Out & About with kids - Issue 49 Winter 2016

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FAMILY | TRAVEL | HOLIDAY | LEISURE | ENTERTAINMENT

OUT&ABOUT

WINTER 2016

R R P $ 7. 9 5

KIDS

WITH

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49

No.

DISNEYLAND RESORT

Why Unforgettable Happens Here!

At-A-Glance

Ski USA, CANADA & JAPAN PLUS

2016 BEST OF

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

A family holiday to beautiful

VANUATU

Including airfares!

FIJI YUMI STYNES

NATURAL WONDERS Celebrating our National Parks

Whitsundays • Launceston• Macao • Canberra • North Lake Tahoe USA

ŠDisney

There’s a place where moments take on extra magic. They happen every minute of every second of every day. Moments both big and little that will never ever, ever be forgotten.

Contact your travel agent to start planning your magical Disneyland Resort Holiday.

Out & About with Kids Print & Digital outandaboutwithkids.com.au Publisher Elisa Elwin elisa@oawk.com.au 0413 770 550 Editor Christine Kane christine@oawk.com.au Digital Content Manager Lisa Monk lisamonk@oawk.com.au

© iStock

Associate Publisher Richard Bunting rbunting@oawk.com.au 0424 138 806

O

nce again, we’re thrilled to announce the Winners and Finalists in our annual BEST OF FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS, as voted by you!

Congratulations to all of the fantastic 2016 Winners who have been chosen by our readers for their family-friendly, and fabulous, properties and attractions.

See Page 41 for the full list of Award Winners.

As winter makes itself felt across Australia, we take an at-a-glance look at some of the most incredible family ski resorts in the USA and Canada to help you plan a December-February winter wonderland family holiday in our summer - and take a look inside the super-fantastic-family-fun of Japan’s Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.

Closer to home, this issue showcases some of Australia’s amazingly beautiful national parks in Queensland and New South Wales.

Our gorgeous cover illustrates the timeless appeal of Disneyland Resort in California. The original Disneyland Park, opened in 1955, is now a seeing-isbelieving magical destination for all ages. Turn to Page 50 to make unforgettable happen for your family!

The Out & About with Kids team

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

Contributors Julie Jones Janeece Keller Barry Stone Yumi Stynes Sue White Cover: Disneyland Resort in California © Disney Print Design Magnesium Media Print Art Director Louise Summerton Advertising Enquiries Richard Bunting rbunting@oawk.com.au 0424 138 806 Published by Elwin Media Pty Ltd ABN: 22 159 093 606

PO Box 4148, Balgowlah Heights NSW 2093 0413 770 550 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Out & About with Kids. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication.

Copyright © Out & About with Kids 2016 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly 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 to be sent to the magazine they will be returned.

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WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

So Solomons,

So Different !

Explore the hidden paradise of the South Pacific, an archipelago comprising a vast group of 992 breathtaking tropical islands.

Feel the spirit of adventure and enjoy your own special piece of paradise - dive, fish, surf, hike, kayak or simply relax and discover a culture with a welcoming smile.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau PO Box 321, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands call (677) 22442 or email info@sivb.com.sb

www.visitsolomons.com.sb www.facebook.com/VisitSolomonIslands

contents

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Disneyland Resort

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Enter our fantastic holiday competition and you could be enjoying a relaxing (and exciting!) family break in the beautiful island paradise of Vanuatu, courtesy of Air Vanuatu, Holiday Inn Vanuatu and Vanuatu Tourism.

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YUMI STYNES Yumi, her hubby, four children, and Tokyo-born and raised mum, savour a fabulous holiday together in Japan - facing up to the challenges of travelling with two children under two years with patience, and plenty of smiles.

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DID YOU KNOW …?

Stay up-to-date with the latest family travel news covering destinations and attractions, apps, airlines & airports, cruises, luxury holidays, entertainment and much more!

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FIJI ROUND-UP Get the lowdown on resorts, cruises, services and attractions.

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AND THE WINNERS ARE …

Turn to Page 41 for the Winners and Finalists in our 2016 Best of Family Travel Awards – as voted by YOU!

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WHY UNFORGETTABLE HAPPENS AT DISNEYLAND RESORT The Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland Resort in California, has a magic all its own.

Find out why dreams really do come true in this unforgettable destination.

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WE REVIEW © Disney

We put family-friendly Tassie under the microscope in this issue and visit sensational Hyams Beach on the NSW South Coast.

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© Gold Coast Tourism

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And the Winners are …

2016 BEST OF

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OUR NATIONAL PARKS Take a peek into some of the amazing national parks in NSW and QLD – Australian families are blessed to be able to enjoy these natural playgrounds right on our doorstep.

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AT-A-GLANCE …

SKI USA, CANADA & JAPAN Our summer school holiday break is the perfect time to escape to a winter wonderland for a family holiday in the snowy playgrounds of North America and Japan … beyond skiing and snowboarding, every member of the family will find the tubing, dogsledding, sleigh riding, fireside dinners and marshmallow-toasting, snowman-building fun simply irresistible!

Join our fabulous family contributors on their travels to the Whitsundays in Queensland and Launceston in Tasmania. Spend a summer break in North Lake Tahoe, USA and venture into the exciting former Portuguese colony of Macao, near Hong Kong. Peel back the politics of Australia’s Capital, Canberra, to discover its delights for families, and the many ways in which a holiday here works for families with special mobility and accessibility needs.

itage/D. Finnegan

NSW is full of fantastic regional towns and Tamworth is one of them. Known as the ‘Country Music Capital’ of Australia, Tamworth offers a wealth of family fun and discovery beyond the big Golden Guitar.

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Environment & Her

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT TAMWORTH?

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© NSW Office of

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FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

TODDLER TRAVEL If you think the words ‘toddler’ and ‘camping’ don’t go together, think again. Our new columnist, SUE WHITE, says the positives outnumber the pitfalls, after her inaugural (and successful!) camping adventure with toddler, Ollie.

Hermitage Foreshore Walk Sy dney page 63 WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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VANUATU COMPETITION

WIN A FAMILY HOLIDAY TO VANUATU – including flights!

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in a week-long family holiday to Vanuatu and spend your days snorkelling over coral reefs, ziplining through the jungle or even dining with the locals at a welcoming cultural village.

This family prize includes flights for two adults and two children with Air Vanuatu from Sydney or Brisbane, and 5 days accommodation in an overwater Family Villa at Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu.

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu, in Port Vila, is everything you could imagine an island resort to be - only minutes from town yet tucked away from the city, the resort offers the tranquillity of its own private lagoon, expansive and beautifully landscaped

grounds complete with two swimming pools, kids club, tennis courts and a golf course. vanuatu.holidayinnresorts.com Air Vanuatu offers direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Port Vila and from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo. Air Vanuatu also operates domestic air services in Vanuatu between the islands. Guests can enjoy free Air Vanuatu Entertainment via Wifi straight to their personal device, including a range of activities and shows to keep the kids entertained. airvanuatu.com discovervanuatu.com.au

For full Terms & Conditions, and to ENTER this fantastic competition, simply head to outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Images: © Vanuatu Tourism/David Kirkland

Be in the moment with your family… in Vanuatu

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ust 3.5 hours flight time from Sydney, and 2.5 hours from Brisbane, is all it takes to transport your family to a holiday destination that instantly erases the hectic pace of the day-to-days by taking mind, body and soul to a place where it’s impossible not to switch off, slow down and reconnect.

Welkam to Vanuatu – a neighbouring island paradise where families truly relax with each other and in nature, and where parents and kids alike find themselves relishing a blissful holiday together, instead of being ‘too busy’ to stop and just enjoy living!

Can you imagine …?

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Slow down

The safe, sheltered waters of Port Vila’s lagoons are perfect for the whole family to enjoy swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, while taking in the scenery and the peace of Vanuatu. Kayaking Vanuatu runs trips in glass bottom kayaks, offering even more incentive for kids to slow down and take in the underwater world below them. There is nothing more peaceful than snorkelling above colourful coral gardens and tropical fish. Minimum age for children is six years. kayakingvanuatu.com

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Immerse yourself

The island of Espiritu Santo is renowned for its stunning blue holes - deep, dark blue, fresh water perfect for swimming, kayaking and floating, including nandabluehole.com

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Be in the moment

Witness nature at her mesmerising best with a visit to Vanuatu’s very own live volcano, Mount Yasur, on the island of Tanna. Older kids with a sense of adventure can walk right up to the mouth of the volcano and watch it

bubble away in an unforgettable, and spectacular, show of fire, unlike anything else!

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Reconnect with nature

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Make new friends

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Share laughter

Vanuatu is comprised of 83 islands and, everywhere you turn, nature’s bounty is constantly on display. Just 17km from the capital, Port Vila, you’ll delight in reconnecting on the Eden on the River experience – a fun and relaxing opportunity for kids to explore tropical gardens, take a tour over the suspension bridges, whizz past the greenery on a zip line or refresh with a dip in the calm river. edenadventure.com Giving children the chance to meet with families from a completely different culture is a rewarding and important experience, and in Vanuatu visitors are welcome to stop by the Ekasup Cultural village.

Just 5km from Port Vila, the village is famous for its wonderful cultural day tours and delicious traditional feast nights. 100 per cent locally owned and operated, a visit to the village gives families a genuine Vanuatu experience, as the locals share their customs, traditional knowledge and culture.

Laughter is a common sound around Vanuatu and one of the best places for a real belly laugh is at Vanuatu’s Wet’n’Wild where you will find an inflatable water park, water walking balls, and jet boat tow behinds, which will keep families entertained for hours.

Share laughter with each other as you take turns hydro zorbing - rolling down the picturesque Mele hills inside a 2.5m giant inflatable hydro ball! Minimum age 5 years. wetnwildvanuatu.com

Learn more about the tranquil ‘mindfulness’ of a Vanuatu family holiday discovervanuatu.com.au airvanuatu.com

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YUMI STYNES Wrangling four kids (two of them under two!) on a Japanese holiday is no easy thing, even when your Tokyo-born mum is with you to provide the insider lowdown, and abundant smiles for her ‘misbehaving’ grandchildren.

I

am standing in a Roppongi, Tokyo convenience store looking for nappies.

They have everything for sale – from sushi to shirts, squid to saké; they even have squeezy tubes filled with sherbetflavoured ice-cream - but I’m looking and looking, and there aren’t any nappies.

Next door there’s a mega-pharmacy, three stories high selling every kind of beauty product imaginable but I cannot find the infant section. I shout over loud dance music to the pharmacist, “Do you sell nappies?”

He shakes his head.

“Where can I buy nappies around here?”

“I don’t know,” he shouts back, and makes a ‘further away’ gesture.

You know that saying about how the minute you find out you’re pregnant, you start seeing pregnant women everywhere? Well, in Tokyo, struggling with two babies, I start looking for other babies and I don’t see them ANYWHERE. The declining birth rate is cause of some consternation in Japan. A government coauthored report predicts that by the year 2060, there will be 40 million fewer people in Japan than there are now. There are few public parks, pram access can be tricky, highchairs in restaurants are few and far between, and baby change rooms are rare. Our inability to conveniently find these baby-friendly amenities is not for lack of local knowledge, either. We’ve brought along my mother, who is Japanese-born-and-raised in Tokyo.

It’s not until we catch up with local

You may as well do karaoke!

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Mercy makes friends on the subway friends that things start to become clear. The have two young daughters and confess that they are yet to take either child onto the subway. In fact, they’d bought a car just so they could avoid it. Why? (In Japan everyone takes the subway.) Because of germs, I wondered?

No, because the kids can’t yet be trusted to behave themselves on the train.

I thought about this a lot, especially while riding the subway watching my 22-month old run about shouting, dropping rubbish, accosting strangers, dribbling, throwing food and generally being an irascible foreigner.

In japan, a certain level of decorum is expected from children, and if they can’t behave, there’s judgement levelled at the parent, (and by parent, I mean mother).

They are kept out of sight at home.

Maybe it’s just that a 6-month old baby and a toddler are too much for an overseas holiday? I realise this when we’re in a Harajaku ramen shop crammed full of men in suits hunched over bowls. Our two big girls (aged 14 and 12) need to refuel for more shopping and the delicious smelling broth has lured us in. With all the modesty I can muster, I’m eating while breastfeeding my son. My husband tries to eat while wrestling with our irate baby girl who has reached platinum tantrum status. She screams and slaps the spoon away from poor Marty’s mouth, noodles shower down upon the floor, and the rest of the shop politely pretends we do not exist.

Luckily, my mother doesn’t expect perfect manners from her grandchildren and a particularly beatific smile settles over her face when they’re misbehaving in public. (Sometimes I think she’s more Aussie than Japanese.)

A couple of days before we are due to ship out, I get around to reading the Locality Guide provided by our accommodation. It mentions that there’s a rather large supermarket just three minutes’ walk up the road and, of course, there’s an abundance of nappies and every other human need in store!

Left: We queued for 10 mins to pose in front of the famous Hachiko statue

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Awesome things to do in Japan with kids

Mori Art Museum 6-10-1 Roppongi My guts feel quivery when my kids lean against the glass looking down 35 vertiginous floors, but this is my must-see for lovers of art. Always thought-provoking, this modern space has no permanent collection, just rotating exhibits focusing on modern Asian. Ticket prices also include entry to the SkyDeck.

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing It’s clichéd, but you have to do it just for the sensory experience of crossing the world’s most famous intersection. While you’re there, get a photo with Hachiko’s statue, honouring a professor’s famously loyal dog, who continued to wait faithfully for his owner for ten years after his death, at the same time every day at Shibuya Station, and became a hero to Japanese people as a symbol of perseverance and loyalty.

Shopping and Eating in Shimokitazawa

Yazawa Yakiniku, 2-chime-10-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo The grooviness has migrated away from Harajuku and can be found in this hipster neighbourhood, where the shopping is fantastic

and the food options are limitless. Look out for the best yakiniku barbecue you will ever eat in your life in a cosy, mad place frequented by tourists and locals alike.

Photo booth It used to be a phenomenon for teens but now everyone clambers into these ¥ 400 (AUD$5) photo booths for a unique and hilarious souvenir. Many have an autoenhance feature that makes your eyes eerily big. Find them everywhere.

Dress up in a kimono in Kyoto

The Gion shop is a 1-minute walk from Kodai-ji Temple Tel: 0755317890 There’s a whole industry around getting dressed up in beautiful kimonos, and for around ¥8000 (AUD$100), you can join in. Look out for long-suffering men dressing up in the ancient male version of the kimono to appease their partners and, remember, if you do get dressed up, only you can bring the elegance and grace that should go with the outfit.

Dee Dee and Anouk dressed in traditional kimono in Kyoto WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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D I D Y O U K NO W...?

Images © Embassy Suites Waikiki

Did you know …?

Home-away-from-home in Waikiki!

Located just steps from the sand and surf of iconic Waikiki Beach amid premier shopping and dining at Waikiki Beach Walk, the recently renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton-Waikiki Beach Walk is perfect for families – big and small.

Spread out in a one or two bedroom suite and take advantage of this perfectly located Honolulu home-away-from home. Each suite pays homage to the Native Hawaiian art of kapa, a traditional Hawaiian fabric stamped with intricate geometric prints, and features a sleeper

sofa, kitchenette and even a coffee maker.

You can also enjoy free full, cooked-to-order breakfasts, an evening poolside reception with beverages and snacks, yoga classes and many more complimentary amenities to make your stay especially sweet.

The all-suite resort offers great packages including the familyfriendly Fun, Sun, and Trolley Run package, or travel back in time on the Historic Pearl Harbor package. embassysuiteswaikiki.com/specials

‘World’s greatest science experiment’ comes to Sydney © CERN

‘The world’s greatest science experiment’ – the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – will be showcased in an exhibition at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum that will be an Australian first, giving visitors a unique behindthe-scenes look at the CERN particle physics laboratory in Geneva that houses the LHC. The Large Hadron Collider is the largest, most sophisticated and most powerful scientific device ever made. It is being used by thousands of scientists and engineers around the world to learn more about the tiny building blocks that make up our Universe and the laws that govern their behaviour.

Blending theatre, video and sound with real artefacts from CERN, the exhibition puts visitors at the heart of an experiment

that recreates the conditions that existed just after the Big Bang occurred 13.8 million years ago. Follow the journey of particle beams as they are injected into the accelerator chain, ramped up to speed and steered around the 27km LHC tunnel. Moving along the tunnel, a wrap-around projection engulfs audiences to simulate one of the LHC’s enormous experimental caverns, as particles smash together around them.

The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) has ‘transported’ the LHC, previously at the Science Museum London, to Sydney to present ‘Collider’, from 11 August to 30 October, as part of the 2016 Sydney Science Festival. maas.museum/event/collider

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TRAVELLING TO THE

SNOW THIS WINTER? Stop, spend the weekend and warm up at EAST. Mention this advertisement and receive free wifi and parking during your stay.

69 Canberra Avenue Kingston ACT 2604 | easthotel.com.au

Out & About with kids Ad 2016.indd 2

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5/07/2016 10:29 AM

D I D Y O U K NO W...?

© Photo Matt Beard / 2012 Cirque du Soleil

Kool KOOZA touring Oz

Get ready for KOOZA! Cirque du Soleil’s newest extravaganza of laugh-out loud antics and thrilling acrobatics which opens in Sydney on 25 August, before touring to Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth through to 2017.

Once again presented under the iconic blue and yellow Big Top, KOOZA features 50 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors in a blend of exciting acrobatics and the art of clowning. Audiences follow ‘The Innocent’ on a journey of self-discovery through a comic kingdom of eccentric characters, pulse-racing thrills and colourful suprises – all set to jazz, funk and Bollywood beats!

The astonishing Cirque du Soleil has delighted over 160 million people in over 400 cities around the world since 1984. cirquedusoleil.com/kooza

App-reciate our Capital with just-launched VisitCanberra app VisitCanberra’s new app lets holidaymakers in Australia’s capital choose from a wide variety of Canberra experiences to piece together their own video itinerary and create a ‘trailer’ to share with family and friends online.

The app features more than 80 different video clips to serve as inspiration for your trip and, over the next 12 months, will be updated with fresh content, showcasing even more exciting experiences in the Canberra region.

The smartphone and tablet app is available for free now on both iOS and Android platforms by searching VisitCanberra in the App store.

© Disney

Tokyo DisneySea Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary with “The Year of Wishes” Tokyo Disney Resort will be hosting a huge celebration to mark the 15th anniversary of the grand opening of Tokyo DisneySea® Park, from 15 April 2016 right through to 17 March 2017.

The theme of the 15th Anniversary is ‘wishes’, and celebration crystals of various colors symbolising individual wishes will decorate the Park. Minnie Mouse will wear a red crystal to celebrate a wish for love, Donald Duck will wear blue celebrating friendship, Goofy will wear green for energy and Mickey Mouse will wear a special clear crystal made from the wishes of all!

A brand new show “Crystal Wishes Journey” will run exclusively throughout the anniversary, together with the all-new new production of the popular “Big Band Beat” and the fireworks spectacular “Sky High Wishes”, among many other fabulous new shows and experiences. tokyodisneyresort.jp/en

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Images © HIlton Garden Inn Kauai

DID YO U K NO W...?

Hilton brings Garden Inn to Hawaii The beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai, popular with Aussie families, has a new kid on the block – Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay – the first hotel in Hawaii for Hilton Worldwide’s upscale Garden Inn brand. Following a multi-million dollar transformation, the former Aston Aloha Beach Hotel now offers a diverse range of beautiful accommodation including rooms, suites and even charming tworoom cottages with separate sleeping and living areas. Enjoy in-room complimentary Wi-Fi, microwave, minirefrigerator and coffee maker, and even a special Children’s Menu. Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay boasts a beachfront location on scenic Wailua Bay on Kauai’s east coast, where the famous Wailua River meets the Pacific, and the hotel is close to a whole host of great family attractions and activities. hiltongardeninnkauai.com

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CAIRNS | GREAT BARRIER REEF

Just 45 minutes from Cairns by Fast Cat, Fitzroy Island is nestled on a slice of tropical island paradise, positioned where the reef and rainforest collide. The 4 1/2 star resort is the ideal location for discovering the Great Barrier Reef, come for the day or stay overnight.

Ph: + 61 (07) 4044 6700 E: stay@fitzroyisland.com W: www.fitzroyisland.com

“Winter is Coming”

Save up to

The longer you stay the more 50% you save! Stay from 2 to 5 nights & save from 20% up to 50%.

Contact us and quote ‘Winter 2016’.

Applies to the One Bedroom Ocean Suite and Resort Studio.

Discount off BAR rate. Subject to availability. Based on 2 Adults. Valid until 20th Dec 2016. Excludes all Public Holidays, School Holidays and Long Weekends.

HAPPY KIDS = HAPPY PARENTS

Kid’s Club Daily Activity Schedule Outdoor Cinema Luxury Cabins Landscaped Sites Over 15 Onsite Activities Multi Award Winning Reservations 1300 640 587 reservations@adventurewhitsunday.com.au www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au Shute Harbour Road - Airlie Beach

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Naturally relaxing Stay right on the beach or river frontage at all of the Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks at any of the 6 great locations: Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park

BOOK ONLINE Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park

+617 5491 3342

Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park +617 5448 7157

+617 5444 1201

Cotton Tree Holiday Park

+617 5459 9070

Coolum Beach Holiday Park

+617 5446 1474

Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park +617 5443 1167

BOOK ONLINE

Naturally relaxing

BOOK ONLINE

sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au

RELAX & REJUVENATE THIS WINTER at CENTRAL COAST HOLIDAY PARKS For latest SPECIALS visit www.cchp.com.au Freecall 1800 241 342

Central Coast Holiday Parks Central Coast Council

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Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council

D I D Y O U K NO W...?

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hong Kong hospitality

If you are planning a family holiday in fabulous Hong Kong, the awardwinning, Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, in the middle of Kowloon, couldn’t be more centrally located for easy access to fun family outings and convenient transport options. The hotel is just minutes from Tsimshatsui shopping, entertainment and sightseeing destinations, MTR stations of Hunghom, Prince Edward and Kowloon Bay, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Mongkok shopping district – serviced by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus!

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees offers 704 tastefully appointed, modern guestrooms and suites, each with a 32’’ flat-screen tv, free Wi-Fi access and tea & coffee-making facilities. The hotel’s rooms are perfect for holidaying families, with Triple and Quadruple rooms available.

Indulge in two distinctive restaurants: the award-winning Café 8 Degrees serves everything from buffets to international specialties, while the relaxed alfresco Bar & Terrace is perfect for unwinding. Enjoy a myriad of guest amenities including Harbour Club Lounge, Business Centre, Fitness Centre, sauna and outdoor swimming pool, set in a lush landscape.

