From coastal cliff walks, to late afternoon beach picnics, whatever your idea of the perfect summer is, you can find it in Australia. We’ve compiled some of the best activities for families to make the most of the summer. So if too many days at home with the kids are starting to make you go slightly insane, take this as your cue to adventure...

Mountain biking on Mt Wellington (Tasmania)

Take the scenic route from Hobart and enjoy the view mountain biking from the summit of Mt Wellington, an incredible bike riding experience. Or if mountain biking isn’t for you, the park also offers horse riding, four wheel driving and walking tracks.

Choose an accommodation option best for you.

Picnic on Cockatoo Island (Sydney)

On a sunny day in Sydney, catch a ferry across to Cockatoo Island to show the kids a small piece of Australia’s history. The island once operated as a convict penal establishment, making it a great day trip and something a little bit different to the usual school holiday activities.

Make the most of your Sydney stay with these accommodation options 

Getaway to the beach

Escape for a few nights to one of the many incredible beaches along Australia’s East Coast. Disconnect from the city and indulge in the pristine white sand, fresh salty air and long stretches of beach as far as the eye can see. During the day, pack a picnic and enjoy the long days with nothing but sun, surf and sand. Our pick is Breakfree Aanuka Beach in Coffs Harbour or Mantra Coolangatta at the southern end of the Gold Coast as perfect beachfront locations.

Find out more information about last minute accommodation offers by the beach. 

Go kayaking across the Noosa Everglades (Sunshine Coast)

Kayaking is a fun activity for the entire family. Spend a day discovering the wilderness of Australia’s most pristine regions, the Noosa Everglades. After a big day of adventure, return to Noosa Heads for dinner at View Restaurant, providing breathtaking views across Laguna Bay with fresh, local produce. Later, retreat back to your room with nothing but the sound of waves crashing and serenity of Noosa National Park surrounding you at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.

Book your stay now.

Theme parks

Between wild rides, entertaining shows and thrilling activities, take the kids to get lost for a day in one of Australia’s many incredible theme parks. Your accommodation in the Gold Coast provides ease of access to the theme parks, so if one day isn’t enough you can return a second or even third time around!

Some of our favourite theme parks around Australia to check out:

  • Movie World Gold Coast
  • Sea World Gold Coast
  • Dreamworld Gold Coast
  • Luna Park Melbourne
  • Urban Jungle Adventure Park Sydney

Book your summer getaway on the Gold Coast with Mantra Hotels, accommodation options here.

Spend some time in the Gold Coast hinterland

There are a number of scenic walking tracks great for the kids on the Gold Coast. Spend the day discovering a fraction of over 320km of tracks in Lamington Park, or the one of the many paths in the open eucalypt forest of Springbrook National Park. Both parks reside about an hour inland from Surfers Paradise, why not hire a car or enjoy one of the many organised tours that provide transfers for you?

Book your Gold Coast hinterland adventure and find the perfect accommodation option with Mantra Hotels here. 

While you’re on the East Coast, take the kids to surf school…

They’ll thank you when they’re older!

With Sydney’s line-up of incredible beaches, head to Bondi or Manly and take the kids to learn the basics of surfing, a great family activity for everyone to get involved. Further north, on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Alley or Rainbow Bay are the perfect learner-friendly locations, otherwise on the Sunshine Coast, Coolum is a gnarly stretch to catch some waves. For the more advanced surfers - without the kids, head south to Great Ocean Road and make the most of Bells Beach.

Mantra Coolangatta – Mantra Twin Towns - Gold Coast accommodation options. 

Sunshine Coast accommodation options. 

Lorne accommodation options. 

Wildlife sanctuaries & zoos

Australia offers a diverse and unique range of wildlife, with many species found nowhere else in the world. Though you may never get to spot these native animals in the wild, Australia’s world class zoos and wildlife sanctuaries give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with them, and learn more about conservation and lifestyle of these animals.

Some of the many zoos and wildlife sanctuaries include:

  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
  • Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Taronga Zoo, Sydney
  • Devils@Cradle, Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary, Cradle Mountain
  • Platypus Eco Tours, Cumbungi Sanctuary Mylor, Adelaide

    • Australia Zoo is just a half hour drive from Mooloolaba, find your accommodation here now. 

    Spend the day in the Southern Highlands (Sydney and Canberra)

    New South Wales’ Southern Highlands brings a relaxing lifestyle and a unique combination of history and heritage. Home to a number of villages, stop by Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar for lunch, surrounded by lush gardens. After a delicious meal, take the kids of explore various activities on offer like horse riding, golf or national parks nearby. Just an hour and a half from both Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands is a perfect day trip with the kids.

    Thinking about a romantic getaway with just the two of you? Extend your trip for a night or two and stay at Peppers Manor House for the complete experience.

    So whatever your summer adventure style is, stay busy over the summer holidays with these activities. If you’re thinking about booking an escape, check out our range of accommodation options here.