Best Family Holiday Destinations in Australia
14 destinations pricedFinding the best family holiday destinations in Australia comes down to what each state charges to enter. Gate admissions, vehicle passes and free-under ages across fourteen destinations read on operator and government pages on 6 September 2026.
What are the best holiday destinations in Australia for families?
Uluru-Kata Tjuta is the top pick for price transparency, charging $38 per adult for three days while all children under 18 enter free. The Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne offer dense city attractions, but admission rules vary wildly. Tasmania charges $49.15 per vehicle daily, while Victoria and Queensland charge no general park entry fees.
Pick your budget
Budget
Free entry for kids under 18
Uluru and the Red Centre
Commonwealth national park charging $38 per adult for three days with free admission for all youth under 18
See prices- Most families pick this
Mid-range
State park vehicle fees apply
Tasmania (Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula)
Historic Port Arthur entry valid for two days at $55 adult and $27.50 child, alongside a $49.15 statewide park vehicle pass
See prices Splurge
Premium island day tours
The Whitsundays
Full-day Whitehaven Beach cruises from $255 per adult and $725 per family, excluding infants from the roster
See prices
Free child thresholds range from age 2 to age 18 across anchor attractions
Across fourteen major family destinations, eleven anchor attractions publish a cut-off age where a child stops being free, creating a 16-year spread. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures charges for children aged 2 and older. Australia Zoo, Sea World and Scenic World charge starting at age 3. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Rottnest Island start charging at age 4. Kakadu charges at age 5, Port Arthur begins at age 7, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta lets everyone under 18 enter free. On the park side, Queensland and Victoria charge no day entry fees, while Tasmania charges $49.15 per vehicle for every park.
Midwest family vacations compared
What each destination charges, as its own operator or park service publishes it. Facts checked 2026-09-06.
| Destination | Where | What it costs to get in |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Gold Coast, QLD | Single-day gate price is rendered by JavaScript and not published as static text; 3 Day Multi Park Pass is $149 and 5 Day Multi Park Pass is $179 ($159 if buying 4 or more) |
| Sunshine Coast | Beerwah, QLD | Adult $77.45, Child (3-14 years) $51.95, Family of 4 $233.95, Family of 5 $280.95 |
| Cairns and Port Douglas | Cairns, QLD | Heritage Class return is Adult $87.00, Child $43.50, Family (2 adults and 2 children) $217.50; one-way is Adult $58.00, Child $29.00, Family $145.00 |
| The Whitsundays | Airlie Beach, QLD | From $255 adult, from $129 child (4-14 years), from $725 family |
| Sydney | Sydney, NSW | At gate: Adult $57.00, Child (4-15 years) $33.00, Family 2A2C $162.00; online from $51.30 adult, $29.70 child, $144.00 family |
| Blue Mountains | Katoomba, NSW | Adult day pass from $64, child day pass from $38.40; tiers at $85, $105 and $119 carry no static age labels |
| Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | Adult $58.00; Child (4-15 years) $29.00 on weekdays, free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays |
| Phillip Island | Summerlands, VIC | General viewing Adult (16+) $34.00, Child (4-15) $17.00, Family (2A2C) $85.00; Penguins Plus Adult $93.00, Child $46.50 |
| Great Ocean Road | Port Campbell, VIC | Single-day walk and zipline prices render behind a booking widget; Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park charges no entry fee |
| Tasmania (Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula) | Port Arthur, TAS | Adult $55, Child (7-17 years) $27.50, Family options from $127 (valid for 2 consecutive days) |
| Kangaroo Island | Kingscote, SA | Self-guided boardwalk: Adult $20.70, Child $12.40, Family $56.50; Kangaroo Island Tour Pass Adult $95.00, Child $57.00, Family $262.00 |
| Perth and Rottnest Island | Rottnest Island, WA | Single-day entry fee: Adult $21.50, Child (4-16 years) $11.00, Family (2A2C) $57.00 (charged in addition to ferry fares) |
| Uluru and the Red Centre | Yulara, NT | Adult $38 for 3 days or $50 for an annual pass |
| Darwin and Kakadu | Jabiru, NT | Dry season (15 May - 31 Oct): Adult $40, Child (5-15) $20, Family $100. Tropical summer (1 Nov - 14 May): Adult $25, Child $12.50, Family $65 (valid 7 days) |
The destinations, ranked
Gold CoastGold Coast, QLD
Theme parks and beaches with an early age cutoff
A coastal strip centered on surfing beaches and major commercial theme parks, anchored by Sea World on the Spit.
