Now that quarantine-free travel has opened up between Singapore and Australia, there’s no better time to plan a family holiday to cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide.

Each of these places is packed with family-friendly activities, including close encounters with wildlife, thrilling museums and pristine beaches. You and your little ones will definitely have an awesome time!

Images credit: Tourism Australia & ©Visit Canberra

“We can’t wait to welcome Singaporeans back to Australia, including those with their families in tow. Creativity is bustling in every nook and cranny of our alleyways, and there’s so much to explore – including tiny home stays; odyssey journeys via epic train and helicopter rides; immersive tours and Indigenous trails that pay tribute to the world’s oldest living culture; sustainable and diverse food and wine choices, and so much more,” says Brent Anderson, Regional General Manager of South & South East Asia, Tourism Australia. “Families will be spoilt for choice with an array of new experiences. For everyone who’s missed Australia, there’s no better time to awaken your sense of wonder and unlock your imagination than here and now.”

If you’re keen on an Aussie adventure, here are 10 family-friendly activities we recommend.

1. Climbing famous landmarks in Sydney

BridgeClimb Sydney, Credits to BridgeClimb Sydney

Families can enjoy the sunrise over the horizon after climbing the 134 metre summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From the top, you’ll also get a bird’s eye view of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Opera House, Credits to Tourism Australia

There are lots of kid-friendly climbing packages on offer too. During the New South Wales school holidays, climbs are only $99 across all climb types. The new BridgeClimb & Accor Hotels Sydney Escape Package also includes an overnight stay at one of Accor’s top Sydney hotels.

You can purchase Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Experience tickets via KKday.

2. Exploring an underwater world in Sydney

To meet some of Sydney’s unique underwater wildlife, head to Manly for an Ecotreasures snorkel tour. Conducted by experienced and friendly local guides, kids get to search for endangered species like the famous Blue Groper and see over 200 other fish species. A headland nature walk is also included with great views of the Northern Beaches, with whale spotting during the May to November season.

You can purchase Ecotreasures Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk tickets via TripAdvisor.

➡️ Related Read: Best Family Picnic Spots In Sydney

3. Visit a cool botanical garden in Melbourne

Take your little ones to the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, located inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. The garden is a perfect place for them to get their hands dirty, with interactive education offerings to help them learn exploration and play. Areas to explore include a Bamboo Forest, Ruin Garden and Kitchen Garden. A new feature is also the Tree Tower, which your mini-mes can climb and see the garden from up high.

You can purchase Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden tickets via Trip.com.

4. Walking with dinosaurs in Canberra

National Dinosaur Museum © Visit Canberra

Got an aspiring paleontologist in the family? Check out Canberra’s National Dinosaur Museum, just a 15-minute drive north of the city. The museum features a massive collection of interactive animatronic dinosaurs, along with 23 complete skeletons and over 300 displays of individual fossils. Kids can also roam through the interactive dinosaur garden for an encounter with Canberra’s famous big dinosaur Stan the T-Rex.

You can purchase Canberra’s National Dinosaur Museum tickets via KKday.

➡️ Related Read: Where to See Dinosaurs in Singapore

5. Get up close with crocs in Darwin

Swimming with Crocodiles in Darwin, Credits to Tourism Australia

Head to the heart of Darwin and see crocodiles in action at Crocosaurus Cove. Here, families can watch crocodiles and turtles being fed, and wander through the excellent reptile enclosure. The enclosure features over 70 species of reptiles on display – one of Australia’s largest collections. If your kids fancy swimming right next to crocs, there’s also a unique swimming pool where they can do just that (safely, of course).

You can purchase Crocosaurus Cove tickets via Klook.

6. See the Tasmanian Devil in Tasmania

Tasmanian Devil at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Credits to Tourism Australia

Book ahead to see this famous animal up close at Bonorong Wildlife sanctuary. All of the centre’s public tours allow visitors to see the Tasmanian Devil eating a snack and learn about their quirky personalities. On a private three-hour night tour, families can also feed the animals and tour the wildlife hospital.

You can purchase Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary tickets via Klook and Exclusive Night Tours via KKday.

7. Explore underground caves in Tasmania

Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs ©Jess Bonde

Fancy a unique experience away from the crowds? Head to Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs, home to an expansive and ancient cave network. Guided tours from the Visitors Centre explore its history, while tailoring content for children. Back on the surface, your family can relax in a swimming pool fed by mineral-rich thermal springs.

You can purchase Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs tickets via Klook.

8. Visit an ancient jail in Adelaide

Go back in time to one of South Australia’s oldest buildings, the Adelaide Gaol. It used to house some of the state’s most notorious and dangerous criminals over 147 years. Kids can walk through the Gaol and experience what life was like behind bars for prisoners from 1841 to 1988. It’s a great way to learn some fascinating history – today, the Gaol represents a major part of Adelaide’s heritage, and features immersive tours and more

You can purchase Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour tickets via KKday.

9. Catch some waves along the Gold Coast

Currumbin Beach, Credits to Tourism Australia

The Gold Coast is filled with stunning beaches, Currumbin Beach being one of them. If your child has always wanted to learn surfing, consider the Currumbin Alley Surf School. No matter their ability, you’ll be able to find a suitable learner-friendly course for them. Consider the Sunrise sessions, which cover surf safety, surfboard handling, paddling, standing and falling techniques.

10. Get artsy in Queensland

Situated in Surfers Paradise, Home of the Arts is a contemporary cultural precinct featuring live performances, kids shows, stargazing and cinema-watching. The newly-opened Children’s Gallery also features interesting exhibitions like ‘Dumpling Dreams’, a colourful dreamscape with augmented reality experiences and interactive activities. Or check out INFINITY at Chevron Renaissance Centre, a futuristic maze world with 20 multi-sensual environments.

Quokka by the ocean at Rottnest Island, Credits to Tourism Australia

Singaporean families can also continue to bookmark exciting new experiences and attractions in Western Australia for future trips. Perth features a harmonious blend of nature and urban life, and there’s so much more in Western Australia’s other regions to discover. Families can look forward to meeting the happiest animal on Earth (the cute quokka) on Rottnest Island, and in Broome, they can stroll along the extraordinary 22-kilometre Cable Beach, and discover ancient dinosaur footprints and Australia’s only horizontal waterfall.

➡️ Related Read: Kid Friendly Destinations in Perth

By Rebecca Wong.

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