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The Best Places to Travel With Kids in 2026
Looking for the best places to travel with kids sounds dreamy in theory, that is, until you're deep in a group chat debating flight times, Googling "do they sell nappies in Kerala?" and realising your "relaxing getaway" now involves snacks packed with military precision. Planning a family holiday with kids is equal parts magical and mildly chaotic, but when it lands, it really lands.
For Australian families, the stakes are a little higher. We're not exactly popping over the border for a quick weekend in Europe — every trip tends to involve long-haul flights, careful timing around school holidays, and a sharp eye on value for money. If you're going to commit to the journey, it needs to deliver for everyone: toddlers, teens and the grown-ups footing the bill.
That's where this list comes in. From easy, memory-making family holidays closer to home to bucket-list international adventures worth the flight time, we've rounded up the best places to travel with kids in 2026, with destinations that balance fun, practicality and just enough wow factor to make the planning worth it. Happy travels!
The Best Places to Travel With Kids in 2026
What Makes a Destination Family-Friendly?
Top 10 Places to Travel With Kids in Australia
- Gold Coast, Queensland
- Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Broome, WA
- Phillip Island, Victoria
- Sydney, NSW
- Byron Bay, NSW
- Far North Queensland
- Perth and Rottnest Island, WA
- Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, and Beyond)
- Uluru and the Red Centre
Top 10 International Places to Travel With Kids in 2026
Tips For Stress-Free Family Holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Destination Family-Friendly?
A genuinely family-friendly destination goes well beyond ticking a few obvious boxes.
You want somewhere safe enough to relax a little, with plenty to keep toddlers, teens and grown-ups entertained without anyone declaring boredom every five minutes. You're looking for the full package: somewhere safe enough that you're not on high alert 24/7, and easy enough to navigate without a logistical meltdown. Bonus points for hotels that actually get it (hello, family rooms and kids' clubs), plenty of food options that go beyond beige buffets, and transport that doesn't feel like a test of endurance. And let's be honest, affordability matters too, because nothing kills the holiday glow faster than a "quick" outing that somehow costs as much as your flights.
That's exactly what we kept in mind when pulling together our top picks for places to travel with kids in Australia and internationally. From easy, sunshine-filled escapes like the Gold Coast and Bali to bigger, memory-making adventures like Japan, London and Los Angeles, every pick earns its place for families, not just frequent flyers.
Top 10 Places to Travel With Kids in Australia in 2026
1. Gold Coast, Queensland
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: all year round
If your kids have ever uttered the words "again, again", the Gold Coast is ready to deliver!
This is full-throttle family fun, with theme park heavyweights like Dreamworld, Sea World and Movie World doing the hard yards, plus quirky stops like Ripley's Believe It or Not for when you need a break from the rides. Add in surf beaches for sandy resets and the lush hinterland of Lamington National Park when you're craving a nature moment, and you've got a family holiday destination that rarely slows down (and honestly, that's the point).
Getting there: Fly into Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane, then it's a short drive to the action.
2. Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: all year round
The Sunshine Coast is what happens when a destination refuses to pick a lane, in the best way possible!
One minute you're on a postcard-perfect beach, the next you're winding through rainforest in the hinterland, and somewhere in between you've squeezed in a visit to Australia Zoo. The Sunshine Coast is high on our list of places to travel with kids because it's ideal for that tricky in-between age where kids want variety, parents want good food, and everyone wants to feel like they're on holiday without trying too hard. Tick, tick and tick!
Getting there: Fly direct to Sunshine Coast Airport or into Brisbane, then hit the road north for about an hour.
3. Broome, WA
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: during the dry season from May to October
Broome feels like a proper "we made it" kind of family holiday.
Days here revolve around the iconic Cable Beach, where camel rides plod along the shoreline, and kids can run wild before settling in for those famous Indian Ocean sunsets. If you time it right, you might even catch the Staircase to the Moon, when the rising moon creates a glowing optical illusion across the tidal flats.
Beyond the beach, Broome's pearling history adds a layer of intrigue, best explored through its heritage buildings and the town's slightly offbeat Chinatown precinct. For something truly unforgettable, take to the skies on a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls, because sometimes the best way to impress the kids is to show them something they didn't even know existed.
Getting there: Broome is 2,200 kilometres north of Perth, with direct flights available from major Australian cities.
