dog walkers and pet taxis are available to assist when pet owners need help looking after their fur baby on holiday, while its national pet directory uses GPS to locate petfriendly beaches, parks, pubs and cafes nearby. For pets who are staying at home, PetCloud offers everything from house visits and house sitting to pet sitting, doggy day care and dog walking.

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Services vary depending on the animal’s needs and how long their owners will be away.

With the COVID-19 pandemic seeing more Australians than ever welcoming a pet into their home, PetCloud CEO Deb Morrison said she wanted pet parents to know that there were services available that allow them to have their pet and holiday too. “Australia already has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with animals in around two-thirds of households, and when the pandemic hit we saw a surge in pet adoptions, sales and fostering,” she said. “It’s wonderful

to see so many animals in loving homes and that’s where we want them to stay, so we’d love to see all pet parents take advantage of services such as pet sitting, dog walking and house visits to ensure their pet is safe and well whether they stay or go on vacay.”

To celebrate the partnership, PetCloud is offering a $30 credit to Lifestyle by Wyndham members to use on their first pet service. Travellers must book and complete their stay by December 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. lifestylebywyndham.com/petcloudpet-care-services-30-off

HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS

HILTON HONES IN ON FAMILIES Hilton Sydney has introduced two new room types, including one aimed at families, as part of its $25 million renovation.

All of the CBD hotel’s 587 guest rooms and suites have undergone extensive redesign and refurbishment, including new carpet and curtains, and the addition of European tapware, recliners, bedside lights and 55” Smart TVs. The new Corner Rooms offer two additional square metres

and an extra window with views of the CBD skyline. Family Rooms consist of two connecting rooms, which can be purchased together. The centrally-located hotel also has an indoor pool, a hatted restaurant run by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan (which includes a kids’ menu), two bars, and the largest hotel gym in Australia. sydney.hilton.com

SEYCHELLES WELCOMES CLUB MED! Club Med has opened a new ecoresort in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. Located in a protected reserve on Sainte-Anne Island, the 220ha Club Med Seychelles is a 15-minute boat ride from Mahé Island and its international airport. It offers Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms with an outdoor verandah, and Suites, some with sea views and a private pool, with decor inspired by the Seychelles, including untreated wood, local crafts, and tropical motifs. The resort’s main restaurant, Turtle Cove, opens onto the pool with the ocean in the background, offering cuisine with a Creole touch, as well as classic international fare. The space features different corners that celebrate the island’s culinary heritage, with a focus

on Asia and India. Between the pool and the white sand beach, the Reef Beach Lounge offers a menu of Creole specialties.

Offering childcare for children from age two, Club Med Seychelles is also a paradise for little ones. As part of Club Med’s Amazing Family program, the resort offers fun and educational family activities such as yoga, ecosystem discovery sessions and a pool with water games. The neighbouring Sainte-Anne Marine National Park offers an abundance of snorkelling and dive sites. Families can also indulge in water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and explore the Mai Valley on hikes and jungle adventures. clubmed.com.au/r/seychelles 23

HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS

CONDOS CONDUCIVE TO FAMILY FUN! BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has added six stylish three-bedroom condos to its accommodation offering. Sleeping up to eight guests, the Whitehaven condos are a great option for large families or two families holidaying together. Each has modern décor with artwork inspired by the Whitsundays, a dishwasher, reverse cycle air-conditioning, a laundry with a washing machine and dryer, rain shower, smart TVs, an iPod dock, popcorn and milkshake makers, a large deck, barbecue, and undercover parking for two cars.

Set on 10ha of tropical gardens, the Airlie Beach resort has been proudly family owned and operated for more than 28 years and has won over 40 major tourism awards. It has the largest resort waterslide park in Australia with 13 slides, a lagoon-style pool (heated in winter), two giant jumping pillows, a mini-golf course and an outdoor cinema. There is an activity guide for every week of the year, a fulltime activities co-ordinator, and a kids’ club offering everything from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. The waterpark slides come off a 2m-high platform and are linked by bridges and stairways. A massive tipping bucket sits at one end of the pool, and there are fun smaller frog and octopus features for toddlers.

There are also pedal karts, a full-size floodlit tennis court, an adventure playground, basketball, volleyball, badminton and bocce.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort even has its own animal park, where children can get up close and personal with Daisy the calf and her furry and feathered friends, including goats and chickens. Parents can also enjoy massages by the pool and wine and cheese afternoons. adventurewhitsunday.com.au 25

HOTELS, RESORTS & HOLIDAY PARKS An artist rendering of the new soft play area

MORE FUN ON FITZROY ISLAND A new soft play area for little ones and their parents is set to open at Fitzroy Island Resort, off the coast of Cairns, in spring.

Artistic resort staff will paint the mural to decorate the new space which will, of course, feature turtles – something the island is known for. Guests can also visit the nearby Turtle Rehabilitation Centre during their stay.

Just a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, the affordable resort offers a range of interactive child-friendly activities, overseen by its tours and activities coordinator. The newest, Mad Science, gives kids aged eight to 15 the opportunity to conduct controlled experiments. Other activities include daily fish feeding on the jetty at 11.30am and 3.30pm, and arts and crafts for children aged five to 11. There are also ‘touch and learn’ sessions with marine

specimens, as well as a Junior Marine Biologist Program, in which children aged five and up can spend the morning with the resort’s resident marine biologist and learn about our oceans and marine life through a series of hands-on activities. They include a glass bottom boat tour, beachcombing, water quality experiments and learning

Fitzroy Island Resort is a family friendly resort just 45 minutes from Cairns, nestled on a slice of tropical island paradise and home to Australia’s #1 rated beach.

We’ve introduced lots of NEW Kids Activities including a Junior Marine Biologist program! Find out more at fitzroyisland.com/jmb

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about the anatomy of marine animals. The program runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm every Sunday and costs $55 per child, with participants presented with certificates at the end. Both resort guests and day tour guests are welcome, but bookings are essential. fitzroyisland.com/kids-activities

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Ph: 07 4044 6700 E: stay@fitzroyisland.com fitzroyisland.com

@fitzroyisland #fitzroyisland

Image: Nicolas Dubreuil

GIVING BACK

PONANT HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST AFRICA Children on Caravela Island in West Africa will benefit from a new school being built with the help of guests of small ship and expedition cruise company PONANT. The PONANT Foundation is supporting the construction of the Mantchacadé school in Guinea-Bissau, as well as housing for teachers. The project will also enable literacy classes for adults, and an awareness program for sorting and recycling rubbish.

“Currently, 97 pupils, 180 adults and three teachers are waiting impatiently to see this project come to fruition,” PONANT’S head of sustainability and corporate social responsibility Wassim Daoud said. “Our first grant gave the community access to drinking water and funded the start of the school’s reconstruction.” Projects in the

pipeline for the school include learning how to grow the plant Artemisia, which is useful in the battle against malaria and other diseases.

PONANT has been taking adventurous travellers to some of the world’s most remote and intriguing places for more than three decades. Children aged from sixyears-old can travel on polar and tropical expeditions, excluding its new hybrid/ electric luxury polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot launching later this year, which will accept children aged from eight. Children aged one and over are welcome on its yachting/classic cruises, including Paul Gauguin cruises in French Polynesia, but there is a limit of five children aged one to six per departure. Onboard

Le Paul Gauguin, the Moana Kids’ Club is available for children aged four and over, offering an educational program oriented to culture and nature preservation. ponant.com/foundation 27

Image: P&O

SUSTAINABILITY

P&O GUESTS FUND TURTLE RELEASE P&O’s Papua New Guinea itineraries.

P&O Cruises Australia president, Sture Myrmell, said many P&O guests visit the turtle sanctuary during their visits.

“Through their contributions to the P&O Pacific Partnership, our guests know that they are making a difference in the protection of endangered marine life,” he said. “We are looking forward to our ships returning to the Conflict Islands, but it is good to know that this important project is continuing in the meantime.” Guest donations have also helped the CICI tag more than 1,200 marine turtles to confirm how many are nesting on the islands. Since the start of the program, the CICI has

CONSERVATION COMES TO FORE A new alliance has launched to expand the offering of educational, immersive conservation travel opportunities in Australia. Conservation Travel Australia is a partnership between wildlife tour company, Echidna Walkabout, and not-for-profit koala conservation organisation, Koala Clancy Foundation.

“Conservation travel is growing across the world and people want to give back as part of their travel experience,” Echidna Walkabout co-director Roger Smith said.

Echidna Walkabout is a founding 28

member of Australian Wildlife Journeys, a collaboration of locally owned tourism businesses across Australia that work with wildlife in the wild. “Conservation Travel Australia is working closely with other members of Australian Wildlife Journeys to create tours that give back to wildlife and the environment,” Mr Smith said.

“Two new tours have been built with Australian Wildlife Members members, Exmouth Dive & Whale Sharks Ningaloo and FNQ Nature Tours.” conservationtravel.com.au

also trained 47 staff and community members as turtle conservation rangers who have helped protect more than 20,000 hatchlings. The Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative project manager, Hayley Versace, said the P&O Pacific Partnership support would also educate and inspire local communities.

“The program’s reach goes beyond communities that P&O guests visit, because the lessons travel with individuals throughout the province and, more widely, in Papua New Guinea as students return to their home provinces and talk about the initiatives and research,” she said. cici.org.au/donate

Image: Paul Rushworth

A record 13,000 hatchlings of endangered turtle species have been released off Papua New Guinea’s Conflict Islands in a project supported by the guest-funded P&O Pacific Partnership. The release of the hatchlings into the warm waters of the Coral Sea over a fourmonth period is part of the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative’s (CICI) partnership with P&O Cruises Australia, which also aims to monitor populations and develop a long-term tagging and nesting program. With 21 islands surrounding a bright blue lagoon, the Conflict Islands is one of the most popular destinations on

Image: Kangaroo Island Odysseys

SUSTAINABILITY Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island

SPICING UP SUSTAINABILITY

GREEN TRAVEL GUIDE Ecotourism Australia has made it easier for travellers to find sustainable experiences, with the launch of a new app.

The organisation’s Green Travel Guide has been a longstanding resource for environmentally conscious travellers, and the new iteration of the website, which includes a searchable database of travel experiences and destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia’s programs, has been built as a progressive web app. This means it can be added to a mobile phone home screen and used when offline. The new Guide features more than 1,700 tours, hotels and attractions. They include luxury and eco-friendly tour companies Kangaroo Island Odysseys and Flinders Ranges Odysseys in South Australia. Kangaroo Island Odysseys

marketing manager Julie-Anne Briscoe said agreeing to take part was an easy decision.

“Our tours offer high quality eco experiences and focus primarily on experiencing nature in all her beauty, and wildlife and marine life in its natural habitat.” With demand for high-quality, immersive nature-based travel experiences growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman said the launch couldn’t have come at a better time. “People are increasingly looking for experiences that bring them back to nature, that refresh them not just physically but also emotionally.

People are becoming savvier about the holiday decisions they make, wanting to have a positive impact on the places they visit.” greentravelguide.org

Spicers Retreats and the Turner Family Foundation have released a new sustainability plan, which includes ambitious goals to radically reduce waste, energy emissions and water use over the next decade. The Environmental Sustainability Master Plan defines ten ways the company will reduce its environmental footprint. It previously established Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre in Queensland, a research station that breeds and releases endangered Australian species. More recently it embarked on its largest single-site solar array, with 100 kilowatts of solar energy now powering more than one third of the Hidden Vale retreat’s energy consumption. Spicers offers a range of luxury accommodation options across south east Queensland and the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and Sydney in NSW, with most catering for families in certain room types. spicersretreats.com

SYDNEY AIRPORT’S CARBON COMMITMENT

Sydney Airport has vowed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 by reducing electricity use and switching to 100 per cent renewable energy. It will also transition vehicles to low or no-emission technology and phase out fuelpowered equipment like diesel generators. If there are any emissions that cannot be eliminated by alternative technologies or management practices, they will be offset by buying credits from carbon removal projects, such as reforestation programs.

The Airport will also continue its program to target indirect emissions that are outside its operational control but occur as a result of its activities, such as carbon emissions generated by ground transport to and from the Airport, and planes taking off and landing. Initiatives range from offering renewable energy to the Airport’s retail and commercial tenants, to facilitating the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels. sydneyairport.com.au

WASTE NOT WANT NOT AT KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park is doing its bit to help the planet by installing a worm farm to reduce food waste. Already home to more than 8,000 worms, the farm also generates composting soil which will be added to its ‘food forest’ to grow harvestable foods to be shared with guests. The below-ground worm farm mimics conditions found in nature. Its four worm pods will enable it to process up to 60kg of food waste a week. Guests can find donation bins in the camp kitchen. tweedholidayparks.com.au/location/ kingscliff-beach 29

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARADISE RESORT GOLD COAST

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REASONS TO CHOOSE PARADISE RESORT GOLD COAST

There are so many options when it comes to family holidays – do you go the classic camping route, hop on a cruise, or book an apartment? If you’re looking for a family holiday that offers it all, you’ll find it at Paradise Resort. Here’s why.

1. PLACES TO PLAY

While kids no doubt love getting lost in nature on a camping trip, there are plenty of thrilling places to play at Paradise Resort, too. From its ice-skating rink, Planet Chill, to the Kids Zone, plus two waterparks, laser tag, rock climbing and even a virtual reality experience, Paradise Resort is truly paradise for families.

Kids won’t need to make their own fun, be cooped up in an apartment or run out of things to do like they might on a cruise – because as much fun as there is here at Paradise Resort, there is even more to be had on the Gold Coast! You can just about guarantee you’ll never hear them say ‘I’m bored!’.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARADISE RESORT GOLD COAST

Planet Chill

Mascot Dusty mascot in a refurbished room in Dusty’s Digs

2. ONSITE FAMILY DINING OPTIONS

Who wants to cook dinner when you’re on holiday? Not us! Paradise Resort offers a bevy of family dining options, whether you want to eat out or enjoy some poolside take-away (or even eat it in your room!).

Deb’s Pizza Shack serves up delicious pizza, pasta and family-friendly meal deals, while Jerry’s Burgers offers a mouth-watering menu of burgers, roast chicken, fish options and tasty wraps. Oh, and let’s not forget about Penguins, the penguin-themed dine-in restaurant complete with a jungle gym.

And if you do feel like cooking, there’s even a barbecue area in Dusty’s Adventureland.

Easy as can be.

3. A JAM-PACKED KIDS PROGRAM

When was the last time your camping trip featured live music, or your cruise offered a teddy bear workshop? Our jam-packed kids’ program ensures parents don’t need to spend their valuable time and money planning activities to keep the kids entertained. There are Fancy Dress Fridays, slime and mug makeover workshops, movie nights and performances from the Resort’s most unforgettable staff members – its mascots (more on them in a moment!).

The older kids will love the Teen Club, which

allows kids aged 13 to 17 to enjoy ice-skating, bingo and board games, and even win prizes.

4. FUN FOR MUM AND DAD, TOO

If all you want out of your holiday is to eat your meal while it’s still hot, or enjoy an uninterrupted conversation, you’ll find all that (and more!) at Paradise Resort. Unlike planning your own holiday (like, say, when you stay at an apartment), there’s no need to outsource any activities or debate over where to enjoy date night at Paradise Resort.

Its outdoor spa and sunny cabanas offer the ultimate places to relax, plus there’s a ‘Just for the Adults’ program with activities like live music, wine tasting, trivia and even a cocktail game show. Plus, there’s also an adults’ only lounge coming this year, featuring a pool, a funky bar and plenty of space to relax and unwind in child-free bliss.

5. COOL CHARACTERS TO MEET

What other family holiday features four resident mascots, whose one job is to make your stay unforgettable?! Captain is a friendly, swashbuckling pirate who loves to sail the high seas, while Astro is an ‘Out of this World’ friend all the way from planet Bubbleton – he has a rocket backpack ‘and he ain’t afraid to fly it’. Cleo is a sparkling

princess from a land far, far away who loves to dance and cook, so join her for cupcake decorating. Finally, Dusty is the adventureloving mate from the Outback. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready to snap a photo of the crew as they roam around the resort! Check your weekly ‘what’s on’ guide for appearance times.

EAT, PLAY, AND STAY FROM $995 PER FAMILY Book five nights or more at Paradise Resort Gold Coast and receive $500 to spend on food, drinks and attractions plus loads of extras! The package includes one fully supervised Kids Club or Teen Club session per person (0-17-years-old), 50 per cent off any additional Kids Club or Teen Club sessions, 25 per cent off ice-skating, 25 per cent off laser tag, $250 to spend on food and drinks and $250 to spend on local tours and attractions. Valid for travel on selected dates until August, 2022. On sale for a limited time.

Conditions and exclusions apply.

