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Best Family Holiday Destinations in Australia

Finding 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.

Nearest base: Gold Coast

See hotels near Gold CoastLive prices for your dates
By Alice12 min readPublished Facts checked 2026-09-06
Table of contents
The reef colours in the shallows off the Whitsunday Islands near Airlie Beach in Queensland
Photo: Ayanadak123 · CC BY-SA 4.0

In Brief

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.

Key takeaways

  • Uluru lets everyone under 18 enter free, whereas Otway Fly starts charging children at age 2.
  • Zoos Victoria admits children under 16 free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays.
  • Tasmania requires an entry pass for every national park at $49.15 per vehicle for 24 hours.
  • Queensland and Victoria charge no general day-entry fees for their national parks.

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.

DestinationWhereWhat it costs to get in
Gold CoastGold Coast, QLDSingle-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 CoastBeerwah, QLDAdult $77.45, Child (3-14 years) $51.95, Family of 4 $233.95, Family of 5 $280.95
Cairns and Port DouglasCairns, QLDHeritage 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 WhitsundaysAirlie Beach, QLDFrom $255 adult, from $129 child (4-14 years), from $725 family
SydneySydney, NSWAt 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 MountainsKatoomba, NSWAdult day pass from $64, child day pass from $38.40; tiers at $85, $105 and $119 carry no static age labels
MelbourneMelbourne, VICAdult $58.00; Child (4-15 years) $29.00 on weekdays, free on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays
Phillip IslandSummerlands, VICGeneral viewing Adult (16+) $34.00, Child (4-15) $17.00, Family (2A2C) $85.00; Penguins Plus Adult $93.00, Child $46.50
Great Ocean RoadPort Campbell, VICSingle-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, TASAdult $55, Child (7-17 years) $27.50, Family options from $127 (valid for 2 consecutive days)
Kangaroo IslandKingscote, SASelf-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 IslandRottnest Island, WASingle-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 CentreYulara, NTAdult $38 for 3 days or $50 for an annual pass
Darwin and KakaduJabiru, NTDry 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

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

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.

StateResidentOut of stateNotes
QueenslandFree day entryFree day entryNo 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.
VictoriaFree day entryFree day entryParks 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 WalesFree at over 845 parks; fees at 45 parksFree at over 845 parks; fees at 45 parksVehicle 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 vehicleStandard day entry is $17.00 per vehicle (12 or fewer occupants) at over 30 fee-collecting parks; All Parks annual pass is $130.
South AustraliaFree at most of 350+ parksFree at most of 350+ parksFree 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 adultKakadu: $25-$40 adult; Uluru: $38 adultCommonwealth 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 bypassOperator does not publish without challenge bypassNT 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.

Midwest family vacations: FAQ

The questions families ask before booking.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers the most generous policy, allowing all children and teenagers under 18 to enter free of charge. In Victoria, Zoos Victoria admits children under 16 free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and Victorian school holidays, though regular weekday entry costs $29.00 per child.

National park permit fees depend on the state. Queensland and Victoria charge no general day entry fees for their parks, whereas Tasmania requires an entry pass for every single park, starting at $49.15 per vehicle per day. Far North Queensland also enforces a marine stinger season from November to May.

Target states with zero vehicle fees for national parks, such as Queensland and Victoria, and look for attractions where young kids enter free. Melbourne Zoo drops admission for under-16s on weekends and state school holidays, while Kakadu drops family passes from $100 down to $65 during the tropical summer.

Look closely at the free admission thresholds for individual attractions. Toddlers enter free up to age 2 at Otway Fly, while Sea World, Australia Zoo and Scenic World admit children free under age 3. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Rottnest Island and Taronga Zoo allow free entry for children under age 4.

Check state school holiday calendars before scheduling inter-state travel. Queensland's summer break runs 46 days from 12 December 2026 to 26 January 2027, crowding theme parks, while Victoria's zoos only provide free child entry when dates coincide with Victorian public school terms and breaks.

Ticket classifications shift sharply for older kids. Port Arthur charges child rates starting at age 7 through 17 at $27.50, and Phillip Island classifies anyone 16 and over as a $34.00 adult. Conversely, Uluru-Kata Tjuta considers teenagers under 18 fully free under adult passes.

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