Tips for the best family getaways in Australia and New Zealand

Family getaways allow us to relax, recharge and reconnect, they are also guaranteed to help us create lasting memories. Our greatest memories are often of our childhood family holidays, those shared experiences that help grow family bonds. Planning a family holiday however can often be challenging as there are quite a few factors to consider. From finding family-friendly accommodation to choosing a destination with varied activities every member of the family will enjoy.

Whether you're planning a beach holiday for your kids and partner, a getaway with toddlers, a family city escape, or a multi-generational trip, this guide will provide you with tips on getting the most out of your holiday and where to stay.

Novotel offers families an array of resorts in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Enjoy easy living, great restaurants and convenient access to key attractions. Family-friendly resorts offer a range of activities that the whole family will love, plus members of ALL will benefit from exclusive discounts, rewards, and experiences along the way.

Stay in an ocean view family room at Novotel Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, where even the family pet is welcome! It's a great spot for calm, patrolled beaches and theme parks for kids that love thrills.  Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort in Tropical North Queensland is ideal for families looking for a mix of city attractions, lush hinterland, gorgeous beaches and opportunities to explore the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef on day trips.  

Arty or outdoorsy, shell-seeker or budding scientist, a city holiday in Melbourne at Novotel Melbourne on Collins will appeal to every family member. From alpine skiing in the winter, to discovering Lord of the Rings movie locations in summer, New Zealand's incredible Queenstown calls to the wanderlust in all of us and Novotel Queenstown is the perfect cozy base for family stays. All sorts of Fiji adventures await in Nadi. For comfort and easy access to all that Nadi and the surrounding islands have to offer, Novotel Nadi is ideal for families of all ages and stages.

Cairns with its warm climate, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life appeals to multi-generation family groups. There are plenty of nearby activities and National Parks with tonnes of breathing space like the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. And of course, the Great Barrier Reef is only a boat trip away. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is perfect for large family groups. The family suites are ideal for chilled nights in, with a separate living room with sofa bed, kitchenette, dining table and a large outdoor terrace. You can enjoy room service and watch movies on the large Chromecast television and share buckets of popcorn.

As it is difficult to please everyone at the same time, having different options allows for family members to choose what they'd like to do. From hiking to diving and shopping to sightseeing, you can split into groups and enjoy all that Cairns has to offer. At night, after a full day of activities, you can come together again for dinner at Moko Bar & Grill. Moko specialities include chilli Moreton Bay bugs and baby Daintree barramundi. There are also delicious vegetable plates to share, pizzas, and an assortment of salads. Or you can plan a few dinner outings in Cairns. Hemingway’s Brewery on the Cairns Wharf overlooking Trinity Inlet offers craft beers brewed on-site and a pub-style menu. Located on the Cairns Marlin Marina is Prawn Star. This popular floating restaurant serves freshly caught, local seafood. 

Dive into Family Fun at Cairns Aquarium

The resort is located right next door to Cairns Aquarium. Children of all ages will be fascinated by the jellyfish, tree monitors, pythons, rainbow coloured reef fish, rays and sharks. For an additional entrance fee, you can also go on a thirty-minute guided tour of the Turtle Hospital to learn about the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles.  

Take a Rainforest Railway Journey 

Take a scenic journey through Far North Queensland’s tropical rainforests aboard the Kuranda train. The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda, a village set in the middle of the rainforest. Rising from sea level to over three hundred metres, you’ll pass the spectacular Barron Falls.

Family Beach Days

For sunny beach days, Trinity Beach is a great swimming beach with picnic shelters, benches, barbecues and playgrounds. There are also coffee shops and restaurants nearby.

Great Barrier Reef Day Trips

Cairns is one of the main launching pads for Great Barrier Reef tours, with myriad operators offering half-day and full day trips. At Moore Reef you can snorkel in the natural lagoon or explore the reef in a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat. There is even a pontoon observatory deck. For the more adventurous you can do a Seawalker helmet dive or an introductory scuba dive. Whichever way you choose to explore Australia’s extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, the experience will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Novotel Surfers Paradise offers family’s close proximity to family-friendly restaurants, safe, swimming beaches and amazing theme parks like Dreamworld, Seaworld, Wet'NWild and Movieworld. The hotels Family Rooms offer 24-hour room service, ocean views and extra beds and space for a comfortable night's sleep.

