We love overseas travel, and try and go every year. But there are also some amazing places to visit here in Australia. Here are our 5 favourite Australian holiday spots with kids, plus some key tips for travelling with kids.

This post is in collaboration with Accor

Travelling with kids – Tip 1

When at all possible, avoid hotel rooms and go for a full home/ apartment. You will save so much money eating out if you have your own kitchen to make food. Also, it’s not that fun being squashed into one room when the kids go to bed at 7pm and you’re sitting in the dark. We like Accor serviced apartments because you get the apartment, but you still have that holiday feel because you don’t have to clean it! A lot of them have pools and gyms as well. They are in all states so you’re sure to find one wherever you are holidaying.

Travelling with Kids – Tip 2

Try and avoid really early flights because you save $20. I can guarantee you that when you’re dragging kids out of bed at 4:30am for a 6:30am flight, you’d pay that $20 not to. Same goes for late nights.

Travelling with Kids – Tip 3

Plan somewhere that has something for everyone, especially if your kids range in ages. You don’t want to miss snorkelling the Reef because some kids are too young. Take ages into account when planning.

5 favourite Australian holiday spots with kids

1 The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is the perfect family destination because there is something for everyone. Whether it’s theme parks, the beach, nights out, shopping or just relaxing, even your teenagers will have a great time. Visit Currumbin Wildlife Park, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, and so much more. Some of my favourite family trips have been to the Gold Coast. The Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach is a great accommodation option in the heart of the Gold Coast, while the Mantra Coolangatta Beach is perfect if you prefer the quieter vibe of the south Gold Coast.

2 Perth/Rottnest Island

I visited Perth and Rottnest Island for the first time last year and I LOVED it! Rottnest Island is so beautiful and idyllic, and the quokkas are adorable. It’s the perfect day trip. Fremantle prison is a great thing to do with the kids as well. If you have the time you can adventure the whole of WA, from Margaret River all the way to Broome. Cable Beach is definitely on my bucket list. This is a great trip for those of you with older kids. The Sebel West Perth Aire Apartments are great serviced apartments to stay in when visiting Perth.

3 Brisbane

Now hear me out! I know that Brisbane sometimes has a rep as a bit boring, but my friend moved there a few years ago and now I LOVE it! We have the best time visiting Southbank, riding the free river ferry, eating at all the restaurants (Eagle Street Pier is great), or holding a koala at Lone Pine Animal Sanctuary. There are some of my favourite bookshops there and I love that it’s close to both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. You can drive to the Drive-in movies just south of Brisbane, or to Australia Zoo, all for a day trip. Just try and avoid January. It’s so hot! It’s my favourite winter holiday spot. Mantra South Bank Brisbane is my choice here because of all the food at Southbank, it’s easy river ferry access and has an amazing pool!

4 Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Ok, disclaimer here, I don’t holiday here because I live here. But if you live anywhere else then you haven’t holidayed if you haven’t visited the Northern Beaches. Stay beachfront in Manly at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach and explore the area. My top picks are: The Manly Ferry to Circular Quay, Walking from Manly to Shelley Beach with lunch at the Boat House and Fairlight Beach. If you have a car make sure you venture further north to Palm Beach (where they film Home & Away) and walk up to Barrenjoey lighthouse, shop in Avalon, walk around the lake in Narrabeen and swim with the kids at Narrabeen Lagoon.

5 Melbourne

Melbourne is a fantastic place to take the kids, especially once they are a bit older and can appreciate the arts and culture there. Fed Square always has fantastic exhibitions and plays, such as The Cursed Child, perfect for a special occasion. Go shopping at DFO, visit the laneways and cafes, head to IMAX and the aquarium and ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Stay at  The Sebel Melbourne Docklands to be in the heart of it all.  If you want to get out of the city, head to Phillip Island to see the penguins!

Where are you planning to visit this year?