Guests can also comfortably arrive and depart with the Airport shuttle services to and from the hotel and airport.

Out & About with Kids readers can enjoy the extra benefit of one complimentary Welcome drink (per adult) and one Ice-Cream Sundae (per kid), and late check out until 4p.m. when they book direct with the hotel. (Enter the promotional code under “Special Request” at the time of booking: “OUTABOUT2016”) To view all Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees offers and specials visit harbour-plaza.com/8degrees/SpecialOffer-Accommodations-en.htm

The changing faces of family holiday photos A recent study commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board has revealed that Aussie holidaymakers take an average of 77 photos each day of their holiday, and 57% of those families surveyed said they use Facebook and Instagram to collate their images and build virtual photo albums. Less than one third of parents actually printed their photos and created a physical photo album within the past 12 months.

Interestingly, 67% of parents think that holiday-goers spend too much time staging photos and posting updates and images on social media, rather than living in the moment.

• One in four parents (25%) admit they spend considerable time trying to create the ‘perfect holiday picture’ for social media.

• When it comes to printing photos, 55% of Aussie parents claim social media has replaced the need, 53% say they are too much effort, and 39% say they just collect dust on the shelf.

• 62% of mums and 51% of dads turn to social media for collating their holiday photos, sharing with family and friends, and reminiscing.

• Asked to consider rapidly changing technology and imagine the future of holiday photos, 33% of Australian parents believe we will be creating 3D photos, 19% think we’ll be capturing holiday memories with holograms and 30% said they think we will have wearable technology that takes our pics!

Galaxy Research, January 2016. Research was conducted Australia-wide and included insights from 1,004 parents with children under 18 year olds, who have travelled overseas in the last two years.

FUN for Etihad’s mini flyers at Melbourne’s new Premium Lounge Etihad Airways has opened its spectacular new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport, offering travelling families a stylish, comfortable environment in which they can relax, re-energise, dine, work or be entertained pre-flight.

Children will enjoy their own world of fun and entertainment when visiting the lounge’s family room, with toys, games, books, a television and an activities table to keep kids of all ages occupied. Parents can unwind in the lounge’s relaxation zones or enjoy great food and wine in the intimate à la carte dining area. Each dish is prepared by professional chefs onsite using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce.

High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is complimentary and multi-zone electric and USB power outlets are located throughout the lounge.

The new Melbourne Premium Lounge is Etihad Airways’ largest Premium Lounge outside Abu Dhabi. etihad.com

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DI D YO U K NO W...?

© BIG4 Byron Bay

© BIG4 Albury Tourist Park

© BIG4 Blacks Beach

Did you know …?

HOLIDAY PARKS

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Big four park news for BIG4!

BIG4 Holiday Parks has recently welcomed four new parks to the BIG4 family - Byron Holiday Park (NSW), BIG4 Albury Tourist Park (NSW), BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park (QLD), and Rivershore Resort (QLD), a brand new site that will be open from August 2016 – and each new park has its own distinct vibe!

Adjacent to Arakwal National Park, Byron Holiday Park spans 11ha, and is just five minutes from the heart of Byron Bay. Park manager Gerald Searle says the region offers a terrific beachside and nature experience for families.

“Byron Holiday Park has direct access to beautiful Tallow Beach via our beach track, and our facilities compliment what’s available in and around Byron Bay. “We have onsite bike hire to enable our guests to enjoy easy access into Byron and 15km of cycle ways surrounding the park. Our guests can also enjoy our modern, wellequipped, all-weather camp kitchen and our saltwater swimming pool. We even have a chook house where kids can collect the eggs and learn about where their food comes from.”

The conveniently located BIG4 Albury Tourist Park is the closest tourist park to Albury’s CBD, situated on the NSW side of the magnificent Murray River, and joined the BIG4 family in June. A major shopping centre and a variety of food outlets are all within easy walking distance and, inside the Park, you’ll find a pool, bbq area, a range of cabin types, and powered caravan sites.

“We have beautiful parklands hugging the riverbanks, which make great places for picnics, swimming and canoeing, as well as cycling trails along the banks,” says Park manager Craig Richardson.

Joining BIG4 in early May, Queensland’s BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park is perfectly positioned on absolute beachfront, overlooking the southern islands of the Whitsundays. The Park’s hosts, Michelle and John Young, welcome guests to the new villa-style one and twobedroom accommodation, as well as 87 caravan sites across 2ha of beachfront.

“We’re a little oasis, with just the right balance of shady surrounds at the park and sun at the beach. Our guests love to try beach fishing, taking a stroll on the untouched sands of Black Beach, or generally relaxing and unwinding,” says John.

The park’s modern facilities include a splash pad water play area and full in-ground swimming pool as well as a new amenities block.

Due to open in August 2016, the spectacular Rivershore Resort will be southeast Queensland’s newest BIG4, featuring 70 spacious camping/ caravan sites and 15 luxury safari tents, and a fully licensed restaurant and bar on the Maroochy River front.

Rivershore Resort is the first new caravanning resort in the region since the late 1970s and offers glamping, camping and caravanning options.

Big4.com.au

Images © Discovery Parks - Byron Bay

Discovery Parks-Byron Bay gets a multi-million dollar makeover

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park to unveil new super-cool pool Work is well under way on NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park’s brand new lagoon pool and spa area, in addition to the existing pool and spa.

Nestled between tall palm trees, the exclusive new pool area brags a 220,000-litre pool, cool in the summer and heated for winter. Surrounded by a large soft grassy area, the pool will have an easy access beach entry area for kids, a sun safe shade sail, five spacious cabana shelters and five stone columns with water spouts to add that tropical and magical touch. The pool will also boast an impressive water feature and a large inset sizzling hot spa. Stay tuned for the pool’s grand opening in September 2016! oceanbeachholidaypark.com.au

© Ocean Beach Holiday Park

A $3 million investment in Discovery Parks Byron Bay has seen the opening of deluxe cabins, safari tented accommodation and a massive new waterpark – all ready for families to enjoy!

The new waterpark is the largest in any holiday park in Australia - 500sqm with a 3m high waterslide and a free form lagoon-style swimming pool.

Waterfront cabins on the northwestern side of the Park each boast a private deck that is cantilevered over the lake. The unique cabin design includes a shared entry that means they can be used as a family three bedroom apartment, or as a studio, or two bedroom apartment - or even as a family unit with a granny flat for grandparents.

The new safari tents come in either a cosy double or bigger family style – both with huge bbq kitchen on a spacious deck. The tents are tucked away in the Park so that guests can really feel like they are camping in the bush. discoveryholidayparks.com.au

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“FOR GREAT VALUE

PARKING AT SYDNEY AIRPORT, PARK AT BLU EMU CAR PARK!”

D I D Y OU K NO W...?

Did you know …?

Airlines & Airports

Stay, Park and Fly with the kids at Mercure Sydney International Airport hotel This newly refurbished family-friendly hotel is located just minutes from the International Terminal and is a perfect stay, park and fly option for families taking off on, or arriving from, a holiday adventure that involves an early morning flight, or as a fantastic alternative to hanging around at the airport for a lengthy flight delay.

The hotel offers guests a full suite of activities designed to banish jetlag (including bushwalking in the Wolli Creek Valley just opposite the hotel) and Family Suites are spacious with great views of the airport and surrounding parklands. mercuresydneyairport.com.au

More pick-up parking for Sydney Airport Domestic Terminal

New direct flights Brisbane-Vancouver Air Canada is now flying from Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal to Vancouver, beginning year round, daily non-stop services between the two cities, and making it easier than ever for Queensland families to holiday in Canada! aircanada.com

Sydney Domestic Airport’s pick-up zone for passengers has been so successful that, as of 19 July 2016, the number of free pick-up spaces will increase from 52 to 700, and the new zone will move to the P3 multi-storey parking area. Users will have 15 minutes free parking at the new pick-up zone, an increase from the current 10, and parking for 15 minutes will cost $4. The Blu Emu Car Park, which can be accessed via a free shuttle bus, will also offer one-hour free parking. sydneyairport.com.au/go/droppingoff-and-picking-up.aspx

Tigerair Australia launches holiday packages Tigerair Australia has launched Tigerair Travels, giving customers the option of direct booking a complete holiday package that combines great value fares, accommodation and a range of other optional extras including car hire, tours, activities and travel insurance. holidays.tigerair.com.au WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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© Carnival Cruise Lines

Did you know …?

Cruise

It’s official! World’s largest cruise ship is now sailing!

Carnival thrills with first IMAX at sea The more popular cruising becomes, the more cruise lines are turning their attention to upping the ante when it come to thinking up exceptional onboard, cutting-edge entertainment, fun and adventure as part of the guest experience at sea. Now the latest Carnival Cruise Line ship, Carnival Vista, can boast the first-ever IMAX Theatre at sea, featuring a three-deck-high screen for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, family favourites and IMAX documentaries.. The 187seat IMAX Theatre is part of the Carnival Multiplex, which also includes the Thrill Theater, a multi-dimensional experience where seats move back and forth and side to side and viewers are sprayed with water and bubbles to make them feel like they’re part of the feature! Exclusive to Carnival Vista is Thrillogy, a scary-yet-fun multi-sensory horror movie experience within the Thrill Theater designed for guests 17 years and older.

The 3954-passenger ship also features spectacular new Playlist Productions shows, a murder mystery experience and a range of new themed parties, plus SkyRide, an open-air cycling experience suspended high above the ship’s top deck and Kaleid-O-Slide, a multisensory, 138-metre-long water tube slide! carnival.com

Fiji favourite gets mega makeover Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has recently completed a multi-million dollar upgrade of the MV Reef Endeavour which hosts three, four, seven and eleven night cruises around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, and remote northern Islands of Fiji. A soft refurbishment of all suites, staterooms and cabins including new pillowtops on all mattresses, new blinds, mirrors, wall art by marine photographic artist, Wendy Morris, fresh paint, cushions, new linen and Pure Fiji Coconut amenities in all rooms is just part of the vessel’s fabulous new makeover.

The MV Reef Endeavour’s sundeck has been completely refurbished with new carpet, charthouse, jacuzzi and windbreak glass to protect the alfresco dining area. captaincookcruisesfiji.com

After 32 months of construction, Royal Caribbean International has launched the 25th ship in its fleet – and it’s also the world’s largest cruise ship! Harmony of the Seas is nearly four football fields long and was built with more than 500,000 individual parts. It’s so big, it has seven distinct neighbourhoods! Although she won’t be sailing Australian waters any time soon, Harmony will be treating guests to a whole bunch of 21st Century fun on Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, and introducing them to groundbreaking at-sea features including The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-storey plunge; three multi-storey waterslides; robot bartenders at The Bionic Bar, powered by Makr Shakr; virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination, and VOOM – the fastest internet at sea. royalcaribbean.com.au And, as we told you in our last issue, Ovation of the Seas, the $1 billion, biggest, newest and most technologically-advanced ship ever to call Australia home, will be here ready to sail at the end of 2016! ovationoftheseas.com.au

Cruise line sends family-friendly Jewel to Australia!

Aussies have rapidly become such huge fans of cruising that yet another international cruise line has announced it will be basing a liner in Australia!

Norwegian Cruise Lines will be sending the family-friendly Norwegian Jewel to its new home in Sydney from October 2017.

Offering Australian, New Zealand and pacific island destinations across a range of itineraries, Pacific Jewel has everything you could want onboard – from oceanview staterooms to family suites and expansive, luxurious suites with 24hour butler service in The Haven, to 16 different dining options. Younger kids will love Splashdown Kids Club and Sapphire Kids Pool, while teens can chill at Club Underground or play Nintendo Wii™ on a 2-storey screen, waterslides!

Watch the video and download the full Aussie brochure – bookings open now for the 2017/2018 Australian cruise season on Pacific Jewel. norwegiancruiseline.com.au/norwegian-jewel-to-australia WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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DI D YO U K NO W...?

© Shamwari Game Reserve

Did you know …?

LUXURY

Safari Shamwari-style The 5-star, malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa, combining responsible tourism with luxury for the ultimate family safari adventure in Africa.

Situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Shamwari lodges - Riverdene Lodge, Sarili Lodge and Villa Lobengula – are ideal for multi-generational holidays and can be booked on an exclusive basis, where a tailormade program with a private chef, private guides and hosts/hostesses, will make your safari holiday even more memorable.

Head out on an unforgettable Big 5 educational safari with the whole family, and experience a range of additional activities together including visiting the Born Free Centre, the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Children will love the Kids on Safari program! Each child is given a kit containing workbooks that they can complete to become certified as a ‘Kids Ranger’. All activities are conducted and supervised by a ranger who teaches them how to spot the Big 5, how to track the Big 5 by looking at animal footprints, and how to identify a myriad of animal markings and characteristics in their quest for Kids Ranger status. > shamwari.com

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Five Star Family Welcome at Radisson Blu Sydney The stylish 5-star Radisson Blu Plaza hotel in Sydney has recently completed a stunning $12 million re-design of 336 guest rooms and 28 suites, and is extending an invitation to families to stay – and feel right at home!

The Radisson Blu Sydney is located right in the heart of the harbour city with easy access to transport and attractions including museums, galleries, shopping, the historic Rocks district and Circular Quay guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.

And, after a big day out, enjoy the delights of the Radisson Blu ‘Kids in the City’, High Tea, with grown up treats for the adults and dotty blue fairy bread, sparkling lemon meringues, seasonal fruit jellies, ham and cheese finger sandwiches and a chilled Blu mocktail or a marshmallowy hot chocolate, for the kids. Available daily, Kids in the City High Tea costs $25 per child.

To celebrate the fabulous new makeover the hotel has put together a great family package that includes an overnight stay in a family room; hot buffet breakfast for two adults and two children, snacks on arrival, kids’ goodie bag with activity sheets, and an in-room movie of your choice. > radissonblu.com/en/plazahotel-sydney

PUB: Out and Ab With Kids Property: AST Issue: Jan 29, 201 Client: Aston AD: AST Size: 1/2PH non b (177mm x 110m Colors: Full DUE: 1/18

Collect stories, not selfies.

You won’t remember the time you spent staring at your screen, but you’ll never forget your time with us in Hawaii. +1·808·924·2924 | astonhotels.com

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Meet South Africa Go Go to to www.southafrica.net www.southafrica.net

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Langham Sydney luxury for you – and your pet!

© Shutterstock

This beautiful 5-star luxury hotel is situated in Sydney’s historic Rocks district, a stone’s throw from the harbour and family attractions. Among its many claims to fame, the Langham Sydney is also the only petfriendly accommodation among Sydney’s luxury hotels, and the Pampered Pet Program ensures your four-legged family member will receive the same 5-star service as you during your stay!

Expect a dedicated ‘Pet Room Service Menu’ featuring dishes made from fresh produce, free from onion, garlic and acids, a custom-made Langham plush bed, custom Langham food and water bowls and a bag of gourmet treats upon check in – and pet-sitting and walking services are also available.

For your own luxury accommodation – step into any one of The Langham’s relaxing and delicately-accented rooms – from the Grand Langham with two double beds to Terrace Rooms with city and harbour views and a range of spacious suites.

Visit The Langham Sydney website to view the hotel’s collection of exclusive special offers and handcrafted getaways. > langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/Sydney

South America’s first luxury sleeper train launching 2017 You will have to wait until May 2017, and you might have to leave the kids at home for this unforgettable experience … journey along one of the highest rail routes on earth, traversing the Peruvian Andes from Cusco (the capital of the ancient Inca Empire) to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms in absolute luxury.

South America’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer, features interior designs by Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA London, all-ensuite cabins and two exquisite dining cars with fresh, seasonal menus using local ingredients, created by the chefs at Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. A luxurious Lounge Car and Observation Car, with an open-air deck from which to enjoy the breathtaking views and a refreshing drink, complete the 5-star Peruvian rail picture!

Belmond luxury trains include the iconic the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond British Pullman and Belmond Royal Scotsman. > belmond.com/belmond-andean-explorer WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Did you know…?

Macao

5

for families in Macao

The perfect family side-trip from Hong Kong, Macao is a fascinating mix of Portuguese and Chinese history and culture, just one hour away by TurboJet ferry!

1Meet Kai Kai and Xin Xin

Macao’s celebrated Giant Pandas of Coloane Island love nothing more than to entertain their adoring visitors with a bit of play – before or after a meal of bamboo. Giant Pandas are listed as an endangered species, with fewer than 2,000 left in the world. Kai Kai and Xin Xin, who were gifted to Macao by the People’s Republic of China, are indeed precious, and are part of the significant Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding program.

Kai Kai and Xin Xin live comfortably in a huge air-conditioned domed pavilion, on a sloping bed of grass and logs, with their very own pool!

Make sure you stop by and say ‘hi’ – free entry for kids under 12. macaupanda.org.mo

Take the 2 world’s shortest cable car ride to the 17th Century!

The ride is short and sweet, but the reward at the top is the historic Guia Fortress, and chapel, built between 1622 and 1638, and Guia Lighthouse, the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast, dating from 1865. You’ll also be treated to a great panoramic view of the city from the park’s walking trails here.

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3 Splash out in the Galaxy Macau

Get along to the integrated Galaxy resort in Macao’s Cotai District for unbeatable aquatic fun at the Grand Resort Deck, which houses the world’s longest Skytop Aquatic Adventure River Ride! Lie back and drift along the 500m Lazy River, ride the waves of the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool, relax at the man-made white sand beach, and enjoy water attractions including exhilarating waterslides, beach lagoons, white water rapids, geysers, waterfalls and Macao’s largest kids aquatic zone. galaxymacau.com/en

4 Check out ‘showtime’ at Studio City

Take the Studio City free shuttle bus, from a variety of handy locations, to see the latest dazzling show in neon-lit Macao – The House of Magic. A new attraction at Studio City, this 90-minute experience is broken down into three separate magic shows, highlighted by a main performance by renowned illusionist Franz Harary.

Studio City is also home to Warner Bros. Fun Zone, suitable for all ages and, for older kids, the exhilarating Batman Dark Flight, a 4D flight simulation ride with the hero of Gotham City. studiocity-macau.com

5 Get hands-on with science

One of the first buildings you will see on approach to Macao, by the TurboJet from Hong Kong, is the spaceage Science Center, which appears to loom over the water on the Macao Peninsula. Step inside, and you will be amazed by the 12 galleries packed with high-tech, hands-on exhibits covering everything from outer space to travel, food technology, robots and dinosaurs, plus a planetarium showing 3D documentaries about space exploration, and a gallery where you can test your sporting ability. msc.org.mo turbojet.com.hk/en

Want more?

Shrekfast - enjoy a family buffet breakfast, fun and photo opportunities with your favourite DreamWorks characters from Kung Fu Panda, How To Train Your Dragon, Madagascar and Shrek at Sands Cotai Central. sandscotaicentral.com/restaurants/shrekfast.html Macau Tower - visit this iconic landmark that stretches 338m high and offers a range of adrenalinfuelled adventures for the not-so-faint of heart. From the safety of the Observation Deck, families can take in amazing views of Macao that on a clear day can stretch to 55km! You can also watch daredevil visitors bungy jumping and sky jumping from the tower in the safe hands of the AJ Hackett Urban Adventure crew. You can take the wire-cabled SkyWalk on the outdoor perimeter around 233m above ground level - and then relax over a family lunch or dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant. macautower.com.mo The House of Dancing Water – Macao proudly presents the world’s largest and most spectacular waterbased live show featuring gymnasts, divers, acrobats, circus artists, dancers, actors, and motorcyclists in a unique and dazzling 90-minute performance you won’t want to miss! And if you secure seats in the first four rows of zone 300 and 500, you are in the ‘splash seats’ – and guaranteed to have a fully interactive, and totally awesome one-off experience. thehouseofdancingwater.com

Macao Government Tourism Office en.macaotourism.gov.mo visitmacao.com.au Opposite from top left: Galaxy Macau Giant Wave Pool; Giant Panda; World’s shortest cable car This page from top: Studio City; Science Center All images: © Macao Government Tourism Office

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Did you know …? Events You can get Out & About with YOUR Kids at a whole host of fantastic family events and fun festivals in the coming months.

Wherever you are, it’s a sure bet there’s something on near you, any time of the year, that plays right into the interests, and curiosity, of your family. Here are some of our favourite kids and family events coming up.

A Festival in Light

SEPTEMBER 2016 Alice Springs, NT – Parrtyeme – A Festival in Light Australia’s biggest ever light show installation will illuminate the area, including the mighty MacDonnell Ranges, when the first authentic Indigenous light festival of its kind in the world comes to Alice Springs!

From 23 September to 2 October, 2016 the team behind Sydney’s iconic ‘Vivid Festival’, together with Central Australian Aboriginal artists, will present this breathtaking light and sound display of original, authentic Indigenous art created by local artists, students and the community. Highlights include a series of large illuminated 1950s-style circle skirts featuring the watercolour artwork of Lenie Namatjira, granddaughter of Albert Namatjira.

The event takes its name from the Arrernte word “Parrtma”, meaning “light up” or “lighting up”.

ParrtyemeAustralia.com.au

Cowra, NSW – Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) Celebrating the birth of spring, this annual festival attracts performers from around the world giving visitors the opportunity to experience traditional elements of Japanese culture, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, at the Cowra Japanese Garden on 24 September, 2016. A great day out for the whole family, the festival features entertainment, cultural activities and market stalls. cowratourism.com.au/sakura-matsuricherry-blossom-festival

Kicking off on 30 September 2016, and running through to 3 October 2016, the 10th annual Caloundra Music Festival is a four day treat of sun, surf and soul for the whole family, at beautiful Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast. The not-for-profit familyfriendly community event promises a great line-up of entertainment featuring the best of the Australian music industry, as well as incredible international artists, plus food, arts and local culture. caloundramusicfestival.com

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© Central NSW Tourism

Sunshine Coast, QLD – Caloundra Music Festival

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OCTOBER 2016 Sydney, NSW – Kidtopia This exciting new festival for kids, and their grownups, is headed to Parramatta Park in the October school holidays (7 to 9 October, 2016)bursting with live music, amazing food, and family entertainment in a festival extravaganza jam-packed full of delightful activities and attractions. But Kidtopia is not your usual day out with the kids. Listen to live music or dance like no one’s watching at the silent disco, learn incredible circus tricks, take part in cooking and science workshops, sample delicacies from some of Sydney’s hottest eateries, and finish the day watching a movie under the stars with friends and family.

