Most people think of Australia as a winter destination - after all, being on the opposite side of the globe, with the seasons back to front, it seems logical to expect a serious decline in the Down Under weather during our summer. But so vast is the country that more or less the whole top half of the torso wallows in its best weather in our summer… which makes Australia a brilliant destination for families with school age children. .

Days 1 to 5 - SYDNEY

There are few travel experiences to challenge the arrival in one of the worlds most cosmopolitan, exciting and beautiful cities. From your accommodation at Quay West Suites we suggest taking a half day city tour by way of introduction which can be combined with an afternoon either sailing around the harbour or a surfing lesson in Bondi.

For further fun ideas have a look at our favourite family activities in Sydney.

Days 6 and 7 - AYERS ROCK (ULURU)

After a flight to Ayers Rock you’ll join a small group tour which will take you to Uluru, the mother of all rocks and the red rock monolithic domes of Kata Tjuta, where you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent sunset over a glass of sparkling wine. The next morning, kick off with an equally glorious sunrise view of Uluru followed by breakfast and a tour around the Rock. A whole range of other activities can also be arranged, including a ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the stars, or a ‘sky bynight’ tour. Your two nights will be spent in interconnecting rooms at Sails in the Desert. You could consider changing this to a camping safari from Alice Springs through Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock. See our active section for details.

Day 8 - DARWIN

A practical overnight stop, flying via Alice Springs and staying in a two-bedroom suite at Mantra on the Esplanade, each one with a large balcony and spacious enough for a family. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and spa.

Days 9 and 10 - KAKADU

There’s no more authentic way for a family to soak up the spirit of Crocodile Dundee than by joining a camping-in-comfort trip in the Australian Far North, with crocodile sightings – though hopefully not wrestlings - guaranteed. These three-day adventures take in the amazing landscapes of the Kakadu National Park, the colourful rock art and spectacular scenery of Ubirr Rock, the remote Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls (accessible only by four wheel drive vehicle) and the spectacular Yellow Waters, home to a wide variety of bird life and Saltwater crocodiles. Other highlights include the rock pool and scenic beauty of Barramundi Gorge and the colourful rock art and spectacular scenery of Nourlangie Rock. The overnight campsite has showers, toilets and comfortable twin-share tents and all meals and wine are included. NB The minimum age for this particular tour is six but we can adapt the itinerary for families travelling with younger children.

Day 11- DARWIN

Complete your Kakadu tour, returning to Darwin in the early evening and spending another night at Mantra on the Esplanade.

Days 12 to 17 - PORT DOUGLAS

After flying directly to Cairns you’ll head straight for the beach and your own, two bedroom apartment in the Sea Temple resort on Four Mile beach. If you prefer to be in the centre of things we can also offer Coconut Grove luxury apartments, some with their own pool. You might choose to do very little, enjoying the beach, the resort’s spa and the lagoon of a pool (as well as a lap pool and children’s pool), perhaps nipping into Port Douglas, just three miles away, for some retail and restaurant therapy. But there are some great outings that are impossible to ignore.

Have a look at our favourite family activities in Port Douglas.

Day 18
Fly home.