The land down under. Well-known for its wildlife, beaches, big cities, and natural wonders, Australia is a diverse and amazing destination for adults and children alike.
If you’re considering traveling from the United States to this continent, keep in mind the flight is between 14 and 15 hours, depending on where you’re departing from, and your family might need a visa in addition to passports. But once your family sets eyes on the gorgeous landscapes and these five luxury resorts, the travel time will be a distant memory.
So pack your bags and brush off those binoculars because the Australian outback has some amazing things to offer you and your family.
1. RACV Noosa Resort
This gorgeous resort has something for everyone. Located in Queensland, Australia, the Noosa Resort isn’t far from the busy and chic Hastings Street. But if relaxation is more your speed, you’ll love the resort’s proximity to the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. This area offers a breathtaking bush setting beside beautiful sandy beaches. Your stay at the resort will be nothing short of unforgettable.
Your kids won’t want to leave the luxurious heated pools, water slides, and splash pad. If they’re looking to get on dry land for a while, the resort has a challenging playground for children of all ages. Looking for more attentive care for your youngsters? No problem. The Noosa Resort offers Kids Club Care. For a nominal fee, your child will be engaged all day long. This club includes activities, games, movies, and arts and crafts – all while under the watchful eye of child care professionals.
Don’t worry parents, your kids won’t be the only ones having fun. While your kids are being entertained, you can take advantage of the resort’s spa for a rejuvenating massage or facial. This is a great way to unwind from a day on the tennis courts, deep sea fishing, or surfing lessons. The entire family can take part in other outdoor adventures including 4WD tours on Fraser Island and local tours.
2. Yacht Club Villas – Hamilton Island
Located off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Yacht Club Villas stand three to four levels high and offer breathtaking waterfront views.
Traveling with a larger family? Space is not an issue here. These spacious villas are both private and accommodating – each boasting four bedrooms and four bathrooms. You’ll also enjoy all the comforts of home. Each villa is equipped with air conditioning, a gourmet kitchen, and laundry. You’ll even receive a complimentary golf-buggy that seats four. This will make travel around the island a breeze.
This resort is one of the most family-friendly on the list. The area boasts countless memorable and affordable activities from mini-golfing and go-kart riding to snorkeling and boating. If your traveling with smaller children, they’ll love the Clownfish Club. Here, children as young as 6 weeks old and as old as 14 are under the supervised care of trained professionals. Their days will be full of adventure while they participate in organized activities.
While the kids are occupied, parents can partake in some more adult fun like bush walks, paddle boarding, golfing, and wind sailing. Everyone will love the dining options at the Villas. The local area offers countless casual and takeaway dining facilities, as well as bars and fine dining.
3. Daydream Island Resort and Spa
With the phrase “daydream” right in the title, how could this resort be anything but amazing? Named one of Australia’s best family resorts and located on its very own island, your trip will be a true aquatic adventure.
Daydream offers children an exclusive and engaging escape in the Skipper’s Club. This program offers two options – one for children 0 to 5 years old and another for children 6 to 12. The younger kids will enjoy imaginative play, arts and crafts and an outdoor playground. The older kids will engage in social activities where they’ll have the chance to meet other children their age. These events include fish feeding, treasure hunts, and nature walks.
While your kids are busy doing their own thing, parents can take advantage of the countless water activities available. Daydream Island is home to one of the world’s largest man-made coral reef lagoons – The Living Reef. Here you’ll encounter countless marine animals and coral life. If you’re interested in more active play, try your hand at water skiing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides. Wind down from your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants, including Mermaids, Waterfalls, or the Lagoon Bar.
4. Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa
Australia’s beaches are gorgeous, but so are the continent’s mountain views. The Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa is nestled on the border of Kosciuszko National Park in the Thredbo Valley, surrounded by gorgeous snowy mountains. Guests can choose from the resort’s cozy chalets or spacious apartments.
If you’re a lover of winter sports, Lake Crackenback is the place for you. Winter activities include skiing and snow tubing. If the conditions on the mountains aren’t conducive to your mood, don’t worry, there’s plenty to do indoors. The resort boasts an indoor heated pool, trampolines, archery, a fitness center and sauna, plus 9 hole golf course. Mountain biking is a fan favorite at Lake Crackenback, along with leisurely lake activities like canoeing and trout fishing.