4. Phillip Island, Victoria
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: during the warmer months from November to March
Yes, the penguins are the headline act — and rightly so, because watching them waddle ashore is pure joy — but Phillip Island doesn't stop there. Family holidays here involve wildlife encounters, mazes, carnivals and a chocolate factory that will absolutely derail any attempts at moderation. Exploring Phillip Island is an easy drive from Melbourne and somehow feels like a full-blown family theme park without the queues.
Getting there: Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, so it's perfect for an easy road trip.
5. Sydney, NSW
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: during the warmer months from November to March
Sydney delivers the big-ticket family moments without breaking a sweat. You've got the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park and Bondi Beach all within easy reach, plus Darling Harbour and a stack of museums ready to fill in any gaps.
A day out in the city is all about attraction hopping, taking in city sights, animal encounters, world-famous restaurants, or building sandcastles by the sea. Sydney offers a choose-your-own-adventure that actually works for everyone.
And then there's what lies just beyond the city. Within a few hours, you can be in the Blue Mountains exploring bushwalks, waterfalls and scenic rides like the Skyway and Scenic Railway. Head north to the Central Coast for calm beaches, pelican feeding at The Entrance and family-friendly coastal walks. Or swap sand for vineyards in the Hunter Valley, where wide-open spaces, farm gates, bike rides and kid-friendly cellar doors make it surprisingly easy to visit with little ones in tow. It's a home base that keeps on giving.
Getting there: Fly straight into Sydney Airport, then you're minutes from the harbour and major attractions.
6. Byron Bay, NSW
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: spring (September to November) for nice weather and fewer crowds, or autumn (March to May) to avoid extreme heat
Byron Bay is where everyone collectively exhales. Days revolve around the beach, with surfing, kayaking and lighthouse walks setting the pace, while market shopping and hinterland adventures fill in the rest.
A family holiday in Byron Bay is relaxed without being boring, outdoorsy without being exhausting, and just structured enough that you can pretend you have a plan. Shoes are entirely optional.
Getting there: Fly into Ballina (30 minutes away) or the Gold Coast, then drive south along the coast.
7. Far North Queensland
Perfect for: toddlers, kids, and tweens
Best time to travel: all year round
This is the kind of place that makes kids feel like they've stepped into a nature documentary.
In Far North Queensland, the reef meets the rainforest in spectacular fashion, and the itinerary practically writes itself. There's snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, gliding above the canopy on the Skyrail to Kuranda, and exploring the Daintree with stories that stretch back thousands of years. It's big, bold and just the right amount of wild.
Getting there: Fly into Cairns Airport, the main gateway to the reef and rainforest.
8. Perth and Rottnest Island, WA
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May)
Can't decide between a family holiday in the city or at the beach? Perth offers both!
Perth is another popular Western Australia holiday destination that serves up city comforts with a side of seriously good beaches, while nearby Rottnest Island brings the magic. Cue bike rides, car-free exploring and the main event: quokkas that look permanently delighted to see you. Add in Kings Park, Fremantle's laid-back charm and easy day trips to places like Margaret River, and you've got a west coast winner that keeps things refreshingly simple.
Getting there: Fly into Perth, then catch a ferry from Fremantle or Perth to Rottnest Island.
9. Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, and Beyond)
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: summer (December to February) for warm waters, or autumn (March to May) for mild weather, colourful scenery and fewer crowds
Tasmania is for families who like their holidays with a bit of an edge.
One minute you're wandering through MONA, wondering how to explain the art to your kids, the next you're spotting wildlife, hiking through national parks or diving into convict history at Port Arthur. Tasmania is one of the best places to travel with kids because it's rugged, beautiful and packed with experiences that feel just different enough to keep everyone hooked.
Getting there: Fly into Hobart or Launceston, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne.
10. Uluru and the Red Centre
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: during the cooler months from May to September
Uluru is the kind of family holiday destination that sticks with you long after the trip ends.
The landscapes are vast, the colours shift by the hour, and the stories behind them add a depth you don't get just anywhere. Days are filled with cultural tours, camel rides and exploring the national park, while nights bring next-level stargazing. Trust us when we say that a trip to Uluru is an outback adventure that feels both grounding and unforgettable.
Getting there: Fly direct to Ayers Rock Airport or via Alice Springs, then drive into the Red Centre.
