Close-to-home family winter holidays from Australia that feel like a break (even with kids in tow)

You’re the family that packs the kids into the people-mover first thing Sunday morning for nippers before ordering out for family brunch – and that’s all before midday. If you’re active and love getting out and about,  Sydney is a playground for kids (and kids-at-heart) – you’ve got Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, the Art Gallery of NSW’s kids programs, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Sydney Harbour Marriott gives you a front row seat to Circular Quay and Darling Harbour’s attractions, plus the train, light rail and ferry are just steps away making it easy to get around the city with small ones. Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park is also super central, and happens to be the host of a mean Teddy Bear High Tea and Picnic, the latter of which you can Build A Bear and bring along to a packed picnic lunch in Hyde Park. 

Melbourne’s always on, whether it’s supreme sporting events or inspiring street art. In fact, it’s so on that it just scored the title of best city in the world. If you’re the kind of family that loves to stay learning even after the school bell has rung, Melbourne’s cultural calendar is at its most vibrant in winter. Catch a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra show at Hamer Hall, Stay active at the eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) Element Melbourne Richmond where you can rent bikes and cycle along the picturesque Yarra River or catch an easy 10 minute tram to the CBD. Did we mention dogs are welcome here too? Or, if you want to stay right in the heart of the action, the Melbourne Marriott is close to the theatre district, the State Library of Victoria and CBD shopping. Plus, it's home to an heated indoor pool for the kids to burn off energy, whatever the weather.

If you’ve got some little wildlife enthusiasts in the family, Perth might be your next vacay spot. Winter is the best time of year to spot (and swim with) whales, and take selfies with the always-smiling quokkas native only to Rottnest Island. When you stay in Perth, you’re just a ferry away from the azure waters of Rottnest Island. Four Points by Sheraton Perth is only a couple of minutes' drive to the ferry port and you can book family rooms for easy sleeping arrangements – plus there’s a kids’ games room. The nearby Aloft Perth is right near Optus Stadium for all your family sporting action, and make sure you grab a pre-match meal at 450 Pizza for some delicious woodfired slices.

If you thought of your family moping around indoors and driving you up the walls come wintertime, escape to somewhere far warmer. Brisbane is known as being sunny more days in the year than not, making it the perfect base for exploring. Take advantage of Brisbane’s only swim-up bar at The Westin Brisbane, even in July – the kids can splash around while mum and dad get a well-earnt break. The hotel puts you in a great spot to explore the City Botanic Gardens, South Bank, QPAC, Queen Street Mall and more. 

Gold Coast is like the ultimate Aussie playground for families. You’ve got the beach, the theme parks (wintertime = shorter lines), shopping galore and good vibes, casual eateries everywhere you turn. Or stay in, and be both pampered and entertained  at the award-winning luxury JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa with incredible lagoon pools (featuring live fish), exciting activities like sushi making and family yoga – along with Spa by JW for mum and dad. Or, make your GC stay a class above the rest with direct access to Main Beach right from the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast. Enjoy more space with two-bedroom villas – and Sea World is within walking distance. 

The tippy top of Australia is hot all year round (in more ways than one) but visiting in the winter months makes the climate a lot more temperate – the last thing you want is hauling around kids when it’s ridiculously sticky, hot and raining. Darwin is for the adventurers – rent a four-wheel-drive, learn about Indigenous culture, go bushwalking, jump into natural springs and explore the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. The Courtyard by Marriott Darwin is right nearby the latter, offering a pool to beat the NT heat, al fresco dining by the pool, and a restaurant with buffet and à la carte dining.

If you fly a little further east, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas is waiting with lagoon pools for the kids to splash to their hearts’ content. Plus, it's in super close proximity to explore the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s a common misconception in parenting that you’ve got to give up overseas holidays when the kids come along because it’s too much hassle flying from point A to point B. Fiji feels worlds away with its white sand, tropical water and coconut fronds, but it’s unbelievably close to Australia. In about four hours (a totally doable flight, even with little ones), you’ll be in a totally different climate where relaxed ‘island time’ is a way of life. Let Fiji’s incredibly warm culture welcome you, and soak up all the culture and sun you can. The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has a dedicated kids club where you know your little ones are in good hands while you kick back, plus lots of water activities to do as a family. 

Speaking of easy breezy international holidays, our neighbours over in Auckland are calling for an off-peak season that’s cosy and quiet. For families that love the best of both worlds – from family-friendly dining in the city to exploring the mountains outdoors – Auckland ticks all the boxes. A beautiful waterfront, plenty of parks and playgrounds, beaches like Mission Bay, ferry rides to gorgeous daytrips like Waiheke Island, the chance to climb Sky Tower and Auckland Art Gallery are all right on your doorstep. Four Points by Sheraton Auckland is right in the middle of it all, with rollaway bed and crib options to suit your family. 

When you’re travelling with kids, convenience shoots up to the top of the priority list. Marriott Bonvoy gets that: its winter getaway locations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific are easy, rewarding and a chance to get some R and R for the whole family.

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