MORE INFORMATION: paradiseresort.com.au

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OFFERS

HOLIDAY HERE

a n d sa v e

Families can save up to 25 per cent off their next stay at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts throughout Australia From centrally located city hotels to tropical beachfront resorts, you’re bound to find the perfect place to stay for your next family holiday with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

And now is the time to book, with the hotel group offering savings of up to 25 per cent off the best available rate at participating Hotels by Wyndham in the Asia Pacific, plus earn 3,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points when you book direct, as part of its Holiday Here campaign! The offer is valid for bookings made direct by August 28, 2021 for stays until August 30, 2021.* So, what are you waiting for? Book a relaxing stay on home soil and create wonderful memories with the people you love.

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WYNDHAM HOTEL SURFERS PARADISE

From $175 per room per night, this contemporary hotel is located in the heart of the Gold Coast’s tourist hub, a short stroll from world-class shopping, sensational food and wine precincts, and picturesque beaches. Its spacious, stylish, and selfcontained accommodations combine contemporary décor and practical holiday living. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, wine bar, café, spa and gym.

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM MARCOOLA BEACH

From $149 per room per night, this resort is located on a patrolled beach and offers a great base to explore the Sunshine Coast’s attractions, including Australia Zoo, Noosa and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium at

Mooloolaba. Facilities include a 60m heated lagoon-style pool with a children’s wading pool, poolside restaurant, a café, sports bar, day spa, gym, tour desk and onsite car parking.

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM CAIRNS CITY CENTRE

From $119 per room per night, this Queenslander-style hotel is located in the CBD, just 6km from Cairns Airport and within walking distance of the Cairns Night Markets along the Cairns Esplanade, and Cairns Aquarium. Relax on the balcony of your non-smoking guest room, watch the flat-screen HDTV, work out in the gym, unwind on the sundeck by the pool, and dine at the onsite restaurant. Book a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, go bungee jumping at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, or explore the region’s beautiful beaches and rivers.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS

Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise

Ramada by Wyndham VetroBlu Scarborough Beach

RAMADA RESORT

BY WYNDHAM PORT DOUGLAS

admire the city’s street art. Its one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments feature kitchens, balconies, and all the space a family needs.

From $175 per room per night, this resort is a scenic one-hour drive north of Cairns in the laidback and sophisticated coastal village of Port Douglas. The town offers visitors a wide range of tours, cruises, adventure activities and world-class restaurants. And this tropical resort is the ideal place to stay, with a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and swim-up bar, à la carte restaurant, bar, day spa, tour desk, bicycle hire, and a gym, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, a local shuttle service, guest laundry, and 24-hour reception. There’s also a games room with a pool table, dart boards and giant chess.

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM BRISBANE WINDSOR

From $142 per room per night, this hotel, in the suburb of Windsor, is just a few minutes’ drive from Brisbane’s CBD, with easy access to Brisbane Airport, Brisbane Showgrounds and sports venues such as The Gabba and Perry Park, and a bus stop at the front door. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking, relax by the pool, work out at the gym, and dine on authentic Italian cuisine at its onsite restaurant.

WYNDHAM HOTEL MELBOURNE

From $215 per room per night, you can stay at this William St hotel and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s unique and thriving culture, catch a show at one of the nearby theatres, dine in quirky cafes and restaurants, and

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM DIPLOMAT CANBERRA

From $135 per room per night, this boutique hotel in Griffith is close to Canberra’s CBD and parliamentary triangle, and minutes from attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and Questacon Science and Technology Museum. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, it offers free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as an outdoor pool.

RAMADA RESORT BY WYNDHAM PHILLIP ISLAND

From $224 per room per night, Ramada Resort Phillip Island is an easy two-hour drive from Melbourne and conveniently located in the centre of the island. It makes a great base to explore the island’s beaches and bays, see koalas dozing in the treetops, view Australia’s largest colony of fur seals, and watch hundreds of little penguins returning to their burrows in the famous Penguin Parade. The Resort has two outdoor pools and a children’s pool, two health centres with a gym, spa, sauna, indoor lap pool, and two tennis courts.

There is also 7km of walking and cycling tracks around the resort. Indulge at the cafe and bar or cook your own meal in the picnic barbecue area.

Ramada Resort

by Wyndham Phillip Island

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM VETROBLU SCARBOROUGH BEACH HOTEL

From $149 per room per night, this hotel offers sweeping views of Perth’s iconic sunsets in the heart of Scarborough’s entertainment precinct. It is just a short drive from the CBD, Hillary’s and Fremantle. Stay in a studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment, or splash out on a three or four-bedroom penthouse apartment with 180-degree views. Relax by the pool or head to the beach to swim, surf, people-watch, fish, skate, cycle, sail, windsurf, snorkel, kitesurf, shop or dine. Free Wi-Fi is available on the main beach, as well as foreshore areas and at the amphitheatre.

MORE INFORMATION: wyndhamhotels.com * Terms and conditions apply

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Theme Park packages available

•

Self contained 2 and 3 bedroom Villas, Cabins, Terraces or Bungalows.

Plenty of indoors and outdoors activities to keep the kids entertained.

Monster Waterpark

•

Heated Pool with wading pool, and Spa

•

Jumping Pillow

•

Nibbles Café and Nibbles Terrace

•

Dog Friendly

•

•

MAGIC IN EVERY STAY Set on 32 acres, with a range of accommodation options and activities, there is plenty of fun for the whole family.

And we are located next door to all major theme parks.

P: (07) 5514 4400 | E: stay@gcpark.com.au | W: goldcoastholidaypark.com.au BIG4GoldCoastHolidayPark

big4goldcoast

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLD COAST HOLIDAY PARK

GAME ON ON THE GOLD COAST BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is offering a range of fun inclusions for guests who book its special Game Over Package. Stay three, five or seven nights at the park and receive one go karting session, one laser tag session and one clip ‘n’ climb indoor rock climbing session at Game Over adventure centre. The offer also includes a free frisbee per child that can be used during a game of Golf Frisbee. The nonrefundable package must be booked by September 30 for stays until November 30, 2021. The deal must be booked online and is subject to availability. Blackout periods apply during school holidays, and on long weekends. Other terms and conditions apply.

Located at Helensvale, the holiday park is the closest to the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks, just across the road from Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Outback Spectacular and Topgolf, and only two minutes’ drive to Dreamworld

and Whitewater World. It offers accommodation to suit every type of family, from caravan and camping sites to stylish two-bedroom villas and threebedroom retreats. Dog-friendly sites and accommodation are also available.

Nibbles Café, which has a new adjoining alfresco dining area called Nibbles Terrace, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The menu is updated several times a year, with chefs committed to using local food wholesalers and developing menus around fresh, seasonal produce. Specials such as Chicken Parmi night are always popular.

The kids’ menu for children aged 12 and under includes chicken nuggets and chips, fish and chips and calamari and chips for $10 each.

There’s also a jumping pillow, plus activities such as pizza making, cookie decorating, colouring-in boomerangs, scavenger hunts and movie nights. goldcoastholidaypark.com.au/hot-deals 35

AUSTRALIA

** *

HO*TCITY IN THE

* *

Image: Visit Victoria

MELBOURNE MUSEUM

Located next to the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, this large museum has something for everyone. You could easily spend a few days exploring its natural and cultural history displays, with life-sized dinosaur skeletons and a centre dedicated to Victoria’s Indigenous people. For young kids, a highlight is the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery, a hands-on learning space where they can dig for fossils and dance at the ‘camouflage disco’. museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum 36

Whether it’s a staycation or an interstate jaunt, now is a great time to discover our cities, with a Tourism Australia campaign encouraging us to do just that. Here are some of the coolest things to do in our capitals with kids

Image: Phoebe Powell

AUSTRALIA

** *

MELBOURNE

ACMI

Formerly The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, ACMI is one of Melbourne’s best-loved museums, offering a deep dive into the world of film, television and gaming. Aside from its family-friendly film screenings, activity days and school holiday programs, ACMI also boasts an exciting array of hands-on and interactive exhibitions that will appeal to kids of all ages. acmi.net.au

WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

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*

Image: Visit Victoria

Just 30km southwest of Melbourne is this African-themed wildlife park where you can embark on a thrilling safari. Aboard the guided bus tour, you’ll get up close to hippos, rhinos, giraffes and camels before learning how to track lions in the recreated African village.

The Pula Reserve Walking Trail allows you to explore the zoo on foot while coming face-toface with vervet monkeys and meerkats. zoo.org.au/werribee

Image: Zoos Victoria

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ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS VICTORIA

On the south side of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria offers 38ha of landscaped gardens, lakes and lawns. If there’s one area that families shouldn’t miss, it’s the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, an award-winning space where kids can immerse themselves in the world of plants while running, scrambling and exploring. rbg.vic.gov.au 37

AUSTRALIA

INTERAXCITY

** *

MELBOURNE ZOO

Image: Zoos Victoria

Set within the leafy surrounds of Royal Park, the Melbourne Zoo is home to more than 300 species of animal from Australia and beyond. After getting up close to Asian elephants, playful lemurs and big cats, you can venture underwater at the Wild Sea exhibit. The kids will have a ball at Growing Wild, an interactive play area where giant tortoise talks are held each day. zoo.org.au/melbourne/

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This scaled-down city, designed specifically for children, has been created to encourage creativity and curiosity. In the hands-on exhibits, kids can learn how to be a chef, a construction worker or a mechanic while completing a variety of tasks. Interaxcity is all about learning through imaginative play and discovering what it takes to be a community hero. interaxcity.com.au

Image: Visit Victoria

AUSTRALIA

** *

LUNA PARK MELBOURNE

Spread across seven hectares on a bend of the Yarra River, the Collingwood Children’s Farm encompasses livestockfilled paddocks, gardens and orchards where families can experience rural life. Learn how to milk the resident cows and bottle feed the lambs or see if you can find the chickens’ eggs. A farmer’s market takes place each fortnight and family days are regularly held, complete with tractor and pony rides. farm.org.au

For 360-degree views across Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges, book a ride on the Melbourne Star. Step aboard one of the fully enclosed cabins of this giant ferris wheel to journey 120m above the Docklands, while listening to commentary about the history of the city and the sights below. melbournestar.com

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MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL

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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM

Image: Visit Victoria

Image: Visit Victoria

Opened in 1912, this amusement park is packed with both thrilling and gentle rides that will appeal to all ages and adrenalin levels. You can brave the House of Horrors, explore the park on the Betty Choo Choo train or soak up the spectacular views across Melbourne from the Great Scenic Railway. A highlight of visiting Luna Park for families is riding the beautifully illuminated Carousel after dark. lunapark.com.au

SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM

On the banks of the Yarra River, this state-of-the-art aquarium is dedicated to Southern Ocean and Antarctic species and is known for its shark-filled Mermaid Garden. The self-guided tour takes you past the Crocodile’s Lair, the Penguin Playground and the Bay of Rays, and to the interactive Discovery Rockpools.

Don’t miss the newly opened Ocean Invaders, a sensory experience featuring otherworldly jellyfish. visitsealife.com/melbourne 39

AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM

Image: Destination NSW

See penguins, sharks, dugongs and other marine creatures at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, in Darling Harbour. The Day and Night on the Reef exhibit recreates life on the Great Barrier Reef with a 1.7 million litre display of more than 500 sea creatures, including tropical fish, jellyfish and turtles.

Littlies can also touch sea stars, shark eggs, shells and sea urchins at the Discovery Rockpool. visitsealife.com/sydney

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Image: Destination NSW

Image: Destination NSW

AUSTRALIA

TARONGA ZOO SYDNEY

With spectacular views over Sydney Harbour, this iconic zoo at Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, is home to more than 5000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened.

See Sumatran tigers, gorillas, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and lots more. Kids aged from eight, who are at least 140cm tall, can also tackle the high ropes course, navigating suspension bridges, climbing walls and flying foxes. taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo

AUSTRALIAN MARITIME MUSEUM Image: Destination NSW

Jump aboard tall ships, navy vessels, a cold war submarine and restored historic boats at this Darling Harbour attraction. Its galleries also showcase historical artefacts that bring Australia’s deep connection to the sea alive. sea.museum

BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY

Explore the largest island in Sydney Harbour, formerly a convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, on a guided historical tour – or a ghost tour if you dare. You can also stay overnight in a tent at the waterfront campground, in a heritage cottage, or even at the converted fire station. It’s easily accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, Barangaroo, and wharves along the Parramatta River. cockatooisland.gov.au

Image: Destination NSW

COCKATOO ISLAND

Families with children aged eight and over, who are more than 1.2m tall, can climb along the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the summit for magnificent views over the city. There are several options to choose from, depending on confidence levels. New options include the Burrawa climb with an Indigenous storyteller, in which you learn the origins of place names along the water’s edge, such as Bennelong Point and Barangaroo, and the Ultimate Climb which covers the entire bridge from north to south and back again. bridgeclimb.com 41

Image: Destination NSW

AUSTRALIA

LUNA PARK SYDNEY

WILD LIFE SYDNEY ZOO

Get up close to iconic Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, quokkas, platypus, numbats, wombats and Tasmanian devils, at this popular attraction in the heart of Darling Harbour.

Kids will also love the snakes and spiders, and saltwater crocodile Rocky (originally from Rockhampton). You can also have your photo taken with a koala, and grab a bite to eat at the Koala Rooftop Café. wildlifesydney.com.au

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SYDNEY TOWER EYE

Take in 360-degree views of Sydney from the top of its tallest building, 250m above street level.

On a clear day you can see as far as the Blue Mountains, 80km away! Feel like you are walking on air on the highest outdoor viewpoint as guides point out iconic landmarks and share the city’s stories during the one-hour SKYWALK tour, with access to the indoor Observation Deck before and after. sydneytowereye.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM Walk amongst real dinosaur skeletons and life-size models at The Australian Museum, which reopened in late 2020 after a major refurbishment.

Its collections include scientific specimens of animals, fossils and minerals, as well as cultural objects such as Egyptian sculptures, ghost net art by Indigenous artists, and the Hawaiian Feather Cape presented to Captain Cook in 1778. australian.museum

Image: Destination NSW

Image: Destination NSW

Ride the ferris wheel, brave the rollercoasters and challenge yourself in the mirror maze at Luna Park, on the shore of Sydney Harbour at Milsons Point. The Park is set to reopen soon with eight new rides, including the Boomerang family rollercoaster, the Sledgehammer 360° swing, with the Big Dipper Rollercoaster set to open in late 2021. Its new loyalty program, Luna Perks, gives guests the chance to gain points to redeem special park offers, food, toys, show bags and other memorabilia, while new annual passes are also available. lunaparksydney.com

MULTICULTURAL FOOD TOUR Embrace Sydney’s multiculturalism and head to suburbs such as Bankstown, Cabramatta, Merrylands, Liverpool and Chatswood to discover cuisines from around the world, including Vietnam, Greece, Lebanon, India and Afghanistan. Extra Bankstown tours, which are most suitable for kids, run during the school holidays. tastetours.com.au

Image: James Horan-Destination NSW

AUSTRALIA

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM

SYDNEY ZOO

With clever habitat design, this western Sydney zoo aims to provide an experience that is more immersive and engaging than traditional zoos. Located on the Great Western Hwy near Eastern Creek, it is home to more than 1,000 species, and has Australia’s largest Reptile and Nocturnal House and an aquarium. It offers encounters in which you can feed camels, meerkats, capybaras and lions, while the Mini Zookeeper for a Day program allows kids aged eight to 12-years-old to go behind-thescenes to experience life as an employee. sydneyzoo.com

FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK

Help feed kangaroos, koalas and Little Penguins during an animal encounter at this Doonside wildlife park in Sydney’s west. You can also walk through the lorikeet aviary, and even take a selfie with a quokka. There is also an onsite cafe, and picnic tables dotted throughout the Park. featherdale.com.au

Image: Destination NSW

Image: Destination NSW

Image: Destination NSW

Located in the Ultimo Power Station, this museum’s collections span science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture. It has both permanent exhibitions and changing temporary exhibitions and displays. maas.museum/powerhouse-museum/

MUSEUM OF FIRE

Marvel at hand drawn, horse drawn and motorised fire engines dating from the late 18th century up to the 21st century at this not-for-profit and charitable organisation, which is largely run by current and retired firefighters. Younger kids can play computer games, puzzles and dress ups in the Junior Firefighters Zone and take command of a fire engine in the simulator.

