It’s every parents nightmare. The same routine must be followed but in a totally different, unknown environment. Here’s a few places we’ve been with our two boys and tips to help you out.
Hamilton island:
Hamilton island is easy. Getting there from melbourne is one three hour flight -perfect for feeding babies their 3 hourly bottles and avoiding their ears popping with the altitude.
Minutes after arriving on the always balmy island, you’re in a golf buggy (no cars allowed) and on your way. No car seats to organise and you’re on a small island so your accommodation is never far away.
Let’s be honest, a decade ago Hamilton Island had a shocking reputation as a bogan island filled with drunks. since then, new owners ( the Oatley family) have bought the island and shifted the focus to families and the luxury market.
Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Breakfast with the koalas- start the day with full buffet breakfast amongst the sleepy koalas. Afterwards, you can wander around the zoo and see crocodiles, kangaroos, snakes and wombats. Its a buffet breakfast and Kids under five eat free,adults from $30.
Cats eye beach is fantastic for everyone and I’ve spent many hours there watching Henry build sandcastles. Lounge chairs are provided so its pretty easy to relax while keeping one eye on the kids.
The Bowling alley is great if its raining (well it is in the tropics so when it rains, it pours). The bowling is expensive though ($59 for an hour) but there’s lots of different games to keep the little ones amused.
Take the free ferry to Dent island for lunch at the golf club. Kids are made to feel welcome and the food is delicious. You might even see a few whales as you tour the 18 hole championship course designed by Peter Thompson.
During the school holidays, there’s a free marquee on Cats eye beach with face painting, jumping castle, cupcake decorating and ball games. The kids go ape for it and its a good filler at the end of the day. Then it’s home, dinner, bath, 7 pm bed….easy.
Qualia was recently voted the best resort in the world. Not just Australia, but the world. It’s seriously divine. Put on your best clothes, load up the credit card and enjoy.
Being on an island, means you can be held ransom at the checkout. To cut down costs, organise an online food delivery. Currently, its only a $9 delivery charge so you’ll save lots by planning ahead.
Sydney:
Visually stunning and plenty to do.
Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Taking a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly (prams allowed) is a fantastic way to see the Bridge and Opera house from the water. Once in Manly, if you’re kids are old enough, you could hire a bike from Manly Bike Tours and ride the paths around the beach.
If like me, you’ve got littlies, then perhaps Oceanworld Manly is more your speed (manlysealifesanctuary.com.au)
There’s plenty of family friendly restaurants along Manly’s famous Corso and the beach is patrolled by three life saving clubs, so you CAN swim straight after eating and stay safe!
Jump on a ferry (sydneyferries.info) and head for either
- Sydney aquarium (sydneyaquarium.com.au)
- Taronga zoo (taronga.org.au)
- Luna Park (lunaparksydney.com)
- Darling Harbour
- Sydney Olympic Park (sydney.com)
- Bridge climb (bridgeclimb.com)
- or sail the harbour (eastsail.com.au)
Our next stop is Fiji in July…I’ll keep you posted on international flights with kids. Yes, I did just vomit in my mouth….