Tickets are on sale now, and you can save 50% off the door price by taking advantage of the earlybird offer online before 6 October, 5pm AEST. Early bird tickets range from $10-$15 per person, free for kids under 5 years. kidtopiafestival.com.au

Port Macquarie, NSW – Tastings on Hastings A Harvest Lunch by the river hosted by chef Matt Golinski, chef Matt Wilkinson’s dinners at The Stunned Mullet, and a pop-up Oyster Barn are just a few of the tasty new events announced for Port Macquarie’s 14th annual Tastings on Hastings to be held 28 to 30 October, 2016. Tastings on Hastings main familyfriendly festival will take place in the town on 30 October with around 120 food, wine, beer, farmers, producers, artisans and makers from around the region. tastingsonhastings.com.au

Bathurst, NSW – Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000

AUSTRALIA

It’s the V8 Supercar event of the year so start revving your engines and grab the perfect track-side seat for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (6 to 9 October, 2016). Mount Panorama comes alive as the legends of past and future push their cars, teams and themselves to the limits, on the ultimate battleground - where a 1,000km endurance race on an unforgiving mountainous track is won and lost in the last lap. v8supercars.com.au/bathurst1000

New South Wales visitnsw.com Victoria visitvictoria.com Queensland queensland.com/events Gold Coast, Queensland visitgoldcoast.com Sunshine Coast, Queensland visitsunshinecoast.com South Australia southaustralia.com

Lithgow, NSW – Halloween Festival

ACT/Canberra visitcanberra.com.au Western Australia westernaustralia.com © supercars.com

Join in the nighttime excitement that embraces all that is spooky (and fun), when Lithgow transforms into a Halloween street festival spectacle on Saturday, 29 October 2016. halloween.lithgow.com

If you’re heading off on holidays, check your destination tourism website ‘What’s On’ and ‘Events’ calendars before you leave home, for special family activities you can participate in during your stay.

Tasmania discovertasmania.com.au Northern Territory travelnt.com

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D I D Y O U K NO W...?

Did you know …?

Zoo Babies

Zoo debut

♥ Queensland’s Australia Zoo is celebrating the arrival a female giraffe calf to mum, Sally, on 10 May. The almost-2m-tall giraffe is the fourth to be born at the zoo in the past two years – all of them female – joining sister Tulip and half-sisters Skye and Lily.

♥ Australia Zoo also welcomed a male Sumatran tiger cub to first-time mum, Maneki, in April.

♥ Five critically-endangered Plains-wanderers have recently hatched at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Small grassland birds, similar in appearance to a quail, there are only around 200 Plains-wanderers left in the wild and the good news is that they have now been placed on the NSW State Government’s list of six iconic species who will be given priority under the ‘Saving our Species’ program.

© San Diego Zoo

Baby boom

© Taronga Zoo

© Kathryn Hansen

♥ Adelaide Zoo has a new ambassador who is busy getting up-close with visitors to bring the vulnerability of bilbies to the attention of the public. The female Greater Bilby was born to father Yapara and mother Petal in April and is one of more than 200 bilbies Zoos SA has helped breed as part of a national conservation program. She made her debut, from the safety of mum’s pouch, in May.

♥ A koala joey made her zoo debut in June 2016 on the other side of the world, at the Australian Outback exhibit in San Diego Zoo. Born last November, she has been hiding in mum Cambee’s pouch until now, and will cling tightly to her back for a few months before she ventures out solo. San Diego Zoo has the largest breeding colony of Queensland koalas outside Australia.

© Healesville Sanctuary

Victoria’s Healesville Sanctuary has just revealed a brand new exhibit – Koala Forest – celebrating the iconic Aussie koala! Not only can you see them high in their trees from a special boardwalk, but you can also visit them and take photos.

The exhibit also includes daily Koala Keeper talks and shares the Wurundjeri story of Kuboroo the Koala in a very special way. Kids can climb like a koala, test their balance, and nestle into a branch fork to plant their bony bottoms for a big sleep, just like a koala. zoo.org.au/healesville

© Shutterstock

Koala Forest is now open! ♥ Red Panda twins born at Melbourne Zoo last December are now beginning to become more active and visible to visitors. It is usual for these cubs to spend a long time in the nest while they are still nursing, but it looks like mum, Roshani, is happy for her little ones to start exploring the bigger world around them!

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WHERE RAINFOREST MEETS REEF & FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E M E E T S U LT I M A T E S E R E N I T Y.

STAY

PL AY

From the serenity of the tropical rainforest to villas overlooking the stunning azure lagoon.

Complimentary family snorkeling & kayaking trips, rainforest trekking, golf, cooking classes, stand-up paddle boarding, biking, school visits & coconut demonstrations & more

Family Packages

FOR

FROM

THE

KIDS

Koro Sun Kids Club & complimentary nanny service

FOR

THE

A D U LT S

Rejuvenate in the Rainforest Spa & Adults-only pool bar

$ 1865 AUD

Mention code FAMILYFUN at booking. Pricing in AUD for 5 nights, tax inclusive, for two adults & two children under 12.

M A R I S S A @ KO R O S U N R E S O R T.CO M

KO R O S U N R E S O R T.CO M

FIJ I

THE A-Z OF

FIJI Accommodation

B

Beachcomber Island Resort Feed the Bici birds, and the tropical fish in coral reefs, and become part of the island’s Turtle Project at this Mamanuca Islands resort, just a short boat ride from Denarau Marina. beachcomberfiji.com

Fiji Travel Network Fiji Travel Network looks after reservations for three great resorts - Paradise Cove in the Naviti Group, and Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and Octopus Resort in the Yasawa Group - for different budgets. fijitravelnetwork.com

First Landing Beach Resort and Villas

With its emphasis on eco tourism, Bounty Island offers an affordable and complete island getaway, 45 minutes from the mainland. fiji-bounty.com

Stay in a bure, or luxury private villa or apartment by the white sands of Nalamu Beach at Vuda Point, near Lautoka. Self-catering is easy with plenty of local fresh produce available. firstlandingresort.com

C

G

The Castaway Kids Club will delight young guests from 3 years, while the Teen Program offers an exciting range of activities for the older set. castawayfiji.com

You can’t miss the colonial luxury of Suva’s ‘Grand Lady’, the iconic city landmark that first opened to guests in 1914. The hotel has a fabulous Kids Club, babysitting, swimming pool and multiple dining options, and is close to attractions. grandpacifichotel.com.fj

Bounty Island Resort

Castaway Island Fiji Resort

F

Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa A 90-minute drive from Nadi, near Sigatoka, this resort is a great base from which to discover the nearby hot springs and ancient caves of Busa, and visit friendly local villages. hideawayfiji.com

Grand Pacific Hotel

H

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa Just a 10-minute drive from Nadi, resort amenities include a

complimentary Kids Club, Kids Spa, Kids Theme Nights, babysitting and baby stroller hire. hiltonfijibeachresort.com

Top: Sigatoka River Safari © Sigatoka River Safari

I

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa Set in tropical gardens at Natadola Bay on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, the resort has an imaginative and entertaining Planet Trekkers children’s club, and new kids mobile app. fiji.intercontinental.com

J

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji The acclaimed Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, will be re-opening on 1 September 2016. An extensive renovation, following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston, will see friendly resort staff happily welcoming back families to this eco-paradise. fijiresort.com

K

Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa In the unspoiled native north on ‘Fiji’s other big island’ of Vanua Levu, Koro Sun Resort occupies WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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t Cousteau Resor © Jean-Michel

Resort’s Jean-Michel CoHusKteIDauS Program CONNECT WIT

N

Naisoso Island Resort Villas 65ha of natural beauty. Kids can enjoy complimentary Bula Buddies Kids Club and complimentary nanny service. korosunresort.com

M

Malolo Island Resort Malolo is all about reconnecting with family and friends, and kids will love the engaging and fun (free for 4 years- 12 years) kids club - Tia’s Treehouse - set under a giant mango tree. maloloisland.com

Mana Island Resort and Spa After a short closure, Mana is welcoming back guests from 18 July 2016. Just recently extensively renovated, this Mamanuca Islands resort is a beautiful jewel that has long been popular with families. manafiji.com

Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina On Malolo Lailai in the Mamanuca Islands, Musket Cove villas and bures are scattered along the beachfront and throughout the tropical gardens, and there is plenty of fun on-land and in-lagoon for the whole family. musketcovefiji.com

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Between Nadi and Lautoka on Viti Levu is the oasis of Naisoso - two kilometres of white sand beach and the Naisoso River, with luxury, palatial family villas set in a secured gated precinct. naisosoislandresortvillas.com

Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji On Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, this luxury resort is a sanctuary for family relaxation with 18 Fijianstyle suites and villas and secluded beaches. The Young Guests activity program takes place in the new ‘Lailai’ club house. nanukufiji.com

Naviti Resort Fiji The all-inclusive meal plans at this popular Coral Coast resort are a hit with families, in addition to the daily fun at Ratu & Adi Vonu Kids Club that caters for children from 5 to 12 years. warwicknaviti.com

O

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort The 5-star Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, on the Coral Coast near Sigatoka, offers beautiful bures, signature Talai butlers, Meimei nannies and a whole host of family, kids and teen activities. outriggerfiji.com

P

Paradise Taveuni After an extensive resort remodelling in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston, Paradise Taveuni re-opened at the end of May 2016, proclaiming it is the ‘Newest Resort on Taveuni’! The family-owned resort offers a range of great bures and oceanfront Family Vales. paradiseinfiji.com

Plantation Island Resort The Coconut Club, crèche, nannies and babysitting take care of the little ones ensuring grown ups have plenty of ‘me’ time. The new waterpark includes an Action Tower and springfree Aqua Trampoline. plantationisland.com

R

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island Set on a private beach amid lush tropical gardens and just 20 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, the resort offers a dedicated kids club and access to the Denarau Island Golf & Racquet Club, and the island’s only whitewater tunnel slide. radissonblu.com/en/resort-fiji

S

Sheraton Fiji Resort and Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa These neighbouring resorts on Denarau Island, near Nadi, invite guests to enjoy facilities and

FIJ I

From far left: Koro Sun Resort © Koro Sun Resort

Malolo Family Fun © Malolo Island Resort

Nanuku Young Guests Program © Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji

Meimei nannies with kids

© Naviti Resor t

© Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

amenities at both properties, easily connected by a free shuttle that runs between the two hotels. Young guests of the 5-star Sheraton Fiji Resort and The Westin can join in the daily fun and games at LaiLai Kids Club (at the Sheraton). Just outside The Westin is the familyfriendly Big Bula Inflatable Water Park. sheratonfiji.com westindenarauisland.com

Smugglers Cove Beach Resort Located on famous Wailoaloa Beach, resort facilities include a general store and laundrette, highspeed internet, beach activities, and nightly entertainment. smugglersbeachfiji.com

Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa The 5-star Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa sits beachfront on Denarau Island with all 296 rooms overlooking the sea. Spread out in a special Family Room, with your own PS3! Turtle Kids Club runs daily for 3-12-yearolds. sofitel-fiji.com

T

The Terraces Apartment Resort With its handy mainland location at Denarau Island this resort is a great option for families who want the convenience, comfort

and space of a fully-furnished, affordable apartment for their Fiji holiday. theterraces.com.fj

Tides Reach Resort This Taveuni Island resort offers 5-star all-beachfront villa accommodation. The mountain backdrop, lush vegetation, beautiful warm waters and cascading waterfalls provide unlimited outdoor discovery and soft adventure. tidesreachresort.com

Treasure Island Resort Feed the fish, head out on a glass bottomed boat for spectacular coral viewing, play at Little Treasures Kids Club, be pampered at Kidzspa, and splash about in the fantastic three- swimming-pool complex set in tropical gardens. treasureisland-fiji.com

V

Vomo Island Fiji Re-opening 1 September, 2016, following damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston, this 5-star Mamanucas resort has a great Kids Village, accessed by a suspension bridge, with a media room, cubby house, and more, including a playroom just for the under 4s. vomofiji.com

Naviti Resort W

The Warwick Fiji The Warwick, on the Coral Coast, is ideally located close to many of the fantastic activities found in and around Sigatoka, and offers families a broad range of local adventures.

The hotel’s Lase Kids Club (3 to 8 years) and the Beach Office (9 to 12 years) will keep kids busy and happily entertained. warwickfijihotel.com

Y

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa A luxury resort in the Yasawa Islands group -18 beautiful bures are hidden among the palms a few steps from the white sand beach.

Kids Club, pool, cultural lessons and entertainment, babysitting, beach picnics and more. yasawa.com WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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ises Fiji © Blue Lagoon Cru

F IJI

Fiji Princess at Nanuya

Lailai Services & Activities

Right: Sea Starz Naturals Products © myfijistore.com

E Cruises

A

Awesome Adventures Go island-hopping on Awesome Adventures’ legendary fast vessel, Yasawa Flyer. Departs from Denarau Marina at 8:30am every morning. awesomefiji.com

B

Blue Lagoon Cruises Families can choose to cruise for 3, 4 or 7 nights during special Family Cruise departure dates, and kids 14 years and over can cruise outside these dates.

Experience an intimate islands adventure on the Fiji Princess. bluelagooncruises.com

Getting around Europcar Fiji europcar.com.fj Hertz Rental hertz.com.fj Island Hoppers Fiji - Plane and Helicopter Transfers islandhoppersfiji.com

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C

Captain Cook Cruises Embark on a 3, 4, 7 or 11 Night Discovery Cruise aboard the Reef Endeavour. Kids will love the onboard games room and pool.

Special large group rates are available for friends and family travelling together. captaincookcruisesfiji.com

WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre In Nadi, this is the ideal place to pit stop, rejuvenate and chillax in transit between hotel check-in/out, island transfers and flights. rejuvenationcentrefiji.com

G

Go Dirty Tours - Westside Motorbike Rentals

S

Sigatoka Rover Safari The world’s first Jet Boat & Village Safari, the award-winning Sigatoka River Safari ,will take you on a half-day eco/cultural adventure deep into the heart and soul of Fiji, aboard custombuilt safari jet boats. sigatokariver.com

Travel Planning

F

Fiji Airways

Fiji’s first and only inland and coastal action and adventure tour provider offers a full range of quad, buggy, ATV and motorbike tours. godirtytoursfiji.com

Fiji Airways is the country’s national carrier with direct flights to Nadi International Airport from Australia. fijiairways.com

M

R

Shop online for Fijian arts, crafts, jewellery, chocolates, natural beauty products, hand-made gifts and more at this Nadi-based online store. myfijistore.com

Renowned as Fiji’s best Ground Operator, Rosie’s will take care of you and your family from the moment you touch down at Nadi International Airport. rosiefiji.com

Myfijistore.com

R

Rivers Fiji Limited Experience stunning one-day rafting and kayaking adventures, or get really adventurous on the 8-day Highlands to Islands Ultimate Fiji Explorer experience. riversfiji.com

Rosie Holidays Fiji

T

Tourism Fiji Everything you ever wanted to know about Fiji – and then some – can be found by visiting the Tourism Fiji website! fiji.travel

Chill out on a

family holiday this winter!

99

$

*

FROM

per room per night plus extras Choose from spacious apartments in over 10 destinations!

BOOK NOW www.wyndhamAP.com/hotels/deals/schoolsout

Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Minimum night stay and blackout dates may apply at selected properties. On sale for bookings made between 30th April 2016 and 31 December 2016 and for travel during school holiday periods between 30th April 2016 until 31 December 2016. For full terms and conditions visit www.wyndhamap.com/hotels/deals/schoolsout. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Pty Ltd ACN 090 083 613. Resort Management by Wyndham Pty Ltd ACN 099 634 830. WHG10602

FAMILY FUN HOLIDAYS

CREATED FOR YOU Thailand has always been a fantastic place for family holidays because of its affordable luxury, warm hospitality, variety of attractions and activities for everyone to see and do.

Centara Hotels & Resorts offers luxurious family-friendly accommodation in gorgeous, tropical Thailand. Relax in the comfort of top-quality rooms, suites and pool villas, with glorious beaches, exhilarating water activities, local culture and thrilling nightlife just moments away, and indulge in our ultra-lavish spa treatments and multitude of dining options. Meanwhile, kids can go wild at our sensational waterparks and at our fully-supervised, multi-age kids’ clubs. Up to 2 kids stay and play for free.

centarahotelsresorts.com

• T: 02 9018 9322 •

BANGKOK

•

•

PATTAYA

HUA HIN

•

PHUKET

E: rsoaus@chr.co.th •

SAMUI

• KRABI

tourismthailand.org/au

2016 BEST OF

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

A BIG thank you to our readers for casting your votes in Out & About with Kids 2016 Best of Family Travel Awards - across accommodation, attractions, destinations, cruises, camping, road trips and events. … and Congratulations to all of this year’s fabulous, and deserving, familyfriendly WINNERS and FINALISTS!

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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2016 BEST OF

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

Images © iStock

Fraser Island

Indian Elephant at Australia Zoo

Australia’s Best Animal Attraction WINNER Australia Zoo australiazoo.com.au FINALISTS Melbourne Zoo zoo.org.au/Melbourne Taronga Zoo taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo Taronga Western Plains Zoo taronga.org.au/taronga-westernplains-zoo

Australia’s Best Camping Spot

Australia’s Best Family Hotel or Resort

WINNER Fraser Island, QLD visitfrasercoast.com/visitorinformation

WINNER Paradise Resort, Gold Coast QLD paradiseresort.com.au

FINALISTS Wilson’s Promontory, VIC visitpromcountry.com.au

FINALISTS Sea World Resort, Gold Coast, QLD seaworldresort.com.au

Murray River, VIC visitthemurray.com.au

Turtle Beach Resort, Gold Coast, QLD turtlebeach.com.au

Greenpatch, NSW southcoast.com.au/jervisbay Flinders Ranges, SA frc.sa.gov.au/tourism Byron Bay, NSW visitbyronbay.com

Daydream Island Resort and Spa, Whitsundays, QLD daydreamisland.com

Paradise Resort, Gold Coast

Healesville Sanctuary zoo.org.au/healesville Featherdale Wildlife Park featherdale.com.au Dolphin Marine Magic dolphinmarinemagic.com.au

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WINTER 2015 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

© Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Sea World Gold Coast seaworld.com.au

Australia’s Best City for Families WINNER Melbourne visitmelbourne.com FINALISTS Gold Coast visitgoldcoast.com Sydney sydney.com

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park

Brisbane visitbrisbane.com.au Perth visitperthcity.com Canberra visitcanberra.com.au

Stockton Beach Holiday Park, Stockton, NSW stocktonbeach.com

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach, QLD adventurewhitsunday.com.au

Australia’s Best Family Holiday Park

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park, Umina, NSW oceanbeachholidaypark.com.au

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, Cairns, QLD coconut.com.au

BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park Ballarat, VIC ballaratgoldfields.com.au

BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Renmark, SA big4renmark.com.au

BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park, Anglesea, VIC big4.com.au/Anglesea

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort, South Durras, NSW murramarangresort.com.au

WINNER NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park, Biggera Waters, QLD treasureisland.com.au

© iStock

FINALISTS BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, Kiama, NSW eastsbeach.com.au

Melbourne

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

43

2016 BEST OF

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

Sea World, Gold Coast, QLD Australia’s Best Beach

Australia’s Best Family Event or Activity © Sea World & Sea World Resort Gold Coast

WINNER Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW FINALISTS Whitehaven Beach Whitsundays, QLD Emily Bay, Norfolk Island Noosa, QLD Surfers Paradise, QLD

WINNER Ballarat, VIC visitballarat.com.au

Australia’s Best Family Attraction

FINALISTS Margaret River, WA margaretriver.com

WINNER Sea World, Gold Coast, QLD seaworld.com.au

Byron Bay, NSW byron-bay.com

FINALISTS Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, QLD australiazoo.com.au

Phillip Island, VIC visitphillipisland.com Tamworth, NSW destinationtamworth.com.au

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WINTER 2015 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

Tie: Royal Melbourne Show and Sydney Royal Easter Show royalshow.com.au eastershow.com.au

Australia Day

Dreamworld, Gold Coast, QLD dreamworld.com.au Movie World, Gold Coast, QLD movieworld.com.au Outback Spectacular, Gold Coast, QLD outbackspectacular.com.au

Bondi Beach

FINALISTS Vivid Sydney vividsydney.com

Images © iStock

Australia’s Best Regional Holiday Destination

WINNER Australia Day australiaday.com.au

© iStock

Resorts World Sentosa

WINNER P&O pocruises.com.au FINALISTS Disney Cruise Line disneycruise.disney.go.com

Best Family Hotel or Resort in Asia WINNER Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore rwsentosa.com

Princess Cruises princess.com

FINALISTS Hong Kong Disneyland Resort hongkongdisneyland.com

Royal Caribbean International royalcaribbean.com

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort legoland.com.my

Carnival Australia carnival.com.au

Centara Grand Beach Resort, Phuket, Thailand centarahotelsresorts.com/ centaragrand/cpbr

Spirit of Tasmania spiritoftasmania.com.au

Club Med Phuket, Thailand clubmed.com.au/Phuket‎

© P&O/Mark Fitz Photography

Best Family Hotel or Resort in the USA, Africa & Europe

WINNER Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California, USA disneyland.disney.go.com/au/ disneyland-hotel FINALISTS Aulani, a Disney Resort, Hawaii resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaiiresort

© Disney

Best Family Cruise Line

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground, California, USA hojoanaheim.com

Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California, USA

Sun City, The Palace of the Lost City, South Africa suninternational.com/palace Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, USA disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/ art-of-animation-resort Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaii hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

45

It’s always

t h g i n e dat here.

www.fij i.travel

2016 BEST OF

© iStock

© Hamilton Lund/Malolo Island Resort

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

Best Pacific Islands Family Hotel or Resort

Naviti Resort, Fiji warwickhotels.com/naviti-resort

Best International Destination for Families

WINNER Malolo Island Resort, Fiji maloloisland.com

Treasure Island Resort, Fiji treasureisland-fiji.com

WINNER Fiji fiji.travel

FINALISTS Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa, Yanuca Islands, Fiji shangri-la.com/yanucaisland/ fijianresort

Best Hotel or Resort for Babies and Toddlers

FINALISTS Hawaii gohawaii.com/au

Plantation Island Resort, Fiji plantationisland.com

FINALISTS Malolo Island Resort, Fiji maloloisland.com

Outrigger on the Lagoon, (Now Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort) Fiji outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/fiji/vitilevu/outrigger-fiji-beach-resort

Fiji

Malolo Island Resort, Fiji

WINNER Paradise Resort, Gold Coast, QLD paradiseresort.com.au

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Savusavu, Fiji fijiresort.com

USA visittheusa.com Bali indonesia.travel Singapore yoursingapore.com New Zealand newzealand.com Japan jnto.org.au

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

47

From

147

$

Per person, per night, twin share, min 2 night stay*

Unlimited entry to your choice of two theme parks during your stay

seaworldresort.com.au 1300 139 677 *Conditions apply.

