Short Breaks: Family fun

Escape with the family to one of these five destinations. By Alissa Jenkins FRUITY ESCAPE, QLD
Where? // Rossmount Rural Retreat is two hours north of Brisbane.
Why? // This 35-acre exotic fruit farm has numerous bush trails to explore, fresh tropical fruit to pick, and native wildlife to spy on (including a resident platypus). There’s a lake that’s great for swimming, fishing and canoeing, while a 20-minute drive will take you to Tin Can Bay, where you can feed dolphins.
How much? // Two-bedroom suites from $130
per night.
rossmountruralretreat.com.au

HANDS-ON FARM STAY, SA
Where? // Narnu Farm is located on Hindmarsh Island, a one-hour drive south-east from Adelaide.
Why? // The farm is dedicated to family-friendly activities such as horse riding, cow milking, animal feeding, vintage truck rides and bike riding – or take a little penguin tour on nearby Granite Island.
How much? // Self-contained cottages from $130 per night.
narnufarm.com.au

TAKE TO THE WATER, VIC
Where? // Houseboats on the Murray River can be booked from Echuca to Murray Bridge, SA.
Why? // Motor along the Murray to many family-friendly stop-offs with historic walks, playgrounds, fishing spots, wineries and natural bushland – great for spotting native wildlife. Kids (and big kids) can also enjoy many water activities just off their floating accommodation, such as canoeing, kayaking and waterskiing.
How much? // Prices vary between operators, but expect to pay from $600 for a weekend.
murrayriver.com.au/houseboats

OVERNIGHT WILDNERNESS TOUR, ACT
Where? // Tidbinbilla Wildlife Research Eco Tour in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, about 40km from Canberra’s CBD.
Why? // Visit “off-limits” reserve areas for close encounters with native wildlife, and assist with monitoring programs protecting northern corroboree frogs, brush-tailed rock wallabies and potoroos. Little ones can enjoy the five-hour Tid by Torchlight tour showcasing native wildlife that comes out after dusk (such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, emus and possums), followed by a barbecue dinner.
How much? // From $360 per person, including accommodation and the Tidbinbilla Wildlife Research Eco Tour. Tid by Torchlight tours from $68 per person.
conservationvolunteers.com.au