13 Jan 2023
Already dreaming of your next Aussie holiday? Stop dreaming and get inspired by our list of must-see Australian destinations.
From remote sandy beaches and unforgettable bays to unique Aussie adventures and family-friendly escapes, Discovery Parks has accommodation options in Australia’s best destinations.
Ban long-haul flights this year and be inspired by ten Aussie destinations we highly recommend. Before you book, add an event, festival or special occasion that’s close to our parks.
10 Must-See Family-Friendly Aussie Destinations Worth Booking Now
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Lake Jindabyne, NSW
Snow bunnies know to get in early for snow season, but Jindabyne is a year-round adventure-lovers dream. Discover more.
2. Litchfield National Park, NT
May to October is the most comfortable time of the year up north, but don't let that stop you from taking an adventure now. Discover more.
3. Hervey Bay, QLD
A whale-watching experience might literally change your life, but even without them Hervey Bay offers plenty for everyone. Discover more.
4. Cradle Mountain, TAS
People travel from all over the world to hike this stunning peak, but it's far from the only reason to visit Tasmania. Discover more.
5. Clare Valley, SA
With world-class food and wine trails on its doorstep, it's no wonder Clare is on every epicureans bucket list. Discover more.
6. Lake Argyle, WA
Discover the Kimberley from a superb base featuring million-dollar views and first-class facilities. Discover more.
7. Warrnambool, VIC
Day trip the Great Ocean Road from this coastal hub for festivals, food and Aussie surf culture. Discover more.
8. Narooma Beach, NSW
The south coast doesn't get much more beautiful than Narooma. Explore untouched beach, waterways and the very best of nature. Discover more.
9. Rottnest Island, WA
It's about time you discovered this Western Australian jewel. Much more than Quokka seflies, 'Rotto' is a paradise every Aussie should see. Discover more.
10. Undara, QLD
This out-of-the-ordinary outback experience delivers adventure, intrigue and classic hospitality. Discover more.
Lake Jindabyne, NSW
In New South Wales Snowy Mountain region, Lake Jindabyne is a great place for a family holiday in summer or winter.
In winter, Perisher and Thredbo are only a 30-minute drive from Discovery Parks - Jindabyne, making it easy to spend a few days hitting the slopes and enjoying the very best of what the Snowy Mountains have to offer.
Go for a family paddle on Lake Jindabyne. Credit: Destination NSW
In the summer months, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jindabyne are perfect for fishing and watersports like swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Including a boat ramp, bouncing pillow, playground and loads of other amenities, Discovery - Parks Jindabyne is the perfect family-friendly accommodation to make that Jindabyne trip a reality this year.
Need another reason to visit Jindabyne?
The much-loved Lake Light Sculpture will return to the spectacular mountain surrounds of Jindabyne this year. Don't wait to book.
Litchfield National Park, NT
If you’re finally planning that NT trip with the family, Litchfield National Park is just over an hours drive from Darwin and is one of the best places to visit in Australia, hands down.
Dive around Litchfield National Park. Credit: Tourism NT
Loved by NT locals because of its easy access to stunning waterfalls and swimming holes that are surrounded by lush forest, Litchfield is a great place to explore with the entire family.
One of the best places to base yourself for any NT trip - including days worth of adventure in Litchfield National Park - is Discovery Parks - Darwin. Offering family and dog-friendly accommodation options, here you can also enjoy the swimming pool, open-air camp kitchen, BBQ areas and child-friendly facilities like our always fun bouncing pillows.
Given the Northern Territory’s tropical climate, the best time to visit Litchfield National Park is between May and October when the weather is still warm, but there is less chance of excessive rainfall.
Highlights of Litchfield National Park include Berry Springs, Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, The Lost City and Wangi Falls.
Need another reason to visit Darwin?
There's no better time to be in the Top End than during Darwin Festival each August. Balmy nights provide the perfect backdrop to a program of international festivities and events.
Hervey Bay, QLD
On Queensland’s amazing Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay is one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations in Australia.
Say G'day! Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Just off the coast of Hervey Bay is Fraser Island (K’gari), the largest sand island in the world and one of the best day trips you can make anywhere in Australia.
By basing yourself at Discovery Parks - Fraser Street Hervey Bay, guests gain access to loads of family-friendly facilities, including two awesome swimming pools, a tennis court, bouncing pillow and nature playground to name a few.
Need another reason to visit Hervey Bay?
A whale-watching adventure might literally change your life, so don't miss your window. From June to November you can watch these dinosaurs of the ocean frolic in the waters just off-shore.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
As one of the most beautiful destinations in not only Australia, but the world, accommodation close to Cradle Mountain is always in high demand.
Hike the incredible Cradle Mountain. Credit: Tourism Tasmania
Most known for its world-class hiking opportunities, which are best taken on during the warmer months of December to March (Tassie is generally a bit cooler than the other states) visiting Cradle Mountain outside this period still delivers an awesome getaway for the whole family.
With cosy cabins and first-class facilities for large and small groups, Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain sits on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, offering easy access to an authentic wilderness experience.
Some of the best family-friendly things to do and see in and around Cradle Mountain include walking the hiking trails, canoe tours, horse riding and quad biking.
Need another reason to visit Cradle Mountain?
Because Tasmania is small, Dark Mofo in Hobart is a feasible activity even if you're staying near the mountain.
A midwinter festival that celebrates public art, food, music and fire, Dark Mofo events and workshops are always highly sought after.
