The Land Down Under, known for its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, beaches, laid back culture and fast-paced cities, offers a myriad of experiences for the whole family.
But as anyone who has flown to this corner of the other side of the world will attest, family holidays to Australia can be a little on the expensive side. Luckily, the country does genuinely boast numerous family-friendly destinations that won’t break the bank. Let’s explore some of these affordable, family-oriented holiday spots across Australia.
Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast is a charming coastal city in Australia’s Queensland state that offers an affordable and exciting holiday experience for families. Renowned for its sunny beaches, it provides just the right setting for a laid-back family vacation. From surfing and swimming to building sandcastles, your family can have endless fun without spending a dime.
Beyond the beach, Gold Coast hosts several theme parks including Sea World, Dreamworld, and Wet’n’Wild. Although these attractions have entry fees, multiple-day or combination tickets can provide significant savings—a boon for budget-conscious families.
Read: 5 adventure activities to experience on your holiday to Queensland, Australia
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is an affordable and family-friendly holiday destination. It’s packed with educational and interactive attractions like the Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre and the National Museum of Australia, which offer free or low-cost entry for kids.
The city also offers many free outdoor activities. From exploring the Australian National Botanic Gardens to biking around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra provides a diverse range of family-friendly experiences without a hefty price tag.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is not just a road—it’s a spectacular journey that offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Stretching over 243 kilometers, the drive offers stunning coastal views, access to several national parks, and boasts some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Along the way, families can stop in quaint towns, explore free natural landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, and spot local wildlife. Accommodation options range from camping to budget-friendly holiday parks, making this a surprisingly affordable holiday trip.
Read: 7 of the best things to do with the kids in Victoria, Australia
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Sunshine Coast is yet another affordable and family-friendly destination in Queensland. Here are some activities families holidaying on a budget might enjoy:
- Visit Australia Zoo: While not the cheapest on this list, it is still affordable compared to many other zoos and offers a unique Australian wildlife experience.
- Explore Noosa National Park: With various trails for all levels of walkers and beautiful beaches, this park is perfect for a family day out. Admission is free.
- Enjoy the Sunshine Coast Beaches: From Noosa to Mooloolaba to Maroochydore, there are plentiful free or inexpensive beach options for swimming, building sandcastles, or having a picnic.
- Visit the Caloundra Street Fair: Held every Sunday, this market has a variety of stalls selling food, crafts, and clothing.
- Check out The Ginger Factory: Admission to this iconic Sunshine Coast attraction is free, with tours and rides costing extra.
- Go hiking in the Glass House Mountains: There are plenty of trails suitable for all ages with stunning views.
- Visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World: While there is an entrance fee, it is quite affordable and provides access to stunning gardens and a chance to meet and feed the birds.
- Visit the Sunshine Coast Hinterland: Explore charming towns like Montville and Maleny, explore the local shops or picnic with breathtaking views.
- Discover SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast: An indoor aquarium with a variety of marine life. Look out for online deals and family passes for better value.
- Visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve: A conservation park with stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, picnic facilities and a rainforest discovery centre.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
A short ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth, Rottnest Island is a fantastic day trip for families. Families on Rottnest Island, Western Australia, can enjoy a variety of free activities including exploring the numerous beautiful beaches and bays, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles.
They can also take self-guided walking and cycling tours around the island to view abundant wildlife including the iconic, immeasurably cute quokkas, and visit the many historical sites such as the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the World War II tunnels. The Island’s natural beauty and history provide endless opportunities for adventure and learning.
Cairns, Queensland
A third entry from Queensland, if you’re wondering where to focus your wider holiday efforts, Cairns is a gateway to two of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, where you can spot crocodiles and cassowaries in the rainforest one day and snorkel the reef the next.
But that’s not all. Cairns is a haven of affordable family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy a day out at the Esplanade, complete with swimming lagoons, playgrounds, picnics, and BBQs. Nature lovers will appreciate the Cairns Botanic Gardens, with its free admission and an array of local flora and fauna, as well as the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park with free nature walks and wildlife sightings.
Beach enthusiasts can head to Trinity Beach or Palm Cove, or for a more adventurous day, make a trip to Crystal Cascades, a natural collection of waterfalls and swimming holes just outside Cairns. Shopping and foodie families will find satisfaction at the daily Cairns Night Markets or Rusty’s Market, offering local produce, homemade wares, and unique souvenirs. For a bit of history, a visit to the Cairns Museum will provide insights about the local area.
While exploring the Great Barrier Reef can be pricey, exploring the reef from shore achieved by taking public transport to the beach and snorkeling is a wallet-friendly option. The Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offer an inexpensive but exciting wildlife park experience with Australian animals plus activities like a high-rope course and zipline.
For the family of fishing enthusiasts, it’s possible to catch their line from the pier or the coast, offering a laid-back and inexpensive leisure option. Ensure to check for any restrictions or changes before proceeding with any activities.
Tasmania
Finally, for families that love the great outdoors, Tasmania offers an affordable holiday experience. You’ll find numerous free or low-cost natural attractions such as the stunning Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and the Bay of Fires. On top of that, Tasmania is often cheaper than mainland Australia for accommodation and dining, helping keep your holiday budget in check.
The capital city Hobart is the ideal base. Known as the cheapest capital city to stay in Australia, Hobart offers a blend of heritage charm and modern lifestyle. It’s close to several low-cost and free attractions like Mount Field National Park, making it an ideal destination for families on a budget.
Top Tips For Bagging Cheap(er) Flights To Australia
Unless you’re blowing big Australian bucks once you arrive, then the main expense of your holiday will likely be those pesky flights to Australia from the UK. Here are a few things you can do to potentially reduce the price:
- Flexible Itinerary: Australia has several major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. If you’re flexible with your destination city within Australia, you can find some great deals. Sydney is the cheapest airport to fly into in Australia from the UK, with flights starting from around £600.
- Advance Booking: For journeys as long as UK to Australia, it’s often beneficial to book in advance. Ideally, start tracking prices six months ahead of your departure date.
- Timing of Travel: Opt for travelling during Australia’s shoulder seasons, which are Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). During these periods, flights can be cheaper and the weather is still pleasant.
- Price Alerts: Set up price alerts for UK to Australia routes. This way, you’ll be notified as soon as there’s a price drop.
- Multiple Stops: Flights from the UK to Australia are long, and direct flights can be very expensive. Choosing a flight with one or two layovers can often save a lot of money.
- Loyalty Programmes: Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia and British Airways offer rewards or miles programs. Regular travellers can earn significant benefits and discounts over time. All that said, China Southern is considered the cheapest airline flying to Australia from London.
- Avoid Australian Holidays: Try to avoid Australian public holidays and school holiday periods as flight prices tend to be higher.
Remember, these tips are not foolproof, as various factors can affect flight prices, but they can certainly help you increase your chances of finding a good deal.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s vast landscapes and rich cultural experiences don’t need to be expensive. By choosing the right destinations, planning ahead, and using family discounts where available, you can ensure your next family holiday is memorable for all the right reasons, rather than the damage it did to your bank balance. Bon(zer) voyage!