1607112 SEA WORLD Š 2016 & TM Sea World Property Trust. WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD and logo and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and Š Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

(s16)

2016 BEST OF

Disneyland Park, California, USA

Best International Family Attraction

Best Family Ski Resort Australia or Overseas

WINNER Disneyland Park, California, USA disneyland.disney.go.com

WINNER Tie between Thredbo, NSW and Perisher, NSW thredbo.com.au perisher.com.au

FINALISTS Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida disneyworld.disney.go.com

FINALISTS Mt Buller, VIC mtbuller.com.au

© Perisher

© Disney

FAMILY TRAVEL AWARDS

Perisher, NSW

Best Family Road Trip WINNER Great Ocean Road, VIC visitgreatoceanroad.org.au

Sentosa Island, Singapore sentosa.com

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada whistlerblackcomb.com

Universal Studios Japan usj.co.jp/e/

Queenstown, New Zealand queenstownnz.co.nz

FINALISTS Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW pacificcoast.com.au

Universal Studios Hollywood universalstudioshollywood.com

Park City, Utah, USA visitparkcity.com

Kakadu National Park, NT kakadunationalparkaustralia.com

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort legoland.com.my

Steamboat, Colorado, USA steamboat.com

Great Barrier Reef Drive, QLD drivenorthqueensland.com.au

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

49

Why the unforgettable happens here …

O

nce upon a time … a little girl travelled from Australia with her family to a whole bunch of exotic and unfamiliar destinations around the world. Still too young to be well acquainted with geography, the journey was mostly memorable for its wide-eyed moments of discovery and disorienting multiple time zones. Until one day, at the end of this giddy family odyssey, she arrived at a place she had heard of, and had already dreamed of visiting.

Gasping and gawping in breathless surprise, wonder and anticipation, she took her first few steps into the Happiest Place on Earth …

My wonderful fairytale at Disneyland California, and that of millions of other kids and grown-ups, is all thanks to Walt Disney creating a truly fantastic and unique magical destination for families to experience together. Disneyland first sprang into our

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WINTER 2015 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

collective imaginations when the gates opened in California in 1955 - and that news quickly travelled to Australia. For the next 60 years, excited Aussie kids like me have perpetually placed a trip to Disneyland on the top of their ‘one day’ list and, whether you make it there as a child, or have to wait until you’re all grown up, the sheer joy of that dream-cometrue is magic.

The unmatchable appeal of destination Disneyland for all ages lies in the incredible real world manifestation of Walt Disney’s imagination. Think about it. What a phenomenal achievement to create a place so alluring, that the desire to visit begins in childhood and is not diminished by the passing of time.

Once upon a time … getting to Disneyland, USA might have seemed out of reach for many Aussie families but today we have such a wide

choice of affordable, regular, direct flights from Australia to Los Angeles, and fantastic family package deals on offer, the dream is more attainable than it has ever been.

Constantly evolving, the original Disneyland California dream is now an immersive and unbelievable Disneyland Resort experience across two awesome Parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, three beautiful hotel properties and the exciting entertainment, dining and retail fun of the Downtown Disney District, all set on a sprawling 200 ha.

If you can believe it (and you can), a holiday at Disneyland Resort is incomparable.

It’s the stuff of Once Upon A Time, and fairytales and happiness and memories.

Whether you are 8 months, 8 years, 18, 48 or 80 … once you step into this world it is impossible to deny that magic happens here,

As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney ©Disney/Pixar

family happens here, the unforgettable happens here – it’s a powerful thing.

Once upon a time … a family arrived at Disneyland Resort. They had a choice of three spectacular Disney hotels - the newly-renovated iconic Disneyland Hotel, the colourful ‘day at the beach’-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel or the luxury of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. They indulged in unique guest experiences including Character Dining, sharing a yummy meal and plenty of fun with their favourite Disney friends.

They explored all of the admission-free entertainment, dining and shopping of the highenergy Downtown Disney District right on their doorstep, with snack stops and restaurants, boutiques, art, gifts and entertainment and the World of Disney, one of the biggest Disney shopping experiences on earth!

The family climbed aboard the Disneyland Monorail in the Downtown Disney District, taking in jaw-dropping views of the Parks, from above and beyond, passing through Fantasyland and Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park and Condor Flats, Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park.

And together - parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, friends, cousins, aunts and uncles - they walked through the magical Entrance to Disneyland Park. … and … oh! Where to start? Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown or Tomorrowland? Within, they discovered over 60 Disneyland attractions whose names they knew so well - Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, “it’s a small world,” Matterhorn Bobsleds, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Indiana Jones Adventure.

Is that Elsa from ‘Frozen’ waving and smiling their way? Oh, and here comes Mickey to shake hands and pose for a selfie!

And then the excitement, right across the road, of Disney California Adventure Park, travelling through Hollywood Land, “a bug’s land,” Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak, Condor Flats and the spectacular 12-acre Cars Land, inspired by the Radiator Springs setting of the Disney Pixar movie “Cars.”

Soarin’ Over California – they experienced a breathtaking virtual hang-gliding tour over some of the state’s most amazing landmarks and scenic wonders, before entering the 4D world of

gameplay that is Toy Story Mania!, and thrilling to the twists and turns of the California Screamin’ roller coaster.

It was impossible to fit in everything in one day. But they knew that another tomorrow was just a sweet dream away.

They shared their endless happy snaps, because who could miss a moment? They all talked at once, and excitedly, about their favourite attractions, and the best game plan for exploring more of the Parks the next day.

Happy, they retired to their Disney-themed room, and drifted off to sleep on a trail of Disneyland fairy dust …

So, if you are still wishing on a star why not make this fairytale real, and grab a slice of the unforgettable Disneyland Resort, for you, and your family - because we all know dreams really can come true … and allow a minimum of 3-5 days at Disneyland Resort to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Christine Kane

Planning your trip Visit your local travel agent to plan your unforgettable Disneyland Resort family holiday.

Head to disneyparks.com.au for more information about California’s Disneyland Resort, including videos, and download The New Disney Parks & Resorts Brochure.

Qantas, Virgin Australia and American Airlines fly direct to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from most major Australian cities.

TIP: Make use of the FREE Disney FASTPASS Service, which is included in your Park entry ticket. FASTPASS saves your place in line for some of your favourite attractions while you enjoy the rest of the park!

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The Jewel of the Upper West Side

2130 Broadway at 75th Street • New York, NY 10023 Tel: 011+1+212.787.1100 • Fax: 011+1+212.787.8119 www.beaconhotel.com • reservations@beaconhotel.com

W E R EV IEW

Country Club Villas, Launceston, Tasmania Location Country Club Villas Tasmania is just a 10-minute drive from Launceston CBD and sits within 120ha of rolling parkland, lakes and paddocks. The accommodation shares all the amenities of the Country Club Tasmania, which is just a complimentary shuttle bus away.

Accommodation Country Club Villas offer a range of 4-star 1, 2 and 3 bedroom self-contained accommodation. The free Wi-Fi will keep the family happy!

All villas are air-conditioned and the bathrooms have a shower, as well as a spa bath or a bathtub, and there is also a kitchenette and ironing facilities.

The kitchenette gives the flexibility of preparing your own meals, if you decide not to dine at one of the many restaurant options.

Did you know: Cataract Gorge is a superb wilderness area, and just minutes from the city.

The suspension bridge is an amazing experience and offers great photo opportunities from panoramic lookouts, along walking and hiking trails, in the beautiful gardens and from the world’s longest single span chairlift and the inclinator. There’s also a café and kiosk, and peacocks wandering about, showing off their astonishing plumage.

Activities The gorgeous parkland location offers great family activities – and superb 18 hole golf course – so there’s something for everyone. Choose from tennis and squash, horse riding, a fitness centre, pools and more, plus the benefit of the use of resort facilities at the nearby Country Club. Kids will love the playground, which is perfect for 4 to 12 year olds.

Food & Beverage Bolters Pizzeria, Bar and Grill can be found at the centre of the Country Club Villas and is perfect for a casual, family-friendly bite to eat.

Or take the complimentary shuttle over to the resort and dine at one of the five restaurants or enjoy a drink at one of the bars. The breakfast buffet is fantastic and you can watch the kids in the playground, while you take your time over a second cup of coffee.

OAWK Tip: Feed the ducks! The large group of friendly ducks is a highlight.

They can be found around the pond and throughout the beautiful gardens. The staff at the country club will supply duck food for you.

Why we stayed To experience the magic of Launceston – this compact city offers great dining and plenty of activities to keep the whole family happy.

Take a drive to the renowned Tamar Valley Vineyards just 25 minutes away ... the scenery is gorgeous and the Tasmanian wines are delicious!

And the horse riding here is wonderful. The stables offer gentle horses to suit all abilities.

Maximum six people per ride, for children over eight years (adults must accompany children.) Book a pony ride for the younger ones.

You can read more about familyfriendly Launceston in our Family Traveller section in this issue!

Country Club Villas 10 Casino Rise, Prospect Vale, TAS P: 1800 635 344 E: reservations@countryclubtasmania.com.au countryclubtasmania.com.au

WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Salamanca Wharf Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania Location Only 20 minutes drive from Hobart Airport, this stunning boutique apartment hotel is the perfect base for a family break in Hobart.

The Salamanca Wharf Hotel is on Castray Esplanade, and sits between two historic Georgian sandstone warehouses.

Accommodation Each apartment has a queen or king-size bed and many of the king-size beds can split into two singles. A rollaway or a portacot can be added into any Loft Penthouse or Premium Apartment room to cater for a third person.

For families needing more than three beds, the best option is to book interconnecting apartments, so you can double up the space, allowing a total of six people to sleep in the two apartments. All the apartments have well equipped kitchens and internal laundry facilities. (It’s worth noting that the hotel does not have high chairs available.)

Activities The hotel backs onto historic Salamanca Place, and you can easily walk to many of Hobart’s main attractions, like the Salamanca Markets, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, the wharf and the MONA ferry terminal.

Salamanca is the hub of Hobart’s entertainment precinct and is bursting with restaurants, cafes, specialised food providores, pubs and bars. All these options are only a short stroll from the hotel.

The famous Salamanca Markets are on every Saturday from 8am to 3pm with over 300 stallholders offering everything you could imagine! The fabulous local foodie delights will tempt you to fill your fridge with goodies that you can cook yourself.

Food & Beverage The ground floor of the hotel is home to the Salamanca Wharf Cafe, which is fully licensed and open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacking. The seasonal menu uses local Tasmanian ingredients and showcases great Tasmanian wines and beers.

We absolutely loved having breakfast in the café! Wonderful coffee and enormous servings of delicious fresh breakfast goodies … our favourite was the stack of corn fritters topped with avocado smash.

OAWK Tip: Make the most of the fully equipped laundry to keep the kids clothes under control. The kitchen has everything you need to make a family meal on those nights when you’d rather stay in and kick back!

WINTER 2016 outandaboutwithkids.com.au

OAWK Tip: Take the short drive to the village of Richmond, home of the oldest stone bridge in Australia and the historic Richmond Arms pub. The kids will love the cakes and goodies to be found in the cafes, and the shops and galleries are packed with must-haves!

Recommended Visit The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will keep the whole family entertained and intrigued. Jump on one of the dedicated ferries for a 30 minute trip along the Derwent River to this iconic home of exhibitions that will challenge and amaze you.

Historic Hobart The hotel is situated in a historic docks area lined with a long row of gorgeous Georgian sandstone warehouses. These handsome buildings once stored grain, wool, whale oil, apples and imported goods from around the world. Hobart just oozes history and is a wonderful place to introduce kids to our past.

54

Did you know: Hobart is the perfect base for your holiday in Tasmania – it’s so close to many of the wonderful sights, attractions and landscapes that make this island state so different. Port Arthur Historic Site is an easy drive and is something you won’t easily forget … the old buildings are reminders of our convict past, and the scenery is amazing.

Salamanca Wharf Hotel 17a Castray Esplanade Hobart, Tasmania Ph: +61 3 6224 7007 salamancawharfhotel.com

WE R EV IEW

Wrest Point Tasmania, Hobart Location Just 20 minutes from Hobart Airport, Wrest Point is Hobart’s iconic accommodation, dining and first-class entertainment destination with a distinctive 17-storey octagonal tower – Tasmania’s tallest building.

Located on the banks of the Derwent River in Sandy Bay, Wrest Point is also home to Australia’s first casino (opened in 1973).

Accommodation Wrest Point offers a choice of accommodation options - from 3.5 star Motor Inn accommodation to the 4 star Water Edge wing and luxury suites and rooms in the Wrest Point Tower.

We stayed in the hotel tower with king-size bed, spacious lounge area, flatscreen tvs and Foxtel, free in-room WiFi and complimentary parking.

OAWK Tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor and make the most of the magical vista of the Derwent River … it’s a little more expensive, but worth it!

Activities Guests of Wrest Point can enjoy all facilities including day spa and health club, swimming pool and mini golf. (Children are welcome with adult supervision). Wrest Point is only 10 minutes from Hobart city centre by car, or you can take one of the water transfers from the pier to the city to explore this fascinating and historic capital.

Hire a babysitter for an evening and enjoy a meal at one of Wrest Point’s restaurants

and bars, before stepping into history at Australia’s first casino.

Food & Beverage There are five different dining experiences to choose from, although some of these are off limits to anyone under 18 years. The familyfriendly Wrest Point Buffet & Coffee Shop is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets that offer easy and delicious dining. The Loft Bistro is also a popular family eatery, with a large menu and plenty of child-friendly choices.

Why we stayed Hobart is a fabulous, family-friendly city and the iconic, and world-famous Wrest Point boasts a whole lot of history, and hospitality!

Explore Wrest Point is less than 3km from Salamanca Market, Australia’s largest outdoor market, and 15km from Mount Wellington, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounds.

The best of Hobart’s attractions are right on your doorstep … take a short drive or leisurely walk, and you’re in the heart of Hobart in no time.

Wrest Point will soon begin a massive $70 million redevelopment and renovation, introducing even more fantastic accommodation and entertainment to this already iconic property, and bringing Tasmania’s yesterday and tomorrow together in one treasured Hobart landmark.

Wrest Point Tasmania 410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay, Tasmania P: (03) 6221 1888 E: guestservices@wrestpoint.com.au wrestpoint.com.au

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Escape – Hyams Beach NSW Location Escape at Hyams Beach on Jervis Bay is situated on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, approximately 2.5 hours drive south of Sydney or 3 hours drive from Canberra. This holiday home is located on the beachfront reserve at the northern end of the village with stunning views out over the bay.

Hyams Beach is surrounded by World Heritage marine sanctuaries and often voted as one of the best beaches in Australia with its white sand, clear blue waters and abundance of sea life. Jervis Bay Marine Park covers an area of 22,000ha and over 100kms of breathtaking coastline.

Accommodation This ideal beach holiday home sleeps up to 11 people across five bedrooms. Tastefully renovated with beach house-style interiors and timber flooring throughout, Escape is spread over three levels. The lower level has a good sized lounge/rumpus with wide screen tv, 1 x queen room and a tri-bunk room - both sharing a bathroom with shower and toilet. The mezzanine level at the rear of the house has a laundry complete with washer/dryer and an extra toilet, a twin bedroom and a full bathroom. The upstairs level is the central living space with an open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and 2 x queen bedrooms (one with shower en-suite). The upper front deck looks out across the bay, with bbq and a telescope ready for stargazing.

Outside this corner block is a beautiful

landscaped garden and an outdoor shower to rinse off the white sand residue from beach adventures. Just across the road is a reserve with swings and climbing equipment for the kids.

OAWK Tip: Have a peek in the cupboards and bathroom cabinets. The thoughtful owners have catered for kids of all ages with a treasure trove of board games and toys, including a coveted racing track, as well as bath playthings.

Explore We had plenty of plans to explore Jervis Bay National Park and Booderee National Park. We packed our bikes and intended to explore the beachfront bike paths, and to head out on a dolphin watch from Huskisson. But there was just so much to see and do in our immediate vicinity that we were unable to tick off our full wish list itinerary of activities in three days.

Each morning and afternoon we wandered across the road and down the easy beach access path to enjoy simple pleasures like races along the beach, walks around the rock pools at either end, swimming, fishing, dolphin spotting. We fed the friendly kangaroos that gathered each morning and evening on the front lawn, played plenty of board games and had a fun ‘Make Your Own Pizza’ night! And before we knew it, our relaxing long weekend had slipped away.

OAWK Tip: Dolphin spotting is one of the joys of Jervis Bay. Take a boat trip out from Huskisson, a 10 minute drive away, for an up-close dolphin encounter, or stay put and keep an eye out for a playful pod from the beach. Choose your winter beach holiday here between May to November to watch in awe as migrating humpback and southern right whales stop in the bay for a break on their journey.

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WE R EV IEW

Food & Beverage Escape is a self catering property with an impressive, beautifully laid out and fully equipped modern kitchen putting our family home facilities to shame. If you happen to forget anything or need to top up supplies, the brand new Vincentia Shopping Centre, 29 The Wool Rd, Vincentia, is only seven easy minutes drive away. Coles, Aldi and a tasty, reasonable fish and chipper are just a few of the stores within this new addition to the area.

Great coffee, snacks or a quick delicious bite are just a stroll up the road at the Hyams Beach CafĂŠ, with the general store stocking all manner of essentials and goodies.

Why we stayed there Plenty of space for two families - four adults and four kids all happily housed in each of the beds and bunks - and to be close to the picture perfect playground of Jervis Bay and Hyams Beach for a relaxed and wonderful back-to-nature beach and bush holiday.

OAWK Tip: Stayz has an Australia-wide selection of over 40,000 fabulous familyfriendly holiday homes including Escape Hyams Beach. With glorious locations close to the great Aussie outdoors and our abundance of wildlife, a Stayz holiday home provides the opportunity for your kids to get back to nature.

The Escape 19 Cyrus St, Hyams Beach NSW 2538 E: escapeathyamsbeach.com STAYZ stayz.com.au/accommodation/nsw/south-coast/ hyams-beach/153134 Hyams Beach Real Estate is in the same building as the CafĂŠ at 76 Cyrus St, Hyams Beach. To collect your keys head past the coffee and take the door to the left.

Destination NSW visitnsw.com (click on South Coast/Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven)

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BRISBANE

ARMIDALE

TAMWORTH

COFFS HARBOUR

A15

PORT MACQUARIE

MUSWELLBROOK

A1 NEWCASTLE

SYDNEY

What’s the buzz about

Tamworth?

More than just the country music capital, the north-west NSW city of Tamworth is a vibrant centre for the spectacular surrounding countryside, with great local produce, up-close wildlife encounters and cultural sights that will keep visitors of all ages entertained.

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T

he Pacific Highway, hugging the NSW east coast, has traditionally been the most favoured route for families driving between Sydney and Brisbane. But the rural landscapes and historic towns along the New England Highway are well worth exploring. Here are 6 great reasons to take the inland route on your next family holiday and enjoy a perfect pit stop in the heart of the region - Tamworth.

1

It’s the buzzing centre of beautiful New England With spectacular natural surrounds and quaint historic towns, the New England region is a destination in itself. To the south of Tamworth lies the former gold mining town of Nundle where you can try you hand at gold panning, then take a stroll around the waters of nearby Sheba Dams, renowned for its rainbow trout fishing and birdlife. Go bushwalking along the trails of Warrabah National Park and visit beautiful Horton Falls, or soak up the sweeping views from the Hanging Rock Lookout.

Previous page: Best friends Nundle Woollen Mills Playground Above: New England Cheese Opposite page from top left: Tamworth and Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures Arc-en-Ciel trout farm Tamworth, BIG4 Paradise Tourist Park

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2

Tamworth’s culture is more than just country music Tamworth is synonymous with country music, and the annual Country Music Festival - Australia’s largest music festival - is held here each January. But if country music isn’t your thing, never fear! This town has more than its fair share of fantastic family-friendly cultural attractions to discover.

A walk down Peel Street, the heart and soul of

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Tamworth, will take you past many of the city’s beautiful 19th century buildings, including the Post Office and the Federation-style Rocks on Peel. Grab a Tamworth Heritage Walk map from the visitor’s centre to guide you around town – the kids will love the mural artwork along the mosaic pillars, bringing the region’s history to colourful life.

Don’t miss a visit to the Tamworth Regional Gallery (one of the oldest galleries in NSW) where the Kid’s Art Trail will engage little ones, or check out the steam engines at the Tamworth Powerstation Museum celebrating this city as the first to be lit by municipal street lighting back in 1888.

And if you want a little taste of country music fever, head to the Big Golden Guitar standing outside the tourist centre on the outskirts of town. There’s also a country music-inspired wax museum, or you can take a wander through beautiful Bicentennial Park where busts of some of Australia’s most legendary country musicians line the walkways.

3

Let loose at the Tamworth Regional Playground Anyone who’s travelled with kids will know there is nothing like an innovative playground where they can let off some steam while sightseeing. Opened in 2015, the Tamworth Regional Playground in Bicentennial Park boasts sand pits, zip lines, tunnel slides and climbing structures, as well as a splash pad wetzone and a soft fall area just for little ones, and you can grab a coffee and relax at the adjacent Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar.

4

Get up-close with the local wildlife Tamworth Marsupial Park combines a hands-on wildlife experience with an Adventure Playground designed by the local kids.

The playground is divided into an area for under 5s and an older children’s area (with a native animal theme throughout) with free bbqs, perfect for a picnic.

Meander along the bush walking trails of the Marsupial Park and hand-feed kangaroos, get upclose to native birds in the free flight aviary, and explore the nearby botanical gardens.

If your kids are into horse riding (or want to give it a try), explore the magnificent Cockburn Ranges on scenic horse rides with Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures (and their local cowboy guides!) They cater to all experience levels (even if you’ve never ridden before) and they also offer pony rides for younger children.

5

Sample Tamworth’s gourmet goods Tamworth’s lush countryside yields an abundance of fresh produce, meats, fish and cheeses (as well as cool climate wines that will appeal to mums and dads!) Take a leisurely 90 minute drive to New England Cheese in Nowedoc to sample their multi-award winning cheeses and yoghurts (visit at milking time!), and don’t miss the opportunity to feast on a trout tasting plate at the Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm at Hanging Rock on the way back. The children will love seeing the farm in operation and have a chance to touch the

slippery fingerlings in their large tanks.

VisitTamworth’s Saturday organic market at the French restaurant, Le Pruneau, or wander the Peel Street Markets on a Sunday morning where home grown produce is sold alongside handmade arts and crafts. You’ll find plenty of fantastic cafes and restaurants including Ruby’s Cafe & Gift Store, a regular meeting spot for local families with a vintage playground at the back.

If you’re serious about food, time your visit to coincide with the annual Taste Tamworth festival, held each April, where the region’s artisan producers, gourmet growers and top restaurants showcase their wares across ten event-packed days.

