The Best Outback Tips And Getaways For City Families

Indigenous culture, enriching wildlife experiences, challenging hikes and awe-inspiring landscapes make for an epic outback holiday every city family should enjoy at least once. Here’s how to make it a seamless – and fun – trip.

The Red Centre for families

When you think of the outback, the Northern Territory often springs to mind; it’s the quintessential red-soil, scorching-sun, desert-adventure destination.

How to get to the Red Centre

There are two options for easily reaching the Red Centre from a city – flying into Uluru or Alice Springs. If you only have a few days, hop on a plane to Ayers Rock Airport and tour around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

If you have a week or more, fly into Alice (from most capitals) and hire a car to see the highlights, before driving five hours’ south-west to Uluru, from where you can depart.

Where to stay in the Red Centre

The standout properties for families visiting the Red Centre are Desert Gardens Hotel and the slightly more budget-friendly Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge , both within the multi-layered complex that is Ayres Rock Resort. In Alice, you’ll want to take the tribe to Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, where there are a handful of eateries and a pool.

If you pick the former, you’ll be privy to plenty of free activities, such as bush-tucker talks, and have easy access to all there is to do around Uluru. If you’re road-tripping around, there’s also a campground at Ayres Rock Resort, and you won’t want to miss Kings Canyon Resort , in Watarrka National Park, if you have time to delve deeper.

The Desert Gardens hotel Ayers Rock Resort — The Desert Gardens hotel makes a case for outback luxury.

What to see in the Red Centre

From hiking around Uluru to getting up close to desert reptiles and soaring above the scorched earth in a hot-air balloon, the highlights reel of the Red Centre is long. The top must-dos for families, however, are joining a ranger-guided walk around Uluru (and into the Olgas, if time allows), going for a sunset plod atop a camel, and being mesmerised by the Field of Light art installation that illuminates the landscape when night falls.

Okay, it’s too hard to stick to three, so we’re adding in catching a birds-of-prey show at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Outback Queensland for families

Large swathes of Queensland make up the outback, from the starry skies of Charleville to the mines of Mt Isa and the giant rust-red dunes around Birdsville.

How to get to Outback Queensland

The main outback hubs you can fly to are Mt Isa, Longreach, Charleville, Richmond and Birdsville, and all have plenty of attractions for families. If flying isn’t an option, consider a stress-free Queensland Rail Travel journey from a seaside city.

Where to stay in Outback Queensland

There are a tonne of accommodation choices in Outback Queensland purely based on the size of the region. If you’re a camper, you’re spoilt, but for those who prefer bricks and mortar, the Birdsville Hotel (part of the iconic Birdsville Pub) has comfortable, basic motel-style rooms; The Rocks Motel is a simple but modern option in Charleville; while Mitchell Grass Retreat in Longreach has stylish glamping tents with plenty of space for families.

You haven’t truly “done" QLD until you’ve visited the iconic Birdsville Hotel.

What to do in Outback Queensland

At the very top of our list is Queensland’s dinosaur trail, a 735 kilometre loop that takes in Richmond, Winton and Hughenden, and features fascinating dinosaur fossils and exhibits.

Other fun experiences include dressing up in miner’s overalls and a head lamp and venturing deep underground for a Mount Isa Hard Times Mine Tour, walking onto the wing of a 747 plane (12 years +) at QANTAS Founders Museum in Longreach, and climbing to the top of Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert.

QANTAS founders museum longreach queensland — From Outback Queensland to the world.

The NSW Outback for families

From Lightning Ridge to Broken Hill and the farming heartland of Hay, the NSW Outback offers families authentic, quirky, old-fashioned holiday fun.

How to get to the NSW Outback

It’s a little harder to reach the NSW Outback quickly from the city, with many destinations making for great road trips, instead of being on airline networks. However, REX flies to Broken Hill, and there are numerous other regional hubs (via REX or otherwise) that are within easy reach (with the help of a hire car or tour) of outback centres such as Bourke.

Where to stay in the NSW Outback

Broken Hill is the obvious choice to head to if you’re after a quick escape from the city – and it’s a great destination for all ages. Broken Hill’s The Palace Hotel , made famous by Priscilla Queen of the Desert, is oozing outback character with colourful murals and a wide range of rooms. If you’re road-tripping, call past Bourke and stay at Trilby Station , with cottages and campsites on the Darling River.

Stay on an outback station (Credit Destination NSW) — Trilby Station is a roughly 130,000-hectare property near the village of Louth in Outback NSW.

What to see in the NSW Outback

The list is never-ending but here are our picks: Bells Milk Bar and Museum for a spider (fizzy drink and ice-cream) in Broken Hill; Silverton Outback Camels for a camel ride; and the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge to learn about the rainbow gems as well as dinosaur fossils.

What to see in the WA and SA Outback

The outback spreads into Western Australia and South Australia, too, and although the towns and hubs are a little harder to reach, they shouldn’t be discounted. Easy jaunts for city families include Karijini National Park via Tom Price for a few days’ hiking into canyons and gorges, and 15-metre-high Wave Rock in WA. In South Australia, road-trip to Rawnsley Park Station for a taste of farm life.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The outback made easy for city families