Top Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations Near Australia

Considering an overseas holiday with your little ones? Here are our top five family holiday destinations for an adventure outside of Australia, that’s still close to home.

Visiting a new country is a fantastic way to broaden children’s outlook and teach them about the world. Travel introduces children to cultures and environments that may be different to what they usually experience. If your children are new to travelling, start off with a destination that’s close by so you can spend less time in transit and more time making treasured family memories. Take a look at what we reckon are the best family holiday destinations that are fun, affordable and not too far away from Australia.

Family-friendly holiday considerations

So, what did we consider when coming up with our top five family holiday destinations?

• Safety: Safety is paramount, particularly when travelling with small children. It’s important destinations have reliable healthcare and low crime rates.
• Activities: Family-friendly holiday destinations with a range of activities for children of different ages.
• Accommodation: Family-friendly accommodation with amenities such as kids’ clubs and pools.
• Transport: Reliable transport that’s easy to access is a must.
• Budget: The overall cost of travel, including flights, accommodation, travel insurance and activities.

Destination one: Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the best family holiday destinations and is hugely popular with Aussie travellers. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show more Australians travelled to Indonesia in 2023 than any other location. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs and pools, Bali offers visitors a huge variety of activities such as water parks, animal encounters, surf schools, junior cooking classes and cultural experiences. It’s a short six-hour plane ride from Australia and accommodation is budget-friendly with plenty of family-sized rooms and suites.

Destination two: Fiji 

Fiji is lauded for its welcoming locals and family-focused resorts, making it an ideal family holiday destination. Many resorts offer babysitting and kid’s clubs – so parents can have a break too. There’s plenty of dedicated activities for kids and, depending on the age of yours, they may like to try snorkelling or go island-hopping. Fiji is safe and accessible, just six hours from Australia by plane.

Destination three: New Zealand

Just over the ditch, New Zealand is right up there with the best family holiday destinations in the world. New Zealand has been the most-traveled destination for Australians for more than 50 years (until it was taken over by Indonesia last year). It offers stunning natural landscapes, loads of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions like tobogganing, the luge and Hobbiton. Kids can see glowworms and marvel at hidden crater lakes, boiling mud pools and spurting geysers. New Zealand is one of the most ideal family holiday destinations for those who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring earth’s natural wonders. How lucky are we it’s only a three-hour flight away?!

Destination four: Japan

Japan combines tradition with urban sophistication and fun pop-culture that kids will love. It boasts family-friendly attractions like Universal Studios, the Digital Art Museum and lots of over-the-top themed cafes. Children can enjoy cultural experiences such as taking part in a traditional tea ceremony or trying on a kimono. Japan is clean and safe with excellent transport, making it easy for families to move around and definitely one of the best family holiday destinations. The flight from Australia takes about nine hours.

Destination five: Hawaii

Famous for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities and family-friendly resorts, Hawaii is another great family holiday destination.  Hawaii offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with activities like surfing, hiking and exploring volcanoes. Family-friendly attractions include the Waikiki Aquarium and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Hawaii is also a little further afield, with flights taking about nine hours.

Edge Early Learning encourages children to embrace new experiences

Let your child’s educators know if your family is planning a holiday overseas. It’s helpful for us to be aware of major events in your child’s life so we can connect with them and, if they’re nervous, we may be able to provide support and encouragement through discussion, stories or role play. You may also find it helpful to check out our blog for tips for flying with toddlers and podcasts to entertain children while travelling.