6

Bunk down at family friendly accommodation As the setting for one of Australia’s biggest music festivals, it’s no wonder Tamworth has a great selection of accommodation, and when it comes to family-friendly options, the tranquil setting of Paradise Tourist Park, on the Peel River, ticks all the right boxes. With accommodation to suit all budgets and style of travellers - powered caravan sites, cabins and luxury villas - plus a playground, swimming pool and recreation hall, Paradise Tourist Park is just a short walk from Tamworth city centre.

So what are you waiting for? Bundle up the family and hit the road to Tamworth to discover for yourselves just what the ‘buzz’ is all about!

More info Tamworth Regional Gallery tamworthregionalgallery. com.au Tamworth Powerstation Museum tamworthpowerstation museum.com.au Tamworth Marsupial Park & Adventure Playground 437 Peel Street, Tamworth Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures Swamp Oak, 531 Mulla Creek Road, Kootingal Visit the Tamworth Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures Facebook page New England Cheese cheesemaking.com Peel Street Markets peelstreetmarkets.com.au Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm rainbowtrout.com.au Paradise Tourist Park paradisetouristpark.com.au

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Rock wallaby © iStock

N AT I O N A L PA R K S

Exploring our unique National Parks NSW & QLD

I

n 1872, US President Ulysses S. Grant decreed the world’s first National Park - iconic Yellowstone National Park - and Australia created the world’s second National Park just five years later.

137 years ago - on 26 April 1879 - the Royal National Park, south of Sydney in NSW, was proclaimed, and forever preserved for future generations.

It’s hard to imagine what our world might be like today if our forebears had not taken these important initiatives to protect millions upon millions of

hectares of land around the world - over 500 national parks across 28 million hectares in Australia alone.

In these pristine parklands, native flora and fauna flourish and, with an open invitation to visit, we are the beneficiaries - privileged to be able to explore so many diverse and unique environments and natural playgrounds that are such an important part of Australia’s heritage.

Discover breathtaking National Parks in New South Wales and Queensland where your family can play, and stay …

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N SW NATIO NA L PAR KS

Top from top left: Family whale watching © JSpencer/NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, Cape Byron © David Young/NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

Watsons Bay Sydney © iStock

Opposite page: West Head Lookout Ku-RingGai National Park Sydney © iStock

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SYDNEY

Sydney Harbour National Park Did you know that the foreshore and islands around Sydney Harbour are actually part of a national park?

From Bradley’s Head in the north, Nielsen Park in the east, and including Fort Denison and Goat Island, Sydney Harbour National Park is home to coastal walks, beaches and coves, bushwalking tracks, picnic areas, native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland (and whales in the harbour during winter), convict-built buildings and military fortifications, Aboriginal sites and even a heritage lighthouse – all set around the harbour’s stunning coastline.

150 years of NSW military history can be accessed at Middle Head, including the 1801 Fort above Obelisk Beach. Walk the Don Goodsir track to the Fort (guided tours available October-May) and explore underground tunnels from the 1870s, sandstone and gun pits and more.

From North Head at Manly, take the gentle and short family-friendly Fairfax Walk for fabulous views across the harbour and, in winter, you may even spot a whale or two. Try the Manly Scenic Walk and Bluefish Track to iconic Shelley Beach. If you’re game, join a Ghost Tour of Sydney’s historic Quarantine Station!

The South Head heritage trail starts at Camp Cove in the city’s east where the sheer ocean cliffs and The Gap, at Watson’s Bay, loom high above the harbour. Stroll the short and easy walk along an 1870s cobblestone road, past Lady Bay Beach, to the distinctive red and white striped historic Hornby Lighthouse, built in 1858. Don’t forget to visit Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, one of Sydney’s most famous family-friendly spots to play and relax, alongside awesome views. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Sydney-Harbour-National- Park

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Royal National Park Where: In Sydney’s south About: The world’s second oldest national park is affectionately known as the ‘Nasho’ or simply, ‘the Royal’, and boasts 16,000ha of big beautiful backyard, with everything from rainforest to surf beaches.

Camping: YES Highlights: • Spend the day at Wattamolla picnic area and enjoy swimming in the tranquil lagoon and exploring beach tracks.

• Stroll the pram-and-wheelchair-friendly Bungoona Path, bird-and- wildlife-watching as you go. Take a picnic with you and enjoy the views.

• Garie Beach picnic area is a great spot for families to play together – and marvel at the sensational views from Governor Game lookout. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Royal-National-Park

Ku-ring-gai National Park Where: In Sydney’s north About: This vast national park stretches from Sydney’s most northern point at Palm Beach, across Pittwater and all the way to the gateway to the Central Coast.

Ku-ring-gai was Australia’s second national park, and home to the Garrigal of the Guringai Nation. The park is heritage-listed and has recorded over 800 Aboriginal sites.

Camping: YES Highlights: • Visit Bobbin Head, a family favourite with plenty of picnic and playground areas, bbqs, fishing, walking tracks and more.

• Take a guided tour of historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse (every Sunday) that sits at Sydney’s northernmost

point in Palm Beach. The lighthouse and views across Barrenjoey Headland and Pittwater to the Central Coast can be seen from West Head lookout.

• See the extensive rock caves and engravings of the Garrigal at The Basin Aboriginal Art Site, accessed from West Head.

• Hop on the ferry from Palm Beach across to The Basin, a beach-fronted family-friendly spot for a day trip – or settle into the great campground for an extended outdoor getaway! nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Kuringgai-Chase-National-Park

NORTH

Bouddi National Park

Learn more about these and other national parks in and around Sydney:

Myall Lakes National Park

• Berowra Valley National Park • Cattai National Park • Dharug National Park • Garrigal National Park • Georges River National Park • Kamay Botany Bay National Park • Lane Cove National Park • Marramarra National Park nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Where: Near Newcastle About: Featuring one of the largest coastal lake systems in NSW, the park provides endless swimming, surfing, kayaking, boating and fishing opportunities across more than 40km of beaches.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Myall-Lakes-National-Park

Where: Central Coast About: From beaches and steep cliffs through to rainforest and heathland Bouddi National Park is home to countless attractions, including one of Australia’s first marine protected areas, significant Aboriginal sites, unique animals and plant life and even an old paddle steamer wreck.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Bouddi-National-Park

Barrington Tops National Park

Dorrigo National Park

Where: Mid north coast Macleay region About: Close to Kempsey and beautiful South West Rocks, this natural paradise is replete with beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands and is home to amazing bird life including black swans, spoonbills, hawks, eagles, curlews and plovers.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Hat-Head-National-Park

Where: Near Coffs Harbour About: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the park contains a range of forest types, some millions of years old. Spot red-necked pademelons, the vibrantlycoloured wompoo fruit-dove and the spectacular regent bowerbird on rainforest walks, and relax with a picnic or bbq at any one of the beautiful,

© iStock

scenic oases within the park.

Camping: NO nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ dorrigo-national-park

Where: North Hunter Region About: Also forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the park is a bushwalker’s paradise with lots of picnic and barbecue areas, cycling trails and lookouts.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Barrington-Tops-National-Park

Hat Head National Park

Discover …

NSW North • Arakwai National Park • Booti Booti National Park • New England National Park • Warrabah National Park • Wollemi National Park • Yarriabini National Park • Uraygir National Park … and many more! nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

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KBRV1248

With plenty of activities for kids of all ages, and countless ways to help the “big kids” relax, great family memories are made on Fraser Island.

When you’re ready to explore pristine rainforests and world-famous shipwrecks, Eurong Beach Resort is the ideal base for your four-wheel drive adventure.

There’s no end to the ways to spend your days at Kingfisher Bay Resort with water sports, guided-walks and the popular Junior Eco Ranger program packed full of fun activities.

Offering all the comforts of home and the ultimate beachfront address, you’ll have more fun and less stress with a family holiday on Fraser Island.

CHECK FOR HOT DEALS ONLINE

kingfisherbayresortgroup.com.au or

1800 Fraser (372 737)

N S W N AT I O NA L PA R K S

Budderoo National Park Where: Near Kiama About: Drive up to the plateau above Minnamurra Rainforest and discover jaw-dropping views from Jamberoo lookout, see glorious waterfalls on easy rainforest walks, and stop for lunch at Nellies Glen picnic area, near beautiful Kangaroo Valley.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Budderoo-National-Park

Eurobodalla National Park Where: South Coast, stretching from Moruya Head to Mystery Bay About: Swim and surf at 1080 Beach and head high to the park’s lookouts and headlands with amazing coastal views (as well as being great vantage spots for whale watching through winter). Over a leisurely picnic lunch, enjoy the golden beaches, bushland and birdlife at Bingi Bingi Point.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Eurobodalla-National-Park

Murramarang National Park Where: Near Batemans Bay About: With names like Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach and Oaky Beach it’s easy to picture the natural bounty of this park that spans 44km of coastline. Pack a picnic, drop a line, spot kangaroos on a gentle bush walk, bird watch, snorkel and swim, unwind and relax! Wake up to nature at your doorstep when you stay in a cute and cosy cabin at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Murramarang-National-Park

Nattai National Park Where: Southern Highlands, near Mittagong About: Look for wallaroos, emus, rock wallabies, grey kangaroos, wombats, koalas, squirrel gliders, platypus and dingos as you wander around this adventure-lover’s wilderness - there are over 160 species of birds that make their home in the area.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Nattai-National-Park

Ben Boyd National Park Where: Near Eden About: See Aboriginal middens, visit a heritage lighthouse and marvel at the park’s many surprises including rare wildlife, sheltered inlets and 45km of stunning rocky coastline. Take a guided tour at historic Davidson Whaling Station, stroll along the Pambula River walking track, and swim and picnic at Barmouth Beach.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Ben-Boyd-National-Park

Discover …

NSW South • Clyde River National Park • Heathcote National Park • Jervis Bay National Park • Seven Mile Beach National Park • Dharawal National Park • Mimosa Rocks National Park … and many more! nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Kosciusko National Park Where: Snowy Mountains About: The state’s unique and unspoiled Alpine region is home to this fabulous national park and Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciusko. A playground for skiers, snowboarders and snow-lovers in winter, in spring and summer the park transforms into a wildflower-covered rugged landscape perfect for bike riding, horse riding, hiking, picnics and even rock climbing! For a real family adventure, explore Yarrangobilly Caves - one of the most beautiful limestone karst systems in Australia.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Kosciuszko-National-Park

Bottom left: Depot Beach at Murramarang National Park © NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

Kosciuszko National Park

© Don Fuchs De stination NSW

SOUTH

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THE PERFECT BEACH HOLIDAY DESTINATION! Our family friendly park has an array of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs from waterfront Beach Retreats and Villas to our Ensuite and Powered Sites. Relax and enjoy a swim or a game of beach cricket on our beautiful Easts Beach. Have a hit of tennis or catch a fish or two. The kids will love our 25m resort pool,

toddlers wading pool and children’s playgrounds. Kids activities and movies in our holiday periods will keep the kids busy. Our holiday park is the ideal location from which to explore the south coast, with popular tourist attractions such as Jamberoo Action Park and the Minnamurra Rainforest just minutes away.

For further information please contact: BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park 30 Ocean Street (PO Box 10) Kiama NSW 2533 Freecall: 1800 674 444 P: 02 4232 2124 F: 02 4233 1009 E: holiday@eastsbeach.com.au www.eastsbeach.com.au

N S W N AT I O NA L PA R K S

WEST

Blue Mountains National Park

Where: Near Mudgee About: Enjoy the forest and riverside setting of this spectacular park with easy walking trails and plenty of bird watching action – and spot emus, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and wombats.

Aboriginal heritage abounds with more than 300 known sites, located mostly along the river.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Goulburn-River-National-Park

Warrumbungle National Park Where: Near Coonabarabran About: Popular for camping, walking, bird watching and stargazing, the ‘Warrumbungles’ offers abundant nature walks, picnic spots, lookouts, canyons and, for keen astronomers, a guided tour of Siding Spring Observatory, with breathtaking 360 degree views from one of the highest points of this beautiful mountain landscape.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Warrumbungle-National-Park

Mt Kaputar National Park Where: Near Narrabri About: Bike ride, horse ride or enjoy a leisurely walk through this scenic mountain range of towering forests and awesome rock formations - plus plenty of lookouts and picnic areas, multiple walking tracks and great wildlife spotting.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Mount-Kaputar-National-Park

MURRAY-RIVERINA Mungo National Park

Where: Near Buronga About: One of the state’s most well-known and loved

OUTBACK

Kinchega National Park Where: Near Broken Hill About: The Darling River, majestic red gums rising from the water and a rich pastoral and Aboriginal history give Kinchega its distinct outback NSW flavour.

The ever-changing colours of the Menindee lake system are unlike anything else, and you will delight at the billabongs, wildlife and scenery in this iconic national park. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Kinchega-National-Park

From May to October, up and down the NSW coastline, whalewatching opportunities are endless, and some of the best vantage points are found in our coastal national parks.

Get the lowdown by visiting wildaboutwhales.com.au and download the FREE Wild About Whales app to see the latest whale sightings and record your own – just search ‘whales NSW’ in your app store.

You can share your whale sightings on Twitter @wildaboutwhales using #whaleon, and at facebook.com/ wildaboutwhales.

Warrumbungle National Park © iStock

Discover …

NSW West and Inland nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Discover …

NSW MurrayRiverina • Cocoparra National Park • Livingston National Park • Murrumbidgee Valley Park • Willandra National Park • Yanga National Park nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Discover …

Outback • Culgoa National Park • Sturt National Park • Toorale National Park … and many more! nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Whales

Goulburn River National Park

parks, Mungo National Park is located within the stunning Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, and is of great significance to the Ngyiampaa, Mutthi Mutthi and Southern Paakantyi people. It was in this unique landscape that Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the world’s oldest human cremations, were discovered!

Enjoy a guided tour of the Walls of China, incredible sand and clay formations sculpted over time by erosion. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Mungo-National-Park

Whale breaching Sydney

Harbour

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© Wild About

Where: Near Katoomba About: A 90-minute drive from Sydney will deliver you to the world-famous, and World Heritage-listed, Blue Mountains National Park where visitors are treated to extraordinary views from Echo Point, including the iconic Three Sisters ancient rock formations.

Discover Aboriginal culture, 140km of trails, camping, canyoning, climbing and mountain biking activities.

Camping: YES nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/ Blue-Mountains-National-Park

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QLD NATIONAL PA RK S

Noosa National Park Where: Sunshine Coast About: An important conservation area, Noosa National Park provides a refuge for native wildlife including the koala, glossy black-cockatoo, ground parrot and wallum froglet. Fabulous and gentle coastal walks for the whole family start at the boardwalk from the end of Noosa Main Beach, past lovely Little Cove beach towards the park’s main entrance.

Camping: NO

Conondale National Park Where: West from the Sunshine Coast About: The park’s rainforest, waterfalls, crystal clear creeks and mountain streams sustain a significant number of rare and threatened plants and animals. Take in spectacular views, enjoy walking tracks and scenic drives and have fun exploring.

Camping: YES Above: Children at Beach in Noosa National Park, Sunshine Coast QLD © iStock

Opposite page: Fraser Island National Park © iStock

Mossman Gorge family face painting © Tourism Port Douglas Daintree

Great Barrier Reef © iStock

QLD NATIONAL PARKS

Burleigh Head National Park

From the Gold Coast to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, inland to the outback, east to the islands, and as far north as Cape York Peninsula, families will find abundant and diverse landscapes and fun adventures in a vast number of stunning Queensland national parks.

Where: Gold Coast About: This wild, natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast, where sea eagles soar along the coast, offers walks along the rocky foreshore and through rainforest, and even the chance to spot whales in spring.

Camping: NO

Moreton Island National Park

Lamington National Park

Where: 40km by ferry from Brisbane About: Moreton Island is the home of the Quandamooka people, and the park’s tall sand dunes, long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal clear creeks and lagoons, coastal heath, rocky headlands and abundant wildflowers make for an ideal Moreton Bay family adventure.

Camping: YES

Where: Near the Gold Coast About: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area (the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world), Lamington is made up of two sections – Green Mountains and Binna Burra. Renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and more than 160km of walking trails, take the family on O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, the first of its kind in Australia, offering visitors a unique perspective on the ancient rainforest canopy.

Camping: YES

D’Aguilar National Park Where: Brisbane About: The former Brisbane Forest Park is a great day trip getaway – within easy reach of the CBD. Discover a world away from city life with remote gorges, subtropical rainforest, expanses of eucalypt woodland and spectacular views.

Camping: YES Where: Tropical Far North Queensland About: The famous ‘Daintrees’ is made up of two spectacular areas - Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. The World Heritage-Listed Daintree Rainforest is actually the oldest rainforest in the world!

See the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River cascade over granite boulders in Mossman Gorge, while Cape Tribulation features rainforest-clad mountains that sweep down to long sandy beaches. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners of Daintree National Park.

Camping: YES

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© Tourism Port Douglas Daintree

Daintree National Park

White Lipped Tree Frog

Where: Near the Gold Coast About: Also part of the Gondwana Rainforest, Springbok National Park’s lush subtropical rainforest and open eucalypt woodland are perfect for walking and discovering wildlife, like swamp wallabies, potoroos and bowerbirds, that roam the forest. In rocky escarpments and caves look for ‘glowworms’, and spot brilliant blue spiny crays, frogs and long-finned eels in the mountain streams.

Camping: YES

Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park Where: West of Birdsville About: This iconic outback park is only accessible by 4WD and only in the dry season. It is Queensland’s largest national park (1 million ha) and is in Australia’s driest place - the Simpson Desert. Some of the park’s spectacular sculptured red sand dunes extend 200km and reach 90m high! A real adventurer’s landscape, experience gibber pebble plains and claypans, and camp under a canopy of stars.

Camping: YES

Porcupine Gorge National Park Where: North of Hughenden About: In the middle of Queensland’s outback, Porcupine Gorge National Park’s big drawcard is the unique ‘pyramid’ at Porcupine Creek . Nature has created a deep chasm through layers of sandstone, spanning hundreds of millions of years, to create a gorge, with a ‘pyramid’ shaped monolith rising from its floor. Enjoy strolling the Pyramid track, exploring the sculpted sandstone pools of Porcupine Creek, as it meanders through this impressive ‘little grand canyon’.

Camping: YES

Whitsunday National Park Islands Where: Whitsunday Islands About: Many sites throughout the Whitsundays hold special meaning for the descendants of the Ngaro people for whom this area was home for at least the past 9,000 years. The ‘Park’ also encompasses the worldfamous Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area – certainly a National Park with a difference!

The islands ‘Park’ experience also offers secluded beaches, coral reefs and towering hoop pines, and the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, a unique blend of seaways and picturesque walks.

Camping: YES

© iStock

Springbok National Park

Simpson Desert Dune

Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park Where: Off the coast of Hervey Bay About: The World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and stretches for 123km, across 166,000 ha. Cool towering rainforests, over 100 freshwater swimming lakes, including the iconic Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, huge sand blows and an amazing 120km beach highway, complete with a shipwreck and cliffs of stunning coloured sands. Indulge in a wide range of eco-adventures on foot or by 4WD self-guided and guided tours.

Camping: YES

Uncover many more remarkable Queensland National Parks… queenslandnationalparks. com.au nprsr.qld.gov.au

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STEAMBOAT WITH SKIMAX

Timberline Lodge FAMILY SKI PACKAGE FOR 7 NIGHTS From only

$4379*per family!

7 nights quad share in a 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom condo at Timberline Lodge, Steamboat 6 day Lift Pass for 2 adults & 2 kids aged 12 & under, valid at Steamboat and Winter Park

EARLYBIRD SPECIAL: Up to 35% off!

The Steamboat Grand FAMILY SKI PACKAGE FOR 7 NIGHTS From only

$5,629*per family!

7 nights in a 2 bedroom/2 Bathroom condo at The Steamboat Grand, Steamboat 100m from the Gondola/Private slopeside ski valet Daily breakfast for 4 people 6 day Lift Pass for 2 adults & 2 kids (12 years & under)

EARLYBIRD SPECIAL: Up to 40% off!

Kids 12 & under ski + rent

FREE!

BOOK TODAY: WWW.SKIMAX.COM.AU OR CALL US ON 1300 136 997 *Valid for travel 7 January – 2 February 2017. Book & pay by 30 November 2016. Kids ski/rent free with a paying adult, minimum 5 days.

S K I U S A , C A N A D A & J A PA N

USA, CANADA & JAPAN

A

© Shutterstock

ustralia’s long summer school holiday break coincides with winter in other countries and that means it’s snowtime! Many Aussie families take advantage of the great timing to ski and snowboard in the USA, Canada or Japan, where family-friendly resorts abound.

If you’re keen to do ‘the big trip’, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with world-class resorts

and fantastic snow conditions awaiting your December to February arrival. For kids, the chance to discover a new and exciting destination, culture and people, while frolicking in the snow, makes for great holiday memories.

Read our ‘At A Glance’ round-up of family-friendly ski resorts to help you start planning …

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Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak, across 1200ha of skiable terrain with trails for all abilities and 16 lifts.

TIP: You’ll find the legendary Champagne Powder in the gladed areas of Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine and Storm Peak. Families can also enjoy free mountain tours together.

Kids ski free at Steamboat – in fact Steamboat pioneered the first Kids Ski Free Program back in 1982! Steamboat’s range of Kids Ski programs is not only extensive but also designed to work with each child’s individual comfort level. Little ones aged from 2.5 years to 3 years can spend the day in Buckeroos at Kiddie Corral child care, or in Palomino Pals for 3 to 5 year-olds, with a one hour lesson, lunch and fun activities included for both age groups. Mavericks, aged 3.5 years to 4 years, and Sundance Kids aged 4 to Kindergarten, can enjoy an all-day lesson with lunch and free lift ticket included. Private lessons are also available.

Then there’s the jumps, bonks, jibs and rails for all skill levels across four fantastic terrain parks – Lil’ Rodeo, Sunbeam, Rabbit Ears and Mavericks.

TIP: Pick up a complimentary Little Red Wagon to load up the kids and head off on the Wagon Trail! Rough Rider Basin is a Wild West-themed kids-only zone with teepees, a log cabin and the Fort Rough Rider Picnic Area.

Budding snowboarders from First Grade to 15 years will love the all-day Kids Snowboard clinics

The Barn Steamboat © Jenny O’Farrell

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enowned the world-over for its ‘Champagne Powder’ and friendly hospitality, over 100 eateries and bars, shopping and entertainment plus fantastic family activities and dedicated kids programs and childcare, it’s easy to see why Steamboat is consistently ranked one of the Top 10 family ski resorts in the US. Located in northwest Colorado, direct daily flights from seven US airports into nearby Hayden airport make Steamboat a very accessible resort, or you can fly into the Colorado capital of Denver and take the easy three-hour drive to the resort.