- The anchor:
- Sea World Gold Coast
- Admission:
- Single-day gate price is rendered by JavaScript and not published as static text; 3 Day Multi Park Pass is $149 and 5 Day Multi Park Pass is $179 ($159 if buying 4 or more)
- Free entry age:
- Under 3 enter free of charge but must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Season:
- April to October
- Nearest airport:
- Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (OOL), roughly 30 minutes by car from Surfers Paradise
The drawback: Sea World does not publish its single day gate price as static text, and tickets cost up to $10 more at the gate than online.
See hotels near Gold CoastLive prices in Gold Coast for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Sunshine CoastBeerwah, QLD
Wildlife focus with the highest family gate ticket on the mainland
Coastal beaches and hinterland anchored by Australia Zoo, situated 18 kilometres down Steve Irwin Way.
- The anchor:
- Australia Zoo, Beerwah
- Admission:
- Adult $77.45, Child (3-14 years) $51.95, Family of 4 $233.95, Family of 5 $280.95
- Free entry age:
- Children under 3 years are admitted free
- Season:
- April to October; avoid the 46-day Queensland summer break (12 December 2026 to 26 January 2027) if seeking fewer crowds
- Nearest airport:
- Sunshine Coast Airport, Marcoola (MCY)
The drawback: A family of four pays $233.95 at the gate for single-day entry, and that price excludes paid animal encounters.
See hotels near Sunshine CoastTrip.com has no booking node for Sunshine Coast, so this search opens on Maroochydore, the nearest town it does cover.- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Cairns and Port DouglasCairns, QLD
Rainforest rail journeys where marine stingers govern the coast
The gateway to Far North Queensland, connecting the wet tropics rainforest to the coast via historic rail.
- The anchor:
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Admission:
- Heritage Class return is Adult $87.00, Child $43.50, Family (2 adults and 2 children) $217.50; one-way is Adult $58.00, Child $29.00, Family $145.00
- Free entry age:
- Infants aged 0 to 3 years travel free of charge
- Season:
- June to October
- Nearest airport:
- Cairns Airport (CNS)
The drawback: The marine stinger season designated by the Queensland Government runs November to May, elevating jellyfish risks on unnetted mainland beaches during summer breaks.
See hotels near Cairns and Port DouglasLive prices in Cairns for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
The WhitsundaysAirlie Beach, QLD
Island day trips that exclude infants entirely
Seventy-four continental islands along the Great Barrier Reef, centered on Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet boat transfers.
- The anchor:
- Cruise Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill and Grill day trip
- Admission:
- From $255 adult, from $129 child (4-14 years), from $725 family
- Free entry age:
- Not published; the operator states the day cruise is unsuitable for infants rather than offering an infant fare
- Season:
- May to September
- Nearest airport:
- Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine (PPP confirms the Proserpine location; IATA code unconfirmed from operator site)
The drawback: The signature Whitehaven day tour takes 10 hours 45 minutes from Port of Airlie and the operator deems it unsuitable for infants.
See hotels near The WhitsundaysLive prices in Airlie Beach for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
SydneySydney, NSW
Harbour views with an admission split between toddlers and young kids
New South Wales capital featuring harbor foreshores, coastal beaches, and Taronga Zoo on the north shore.
- The anchor:
- Taronga Zoo Sydney
- Admission:
- At gate: Adult $57.00, Child (4-15 years) $33.00, Family 2A2C $162.00; online from $51.30 adult, $29.70 child, $144.00 family
- Free entry age:
- Infants under 4 years are free
- Season:
- March to May and September to November
- Nearest airport:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
The drawback: The child gate price starts at age 4, meaning a family with a three-year-old and a four-year-old pays for one child and not the other.
See hotels near SydneyLive prices in Sydney for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Blue MountainsKatoomba, NSW
Escarpment views with long peak holiday queues
Sandstone plateau and eucalyptus forests 90 minutes west of Sydney, anchored by the rides at Scenic World.
- The anchor:
- Scenic World, Katoomba
- Admission:
- Adult day pass from $64, child day pass from $38.40; tiers at $85, $105 and $119 carry no static age labels
- Free entry age:
- Children under 3 are free (child tickets apply to ages 3 to 15)
- Season:
- March to May and September to November
- Nearest airport:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), 90 minutes away by road or rail
The drawback: Scenic World warns of 40 to 60 minute wait times during school holidays and notes walk-up tickets often sell out completely.