Your kids can get involved in all the above-mentioned activities because all of Lake Crackenback’s activities are designed for guests of all ages. The resort’s apartments are perfect when traveling with kids. They offer fireplaces, spacious living rooms, and spectacular mountain views.
5. Turtle Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a beach resort in Australia, this is the spot. Turtle Beach Resort is located just miles from popular and private patrolled beaches, as well as gorgeous and educational rainforests. If your children are all about adventure, your family can visit the Gold Coast Theme Parks.
The Club Turtle Kids Club offers younger guests organized activities including big screen interactive games, art and crafts lessons, and even a dance and disco room! When the kids are ready to take the fun outside, they have plenty waiting for them. Turtle Beach Resort boasts 4 separate swimming pools and water play areas for hours of fun. The Splash Zone Waterpark is equipped with four water slides, two kiddie slides, a water cannon, and dumping bucket. If you’re looking for some seclusion, adults can visit the adults-only retreat.
Other adult escapes are available for parents to relax and indulge in. The Chelonia Spa offers world-class services and treatments. Why not enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, or pedicure. Even teens can get in on the spa fun. The Deck Restaurant and Bar has a menu that will make the entire family happy. Visit the Fresh and Tasty after for a sweet treat. When it comes time to explore the local area, there are markets and fairs in abundance. There’s no shortage of fun for adventure seekers either. If you’re not afraid of heights, check out the SkyPoint Climb, or take to the water for a Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride.
Visit the Outback
If you’re looking for an exotic and unique location for your next family vacation, Australia has so much to offer. From ski resorts nestled in spacious and breathtaking mountains to spas and resorts near the beach, this beautiful continent truly has something for everyone.
April Sutphen is the Creator and Editor of Honest Mom. Honest Mom is where April shares beautiful moments and experiences from her travels as well as other challenges, successes and stresses of being a busy mother and wife.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
April is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NJ. She lives here with her son and husband. April has her MFA in creative nonfiction and over 10 years of writing experience. April currently contributes to several parenting forums and loves communicating and networking with other mothers. She prides herself on saying what other mothers are often thinking but feel too guilty to admit. Parenting can be challenging – let’s do this together!
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One Comment
I am moving to Sydney with my family in July so I am bookmarking this. I am definitely adding all of these to my bucket list. So excited to have the opportunity to explore more of Australia! Thanks for including a ski resort too :)
Your kids won’t want to leave the luxurious heated pools, water slides, and splash pad. If they’re looking to get on dry land for a while, the resort has a challenging playground for children of all ages. Looking for more attentive care for your youngsters? No problem. The Noosa Resort offers Kids Club Care. For a nominal fee, your child will be engaged all day long. This club includes activities, games, movies, and arts and crafts – all while under the watchful eye of child care professionals.
Don’t worry parents, your kids won’t be the only ones having fun. While your kids are being entertained, you can take advantage of the resort’s spa for a rejuvenating massage or facial. This is a great way to unwind from a day on the tennis courts, deep sea fishing, or surfing lessons. The entire family can take part in other outdoor adventures including 4WD tours on Fraser Island and local tours.
2. Yacht Club Villas – Hamilton Island
Located off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Yacht Club Villas stand three to four levels high and offer breathtaking waterfront views.
Your kids won’t want to leave the luxurious heated pools, water slides, and splash pad. If they’re looking to get on dry land for a while, the resort has a challenging playground for children of all ages. Looking for more attentive care for your youngsters? No problem. The Noosa Resort offers Kids Club Care. For a nominal fee, your child will be engaged all day long. This club includes activities, games, movies, and arts and crafts – all while under the watchful eye of child care professionals.
Don’t worry parents, your kids won’t be the only ones having fun. While your kids are being entertained, you can take advantage of the resort’s spa for a rejuvenating massage or facial. This is a great way to unwind from a day on the tennis courts, deep sea fishing, or surfing lessons. The entire family can take part in other outdoor adventures including 4WD tours on Fraser Island and local tours.
2. Yacht Club Villas – Hamilton Island
Located off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Yacht Club Villas stand three to four levels high and offer breathtaking waterfront views.
Traveling with a larger family? Space is not an issue here. These spacious villas are both private and accommodating – each boasting four bedrooms and four bathrooms. You’ll also enjoy all the comforts of home. Each villa is equipped with air conditioning, a gourmet kitchen, and laundry. You’ll even receive a complimentary golf-buggy that seats four. This will make travel around the island a breeze.
