The best family holiday ideas your teenagers will love

Teenagers can be tricky travel companions, being notoriously hard to please when it comes to a family holiday. But a perfectly planned trip might just be the way to lure them in.

It may be hard to believe, but the ideal formula for a family holiday with teenagers is actually quite simple: it requires a mix of freedom and downtime, action and adventure, a chance for your children to socialise with others in their age group, and opportunities to inspire Instagram envy with a range of beautiful backdrops. From a resort island to a city setting, here are a few themed holiday ideas sure to keep even the pickiest teenagers happy.

An island getaway with a side of adventure

The tropical paradise of Hamilton Island holds a lot of appeal for families with teens. One of four resort islands in The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s necklaced with coral and makes a great base for families with active teenagers who can choose between snorkelling and learning to dive at some of the best scuba spots in Australia.

Sporty teens will love the thrill of skimming across the aquamarine seas behind a speedboat on a water tube or wakeboard . When they’ve finished playing volleyball on the beach, they can doze on a daybed, launch a catamaran off Catseye Beach (with your supervision), play a game of tennis, try windsurfing, or embark on a Turtle Discovery tour. If that’s not enough action, they can hit the hills on an adrenaline-fuelled quad bike expedition, or set off on a jet skiing or sea kayaking adventure, leaving you free to loll on a sun lounger.

For the ultimate island experience, whisk them off to Whitehaven Beach on a seaplane so they can deploy the #beachlife hashtag on Snapchat and win on social media.

HIE Family on seaplane — The ultimate island experience, a trip to Whitehaven Beach on a seaplane.

The ultimate city break

Whether you’re plotting an escape from the country or a staycation, a city break promises a good mix of things to do to keep fussy teens happy. Both Sydney and Melbourne have a profusion of arts-focused activities, with plenty of galleries to hop, museums to visit, graffiti-clad walls to tour and art classes to attend.

In Sydney, you can also explore heritage sights, Aboriginal rock art, a glittering harbour and a profusion of pretty beaches strewn with beautiful people. Stand on the cliffs at Cape Solander in Kurnell to try and spot a whale, hike to the Figure Eight Pools in the Royal National Park or test your teens’ mettle by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With its culture, great food scene and shopping, Melbourne is also a safe bet for a fun family holiday with teens. Book a hotel in the Victorian capital and lure them to the NGV and ultra-cool Lygon Street.

Family-climb-Sydney-Harbour-Bridge — Enjoy a staycation and test your teens’ mettle by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Surf centres

Unplug the PlayStation and head for the little seaside town of Avoca on the NSW Central Coast for great waves and a laid-back vibe. While it’s not exactly off the grid, the area is brimming with excellent options for families with teenagers. In addition to the brilliant surf beaches, there are local skate parks, vintage clothing stores and epic eateries.

Sign up those teens wanting to take their wave riding to the next level for a private lesson in Mollymook on the NSW South Coast with former ASP World Champion, Pam Burridge.

In Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, take the grommets to Cronulla Surfing Academy which caters to surfers of all experience levels or, when the waves at Wanda Beach are wild and woolly, book your teens into a kitesurfing lesson so they can learn how to harness the power of the wind.

Avoca-beach-sunset — Head for the little seaside town of Avoca on the NSW Central Coast for great waves and a laid-back vibe.

A luxury villa with friends

Shoalhaven Heads is a great playground for teenagers. Keep costs down by combining forces with a few other families with teens, while giving yours a few friends to hang out with at the same time. Bangalay Villas has a four-bedroom holiday house, or one- and two-bedroom villas side by side. Alternatively, Airbnb has some great options for family groups, like this one located at Culburra Beach. Enjoy some coastal fine dining while your teens go horse riding on Shoalhaven Beach or ride to the summit of Mt Coolangatta on a converted 4WD open-sided tractor bus with Bigfoot Adventures.

Yacht-Club-Villas — Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas are a perfect luxury self-catering accommodation option for families.

Hamilton Island also offers self-catered villas and suites, with most restaurants and cafes within strolling distance. Skip down to the beach for a picnic breakfast or hire a golf buggy for your P-plater to enjoy a change of pace around the Hamilton Island hillside.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Family holiday ideas your teenagers will love