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Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
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.
Room rates and package options may vary based on number and age of guests.
Top family-friendly holidays under $999
Bali: Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Hard Rock is synonymous with family fun, and its Bali outlet is no exception. Steps from the popular Kuta Beach, this rock’n’roll-inspired resort promises non-stop entertainment with a huge pool and waterpark, excellent kids’ clubs and a spa for the adults.
Thailand: Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa
Two resorts in one, Mai Khao Lak sits on the palm-fringed shores of Pak Weep Beach and delivers something genuinely rare: a property that works as hard for families as it does for adults travelling without them. The Family Zone delivers waterslides, a water park and multiple pools; the Mai Holiday Adults-Only Wing, connected via bridge, offers its own dedicated pool, Sky Bar and a noticeably quieter pace.
Western Australia: Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island
An easy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, WA’s Rottnest Island is a perennial family favourite for its car-free cycling and walking tracks, calm coves, all-round natural beauty, ample wildlife and dining that suits all (from the famous bakery to upmarket waterside dining). Kids will love the excitement of glamping in a safari-style tent, with days spent trying to capture a quokka selfie, riding rickshaws, playing pickleball and snorkelling shipwrecks.
Australia: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Spectacular Sydney Harbour views, koalas and wildlife pottering right outside your bedroom window… this could be one of Australia’s bucket-list family experiences. Set in Taronga Zoo, this eco retreat blends into the bush landscape, offering native wildlife viewing opportunities after hours. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal dining at Me-Gal Restaurant; the culinary journey here might begin with East 33 Sydney rock oysters with preserved desert lime and mignonette, followed by Rangers Valley wagyu and cinnamon myrtle creme caramel.
Top family-friendly holidays under $1,499
The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali
Consistently rated among Kuta’s top resorts, this family friendly Bali escape is a great value flop-and-drop. There’s something for everyone here; the kids’ club welcomes little ones with Indonesian crafting and music lessons, the Sakanti Spa embraces local Balinese tradition for its treatments, five pools promise endless fun in the sun and the restaurants and pool bar offer international dishes kissed by ocean breezes.
Australia: Sea World Resort, Gold Coast (based on a Double Room)
The Gold Coast is a magnet for families with its pristine beaches and bountiful theme parks, and one of its best-loved stops is Sea World Resort. You’ll never be short of things to do here, with water play for little ones, a spa for adults, and The New Atlantis precinct packed to the rafters with thrilling rides and attractions.
Bali: Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa
Escape to Ubud’s lush green rice paddies and discover your family’s private slice of island paradise at this five-star boutique retreat, home to just 23 elegantly appointed villas, each with a dedicated butler, a private pool and quintessential Balinese design.
Hidden within a tropical forest overlooking the Ayung River, the resort is a natural playground as much as a retreat: walk the local rice paddies with a guide, join a private Balinese cooking class, or pack the kids into the shuttle for the 15-minute drive to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest.
Top family-friendly holidays under $2,000
Grand Hyatt Bali
A Luxury Escapes bestseller, with good reason, this Nusa Dua icon is loved by all ages for its beachside location, five pools (with slides), ocean-themed kids’ club and generous all-inclusive packages. A good time for all is guaranteed: for adult relaxation, there’s a beach club, spa, yoga studio and sports bar, with babysitting services on-hand.
Fiji: 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.