Top 10 International Places to Travel With Kids in 2026
1. Fiji
Perfect for: all ages, particularly babies and toddlers
Best time to travel: during the dry season from May to October
Fiji is what happens when a family holiday actually feels like a holiday for everyone.
The real MVPs? The legendary Fijian nannies, who can charm even the most jet-lagged toddler, often on a one-to-one basis. That means you can sneak in a quiet meal, a swim or just five uninterrupted minutes while the kids are living their best lives. Add in calm beaches, gentle water activities and a pace that practically forces you to slow down, and it's easy to see why Fiji is one of the best places to travel with kids.
Getting there: Direct flights from Australia take around 4 hours to Nadi.
2. Hawaii
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: during the shoulder seasons from April to early June and September to mid-December
Hawaii doesn't do half-measures. There are surf beaches, lush jungles and those dramatic black sand shores, all wrapped up in one irresistible family holiday destination.
Waikiki alone is a sensory overload in the best way, with turtles in the shallows, hula shows at sunset and more food options than you can realistically get through. Hawaii is built for active families, with everything from surfing and snorkelling to hiking and dolphin spotting on the agenda.
Getting there: Fly direct from Australia to Honolulu in around 10 hours.
3. Japan
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: spring (March to mid-April) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, autumn (October to November) for pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, winter (February) for epic snow conditions
Japan is the overachiever of family travel. It's safe, seamless and packed with experiences that keep both kids and adults fully engaged.
From neon-lit arcades and themed cafés to peaceful temples, cherry blossoms, onsens and high-speed train rides, the contrast is part of the magic. Add world-class theme parks, incredible food and world-class snow adventures in winter, and you've got a family holiday destination that delivers something new at every turn without ever feeling overwhelming.
Getting there: Direct flights from Australia to Tokyo or Osaka take around 9-10 hours.
4. Bali
Perfect for: all ages
Best time to travel: during the dry season throughout April, May, June, and September
Bali just gets families. From kids' clubs and babysitters to restaurants with pools (yes, really), everything is designed to make travelling with children feel effortless.
You can bounce between beach days, cultural outings and full-blown adventures at waterparks, volcano views and day clubs that welcome kids with open arms. Best of all, Bali works for all budgets, so you can go luxe or laid-back without sacrificing the fun.
Getting there: Direct flights from Australia to Denpasar take around 6 hours.
5. New Zealand
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: during the shoulder seasons in autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November)
New Zealand is basically one giant outdoor playground for families. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rolling green landscapes set the scene for a family holiday that offers fresh air and endless adventures.
Travelling to New Zealand with kids is an easy hop from Australia, and once you're there, road-tripping from one island to the other is half the fun! You've got Hobbiton for movie magic, the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua (with bubbling mud pools and geysers that kids find endlessly fascinating), and adrenaline-lite adventures in Queenstown like gondola rides and luge tracks. Add in wildlife encounters, glow worm caves in Waitomo and endless scenic spots to stretch little legs, and you've stumbled upon a destination that keeps everyone entertained without feeling over-planned.
Getting there: Flights from Australia take as little as 3 hours to major cities like Auckland or Queenstown.
6. Singapore
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: during the dry season from February to April
Singapore is small but seriously mighty when it comes to family travel. Theme parks, water parks, next-level hotels and food that will win over even the fussiest eaters — it's all here, and it's all easy.
During a family holiday in Singapore, you can pack your days with attractions like Universal Studios and Gardens by the Bay, then wind things down in green spaces or by the pool. It's polished, predictable (in a good way) and perfect for a first overseas trip with kids.
Getting there: Direct flights from Australia to Singapore take around 8 hours.
7. Samoa
Perfect for: all ages
Best time to travel: during the dry season from May to October
Samoa is for families who want to unplug a little and embrace island life. Get ready for slower days, warm water, and plenty of space for kids to explore without a packed itinerary.
There's culture to discover, natural swimming spots to stumble upon and that easygoing rhythm that makes everyone breathe out a bit. A family trip to Samoa is less about ticking off big attractions and more about just being there, and that's kind of the appeal. And the proximity to Australia doesn't hurt either!
Getting there: Flights from Australia typically take around 5-6 hours with a stopover.
