Best school holiday destinations from Australia
- Amber Bourke
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
When Australian school holidays roll around, many families automatically start planning trips to Bali or Fiji. They’re popular for good reason - short flights, great resorts and plenty of kid friendly activities.
But if you're looking for something a little different this year, there are many incredible destinations within a short flight of Australia that are perfect for family holidays.
From vibrant Asian cities to laid back island escapes, here are some of the best school holiday destinations from Australia that are family friendly, easy to reach and packed with things to do.
Vietnam
Vietnam has quickly become one of the best value family holiday destinations in Asia. It offers an exciting mix of culture, beaches, delicious food and outdoor adventures that both kids and adults will love.
Why Vietnam is great for families
Vietnam is welcoming, affordable and easy to explore. Accommodation and food are budget friendly, which makes it ideal for families travelling during peak school holiday periods. It also offers a wide range of experiences in one trip like culture, adventure and beaches, making it ideal for longer school holiday travel.
Flight time from Australia: Around 8 to 9 hours
Top things to do in Vietnam with kids
Cruise through the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay
Explore the lantern filled streets of Hoi An
Relax at the beaches and all inclusive resort in Da Nang
Ride bikes through rice paddies
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Visit Vin Wonders and Vinpearl Land, Vietnam's answer to Disneyland
Getting there
Direct flights operate from major Australian cities to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with airlines like Qantas, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar and VietJet while other major airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer connecting options.
Thailand
Thailand has long been a favourite for Australian travellers thanks to its beautiful beaches, incredible food and welcoming culture. From tropical islands and bustling cities to lush mountains and cultural landmarks, Thailand offers an incredible variety of experiences that make it ideal for families.
Why Thailand is family friendly
Thailand is one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel with children. The country has a huge range of family friendly resorts, organised tours and activities designed specifically for kids, making travel simple and stress free for parents.
Many resorts offer kids clubs, large swimming pools, water slides and family suites, while popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui have plenty of restaurants, markets and attractions that welcome families.
Flight time from Australia: Around 8 to 9 hours
Top things to do in Thailand with kids
Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
Island hop around Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui
Explore Bangkok’s colourful night markets
Take boat trips to limestone islands
Enjoy family friendly beach resorts
Getting there
Direct flights are available from Australia to Bangkok and Phuket with airlines including Thai Airways, Jetstar and Qantas.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the easiest and safest destinations in Asia for families, making it perfect for school holiday trips. Despite its compact size, Singapore packs in a huge number of world class attractions, from thrilling theme parks and wildlife encounters to futuristic gardens and beautiful waterfronts.
Why Singapore is great for families
Singapore has built a reputation as one of the most family friendly cities in the world. The city is well designed for travellers with children, with excellent public transport, pram friendly walkways and attractions that cater specifically to families.
Many of the country’s top experiences are designed with kids in mind. From theme parks and aquariums to interactive museums and wildlife parks, there’s no shortage of entertainment for younger travellers. Families can easily combine adventure, culture and relaxation without needing to travel long distances between attractions.
Flight time from Australia: Around 8 hours
Top things to do in Singapore with kids
Spend a day at Universal Studios
Visit the famous Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Explore Gardens by the Bay
Relax on Sentosa Island or chase thrills at the many adventure parks
Embrace the cuisine at local hawker centres
Getting there
There are frequent direct flights from Australia with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar and Qantas.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands offer the beauty of the South Pacific without the crowds found in more popular destinations like Fiji. With turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and a laid-back island lifestyle, it’s an ideal destination for families looking to slow down and spend quality time together.
Why choose the Cook Islands for your next family escape
The islands are known for their warm hospitality, and locals are incredibly welcoming to children, making families feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Many of the beaches have calm, shallow waters protected by coral reefs, which makes them ideal for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding with kids. The relaxed pace of island life also means there’s no pressure to rush between activities meaning families can spend their days exploring lagoons, riding bikes around the island or enjoying long beach days together.
Flight time from Australia: 6 hours
Top things to do with kids
Snorkel in the Aitutaki Lagoon
Cycle around the island of Rarotonga
Take lagoon cruises and boat tours
Visit local markets
Enjoy calm, shallow beaches
Getting there
Flights operate from Sydney with Jetstar or via Auckland with Air New Zealand and Virgin.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the easiest international holidays for Australian families thanks to its short flight time and spectacular landscapes. With direct flights from most major Australian cities and minimal time zone differences, it’s an easy destination to explore even during shorter school holidays.
Why New Zealand is great for families
New Zealand is packed with outdoor adventures and family friendly attractions, making it feel like one giant playground for kids and adults alike. Families can spend their days hiking scenic trails, exploring national parks, spotting wildlife or enjoying adrenaline filled activities in some of the country’s famous adventure destinations.
The country is also incredibly easy to travel around, whether you choose to road trip in a campervan, hire a car or explore different regions by domestic flights.
Flight time from Australia: 3 to 4 hours depending on where in New Zealand
Top things to do in New Zealand with kids
Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Go skiing in Queenstown or Wanaka
Try jet boating or ziplining
Discover national parks and wildlife
Getting there
Frequent flights depart daily from most Australian cities with Air New Zealand, Jetstar Virgin and Qantas.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of the closest tropical island escapes from Australia and offers a more authentic Pacific island experience. With lush landscapes, crystal clear waters and a rich local culture, it’s a destination that feels adventurous while still being easy for families to explore.
Why Vanuatu is the perfect family escape
The islands are relaxed, welcoming and full of unique natural experiences. Vanuatu has a slower pace of life, which makes it ideal for families wanting to disconnect from busy schedules and enjoy simple island activities together.
Locals are known for their warm hospitality and genuine friendliness, and children are welcomed almost everywhere. Families will also find plenty of activities that combine fun and adventure, from snorkelling colourful coral reefs and swimming in natural lagoons to exploring waterfalls and visiting traditional villages.
Flight time from Australia: About 3.5 hours
Top things to do with kids
Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon
Visit tropical waterfalls
Snorkel colourful coral reefs
Explore traditional villages
See the incredible Mount Yasur volcano
Getting there
Direct flights operate from Australia with Air Vanuatu and Virgin Australia.
Japan
Japan is one of the most exciting and unique destinations in Asia for families. The country blends ancient traditions with futuristic cities, offering an incredible mix of cultural experiences, cutting edge technology and world class entertainment.
Why Japan is fantastic for families
Japan is known for being one of the safest and most organised countries in the world, which makes travelling with children much easier. English signage is common in major cities, transport is reliable and many attractions are designed with families in mind.
Kids are often fascinated by Japan’s mix of technology, pop culture and quirky experiences. It’s a place where families can ride the famous bullet train one day, explore centuries-old temples the next, and then spend an afternoon in a themed amusement park.
Flight time from Australia: 9 hours
Top things to do in Japan with kids
Visit the many theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, Universal Studios and Legoland
Let kids role play real careers at KidZania Tokyo
Ride the iconic Shinkansen bullet train between cities
Explore bright arcades and gaming centres in Tokyo and Osaka
Experience snow adventures and skiing in Niseko or Hakuba during winter
Getting there
Direct flights operate from Australia to Tokyo with airlines including Qantas, Japan Airlines and ANA.
Final Thoughts
While Bali and Fiji remain classic choices for Australian families, there are many other destinations just a short flight away that make perfect school holiday escapes.
Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan and the Cook Islands offer a fantastic mix of adventure, culture and relaxation.
Exploring somewhere new can make your next school holiday even more memorable and introduce your family to incredible cultures and experiences along the way. And, with the April School holidays just around the corner it's not too late to book a last minute getaway.
Comments