By Guest Contributor Bianca Hall
Australia’s vast landscapes, stunning coastlines, and incredible wildlife make swapping screen time for sunshine a no-brainer. An outdoor-focused family holiday promises fun and skill-building. Here are 10 family-friendly outdoor activities to inspire your next getaway.
1. Camping & Stargazing
You don’t always need to travel far to have an outdoor adventure. Setting up a tent in your own backyard is a low-cost, low-stress way to enjoy the outdoors. Kids love the novelty of sleeping in a tent and you can download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets.
If you plan to venture beyond the backyard for more than a couple of nights and you have young children, try to look for a campsite with amenities such as hot water and a washing machine. These small comforts can go a long way to making your trip relaxing and enjoyable when travelling with little ones. Some campsites, such as BIG4 Holiday Parks, even offer on-site activities that include water parks, playgrounds, and game rooms.
2. Fossil Hunting & Dinosaur Trails
Australia has a rich prehistoric past, once home to a diverse array of giant animals, including the Diprotodon (a giant wombat), the Procoptodon (a giant kangaroo), and various large reptiles. Today, there are several locations for the kids to engage with palaeontology.
Head to Lark Quarry Conservation Park (QLD) to see the only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede, Dinosaur Dreaming in Inverloch (VIC), or the Dinosaur Canyon at Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum (QLD).
Kids who love dinosaurs will be utterly captivated with the combination of outdoor exploration, scientific discovery and imagination. Some sites offer guided tours, interactive displays, or even “dig for a day” experiences.
3. Family Cycling Adventures
Weather permitting, exploring Australia on two wheels is a fantastic family activity. Whether a scenic coastal route or bushland track, cycling is a low-impact way to cover ground. Even if the youngest riders are in bike seats, everyone’s privy to a fresh perspective on the landscape.
No matter what part of the country you are in, you’ll be able to find a trail. Options include foreshore paths in major cities, as well as national parks with designated cycling tracks, such as the Point Nepean National Park and Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria. .Remember that when sharing paths, it’s never too early to teach safe riding habits. Wearing a properly fitted helmet, riding on the right side of the road, using hand signals, and being aware of traffic and surroundings are all good habits to instil from an early age.
4. Spotting Australia’s Unique Wildlife
Spotting Australia’s unique native animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Kangaroos grazing at dawn and colourful birds flitting through the trees foster a sense of wonder and respect for nature. Kangaroo Island in South Australia is abundant with wildlife, but national parks and reserves across the country are perfect for spotting native animals. An alternative option is to visit dedicated wildlife parks that focus on rehabilitation and natural habitats such as Australia Zoo.
5. Rockpools
Wait until low tide to unlock the educational value of these living laboratories. Crabs, sea snails, anemones, small fish, barnacles, mussels, seaweed, starfish and sea urchins are all available for close-up viewing.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has plenty of stunning rockpools to enjoy over summer, although close adult supervision is recomended as some of these ocean beaches have large waves, strong currents and submerged rocky reefs at high tide. Whilst you are there, you can soak up the negative ions from the sea breeze, thought to have a positive impact on mood and well-being.
If thinking of weaving this into your next family holiday interstate, it might be worth considering travel insurance. It can be a real lifesaver for anything from lost luggage to trip cancellations.
6. Swimming Holes & Lakes
Beyond the beaches, Australia is dotted with incredible natural swimming holes, serene lakes, and calm rivers. Often more secluded and surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for a picnic.
Some gems include Josephine Falls and Cardwell Spa Pools in Queensland, Ladies Bath Falls in Victoria, and the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in NSW, which is naturally heated.
7. Farm Stay Fun
A farm stay offers families the chance to immerse themselves in rural life. Kids can collect eggs, feed animals, milk cows, and even learn about farm operations.
It’s an interactive and educational experience that teaches children about where food comes from and the rhythm of country life. Have a look on Airbnb to find the right stay for you.
8. Whale Watching
Witness the awe-inspiring migration of whales. Between May and November, Humpback and southern right whales can be seen along the east, west and southern coastlines, often close to shore.
Along the east coast, Eden in NSW is known for its rich whaling history, with an annual event that celebrates the whale migration and Eden’s maritime history. The event features whale watching tours, food, art, and other activities.
A bit further north, Hervey Bay in QLD is a Whale Heritage Site, with over 8,000 whales using the area each year to rest and nurse their young.
While in Victoria, Southern Right Whales arrive in Warrnambool to calve in June/July, and generally stay for around three months.
You might choose a dedicated whale-watching cruise or drive to a coastal lookout, but given the time of year, remember to pack your winter woollies to protect against the sea breeze, especially further south.
9. Family Bushwalking & DIY Scavenger Hunts
Bushwalking encourages physical activity, develops observation skills, and fosters an appreciation for nature. Australia’s national parks and regional reserves have walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, including some pram-friendly paths. The Victorian National Parks Association offer specific “Wild Families” resources and activity sheets to keep kids entertained.
Excellent locations include Sherbrooke Forest, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, the iconic Blue Mountains National Park in NSW and Springbrook National Park in Queensland, where you will find lush rainforest and waterfalls.
For families craving a bit more adrenaline, outdoor adventure parks cater to a wide range of ages and energy levels. They offer a structured environment with rides and activities for engaging in active outdoor play.
10. Adventure Parks
Some popular choices include Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Jamberoo Action Park in NSW, Adventure Park Geelong in Victoria, and Adventure World in Western Australia. Some of the parks are closed for winter, so check in advance.
From the thrill of spotting a whale to the quiet wonder of a bushwalk, these family bonding experiences instil a lifelong appreciation for the simple pleasures and our incredible environment. So pack your bags, and get outdoors, to make your next holiday memorable.
