Spring has sprung and the Summer sunshine is right around the corner. Before the school summer vacation kicks off and parents across the country wonder how they will entertain their little ones for the next few months, Tripadvisor has come up with the goods for some much needed inspiration. Here is a run down of some of Australia’s best-rated family-friendly experiences that are available to book over the summer break.
From glow-worms in Byron Bay to paddling with platypus in Tasmania, Tripadvisor has you covered no matter what your kids like. See below for a top 10 roundup of some of the best-rated family-friendly experiences in Australia.
If you’re interested in seeing more tours, or have interest in a particular activity or destination, please let me know and I can share more options.
Hinterland Magic & Glow-worm Experience – Byron Bay, New South Wales
The adventure starts at a beautiful waterfall in the Hinterland where you can go for a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the scenery. An easy walk will take you to one of the highest waterfalls in the region for some breath taking views. As night falls, adventure into the glow worm experience where these magical creatures light up the scene as you listen to the sacred flute, in a truly unique experience.
Uluru Small-Group Tour by Camel at Sunrise or Sunset – Yulara, Northern Territory
Experience the Outback like the Australian pioneers did on this camel riding tour around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Learn about the Red Centre’s wildlife and ecology through your guide’s commentary as your ride around some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.
The Pirate Cruise in Mandurah – Mandurah, Western Australia
Kids can take a turn at the wheel while dressed in pirate attire during this cruise: an ideal photo op. Depart Mandurah and set sail through the inland canals while keeping a lookout for wild bottlenose dolphins that frequent these waters. Fun for everyone!
Cleland Wildlife Park Experience – Adelaide, South Australia
Get up close with native animals of Australia on this day trip from Adelaide to Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills. Feed kangaroos, wallabies, and potoroos (a marsupial about the size of a rabbit) under the supervision of staff. Plus, have the chance to interact and take photos of one the park’s koalas.
ArtVo Immersive Gallery Experience – Melbourne, Victoria
ArtVo is an art gallery with a difference—this immersive art space encourages people to touch, play, and interact with the art, and there are 11 themed zones to explore. Save time searching for cool photo opportunities in Melbourne, and benefit from a place that has lots of great backdrops, including angel wings, the canals of Venice, and the Taj Mahal.
Paddle with the Platypus Twilight Kayak Adventure – Gretna, Tasmania
Enjoy a guided platypus-spotting tour down parts of the Upper Derwent River only accessible by kayak. Alongside your local guide, make the most of an intimate experience only available in this part of the world. Soak up the scenery as you float down the river, pausing only for a riverside tasting platter or freshly-baked tea.
Mary Valley Rattler – Gympie, Queensland
Travel back in time to the golden era of train travel with a journey on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway. Experience the old world nostalgia as soon as you step into the historic Gympie Station, where you’ll learn about the history of steam locomotives before boarding the Mary Valley Rattler. Enjoy the countryside views as you head out to Amamoor, where the train is turned around for the journey back.
Wild Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour – Sydney, New South Wales
Get out of the city and into the wild on this small-group tour from Sydney. Soak up natural wonder such as Sublime Point along the Wollongong coast, the Kiama Blowholes, and Minnamurra Rainforest, and get up-close to charming wombats and kangaroos in their natural habitats.
Hook A Barra Fishing Experience – Wonga Beach, Queensland
Head out on a classic Queenslander fishing trip to catch your own Barramundi. On this 1 hour fishing trip, you will explore the tropical location of the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm, and learn how to catch a fish that’s a favorite and famous local cuisine. At Hook-A-Barra you can also learn about the fish and its behavior in special viewing tanks, so if you’re not into fishing, you can still see Barramundi up close.
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience – Petermann, Northern Territory
The Aboriginal cultural experience provides a unique insight into one of Australia’s oldest living cultures on earth. The tour has a variety of areas showcasing the native bush foods, wooden artifacts as used by Aboriginal men and women of the region, bush medicines and a lot more.
The glow-worm experience near Byron Bay is fantastic! Highly recommend for families.