On certain days you can also ride on a vintage fire engine. Call before your visit to make sure the volunteer drivers are working that day. museumoffire.net 43

AUSTRALIA

With its impressive collection of artwork spanning centuries, the Art Gallery of South Australia is one of Adelaide’s premier cultural institutions. But it’s particularly popular with families on the first Sunday of each month when the Start at the Gallery program takes place. Each event is themed around a current exhibition and includes kidfriendly tours, art activities and live entertainment. agsa.sa.gov.au

Image: Megan Crabb

ADELAIDE

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ART GALLERY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA

** *

MEGA ADVENTURE PARK

HENLEY BEACH

Centred around the grassy lawns of Henley Square, this popular beachside suburb is the place to head on hot summer days. Kids will love splashing in the shallow waters and there’s a long jetty for afternoon strolls. You will find plenty of cafes and restaurants surrounding Henley Square where you can dine alfresco on everything from Greek cuisine to fish and chips and gelati. southaustralia.com/destinations/ adelaide/places/henley-beach

Image: Zoos SA-Adrian Mann

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

Featuring more than 70 obstacles to challenge parents and kids alike, this thrilling adventure park is located in the coastal community of West Beach. It features a multi-tiered climbing frame, a zipline and an elevated observation deck, as well as a giant swing that reaches speeds of up to 70km an hour.

Children need to be at least 120cm tall to climb with an adult, and 140cm to explore unassisted. megaadventure.com.au

ADELAIDE ZOO

Opened in 1883, Adelaide Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Australia and the self-declared home of the panda.

Aside from coming face-to-face with local panda celebrities Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the zoo has around 250 species of animals that range from native species to the exotic.

Don’t miss the daily keeper talks to learn about the resident lions and Sumatran tigers, and play on the allabilities, nature-inspired equipment. adelaidezoo.com.au

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Image: South Australia Tourism Commission

**

DOLPHIN CRUISE WITH TEMPTATION SAILING

*

From Adelaide’s favourite beach, Glenelg, step aboard the Temptation catamaran for a dolphin-spotting cruise in St. Vincent Gulf. Not only can you see these intelligent creatures up close, but also swim and interact with them (safe in the knowledge that the vessel is equipped with electronic shark deterrents). dolphinboat.com.au

CLELAND CONSERVATION PARK

In the rugged Mount Lofty Ranges to the southeast of the city, this iconic wildlife park is the place to meet native fauna near Adelaide. You won’t see many enclosures here, with most of the kangaroos, wombats and bettongs roaming free. Aside from the keeper talks that are held throughout the day, other highlights include the Breakfast with the Birds and having your photo taken cuddling a koala. clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au

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Image: South Australia Tourism Commission

ADELAIDE GAOL

Follow in the footsteps of some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals at Adelaide Gaol, which provided a home for around 300,000 prisoners over 147 years. On guided tours through this notorious institution, you’ll experience what daily life was like for the inmates and explore the eerie cells, which have been the location of numerous ghost sightings. adelaidegaol.sa.gov.au

Image: Carissa Wright

AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDENS

In the picturesque Adelaide Hills community of Woodside, Barristers Block is one of the most family-friendly wineries in South Australia. It has a large grass area where you can enjoy lunch and a glass of wine from the cellar door, as well as a huge sandpit filled with trucks and spades. In the farmyard, kids can meet the winery’s friendly deer, alpaca and chickens. barristersblock.com.au

** *

ADELAIDE OVAL ROOFCLIMB

Image: John Montesi

BARRISTERS BLOCK WINERY

From the International Rose Garden to the Bicentennial Conservatory, you could easily spend a whole day at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. It’s school holiday program provides opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and tools, prehistoric fossil casting, and take part in a critters craft workshop or self-guided treasure hunt. botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

It’s been described as one of the most picturesque sporting ovals in the world, and there’s no better place to view it than from the roof. If your kids are aged eight or over, you can strap into a harness for an unforgettable experience climbing 50m above the Adelaide Oval’s hallowed turf. From the top, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views across the city and beyond. roofclimb.com.au 47

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

In the heart of the South Brisbane Cultural Precinct, the flagship campus of the Queensland Museum explores the worlds of natural history, science and human achievement. Kids will particularly love the interactive Discovery Centre and the Lost Creatures gallery where they can learn about Queensland’s extinct dinosaurs and megafauna. Older kids can discover their inner scientist at the SparkLab, which encourages them to question the world around them. qm.qld.gov.au

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Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

AUSTRALIA

EAT STREET NORTHSHORE MARKETS

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

A former container wharf in the riverside suburb of Hamilton has been transformed into one of Brisbane’s liveliest dining destinations — the Eat Street Northshore markets. Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can grab a bite from one of the eateries that occupy the repurposed containers, and settle in on the fake turf to enjoy the live music and entertainment. With its colourful artwork and festive string lights, it provides a great atmosphere for a family night out. eatstreetnorthshore.com.au

SIR THOMAS BRISBANE PLANETARIUM

Forming part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens/Mt Coot-tha, this iconic planetarium is the place to head for an Earth-based adventure into space.

It’s home to the Sundial Courtyard and Galaxy Gift Shop, as well as the Cosmic Skydome, where immersive shows are held. If you’re travelling with young kids, coincide your visit with a screening of Perfect Little Planet, Tycho to the Moon or The Little Star That Could. brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-andprecincts/sir-thomas-brisbane-planetarium

MORETON ISLAND

This stunning sand island, located just off the coast of Brisbane, is a place where you can enjoy blissful days on the beach or burn down the dunes on a toboggan. Adventure-loving families can don a mask and snorkel to explore the shallow shipwrecks that dot the coast, or come face-to-face with wild bottlenose dolphins during feeding sessions at Tangalooma Island Resort. visitbrisbane.com.au/moretonisland 49

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

AUSTRALIA

RIVERLIFE ADVENTURE CENTRE

Based in Kangaroo Point, Riverlife offers kayaking tours along the Brisbane River, as well as abseiling and rockclimbing lessons. While kids need to be at least eight years old to participate, no experience is necessary, with all equipment and instruction provided by their knowledgeable guides. Water bikes, rollerblades, bikes and electric URB-Es can also be rented for exploring the riverside trails. riverlife.com.au

THE JUNGLE ADVENTURE PLAY

The largest indoor play centre in Queensland, The Jungle Adventure Play is a great option for a rainy day. It’s divided into several zones that are suitable for different ages, including Cub’s Junior Play, Jungle Time and the Jungle Jump.

There are climbing walls and a high ropes course to challenge older kids, as well as a chill-out creative zone known as the Rainforest Retreat. Parents are welcome to join in the fun or relax at the fully licensed Base Camp café. thejungletribe.com.au

WYNNUM FORESHORE

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

For a day at the coast, head to the Wynnum Foreshore, which centres around a family-friendly park with a wading pool and playground that have been entertaining kids since 1932.

Coincide your visit with high tide, when the pool fills with saltwater, then enjoy a stroll along the jetty or rent bicycles and pedal north to the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk. wynnumtoday.com.au

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SOUTH BANK

Home to the Aquativity Water Park and the Riverside Garden Playground, South Bank is a popular destination for families throughout the year. Learn about edible produce in the Epicurious Garden, explore the Queensland Maritime Museum or soak up the city views from The Wheel of Brisbane. Countless cafes and restaurants dot the tropical-inspired surrounds for when the hunger pangs hit. visitbrisbane.com.au/south-bank

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

AUSTRALIA

THE WORKSHOPS RAIL MUSEUM

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Housed in the old boiler shop of the North Ipswich Railway, this awardwinning museum features beautifully restored locomotives and the largest model railway in Queensland. The Day Out with Thomas is a particular hit with families during the school holidays, with plenty of Thomas the Tank Engine-themed activities and an appearance by the Fat Controller. theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

SUMMER LAND CAMELS

Everything from camel milk to skincare products and even vodka is produced at this innovative camel farm, just 45 minutes’ drive from Brisbane. Its guided farm tours are the perfect way to learn about Australia’s centuries-old relationship with camels, and you can also climb on a camel for a ride. Summer Land Camels regularly hosts family-friendly events that range from country markets to Little Humpty Children’s Days. summerlandcamels.com.au

BRIBIE ISLAND

Connected to the mainland via a bridge, Bribie Island is the most northerly of Moreton Bay’s sand islands. Not only does it boast beautiful beaches with safe swimming waters, but also tranquil lagoons that can be accessed on 4WD tours. Bribie Island provides important habitat for a variety of native wildlife species, as well as featuring a much-loved Butterfly House. visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/ precincts/bribie-island 51

AUSTRALIA

CANBERRA

** * QUESTACON

Image: VisitCanberra

Packed with interactive exhibits exploring the worlds of science and technology, Questacon is one of Canberra’s best-loved family museums. Kids can feel the force of an earthquake in the Awesome Earth exhibit, peer through microscopes in the Q Lab and tinker away on art and design projects in The Shed. questacon.edu.au

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Image: Penny Bradfield-VisitCanberra

AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM

Image: VisitCanberra

At the western end of Lake Burley Griffin, this combined zoo and aquarium boasts the largest collection of big cats in Australia.

Aside from getting up close to Sumatran tigers, ring-tailed lemurs and zebra sharks, kids can let loose in the Adventureland playground or get hands-on during the Keeper for a Day program. nationalzoo.com.au

PLAYUP AT THE MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY Understanding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child might seem overwhelming for young kids, but PlayUP makes it accessible through a range of interactive exhibits. Located at the Museum of Australian Democracy, this engaging family space celebrates all things kids via listening pods, role-playing activities and hands-on crafts. moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/playup

COCKINGTON GREEN GARDENS Journey around the globe without leaving the country at the awardwinning Cockington Green Gardens, where you’ll find meticulously recreated landmarks from as far afield as Scotland and Peru. Kids will love riding the miniature steam train and peering into the Waverley dollhouse, followed by afternoon tea overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds. cockingtongreen.com.au

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Image: VisitCanberra

AUSTRALIA

YARRALUMLA PLAY STATION

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

Ever wanted to see where Australia’s circulating coins are made? Head to the Royal Australian Mint for one of its fascinating guided tours to get a behind-the-scenes look. Kids will love watching the coin-making robots in action and can challenge themselves on the Mint Treasure Hunt, then mint their very own $1 coin. ramint.gov.au 54

BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND

Within Kings Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, this playground was built to celebrate the city’s centenary. It’s the first all-abilities playground in the nation’s capital and is packed with stateof-the-art equipment that encourages kids to climb, slide and dig for sandpit treasures. nca.gov.au/attractionsand-memorials/boundlessplayground

Image: Tourism Canberra

Image: VisitCanberra

Image: Kara Rosenlund-VisitCanberra

The Yarralumla Play Station has been entertaining families since 1973, with a miniature railway, miniature golf courses and a petting farm among its attractions.

Enjoy a leisurely ride pulled by the train Bluebell, hit a hole in one on the Lake Walter golf courses, then say “hello” to miniature pigs, alpacas, dwarf goats and a Galloway cow at the free-roaming farm. yarraps.com.au

EXPLORE

BY BIKE

Canberra is one of the most bike-friendly cities on the planet, with cycle paths everywhere. The ultra family-friendly East Hotel Canberra offers bikes for guest use, so take one for a ride to Lake Burley Griffin for a picnic or cruise to Manuka or Kingston for some shopping. easthotel.com.au

Image: VisitCanberra

AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM

Image: VisitCanberra

With the largest permanent display of dinosaur fossils in Australia, the National Dinosaur Museum forms part of Canberra’s Gold Creek Village.

Whilst there’s a fascinating array of skeletons, skulls and murals on display, it’s the lifelike models and animatronic dinosaurs (complete with roars and blinks) that always leave the biggest impression. nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

POD PLAYGROUND AT NATIONAL ARBORETUM If there’s one attraction that families shouldn’t miss at the 250ha National Arboretum, it’s the native florainspired Pod Playground. Parents can soak up the views across Canberra with a coffee from the Village Centre while kids busy themselves playing in the giant acorn cubbies and making music in the banksia pods. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/ visit/pod-playground

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Image: Charlie Bliss

DARWIN

AUSTRALIA

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MINDIL BEACH MARKETS

The Mindil Beach Markets are a Darwin institution and take place every Thursday and Sunday from late April until late October. There are more than 200 stalls offering everything from local handicrafts to massages on the waterfront, accompanied by live music and a mouthwatering array of multicultural food. For the brave, it’s a great opportunity to try local delicacies such as kangaroo and crocodile while watching the sunset over the Timor Sea. mindil.com.au

Learn about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the bombing of Darwin through virtual reality and holographic technology at this interesting attraction. As well as listening to the tales of Nurse Kathy and seeing a full-size replica of a Japanese Zero aircraft, you can experience a virtual flight with a Royal Flying Doctors pilot. rfdsdarwin.com.au

Image: Tourism NT-Summersite

ROYAL FLYING DOCTORS DARWIN

Image: Tourism NT-Royal Flying Doctor Service

AUSTRALIA

WAVE LAGOON

Image: Tourism NT-Nick Pincott

One of Darwin’s most-loved family attractions, the Wave Lagoon offers a stinger and crocodile-free place to swim. Older kids will love bobbing, boogie boarding and tube riding the gentle waves while younger ones can splash and swim in the shallow water play area. The Wave Lagoon forms part of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct where you’ll find eateries, a children’s playground and a sandy beach. waterfront.nt.gov.au/wavelagoon

MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE NT

DARWIN SAILING CLUB

Image: Tourism NT-Shaana McNaught

Darwin’s premier cultural institution, this museum is packed with exhibits exploring the region’s heritage. Highlights for families include the Discovery Centre, where kids can participate in free activities, and the feeding of the museum’s resident pignosed turtle. No trip is complete without seeing Sweetheart — a taxidermied croc that was notorious for attacking boats in the 1970s. magnt.net.au

Whether you want to learn to sail or just enjoy a peaceful cruise around the harbour, the Darwin Sailing Club is the place to make it happen. It centres around an open and airy clubhouse overlooking Fannie Bay, where you can feast on seafood while watching the spectacular sunset. darwinsailingclub.com.au 57

Image: Tourism NT-Shaana McNaught

AUSTRALIA

GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise that is the George Brown Botanic Gardens, which is filled with native and exotic flora. Learn about Indigenous plant use at the newly opened visitor’s centre and see majestic baobabs in the African-Madagascan garden, then enjoy a play break at the three-storey treehouse. nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-apark/george-brown-darwin-botanic-gardens

DECKCHAIR CINEMA

Overlooking Darwin Harbour, this breezy, open-air cinema is the ideal place to catch a flick with the family during the dry season. Arrive early and grab a bite from one of the food stalls or bring your own picnic before settling into the comfy deckchairs for a family favourite or new release blockbuster. deckchaircinema.com

A 45-minute drive south of Darwin, the Territory Wildlife Park offers up-close encounters with the Top End’s animals in a natural bush setting. Shuttle trains and walking trails link its treetop aviaries, lagoon and monsoon forest, as well as the aquarium where you can come face-toface with a 4m-long saltwater crocodile. In the school holidays, the park hosts a series of educational workshops and interactive programs designed specifically for kids. territorywildlifepark.com.au 58

Image: Tourism NT-Friederike Franze

TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK

THE DEFENCE OF DARWIN EXPERIENCE

At the heart of the Darwin Military Museum is this immersive exhibit, which details the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces on 19 February 1942. Through first-hand accounts and multimedia presentations, kids can learn about life in the Northern Territory during World War II, then record their family’s story and links to war in the digital story-telling space. darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au/ defence-of-darwin-experience

Image: Tourism NT-Aude Mayans

Image: Tourism NT

Image: Tourism NT-Shaana McNaught

AUSTRALIA

AQUASCENE

For more than 50 years, bream, mullet and wild rays have been flocking to Darwin’s Doctors Gully at high tide for a free feed of bread. In 1981, Aquascene was established so that everyone could participate in the hand feeding in a sustainable manner. Relax in one of the stadium-style seats to watch the boisterous fish in action or wade into the shallows alongside them. aquascene.com.au

TURTLE TRACKS TOUR TO BARE SAND ISLAND Departing from Stokes Hill Wharf, this sunset cruise will take you to Bare Sand Island, which is an important nesting ground for flatback and olive ridley turtles. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the turtles’ life cycles and hear stories of the Larrakia Nation before watching as the turtles lay their eggs or new hatchlings emerge on the sand. seadarwin.com/darwin-tours/ turtle-tracks

Image: Tourism NT-Peter Eve

CROCOSAURUS COVE If there’s one animal that’s synonymous with the Northern Territory, it’s the saltwater crocodile, and you can see some of the largest specimens in the country at Crocosaurus Cove. See the force of a crocodile’s jaw during the Big Croc Feed Show and safely swim with juvenile crocs in the pool, then have your pic taken holding an adorable baby crocodile. crocosauruscove.com

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AUSTRALIA

Image: Tourism Tasmania

HOBART

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COAL RIVER FARM

It’s not just the handmade chocolates (and watching the chocolatiers in action) that will appeal to kids at Coal River Farm, 45 minutes’ drive from the CBD, but also the opportunity to interact with the resident goats and pick their own berries. This farm has fabulous views across the valley from its glass-fronted restaurant, which offers a seasonally changing menu and artisan cheese. coalriverfarm.com.au

Image: Alastair Bett

AUSTRALIA

CASCADES FEMALE FACTORY

Image: Tourism Australia-Graham Freeman

Image: Tourism Australia-Graham Freeman

Already ticked Port Arthur off your list? This lesser-known convict site is hidden in the residential streets of South Hobart and details the lives and punishments of Tasmania’s female convicts. Guided tours led by costumed actors help to bring the past to life and there’s a dedicated kids activity book to make the history more accessible to young visitors. femalefactory.org.au

BONORONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY MT WELLINGTON LOOKOUT

No trip to Hobart is complete without a jaunt up kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the often snow-capped peak that rises above the city.

