From capital cities to ski resorts, we reveal the best Aussie holiday destinations for families in the annual Out & About with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards.
Best capital city in Australia for families: Brisbane, QLD
Brisbane is on every kid’s bucket list for 2025, thanks to the opening of Bluey’s World in November 2024. Don’t stop there, though – keep the adventures coming with a trip to South Bank’s fabulous gardens, playgrounds, and man-made Streets Beach.
You can also try kayaking on the Brisbane River, go rock climbing at nearby Kangaroo Point and get hands-on with science at SparkLab, the Queensland Museum’s ultra-fun interactive STEM space.
Finalists - Best Australian capital city
Best coastal destination in Australia for families: Gold Coast, QLD
Queensland’s Gold Coast may be paradise for parents, but for active kids, it’s one big adventure playground! Our readers love this destination for its balmy year-round climate, 70 kilometres of beautiful beaches and fun-filled family resorts.
As Australia’s theme park capital, the Gold Coast offers plenty of thrills, but there are also hidden gems to discover, like stunning waterfalls and glow worm caves at Tamborine Mountain and O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk in Lamington National Park.
Finalists - Best coastal destination
Best regional destination in Australia for families: Ballarat, Victoria
A two-hour drive from Melbourne delivers you to Australia’s historic gold rush town, where a visit to iconic Sovereign Hill is a must-do for an interactive, educational and super fun immersive journey into the past. But don’t stop there – so many more attractions and adventures beckon! Soak up Ballarat’s natural regional beauty, fascinating history and fantastic activities. Add Ballarat Wildlife Park and Ballarat Bird World to your list; the Aviation Museum; Gold Rush Mini Golf; and Xtreme Bounce. Family-friendly and affordable accommodation ranges from lodges, cottages, motels and hotels to caravan parks, campsites and farmstays.
Finalists - Best regional destination
Best Australian ski resort for families: Thredbo, Snowy Mountains, NSW
Thredbo ski resort ticks all the boxes for an Aussie snow getaway: kids’ ski and snowboard lessons at Thredboland, runs from beginner to expert, a terrain park, and many more features to delight junior guests. For an extra special trip, visit during the July and September school holidays for the Kids’ Snow Festival. There’s plenty to experience on and off the mountain, including movie and pizza nights, fireworks and a magical kids’ flare run.
Finalists - Best ski resort
Best museum or art gallery for families in Australia: Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra
Making STEM fun for generations of Australians, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre has more than 200 engaging exhibits. Daily Spectacular Science Shows about colours, motion and energy inspire budding scientists through humour, theatre and audience interaction. Another highlight for 2025 is the CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® exhibition – visit before May 11 to catch this one!
Finalists - Best museum for kids
Best zoo or wildlife park in Australia: Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, QLD
At the world-renowned Australia Zoo, families can travel through the African savanna, explore tropical wetlands and brave the Indonesian jungles to spot endangered Sumatran elephants. Don’t forget the Crocoseum for all the croc-feeding action! The Zoo Keeper for a Day school holiday program lets wildlife warriors four and older meet fascinating critters (and help the zoo’s team care for them).
Finalists - Best zoo or wildlife park
Best theme park in Australia: Warner Bros. Movie World, Gold Coast, QLD
Australia’s only film-inspired theme park is packed with fun for all ages. Live shows and parades feature all your family’s favourite movie characters, while younger kids will adore the rides in the Kids’ WB! Fun Zone. Thrill-seekers will be satisfied by cutting-edge rides like the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, The Flash: Speed Force and the Batwing Spaceshot. Stay tuned for the Wizard of Oz land set to open in December 2024!
Finalists - Best theme park
Best event for the whole family: Vivid Sydney, NSW
Vivid Sydney is a city-wide celebration of art, innovation, music and technology. The annual 23-day festival includes light shows, performances and exhibitions, as enormous projections turn the Sydney Opera House into a colourful work of art. In Darling Harbour, the Vivid Light Walk enchants children with a trail of interactive light installations. The unique Vivid 2026 program of events will kick off on 22 May and run through to 13 June.
Finalists
Best Indigenous experience for families in Australia: Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
A trip to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is more than just a holiday – it’s a journey into the spiritual heart of this ancient land. Guided by Traditional Owners, visitors can discover the Tjukurpa (creation stories) woven into the landscape. At the park’s Cultural Centre, kids will learn about Aṉangu culture, art and music, while the wheelchair-accessible Mala walk takes you through ancient campsites, rock art and ceremonial caves.
Finalists
Best family camping destinations in Australia
Discover the top places to go camping with kids across Australia, from free campgrounds to fabulous holiday parks, as voted by you in the OAWK Readers’ Choice Awards.
More OAWK Readers' Choice Awards winners for 2026
Keen for more travel inspiration? Check out the winners of these categories in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards:
Opening image: Superman Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World
