37: Put your feet up at a ‘something for everyone’ resort or hotel

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It’s a universal traveller’s truth that there are hotels, and then there are hotels. This truth inspires even more meaningful head-nodding when you have a family on board. While self-catering accommodation often becomes the go-to option with kids in tow, sometimes it’s nice to hand over the hard work (and the housekeeping) to someone else for a while.

But there are conditions that must be met. We’re talking the trifecta here: the location must be both scenic and conveniently located for family-friendly activities; amenities must tick the ‘I’m spoiling myself’ box while remaining comfy enough for kids; and service should be warm and welcoming to families with children, but also relaxing enough for parents to feel they’re having some time out. We’ve found three options to help you start your search… Try these

Hayman, Qld

You’re off to a good start with the fact it’s a private Whitsunday island, right on the Great Barrier Reef. Add luxurious amenities and lifesaving services like child-minding, a kids’ club ranger program and junior diving basics courses during school holidays, and you’re laughing (preferably with tropical cocktail in hand). Hayman will close from mid–January til end March before re–opening as One & Only Hayman in April 2014.

Crowne Plaza, Terrigal, NSW

Aesthetic opinions are divided on this pink pyramid-like structure, which dominates the Terrigal foreshore. But there’s no denying its popularity with families. Terrigal has enough to keep everyone entertained, with a great selection of beaches (Avoca, Macmasters, Copacobana) nearby. The hotel has a pool, gym, kids’ club and various dining options, with the beach right in front.

Mantra Lorne, Vic

With hotel rooms or apartments to choose from, a prime beachfront position – not to mention a great base for exploring the Great Ocean Road – and a day spa for mum to enjoy while dad hits the tennis court or beach with the kids, this easy seaside option has ‘happy family’ written all over it.

 

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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)