Accommodation options are seemingly endless and run the gamut of lodges, townhomes and condominiums, and vacation homes to inns, motels and great hotels including the Steamboat Grand, just steps from the Steamboat Gondola.

You might prefer the convenience and novelty of staying in ski in/ski out accommodation, or choose anything from budget to luxury offmountain, in the base area and downtown in Steamboat Springs. Suites and family rooms are plentiful wherever you stay, and in most places you’ll find a host of family-friendly amenities including cable tv, Wi-Fi, and even swimming pools! Check the Steamboat website for all lodging alternatives and packages, many with bonus inclusions.

On arrival it’s hard not to be impressed with the sheer scale of Steamboat – it’s actually a complete mountain range with Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak,

© Jenny O’Farrell

USA COLORADO STEAMBOAT

while Bandits is especially for little snowboarders aged 4 years to Kindergarten. Sunbeam boardercross is great for the whole family and perfect for even the littlest of shredders.

TIP: Join the Steamboat Snowboard staff in the base area at the free Burton Riglet Park on selected days throughout the season – great for kids 6 years and under.

Don’t forget the snowplay activities on the mountain! Families can enjoy even more of the beautiful Rocky Mountains snowtubing, snowshoeing, in snowmobiles or on a horsedrawn sleigh together! And even the tiniest tots, too young to ski or snowboard, will have a bundle of fun in Steamboat’s age-appropriate child care programs from 6 months old to 6 years.

Off-slope the fun continues, with so many family-friendly eateries and shops at the base area and in the Old Town of Steamboat Springs and, throughout the season, you won’t want to miss any of the fun family entertainment and events at Gondola Square.

TIP: Conveniently kit out the whole family with ski and snowboard rentals from Steamboat Ski & Sport in Gondola Square. steamboat.com

S K I U S A , C A N A DA & J A PA N

© Aspen Snowmass

© Dan Davis, Beaver Creek Resort

COLORADO

BEAVER CREEK

ASPEN SNOWMASS

TELLURIDE

VAIL

© iStock

Aspen is one of the best-known ski resorts in North America, with four mountains - Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands - and easy accessibility from major US airports. Families love Ullr Night – named for the Norse God of snow, a fun evening that begins with a gondola ride up to Elk Camp for tubing, ice skating, snowbiking, s’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire, and finishes with fun indoor activities and entertainment in The Tent.

Accommodation: A huge choice of hotels, lodges, condominiums and townhomes including ski in/ski out options.

Terrain Parks: Multiple across the four mountains Lifts: Lift tickets are valid on all four mountains For the kids: • Very Important Kids (VIK) programs including free activities • Group ski & snowboard lessons for kids in age-appropriate classes for children from 2 years to 17 years.

• Childcare for babies and toddlers from 8 weeks to 4 years aspensnowmass.com

© iStock

The happy, alpenhorn-blowing, lederhosen-wearing Helmut Fricker has been welcoming and entertaining young guests in the village since the resort opened 36 years ago, and it’s this charming vibe that attracts ski-loving families to Beaver Creek. Plus, everyday at 3pm it’s Cookie Time, when Beaver Creek chefs share freshly-baked cookies to all – serving over almost half a million of these delicious treats each year!

Accommodation: A great choice of hotels, condominiums and vacation homes.

Terrain Parks: 3 Lifts: 24 For the kids: • Special family programming every night of the week with activities including Thursday Night Lights, rail jams, disco skate nights and twilight snowshoe tours.

• Ice skating • Take the Buckaroo Express to Kids & Teens Ski and Snowboard School • Childcare nursery 0-36 months old beavercreek.com

The old mining settlement of Telluride sits in a box canyon in the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Fly direct from many US cities to Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport and, once you arrive, there are plenty of transport options including the free Gondola, Dial-a-Ride/Telluride Concierge and the Galloping Goose bus service.

Accommodation: A variety of lodging options, from grand opulence to quaint and comfortable, in two unique villages and including ski in/ski out options.

Terrain Parks: 3 Lifts: 18 For the kids: • Eco Adventures day camps for kids aged 5 to 12 years • Full day and hourly care for kids 2 months to 5 years • Kids Night Out - an evening of fun, food and games • Children’s Ski School for kids from 2 ½ years tellurideskiresort.com

Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with a friendly pedestrian village experience that families love, and plenty of off-slope activities and entertainment including ice skating rinks, movie theatre, bowling, shops and event concert venues all in easy walking distance.

Accommodation: A choice of hotels, lodges, condominiums and townhomes.

Terrain Parks: 3 Lifts: 31 For the kids: • Kids Adventure Zones across the mountain • Children and Teen Group Lessons • Ski tubing, ski biking, kids snowmobile • The Eagle Bahn Gondola runs from breakfast till night to the outdoor playground of Adventure Ridge – great fun for the whole family and afterwards, enjoy dinner together at Bistro Fourteen, on top of the mountain. vail.com

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© iStock

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CALIFORNIA/NEVADA

HEAVENLY

SQUAW VALLEY

In just over 60km from Reno Airport you’ll arrive at Squaw Valley at Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains. The family-friendly European-style village includes a range of accommodation options, shops, restaurants and cafes and a Children’s Games Room. On the slopes, kids of all ages, from beginners to more experienced, can hone their ski and snowboard skills and then head to SnoVentures Activity Zone for mini-snowtubing and snow mobile rides!

Accommodation: A huge choice of hotels, lodges, condominiums and townhomes including ski in/ski out options.

Terrain Parks: 5 Lifts: 29 For the kids: • Teaching Tykes Kids Ski School programs • Ice Skating • SnoVentures Activity Zone squawalpine.com

© Ski Lake Tahoe

© Mammoth Mountain

Heavenly is the largest ski resort in California, although it actually sits on the border of Nevada, overlooking Lake Tahoe, and is easily accessed from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, less than an hour from the resort. Heavenly offers families a whole range of on-slope and off-slope activities and après-ski entertainment.

Accommodation: A choice of accommodation including hotels, condominiums and private apartment rentals.

Terrain Parks: 2 Lifts: 28 For the kids: • Tubing, ice skating, shows, arcades • Kids Ski School including ski lessons for 3-5 year olds • Day Care and Nursery for children from 6 weeks to 6 years skiheavenly.com

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

Mammoth Mountain is super family-friendly with much of its accommodation, dining and entertainment designed with families in mind. On slope programs for kids offer a gentle, nurturing and safe environment in which even the smallest fry can confidently learn while having fun. Mammoth is a one-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX).

Accommodation: Slopeside hotels and lodges Terrain Parks: 11 Lifts: 28 For the kids: • Woolly’s Tube Park • Childcare and babies nurseries • Childcare/Lesson combo for tiny snowboarders and skiers • Kids 4 and under Ski Free • Ski & Snowboard lessons for kids 3-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-12 years mammothmountain.com

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SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

A family-favourite Lake Tahoe resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers affordable packages that include lodging, passes and snow fun! You’ll also find a great diversity of terrain parks for all abilities including Burton Progression Park, Smokey Boarder X and the top 10-rated halfpipe, TransWorld SNOWboarding.

Accommodation: A range of affordable options including inns, hotels and lodges.

Terrain Parks: 7 Lifts: 14 For the kids: • 4 Adventure Zones • Kids interactive Trail Map • Blizzard Mountain – snowplay and tubing • Kids Ski programs – Blazers (3-4 years), Bandits (5-6 years), Explorers (7-12 years) • Kids Snowboarding lessons • Wild Mountain Day Care (18 months to 5 years) sierraattahoe.com

S K I U S A , C A N A DA & J A PA N

WYOMING

UTAH

© Jackson Hole

Located in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is also a gateway to the worldfamous Yellowstone National Park, and a firm favourite with families. With four Burton Stash parks and a half pipe the resort provides ample snowboarding areas, as well as ski areas and snow play fun, across two mountains. The resort’s dedicated snowboarding program for 3-6 year olds uses the Burton Riglet, attached to the front and back of the snowboard, letting instructors safely guide their little charges.

Take in the full Wyoming Wild West landscape of this resort (and maybe spot some wildlife!) on ‘Big Red’, the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram.

Accommodation: A range of accommodation types, including luxury resorts and hotels. Choose to stay either slopeside in Teton Village or downtown in the western resort town.

Terrain Parks: 2 For the kids: • Pioneers Ski and Snowboard Lessons for kids from 3 years • Rough Riders Ski and Snowboard Lessons 5-6 years • Explorer Ski and Snowboard Lessons 7-14 years • Kids Night out at Kids Ranch – supervised activities and dinner for ages 4 to 14 • Wrangler Day Care - 6 months to 36 months • Sleigh rides, tubing, dog sledding. jacksonhole.com

© Park City Mountain Resort Utah

JACKSON HOLE

PARK CITY Park City is the largest single ski and snowboard resort in the USA and is only a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.

The resort has three distinct base areas, nine hotels, thrilling family adventures, and dozens of restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotels, including six located slopeside in Canyons Village Terrain Parks: 7 Lifts: 38 For the kids: • State-licensed Day Care Center located in the Grand Summit Resort Hotel • Flying Eagle Zip (height restrictions for kids – accompanied by adult) • Alpine Coast toboggan-style cars (as above restrictions) • Sleigh rides • Private and group lessons parkcitymountain.com

IDAHO

© iStock

Sun Valley is steeped in American history – the first ski resort of its type in the country.

Opened to the public in 1936, Sun Valley has been attracting holidaying families ever since. It’s also the home of the world’s very first chairlift, on Dollar Mountain.

Two mountain areas – Dollar and Bald Mountain – provide plenty of ski areas for all abilities, and you can ski and snowboard and snowplay with the sun on your back as Sun Valley was named for the average 120 days of sunshine here, out of 150 days of each ski season!

Accommodation: Sun Valley Lodge and Sun Valley Inn, plus apartments, cottages and condominiums Terrain Parks: 3 Lifts: 18 For the kids: • Themed Adventure Trails for kids • SnowSports School – Group and Private lessons, including family lessons • Sleigh Rides • Sleigh ride and family dinner at Trail Creek Cabin • Sun Valley Outdoor Skate Rink sunvalley.com

© iStock

SUN VALLEY

DEER VALLEY

Family-friendly Deer Valley Resort is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, approximately 50km from Salt Lake City, in the historic mining town of Park City.

Accommodation: Wide array of hotels, condominiums, private rentals and lodges in and around Park City.

Terrain Parks: 11 Lifts:21 For the kids: • Ski school lessons and programs – ‘Cubs’ - for all ages and abilities • Deer Valley Children’s Center for kids 2 months to 12 years • Fun furry mascots • Kids Adventure Map deervalley.com

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BEST PRICE POLICY!

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PER ADULT

PER ADULT

PER CHILD

PER CHILD

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PER ADULT PER CHILD

S K I U S A , C A N A DA & J A PA N

© SkiMax

© Travelplan Ski

CANADA

BIG WHITE

Big White is located 56km southeast of Kelowna in the southern interior of British Columbia. It is Canada’s largest 100% ski-in/ski-out resort village, and the third largest resort in British Columbia. On average, 750cm of Mother Nature’s finest, dry, Champagne powder falls annually, creating the world famous snow ghosts, and blanketing the long cruising slopes. With over 118 runs, five powder bowls and plenty of sunshine, Big White is a Big favourite with Aussie families.

Accommodation: Choose from on-mountain beds, hotels, luxury apartments, modern mountain vacation homes and even themed log cabins.

Terrain Parks: One (24ha) Lifts: 15 For the kids: • Mom/Dad & Me are Skiing • Tot Town Daycare • Teen programs • Ice climbing tower • Lessons for 3-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-12 years • Kids Centre & Kids Centre After Dark • Tube Park • Snowmobiles • Sleighs • Dog sledding • Ice skating bigwhite.com

SILVER STAR

Renowned for its Champagne powder and varied terrain, the village of Silver Star Mountain Resort is located mid-mountain and offers true ski in/ski out access to the slopes in a family-friendly resort. Silver Star Mountain Resort is located 55 minutes North of Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and convenient daily, one-way or return, airport shuttles are available for guests to book five days in advance of arrival or departure.

Accommodation: A choice of hotels, lodges and condominiums.

Terrain Parks: One (16.5ha) Lifts: 12 For the kids: • Little Rippers for 3 year olds • Mountain Rippers 4 to 12 years • Mountain Rippers Freeride 7 to 12 years • Breakfast Club and Early Drop Off • Afternoon Adventure Activity • After School Club • Kids Night Out skisilverstar.com

SUN PEAKS

Three mountains, a charming pedestrian-only village and ski in/ski out accommodation are all found in the second largest Canadian ski resort. Kids will love popping into the village’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!

Super family-friendly, Sun Peaks hosts the annual Family Cup ‘All Nations Celebration’, held each January, where kids and their parents, wearing their national colours, compete in fun events, including the Kookaburra Cup Cross Country.

Accommodation: Choose from condominiums, townhomes, chalets, B&Bs and hotels.

Terrain Parks: 1 Giant Park Lifts: 12 For the kids: • Sundance Kids Centre 18 months to 5 years • Sun Tots program and lessons 3 to 7 years • Sun Kids program and lessons 6 to 12 years (boarders 8-12 years) • Sleigh rides, dog sledding sunpeaksresort.com

Thinking of heading to Big White, or any one of the fabulous family-friendly ski resorts in the USA and Canada for the 2016/17 season? For over 15 years Travelplan Ski has been helping Aussie families plan and book their overseas snow holidays. Across Canada and the USA, Travelplan Ski will find great packages and deals, including flights, hotels and lift passes, to ensure you get everything right for a memorable family holiday.

Expert insider knowledge guides all families – from seasoned skiers and boarders to beginners – to choose the right destination and resort for their needs, tastes and budget. travelplan.com.au

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© Royce Sihlis

TRAVELPLAN SKI

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CANADA WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

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Images © Tourism Whistler

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ell-known by name, loved by many the world over, Whistler is the biggest resort in North America, located just two hours drive from Vancouver in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia (BC). The two majestic mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - loom above an extensive pedestrian-only village offering world-class amenities, with relaxing mountain culture and family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Over 3270ha of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, worldclass terrain parks and 200+ marked trails make this resort a skier’s dream destination. And, at the base Village, the accommodation, shops and an unbeatable après-ski scene for all ages round out the fantastic experience of a holiday at Whistler.

Whistler Village is comprised of the Village, Village North and Upper Village at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and all connected by the pedestrian-only Village Stroll. It’s this casual and friendly set up, where locals and visitors mingle, that gives Whistler its reputation for being ultra friendly with an all-inclusive ambience. The energy of the Village is found in shops, restaurants and eateries, street entertainment and markets and all within an easy stroll of a range of accommodation including hotels like Four Seasons, Westin, Hilton and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. With something to suit all budgets and family sizes, you can opt to self-cater or relax and let someone else take care of the day-todays in a wide choice of condominiums, townhomes, chalets and homes and hotels.

Kids Ski Free and Kids Rent Free (12 & under when booking with an adult) at Whistler and, on the slopes, children from 3 years to 12 years can take part in fun, age appropriate Kids Ski and Snowboard programs, and kids from 13 to 18 years, of all ability levels, will love Whistler-Blackcomb’s teen ski and snowboard lessons. Whistler’s 3 and 5-day Adventure Camps for kids aged 3 to 6 years provide a fantastic group lesson environment that’s jam-packed with fun events, themes and activities. Children progress quickly and confidently with the same instructor for the duration.

Snowplay activities for children and families are plentiful, including winter ziplining, tubing, snowshoeing, snow mobile rides, dogsledding and sleigh rides. There’s also free outdoor ice skating and, the must-see views from the incredible Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride.

Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza Snow Zone, a dedicated snowplay zone for kids tucked among coffeehouses, restaurants and shops, that has a stockpile of the best ingredient ever – snow! Whistler Olympic Plaza is also the venue for Family Après, an event featuring free kid-friendly activities and entertainment held on select evenings through winter. Surrounded by the sparkling holiday lights and close to the outdoor ice skating rink, Family Après is all about experiencing winter outdoor fun with your kids, the Canadian way. The entertainment and family activities change from week to week, from snowman building competitions and tobogganing to storytelling, roving characters, music, snacks and hot beverages.

Want more? What about Whistler Museum in the Village with fun indoor activities and crafts for kids 6 to 12 years, Whistler Public Library with Teen Lounge, Wi-Fi and kids play area, the Winter Scavenger Hunt and Kids Night Out? And then there’s Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary free Fire & Ice Show every Sunday night at Skier’s Plaza. Watch the resort’s best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire to the accompaniment of a DJ, fire spinners and fireworks! whistlerblackcomb.com

S K I U S A , C A N A D A & J A PA N

From Whistler in Canada to Colorado’s Steamboat in the US, Skimax snowboarding and snow skiing specialists will help you find a destination and package that ticks all the boxes for your 2016/17 family snow holiday needs. The Skimax team personally visits all of the resorts Skimax features to provide families with the most up-to-date resort and accommodation lowdown, and fantastic packages.

Across Whistler, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, Big White, Squaw Valley, Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth, Steamboat, Telluride, Aspen Snowmass, Beaver Creek, Park City, Deer Valley, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley and many more North American Resorts, that’s a whole lot of expertise and service! skimax.com.au

© iStock

SKIMAX

WHISTLER WITH SKIMAX

Whistler Cascade Lodge 7 NIGHTS FROM ONLY

$3379*per family

EARLYBIRD SPECIAL: UP TO 47% OFF! 7 nights in a Two Bedroom Condo at the Whistler Cascade Lodge 6 day lift pass for two adults & 2 kids (12 years & under) Add ski or snowboard hire from only $38 per adult and kids rent FREE!

Add an ACTIVITY Book with Skimax and save up to 20%**

LEARN MORE: WWW.SKIMAX.COM.AU OR CALL US ON 1300136997

13462_SKIMAX_Whistler Print Ad.indd 1

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Dogsledding

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Snowmobile Tour

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Mountain Top Fondue by Snowmobile or Snowcat

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Ziptrek Tours

KIDS 12 & UNDER SKI FREE

*Valid for travel 10-26 January 2017. Book & pay by 31 August 2016. ** Book & pay by 15 November 2016.

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S KI U SA, CA NA DA & JAPA N

North American Winter Season

Flights

Adaptive skiing and snowboarding Many resorts provide wonderful programs, lessons, gear, lifts and inclusive programs for children and adults with cognitive, sight/ hearing and/or physical disabilities. Steamboat’s S.T.A.R.S is a fully-inclusive program for children with special needs from 5 to15 years, and includes activities that allow the whole family to have fun together. Whistler has an extensive adaptive program for kids aged 6 years and over, across skiing and snowboarding, and Big White Adaptive Snowsports’ certified instructors ensure everybody can have fun on the slopes.

For more information about Adaptive programs and accessible accommodation, check with your preferred resort.

TIP: Enquire about and book Adaptive classes and lessons in advance of your trip.

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Many Australian and North American airlines fly between the USA and Canada and Australian cities. Other airlines fly to the USA and Canada from Australia via other destinations. Your ski travel specialist or travel agent can help you find the right flights and prices, including domestic flights in the USA and Canada, to get you to your destination resort with the minimum of fuss and within budget! skimax.com.au travelplan.com.au

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The season generally starts in November and runs through to the end of April/beginning of May. Some resorts may kick off slightly later or run shorter, depending on snow conditions.

TIP: Check your preferred resort’s 2016/17 projected Winter Season open and close dates before booking.

Passes Your ski travel specialist can point you in the direction of the right Lift Pass offers and deals to suit your family holiday requirements. The EPIC PASS gives you access to multiple resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Park City and Heavenly (and Perisher in NSW) while The Mountain Collective covers Squaw Valley, Aspen Snowmass, Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Whistler, Mammoth and more, including Thredbo in NSW and New Zealand’s Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. snow.com/epic-pass mountaincollective.com

Ski & Snowboard Rentals If you don’t want to take ski and snowboard gear with you, you will find every resort is well-stocked with great clothing and gear rentals for the whole family. From beginners to experts, little ones to adults, resort rentals carry a wide selection of equipment and outerwear, and many even provide kids helmets free!

TIP: It’s a good idea to book your rental requirements in advance of your trip.

Transport from Airport to Slopes Whether you have booked on slope or off slope accommodation, most resorts provide shuttle services to easily transport families to and from their lodgings and the mountain.

Alternatively, you may choose to hire a car when you arrive at your destination airport. Ask your ski travel specialist to check resort transport/transfer arrangements, or find you a great car rental deal for the duration of your holiday.

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© Peta Murchison

DID YOU KNOW …?

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Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Japan “... walking (and much more!) in a winter wonderland … ”

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S K I U S A , C A N A DA & J A PA N

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hen the Australian summer arrives, Aussie families know to gear up for three months of swimming and sunning, the longest school holiday break of the year, and the excitement of the annual ‘festive season’. Conversely, while we enjoy our ‘ sunburnt country’ through summer, our familiar festive season motifs are almost entirely based on winter imagery. We joyfully sing about ‘…dashing through the snow’, ‘Frosty the snowman …’, ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘ Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow’ … without a snowflake, snowman, sleigh, or reindeer in sight.

So, tell the kids they can stop ‘dreaming of a white Christmas’ and take off for a family holiday in Japan, where fun-filled days can be spent in the snow at Adventure Mountain, Nipo Town (snow park for beginners), the Ice Village and the GAO Outdoor Center of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido.

In just a little over the time it takes to fly from the east coast of Australia to Honolulu or Bangkok, you will arrive in Japan, and discover the gateway to a magical winter playground. From December to March Tomamu offers up endless snowplay and adventure for the whole family. Even better, here you can experience the best of both seasons, thanks to the resort’s amazing, tropical Mina-Mina Beach, where families can relax and indulge in water activities in the middle of a snowy landscape.

But more about the beach later …

It’s not easy to encapsulate the Tomamu experience in words. Is it a super family-friendly ski and snowboarding resort? Is it a magical, white-blanketed kingdom full of sled rides, an Ice Village and snow-covered forests? Is it an exciting, adventure-filled, and unforgettable experience for all ages?

Yes, it’s all of those things, and more, because Tomamu’s philosophy is truly terrific:: families come in all different sizes and configurations, with a whole bunch of different individual interests, so a family holiday in the snow must include ample diverse, exciting, age-and-abilityappropriate, fun opportunities for everybody. But it must also include experiences that the whole family can enjoy together, and remember forever.

And if you’re puzzling how one resort can combine so many fantastic summer and winter elements into one sensational family holiday destination, ask your hosts when you arrive. They are guaranteed to smile, and tell you, simply, “This is how we Tomamu.”