8. Los Angeles
Perfect for: kids, tweens and teens
Best time to travel: all year round
Los Angeles is the ultimate "yes" destination for families. Theme parks? You've got Disneyland and Universal Studios ready to take centre stage. Beach days? Santa Monica and Venice bring the sand, bike paths and classic boardwalk energy. Then there's the Hollywood factor with studio tours, the Walk of Fame and just enough movie magic to keep kids wide-eyed.
What makes LA work so well as a family holiday destination is the variety. You can go full-throttle with rides and attractions, or dial things back with coastal hangs, playground stops and easy eats in between. There's always something happening, but you can shape the pace to suit your crew, which, when travelling with kids, is half the battle won!
Getting there: Direct flights from Australia to Los Angeles take around 13-15 hours.
9. Cook Islands
Perfect for: all ages
Best time to travel: during the dry season from April to November
The Cook Islands feel like a secret you almost don't want to share.
Picture crystal-clear lagoons, white sand beaches and a culture that's as warm as the weather. Kids can snorkel straight off the beach, and parents can actually relax without constantly scanning the horizon. Simple, beautiful and blissfully uncrowded, the Cook Islands dials up the tropical holiday mode to a tee.
Getting there: Flights from Australia take around 9-10 hours, usually via New Zealand.
10. London
Perfect for: all ages
Best time to travel: late spring to early summer (May, June) or early autumn (September) offers mild, walkable weather, flowering parks and fewer crowds than peak summer
London is loaded with storybook appeal, and kids are absolutely along for the ride.
Royal palaces, crown jewels and castle towers set the scene, while attractions like the London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium and hands-on museums keep things firmly interactive. There's plenty of space to run off energy, too, with sprawling parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, plus playgrounds that feel like mini adventures in their own right.
What makes London such a win for families is how much you can mix and match. History sits right alongside modern fun, transport is easy to navigate (hello double-decker buses), and there's always something new to discover around the corner. It's big, busy and packed with options for all ages. Win-win!
Getting there: Flights from Australia to London take around 22-24 hours with at least one stopover.
Tips For Stress-Free Family Holidays
Family travel doesn't have to feel like a high-stakes operation. When it comes to picking the right place to travel with kids, a little planning goes a long way. Hint: snacks on flights and long road trips will always be non-negotiable.
Packing is less about being prepared for every scenario and more about covering the essentials without hauling your entire house overseas. Pack layers, a compact first-aid kit, spare outfits (always), and a few small distractions you can pull out when things start to unravel.
Booking-wise, aim for convenience over bragging rights. Booking direct flights, central accommodation, and family-friendly rooms will save your sanity fast.
Travel insurance might not be exciting, but it's the one thing you'll be glad you sorted if plans go sideways.
Long-haul flights and road trips are where strategy really kicks in. Download shows, pack headphones, stagger activities, and embrace the power of a well-timed treat. For younger kids, novelty is everything — new books, small toys or even just a surprise snack can buy you a solid window of peace.
And when it comes to keeping kids entertained and safe, balance is key. Build in downtime, know where the nearest playground or open space is, and don't overpack your itinerary. Happy kids usually come down to well-timed breaks, enough food, and not asking too much of them at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Travel With Kids
1. What's the best age to travel with kids?
Sadly, there's no magic number. Every age comes with its perks. Babies are portable, toddlers are unpredictable, and older kids bring the energy (and opinions). The best time to travel with kids is whenever you're ready to roll with it and embrace the chaos.
2. How do I find the best family travel deals?
Flexibility is your friend. Travel outside peak school holiday windows (including international school holidays) if you can, keep an eye on flight sales, and look for accommodation packages that bundle meals or kids' activities. It all adds up quickly.
3. Which family destinations have the best kids' clubs?
If you're after destinations that truly deliver on kid-friendly resorts, a few standouts rise to the top.
Obviously, Fiji and Bali lead the pack with next-level kids' clubs, babysitting, and even dedicated nannies, while Hawaii and Singapore offer polished, all-in-one resorts with pools, activities, and seamless service. For something more relaxed, the Cook Islands and Samoa offer beachfront stays where kids can roam, and parents can properly switch off. Closer to home, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast round things out with family resorts, big pools and easy access to attractions.
4. How do I keep kids happy while travelling?
Lower your expectations (just slightly), pack more snacks than you think you'll need, leave room for spontaneity, and don't cram too many attractions or stop into one day. The goal isn't perfection; it's making memories without losing the plot along the way.
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