Clare Valley, SA
One of the best family-friendly places to visit in Australia is a lesser-known destination, Clare, in South Australia.
Life in the slower lane. Credit: SATC
Stunning all year round, Clare is home to internationally-acclaimed wineries and wide open spaces for kids to explore, making it it a must-see destination and a popular location on SA’s famous Epicurean Way.
Also acting as a gateway to the Eyre Peninsula and the South Australian outback, Clare is an hour and a half away from Adelaide and has endless opportunities for fun and family-friendly activities.
Discovery Parks - Clare has plenty of things for the kids to enjoy, such as a bouncing pillow, playground, swimming pool and sports facilities.
Need another reason to visit Clare?
The Clare Valley Gourmet Week is held each May and brings together the very best of South Australia's food, wine and gourmet producers across a number of deliciously entertaining venues and events.
Lake Argyle, WA
Located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Lake Argyle is one of the most unique and special places to visit in Australia.
Aside from breathtaking views from the famous infinity pool, some of the best family-friendly things to do at Lake Argyle include boat tours of the archipelago, day trips to the Bungle Bungle Ranges, scuba diving for the more adventurous, and helicopter tours you can tailor to suit your budget.
Lake Argyle Resort and Holiday Park is situated on the lake’s northern end and boasts one of the most beautiful infinity pools in the country.
From unpowered camping sites to deluxe lake-view cabins, there are accommodation choices to suit all budgets and lengths of stay.
Need another reason to visit Lake Argyle?
Credit: Tim Lanzon, Sarah DuguidThe Ord Valley Muster is the ultimate Kimberley festival. With music, indigenous culture, food and unforgettably Australian experiences, this annual event should be on every Aussies bucket list.
Warrnambool, VIC
A Great Ocean Road adventure wouldn’t be complete without a stay in the coastal town of Warrnambool.
Eyes open! Credit: Visit Victoria
One hour from the 12 Apostles and 30 minutes from Port Fairy, Discovery Parks - Warrnambool is the ideal base between day trips.
Full of the very best of Australian nature, Warrnambool gives you the chance to wander stunning lookouts and complete coastal trails, explore beachside bakeries and visit cosy galleries in nearby Port Campbell and Port Fairy.
Need another reason to visit Warrnambool?
The Port Fairy Folk Festival has become one of Australia's largest and most loved festivals. Held over the Labour Day long weekend, multiple venues are lit up with events, exhibitions and unique performances.
Narooma Beach, NSW
An idyllic hideaway on the far south coast of New South Wales, Discovery Parks - Narooma Beach sits among eucalyptus forest only metres from the sand on Handkerchief Beach.
Bordered by pristine beach and stunning coastal walks, nearby lakes, inlets and luminescent waterways are full of marine life and perfect for a swim or a paddle.
Choose from a range of accommodation, relax in the saltwater infinity pool or roll out the picnic rug on lush green grass.
Stay in fully self-contained 2 or 3-bedroom cabins and beach houses, one of six safari-style glamping tents or a grassy powered or unpowered site amongst the trees.
Need another reason to visit Narooma Beach?
Narooma Oyster Festival is your chance to join chefs, growers and producers to celebrate the humble oyster on the shores of Wagonga Inlet, Narooma. Discover sustainable produce like fish and shellfish, abalone, urchins and kelp!
Rottnest Island, WA
Although this island is just a short ferry ride from Perth and Fremantle, Rottnest Island feels a world away and earns its spot as a Western Australian favourite.
Treat yourself at Pinkys Rottnest Island.
Home to dozens of stunning beaches and tranquil bays, Rottnest Island is the perfect family getaway because of its balance of relaxation and fun things to do.
Nestled behind the dunes of Pinky Beach, Discovery Parks - Rottnest Island is an award-winning glamping experience perfect for the whole family or couples looking for a cosy escape.
As the first glamping accommodation of its kind on the island, you and your family can sleep under the stars and enjoy fantastic beach views.
Choose to spend your days lazing by the pool, grabbing a bite at Pinky’s Rottnest Island or exploring the island by bicycle - oh yeah, there are no cars allowed!
Some of the best things to do on Rottnest Island include beach hopping, snorkelling, meeting a quokka and exploring the Wadjemup Bidi Trails.
Need another reason to visit Rottnest Island?
The Rottnest Channel Swim is a challenging 19.7km open water swim from Cottlesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. Highly regarded worldwide, there are dozens of activities that surround the event.
Undara Experience, QLD
On the edge of the Undara Volcanic National Park in Tropical Far North Queensland, the Undara Experience delivers access to a world-class geological phenomenon and award-winning accommodation options unique to the Australian outback.
Home to one of the world’s longest lava-tube cave systems, this amazing feature formed over 190,000 years ago when a sustained volcanic eruption spewed molten lava down a dry riverbed.
Easily accessible from the Savannah Way, the Undara Experience is three hours by car from Cairns. It features beautifully restored railway carriages as deluxe rooms, air-conditioned pioneer huts, homestead-style accommodation, a swag tent village and a spacious powered caravan and camping site.
Tours and activities are central to staying at Undara, and a half-day tour of the lava tubes is a must-do with the park’s experienced Savanah guides. Wildlife at Sunset tours are also popular with a glass of wine or bubbles in hand.
Need another reason to visit Undara?
Undara Outback Rock and Blues is three separate shows over three days, featuring some of the finest emerging artists in the country. Music, mates and good times in one of North Queensland's most unique locations.