Dining at the hotel’s BLVD Café & Bar, located on the ground floor, is super easy and the kid’s menu offers a few popular choices like Dino chicken nuggets, fish and chips, Hawaiian pizza and every mum’s go to - spaghetti with tomato sauce. When you’re looking to eat out, there are a whole lot of options nearby incluing Wahlburgers, the burger chain founded by Hollywood’s Wahlberg family, offers burgers, salads, barbecue wings and milkshakes. The whole family will love it! Kids will also enjoy the Victorian inspired Steampunk diner. The supershakes are a hit, as is the order-before-you-arrive app. BMD Northcliffe Surf Club is also a great family pitstop, either on your way to the beach or on your way home. All kids’ meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. On Surfers Boulevard Drive you’ll find the Crazy Cat Café. Aside from the crew of friendly cats, the southern inspired menu offers a host of appetising treats.

Surfers Paradise’s secluded Budds Beach on the Nerang River is ideal for families looking for calm water. It’s also great for standup paddling and picnics. Nearby Tallebudgera Creek has crystal clear water, shallow sandy banks and lots of shade.  Either side of the creek is great, but the south side is patrolled by lifesavers. When you’re looking for a lovely spot to enjoy morning or afternoon tea, head to Neptune's Cafe – they also have a playground.

Located on fashionable Collins Street, Novotel Melbourne on Collins is a great choice for families. The contemporary and spacious family rooms, make this a great place to retreat to after exploring Melbourne’s unique attractions, of which there are many. The hotel is near Federation Square, the Princess and Regent Theatres and Flinders Street Station is a two-minute walk away. Dedicated family rooms can accommodate up to four people, making it a great choice for families with children. And the hotel’s Lane Restaurant offers a special kids menu with options like fish and chips, chicken nuggets, and mini beef burgers.

Free creative workshops for kids at Birrarung Marr Park

Birrarung Marr is a great place to start your city explorations. Located just below Federation Square, this multi-tiered park, a popular local family hangout, is where you will find ArtPlay. An innovative city funded creative hub offering free creative workshops and special programmes for babies, toddlers and children up to thirteen. Your brood will love the dance and music workshops and the unique 3D portrait painting sessions. Whilst in the park stroll along the ‘talking’ William Barak Bridge. You’ll hear songs, words and sounds that bring to life Melbourne’s cultural diversity as you walk.

A gallery created especially for children

Melbourne has an excellent public transport system that is an affordable travel option during a family getaway. It is also an interesting experience for your kids. It’s a short tram ride from Russel Street near Birrarung Marr to the Melbourne Museum in the Carlton Gardens. Entry to the museum is free for children and includes access to the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery. This is a specially designed indoor and outdoor immersive experience for kids under six. They can dance on the camouflage disco floor, play in the interactive Gondwana garden and hunt for fossils in the sandpit.

Science for curious minds of all ages

Take a train from the CBD to Spotswood Station to visit Scienceworks. It’s located under the grand arc of the West Gate Bridge, a short walk from the station. This is no ordinary science and technology museum, which is free for children under sixteen. Highlights of this highly interactive museum are the Compressed-Air Playground, the Planetarium, Sportsworks, and Pumping Station. Some tours and shows need to be pre-booked online if you wish to include them in your visit.  

Meet kangaroos and koalas at the city zoo

Visit Melbourne Zoo which is situated within Royal Park, home to Australia’s koalas and kangaroos and other exotic animals from around the world. When you leave, walk in a northerly direction, and you’ll find Errol Street’s cafes and restaurants. Most of Melbourne’s CBD parks have family-friendly facilities including playgrounds and swimming pools, clean public toilets and water fountains. You can also enjoy picnics and barbecues in the parks, which makes for fun and inexpensive family meals.