This resort is one of the most family-friendly on the list. The area boasts countless memorable and affordable activities from mini-golfing and go-kart riding to snorkeling and boating. If your traveling with smaller children, they’ll love the Clownfish Club. Here, children as young as 6 weeks old and as old as 14 are under the supervised care of trained professionals. Their days will be full of adventure while they participate in organized activities.
While the kids are occupied, parents can partake in some more adult fun like bush walks, paddle boarding, golfing, and wind sailing. Everyone will love the dining options at the Villas. The local area offers countless casual and takeaway dining facilities, as well as bars and fine dining.
3. Daydream Island Resort and Spa
With the phrase “daydream” right in the title, how could this resort be anything but amazing? Named one of Australia’s best family resorts and located on its very own island, your trip will be a true aquatic adventure.
Daydream offers children an exclusive and engaging escape in the Skipper’s Club. This program offers two options – one for children 0 to 5 years old and another for children 6 to 12. The younger kids will enjoy imaginative play, arts and crafts and an outdoor playground. The older kids will engage in social activities where they’ll have the chance to meet other children their age. These events include fish feeding, treasure hunts, and nature walks.
While your kids are busy doing their own thing, parents can take advantage of the countless water activities available. Daydream Island is home to one of the world’s largest man-made coral reef lagoons – The Living Reef. Here you’ll encounter countless marine animals and coral life. If you’re interested in more active play, try your hand at water skiing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides. Wind down from your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants, including Mermaids, Waterfalls, or the Lagoon Bar.
4. Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa
Australia’s beaches are gorgeous, but so are the continent’s mountain views. The Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa is nestled on the border of Kosciuszko National Park in the Thredbo Valley, surrounded by gorgeous snowy mountains. Guests can choose from the resort’s cozy chalets or spacious apartments.
If you’re a lover of winter sports, Lake Crackenback is the place for you. Winter activities include skiing and snow tubing. If the conditions on the mountains aren’t conducive to your mood, don’t worry, there’s plenty to do indoors. The resort boasts an indoor heated pool, trampolines, archery, a fitness center and sauna, plus 9 hole golf course. Mountain biking is a fan favorite at Lake Crackenback, along with leisurely lake activities like canoeing and trout fishing.
Your kids can get involved in all the above-mentioned activities because all of Lake Crackenback’s activities are designed for guests of all ages. The resort’s apartments are perfect when traveling with kids. They offer fireplaces, spacious living rooms, and spectacular mountain views.
5. Turtle Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a beach resort in Australia, this is the spot. Turtle Beach Resort is located just miles from popular and private patrolled beaches, as well as gorgeous and educational rainforests. If your children are all about adventure, your family can visit the Gold Coast Theme Parks.
The Club Turtle Kids Club offers younger guests organized activities including big screen interactive games, art and crafts lessons, and even a dance and disco room! When the kids are ready to take the fun outside, they have plenty waiting for them. Turtle Beach Resort boasts 4 separate swimming pools and water play areas for hours of fun. The Splash Zone Waterpark is equipped with four water slides, two kiddie slides, a water cannon, and dumping bucket. If you’re looking for some seclusion, adults can visit the adults-only retreat.
Other adult escapes are available for parents to relax and indulge in. The Chelonia Spa offers world-class services and treatments. Why not enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, or pedicure. Even teens can get in on the spa fun. The Deck Restaurant and Bar has a menu that will make the entire family happy. Visit the Fresh and Tasty after for a sweet treat. When it comes time to explore the local area, there are markets and fairs in abundance. There’s no shortage of fun for adventure seekers either. If you’re not afraid of heights, check out the SkyPoint Climb, or take to the water for a Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride.
Visit the Outback
If you’re looking for an exotic and unique location for your next family vacation, Australia has so much to offer. From ski resorts nestled in spacious and breathtaking mountains to spas and resorts near the beach, this beautiful continent truly has something for everyone.
April Sutphen is the Creator and Editor of Honest Mom. Honest Mom is where April shares beautiful moments and experiences from her travels as well as other challenges, successes and stresses of being a busy mother and wife.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
I am moving to Sydney with my family in July so I am bookmarking this. I am definitely adding all of these to my bucket list. So excited to have the opportunity to explore more of Australia! Thanks for including a ski resort too :)