Energetic families can follow one of the hiking trails that lead from The Springs to the summit, or there’s a winding road that will take you directly to the lookout for panoramic views across southeastern Tasmania. wellingtonpark.org.au

Come face-to-face with wombats, echidnas and (of course) Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Hobart. A highlight of the park is its free-roaming Forester kangaroos, which love being hand-fed the ‘roo food’ that’s provided on entry. bonorong.com.au

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Image: Dale Baldwin

AUSTRALIA

MAWSON’S HUT REPLICA MUSEUM

For a family expedition to Antarctica (without the expense or seasickness), you can take a peek inside one of the replica huts used

by Douglas Mawson and his team on their expedition to the Great White Continent. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the wharf, where his SY Aurora set sail south, and will immerse you in the challenges of living and working in one of the windiest places on Earth. mawsons-huts.org.au/replicamuseum

POOSEUM

Dedicated to all things poo-related, this quirky museum is a must for families visiting the village of Richmond, a 25-minute drive from Hobart.

It’s the only museum of its kind in the country and is surprisingly educational, with interactive displays that answer questions about poo you might never have thought to ask! The town is also home to the oldest bridge in Australia, and has a great lolly shop, a zoo and historic jail. pooseum.com.au

Image: City of Hobart-Alastair Bett

SALAMANCA MARKET

A Hobart institution, this lively market takes place every Saturday morning, backed by the sandstone warehouses of Salamanca. You can pick up everything from second-hand books to locally made wares and seasonal produce, then feast on cuisine from around the globe while listening to live music. salamancamarket.com.au

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Image: Tanya Challice Photography

AUSTRALIA

ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS

This cool-climate garden is a deserved favourite amongst local families, with everchanging floral displays and sprawling lawns where you can picnic in the sunshine. Not to miss is Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House and ‘The Patch’ veggie garden, which will be familiar to viewers of Gardening Australia as Tino’s stomping ground. discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/ royaltasmanianbotanicalgardens

HERITAGE HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE

Image: Jesse Hunniford

Image: Lusy Productions

If you’re worried about kids getting tired while exploring historic Battery Point and the Salamanca waterfront, jump aboard one of these horse-drawn carriages for a heritage tour like no other. You’ll feel like royalty as you roll through the paved streets led by a driver in 19th-century dress, with blankets to keep you warm and cosy on chilly days. hobarthorsetours.com.au

MONA

While many of the thought-provoking exhibitions at the Museum of Old and New Art are geared towards adults, there’s plenty to keep young visitors entertained — from the labyrinthine-like House of Mirrors to the climbable bronze sculpture titled ‘Girls Rule’. For family-friendly stories, songs and commentaries on the artworks, be sure to check out the ‘O Minor’ content on the mobile device you’re given on arrival. mona.net.au 63

Image: Tourism Western Australia

AUSTRALIA

SWAN VALLEY

PERTH 64

Encompassing the upper reaches of the Swan River, the Swan Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in Western Australia, just 30 minutes’ drive from Perth. Rent bicycles to explore one of the seven themed trails, pick up fresh produce from the roadside stalls and meet native animals at the Caversham Wildlife Park. swanvalley.com.au

Image: Rottnest Island Authority

AUSTRALIA

ROTTNEST ISLAND Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth is the beautiful island of Rottnest, which is ringed by pristine beaches and protected coral reefs that are ideal for snorkelling. Whether you tour the island by bus, boat, segway or e-bike, there are some attractions and experiences not to miss, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, the Cathedral Rocks fur seal colony and taking a selfie with a quokka. rottnestisland.com

Image: Tourism Western Australia

COTTESLOE BEACH

As one of Perth’s most iconic beaches, Cottesloe needs no introduction.

It offers just over a kilometre of pure white sand and inviting turquoise waters in which to swim, snorkel and surf. Towering Norfolk pines and terraced lawns back the beach if you prefer a sand-free picnic, or there’s an excellent choice of cafes and restaurants along the buzzing boulevard. westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/Cottesloe_Beach

ELIZABETH QUAY

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Backed by the skyscrapers of Perth’s CBD, this waterfront precinct is home to picturesque promenades, public artworks and a diverse range of restaurants and bars. Kids can ride the traditional Venetian carousel, play in the maritime-inspired playground, and cool off amidst the choreographed jets of the water park. elizabethquay.com.au 65

Image: Tourism Western Australia

AUSTRALIA

KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN

Spreading across 400ha of natural bushland and landscaped beds, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers endless opportunities to relax on the banks of the Swan River. Kids can connect with native flora at the Naturescape, which has large aerial walkways, a creek and waterhole for wading in, a cubby-building area, tunnels, rocks and a web of climbing ropes.

The 6ha nature space can be explored on accessible paths, bridges and boardwalks. They are also sure to love the dinosaur-themed equipment of the May Drive Parkland, or let loose in the Saw Avenue Picnic Area. bgpa.wa.gov.au

PERTH ZOO

Opened in 1898, the Perth Zoo is home to more than 1,200 animals across its three zones —Australian Walkabout, Asian Rainforest and African Savannah — all of which are designed to mimic the wildlife’s natural habitat. Come face-toface with Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans and rhinoceros, or book in for a close encounter with a giraffe or Galapagos tortoise.

Keeper talks and animal feeding sessions are also held throughout the day. perthzoo.wa.gov.au

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Image: Tourism Western Australia

AUSTRALIA

YAGAN SQUARE

Connecting Northbridge to the CBD, Yagan Square is a vibrant urban space where locals and visitors come to meet, eat and play. It’s dotted with artworks and installations that pay respect to the area’s Indigenous people and centres around the Market Hall, where you can dine on cuisine from around the globe. On the upper level of the building is a kid-friendly play space inspired by Western Australia’s natural rock formations. yagansquare.com.au

AMAZE MINIATURE PARK

Nestled in beautifully manicured grounds, the Amaze Miniature Park features replica model buildings from the English village of Abingdon and beyond. Watch the miniature trains coming and going as you explore England’s oldest continually inhabited town or challenge yourself in the hedge and circular mazes. The Park also has a 12-hole miniature golf course, a secret garden and a children’s playground … and there’s a chocolate factory just across the road! amazeminiaturepark.com.au

ISLAND AQUA PARK

Located at Hillary’s Boat Harbour, 20 minutes’ from Perth’s CBD, this floating obstacle course is ideal for kids aged six and over, with endless opportunities to bounce, slide and swim. Entry to the Island Aqua Park includes 90 minutes of fun (plus a safety aid) and it’s within viewing distance of several cafes and eateries where non-participating parents can relax. Children under ten must be accompanied by an adult. islandaquapark.com.au

IFLY PERTH

If launching yourself out of a plane at 10,000ft in the air doesn’t appeal to you, but you still want to experience the thrill, then head to iFly Perth at Riverdale, 10 minutes’ from Perth’s CBD. Kids as young as three years can step into the iFly wind tunnel to soar like a bird in a safe and secure environment, with an instructor by their side. With wheelchair access and highly trained instructors, flyers of all abilities are welcome at the super fun attraction. iflyworld.com.au/locations/perth 67

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Driving along Vivonne Bay

On a road trip around Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, MEG LAW and her family discover tourism is getting back on its feet following the devastating 2019/20 summer bushfires 68

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ISLAND

BY KOMBI

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

All aboard the SeaLink Ferry

The kombi disembarking the SeaLink ferry

“Look! There it is, mum! Kangaroo Island!” Excited shrills came from the bow of the ship as my two young pirates had a pretend sword fight and gallantly sailed the high seas.

Onboard the SeaLink ferry, they had not drawn breath during the 45-minute journey, and the excitement was too much for these two intrepid young explorers as they finally caught a glimpse of our destination, Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

Driving off the ferry in our 1973 kombi, we were ready for the next leg of our adventure. We had spent three days on a road trip travelling from Victoria to South Australia in our little white van, exploring the vineyards of Coonawarra, the seaside towns of the Limestone Coast, and the spectacular beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

As an introduction to the trip, we set the kids the challenge of researching and fact finding everything they could about Kangaroo Island, and this added some hilarity to the holiday, with them constantly shouting fun facts from the back of the kombi…

“Dad, did you know Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest island?”

“Mum, there’s no rabbits on the island and they are banned!”

“Dad, did you know you can slide down sand dunes?”

“Dad, did you know Kangaroo Island is nearly seven times the size of Singapore?” …and so, it went on…

Is it the wildlife, the landscapes, the local characters, the history or the huge size of the island that makes this place so special? Or is it something to do with the fact you can’t access the island unless you sail or fly? We set out to find out….

EXCEPTIONAL KANGAROO ISLAND TOURS

After rattling along in our loud kombi at 80km an hour on unsealed roads, it was a nice change to jump aboard a luxury 4WD van for the day with Exceptional Kangaroo Island Tours.

We were fortunate to share the day with tour owner, Craig Wickham, to visit some of his favourite KI spots and learn about the history of the island; a great introduction before spending the next eight days exploring on our own. “Hey kids, how about we take a break here, and stop at the best café on Kangaroo Island!” Craig asked, as he pulled over on the side of a dirt track in the middle of nowhere and set up a table with white linen, freshly brewed coffee, Anzac cookies and even a hot chocolate and marshmallows for the kids.

At over 6ft tall, Craig is one of those likeable fellows who has charisma in spades, with his good humour, gentle nature and cheeky grin. Energy and enthusiasm are evident as he proudly shows off his home, and his passion for wildlife conservation is contagious.

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The family enjoying their road trip

Dad, did you know you can slide down sand dunes?

A local legend, Craig has lived on Kangaroo Island for more than 50 years, and it’s fair to say he knows nearly every person who lives there as well as where to spot a few furry locals. No doubt, Craig has clambered every rockface, waded every rockpool, ridden his bike across every square kilometre of land, swam in every secret beach and swapped many yarns over a local pint or red wine at the local pub, but he wouldn’t claim any of this as he is far too humble for skiting.

More than 45 per cent of the island was destroyed in the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires in 2019/20. Craig was quick to point out that while the locals have had the challenges of both bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic to contend with, they are certainly not despondent nor defeatist in their approach to tourism. Instead, they have been collectively proactive in using the quieter season to create new spaces, improve tourism experiences and renovate infrastructure. “We’re a resilient bunch,” he says. “We don’t give up easily over here on Kangaroo Island. Why wallow in the past when you can dust yourself off and focus on the bright future ahead?”

After spending the day with Craig exploring some of the fire-affected areas of Flinders Chase National Park and surrounding bushland, it was easy to see that, just like people, the land, wildlife and trees can regenerate over time and use a variety of ingenious methods to protect themselves and bounce back stronger than ever.

Craig runs his tour with a jaunty air (bringing comedy to the occasional complaints of the young whining toddler in the back) and winning the heart of our eight-year-old daughter as they shared jokes, singalongs and belly laughs.

Dad and Daisy sandboarding at Vivonne Bay

STOKES BAY

“I’m the leader! Follow me!” shouted our four-year-old as he excitedly led the way along the sand, barefoot, with his cute  71

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Chasing the sun at Stokes Bay

wobbly ‘toddler-esque’ bare bottom covered in sand; the rest of us slowly walking in single file along the track in our flip flops, bathers and towels. The warm afternoon sun was the perfect beach weather, and we were on a mission to find the ‘secret beach’ near Stokes Bay that we had heard the locals talk about. After a short walk through some narrow caves and squeezing ourselves through the huge granite boulders, we arrived at the most beautiful site; white sand, turquoise water and not a soul to be seen!

Next up was snorkelling, rockpool wading and dolphin spotting.

EMU BAY, PENNINGTON BAY AND SNELLING BEACH

Beach hopping was our favourite activity on Kangaroo Island, with our top family favourites including Emu Bay, Pennington Bay, and Snelling Beach. We even got to drive our old kombi along Emu Beach and plonk ourselves on the sand overlooking the aqua water for a picnic lunch, while the kids swam and had sandcastle building competitions.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on Kangaroo Island. Boasting more than 500km of coastline, awesome surf breaks and kid-friendly rockpools abound, and it’s easy to jump from one picture-perfect cove to the next, without running into anyone.

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Caving and exploring secret beaches

VIVONNE BAY

For those looking for some adrenaline fuelled adventure, you can’t go past the popular sand boarding and tobogganing at Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action at Vivonne Bay, with activities ranging from quad bike tours to sandboarding/ tobogganing and serene flat-water kayaking.

We had our hearts pumping at Little Sahara, a dune system on the south coast of the island, where we slid down sand dunes on toboggans and tried sandboarding. A unanimous family favourite, even our four-year-old squealed with excitement, as he flew down the slopes on his red toboggan at rapid speeds, covered in sand.

Next up we slowed down the pace and opted for a twohour peaceful self-guided kayak on the Harriet River. We rented two double kayaks for the arvo and glided along the river, checking out birdlife, local flora, wildlife and plants and, of course, racing each other back – with lots of splashing along the way!

Sunkissed, waterlogged and with sand in our ears, we took our hungry bellies straight from the river to the Vivonne Bay General Store for the famous Kangaroo Island whiting burger and delicious chips. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Arriving back at our glamping family bell tent, under the light of the full moon, we carried the sleepy, worn out kids inside and tucked them in before calling it a day. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

CLOCKWISE FROM TO LEFT: Dolphins at Pennington Bay, Our kombi cruiser, Glamping under the stars, Our sandy beach girl, Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park

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Two little explorers Remarkables Rocks

FAMILY-FRIENDLY KANGAROO ISLAND WINERIES AND FARMS

Let me tell you, these rocks truly live up to their name!

A trip to Kangaroo Island wouldn’t be complete without a day spent visiting the many cellar doors, microbreweries, distilleries, lavender and honey farms. We tried everything from honeycomb and lavender scones to shiraz, sauvignon, cider, gin, gruyere and cheddar. Our daughter, who was still collecting ‘fun facts’ about Kangaroo Island, was excited to discover that the island is the oldest bee sanctuary in the world and, to this day, retains the purest existing strain of Ligurian bees, making up to 300 tonnes of honey each year, which is around the weight of a Boeing 747!

The island is full to the brim with local flavours and the relaxed, welcoming vibe of family-friendly wineries such as False Cape Wines, Dudley Wines and Islander Estate Vineyards meant even the kids enjoyed themselves with cubby houses, sand pits and climbing walls on offer while the adults relaxed and indulged.

SEAL BAY

You can’t visit Kangaroo Island without making the obligatory trip to Seal Bay to check out the sea lions. Apart from the eponymous kangaroos, the best-known wildlife drawcard of this richly varied island is the endangered Australian sea lion.

At Seal Bay, you can literally get amongst them on the sand and watch them sleep, surf, play and feed their young.

While the island is named after our iconic native marsupials, there are so many species of Australian animals on the island that the whole place feels like a wildlife park without fences. They include kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, koalas, echidnas, brush-tailed possums, bottlenose dolphins, the endangered glossy black-cockatoo and Cape Barren geese and migratory birds.

ADMIRAL’S ARCH AND REMARKABLE ROCKS, FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK

The natural, rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island is preserved through a system of national parks and conservation parks that cover almost one third of the island. High on the island’s southern coast, you’ll find the weathered granite boulders – the Remarkable Rocks – and, let me tell you, these rocks truly live up to their name!

Driving through Flinders Chase National Park, along the winding ribbon of bitumen which, as Instagram will testify, is also one of the most photographed roads in Australia, you will find Admiral’s Arch and Remarkable Rocks.

We arrived just before sundown, as the sky turned into a magnificent collision of orange, purple and red hues, and were able to capture these massive, abstract shapes in all their glory. Perched 60m above the Southern Ocean, and more than 500 million years old, these landmarks have been shaped by millions of years of wind and rain and are still going strong.

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Kayaking down the Harriet River

NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE

There is so much more to Kangaroo Island than just its large size. If you are a family who seeks adventure and wants something different to the usual theme park holiday or resort with a kids club, then Kangaroo Island must be added to your list.

