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Family Friendly Holidays

Australia, New Zealand & South pacific

Family-friendly holidays for families of all ages and stages: from toddlers to teens; just mum, dad and the children on a family vacation or the whole crew coming together for a multi-generational milestone celebration.

We understand that every family is different, which is why every family holiday we curate is too. Our Travel Designers are experts in thoughtfully-planned itineraries that will engage and excite both the tiniest of little treasures and the trickiest of teens, whilst also indulging and delighting mum and dad (and perhaps the grandparents too?).
Arty or outdoorsy, wildlife enthusiast or water-baby; we can curate luxury travel itineraries to suit kids of all ages and interests. 
Aerial view of family mountain biking vacation in New Zealand’s Rotorua Taupo
Learn to surf in Byron Bay, snorkel Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and listen to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories shared around a campfire under star-filled southern skies.
Swim with tiny Hector dolphins on the Banks Peninsula, hike in the footsteps of Hobbits to explore New Zealand’s ‘Middle Earth’, or get the adrenalin pumping with uniquely kiwi adventures (from bungee-jumping to zorbing; jetboating, sky-diving, heli-skiing, hiking, rafting, cycling and more).

Itinerary inspirations

These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in this beautiful region. Once you have a feel for the destinations and experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you. 

Go wild in south-east Queensland

Koalas and conservation, manta-rays, turtles, seabirds and sustainability.

Staying in the heart of Brisbane, at the stylish Ovolo Inchcolm, enjoy a full-day private tour learning about one of Australia’s most curious and iconic animals, the koala. Get hands on and go-behind the scenes to learn all about these most endearing and endangered creatures enjoying exclusive access at Lone Pine Sanctuary and the UQ Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre. Hear about, and contribute to, local conservation efforts and philanthropic projects.
Continue the wildlife adventures with a visit to Lady Elliot Island, staying at the sustainability-focused Lady Elliot Eco Resort. The picturesque coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life, with opportunities to kayak over corals in a ‘glass bottom’ boat, swim with turtles and snorkel with manta rays. Enjoy birdwatching, night walks to spot ghost crabs, and guided reef walks to learn about the local clams, corals and colourful fish of all shape and sizes. Watch turtles nesting in the summer months (November to March) and look out for migrating whales in the winter (June to October).
  • Inclusions

    5 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Ovolo Inchcolm Brisbane and 3 nights Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort) inclusive of breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners per person. Private guided koala tour including behind-the-scenes encounters, return scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island. Private transfers throughout.

Family fun in Melbourne

Get arty and go wild in Melbourne.

Experience Melbourne’s very liveable lifestyle staying at Pan Pacific Melbourne in the vibrant South Wharf district. A private guided cycling tour explores the city’s lively riverfront and colourful hidden laneways. Meet a local street artist and uncover Melbourne’s street art scene on a guided laneways tour; and unlock your arty side as you create your own masterpiece to take home on an expert-led spray-painting stencil workshop. Fun for the entire family!

A family trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Phillip island to view the famous sunset Penguin Parade, where the Little Penguins return to Summerland Beach after a day of fishing. Visiting the Koala Conservation and The Nobbies Centre along the way

  • Inclusions

    4 nights’ accommodation Pan Pacific Melbourne (two-bedroom apartment). Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner per person. Return private airport/hotel transfers. Private cycling tour of Melbourne, Private Street Art tour with Melbourne street artist workshop, Private tour to Phillip Island including Koala Conservation Centre, Nobbies Centre and Penguin Parade.

Wild & wonderful NSW

Go wild in NSW with a wildlife adventure the whole family will love!

Begin your wildlife adventures with a two night stay at Sydney’s new Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. Wake up with the animals that roam freely and rest in the branches just metres from your bed. Enjoy out-of-hours zoo access and guided introductions to a collection of wonderful wildlife. Dine on native Australian ingredients with Sydney Harbour views, and sleep well knowing you have made a valuable contribution to Taronga’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Continue the nature and wildlife experience on Lord Howe Island with a four night stay at Arajilla Retreat. This tiny World Heritage Listed island is one of Australia’s true hidden gems! Enjoy swimming, surfing, hiking, cycling, snorkelling and fishing in the company of an incredible variety of birdlife and marine life. We’ve also included a half-day guided Nature and Turtle Tour and a half-day self-guided kayaking experience on Lord Howe Island’s tranquil lagoon during your stay here.
  • Inclusions

    6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights in an animal-view room at Taronga Wildlife Retreat and 4 nights at Arajilla Retreat) inclusive of dinner and breakfast daily. Light lunches, pre-dinner canapes and selected beverages are also included at Arajilla Retreat. 2-Day Taronga Zoo entry and exclusive guided sanctuary tour. Private transfers to Wildlife Retreat and to/from Sydney airport (to locations within 10km of Sydney CBD). Lord Howe Island touring: half-day guided North Bay Nature and Turtle Tour, self-guided glass bottom kayak experience and return airport transfers.