Family beach days

A great way to spend the day is on the beach. Brighton Beach is excellent for families as it has a long stretch of safe swimming beaches and colourful beach huts. You can walk along the promenade walkway all the way to St. Kilda. To get to Brighton Beach take one of the frequent trains from the CBD’s Southern Cross Railway Station to Middle Brighton Station. 

Active families will love Queenstown! Novotel Queenstown located between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountains, is a scenic and restful base for families in summer and in winter. Spacious rooms and suites offer comfortable bedding and modern amenities for families. The onsite restaurant, Elements caters to both adults and children. The central location, steps away from bars restaurants and shopping, is what makes this hotel popular with families as it is also close to activities like skiing, bungee jumping, hiking and lakeside boat rides. 

Queenstown's long summer days put adventure at the top of every family member’s list. With a range of activities that include bungee jumping, flyfishing in mountain streams, family-friendly mountain-bike trails, canyon-swimming, whitewater rafting and jet boating through the Shotover Canyon. Fans of Lord of the Rings can do day tours to Lothlórien, Dimrill Dale, the River Anduin, and Isengard. Travel the Skippers Canyon Road to Lighthouse Rock and pan for gold in the Arrow River.

When you’re not out and about adventuring, take a stroll through Queenstown. Here, families are spoiled for choice with an abundance of great eateries. Enjoy a carefully crafted meal that speaks to health and wellbeing at Bespoke. Try tapas-style sharing plates at Public Kitchen situated on Steamer Wharf’s lakeside.  The Cow Pizza and Spaghetti House has been a family favourite for more than 40 years. Margos for popcorn shrimp and nachos alongside colouring-in paper and crayons. For some adult fun there’s Winnies for gourmet pizzas and dancing on tables or cheese boards and Waiheke Island red wines at The Winery.  

Queenstown’s snowcapped Remarkables mountain range seems to hover above the clouds. It’s a beautiful winter wonderland with a long ski season that runs from June until October. Appealing for active families, there’s four world-class ski fields for skiers and snowboarders to carve up the snow. You’ll enjoy Novotel Queenstown’s cosy après ski atmosphere around the lounge fireplace drinking whiskey and hot chocolate and recounting snowscapades. Squeeze in a visit to the hotels hot tub to soothe tired muscles.

For the ultimate convenience, the hotel offers a ski package which includes ski passes, gear hire, and transport all in one. If you prefer to organise your own gear and ski passes, be aware that the hotel is on the shuttle route for the premium bus service to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Beginners can take ski lessons at Coronet Peak and snowboarding lessons at The Remarkables. And families (with kids six and older) will love careering down the mountain on the illuminated Skyline Luge.

Fiji is a great destination for families with kids, particularly small children. The warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year make it a great choice. Experience your first taste of Fiji at Novotel Nadi, located five minutes from Nadi airport. This family friendly hotel is situated on forty-two acres of tropical gardens. Its a barefoot bolthole perfect for stopovers and gentle escapes for that first holiday with little one. Cots, nightlights, highchairs are available on request. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court and nine-hole golf course. The hammocks at the pool area provide the perfect based for relaxation and the delicious buffet breakfast on the garden terrace is packed with healthy treats.  

Nadi Explorations

Happiness comes naturally to the local islanders and your kids will be drawn to their friendly ways. Discover nearby attractions like the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, the Nadi handicraft market and thermal hot springs. 

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is situated in the foothills of the Nausori Highlands, 6km north of the hotel. Wander through this incredible tropical plantation which features a plant collection of over 2,000 different Asian orchids.  

Denarau Island Adventures

30 minutes from the resort is beautiful Denarau island which is attached to Nadi mainland by a short causeway. The island features miles of unspoiled white sand and azure lagoons. Youngsters love catching the thatched Bula Bus to explore around the island. The Big Bula Waterpark has a dedicated area for younger kids and adventurous adrenalin rides for the whole family. The Port Denarau Marina offers cultural shows and there are shops, pharmacies and supermarkets for supplies. 