There is limited Wi-Fi and only three towns offering cafes and supplies, so be prepared to really get off the beaten track and explore this beautiful island, without the usual mod cons of home. Travelling in an old, loud kombi without devices, our kids loved playing old-fashioned car games and having singalongs, even pretending to be Siri: Eldest: “Siri, what is the difference between a seal and a sea lion?”

Youngest (in the guise of Siri): “Seals don’t have noses?”

Eldest: “Nooooo Siri, WRONG! DER! Seals don’t have ear flaps and wriggle on their bellies on land, but sea lions walk on land using their bigger flippers!”

If you are after a relaxing, nature filled fun family holiday, then you can’t go past Kangaroo Island. It is quite unlike any other South Australian destination..

The writer was a guest of Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, Seafront Holiday Park and Exceptional Kangaroo Island Tours.

GETTING TO KANGAROO ISLAND

SeaLink operates a vehicle ferry from Cape Jervis, around a one hour and 40-minute drive south-west of Adelaide, to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The journey takes 45 minutes. sealink.com.au

WHERE TO STAY ON KANGAROO ISLAND

Options include Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge at American River and glamping in bell tents at Penneshaw kilodge.com.au seafrontholidaypark.com.au/ bell-tents

Take an overseas road trip to Kangaroo Island

THE OVERSEAS ROAD TRIP PACKAGE

$326

per adult*

$94

+

per child*

Includes SeaLink ferry travel with your car and 3 nights’ accommodation.

We’ll also give you an exclusive #PassportToKI, packed with discounts for local cafés, cellar doors, attractions, tours and more!

Call 13 13 01, visit sealink.com.au/overseasroadtrip or see your travel agent *Conditions apply. Various accommodations available, prices vary. Travel to 15/9/2021. Child price valid for up to 2 children travelling with 2 adults.

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QUEENSLAND

GUIDE TO THE

T L E B E T I N A R G WITH KIDS

FIONA HARPER reveals the best things to do, places to eat and drink and where to stay in Queensland’s Granite Belt

Rock formations in Girraween National Park 76

Just 2.5 hours’ drive south west of Brisbane near the NSW border, the Granite Belt sits high on a plateau of the Great Dividing Range.

The region stretches for 60km, from north to south. The largest town, Stanthorpe, makes a great base to explore the area and its many natural and foodie delights.

QUEENSLAND

THINGS TO DO

Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm

A cabin at Girraween Environment Lodge

Images: Tourism and Events Queensland

Blessed with crisp country air, the Granite Belt has farms, vineyards and orchards for families to discover.

Walk the trails of Girraween National Park that wind through eucalypt forests, sedgelands and heathlands, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and bandicoots.

At McMahon Bros Orchard, wander through a well-tended apple orchard with fourth generation orchardist David McMahon, before enjoying the Brunch in the Blossoms experience amongst a fruitladen grove. Back in Stanthorpe, enjoy the exquisite public artworks adorning random buildings, including the quirky interactive murals near the Art Gallery Library that make a great backdrop for a family photo. At 1,000m above sea level, it’s not unusual for the landscape to be dusted in snow during particularly brisk winters, reminiscent of northern hemisphere Christmases. So, it’s no real surprise that the Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm, with its exquisite Mistletoe Store, Santa’s Animal Farm and Rudolph’s Ice Cream Bar, is a popular destination, no matter the season.

WHERE TO STAY

Built 20 years ago, long before eco-friendly accommodation was a thing, Girraween Environmental Lodge is a low energy wilderness retreat which has minimal impact on the ancient earth it resides upon. The name Girraween means ‘place of flowers’ and is the traditional home of the Kambuwal people of the Granite Belt. In spring, the rugged landscape is awash with colourful wildflower displays. Set on 160ha of native bush within a lorikeet’s shrill of Girraween National Park, the lodge is all about getting back to nature.

Ten self-contained timber cabins blend effortlessly into their surroundings, providing a comfortable and spacious home away from home. With fully-equipped kitchens, Weber barbecues, bathtubs, wood heaters and timberline verandahs for savouring the sights, smells and sounds of the bush, the two-bedroom cabins provide spacious accommodation for families and groups travelling together. Take a dip in the freeform rockpool-style pool or soothe legs tired from hiking in the heated spa pool. Wildlife is abundant, with a resident mob of kangaroos that will keep the kids entertained.

Alternatively, Straw House Farm Bed & Breakfast at Stanthorpe has friendly highland cattle, miniature goats and alpacas the kids will love. Set on a 9ha property, it has two cottages made of straw bales and stucco, making them warm in winter and cool in summer, with a queen size bed and fold out sofa bed, as well as a tiny house. Take a walk through the apple orchard and sample the fruit in season, visit the chickens and check out the kitchen garden.

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WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

The Granite Belt is a cool-climate premium wine-producing region where produce farmers and winemakers thrive. Cellar doors and restaurants rival Italy for their premium quality. Don’t miss vineyards such as Ballandean Estate and its famed Barrel Room Restaurant run by chefs Bobbi and Matt Wells, along with Girraween Estate, where owner, Steve, does everything from tending the vines to manning the cellar door tastings (he’s also a keen astronomer with an impressive observatory taking advantage of minimal light pollution). At Balancing Heart Vineyard, 2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year, Mike Hayes, is guiding this fledgling vineyard with aplomb. Families will love settling upon a picnic rug amongst the vines, where the kids can run free, and parents can soak up the views of the heartshaped granite rock formation from which the vineyard takes its name. Foodie families should also make time for breakfast on the deck at The Little Larder Stanthorpe, pick up some handcrafted treats from Zest Pastries and head to Stanthorpe Cheese and Jersey Girls Café for their grand champion Feta in Brine or Blue Lagoon cheese. If the kids are still hungry, pop into historic Wallangarra Railway Station, which straddles the QueenslandNSW border, for afternoon tea on the platform.

The writer was a guest of Girraween Environmental Lodge and Granite Belt Wine Country MORE INFORMATION: granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

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Homemade chocolates from Ballandean Estate Winery

Images: Tourism and Events Queensland

Fruit farms abound in the Granite Belt

Stanthorpe

QUEENSLAND

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BABY AND TODDLER TRAVEL

CAIRNS WITH A TODDLER

ANGELA SAURINE and her three-year-old find lots of fun things to do in the tourist hub of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland SNAP! Boris’s jaws smack together loudly as he leaps out of the water and attempts to catch the chicken being dangled above him. My three-year-old son, Oliver, watches with his mouth agape as the 4m long crocodile and his sharp-toothed mates take turns at the prize, pushing and nudging each other out of the way.

HARTLEY’S CROCODILE ADVENTURES

It’s extraordinary to be this close to a saltwater crocodile, let alone several of them. But Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is one place in the tropics where you are guaranteed to see these ancient creatures up close. There are around 30 living in the lagoon on which our boat cruises, and 3,000 on the site altogether. That’s because the attraction also encompasses

Oliver in his element at Muddy’s Playground

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a crocodile farm, with the animals raised for their skin and meat. You can take a tour of the farm to learn how it works and how farming crocodiles helps in the conservation of wild populations and their habitats. Fortunately, a glass panel separates us from the crocs, but we are warned not to get too close. “Your palm is like a chicken nugget,” the driver says. The “lagoon” is actually a man-made swamp on a former horse paddock. And despite it being home to saltwater crocodiles, it’s fresh water. They get their name because they secrete salt water on their tongues, we learn.

Around 40 minutes’ drive north of Cairns and 25 minutes’ south of Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures originally opened as a halfway house for travellers in the 1930s. When the owner

saw an ad for a wild crocodile in the local newspaper, The Cairns Post, he thought it would be an added attraction for visitors while they waited for their tea and scones.

He was right. They lapped it up, and more and more crocodiles were introduced over the years, along with other animals. There are now over 80 species of birds, including flightless cassowaries, which are only found in tropical regions, on display. We meander along the pram-friendly boardwalks and paths, stopping to watch the kangaroos sleeping in the shade and feed the wallabies. Oliver especially enjoys feeding gum leaves to Beau the koala, patting his soft fur and touching his hand.

CAIRNS AQUARIUM

But for little boys, there’s only one thing more impressive than crocodiles – sharks.

We get a decent fix of these creatures of the deep on a visit to Cairns Aquarium.

Oliver stands transfixed pointing and reaching out at the glass towards the reef sharks, stingrays and groupers as they loop around the reef in the main oceanarium.

Originally, I’d wanted to take him on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, enticed by brochures depicting semi-submersible vessels I know Oliver would love. But eventually I resigned myself to the fact a long day on a boat with a toddler who still has a lunchtime nap was probably a bit ambitious. The Aquarium is definitely the next best thing, with colourful coral trout and Nemo-esque clownfish among the creatures on display. The journey through the Aquarium follows a drop of rain as it falls from the sky and joins creeks, streams and rivers, before travelling through the rainforest, across the mangrove flats and coral reef systems and into the Coral Sea. While it may not be as exciting for me as 

BABY AND TODDLER TRAVEL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Oliver loved splashing about at Muddy’s Playground, Angela and Oliver with a koala at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Oliver was in awe at Cairns Aquarium

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BABY AND TODDLER TRAVEL

the reef may have been, seeing Oliver’s excitement makes up for it. “It’s going to eat it!” he cries when he sees a starfish under threat from a predator at the touch tank display. “We’ll let you out later,” he says thoughtfully to a lizard who seems eager to escape its enclosure.

MUDDY’S PLAYGROUND

To be honest, at Oliver’s age he’d be happy if the only thing we did on holidays (or any other day, for that matter) was go to the playground. And Cairns has what must be one of the best in Australia. As well as water play areas kids can run through, which are ideal for the hot and sometimes humid climate, Muddy’s Playground has a flying fox, sound chimes, a rope bridge, different sized slippery dips, colourful cubby houses, revolving tunnels, a seesaw,

and puzzle games. The astonishingly large playground overlooks Trinity Inlet along the Esplanade, which has a 2.5km boardwalk stretching along the foreshore.

There’s also a barbecue, picnic tables and a great eatery, Muddy’s Café, which has a menu featuring tacos, burgers and fish and chips, as well as fresh juices, smoothies and milkshakes. Oliver would spend every day here if I let him… which I do. Going to a playground day in and day out may not sound that different to what you may do at home, but it provides a good balance, and you know that old saying – happy kids, happy parents. Plus, if you’re going to be stuck at a playground, it’s nice if it’s one in a beautiful tropical locale!

The writer was a guest of Oaks Cairns Hotel, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Cairns Aquarium.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAIRNS

The modern, 76-room Oaks Cairns Hotel is conveniently located on the Esplanade, with views over the lagoon and the Coral Sea from its rooftop restaurant, Oak & Vine.

Rates start from $139 per room per night. oakshotels.com/en/oaks-cairns-hotel

MORE INFORMATION

tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au

THREE OTHER THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS WITH KIDS 1. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

This large, manmade saltwater pool on the Trinity Harbour foreshore offers a safe swimming destination year-round, free from stingers and crocodiles. Patrolled by lifeguards, it has sculptures and water fountains, and is surrounded by picnic tables and barbecues. cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/lagoon

2. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

1

2

Soar over the rainforests and waterfalls of Barron Gorge between Smithfield, 15 minutes’ north of Cairns, and the mountain village of Kuranda. Once there, you can visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Koala Gardens, play mini golf, go ATVing, or take a riverboat cruise. Return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway (or vice versa). skyrail.com.au ksr.com.au If your kids are a bit older, taking a boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. With a floating pontoon with a waterslide into the ocean, a touch tank, snorkel tours and cruises over the reef in a glass-walled semi-submersible boat, Sunlover Reef Cruises is a great option for families. The Frankland Islands reef cruise boasts the shortest open water crossing of any of the Cairns day tour boats, taking you to Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands National Park island group.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel offers both an Indigenous and scientific perspective of the Reef with cultural presentations, including dancing and performing with the didgeridoo and clapsticks, filling the time spent cruising to the Reef and back. sunlover.com.au franklandislands.com.au dreamtimedive.com

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Images: Tourism and Events Queensland

3. Great Barrier Reef day trip

VICTORIA

Angus feeding a goat at Stone Creek Cottage

Rookie family traveller BEN GROUNDWATER makes all the mistakes – and eventually learns from them – on a road trip through Victoria’s High Country

S H G I H THE (AND LOWS)

L E V A R T Y L I M A F OF

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Ben and his family at Marysville

“We feel like a family right now” It takes six days before this whole thing starts to feel like it was actually a good idea. Six days before we feel that there was some measure of sanity in taking a six-month-old and a two-year-old on an extended road trip far from home.

We’re all piled into the car – as we have been almost constantly for almost a week – in the early evening, the sky glowing outside with the last of the day’s light. We pull out of the carpark at Delatite Winery, near the town of Mansfield, after a beautiful tasting experience, and turn towards tonight’s home.

Baby Elliot starts getting grumbly in the back seat. He yelps, and then he howls. Great.

But then suddenly our toddler, Angus, starts singing to him. He sings the alphabet. As Angus’s father I can confidently and honestly say that his singing is awful, but it has the desired effect: Elliot is soothed. We smile in the front seats. We thank Angus. He says: “That’s OK”. We feel like a family right now,

like a unit, like a team.

Maybe this was actually a good idea after all.

Unfortunately, much of this story will be a cautionary tale. As a journalist writing in the hallowed pages of Australia’s finest family travel magazine, I should probably present myself as an expert in the dark arts of taking children on holiday but, the truth is, I’m pretty new to this and I’m making a lot of mistakes. Mistakes you can now avoid.

The first vital lesson of my family travel career: don’t. Don’t travel like you always did. Don’t challenge yourself to retain your old style and your old interests while dragging along the kids. Because that stuff – specifically on this trip, visiting wineries and distilleries and having lunch in nice restaurants – is not fun for kids. And if they’re having a hard time, you’re having a hard time.

We begin in Rutherglen, in the heart of upper Victorian wine country. And by begin,

I mean we wake up in Rutherglen and then leave and drive somewhere else. The second vital lesson of my family travel career: take all the things you would normally do on your holidays and then strip half of them away.

Then take that itinerary and strip away half again, and you’re probably getting close to a reasonable number of things to achieve with small children.

We leave Rutherglen and drive out to Pfeiffer Wines, which as wineries go is an ideal spot for tiny humans. The team put on little tasting paddles of different cordials for the children to play along while you taste Pfeiffer’s fortified wines. There’s a cubby house and a sandpit outside, and some turtles to feed in a pond.

Outstanding. We should stay here all day. Except it’s time to move on almost immediately and drive 45 minutes to Beechworth to have lunch and visit another winery. Elliot’s not happy and he makes  85

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it known. We ask Angus to sing to him – bizarrely, it’s the only thing that calms Elliot down – and Angus replies “no”. Awesome.

It’s an afternoon of rushed wine tasting and grumpy fellow diners.

“Dada, are we there yet?” I don’t know how kids instinctively know to ask this when they’re on a car trip, but they do. And they ask it a lot. Though it at least serves to break up some of Angus’s other backseat chat.

“Dada, we don’t eat rocks, do we?”

“No mate.”

“It’s because they too hard.”

“That’s right.”

“Dada, what colour is your favourite digger? I like red diggers.”

A toddler’s obsession with earth-moving equipment is something else. To the point where I’m thinking we should probably have canned this road trip to Victoria’s High

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ben and Elliot at Pfeiffer Wines, Angus on the tractor at Stone Creek Cottage, Angus feeding goats at Stone Creek Cottage

Country and instead driven to a construction site. My partner Jess and I are gazing at the spectacular autumn colours in towns like Mansfield and Marysville, Alexandra and Thornton, the reds and yellows and oranges and rusts, and Angus is on digger watch.

“Dada, BIG DIGGER!” It occurs to us early on that our days need to include as many parks and playgrounds as possible. The third vital lesson of my family travel career: make at least half the day all about your kids. Make sure there are activities planned just for them. Make sure they’re enjoying themselves and then you, too, will be able to have fun.

From Rutherglen we drive down to Alexandra, a beautiful little town near Bonnie Doon, and head straight for the playground.

Angus runs wild, and then we walk over to the Alexandra Hotel for the best chips I’ve ever eaten. Best chips Angus has ever eaten too. He’s also partial to the tortellini.

And then it’s back in the car again – seriously, what were we thinking? – to drive to Marysville, another lovely hamlet awash with autumn foliage. Birds flit through the trees here, crimson rosellas, corellas, cockatoos, and kangaroos show up on quiet backstreets.

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“Elliot is quiet, and Angus is happy, and we feel like a team”

We check into a holiday home and Elliot shows his gratitude by immediately throwing up on a cushion. He’s that sort of house guest.

