September school holidays are fast approaching, and while winding vineyards, beach walks and scenic road trips might sound like the perfect family escape, the kids may have other ideas. From “how much longer?” to “there’s nothing to do”, keeping everyone happy can quickly turn the dream holiday into a test of patience – and have parents wondering why they bothered leaving home.
But despite the eye rolls and complaints, family holidays remain an important chance to switch off and reconnect. Families are Australia’s second-largest group of domestic overnight travellers, clocking up 6.9 million trips in the March 2026 quarter, according to Tourism Research Australia, proving that for all the holiday drama, families still value the time spent making memories together.
Ben Whitmore, CMO of East Coast Car Rentals, says, “Parents put so much pressure on themselves to plan the perfect family holiday that they can forget the point is to simply spend time together. The best trips aren’t necessarily the ones packed with activities, they’re the ones that give everyone enough to do, while leaving room to slow down, switch off and enjoy being together.”
Here are some of Ben’s top spots that are just as rich in nature as they are in structured experiences.
Barossa Valley – Adelaide, SA
With family-friendly vineyards and charming Saturday farmers markets, the Barossa Valley is only an hour of beautiful countryside driving from Adelaide airport. Do not miss the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, with chocolate making classes for the kids and beautiful wine and chocolate pairings for the parents. Or if you prefer a slightly healthier option, take a picnic down to the Sculpture Park and let the kids run free, while you relax and stroll through the weird and wonderful art pieces on offer.
Atherton Tablelands – Cairns, QLD
The Millaa Millaa Waterfalls are a must-do hiking experience in the Tablelands. Or if you’re a chaser of unique adventures, just a short drive north of Atherton to Mareeba is where the sunrise hot air balloon tours will let you experience the vast Tablelands from an unforgettable birdseye view. On the slightly simpler side, the Crystal Caves is a popular spot with kids who love everything shiny and colourful, as well as being rich with history and intrigue.
Phillip Island – Melbourne, VIC
With the famous penguin parade, this is a location that wildlife obsessed kids will adore. Between Maru Koala and Animal Park, various stunning nature walks and the tail end of whale watching season, they won’t have time to complain. Or for some peace and quiet, the minimal light pollution and clear skies are prime for stargazing opportunities, allowing for a reflective end to a productive day.
Bruny Island – Hobart, TAS
Beautiful Bruny Island is famous for its gorgeous brunch spots with oysters as its staple dish, even if the kids won’t touch them. However, the most iconic and extraordinary part of the island is The Neck. When you drive from the north to south island, make sure to appreciate how the landscape is starkly divided by the narrow strip with classic white sand and deep blue ocean on one side and shallow marbled currents on the other. Or you can admire the view in all its glory from the Truganini lookout, with 300 steps to tire the kids out for the drive home.
Port Stephens – Sydney, NSW
With twenty-six beaches and a beautiful far-stretching bay, Port Stephens is the ideal family beach destination. Let the kids discover sandboarding on the ever-changing sand dunes as you soak up the holiday sun and appreciate the fabulous natural beauty on offer. Famous for the 150 bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the bay, swimming beside them is an opportunity that will leave any kid beaming.
