The art of a successful family holiday lies in keeping all ages happy, with entertainment for the kids, menus to suit all tastes and for the grown-ups, of course, copious opportunities for relaxation. Whether your idea of perfection is a tropical island escape with an epic kids’ club, something closer to home, a self-contained apartment with access to theme parks or an easy, all-inclusive beachfront getaway, here’s our pick of the best holidays for every type of family.
Top family friendly holidays under $999
MAMAKA by Ovolo, Bali
Set right on Kuta’s beachfront, MAMAKA by Ovolo sits at the point where surf culture meets city convenience. Whether you want to spend the day by the rooftop pool or head out for a lesson with the onsite Rip Curl School of Surf, you’re in the right spot.
Avani Seminyak Resort, Bali
Experience the laid-back charm of Bali’s Seminyak region with a stylish apartment and villa stay just steps from many of the island’s most popular restaurants, cafes and boutiques. This family-friendly slice of Balinese paradise is the perfect place for those who want to slow down and spend their days lounging beneath the tropical foliage, floating through crystal-clear pool waters and enjoying the island’s best.
Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, New South Wales
Breathe in the fresh sea air with a tranquil escape to the Port Macquarie waterfront, where glorious beaches and lush hinterland beckon from sunrise to sundowners. Sails Port Macquarie feels more Hamptons home than hotel, making each stay feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.
The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, Victoria
Surrounded by river red gums and Lake Mulwala’s gentle waters, lakeside luxury awaits on the south bank of the Murray River. Swim in the heated pool or fish the day away before returning to the resort’s Stock & Barrel restaurant for country-inspired plates and handpicked spirits.
Khaolak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa, Thailand
This sparkling resort has emerged from its refurbishment with a sharper sense of purpose on one of the region’s finest private beaches. Four pools, including a pirate-themed kids’ pool and the beachfront pool at Taonga Bar, give Khaolak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa a strong family backbone without sacrificing the quieter corners that couples seek.
Kappa Senses Ubud, Bali
Reclaim your inner peace and awaken the senses at this blissfully secluded hideaway amid the verdant jungle of Ubud. Showcasing luxurious, French-inspired style and the palatial OmTara Spa by Clarins – complete with vitality pools, steam, sauna and Vichy showers – this is the lush capital of well-being in Bali.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand
A bestseller for good reason, Katathani spreads across six swimming pools, kids’ pools and a mini water slide, with the Chang Noi Kids’ Club running supervised activities daily for ages four to twelve. Packages include two adults and two kids under $2,000, and at higher price points you can also opt for a fun Family Room with colourful decor and fun features for little ones, or a two-bedroom teen suite if travelling with older kids. The Joy Zone offers arcade games, table football and a cinema. With six restaurants onsite and Kata town a short stroll away, there’s plenty to keep every generation happy without ever leaving the resort.
Top family friendly holidays under $1,499
Daydream Island Resort, Queensland
Treat the family to the magic of the Whitsundays with a stay at the impressive Daydream Island Resort, accessed only by boat or helicopter for truly secluded beauty. This idyllic escape is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, just five kilometres off the mainland, surrounded by lush rainforest and a fringe of picturesque shoreline.
RACV Royal Pines Resort, Queensland
Endless entertainment awaits on the Gold Coast, home to this five-star resort nestled between sun-soaked sand and lush hinterland. Having earned a reputation as one of Australia’s top luxury hotels, this resort has everything you need for a memorable family escape.
Sails in the Desert, Northern Territory
A mirage of sail-shaped awnings signals your arrival at this five-star outback retreat, your gateway to exploring Uluṟu, Kata Tjuṯa and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre as you delve into Australia’s roots at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.
Radisson Blu Resort, Bali Uluwatu
Embrace blissful seclusion perched on a clifftop overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean with a stay at this ultra-stylish, palm-dotted resort, perfectly positioned in Bali’s vibrant southernmost tip: Uluwatu. Located just moments from plunging cliff faces, a spellbinding coastline and spectacular sunsets – and boasting privileged views of the shimmering Bingin and Padang Padang beaches – it’s truly a surfer’s paradise.
Club Tropical Resort Port Douglas, Queensland
Stay in an upgraded Club Apartment at the newly refurbished Club Tropical Resort in the heart of Macrossan Street, Port Douglas. Fresh from a major renovation, the resort now offers a true tropical wellness experience with hot and cold therapy pools, a steam room, cedar dry sauna and traditional Swedish drop-bucket shower (for those who dare).
Top family friendly holidays under $2,000
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Bali
Set on the golden sands of Nusa Dua, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort makes family life easy from the moment you arrive. The Heavenly Kids Club welcomes children up to twelve with play, cultural activities and craft sessions, plus two hours of complimentary entry daily, while the dedicated kids’ pool comes with a waterslide and bubbling fountains for the smaller ones. A network of lagoon pools winds through the gardens for the grown-ups, with a swim-up bar never far away, and family-friendly menus mean mealtimes stay simple across all three restaurants.
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui, Thailand
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s leading family resorts for good reason. Camp Hyatt, the resort’s kids’ club open daily from 9am, offers activities such as arts and crafts, Thai boxing and treasure hunts. Family rooms feature bunk beds, and kids staying in suites or villas receive in-room amenities including a teepee stocked with toys and unlimited homemade sweets at Cobalt restaurant throughout their stay. The resort itself sits on a rocky headland above North Chaweng, with five pools terracing down toward the Gulf of Thailand and the Samui International Airport just eight minutes away, which, after a long-haul flight with children, matters more than it sounds.
Warwick Fiji
Located on the sun-drenched Coral Coast, this all-inclusive Fijian oasis is perfect for families of all ages. Little ones can spend their days at Warwick Kids’ Club engaging in activities like crab hunting, craft making and sandcastle building; older kids can explore the island via kayak, bicycle or stand-up paddleboard or divide their time between the tennis, squash and volleyball courts. Meet up for family meals at oceanfront Bula Brasserie, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Fijian dishes.
Discover Top Escapes
Room rates and package options may vary based on number and age of guests.