Around here, at least, there are things to do that appeal directly to toddlers. Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm is just a few minutes down the road, and it’s the perfect place for that father-son bonding experience of catching a fish, mostly because there are so many fish here that Dada is guaranteed to look like a hero.

I cast a line and literally seconds later there’s a rainbow trout on the hook. I reel it in while Angus waits on the bank with the net; I drop it in, and hey, the little guy has just caught a fish. We take it back to the holiday house and Jess roasts it with some potatoes with tarragon and crème fraiche.

And then, once again, we’re asking why.

Why would we do this to ourselves? That’s not rhetorical, it’s an actual question being repeated over and over by Jess the next morning as we drive – seriously, again – north to Thornton for breakfast. It’s chaos in the car. Just bananas. Elliot is screaming. Angus is

a toddler toilet. There’s a gorgeous view of rural Victorian countryside. And there are goats.

The fourth vital lesson of my family travel career: kids love goats. They love feeding goats and they love patting goats and in Angus’s case they love trying to cuddle goats. We couldn’t have dreamed up a better place. Angus runs free in limitless space. Elliot chills out in a beautiful home. We all travel together down the road to Delatite Winery and Angus and Elliot are relaxed and happy while Jess and I try some wine.

And then we go to drive home and Elliot is unsettled, and Angus sings to him — just starts up because he knows it would be helpful. And then Elliot is quiet, and Angus is happy, and we feel like a team.

The fifth vital lesson of my family travel career: we can do this.

The writer was a guest of Victoria’s High Country

STAYING THERE

refusing to sing to him. Jess is trying to find a local radio station to drown them out. I’m trying to navigate. People actually do this for fun.

Fortunately, the Schoolhouse Café in Thornton has jaffles, and jaffles make just about everything better. Jaffles and muffins and bacon sandwiches and coffee. The owners are friendly and accommodating.

There’s a cricket set outside. This place makes sense.

And then we move on to Mansfield, to a holiday house called Stone Creek Cottage, and now everything falls into place. The home is ideal for toddlers. There’s a cot and

King Lyell’s Corner, Marysville This lovely guesthouse is perfect not just for a family, but multiple families. It’s a four-bedroom house that can comfortably accommodate 10 people, with large living and entertaining areas overlooking Marysville’s mountainous scenery. There’s a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and the house is walking distance to the town centre. marysvilleholidayaccommodation.com.au Stone Creek Cottage, Mansfield This is the family-friendly home you’ve been seeking. Stone Creek Cottage is set on a hobby farm 20 minutes outside Mansfield, with all the pygmy goats and normal-sized alpacas a child could hope to see (and feed).

The house itself is a cosy brick cottage with plenty of books and board games, as well as everything you’ll need for toddlers and babies. And the views never get old. aviewtoahill.com.au

MORE INFORMATION victoriashighcountry.com.au

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PACIFIC PALMS HOLIDAYS

N I Y A L P D N A Y A T S , T A E O T E R E WH

S M L A P C I F I PAC Just three hours’ drive north of Sydney, Pacific Palms offers gorgeous beaches, calm lakes and a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a family holiday

An aerial view of Seal Rocks 88

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PACIFIC PALMS HOLIDAYS

Blueys Beach

Driving north up Australia’s east coast along the Pacific Highway, there’s no shortage of tourist towns — Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Forster amongst them. But families looking for a quieter, more relaxed holiday destination should have Pacific Palms on their radar. Hemmed by national parks, beautiful beaches and the largest coastal lake system in NSW, Pacific Palms is a place of incredible natural beauty. It’s not somewhere you are likely to come across by chance. Turn off at The Lakes Way, just north of Bulahdelah, and follow the signs along the twisting eucalypt-lined road. Soon you will find yourself in Pacific Palms, which was named after the majestic cabbage tree palms that are abundant throughout the area, encompassing the coastal hamlets of Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach, Smiths Lake and Seal Rocks. There is a special charm that draws people to ‘the Palms’, and it has a vibe that can’t be found anywhere else on the coast. It’s the kind of place that, once you visit, you will wonder why you didn’t come sooner.

The Indo Brekkie at Kembali Cafe in Blueys Beach

WHERE TO EAT

The bistro at The Pacific Palms Recreation Club (colloquially known as The Recky), on The Lakes Way at Elizabeth Beach, is a great choice for families, as you can dine outdoors on the shore of the lake for either lunch or dinner. The village of Blueys Beach has the greatest concentration of dining options in the region. Check out Huey’s at Bluey’s pizzeria, and dine al fresco at Kembali Café, which serves Indonesian dishes including nasi goreng, plus excellent fruit smoothies.

It’s the closest you will get to being in Bali without getting on a plane. Sips@Moby’s, located at Moby’s Beachside Retreat at Boomerang Beach, has an extensive menu, including buttermilk waffles and bacon and egg rolls for breakfast and burgers, steak and barramundi for lunch and dinner. Kids will love the milkshakes and Retro Spider – ice-cream served in a tall glass with a soft drink. Pacific Palms Bowling Club at Smiths Lake has a bistro serving dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and salt and pepper squid for lunch, as well as a dinner menu from 5pm with classics such as steak with chips, salad or vegetables, chicken parmigiana and a roast of the day, plus an allday pizza menu. Smiths Lake Bakehouse also offers a variety of baked goods.

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Remarkably close, Spectacularly remote

Enjoy the relaxed coastal chic experience at Blueys Motel. Unwind poolside, barbecue in the private courtyard or take in the ocean breezes from guest room patios. A short stroll to Blueys Beach and its pristine white sands and crystal clear water. Across the road are the village shops, cafes and eateries, with beautiful Boomerang Beach just over the hill.

186 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach NSW 2428 P: 02 6554 0665 | info@blueysmotel.com.au www.blueysmotel.com.au

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PACIFIC PALMS HOLIDAYS

WHERE TO STAY

Booking a holiday rental is often the most cost-effective option for families who want more space and the freedom to self-cater with all the comforts of home (including a washing machine!). Pacific Palms suits this demographic to a tee, with literally dozens of holiday homes available throughout the area. Pacific Palms Holidays offers properties to suit any size family, group or budget. They include selfcontained apartments, villas, character-filled timber cabins, charming beachfront cottages and contemporary multi-storey homes with views over the ocean, games rooms, large entertaining decks and pools.

Bluey’s Motel is conveniently located in the heart of Blueys Beach village, just a 200m walk from the beach. With ten refurbished rooms decorated with bright and colourful paintings by local artist Nicole Bramble, it has the feel of an old-school motel, with a stylish, modern design.

Tiona Holiday Park, just north of Elizabeth Beach at the edge of Booti Booti National Park, offers powered and unpowered campsites, a range of cabins and 14 lodge rooms. The pet-friendly Park sits on either side of The Lakes Way, with Seven Mile Beach on one side and Wallis Lake on the other. As well as being a wonderful place to watch the sunset, the lake is shallow for the first 200m, which is great for little kids. There’s also a nature-based playground with a repurposed wooden boat, a TV room beside the reception area, and a pool.

Stay in a holiday home like All 2 Heavenly at Blueys Beach

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PACIFIC PALMS HOLIDAYS

WHERE TO PLAY

Without doubt, the area’s biggest drawcard is its beaches. You can check out a different stretch of sand every day if you like, with offerings including Blueys Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Boomerang Beach to the north, and Sandbar, Cellito Beach, Number One Beach and Boat Beach at Seal Rocks to the south. It’s also known for its lakes, and you can go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, boating and fishing at Wallis, Smiths and Myall Lake. You can also go hiking in Wallingat National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as wallabies, kangaroos, goannas and echidnas. See the tallest tree in NSW, The Grandis, on the western edge of Myall Lakes National Park, and admire the view from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks. You can spot whales cruising by during their annual migration, from June to November, while dolphins are a common sight year-round.

Around 20 minutes’ drive north, the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry have plenty of shops to peruse. Kids will love rolling down the sand dune at One Mile Beach, swimming at the natural rock formation, The Tanks, and enjoying an ice-cream in town.

You can also learn to hang ten with Great Lakes Surf School, go ten pin bowling and play putt putt golf and laser skirmish at Forster Entertainment Centre, and hit the waterslides at Big Buzz Fun Park at Diamond Beach. Indoor play centre Forster Kids Spot and Great Lakes Cinema at Tuncurry are great for rainy days.

MORE INFORMATION: pacificpalmsholidays.com.au barringtoncoast.com.au

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Stay where you love...

Choose from more than 100 holiday homes, ranging from classic beach shacks to architecturally-designed wonders, in locations including Blueys Beach, Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach, Seal Rocks and Smiths Lake.

CONTACT US +61 2 6554 0500 • stay@thepalms.com.au 209 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach New South Wales, 2428 pacificpalmsholidays.com.au

AUSTRALIA

10 BEST FAMILY GLAMPING SPOTS IN AUSTRALIA

JODY ALLEN, from parenting website Stay at Home Mum, reveals the top places for family glamping holidays around the country

1 LONGITUDE 131, ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Image: Tourism NT-George Apostolidis

Families with children aged 10 and over can book a stay at the ultra-luxury Longitude 131.

Located just 20km from Uluru, Longitude 131 has 16 beautifully decorated glamping tents with pillowtop beds, designer toiletries and espresso makers. The tents have floor-to-ceiling windows and a high canopied roof. All stays are fully inclusive with gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner provided, and inspiring menus that change daily. There is also an open bar with French Champagne and premium wines. There are two types of tents to choose from – The Dune Pavillion, which has two king beds and sleeps up to four people, is best for families.

It’s not cheap, and a minimum three-night stay is required, but imagine waking up with a view of Uluru at your feet! longitude131.com.au

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AUSTRALIA

2 PAPERBARK CAMP, JERVIS BAY, NSW This is glamping at its finest.

Suitable for families with children aged six and up, the tents have polished hardwood flooring, quality linen, a private open-air ensuite with a hot shower, a bathtub to soak all your worries away and a wrap-around deck with outdoor furniture. Pricing includes a full three-course dinner, a full breakfast, and use of recreational facilities such as canoes and stand-up paddleboards boards. They are also introducing new tents for a family of four in August.

A minimum two-night stay is required. paperbarkcamp.com.au

3 ROAR & SNORE, TARONGA ZOO SYDNEY, NSW

Admire the twinkling lights of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as you wander the zoo without the crowds, before falling asleep to the sound of lions roaring at Roar & Snore at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

Resta ssured, the tents have comfortable beds. There is also a Roar & Snore at The Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/ accommodation/roar-and-snore

4 HUON BUSH RETREATS, HUON VALLEY, TASMANIA

Stay in unique glamping accommodation at Huon Bush Retreats in Tasmania – a deluxe tepee! The tepee has solid timber floors and carpet, nice linen and a cosy wood fire heater. There is also a covered deck out the back.

There is no bathroom in the tepee, but amenities are only one minute’s walk away. huonbushretreats.com

5 TANJA LAGOON CAMP, TANJA, NSW

On the edge of a beautiful coastal lagoon, Tanja offers safari tent accommodation on the NSW Sapphire Coast. Each of the four tents rests on a timber deck and has its own bathroom and kitchen facilities.

The camp has a barbecue area, a library, disabled access rooms and Wi-Fi. Stays are a minimum of two nights, with a minimum of three to five nights over the Christmas and Easter school holidays. tanjalagooncamp.com.au 95

Image: Destination NSW

AUSTRALIA

6 KARIJINI ECO RETREAT, KARIJINI, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karijini Eco Retreat offers an environmentally friendly and aware glamping experience.

Each tent has a front and rear deck with soft beds and a recycled timber floor. The tents each have an ensuite bathroom, and the friendly staff provide guests with a torch and thermos flask. The eco retreat has an onsite restaurant and bar and barbecue facilities are available. karijiniecoretreat.com.au

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7 COCKATOO ISLAND, SYDNEY NSW

Spend the night in the middle of Sydney Harbour on Cockatoo Island, a former convict settlement and UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The island offers five different camping packages suiting all budgets and styles of glamping.

There are two-man and four-man tents available, and the campground has toilets and hot showers, including accessible facilities. cockatooisland.gov.au/en/see-anddo/stay/waterfront-campground/

8 TREEHOUSE GLAMPING TENT AT TIONA HOLIDAY PARK, PACIFIC PALMS, NSW

Stay in a new Treehouse Glamping Tent at Tiona Holiday Park, near Forster on the NSW Barrington Coast. Located on an isthmus at Pacific Palms, the pet-friendly holiday park sits on either side of The Lakes Way, with the pristine Seven Mile Beach on one side and Wallis Lake on the other.

The two-berth tents are located 3m off the ground on the lake side of the park, surrounded by palm tree rainforest. tiona.com.au/ accommodation/ treehouse-glampingtents/

AUSTRALIA

Image: Tourism Western Australia

9 Sal Salis is an eco-friendly glamping experience located in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth. The camp has 15 luxury wilderness tents with ensuite bathrooms that look over the Ningaloo Reef, just steps from the Indian Ocean.

The camp’s chefs prepare delicious contemporary dishes made with local ingredients. There are many activities you can enjoy during your stay, including snorkelling, sea kayaking, swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays (in season), gorge walks and stargazing. salsalis.com.au

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

SAL SALIS NINGALOO REEF SAFARI CAMP, CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

10 REEFSLEEP, GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND

Hop on a boat at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and head to Hardy Reef, where you can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, ride in a semi-submarine and visit the underwater observatory before sleeping under the stars on a permanently moored pontoon. All snorkelling gear is provided. Minimum age is three-years-old. cruisewhitsundays.com/ experiences/reefsleep/ This is an edited extract of a story which originally appeared on stayathomemum.com.au It has been reproduced with permission.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE

Driving the Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth is a wonderful way to experience Australia’s Coral Coast. The 1,250km route hugs the Indian Ocean coastline and takes you to two of Western Australia’s three World Heritage Areas — Shark Bay and Ningaloo. Expect to find pristine beaches, colourful reefs, rugged gorges, world-class snorkelling, an abundance of wildlife and marine life, heritage, history and culture, and a landscape filled with colour. Here are some of the key sights and experiences along the way.

1. THE PINNACLES DESERT, NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK At the southern gateway to Australia’s Coral Coast, around two hours’ drive north of Perth 98

in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of the major natural attractions in the region. The incredible limestone structures formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.

The Pinnacles vary in height and dimension, with some standing as tall as 3.5m. There are many other great places to visit nearby.

Seafood lovers mustn’t miss the Lobster Shack in the town of Cervantes, where you can also do a behind-the-scenes tour of the working factory. You can also encounter sea lions at Jurien Bay, check out the gorgeous beaches at Green Head and Leeman, and the charming twin towns of Dongara-Port Denison.

HIGHWAY

The incredible limestone structures formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago

Image: Tourism Western Australia

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST

A family in The Pinnacles

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Image: Tourism Western Australia

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST

2. WILDFLOWER COUNTRY

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HOUTMAN ABROLHOS ISLANDS

Book a day tour via fast ferry or a scenic flight to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, more commonly referred to as the Abrolhos Islands, where you can spend the day swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, beachcombing and exploring.

Described as ‘the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean’, the 122 Islands lie about 60km west of Geraldton and stretch across 100km. While you’re there, make sure you check out the Museum of Geraldton and the foreshore, which has a great water playground for young kids.

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Image: Dan Avila

During wildflower season, from late July to October, witness an abundance of colour along the Brand Highway or Midlands Route. The inland farming towns of Dandaragan, Badgingarra, Eneabba, Carnamah, Coorow, Three Springs, Mingenew and Mullewa come to life with a range of nature trails and heritagefocused activities. Between Mingenew and Mullewa, the Coalseam Conservation Park is one of Western Australia’s top wildflower hotspots. Try to time your trip for a Thursday and stop off at Mingenew Bakery when they create extravagant and delicious donuts.

Image: Scott Slawinski-Base Imagery

Image: Tourism Western Australia

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST

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SHELL BEACH

4. KALBARRI SKYWALK

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Opened in 2020, the Kalbarri Skywalk offers unprecedented views over Murchison River Gorge in the Kalbarri National Park. Located 1.5km from the popular Nature’s Window site, it features two 100m-high skywalks with a connecting boardwalk between them that takes visitors beyond the rim of the gorge at one of its highest points. The Z Bend Lookout is another must visit attraction in the park, while the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs offer spectacular views. Other attractions in the area include the Rainbow Jungle, which has a parrot aviary, maze and outdoor cinema, Big River Ranch for horse riding, and Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon. You can also hire paddle boats, kayaks and canoes to explore the Murchison River.

Formed from billions of tiny shells from the Shark Bay cockle, the aptly named Shell Beach is located 45km south east of Denham. On a still day, the ocean transforms into a palette of intense greens and blues, and the water is very salty, making it easy to float for those who aren’t strong swimmers — similar to the Dead Sea in Jordan.