Adventures for all ages, outback to reef

Experience the vivid contrasts of Far North Queensland; rainforest, reef and rugged outback

Travel overland and inland from Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge. Australia’s newest luxury lodge is the epitome of Australian outback in style. Set on a 28,000-hectare heritage site and working cattle farm, Mt Mulligan lodge offers a wide range of outdoors and adventure activities, combined with stylish accommodation, excellent service, fine food and wine. Enjoy outback adventures from birdwatching to barramundi fishing; hiking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, ATV touring, stargazing and more.
Return to the coast, enjoying the contemporary tropical surrounds of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, learn Dreamtime legends in Mossman Gorge and drift on the Mosman River under the ancient rainforest canopy with a collection of inclusive day touring.
Red rock, lush green rainforests, turquoise waters and technicolour fish; this is Far North Queensland at its colourful best!
  • Inclusions

    6 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Mt Mulligan Lodge and 3 nights at Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas) inclusive of breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 3 dinners and selected alcoholic beverages per person at Mt Mulligan Lodge. Private 4WD transfer from Cairns Airport to Mt Mulligan and Mt Mulligan to Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, Selected activities at Mt Mulligan. Shared full day Agincourt/Opal Reef Snorkelling Cruise with lunch and return accommodation transfers, Private full day guided Mossman Gorge tour with River Drift Snorkelling, Smoking Ceremony and Guided Rainforest Walk. Private luxury transfer from Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas to Cairns Airport.

A Top End family adventure

Unlock the magic and magnificence of the Top End with a family-friendly adventure: Darwin, Kakadu and Arnhem Land

Begin your NT travels with a two night stay in tropical Darwin, including a private half-day tour to visit the fascinating Royal Flying Doctor Service and exciting Crocosaurus Cove.

Then let the adventures really begin! Venture into the outback for a two-night Kakadu experience camping in a private permanent camp with an expert local guide. Explore Fogg Dam, enjoy an airboat ride across the Mary River wetlands, cruise the Yellow Water Billabong and cool off with a refreshing swim at Waterfall Creek and Barramundi Gorge. Magical moments that will leave your family with the memories to dine out on for years to come.

Continuing into Arnhem Land, visit an Aboriginal community and learn about indigenous art at Injalak Arts and Craft Centre. Complete your Top End adventure with three-nights at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge. This unique Top End property is on an Aboriginal site and provides real insights in to our country’s Indigenous history and culture. Colourful legends are told in ancient works of well-preserved rock art, artefacts, catacombs and ceremonial sites. The surrounding rivers and plains are home to a unique collection of Australian wildlife: from tiny termites (and their towering mounds!) to mighty crocodiles and an incredible variety of beautiful birdlife.

Return to Darwin with a spectacular scenic flight over this timeless land.

  • Inclusions

    7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Adina Darwin Waterfront, 2 nights permanent tented camp in Kakadu (shared facilities), 3 nights Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari’s) inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners per person. Half day private tour including Crocosaurus Cove and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, private 3 day/2 night Arnhemland Safari including entry permits and national park fees, One-way scenic flight transfer Mt Borradaile/Darwin. Private transfers throughout.

Outback, rainforest & reef

Rugged outback, ancient rainforests and world heritage coral reefs: this is far North Queensland!

From Cairns, travel over the ranges by private 4WD, to arrive at Mt Mulligan Lodge. Situated on a 28,000-hectare heritage site and working cattle farm, Australia’s newest luxury lodge combines seclusion and sophistication, uniting rugged outback landscapes with refined modern comforts. Enjoy outback adventures from birdwatching to barramundi fishing; hiking, kayaking, ATV touring, stargazing and more.
For a complete change of scenery, transfer by private 4WD to Daintree EcoLodge. Nestled in the ancient Daintree rainforest, your tranquil retreat is the ideal base from which to experience the world’s oldest culture and cruise the Daintree River for the opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
A scenic heli-transfer to Orpheus Island delivers you a totally different world again. Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, this idyllic tropical Island resort accommodates just twenty-eight guests, ensuring absolute seclusion and personalised service. Swim, snorkel, sail, fish, dive, kayak or simply enjoy doing nothing at all! Orpheus island’s signature ‘Dining with Tides’ private waterside dinner for two has been included with your stay here.
  • Inclusions

