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 family luxury travel 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 family luxury travel itineraries to suit kids of all ages and interests.
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 outback 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). Fun for all the family!
FAMILY Itinerary inspirations
These family friendly 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 family luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you.
Australia
Koalas and conservation, manta-rays, turtles, seabirds and sustainability.
- 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.
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.
Go wild in NSW with a wildlife adventure the whole family will love!
- 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.
Experience the vivid contrasts of Far North Queensland; rainforest, reef and rugged outback
- 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.
Unlock the magic and magnificence of the Top End with a family-friendly adventure: Darwin, Finniss River Lodge 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 two-nights at Finniss River Lodge. Situated on a 50,000-acre family owned and operated outback cattle station, enjoy two guided, on-property outings daily. Appreciate the wildlife, rich history and pastoral practices as you explore the paper bark forests, floodplains, coastline, savannah woodlands and rainforests.
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 Finniss River Lodge, 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, Return scenic flight transfers to Mt Borradaile. Private transfers throughout.
Outback, rainforest & reef
Rugged outback, ancient rainforests and world heritage coral reefs: this is far North Queensland!
- 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.
- 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
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. Venture south to 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
12 nights Owners Cottage accommodation (3 nights The Landing, 3 nights Summerlee, 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.
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.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