5. STROMATOLITES AT HAMELIN POOL

The oldest and largest living fossils on earth, the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool give budding scientists an idea of what the earth may have looked like about 3.5 billion years ago, when they were widespread across the water.

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8. MONKEY MIA 7. NINGALOO REEF

Unlike most reefs, Australia’s largest fringing reef is easy to access just by stepping off the beach. A snorkel and mask are all you’ll need to experience this colourful and pristine reef. The area is famous for swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world, which visit between March and July each year after the annual coral spawn to feed on krill and plankton. You can book tours from Coral Bay and Exmouth for the once in a lifetime experience, and swim with manta rays and migrating humpback whales, see rare turtles, pods of dolphins and vibrant tropical fish. You can also explore the reef on a glassbottom boat tour. Pop into Ningaloo Centre to find out more about what’s offered in the area and nearby Cape Range National Park, where you can discover the gorges and cliffs of Yardie Creek on a boat tour.

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CARNARVON SPACE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM

The Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum celebrates the littleknown history of the role Carnarvon played in the manned space program and the Australian satellite communications industry. In 1966, the Casshorn antenna, locally known as the ‘Sugar Scoop’, was used for the first television broadcast from Australia to the BBC in London. In 1969, it relayed Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon from NASA’s Honey Suckle Creek Tracking Station to Perth’s TV audience via Moree earth station – the first live telecast into Western Australia. Phase one of the museum was officially opened by retired NASA astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, in 2012, phase two by Australianborn astronaut, Andy Thomas, in 2014, and phase three by the last astronaut to walk on the moon, Gene Cernan, in 2016. The Carnarvon Heritage Precinct, encompassing the One Mile Jetty Interpretive Centre and the Railway Museum, is also worth a visit, along with the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage & Cultural Centre.

MORE INFORMATION: australiascoralcoast.com/cch 102

Best known as the home of the Monkey Mia Dolphins, famous for their almost daily ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans, Monkey Mia is also a great base to explore the wonders of the surrounding area.

Cruises and scenic flights offer opportunities to see sharks, rays and turtles, perhaps even humpback whales and dugongs. You can also learn about the area’s natural and cultural history along the Wulyibidi Yaninyina trail, a 1.5km loop walk over dunes and along the beach.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Image: Tourism Western Australia

Image: Coral Bay Ecotour

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST

9. WULA GURA NYINDA ECO CULTURAL ADVENTURES

The Shark Bay World Heritagelisted area is a place of immense ecological and cultural significance to the region’s first people, the Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal people.

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures offers a range of ‘on country’ tours exploring the ancient cultural ties to the place they call Gutharraguda, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, 4WD bush tucker tours and overnight escapes on secluded beaches.

TOP 5 THINGS FOR FAMILIES IN

Kalbarri + Surrounds

1. KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK The inland and coastal sites of the Kalbarri National Park are nature’s playground, offering a range of activities for children of all ages. Visit the iconic Nature’s Window and the new 100m high Kalbarri Skywalk, or get adventurous with abseiling, kayaking and clambering down to the river.

2. DAILY PELICAN FEEDING Head to Kalbarri’s foreshore at 08:45am each morning to see the resident pelicans. Spectators learn about the pelicans and have the opportunity to feed them fish.

3. RAINBOW JUNGLE PARROTS Enjoy close encounters with a range of cockatoos at Australia’s largest freeflight walk-in aviary, and see the world’s largest flock of purple crowned lorikeets and other brightly coloured Australian parrots.

KALBARRI is one of Western Australia’s family favourite holiday destinations.

6 hours’ drive north of Perth, the town is situated where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by soaring inland and coastal gorges in the Kalbarri National Park. A range of accommodation, protected swimmming bays, superb walk trails and a familyfriendly foreshore make it a popular getaway.

Plan your trip today

www.kalbarri.org.au

4. HORSE RIDING + WHALE WATCHING Saddle up and enjoy a relaxing horse ride through native bushland and across the Murchison River, or join a whale watching tour (from June - November) to see the majestic humpback whales on their annual migration along Western Australia’s coastline.

5. VISIT PINK LAKE (HUTT LAGOON) Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) at Port Gregory is an iconic sight - don’t miss it on your drive to Kalbarri! Join a guided buggy tour from Port Gregory to learn more about the lake and explore the surrounding coastline.

NEW ZEALAND

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THINGS TO DO IN DUNEDIN WITH KIDS While Queenstown gets all the glory on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin also has plenty of family-friendly attractions and experiences. Here are some for your list.

1. WALS PLANT LAND

Wals Plant Land houses the Living Maze, created by 5,000 Myrtus Luma evergreen plants. There are two escape doors through the maze to get out quickly. Entry is free for kids under five years. walsplantland.co.nz 104

NEW ZEALAND

2. URBAN STREET ART

Murals have become a popular addition to the streets of Dunedin, with more than 40 works commissioned to spruce up the city. Take a wander or book a two-hour guided walking tour to hear the stories behind the art. dunedinstreetart.co.nz

3. NATURES WONDERS TOUR

Visit one of the most precious wildlife habitats in New Zealand.

The Natures Wonders Tour takes you on an exploration of natural wildlife and rare species.

Get up close to seals, penguins, cormorants and other aquatic birds. natureswonders.co.nz

4. OTAGO SETTLERS MUSEUM

A museum dedicated to storytelling and social history, Otago Settlers Museum has 14 themed galleries featuring interactive displays of human history. toituosm.com 105

Image: Miles Holden

NEW ZEALAND

5. PORT TO PORT CRUISE The Port to Port cruises transport you around Otago Harbour and beyond via ferry.

Perfect for the wildlife enthusiast, you will get to see albatross, seals and penguins up close in their natural habitat. porttoport.co.nz

6. LARNACH CASTLE

Built as a private residence in 1871, the Victorian grandeur of this building will transport you right back in time and make you feel as if you were exploring a historic English castle. Kids receive free entry during school holidays. larnachcastle.co.nz

7. PENGUIN PLACE

This conservation reserve is home to the world’s most endangered penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin.

Guided walking tours are available to view the birds undisturbed at close range. penguinplace.co.nz 106

8. QUARANTINE ISLAND TOUR

Once a place where early European settlers stayed whilst they quarantined, this island is now a public recreation reserve for wildlife and regenerating forests. Journey over the water to connect with nature and retrace history. quarantineisland.org.nz

9. OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARY

Also named Dunedin’s ‘cloud forest’, Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a great place to see fascinating wildlife and fauna. It is a wonderfully serene place to spend a few hours. Both guided and self-guided tours are available. orokonui.nz

NEW ZEALAND

10. OTAGO MUSEUM

The Otago Museum has a collection of over 1.5 million artefacts from around the globe. It encompasses the Tuhara Science Centre, a tropical forest featuring exotic butterflies, waterfalls, and many hands-on activities where the kids can learn and play. otagomuseum.nz

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CELEBRITY Q&A

FAMILY FIELD TRIPS FILLED WITH FUN LA-based Australian TV chef, author and restaurateur, Curtis Stone, opened his first solo restaurant, Maude, named after his grandmother, in Beverly Hills in 2014. He also runs an events and catering company in LA and Australia. When not at work, he loves hitting the road with his wife, American actress Lindsay Price, and sons Hudson, 9, and Emerson, 6.

WE KNOW YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL, AS YOUR TV SHOWS SURFING THE MENU AND, MORE RECENTLY, FIELD TRIP ON FOXTEL’S LIFESTYLE FOOD CHANNEL, HAVE SHOWN. HAVE YOU DONE MUCH TRAVEL WITH YOUR KIDS? We have! Travel opens the world up to kids and exposes them to cultures and lifestyles beyond the block they live on. Linds and I have taken the boys to South-East Asia, Greece and, of course, we get back to Australia. We’re looking forward to getting back to Europe and to some sand, surf, and sloths in Costa Rica.

WHAT’S BEEN THE WORST THING THAT’S HAPPENED ON A FAMILY HOLIDAY? We’ve been pretty lucky and have avoided any major catastrophes.

AND THE BEST MOMENT? They just keep topping each other, so the best is yet to come.

WHY DO YOU THINK TRAVELLING WITH KIDS IS IMPORTANT? Travelling is all about exposure – tasting new foods, hearing new languages, seeing other ways of life. Honestly, it’s the most important gift you can give yourself and your family.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FAMILY? Long days and nights are part of being a chef. I also have so many other projects from product development to filming obligations, so travel is really a time for me to tune out with the people I love and just hit reset.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT TO BEFORE YOU HAD KIDS? There are fewer excursions exploring the nightlife and a more cultural itinerary including museums, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventure. Still, lots of swimming and surfing though!

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE IN AUSTRALIA YOU’VE TRAVELLED TO WITH YOUR FAMILY? Melbourne, because that’s where all the relatives are — and who doesn’t love a big hug from mum? But there are still so many more places I’d like to take them. I’ve never been to Kangaroo Island and I think that would be a fun place for the boys.

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WHAT’S YOUR BEST PACKING TIP? My secret is packing dirty clothes and having them laundered at the hotel. You can cram a lot in a carry-on and you don’t have to worry about it being wrinkled. Admittedly, I do this more when I am away for business and am hopping from one place to the next.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELLED TO WITH YOUR FAMILY OVERSEAS? We went to South-East Asia three summers ago and it was incredible. Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore – what a trip!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO VISIT IN LA WITH KIDS? We love to be outside. Biking at the beach and hikes in the canyon are highlights.

Hudson stood up on a surfboard last summer and, I’ve got to say, it was a proud moment for me as a dad.

ANY TIPS FOR SURVIVING LONGHAUL FLIGHTS WITH KIDS? Downloading lots of videos on the iPad, lots of snacks on hand, headphones and, most importantly, fly at night when everyone is tuckered out.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY? The boys want to do the jungle and see animals. I’m happy to be near a body of water with a beer.

Field Trip with Curtis Stone screens on FOXTEL’s LifeStyle Food channel on Sundays at 8pm.

CELEBRITY Q&A

Curtis and his family in Yellowstone National Park

On a trip to Mexico

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REVIEWS

A Deluxe Room

OAKS CAIRNS HOTEL

ANGELA SAURINE checks into a modern, apartment-style hotel conveniently located on Cairns Esplanade THE LOWDOWN

There are certainly benefits staying in a new hotel, where everything just seems to make sense, from the shape and design of the soap holders in the ensuite bathroom to the power points beside the bed for charging phones.

Opened in late 2020, Oaks Cairns Hotel delivers on that front. From street level, the lift takes you to reception on level one, with rooms spread across four floors and a rooftop restaurant on the fifth. Whilst there is no parking onsite, there are some car parks nearby, but many of Cairns’ biggest drawcards are within walking distance, and attractions such as Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offer shuttle pick up around the corner.

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LOCATION

One of the biggest selling points of this hotel is its location on the Esplanade in the CBD, close to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and only around 10 minutes’ walk to Marlin Marina, where tour boats to the Great Barrier Reef depart. The night markets are also just around the corner, metres away from the door.

ACCOMMODATION

There are 76 rooms spread across four levels. Our Hotel Executive Ocean Room has views over the Esplanade. We love the comfortable king bed, large square shower with two shower heads (including rain showers) so two people can shower at the same time, and new release movies. But my favourite feature is the flat screen TV that

swivels between the lounge area and the bed. You can also choose internally-facing rooms, Hotel Executive rooms with views over town, and premium Hotel Deluxe rooms. Families who need extra space are well catered for with the Two Bedroom Dual Key option — two Hotel Executive rooms linked by an interconnecting door. These rooms offer two king-sized beds or four singles, two bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and views over town.

FOOD AND DRINK

Located on the hotel’s rooftop, Oak & Vine Restaurant boasts sensational views over Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the Coral Sea. Book an early dinner to catch the sunset, then watch people swimming

REVIEWS

Oak & Vine rooftop restaurant

OAKS CAIRNS HOTEL

59-63 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland 1300 064 982 oakshotels.com/en/oaks-cairns-hotel

under the twinkling lights in the evening. Its menu is inspired by on-trend Nikkei Cuisine, which blends Peruvian dishes with Japanese techniques and fresh local produce. The seafood ceviche is a must! Burgers, fish and chips, and rib eye fillet are amongst the other offerings. There’s also a huge wine list, cool cocktails for mum, and craft beer for dad. The hotel is housed above a McDonald’s, while the nearby night markets offer Asian food, gelato, crepes and a New Zealand Natural ice-cream shop. Seafood lovers should check out Prawn Star Cairns, which is located across four boats moored at Marlin Marina, for that novelty factor kids love. Ganbaranba is great for Japanese food, such as noodles and gyoza, while Mondo on the Waterfront offers casual al fresco dining along the boardwalk. You can also dine on the deck at The Backyard in the nearby Shangri-La Hotel, which has a great grass area for children to play.

EXPLORE

With so many fun things to do with kids in Cairns, it’s hard to know where to start!

It’s easy to while away the hours at the epic Muddy’s Playground, which has a great café, around 10 minutes’ walk away along the promenade. You can swim at the stinger- and croc-free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, which is also a great spot for a barbecue or picnic, and in some of the area’s beautiful freshwater swimming spots including Stoney Creek and Crystal Cascades. Take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, visit Cairns

Aquarium, see the jumping crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, and ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway to the village of Kuranda to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Koala Gardens.

The writer was a guest of Oaks Cairns Hotel, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Cairns Aquarium.

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REVIEWS

POWERHOUSE HOTEL TAMWORTH BY RYDGES ELISA ELWIN checks out the family rooms at this recently refurbished five-star hotel THE LOWDOWN

After undergoing a multimillion dollar refurbishment in 2020, this hotel has emerged as a luxurious accommodation option – the only five-star offering in the NSW New England region. Located on the original site of an 1888 power station, it pays tribute to its heritage through its design influences and art. Compared to a city hotel of a similar calibre, it’s great value for money.

LOCATION

A 4.5-hour drive north-west of Sydney along the New England Highway and 7 hours’ drive south of Brisbane, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a great place for a pit stop on a family road trip. It’s also just a few minutes’ drive from Tamworth Regional Airport, and 5 minutes’ drive from the town centre.

ACCOMMODATION

The hotel has 61 rooms and suites, and 20 luxe serviced apartments including King Rooms, which can accommodate up to two adults and two children, through to two-bedroom apartments 112

with kitchens. Our Powerhouse Family Room on the second floor had a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. We loved the premium pillow-top king beds, wall TVs in each room and coffee machine and pods.

The rooms are stylish and sumptuous, with a homely feel.

Eco-conscious practices include the ‘Green Choice Decline’ – decline the daily housekeeping service and receive a $10 food and beverage credit. Make sure to book in advance as this updated property is creating quite a buzz, and family rooms are booked out well in advance of the school holidays. Join the Priority Guest Rewards loyalty program for free benefits and extras, including dining discounts and room rate discounts.

A room with twin beds

POWERHOUSE HOTEL TAMWORTH

BY RYDGES

248 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth, NSW (02) 6766 7000 rydges.com/accommodation/regional-nsw/ powerhouse-hotel-tamworth/

ACTIVITIES

The pool is the centre of all fun.

With the heated spa open until 10pm, a soak in the bubbles before a dip in the cool pool is a great way to let off steam and prepare for bed. The Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum within the hotel complex is a motorbike lover’s dream.

The hotel pool

Images: Destination NSW

REVIEWS

Tamworth Marsupial Park

Image: Alison Innes (Meredith Abrahams)

The Golden Guitar

FOOD AND DRINK

The Workshop Kitchen has a woodfired oven and grill, with a focus on locally sourced produce, including aged beef.

Our recommendation would be the chargrilled steak or the ribs platter with sides. There’s also an extensive wine list. Ask general manager, proud local, Daine Cooper, for advice if needed. His passion for creating and regularly updating the wine list has been rewarded with a two-glass rating.

There are plenty of kidfriendly meal options to choose from and, if sitting in the restaurant doesn’t work for your family, the hotel has 24hour room service. Regular ‘kids eat free’ deals are also offered.

Tamworth Adventure Playground

In addition, the Coal Bunker Bar is open every day until late, if you feel like a tipple.

EXPLORE

Love country music, or just ‘big’ things? Get your photo taken with the 12m-high Big Golden Guitar. A replica of the famous Golden Guitar Award presented to artists at the annual Country Music Awards of Australia, it’s one of the tallest guitars in the world. Tamworth Regional Playground, in the beautiful surrounds of Bicentennial Park, has sandpits, ziplines, tunnel slides and climbing structures, and a splash pad wet zone to cool off on hot summer days.

There is a littlies soft fall area, while parents can grab a coffee

at the neighbouring Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar. Just a 10-minute drive away, get upclose with the wildlife at the Tamworth Marsupial Park & Adventure Playground.

