It’s that time again for Aussie families to make their way to warmer climates for the much-anticipated mid-year break.
We’ve asked the Kids’ Board at Bound Round, a travel content platform for tweens, to give us their top picks for a sun-filled family sojourn – from the mouths of children themselves.
1. Darwin
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Bursting with activity, the Northern Territory’s biggest city offers a host of fun experiences the kids will love. Little ones can play spot-the-croc at the infamous Crocosaurus Cove, and then cool off in the (croc-free) Wave Lagoon at Darwin harbour.
The city’s long, warm evenings are perfect for a mull around Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where the family can enjoy delicious stall treats under the palm trees while watching the sunset.
As one Bound Rounder says: “Let’s just say if a kid goes to Darwin and they lived in a cold place – well, the weather is nice.”
2. Cairns
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From water-skiing at Cable Ski Park to swimming off the beautiful beach at Palm Cove, Cairns is a fitting destination for a tropical mid-winter break.
For more adventurous families, biking the sand dunes, rafting the rapids, and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef are great ways to entertain thrill-loving kids and tweens.
For a calmer day, visit the Cairns Botanical Gardens or Wildlife Dome, described by the Kids’ Board as “awesome.”
The group also recommend a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to take in the rainforest views, adding: “The three words we’d use to describe Cairns would be sunny, fun and tropical.”
3. The Daintree and Mossman Gorge / Port Douglas
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Just a short distance from Port Douglas, the Daintree is brimming with exciting nooks to explore – with ferny gullies, hidden waterfalls, deep gorges and lush terrain all the way down to the sea, where the rainforest gives way to the ocean.
As one member of the Bound Round Kids Board put it, “there are lots of beautiful sights here!”
At the base of the Daintree, the famous Mossman Gorge offers the chance to swim in crystal-clear waterholes, dotted with gigantic granite boulders.
Kids can learn about the unique plants and animals of the tropical rainforest ecosystem, and the whole family can enjoy an expertly guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with local indigenous guides to discover the Kuku Yalanji’s stories and way of life in Australia’s biggest rainforest.
4. Uluru and Kata Tjuta
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According to the Kids’ Board, “The Red Centre is cool because of its beauty and history. It really is worth visiting if you can.” And where else could the kids come face to face with such authentic outback culture?
While parents will enjoy an insight into the local Aboriginal heritage from the traditional owners of the land, the kids will be wowed by 5,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art and inspired by the magic of local Dreamtime stories in their original setting.
But it doesn’t end there – hop atop a camel as a family, and you’re sure to give the kids a memory to last a lifetime.
5. Townsville
Photo: www.holidaycheck.com
North Queensland’s warm winters offer families the chance for an outdoorsy, adventure-packed break in historic Townsville.
In between swimming at the beautiful beaches and biking up the local trails, kids can learn about the area’s extensive history on a Townsville Military Tour.
One Bound Rounder says: “My Poppa was in the World War, and it was really fun to learn about how much Townsville was a big part of that.”
Animal lovers can head to the local parks and sanctuaries for close-up encounters with the local wildlife, including meeting a turtle at Townsville’s Reef HQ.
Sun-seekers can take day-trip to nearby Magnetic Island, or wander along the Strand, where locals congregate to cool off at the beach, rock pool, or swimming pool.
