Best family friendly destinations in Oceania
Best family friendly destinations in Oceania
Safe beach resorts and interactive wildlife parks for families in Oceania
Oceania asks families to commit to a longer flight, but the payoff is often a trip built around outdoor time and a different pace of life altogether.
Coastal cities give families easy access to beaches, wildlife encounters and enough infrastructure to keep logistics simple, even with young kids in tow. Further from the coast, national parks and countryside regions offer space for older kids to hike, camp or try adventure activities as a family. Island stops elsewhere in the region tend to suit families who want to slow down completely, with little on the agenda beyond swimming and relaxing. The distance between stops can be considerable, so most families pick one country or island group rather than several. Sun protection is worth taking seriously here, given how strong the sun can be.
The family destinations on our list for Oceania mix easy coastal bases with quieter island stays.
Lists by region
Region in New Zealand
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
Boats glide beneath thousands of glowworms in the Waitomo Caves. Kids dig their own hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel. Dolphins swim beside boats in the Bay of Islands. Rotorua's geothermal parks offer bubbling mud and steaming ground for curious kids.
City in Australia
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
Puffing Billy is a steam train that chugs through the Dandenong Ranges with children hanging their legs out. Melbourne Museum has a living forest gallery and a dinosaur hall. Trams run free in the central city. Royal Botanic Gardens offers shady lawns and a children's garden.
Lake in New Zealand
Lake Tekapo
The Glacial Gem of the South Island
Tekapo Springs has warm pools with mountain views and a snow tube slide in winter. The tiny Church of the Good Shepherd stands beside a turquoise lake. Purple lupins bloom along the shore in November and December. Dark skies make stargazing tours a highlight for curious kids.
City in Australia
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
Ferries carry families across the harbour to Taronga Zoo with views of the Opera House. Luna Park has a giant smiling face and old fashioned rides. Manly Beach has gentle waves for beginners beside the ferry wharf. Bondi beach lifesavers run a summer nippers programme for kids.
Region in Australia
Victoria
Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness
The Great Ocean Road winds past the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Koalas doze in eucalyptus trees beside the road near Kennett River. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat lets kids pan for gold in a recreated 1850s town. Healesville Sanctuary shows platypus and wombats in bush settings.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary lets kids feed kangaroos and meet Tasmanian devils. Wineglass Bay Lookout is a steady walk of about 30 minutes from the car park. Bruny Island has a long sand spit and friendly wallabies. Salamanca Market in Hobart sells fresh scallop pies and fudge.
City in New Zealand
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
Ferries cross the harbour to Rangitoto Island where kids can climb a volcano on a short path. Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium has a shark tunnel and penguin colony. Auckland Zoo keeps kiwi birds and giraffes in leafy grounds. The Sky Tower has a glass floor that thrills older children.
Island in Australia
Phillip Island
Penguins, Surf and Coastal Wonders
Little penguins waddle ashore at dusk on the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. Boardwalks and viewing stands keep kids close to the birds. The Koala Conservation Centre has treetop walkways above wild koalas. Churchill Island Heritage Farm shows sheep shearing and whip cracking demonstrations each afternoon.
Town in New Zealand
Matamata
Gateway to Middle-earth Magic
Hobbiton Movie Set has 44 round hobbit holes with colourful doors and gardens. Guides share film stories on relaxed walking tours. Families end with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Wairere Falls plunges 153 metres near town and can be reached on a steep track.
City in Australia
Gold Coast
Sun, Surf and Adventure
Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld sit within a short drive of each other. Lifeguards patrol wide golden beaches from morning to late afternoon. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary lets kids feed wild lorikeets by hand each day. Calm canal cruises and water parks cool off hot afternoons.
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