See hotels near Blue MountainsSearches Katoomba in the Blue Mountains Trip.com has no booking node for Katoomba, so this search opens on Sydney, the nearest town it does cover.- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
MelbourneMelbourne, VIC
Free zoo entry for kids, provided your dates match Victoria's calendar
Victorian capital centered on parklands, river precincts, and the four properties of Zoos Victoria.
- The anchor:
- Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
- Admission:
- Adult $58.00; Child (4-15 years) $29.00 on weekdays, free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays
- Free entry age:
- Children aged 0 to 3 are free every day; children under 16 visit free on weekends and Victorian government school holidays
- Season:
- Any Victorian government school holiday or weekend for free child admission
- Nearest airport:
- Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine (MEL)
The drawback: Free entry for kids under 16 depends strictly on Victorian state school holidays, so visiting families from NSW or Queensland pay $29 per child on non-Victorian holiday weekdays.
See hotels near MelbourneLive prices in Melbourne for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Phillip IslandSummerlands, VIC
Nightly penguin viewings with strict child exclusions on premium decks
Island reserve two hours southeast of Melbourne, famed for little penguins crossing Summerland Beach at dusk.
- The anchor:
- Penguin Parade, Phillip Island Nature Parks
- Admission:
- General viewing Adult (16+) $34.00, Child (4-15) $17.00, Family (2A2C) $85.00; Penguins Plus Adult $93.00, Child $46.50
- Free entry age:
- Not published; child tickets start at 4, but the operator notes all persons including infants require a ticket
- Season:
- December to February for late parades; March to October for earlier viewing times
- Nearest airport:
- Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine (MEL), roughly 110 minutes away
The drawback: The upgraded Penguins Premium viewing platforms strictly exclude all children under 12 years of age.
See hotels near Phillip IslandSearches Phillip Island accommodation nodes Trip.com has no booking node for Phillip Island, so this search opens on Melbourne, the nearest town it does cover.- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Great Ocean RoadPort Campbell, VIC
Coastline touring with an infant charging threshold at age two
A 275-kilometre scenic coastal drive featuring the Twelve Apostles and the Otway rainforest.
- The anchor:
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
- Admission:
- Single-day walk and zipline prices render behind a booking widget; Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park charges no entry fee
- Free entry age:
- Children under 2 are free of charge on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk
- Season:
- October to April
- Nearest airport:
- Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine (MEL)
The drawback: The regional tourism authority advises against driving from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles and back in one day, making it a multi-night road trip.
See hotels near Great Ocean RoadSearches the Great Ocean Road corridor Trip.com has no booking node for Apollo Bay, so this search opens on Torquay, the nearest town it does cover.- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Tasmania (Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula)Port Arthur, TAS
Historic penal settlement where child fares start at age seven
Southern Tasmanian peninsula featuring rugged coastal cliffs and the 40-hectare historic convict site.
- The anchor:
- Port Arthur Historic Site
- Admission:
- Adult $55, Child (7-17 years) $27.50, Family options from $127 (valid for 2 consecutive days)
- Free entry age:
- Children aged 6 years and under are permitted free of charge
- Season:
- December to March
- Nearest airport:
- Hobart Airport (HBA), about 1.5 hours' drive from Port Arthur
The drawback: Child pricing begins at age 7, charging $27.50 for older children who would be free at Uluru, while all Tasmanian parks also require a $49.15 vehicle pass.
See hotels near Tasmania (Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula)Live prices in Hobart for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Kangaroo IslandKingscote, SA
Sea lion colonies with strict boardwalk visit caps
Offshore island southwest of Adelaide, known for coastal conservation parks and sea lion habitats at Seal Bay.
- The anchor:
- Seal Bay Conservation Park
- Admission:
- Self-guided boardwalk: Adult $20.70, Child $12.40, Family $56.50; Kangaroo Island Tour Pass Adult $95.00, Child $57.00, Family $262.00
- Free entry age:
- Not published on the tour prices page
- Season:
- October to April
- Nearest airport:
- Kingscote Airport (KGC), roughly 40 minutes flight from Adelaide
The drawback: Seal Bay enforces a 45-minute time limit on the boardwalk during busy periods, and the tour prices page does not define what age constitutes a child.
See hotels near Kangaroo IslandTrip.com has no booking node for Kingscote, so this search opens on Adelaide, the nearest town it does cover.- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Perth and Rottnest IslandRottnest Island, WA
Car-free island cycling with a separate government landing tax
An A-class island reserve 19 kilometres off Fremantle, managed without private cars and explored by bicycle.