Tivua Island Boat Trip

You can also enjoy a family day trip to Tivua Island. Perfect for snorkelling and swimming and stand up paddleboarding. You will also get the chance to experience Fijian culture with a medicine nature walk and partake in a traditional Kava ceremony. There is plenty of shade on the island under the Bure's for you and your kids should you need it. Remember to bring along a life jacket or floating device for your little ones for water safety.

We have covered a few destination-specific tips like bringing along baby care necessities and toddler-sized life jackets in Fiji. Plus, how to get around Melbourne economically on public transport. But here are few practical travel tips to ensure you enjoy a stress-free family holiday: 
 

It's a good idea to book direct flights when you’re flying with children. It cuts down on flying time and time spent in airports waiting for a connecting flight

Travelling as a family usually involves quite a bit of luggage. Some airlines offer discounts when you book extra baggage online before you fly. Check to see how far in advance you need to book

Making a packing list is a good way to avoid frantic shopping for left-behind necessities when you arrive at your destination

Make sure you have travel insurance. If anything unexpected happens like disrupted flights or a medical emergency while you're travelling, having insurance will cover you and your family and save you money in the long run

Get your kids involved in the planning right from the start. Even if some of their suggestions are vetoed, they’ll feel like they are part of the planning process. A good beginning for your holiday

Request cots and extra beds from your hotel ahead of time

If you’re hiring a car or booking transfers, remind your supplier that you’re going to need car seats.

There are plenty of ways to take a family holiday without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to get the best deals and have the most fun: 
 

Save money and book your trip early. The best holiday deals and the cheapest flights are often available months before you are due to travel. It pays to plan ahead

Opt for off-peak seasonal holidays if possible. With fewer people around, you’ll be able to move around at a more leisurely pace. Which is much better if you’ve got younger kids in tow, and it makes it more enjoyable for you

Sign up for ALL - Accor Live Limitless benefits. As a member of ALL you are given opportunities to earn and redeem points throughout your holiday. Benefits include earning frequent flyer points, saving on car hire and access to hotel room upgrades when booking your family holiday. 

Join Accor Plus, Asia Pacific's leading travel loyalty subscription membership, and unlock up to fifty percent off stays and dining. Redeeming your loyalty points can also save you money in the long term

Kids aged up to sixteen stay and eat breakfast for free at any Novotel hotel when sharing a family room with their parents

Look for accommodation that has a kitchenette. One of the easiest ways to keep costs down on a family holiday is to have the option of dining in. Buy fresh food and snacks at local supermarkets

When you're planning your itinerary make sure you include some downtime. It is always tempting to fill every moment of every day especially when traveling overseas. But making time for relaxation is a must.  Spend time at the hotel enjoying the pool, indulging in a couple's spa treatment while your kids are enjoying the freedom of a kid's club. Time relaxing gives every member of the family a chance to unwind. So, they feel recharged and ready to take on the next set of adventures. Some of the best memories on family holidays come from those moments when you are all just hanging out together. You could be playing cards or retelling funny stories from your trip. 

During your family holiday you will take loads of photos and videos to share amongst each other, but it is also a good idea to keep a journal of your experiences along with keepsakes from your different experiences, like ticket stubs and postcards.  Capture your shared experiences in a travel scrap book when you return home. It's a labor of love and a creative way for you and your family to share holiday memories.  Plus, it's a lifelong reminder of your family holiday and one you can share with future generations. 

Family holidays provide an excellent opportunity for you to bond with your children and strengthen your relationship. Spending quality time together deepens your children's sense of belonging. They will remember and cherish the experiences you share for the rest of their lives. A well-planned holiday can enhance these experiences as you will feel relaxed, even when unexpected changes happen along the way. Spontaneous adventures often lead to some of the most memorable experiences.

Plan on staying at one of these Novotel resorts for your next family holiday in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji. From spacious rooms that can accommodate everyone to kid-friendly menus, play areas and great service, these hotels are perfect for family getaways.