Let’s start with accommodation …

There are two hotels in Hoshino Resorts Tomamu – The Tower, a modern, convenient and affordable hotel for families, and Hoshino Resort Risonare Tomamu, a luxury hotel designed as a family resort for adults! Both hotels offer convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation, and a great range of family rooms or suites, with options for larger groups and multi-gen holidaymakers, as well as free nappies, spas, Books&Café spaces and Kids Rooms, where children can play safely and the whole family can relax.

Far left: Ice Village Above: Forest Buffet Restaurant Nininupuri Mina-Mina Beach Below: Gao Outdoor Center © Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Family-friendly eats The resort has at least 20 different restaurants and cafes, including several buffet restaurants, each offering a wide choice of familiar meals and flavours for all ages. Try something different and treat the family to a traditional Japanese breakfast, take a night snow cruise for dinner in a mountain cabin, or dine at Mount Café RAP with its stunning bird’s eye view of the resort, from half way up the slopes. All of Tomamu’s eateries serve up delicious dishes created from fresh Hokkaido produce, including seafood, meat, dairy and vegetables.

Skiing & snowboarding Whether you are a regular snow-loving family or firsttimers, Tomamu’s ski runs and snowboarding slopes are

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S K I U S A , C A N A DA & J A PA N

fantastic, catering for all ages and abilities. Families can learn both disciplines together or in separate adult and children beginners’ programs and classes. If you’re new to the exhilaration of gliding on white powder then be assured - Tomamu instructors will make every stage of your tuition a safe, fun experience.

Children debuting on skis or snowboards can start their Tomamu holiday at the Kids Academy, where fun and challenging creative story-based lessons give firsttimers the confidence to learn, and engender a lifelong love for the snow! They can then test out their new skills on Adventure Mountain in two separate areas - Chokkari Mountain, for little ones with some experience, and Nipo Mountain for young beginners.

Nipo Town is a kids-only area for children too young to ski or snowboard and is a fun-filled wonderland that lets them enjoy some supervised snow time. Combine nursery, lunch and snow in a full-day program at GAO Kids Activity Club, as well as all-ages programs and fun activities for both parents and children.

Family snow play At Tomamu the opportunity to play together as a family is all around you.

Enjoy a snow picnic in a mountain hut in the forest (and toast marshmallows); join in a dogsled tour or a banana boat ride across snow-covered terrain; try snow rafting or a family snowshoe walk; start a snowball fight, and build a snow hut and a snowman together. Bait your lines and fish through a hole in a frozen lake, then cook and eat your delicious catch right there and then; go on a family treasure hunt through a winter forest; create charms from delicate snow crystals in a natural Ice Village, and visit with Santa and real reindeer over the festive season!

Above: Ice Village

The Ice Village The resort’s spectacular Ice Village just has to be seen to be believed – made of real ice by hand, the village magically emerges from mid-December (depending on temperature).Tomamu is located near the source of the Mukawa River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. When the seawater vaporises, it returns to Tomamu as rain, which then becomes ice and, when the temperature at Tomamu drops below minus 20 degrees celsius, the Ice Village – with its ice rink, ice slide, ice chapel and ice restaurant – comes to life.

…and what about the Beach …?

Pack your cozzies because you don’t have to miss a day of summer at Tomamu! Mina-Mina Beach provides a slice of the warm tropics in this winter wonderland, and boasts one of Japan’s largest indoor wave pools. The massive glass ceiling over the complex absorbs sunlight, creating a balmy, beachside atmosphere inside, regardless of the chill factor outside.

Bigger kids can hop inside the Cyber Wheel and roll on the water while little ones enjoy a splash and paddle in the Kids Pool while mum and dad relax on sun loungers near the Poolside Café.

Getting There Hoshino Resorts Tomamu snowtomamu.jp/winter/en snowtomamu.jp/cp/ howtotomamu Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways fly from Australia to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, via Tokyo.

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An Enriching Experience For All Ages At the award winning inclusive five star Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort – Fiji you will rekindle romance, savour creative gourmet cuisine, relax, rejuvenate with a massage and enjoy snorkelling and fishing while your treasures are nurtured by fantastic Fijian nannies. The only resort in Fiji to employ a marine biologist, it has created a wonderful program for children (Bula Club 9am-9pm) which focuses on fun, culture and the environment. It creates time for families to bond and allows parents some wonderful “couples time out”. Two children under 12 are free with 2 adults.

For enquiries on family packages inclusive of 2 free nights + bonuses

call: 1300 306 171 email: sales@fijiresort.com www.fijiresort.com or see your local Travel Agent

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The 4 star Naviti Resort is cocooned on 38 acres of tropical gardens alongside golden beaches and tropical palms. Situated on Fiji’s famous coral coast the Naviti Resort is a famous All Inclusive resort. where guests can enjoy all meals, unlimited drinks, free golf green fees, Sunset Cruise, nightly entertainment, and many other activities.

For more information or to make a reservation Ph. (679) 653 0444 Fax. (679) 653 0099 Email : navitireservations@warwickhotels.com Website: www.warwicknaviti.com

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© Tahoe Cedar Glen

contents

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Cedar Glen/Adirondack Chairs p. 93

It might be Australia’s important centre of politics but, as JULIE JONES discovers, our national Capital is also a family-centric, fun place for a getaway – with wheelchair-accessible activities aplenty!

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, near Far North Queensland’s famed Airlie Beach, proves an ideal base for exploring this sensational part of Australia. SUE WHITE and tiny tot, Ollie, soak up the fun at this fantastic resort, taking day trips and island-hopping in paradise.

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BARRY STONE shares a summer holiday with his family, delighting in a whole range of memorable experiences with the beautiful, natural playground of North Lake Tahoe as their backdrop.

Launceston provides plenty of opportunity for adventures of the family variety. ELISA ELWIN enjoys an active and exhilarating multi-gen break in the Apple Isle’s #1 northern city.

JANEECE KELLER spends two days in the former Portuguese colony of Macao and finds a charming and fascinating destination for families. Beyond the bright lights, Macao entertains all ages with a daily smorgasbord of culture, history, food and fun.

Canberra’s key policy – have fun!

Tahoe Heaven – Lake Tahoe USA

Soft adventure and big thrills in Launceston

Lazy Whitsundays

Making the most of Macao

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COME AS YOU PLAN AS

In the cool, pine-covered mountains of Arizona, Flagstaff offers year-round outdoor adventure, an eclectic 1890s historic downtown, and easy access to Grand Canyon National Park and other family-friendly attractions.

Plan your trip at flagstaffarizona.org

ARE,

YOU GO.

Tahoe Heaven Lake Tahoe, USA

Lake Tahoe has long been at the top of the list of homegrown, year-round holiday destinations for American families (and celebrities!), and its famous ski fields, including Heavenly and Squaw Valley, positively pulsate with happy snow-lovers in winter. In late spring and autumn, Tahoe turns on all of its natural charm, offering abundant water sports and soft adventures for all ages, to the great delight of BARRY STONE and his family.

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igh in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California/Nevada border, the Stone family were in a reflective mood. Warmed by the communal campfire that has long been a nightly event at Cedar Glen Lodge on the northern shoreline of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, we sank into our Adirondack chairs, sipped hot chocolates and munched on our s’mores - fire-roasted marshmallows and Hershey’s chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers (which tastes a whole lot better than it reads). And we were licking our wounds. Our pursuit of ‘soft adventure’ had resulted in a couple of, well, mishaps …

Earlier that day my 15 year-old son Jackson and I were kayaking the frigid waters off Vikingsholm Beach in Emerald Bay, once a drowned glacial valley now a teardropshaped slice of typical Tahoe heaven, on our way to Fannette Island, the lake’s only island and so tiny you could probably circumnavigate it in ten minutes.

Like all who paddle out to, or otherwise wash up on, this granite speck, we clamboured up its 10m ‘summit’ and into the ruins of its stone “Tea House”. Built in the late 1920s by

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Fannette Island, Emerald Bay

“ … I saw my boys perched on a granite outcrop, all played-out, staring westwards across the lake to the setting sun …”

Lora Knight, who owned the island and a considerable portion of Emerald Bay’s foreshore, this was where she delighted in bringing guests for afternoon teas. Even in its heyday the 4m x 4m Tea House only had four oak chairs, a table, and a fireplace. Now it’s just four crumbling walls and a roof that’s long since collapsed.

But it remains a genuine sanctuary, especially in Tahoe’s crowded high season. And ohhh, the views . . .

After an hour or more spent casting our eyes over the ridge lines of the Tahoe Basin we scrambled back down to our kayak, wedged between two boulders on the island’s granite-strewn shoreline, began paddling back towards the beach . . . . and straight into the wake left behind by the MS Dixie II, a 500-passenger screwdriven paddle wheeler that has been sailing these waters since the mid-1990s. Failing to get our bow around in

time, its waves hit us side-on, and the lake’s 13 degree Celsius water spilled into our kayak, drenching us from our waists down.

Around the time we were calculating the onset of hypothermia, wife Yvonne and 11 year-old Truman were hiking the Cascade Falls Hiking Trail, an easy 1.5 hour round trip ideal for families, with 60m falls and views over nearby Cascade Lake a great reward for minimal effort. Heading back to the trailhead, however, Truman slipped and fell against a rock, badly bruising his arm. Fortunately, not his ping-pong arm . . .

We met up and shared stories of our mutual misfortunes before heading back to our lodge, stopping only at the gated estate which in 1974 was used as the location for the Corleone family compound in The Godfather Part II. The house is now gone, but the

Previous page: Truman at Sand Harbor From far left: Thunderbird Lodge View through the window of the Tea House A makeshift mooring at Fannette Island Thunderbird Yacht on Lake Tahoe

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Above: Jackson kayaks on Emerald Bay

Getting there Qantas, United and American Airlines all fly from Australia to Reno Nevada, via either LA or San Francisco. Check airline websites for flights from your nearest capital city.

United Airlines flies daily from San Francisco to Reno (1 hour); United and American Airlines fly daily direct to Reno from Los Angeles (1.5 hours).

Plan your Tahoe trip Visit Go Tahoe North gotahoenorth.com Car Hire driveaway.com.au Cedar Glen Lodge tahoecedarglen.com

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boathouse featured in the movie is still there. Back at the lodge Jackson hit the sauna, Truman played ping-pong with a Texas boy in a Donald Trump “Make America Great Again” t-shirt (yep, they have kids sizes), while Yvonne and I looked to the next day, and the two treasures to come: Sand Harbor, and the stunning Thunderbird Lodge.

I first visited Thunderbird Lodge eight years ago while driving south along the lake’s eastern shoreline, after passing its driveway and glimpsing just enough to cause me to make a hasty U-turn which turned out to be one of the more memorable U-turns of my life. Never underestimate the possibilities born of spontaneity.

In the 1930s, not long after Lora built her Tea House, George Whittell, an eccentric and reclusive millionaire with a love for women (and giraffes, but that’s another story) built one of North America’s most coveted residences on a granite promontory south of Sand Harbor. An Arts & Crafts-era masterpiece the 16,000 sq ft main building of locally quarried stone is surrounded by a fairytale, Alice in Wonderland world of waterfalls, ponds, paths and drystone walls that delight adult and child alike, a folly so perfectly conceived and executed it almost improves upon nature. You know the real estate mantra “location, location, location”?

Thunderbird Lodge is that mantra’s purest expression.

And if you think the lodge is fab, wait until you see the boat!

A 200m-long tunnel blasted through solid granite connects the house to the boathouse, home to the

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16m-long Art Deco masterpiece, the incomparable, unforgettable Thunderbird Yacht. With its tripleplanked mahogony deck wrapped around a tapered stainless-steel cabin shaped to mimic the fuselage of Whittell’s DC-2 aircraft, its two V-12 Allison jet engines give it a top speed of 60 exhilarating knots. Cruises are rather expensive, and infrequent too, so check availability. Annoyingly after two visits I’m still to get onboard because of scheduled maintenance works. But just to emerge from the tunnel and see it before you in all its considerable glory, is gob-smacking enough.

We spent our final Tahoe hours at Sand Harbor, a crescent-shaped yellow sand beach with a backdrop of Jeffrey pines beneath a sky as deep a blue as the water before us. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is held here each summer, and it’s here you’ll find the best example of the lake’s most recognisable landform - its massive rounded granite boulders - the product of what geologists call Spheroidal weathering, and a natural playground of infinite possibilities.

But Sand Harbor is more than that. Imagine the Olgas, or the Bungle Bungles made small, accessible.

Climbable! This beach, like Tahoe itself, if you let it, can reach deep inside you. I realised this when I saw my boys perched on a granite outcrop, all played-out, staring westwards across the lake to the setting sun as it dipped below the far-off peaks of the Desolation Wilderness, sitting on igneous rocks that millions of years ago were forced to the surface through uplift and erosion, just so they could provide a seat from which to view the end of another perfect Tahoe day.

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Canberra’s key policy -

have fun!

Canberra may be Australia’s seat of politics but, over a weekend stay in the Capital, JULIE JONES discovered it also has a great policy around family fun – including many well-disguised educational opportunities. Shhhhh … don’t tell the kids.

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atering to everyone on a family holiday can be tricky, and we have the additional need of finding wheelchair accessible accommodation and activities. I’m happy to say that Canberra delivered on all fronts. Although within easy reach of Sydney for a weekend visit, there was so much to do we wished we could stay for a week.

Accessible, family-friendly accommodation With only two days to explore Canberra we chose centrally-located accommodation at the Novotel Canberra, in the heart of the city and within easy reach of all the main attractions. The hotel is family friendly with kids menus, an indoor pool and a small play area for young children, and our two inter-connecting rooms - one was an accessible room and the other a regular hotel room - had all of the facilities we needed, like a wheelchair accessible bathroom, as well as plenty of space to spread out.

The cost of travelling as a family adds up so any inclusions in an accommodation package are always

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welcome! Novotel Canberra’s 3infun Family Package includes a buffet breakfast daily and a family pass to three of Canberra’s most popular attractions including Questacon, Cockington Green Gardens and the Australian Institute of Sport.

Before heading out for the day the kids loved making their own juice and using the pancake machine at the Novotel’s buffet breakfast. Then they were raring to go, and well-fuelled for their jam-packed day.

Australian Institute of Sport I felt a bit of a fraud doing the AIS tour. I don’t have an athletic bone in my body and only take an interest in sport when the Olympics roll around every four years.

So it was surprising that I loved the AIS. Our guide for the morning was Reece, an athlete training in track and field for a future Olympics, and the first stop on our tour was an interactive experience that was a hit with kids and adults alike. We tried out lots of activities including wheelchair basketball, soccer, bike riding and rowing.

With the Olympics so close it was lovely to be able to show the kids real Olympic medals, an Olympic torch,

team uniforms and photos from previous games.

We spent the rest of the tour learning about the training routines of the athletes, including the Paralympians, and at the training facilities we were lucky enough to see male gymnasts practising their routines, and other athletes working out in the gym.

For any budding athlete it’s a good insight into the dedication and work that goes into becoming an elite athlete. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder of why we never became one!

Cockington Green Gardens Miniature Fun We’ve visited Cockington Green many times so there was an element of sentimentality to seeing the miniature village and gardens again. We watched our old home movies before our trip and I was reminded just how quickly kids grow! It also reinforced the ways in which travel bonds families, through shared experiences and memories.

Cockington Green is set on just over 2ha and the displays are all at perfect pram and wheelchair height.

Children excitedly rush from one display to the next and there is so much detail to be appreciated in the small buildings that set a scene of village life, with quirky touches including a dog running off with sausages from the butcher shop, Stig from Top Gear hiding, and someone performing CPR in the street! The kids always love the interactive displays where they can guide the trains or make the windmills move. An absolute must is a ride on the steam train - not only is it fun but it gives a great view of the displays – followed by a stop at the café, because the home-made scones are divine.

Boat at Boundless playground

Questacon

From far left:

We saved our favourite attraction for our last day.

Questacon’s aim is to make science fun for all and judging by the anticipation around our visit, they succeeded. Questacon encourages hands-on experiments and play and it’s wonderful to see the interaction

Playing wheelchair basketball at Australian Institute of Sport

Kids at Cockington Green Gardens

Family fun at Questacon

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Making juice at Novotel Ca

nberra

Above: A statue of Simpson and his donkey field ambulance in Canberra in Australia © Shutterstock

Julie Jones is the creator of Have Wheelchair Will Travel, where she combines her skills as an extravel consultant with her life and experiences as a mother to her daughter AJ and son BJ, who has cerebral palsy. havewheelchairwilltravel.net

More info novotelcanberra.com ausport.gov.au/ais questacon.edu.au cockingtongreen.com.au awm.gov.au boundlesscanberra.org.au obdm.com.au

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between parents and kids as they explore the science behind the displays. We caught the lift to the top and worked our way down, stopping at each level.

The earthquake exhibit has had a makeover since our last visit. We were asked to use blocks to create a building that we thought could withstand an earthquake, and our efforts were then put to the test with a simulated earthquake! As many of them came crashing down, we were given the opportunity to learn from our building’s weaknesses and try again.

Mini Q is an area of Questacon designed for children 0-6 years where little ones are encouraged to explore and use their imaginations in the different spaces – from the water play area (my personal favourite) to role playing fun in engaging activities across various settings including a bakery and a vet surgery. Mini Q is very popular and at peak times visitor numbers are limited. Get there at opening to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Australian War Memorial Although we didn’t have time to look inside the War Memorial we visited at closing time for a special ceremony. Each day at 4.55pm the Last Post Ceremony starts with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, a laying of wreaths and the story of one of the 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war. It is moving and a wonderful way of connecting children to the sacrifices made by our service men and women.

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Novotel Canberra Access Novotel Canberra was the perfect base for our weekend adventure. All areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible and staff went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable.

All the attractions in the 3infun pass are also wheelchair accessible and suitable for families travelling with a pram.

Canberra is home to a popular inclusive and accessible playground, aptly named Boundless. With ramp access to the main play equipment, sand diggers that can be used by wheelchair users, and an accessible boat, the playground’s inclusive elements mean that no one misses out.

Canberra is truly a wonderful family-friendly and accessible destination but be warned, there is so much to do you’ll wish you had stayed longer – TIP: The Old Bus Depot markets are on 10-4pm every Sunday. The market is a mix of hand made items, gourmet foods and live entertainment. The bagels are the best!

Now open

© Jürgen Otto

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre King Edward Terrace, Canberra. Phone 02 6270 2800 Open 9 am–5 pm every day. Closed 25 December.

Admission fees apply.

www.questacon.edu.au

#spiders

Exhibition partner

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?

S Y A D I L O H LOVE

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BIG4.com.au Isn’t it time you visited?

Soft adventure and big thrills in

Launceston Once lingering in the shadows of the Apple Isle’s capital, Hobart, the northern city of Launceston is now emerging as a vibrant Tasmanian tourist destination in its own right as ELISA ELWIN discovered on a multi-gen long weekend holiday to ‘Lonnie’.

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F

antastic restaurants, beautiful natural spaces and an easily-walkable city centre are just some of Launceston’s big pluses, but we had also come to experience its latest family-friendly soft adventure thrills at the newly-opened Penny Royal Adventures and Underwood Park’s Trees Adventure. With three generations - from grandpa to 8-year-old - we were ready to see what Launceston had to offer for both young and old.

Tasmanian bushranger tales at Penny Royal Adventures After a Friday morning arrival from Sydney we settled into our accommodation for the next two nights at the Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments, a heritage property that is just a short walk from Launceston’s CBD. Over lunch on the outdoor terrace of the Wine Bar and Restaurant we mapped out our afternoon at Penny Royal Adventures - a brand new fun park that was officially opened in March 2016. Developed by Josef Chromy of Tasmanian wine fame, the park is packed with soft adventure thrills and family activities that include rock climbing, cliff rope walks and a few unexpected encounters.

While the younger ones immediately kitted out in climbing gear to tackle the challenging heights of the rope course, the rest of us watched from the more sedate comfort of the café. Next, it was all-in for all-ages gold fossicking in the Gold and Gemstone Mine (yes, there is real gold!), followed by a sail around the lake

Chairlift

CliffWalk at Penny Royal Entrance Penny Royal Tree Adventures

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on the wartime Sandpiper 10 (complete with exploding cannons), and an exploration of the Barefoot Sensation Adventure Trail.

But we saved the best for last, with the barge, or “dark ride” immersing us in the tale of Tasmanian bushranger, Matthew Brady. Animatronics combine with dramatic lighting to create a nerve-inducing experience that climaxed with a thrilling finale when (spoiler alert!) live actors had us all jumping out of our skins.

As soon as the ride was over the fearless among us were up for another turn!

After such an adrenalin-pumping afternoon, it was nice to be within a stone’s throw of our accommodation to freshen up before dinner at Hallam’s Waterfront seafood restaurant, located on Launceston’s Tamar yacht basin. Here we were treated to delicious abalone and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, and an upmarket delight of fish and chips.

Flying through the forest on a full stomach With more adventure on the menu for Saturday, we started the day bright and early with breakfast at the Harvest Market. This community event is completely dedicated to Tasmanian produce, with food and wine makers from across the island coming together at the Cimitiere Street car park to showcase their gourmet goods. It was wonderful to see the creativity of the Tasmanian artisans and sample first-hand what the fresh air and fertile soils of the “Apple Isle” can produce.

There was an (almost) unanimous call for more rope action, so we prepared to relive our Penny Royal Adventures – this time among the treetops of Hollybank Forest. Just a short drive out of Launceston, the forest canopy hides a series of ‘cloud stations’, connected by exhilarating zip lines and ropes courses, with levels to suit all ages. The birds-eye view of Hollybank’s old and new growth forests was spectacular.

A stroll through Launceston’s beautiful City Park brought us back to earth, as we meandered through the lush, tropical conservatory and watched ducks flap about on the pond and got up close with Japanese macaques at the park’s enclosure.

From Tasmanian Tigers to Tamar Valley Wines

Previous page: Carys ready for rock climbing Opposite page clockwise:

...cultural, natural and culinary offerings are drawing a different breed of traveller ...

Rock climbing at Penny Royal

From outdoor to indoor, education and fun awaited us at the museum, which forms part of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. The displays are spread over two heritage buildings (as well as a separate

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Right: Cataract Gorge

More info Destination Launceston destinationlaunceston.com.au Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments leisureinnpennyroyal.com.au

“Animatronics combine with dramatic lighting to create a nerve-inducing experience that climaxed with a thrilling finale …” planetarium) and there’s a free Tiger Bus to whisk you between the venues. We wandered around the former 19th century railway workshop of the museum and discovered so much more about Tassie, including the mysterious Tasmanian tiger (claimed by some to still be in existence on the island.)

It’s no secret that Tasmania makes some outstanding wines, and although this was a family holiday, we weren’t going to miss out on sampling some of the best. With that in mind, we made the 10-minute drive south to the gorgeous Josef Chromy Winery and Restaurant. Boasting a stunning setting within the sprawling vineyards and a menu that draws on locallysourced, seasonal produce, it’s no wonder it has been twice-voted Launceston’s Most Outstanding Visitor Experience. Needless to say, the food was delicious and the wine even more so.

