With fights skyrocketing, and your busy life getting in the way of proper planning, you’re forced to look at last-minute options for your family holidays… but as we’ve learned – these are actually the best kind.
Australia is buzzing with last-minute deals and undiscovered destinations that don’t cost an arm and a leg, all you need to do is decide whether you’re after a road trip, a camping holiday, or even a ‘stay-cation’ in your own city to explore like tourists!
Here are the best last-minute family holidays around Australia.
The drive will take you just over three hours, and once you arrive, you can explore the Jervis Bay Marine Park and hang out with bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins. Snorkel in Murrays Beach and camp out in one of the beachside campgrounds at Cave Beach.
Hyams Beach is one of the many beautiful white sand coves at Jervis Bay (Image: Destination NSW)
Discovery Parks Warrnambool is so popular tourists can’t get in in the summertime because the locals move down, so now is the time to strike. Mini golf, paddle boats and swimming pools are all close by, with the beach just across the road.
Head to Warrnambool before it gets too busy in the summer.
The drive will take you just over an hour and a half from Brisbane, or you can fly into the Sunshine Coast airport. With a mini water park, jumping pillow, playground and mini golf, the Oaks Caloundra is a great option for families.
A two-hour drive south of Brisbane, the stunning Spicers Peak Lodge is one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia. Or to mix luxury with the outdoors with the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail.
At Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, the whole family can take part in horseback riding, canoe adventure groups, and visit the Tasmanian Devil sanctuary.
The kids will adore seeing Tasmanian Devils. (Image: Laura Helle)
Just 15 minutes from Launceston’s city centre and 2.5 hours road trip from Hobart. The Cataract Gorge scenic chairlift covers 457 metres and allows you to take in the huge natural basin. When summer draws near, it’s the perfect place to dip your toes in the swimming pool and adventure around, trying to spot some Tasmanian wildlife.
Camp nearby or shack up in one of the family-friendly hotels in Launceston.
The playground at the Cataract Gorge Reserve is a win for kids. (Image: Nick H Visuals)
If you’re a road-trip family, take the kids the 1.5-hour drive to Lake Bumbunga in the Clare Valley to see the bright pink lakes. A salt-loving algae turns the water a bright pink colour and if you wear shoes you can walk out into the water. Clare Valley wineries are only 40 minutes away, very handy for mum and dad!
The pink lake phenomenon in South Australia (Image: Jaxon Foale)
The Lake Bonney Riverland is only 2 hours 45 minutes from Adelaide, and has a beautiful freshwater lake for swimming. Roll up in your own caravan and park in one of the blocks, none of which are too far from the amenities. This spot is also dog friendly, so bring Fido! Great for fishing, water sports and relaxation.
Just a short 2-hour drive from Perth, Jurien Bay features a caravan park that backs right onto the beach and has easy access to a kid’s playground, a beachside cafe and the jetty. Bring your fishing rod to catch your family some dinner, in the form of herring, tailor and squid.
The Jurien Bay caravan park has easy access to the jetty (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Take the 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Darwin to Kakadu and you’ll arrive at the Mercure Kakadu Hotel, shaped like a crocodile. From there, the family can take part in birdwatching, croc spotting, fishing, rock art, exploring waterfalls and ranger-guided activities.
The Mercure Kakadu Hotel is shaped like a crocodile (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Wings)
Only 15km from Uluru, you and the family can stay in air-conditioned cabins or bring your own caravan to one of the powered sites at Ayers Rock Campground. Otherwise, you could just pitch your own tent!
There you’ll find a swimming pool, playground, BBQ facilities, kitchen and self-service laundry. Here, you’re also able to take part in free daily activities such as garden walks and Indigenous bush yarns.
Ayers Rock Campground has everything you need. (Image: Tourism NT)
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