- The anchor:
- Wadjemup / Rottnest Island admission fee
- Admission:
- Single-day entry fee: Adult $21.50, Child (4-16 years) $11.00, Family (2A2C) $57.00 (charged in addition to ferry fares)
- Free entry age:
- Children under four years old pay no admission fee
- Season:
- October to April
- Nearest airport:
- Perth Airport (PER)
The drawback: The island admission fee is levied on top of ferry fares, requiring a family of four to pay $57 simply to step ashore.
See hotels near Perth and Rottnest IslandLive prices in Perth for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Uluru and the Red CentreYulara, NT
Desert monoliths where all children under 18 visit free
Desert national park in Central Australia encompassing Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta.
- The anchor:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Admission:
- Adult $38 for 3 days or $50 for an annual pass
- Free entry age:
- Children and teenagers under 18 years go free
- Season:
- May to September
- Nearest airport:
- Ayers Rock (Connellan) Airport, Yulara (AYQ)
The drawback: Parks Australia closes the Valley of the Winds walk from 11 am whenever temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius, cutting off trail access during hotter months.
See hotels near Uluru and the Red CentreSearches Yulara resort accommodations- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
Darwin and KakaduJabiru, NT
Vast tropical wetlands priced differently by season
Australia's largest national park, spanning wetlands, sandstone escarpments and ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries.
- The anchor:
- Kakadu National Park
- Admission:
- Dry season (15 May - 31 Oct): Adult $40, Child (5-15) $20, Family $100. Tropical summer (1 Nov - 14 May): Adult $25, Child $12.50, Family $65 (valid 7 days)
- Free entry age:
- Children under 5 years enter free and need no pass
- Season:
- 15 May to 31 October (dry season)
- Nearest airport:
- Darwin International Airport (DRW), roughly three hours away by car
The drawback: The pass price increases by over 50 per cent during the dry season, jumping from $65 to $100 for a family ticket precisely when roads are accessible.
See hotels near Darwin and KakaduLive prices in Darwin for your dates- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fee
- Prices on Trip.com
State park permits, priced per state
National park vehicle and entry pass regulations differ by state jurisdiction across Australia. While some states charge nothing for day entry, others levy fees on every vehicle or individual park.
| State | Resident | Out of state | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Free day entry | Free day entry | No general day entry fees are published; fees apply only to camping ($7.75 per person or $31.00 per family per night) and vehicle access permits for specific recreation areas like K'gari and Bribie Island. |
| Victoria | Free day entry | Free day entry | Parks Victoria published schedules show no general park entry fees; charges apply only to tours and historic properties such as Buchan Caves and Werribee Park Mansion. |
| Tasmania | $49.15 per vehicle (up to 24 hrs) | $49.15 per vehicle (up to 24 hrs) | Passes are required for every national park in Tasmania; holiday passes cost $98.35 for up to 2 months. Children under 5 are free. |
| New South Wales | Free at over 845 parks; fees at 45 parks | Free at over 845 parks; fees at 45 parks | Vehicle entry fees are charged at 45 of more than 890 parks and reserves. Annual All Parks Pass is $190; Multi Park Pass excluding Kosciuszko is $65. |
| Western Australia | $17.00 per vehicle | $17.00 per vehicle | Standard day entry is $17.00 per vehicle (12 or fewer occupants) at over 30 fee-collecting parks; All Parks annual pass is $130. |
| South Australia | Free at most of 350+ parks | Free at most of 350+ parks | Free to drive into most parks, and free to walk or cycle. Vehicle day fees apply at a minority of parks; Kangaroo Island Tour Pass is $95.00 adult and $262.00 family. |
| Northern Territory (Commonwealth) | Kakadu: Free for NT residents; Uluru: $38 adult | Kakadu: $25-$40 adult; Uluru: $38 adult | Commonwealth passes apply: Uluru is $38 (under 18 free). Kakadu is $40 dry season / $25 tropical summer (under 5 free). |
| Northern Territory (Territory parks) | Operator does not publish without challenge bypass | Operator does not publish without challenge bypass | NT government park pass rules were unestablished due to online access challenges on the agency website. |
School holiday schedules dictate crowd patterns and seasonal prices across Australia. Queensland features the longest summer break at 46 days (12 December 2026 to 26 January 2027), while Victoria runs roughly 19 December 2026 to 27 January 2027. In the tropical north, the Queensland Government marine stinger season spans November to May, requiring stinger suits and netted enclosures for ocean swimming.
How these figures were checked
2026-09-06
Avoid planning unnetted ocean swims in Far North Queensland between November and May due to box jellyfish and Irukandji risks. In the Red Centre, avoid mid-summer daytime hikes, as trail closures take effect at 11 am when temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius.
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