Natural pools, playgrounds and peacocks On our final day in Launceston we headed first to the famous Cataract Gorge - a spectacular area just a short 15-minute stroll from the city centre. It’s home to natural swimming pools, playgrounds for the kids and even a few resident peacocks, but it was a ride on the

Penny Royal Wine Bar and Restaurant facebook.com/Pennyroyalwine barandrestaurant

world’s longest single-span chairlift over the gorge that really left us in awe.

After breakfast at the Basin Cafe near the start of the chairlift, we glided above the park, taking in the views across the South Esk River, before disembarking at the Cliff Grounds. With a suspension bridge and lookouts along the way, the trail meandered along the river and through stone archways, eventually emerging at our destination - the Duck Reach Power Station Interpretation Centre. This former hydro electricity station now draws curious tourists to delve into what was once one of Tasmania’s most important industries during a period when man tried to tame this wild island.

The changing face of Tasmania’s tourism When we flew out from Launceston, back to the “mainland”, I remembered the days when Tasmania was just a remote island outpost where few but seasoned trekkers ventured. Today its cultural, natural and culinary offerings are drawing a different breed of traveller, and Launceston’s newly opened soft adventure sights were a firm reminder that families of all ages (and fitness levels) will also find their thrills.

Treetop Adventures treesadventure.com.au/ underwood-park-tasmania Harvest Market harvestmarket.org,au City Park destinationlaunceston.com.au/ see_do/city_park QVMAG Museum qvmag.tas.gov.au Josef Chromy josefchromy.com.au Cataract Gorge launcestoncataractgorge.com.au Penny Royal Adventures facebook.com/ pennyroyaladventures 1 Bridge Road, Launceston Purchase individual adventures (such as the Penny Royal Dark Ride, gold fossicking or a trip on the Sandpiper) or just opt for an Adventure Pass that includes a range of Cliff and Park activities.

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Great Barrier Reef ~ Australia

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INCLUDES: • 4 nights in a Garden Balcony room • Full buffet breakfast daily • Children stay and eat breakfast FREE of charge* • FREE shell necklace and mocktail on arrival • FREE WI-FI# • FREE holiday portrait during your stay • Over 20 FREE guest activities including catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, mini golf, open air cinema, stingray & shark feeding show, gym, rainforest walk, & more!

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*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. On sale until 31/08/16. For travel until 31/01/17. Block out dates apply: 17/09/16 - 09/10/16, 17/12/16 - 15/01/17. Children 0-14 years inclusive stay and eat breakfast free of charge when sharing a room with parents/adults and utilising existing bedding. Cots can be provided free of charge but are included in the max room capacity. Max capacity of 4 people per hotel room. # Free Wi-Fi in atrium and all room types 24 hours a day. Valid for new bookings only. Prices quoted are in Australian dollars.

FREE CALL 1800 075 040 Tel +61 7 3259 2350 Email reservations@daydreamisland.com

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Lazy Whitsundays ‘How best to tackle a trip to the Whitsundays with a toddler in tow?’ pondered SUE WHITE, as she prepared for a holiday adventure in this sensational part of Queensland with her tiny travel companion, Ollie.

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Toddler on a plane

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rriving at the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, just a short drive out of Queensland’s Airlie Beach, I’m keenly aware that I’m not partaking in what many consider to be the ‘traditional’ Whitsunday Islands dream. First, I’m on the mainland, and second – well, this is a holiday park.

Nonetheless, I can’t get rid of the feeling I’ve stepped into a resort of sorts. The holiday park known by locals as “frog park” (for the tiny green frogs which make it their home) features palm trees dotted atmospherically across the 14.5ha grounds; two waterslides in a lagoon-style pool area; a great playground including not one, but two jumping pillows (one solely for littlies); a Kids Club (with Toddler Time every Tuesday – thoughtfully timed to coincide with the poolside masseuse’s weekly schedule); outdoor movies; and mini golf – no wonder it has won a swag of tourism awards.

Reception doesn’t do much to dissolve the resort fantasy: the lobby looks deceptively hotel-like. In fact, when I discover how good the overall park setup is, I adjust our schedule to spend more time here rather than simply using it as a place to sleep.

“… Daydream Island … we swim in the pool; check out the wallabies which hang out on the island’s coral beaches; and hand-feed the fish at Lover’s Cove … “ Of course, there are plenty of competing priorities in the region.

We begin with an easy daytrip to Daydream Island. Just 35 minutes on a toddler-friendly boat (aka: one with plenty of enclosed areas), it’s a good choice. We freely avail ourselves of the facilities available to all guests (daytrippers or otherwise): we swim in the pool; check out the wallabies which hang out on the island’s coral beaches; and hand-feed the fish at Lover’s Cove, where my 22 month old seems unperturbed by the dozens of fish bumping into his reef sandal-enclosed feet. We also upgrade to a private tour of the island’s Living Reef, mostly for the chance to feed barramundi and stingrays. It’s a good choice – for the experience as well as the knowledge of the enthusiastic marine biologist leading the experience – and we make it (just) to the end of the 45-minute session with ‘he-who-is-almost-two’ more entranced than impatient.

My philosophy when travelling with young kids

is to follow each big day with something lower key, so our next day is spent solely at BIG4. It’s relaxing, enjoyable and would be almost effortless but for the 50 times I have to accompany my toddler up and down the waterslide (okay, it’s worth it – he’s delighted).

By day three we’re ready for Whitehaven Beach. Cruise Whitsundays (the same company which transfers visitors between the islands and Airlie Beach) has a morning option which works well for young kids – Whitehaven is less crowded then, it’s cooler and the schedule coordinates better with a toddler’s lunch sleep. It’s low stress, given the boat is mostly enclosed (there are seated areas outside, but I pretend those don’t exist so I don’t have to choose between

Wallabies on Daydream Island

Previous page: Ollie on Whitehaven Beach Above: Waterslide fun at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Three Mermaids

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Frog Café Cannonvale Getting there Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands is a group of 74 islands between Townsville and Mackay. Visitors can fly into Proserpine Airport and take a bus to Airlie Beach (38 kms) or fly direct into Hamilton Island, where Cruise Whitsundays offers transfers to Airlie Beach (one hour). Keep an eye out for flight specials – we’ve seen flights for under AUD$100 each way from Sydney (on Jetstar – although Virgin and Qantas also fly here).

Living Reef tour on Daydream island

“ … in just five nights, BIG4 has become home - my resort away from the resorts – and I suspect that, like the majority of their guests, I’ll be back.”

Staying there BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has a range of accommodation options, from studios and villas to two and three bedroom cabins. Prices are seasonal but start from AUD$175 per night for a family of four in a 2 bedroom cottage.

When to visit Most visitors prefer to travel outside of stinger season (although experts don’t like to use the phrase, noting that stingers are possible year round).

We wear a stinger suit on Whitehaven in late May, although May/June to October is considered outside the problem period. adventurewhitsunday.com.au cruisewhitsundays.com.au The writer stayed courtesy of Cruise Whitsundays andBIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.

Sue White is a travel writer and founder of babieswhotravel.com

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carrying my son in a carrier or worrying he’ll jump overboard). Like every tour operator in the area, Cruise Whitsundays also does the main Great Barrier Reef daytrips, but those are a much longer day out.

Still, Whitehaven is a success: its world-famous soft white sand manages to impress, despite the fact that we spend our two hours just 50m from where Cruise Whitsundays drops us. There are seven kilometres of beach to explore, but I leave that for when my son is older and (theoretically) willing to walk back when required.

Our next ‘off’ day is spent exploring home base: Airlie Beach. The town is a famous backpacker stop but as we’re staying out of town, I’ve seen nay one until now. In fact, I don’t stumble across any backpackers until lunchtime, because we spend the first part of the day local style. First, we jump on a local bus for the five-minute ride and short stroll to Big Frog Cafe at Cannonvale Beach. The healthy and delicious meals (and the water view) impress all ages, but so does the café’s kids play area. (An old fashioned typewriter! I’m in love).

Next up is a 2.5km stroll into Airlie proper via the flat, mostly boardwalked, path through parks, a marina and view of the stunningly clear waters. Our destination is not the bar-packed town, but Airlie Lagoon: an expansive, fabulous (free) outdoor pool that keeps my toddler (and me) lazily entertained for most of the afternoon.

Sadly, home beckons, but we’ve opted to fly in and out of Hamilton Island, a one-hour ferry ride away, and I use the chance to see what I’ve missed by staying on the mainland! It’s nice, and if you had a large group then the luxury villas for eight would be a surprisingly cost-effective option (there are all sorts of room configurations). Hamilton Island ticks the boxes for an easy escape: there’s a decent mix of food options; we pass a fun morning at the island’s main swimming pool (which all visitors can use) and my toddler is particularly enthralled by the golf buggies which are the island’s main mode of transport (you can strap a car seat to one for young kids). But I realise that in just five nights, BIG4 has become home - my resort away from the resorts - and I suspect that, like the majority of their guests, I’ll be back.

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Photographers: Joann oa e Buck + Paul Osta l www w.TheRaro rotong tongan.c n om

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Making the most of

MACAO

They were expecting to find ‘The Las Vegas of Asia” – all casinos and bright lights. Instead, Macao turned on the charm, delighting JANEECE KELLER and her fellow travellers over two days of family fun, fabulous food and fascinating adventures.

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n opportunistic add-on, rather than the star of the show, our Macao visit was planned as a side note to our Hong Kong stay. We were an unlikely gaggle - two women and four girls (aged 7 to 14) - exploring Macao over two days and, how wrong our initial assumptions were.

I think the best way to describe Macao is that it’s like a well-adjusted love child of ancestral China and colonial Portugal - the flavours, sights and scents were unique, yet somehow familiar and we felt immediately welcome.

It takes only one hour to reach Macao from Hong Kong by TurboJet ferry, and Aussies, like most other nationalities, do not require a visa to stay in Macao for 30 days or less. It couldn’t have been simpler.

‘Shrekfast’ at Sheraton Macao

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Most of the resorts in Macao have unique family offerings and, even if you’re not an in-house guest, you can still be a part of many of these fun experiences. We based ourselves at Sheraton Macao - an easy decision because that’s where ‘Shrekfast’ is hosted! If you’re travelling with kids and you have the opportunity to have breakfast with characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, you just have to take it! The DreamWorks experience is the largest outside the US, and the cuteness factor at the buffet is taken to a whole new level. The panda steamed buns were by far the biggest hit with our crew, closely followed by the banana pops.

After a morning out exploring the city and getting a taste of ‘old Macao’, we organised day passes to Galaxy Macau Resort. The kids loved leaving the adults behind for a few hours as they floated along the world’s longest Skytop Aquatic lazy river, screamed their way down the waterslides, and boogie boarded in the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool.

But it’s not the 5-star resorts and hotel glamour that makes Macao a unique family destination. It’s when you venture away from the glitz and the glam for a local perspective that the peninsula comes alive.

We really wanted to experience old Macao and we decided to explore by pedicab. The kids, riding in their own pedicab, were in Instagram heaven – every shot guaranteed to get them more ‘Likes’ than the last. As my driver hauled me up the steep, cobblestone streets, I loved the feeling of being transported back in time to when the Macanese hand-painted their street signs in Mediterranean blue with both Chinese and Portuguese writing.

The colonial buildings with their coloured facades are so well maintained that I imagine it won’t be too long before Macao’s old town has the same reputation as Bo-Kap in Cape Town or the Painted Ladies of San Francisco.

This page: Macau tower Opposite from top: Ruins of St Paul’s Our pedicab driver in Old Macao Watching the pandas have breakfast at the Panda Pavillion

The kids, riding in their own pedicab, were in Instagram heaven every shot guaranteed to get them more ‘Likes’ than the last.

Senado Square is the historic heart of Macao and its wave-patterned mosaic paving goes all the way to the Ruins of St Paul’s, Macao’s most famous landmark. Standing on the steps at the façade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s you could be in Europe, until you get a whiff of incense from one of the Taoist offerings that line the adjacent paths. Or until the kids point out that there are a group of men taking their birdcages out for a walk. “That’s something we’d only see in Asia,” declared the teen.

And while I’m not sure the kids fully appreciated the history as much as the markets and souvenir stalls, they did choose St. Paul’s magnets as a memento of our trip.

Next-door to the Ruins of St Paul’s, an escalator took us into the Museum of Macao, located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Monte Fort.

The indoor highlights were definitely the Chinese puppet exhibit and the recreation of old Macao, but the real winner for us was the fortified rooftop terrace with its view of the city, complete with 32 canons and quiet Chinese gardens.

Between our Macanese cultural immersion and fun at the waterpark, we ventured to the 233rd level of the 338m Macau Tower for lunch and a chance to watch daredevils leap off the world’s highest bungy.

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Right: Admiring the view from the top of the Macau tower

Egg tarts from Lord Stow’s bake

ry

Janeece Keller is a travel writer and ceo of boundround.com, a website where travelling families can search for and book destinations and activities to suit the ages and interests of all the members of their family including the kids.

More info Macao Tourism visitmacao.com.au

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The kids revelled in one of ‘those’ holiday novelties - dining in the Tower’s revolving restaurant, where it’s a challenge to find your table after each trip to the buffet.

Our second full day was spent on Coloane island, which is connected to the rest of the Macao peninsula by series of causeways and bridges, and is a stark contrast to Macao’s main resort area.

Wonderfully untouched by the casino craziness because of complex property laws that make it difficult to buy property on the island, we spent a slower-paced day, all about nature, animals and finding some space for the kids to run around. First stop was the Giant Panda Pavilion where we got up close with Macao’s two resident giant pandas. The kids were captivated watching them eat.

It was on Coloane Island that we also reached the foodie climax of our trip.

Macao is famous for its egg tarts, which are very similar to Portuguese tarts, and one of my favourite treats. I’d resisted sampling any sweet, pastry and custard deliciousness the previous day because I’d been told that the tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery on Colonae island were the best.

When we arrived at the bakery there was a queue out the small shop front, which just added to the anticipation. We ordered a dozen (who can stop at

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just one?) and they were delivered in a box that wrapped us in wafts of warm custard when we opened it. Not too sweet, the tarts were light, with crispy pastry, and well worth the wait.

Macanese food is a mix of Chinese cuisine with a Portuguese touch. There’s plenty of seafood - codfish, sardines, crab - and the Portuguese influence is seen in the flavouring (turmeric, cinnamon, chilli and coconut). For the kids it wasn’t too spicy and the holiday favourite was chicken in a basket… noticeably not like the chicken in a basket you’d get in Australia.

To wrap up our more traditional day, we did what many other Aussies do on holidays. We went to the beach for a walk. Going to the beach wasn’t something we expected to do in Macao, but on Colonae island there are two delta beaches - Hac-Sa and Cheoc Van - on the Pearl River.

After our 72 hours in Macao we had been active outside, experienced living history and sampled food from corner cafes without giving food safety a second’s thought. I can honestly say none of that would have happened had we gone to Las Vegas or many other big Asian cities.

And, what’s more, not a single dollar was spent on casino tables!

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BABY & TODDLER

Travel

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TODDLER TR AV EL WITH SUE W HI T E

Toddlers and tents

… Is camping with a toddler a genius idea? Or a ghastly one?

S

Writer of our new Toddler Travel column, Sue White, is a journalist, travel writer, founder of babieswhotravel.com and mum to an energetic, well- travelled, toddler.

She’s also moderator of a Facebook community where travel-keen parents talk tips and tricks for family travel: facebook.com/groups/ KidsWhoTravel (all welcome).

ince my son was born, I’ve been firmly on the “We can do this!” side of the fence when it comes to travel. We’ve done long-haul flights and short-haul flights; road trips and train journeys; homey house sits and five-star hotels. But I confess, every time I’ve considered a camping trip with my toddler, a little voice kept saying in my head: “Is this really a good idea?”

Admittedly, camping involves a raft of logistics. There’s stuff to sleep on, stuff to sit on and stuff to eat off. You need methods to keep food cool while the humans stay warm: no wonder my mind boggled every time I thought about it.

But I kept coming back to the idea because there’s so much that’s great about camping: it’s natural, it’s entertaining, it’s social and, frankly, it’s cheap. What’s not to love?

So: I buck up. We embrace it, it rains, and we have an absolute ball. I - by no means - nail it first go, but I DO learn what to do next time. And yes, there’ll be a next time: sooner rather than later: I’ve decided that camping with a toddler is superb fun, once you get the basics right.

Sue’s 7 tips for a successful camping trip with a toddler Tip 1: Take other kids (the more the merrier!)

Mid way through day one of our first camping trip, I quickly realise the secret sauce for camping with a toddler: kids entertain other kids. Take a bunch with you and the pressure on the adults to be ‘cruise director for one’ is vastly diminished. If you’re camping in a holiday park versus a more rustic national park campground, the volumes of children multiply and, in my experience, the trip gets even easier.

Tip 2: Don’t forget the kids’ parents!

Not only is camping with other families more pleasant for the adults (there’s plenty of downtime, even with an inquisitive toddler around), but for new campers, friends hedge against the very real likelihood that, as a new camper, odds are you will forget stuff. I forget the folding chairs (despite having two in my shed) and, of course, it rains, so sitting on damp ground is far from appealing. Happily, my experienced camping buddies have spares. I forget tongs, and oil – both essentials for a good bbq (I’m so focused on plates and cups I bring an oversupply of each instead). Again, friends to the rescue.

Sussing out their setup over the weekend, I remember the trick from my own childhood: big plastic tubs with lids, purpose-packed with camping utensils, salt, pepper, the works. I make a note to create one before my next trip – not only will it save packing time but it will mean less chance of forgetting the tomato sauce, salt, silver foil or chopping board (yes, I forgot all of the above!).

Tip 3. A travel cot inside a tent isn’t a silly idea.

While I’ve heard of one friend sleeping their toddler in a one-person tent just next to his, I wanted my son at arm’s reach. But what to sleep him in? At home, he’s still in a cot, so I take my Phil and Ted’s cot and set that up inside our tent. It’s a good choice for the job, as it has a zip up top to guard against mosquitos, as well as a prized side zip (this gets opened in the middle of the night so my son can snuggle up if need be, but avoids him rolling around the tent when it’s adult-free).

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Tip 4. You need a bigger tent than you think.

In theory, I’m all for being a minimalist, but I’m surprised a just how small my three-person tent becomes once the travel cot goes in. If we end up doing this more often I’ll be upgrading to a two-room tent: one for sleeping and one for indoor play on rainy days.

Tip 5: Start short and go local.

Don’t think your first camping trip has to be a crosscountry mission. While car camping is fabulous with kids, it’s good to pare things back even further by starting local, and spending just a few nights away at a maximum. Even one night can be a good trial (pick somewhere within an hour of home). This means you’re close enough to home to bail, if something goes awry, plus, the logistics of keeping food cool reduce significantly when you’re only away for a couple of meals.

Tip 6: Age counts. Roll with the punches The difference between a 15 to 18 month old and the over-three-year-old crowd becomes starkly obvious when you’re in a campground. My 18 month old

thinks tent pegs are fun to pull up (note: hammer them in all the way!); decides other people’s tents are for shaking (not the best way to make friends); and has no concept of looking out for guy ropes (a campers trip hazard). But he loves pottering in the bush, the freedom to explore, and following the older kids everywhere (you win some and lose some).

Tip 7: Rain is the enemy (but don’t let it deter you) Of course, on our first trip, it pours. I arm my toddler with a raincoat and gumboots and let him go for it in the puddles. He can’t believe his luck and has a ball.

In my experience, rain is more depressing for the adults than the kids; kids don’t really care.

BONUS TIP: Camping tires out toddlers fast Some great news? All this outdoor play will tire out your toddler pronto. My son falls asleep in my arms on night one, and from then on it’s early to bed each night. True, there’s a downside: this also means it’s early to rise – but really, when camping, everyone wakes with the sun.

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AIS Tours Go behind the scenes on an award-winning guided AIS Tour. Challenge yourself in Sportex, offering fun and interactive sporting exhibits. Daily 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm. Fees apply.

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The Sleep Suit Bags are skin-friendly with an organic 400+ thread count cotton exterior and natural fibre filling, and have comfortable cotton fleece sleeves with fold down mitts to keep baby warm during the night.

With grip pads on the feet for little walkers, they are perfect for any bub on the move! ergoPouch Sleep Suit Bags are available in different tog ratings and seasonal prints. > ergopouch.com.au/sleepsuit-bags.html

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PAW Patrol: Brave Heroes, Big Rescues

Save the day with six huge and heroic rescues as the PAW Patrol pups return for their next quest. Back and prepared to embark on two daring double length adventures, PAW Patrol tackle some of their biggest rescues yet. Don’t miss a second of the action in PAW Patrol: Brave Heroes, Big Rescues, available to own now on DVD. The stakes are higher than ever for PAW Patrol, who are geared up and ready to take on all new challenges. This time, they transform into magical Mer-Pups to save their underwater friends and protect the beloved Adventure Bay from an impending dinosaur invasion. There’s never a rough day for this fearless puppy pack as they venture through dangerous caves, bunny-filled woods, icy tundras and more to save their pals, and even a missing kitty!

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Four new fluffy adventures for Dora

Nick Jr.’s favorite explorer is back and ready for a number of all-new exciting adventures in Dora the Explorer: It’s a Puppy Party. Join Dora and her best friend, Boots the monkey, as they embark on four different ‘Ruff Ruff’ puppy journeys, facing new challenges and making adorable friends along the way in Dora the Explorer: It’s a Puppy Party, available to own now on DVD. In some of her cutest adventures yet, Dora must find and save a puppy named Little Boots when he runs away from his bath toward a sleeping bear, all while keeping the other puppies clean! Dora then springs into action again as she helps the Fairy Godmother get back her puppy, jumps into a video game to stop an evil dogcatcher and helps Dora’s pet puppy Perrito meet his long-lost twin!

Just as Dora’s puppy journeys come to an end, Dora, Boots and Diego must travel back in time and return to the age of the dinosaurs to find Baby Jaguar and bring him home to his birthday party.

Favourite ABC KIDS friends in new DVD releases!

In this new double-length TV special from Season 4, a fire spreads throughout Tweak’s childhood home, The Everglades. So it’s up to The Octonauts to put it out and save the forest before it’s too late with a little help from the new Gup-K vehicle and Tweak’s dad, Ranger Marsh.

In the Night Garden is about a magical picture book place that exists between waking and sleeping in a child’s imagination. Words, rhymes and music carry the viewer through a happy world of loveable characters and nursery rhyme nonsense.

There are lots of fun games to play in the garden!

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