    10 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Mt Mulligan Lodge, 3 nights Daintree EcoLodge, 4 nights Orpheus Island) Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 7 dinners (including ‘Dining with Tides’ experience on Orpheus Island) and selected beverages per person, selected lodge activities at Mt Mulligan and Orpheus Is, private 4WD transfer CairnsMt Mulligan and Mt Mulligan-Daintree EcoLodge, Daintree River Cruise (shared), Private road transfer Daintree EcoLodge-Cairns, Private heli-transfer Cairns-Orpheus Is, Scheduled (shared) flight Orpheus IsTownsville.

Family fun: from Fitzroy to the GC

Reefs and rainforests, beaches and family fun.

Begin your holiday on The Great Barrier Reef with a seven-night stay on fabulous Fitzroy Island, where rainforest meets the reef. The island celebrates all that is special about Far North Queensland including, turquoise beaches and abundant sea life as well as rainforest walking trails with magnificent views. The entire family will enjoy seeing turtles, colourful corals and tropical fish. Whilst there is much to do and explore on Fitzroy Island (snorkelling, beach combing, nature walks, a visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre and glass-bottom boat cruises), a full-day cruise to snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef is also included with your stay in tropical North Queensland.
Head south to continue the adventures on the Gold Coast with its buzzing waterside restaurants, endless surf beaches and activities for all ages. During your week-long stay in Australia’s beachside playground, enjoy an adventure pumping Aqua Duck and Jet Boating combination tour of the Gold Coast’s glistening waterways and soak up the tranquillity of ancient World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforests on a private full day hinterland tour to the Springbrook National Park.
  • Inclusions

    14 nights’ accommodation (7 nights Fitzroy Island and 7 nights Gold Coast Peppers Broadbeach) inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners per person. Shared Cruise to Moore Reef, Shared Small Group Aqua Duck and Jet Boating experience and Private full-day Springbrook Rainforest tour. Return transfers from Cairns Airport to the Cairns Marina and Shared launch transfers from Cairns Marina to Fitzroy Island and rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS navigation system.

New Zealand

New Zealand Thrills and Adventure
Family Bonding in the Great Outdoors
Lavish Family Luxury
Opulence for the Entire Family

New Zealand Thrills and Adventure

New Zealand is the ultimate playground for families wanting adventure and adrenaline

New Zealand is well known around the world for its adventurous and adrenaline activities, and is perfect for outdoorsy families. This journey is packed full of thrills! Start in Auckland where you’ll sail the glittering harbour aboard one of the actual yachts used to Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup. Continue south to Rotorua for black water rafting (caving) through caves filled with glowworms, ziplining through native forests, and the locally invented zorbing. And where-else would you finish than Queenstown, ‘the Adventure Capital of the World’?! Here you’ll experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic and adenaline inducing inventions, the jetboat and the bungy jump!

  • Inclusions

    8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Sofitel Auckland, 3 nights Solitaire Lodge, 3 nights Eichardt's Apartments including breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, America's Cup sailing experience, black water rafting at the Waitomo Caves, ziplining and zorbing in Rotorua, Shotover Jet ride and bungy jumping from the Kawarau Bridge.

Family Bonding in the Great Outdoors

Relaxing locations away from the cities with plenty of outdoor activities

Disconnect from the world in these remote locations and get the family out enjoying nature and the great outdoors. Start in a location that many New Zealanders have their holidays homes in, the beautiful Bay of Islands. Spend a day out sailing through the 144 islands and enjoy the famed beaches of the region. Then experience traditional New Zealand farming life with a luxurious twist at magical Wharekauhau Country Estate. See the farm dogs in action as they round up the sheep on this real life working farm. Skip across Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds where you’ll stay at a resort only accessible by boat. Spend your days hiking, sailing, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Continue on to the small coastal town of Kaikoura, known for its array of wildlife activities such as whale watching, swimming with the dolphins, and kayaking with the seals. Finally, escape the hustle and bustle of Queenstown by staying in Wanaka, a much quieter but equally as beautiful alpine resort town. Hike through incredible alpine scenery and visit the must-see Milford Sound with a helicopter touchdown on an ancient glacier. 