Walk through the kangaroo enclosure, and the free-flight aviary to spot the native birds.

A ‘muddle’ of guinea pigs is also in residence in their own tiny house. Designed by local kids, the playground has under-5s and older children’s areas, free barbecues and tables for a picnic lunch.

The writer was a guest of Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth

by Rydges.

MORE INFORMATION: destinationtamworth. com.au 113

REVIEWS

TWEED HOLIDAY PARKS POTTSVILLE SOUTH

2 Tweed Coast Rd, Pottsville South, NSW, 2489.

(02) 6676 1050 tweedholidayparks.com.au/location/pottsville-south

TWEED HOLIDAY PARKS POTTSVILLE SOUTH

ELISA ELWIN winds down in an absolute waterfront family cabin at this perfectly situated holiday park on the NSW far north coast THE LOWDOWN

The Tweed Coast is a place where holidays take you from endless beaches and tranquil waterways to luscious hinterland. Relax, unwind and immerse yourself in beauty and nature in this sub-tropical region.

LOCATION

Just 45 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast and 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South is perfectly situated beside the year-round calm waters of Mooball Creek. It’s just a short stroll from the beaches and Pottsville shops.

ACCOMMODATION

There are accommodation options to suit every budget with 11 cabins, 3 ensuite sites, 114

69 tourist sites and 12 tent sites.

The family cabins have two bedrooms, a full kitchen, reverse cycle air-conditioning and, best of all, a deck overlooking the water, 100m from Mooball Creek. The Park is well laid out, with features including a camp kitchen, barbecue, laundry, toilets and showers, Wi-Fi and access to a beach wheelchair.

ACTIVITIES

Water activities rule here, with the creek and a patrolled surf beach both a short walk away. A popular fishing spot for locals, Mooball Creek is also safe for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and family fun.

Bikes can be hired from the office, so don’t worry about bringing your own.

FOOD AND DRINK

Self-catering is the go, made simpler with an IGA a five-minute walk away.

There’s also a terrific selection of eateries close by, including bakeries, cafes and pizza bars. If your tastebuds run to delicious Japanese, head to Izakaya Potts. If you want to wander a little further afield, head to Cubby Bakehouse at Chinderah for excellent coffee and a choice of mouth-watering sweet and savoury pastries and bakery items. Or book a babysitter for a memorable night without the kids at Halcyon House’s award-winning, hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy, under the deservedly lauded chef, Jason Barratt.

REVIEWS

EXPLORE

The Tweed abounds with fun family activities. Head to Hosanna Farmstay in the hinterland to feed the animals, (including friendly Tumnus the goat) watch the chicks hatch, or slip down the hillside slide for a swim in the dam. Bring a picnic lunch or order local produce from the cafe.

Make sure to book ahead for your Day Visit Pass and the hay bale farm tour, and grab an Adventure Passport at check-in to keep everyone busy with fun challenges. Your dog can join you for this day on the farm.

At Tropical Fruit World you can hop on a tractor train, feed the animals, spot wildlife on a boat cruise, ride the miniature train, play putt-putt golf and, of course, taste exotic fruit. Did I mention there are more than 500 varieties of fruit over the 70ha of this working farm? A short drive from Kingscliff, you can’t miss The Big Avocado. Join a guided farm tour or check ahead for workshops such as the Little Farmers Fruit Forager Tour. There’s also a Plantation Store, Market and Cafe to refuel and buy local products and produce to take home.

Your kids can also become a Junior Adventure Guru (JAG) with the energetic and inspiring ‘Chief Fun Officer’ and Watersports Guru founder, Tim Jack Adams. The JAG two-hour nature play program runs every Sunday from 9am until 11am and mid-week during school holidays, with stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, creek explorations, outdoor education and fun team challenges. Also check out the ‘Snorkel with Turtles’ tour for a whole family experience with kids six years and older. You will cruise 1km off Fingal Headland to Cook Island, which has a permanent population of Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles. This wildlife water adventure is sure to be the highlight of your Tweed holiday.

The writer was a guest of Pottsville South Holiday Park and The Tweed Tourism Company.

MORE INFORMATION: visitthetweed.com.au

Kids can feed the animals at Hosanna Farmstay

Osprey cabins

Tropical Fruit World

JAG (Junior Adventure Guru) Aqua tube 115

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HOW TO…

ENGAGE

IN OUTDOOR NATURE PLAY

WITH KIDS

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Finding a patch of bush and setting your children free to play in the dirt, scramble over rocks and climb trees can have huge benefits, ANGELA SAURINE writes It’s a lament we’ve all heard – kids don’t play outside as much as they used to. It’s not like the good old days when they’d run around the bush barefoot. City living, traffic, technology, homework, litigation and overprotective parents are among the things blamed for the trend. But there is a growing appreciation of the benefits time spent in nature has for our young, with more and more services popping up to fill the niche market.

Early childhood teacher Deborah Wood started outdoors all-weather playgroup Bush Balance in Sydney’s inner west in 2020, following the closure of public playgrounds during the COVID-19 lockdown. She offers weekly sessions for children aged up to five and their carers, and Saturday sessions for children up to eight and their families. The group meets at a park in Alexandria, and Deborah provides tools for play, including magnifying glasses, junior hacksaws, whittling knives, palm drills, tape measures, hammers, spirit levels, ropes and pulley systems, as well as paint and books about nature.

Having worked with young children for 14 years in long day care centres, preschools and as a private nanny, Deborah became convinced that kids needed more time outdoors. She says being in nature has a peaceful effect, helping us recover from the stress and anxiety that many of us feel. “I had experienced numerous times the calming influence of nature on children,” she says. “I knew that an upset, stressed or anxious child often responded well to being outdoors. I also knew that I was a lot calmer outdoors and I coped with noisy play much better in the outdoors.”

She initially tried taking children that she nannied bushwalking, but soon realised that kids needed time in nature, but not with adult pressure to achieve a certain

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Making discoveries with Bush Balance, Nature Play WA’s Mud Monsters Ball, Kids having fun at a Bush Balance playgroup

target. “Playing in one spot was going to be much more relaxing for us all,” she said.

Deborah was strongly influenced by Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods and Angela Hanscom’s Balanced and Barefoot. “Richard Louv writes about the criminalisation of natural play,” she says. “In past generations children have had freedom to play, build and spend time outdoors. With increased litigation and high density living, many past experiences are simply not allowed anymore. This resonates with me as I recognise that the play I engaged in as a child would simply not be allowed today. I also found it a struggle to find land that I was allowed to

use for Bush Balance, and an insurance company that would allow children to play outside! Angela Hanscom is an occupational therapist who writes about the link between the decline in outdoor play and the decline in the health and physical strength of children. I was easily convinced of the need for children to explore uneven surfaces, climb trees and take risks.”

Outdoor play also offers opportunities for physical development as children walk on uneven surfaces, pull themselves onto rocks and climb trees. “In the outdoors children have more space to make noise, run fast and jump high,” Deborah says. “As  117

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Nature Play WA’s Mud Monsters Ball

children enjoy time outdoors, they grow up to be people who care about the outdoors – which is certainly something that our world needs. Children need to have time for play, yet often their week can get filled up with structured activities or adult-led activities. They need time to imagine, run, explore and make up their own games.

However, many adults enjoy having a structure to their day and somewhere to go and talk to other adults. Bush Balance aims to meet both the needs of children and adults, effectively scheduling in free play.”

If there isn’t a Bush Balance offered in your area, there are still ways to create a similar experience. Deborah says parents should make sure they are all kitted up in good wet weather gear, if necessary, and find a small patch of bush in the local area that is easy to get to. “Our children are much smaller than us so a few rocks and trees can be enough to make them feel totally immersed in nature,” she says.

“Be prepared to do nothing but watch.

As adults it’s hard for us to do nothing, we are conditioned to being productive at all times. Often children’s play doesn’t 118

Cubby Town fun

A FEW ROCKS AND TREES CAN BE ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM FEEL TOTALLY IMMERSED IN NATURE look productive to us – but trust the play!” Deborah says you need to go to the same spot a few times in a row, as everyone needs time to get used to a new type of activity. “At Bush Balance we have noticed that week four and week five of the term are when the children’s creativity really becomes apparent as they have had time to become comfortable with the environmen,” she says.

Nature Play WA CEO, Griffin Longley, agrees that time spent outdoors can have enormous benefits to kids’ physical and emotional health. He describes Nature Play WA as an advocacy organisation that aims to “support, encourage and inspire a return to mucking around outside”.

Started as an initiative of the Department of Sport and Recreation, it runs large scale events such as cubby town, where up to 4000 kids gather in a national park to build cubby houses out of sticks and boxes.

There’s also the mud monsters ball, where they find a patch of dirt and the volunteer fire brigade comes and sprays it with hoses. The kids then dance, throw mud and roll in it. “Our events are designed so families can replicate them any weekend of the year for free,” Griffin says.

Nature Play WA also works with local councils to create digital trails, which include a Pokemon GO-style game in which GPS points are overlaid on a map on an app, with an activity to do at each location along the way where kids can earn points.

Griffin says outdoor, nature-based fun is relevant for people of all ages. “Outdoor play is different to sport and playgrounds which are for very specific age groups,” he says. “A good outdoor area that’s nature rich can be used by a grandma equally as it can be by a toddler. A toddler might balance on a log and a grandma might sit on it and eat a sandwich while she watches the kids play. Ultimately, it’s about families choosing to do it themselves,” he says.

“It’s their decision how they want to spend their time and what kind of experience they want to have and memories they want to create.”

EXTRAS

A GOOD OUTDOOR AREA THAT’S NATURE RICH CAN BE USED BY A GRANDMA EQUALLY AS IT CAN BE BY A TODDLER

MORE INFORMATION: bushbalance.com.au playmatterswa.org.au

Tree climbing at a Bush Balance playgroup

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MUST HAVES

The latest products travelling families need to know about 1. WILSON + FRENCHY PYJAMAS Children who love animals will have no qualms getting dressed in these playful pyjamas with hand-illustrated prints of leopards, toucans and various creepy crawlies. The soft and breathable genderneutral collection is made from 100 per cent organic cotton. It’s available in kids sizes 1-5.

RRP $39.95 wilsonandfrenchy.com.au/collections/ kids-pyjamas

2. PLUME: WORLD EXPLORER

Hitch a ride on the Albatross Express and travel the globe with Plume: World Explorer. This exciting new picture book series for kids celebrates culture, diversity 120

and the natural wonders of our world.

Plume is not your typical Antarctic penguin – he's bored with black and white, and with shuffling around and snoozing on icebergs. Through his travels, children will engage with themes such as friendship, acceptance, understanding and the wellbeing of our planet. Pre-order now for delivery in September.

RRP $24.99 hardiegrant.com/au

SEA LIFE team member, Kirsty Esson, it explores the dangers that turtles face in the wild and touches on themes of adventure, hardship, and the nurturing care of those who look after Plugga. Best of all, 100 per cent of the profits go to registered charity the SEA LIFE Trust, who will use the funds on conservation campaigns, scientific research and education.

RRP $15 shop.sydneyaquarium.com.au

3. PLUGGA THE GREEN SEA TURTLE

4. SPINIFEX KID’S KEIRA SLEEPING BAGS

This book tells the true story of a SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium turtle who has been in human care for his whole life after being found injured. Written and illustrated by

Whether it be for a camping trip or a night's stay at a friend's place, the Spinifex Kid's Keira Sleeping Bag is a great option for littlies. Suited to spring and early

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5

7 6

autumn conditions, it has increased filling for warmth, silk touch polyester lining and an outer shell made from a Polyester ripstop fabric.

RRP $69.99 anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/ sleeping/sleeping-bags/spinifex-kidskeira-sleeping-bag

5. G-MEE PLAY

Ideal for road trips, this smart device for kids aged five to 14 delivers entertainment experiences such as streaming music, podcasts, audio books and mindfulness exercises via apps that are approved by their parents. Mum and dad can choose to allow the apps accessed during the journey by using the built-in pin lock

parental controls. By selecting audio entertainment apps only, the whole family can be entertained, but their eyes will be free to look elsewhere.

RRP $99.95 g-mee.com

6. MYSTICAL FIRE

From red to blue and green to violet, this campfire novelty is the perfect way to brighten up your campsite. Everyone who enjoys bonfires will absolutely love watching the colour of the flames change for up to 30 minutes.

RRP $3.99 anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/ camp-cooking/camping-fuel-fire/ outdoor-survival-mystical-fire

7. THE COMFY

This wearable blanket keeps you warm and cosy while camping, at the beach, attending sporting events and outdoor concerts, and at backyard barbecues. Invented by two brothers who pitched the concept to ABC’s Shark Tank, and received backing from American businesswoman Barbara Corcoran, the large design is a perfect fit for most shapes and sizes. The huge hood and pocket keep your head and hands warm and it’s easy to wash – just toss it in the machine on cold then tumble dry separately on low.

RRP $59.99 thecomfy.com 121

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Gaynor with Kiara and Andrew at their favourite resort, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua

Gaynor and her family on a gondola ride in Venice

Insider Interview

GAYNOR REID

VICE-PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOR ASIA PACIFIC Born in South Africa to Scottish parents, travel has always been in Gaynor Reid’s blood. She’s worked in the tourism industry for more than 20 years in both Australia and Asia, most recently based in Singapore in her role as VP of communications and corporate social responsibility for hotel group Accor Asia Pacific. She loves travelling with her husband Andrew and 16-year-old daughter Kiara.

MY IDEAL FAMILY HOLIDAY IS… My husband would be happy to flop and drop at a beach resort, but I like to be able to explore new places and pack as much as possible into a trip, so we usually try to combine a bit of both. We also look for places that are close to theme parks or attractions that are suitable for our daughter, so that we can plan some days around what she wants.

MY FONDEST FAMILY HOLIDAY MEMORY IS… A trip we took about ten years ago with my 122

parents, my aunt and uncle and our little family of three. We went to Venice, Rome, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands. It was just before my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. We had so many laughs and magical moments that, now he is gone, I still smile remembering that trip.

FAMILY TRAVELLERS MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT… Many hotels and resorts will offer a second room cheaper for families who need more space, and that bigger hotels can provide things like bottle warmers, strollers and cots. For example, at Novotel hotels, families can get their second room for 50 per cent off and children under 12 eat and stay for free if sharing their parents’ room.

EVERY FAMILY SHOULD EXPERIENCE… An intergenerational trip where parents, grandparents and kids travel together. It’s a great way to strengthen family bonds

and create new traditions. One of the most incredible places to travel as an extended family is Uluru – there is so much that you can do for all ages, and it’s an incredible destination to learn more about Australia’s Indigenous history and culture.

MY TOP TIP FOR TRAVELLING WITH KIDS IS… Make sure to involve them in the planning so that they feel they are not just being dragged around to do what their parents want to do. Now that our daughter is a teenager, we tend to invite one of her friends along on many of our trips so that she is not bored. We also make sure, every day, to carve out some downtime, as children are often just as happy in the pool at the hotel as they are at the local theme park or traipsing around a new city. On holidays the simple things are often the best, and the promise of an ice-cream can work wonders in getting them to walk further than they think they can!

WOLLUMBIN MT WARNING - AN ICONIC VISTA SWIM WITH TURTLES AT COOK ISLAND

FOODIE MOMENTS

Find your moment

There are family memories to be created in a place of sparkling seaside villages and sweet valley townships. From a morning surf lesson to a lunchtime river cruise (and yes; mud crabs are always a great idea). Sample fruits of the world and then browse galleries, hit the markets, or simply choose to unwind and take in the fresh green vistas at every bend in the road. Welcome to the Tweed.

BIG4 TWEED BILLABONG H O L I D AY PA R K

TWEED REGIONAL MUSEUM

BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park offers an action-packed fun family holiday.

Featuring a waterpark, pools, billabong for fishing and kayaking, outdoor movies, go-karts and playgrounds, kids are kept entertained for days. tweedbillabong.com.au

T W E E D H O L I D AY PA R K S

Be amazed by history, from volcano eruptions 25 million years ago, to meteorites from outer space! Touch specimens, listen to animal calls and explore the volcano through an animated touchscreen. museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

H O S A N N A FA R M S TAY

In an area of pristine beauty, choose from seven spectacular holiday parks along the stunning Tweed coastline. Each park offers something unique and has accommodation options including waterfront cabins, luxury Surfari tents and spacious tourist sites. tweedholidayparks.com.au

VISITTHETWEED.COM.AU

Travel through time at Tweed Regional Museum

@THETWEED

If an authentic farmstay experience is what you’re looking for, then this is your place! If camping in tents is not your thing, we have glamping huts and rustic wooden cabins that look out over the dam and surrounding countryside. Day visits available. hosannafarmstay.com.au

@THETWEED_NSW