  • Inclusions

    14 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Eagles Nest, 3 nights Wharekauhau Country Estate, 3 nights Bay of Many Coves Resort, 2 nights Hapuku Lodge, 3 nights Mahu Whenua including breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 12 dinners), rental vehicle with full insurance, private cruise through the Bay of Islands, private guided farm tour of Wharekauhau, InterIslander ferry from Wellington to Picton, private water taxi transfers to and from Bay of Many Coves Resort, your choice of wildlife experience in Kaikoura, full day private guided alpine hike in Wanaka, and private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound with glacier landing.

Lavish Family Luxury

A classic New Zealand itinerary for families wanting New Zealand's iconic luxury lodges

Most of New Zealand’s luxury lodges feature an Owner’s Cottage, usually a residence with four bedrooms, a full kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as full lodge inclusions (meals etc) and use of the lodge facilities, all perfect for families. Begin in the Bay of Islands at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs whose clifftop property comes with not one, but three beautiful beaches! Travel on to Lake Taupo for a stay at iconic Huka Lodge, and time spent rafting, fishing, cruising or swimming in the local rivers and lakes. Continue on to the wine country of Hawke’s Bay for exceptional food and wine experiences. In Queenstown, get out into nature with a private jetboating and hiking excursion in Mount Aspiring National Park, and the must-do helicopter excursion to Milford Sound. 

  • Inclusions

    11 nights Owners Cottage accommodation (3 nights The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, 2 nights Huka Lodge, 2 nights The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, 4 nights Matakauri Lodge including breakfast daily, 10 lunches and 11 dinners), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, private cruise through the Bay of Islands, private hike and cruise of Lake Taupo, Can-Am adventure at Cape Kidnappers, private guided jetboat and hiking excursion to Mount Aspiring National Park and private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound.

Opulence for the Entire Family

A journey for large families wanting the most luxurious and private villas throughout the country

When you’ve got all the kids, their partners, and the grandparents in tow, you’re going to need to spread out. New Zealand has a fantastic collection of ultra-luxurious private villas available, from the Bay of Islands in the north, to Queenstown in the south. Start in the northern hotspot of the Bay of Islands. Here, on an exclusive gated estate owned by a New Zealand billionaire, enjoy an opulent villa with its own impressive collection of Maori artifacts and stunning ocean views. Spend your days cruising aboard a super-yacht and enjoying the beach on the estate. Fly to Hawke’s Bay and stay amongst the vines in a classic New Zealand country home. Explore the region by bike, stopping in at orchards, cheese factories and vineyards throughout the day. Continue to Nelson for a stay at an impressive hilltop villa with panoramic views of the surrounding hill country. Helicopter to the golden sand beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, or venture to the remote and rugged West Coast for rainforest hiking. Venture further into the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass where you can hike, fish, mountain bike, go caving and enjoy farming life on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular high country stations (farms). Finish on the shores of Lake Wanaka, surrounded by the snowcapped Southern Alps. Adventure into the wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area. 

  • Inclusions

    15 nights Owners Cottage accommodation (3 nights The Landing, 3 nights Summerlee, 3 nights Falcon Brae, 3 nights Flockhill and 3 nights Piwakawaka including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, private cruise through the Bay of Islands, private guided cycling tour of Hawke's Bay, helicopter and boating excursion to Abel Tasman National Park, hiking and mountain biking in the Southern Alps, and helicopter excursion to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

Family Friendly Rarotonga

Enjoy a family escape on Rarotonga

Rarotonga is perfect for families of all ages. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, meaning the beaches are calm and excellent for snorkelling. The resorts offer a full range of aquatic activities so you can happily spend all day at the beach. And there’s a whole island to explore, from the markets of Avarua to quad biking the forested interior. Finally, no holiday to the Cook Islands would be complete without a day trip to Aitutaki to experience the beautiful lagoon.

  • Inclusions

    7 nights' accommodation (7 nights at Te Manava Luxury Villas and Spa including breakfast daily), day tour to Aitutaki with return flights and lagoon cruise, and return airport transfers.

Family Fun in the Sun

The best villa accommodation for families or friends travelling together in Fiji

Spread out in style in these luxurious villas large enough for the whole family, or for friends wanting to celebrate in style. The villas not only come with practical facilities such as kitchens and laundries, but also with impressive private pools and the best beachfront locations. 

  • Inclusions

    9 nights' accommodation (3 nights at Vomo Island, 3 nights at Six Senses, and 3 nights at Kokomo Private Island, all inclusive of breakfast daily), and all land and sea transfers between the airport and resorts.

We'd love to hear about your dream holiday.
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We'd love to hear about your dream holiday.
  • Expected Travel Date
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

All details provided by you will be held by Southern Crossings and used in accordance with our privacy policy

We'd love to hear about your dream holiday.