Many visitors don’t realise just how big this magnificent land is. I have lived here all of my life and I still have a list of must-see destinations that never seems to get smaller.
Table Of Contents
Australia with teenagers Best cities to visit in Australia with teenagers Melbourne: Naarm Day trips from Melbourne for families Places to stay in Melbourne for families Hobart: Nipaluna Day trips from Hobart for families Where to stay in Hobart with teenagers Sydney: Warrane Day trips from Sydney Australia for teens Places to stay in Sydney on your Australia vacation Alice Springs: Mparntwe Day trips from Alice Springs for teens Places to stay in Alice Spring for families Cairns: Gimuy Top Australian landmarks to see from Cairns Top accommodation in Cairns for your holiday in Australia Gold Coast Find the best place to stay on the Gold Coast, Australia with teens Adelaide Day trips from Adelaide for families on vacation in Australia Accommodation in Adelaide for families with teenagers Perth: Mooro or Goomap Day trips from Perth Australia for families with teenagers Best Perth accommodation for families with teens Darwin: Garramilla Day trips from Darwin, Australia for families with teenagers Best places for families to stay in Darwin Best places to visit in Australia with teenagers The Great Barrier Reef – Cairns Phillip Island: Millowl Accommodation on Phillip Island The Whitsundays Best places to stay when visiting The Whitsundays Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Teenagers' Cultural Experiences in Australia Best places to stay when visiting Uluru with teens Kangaroo Island Places to stay on Kangaroo Island Rottnest Island Places to stay on Rottnest Island for families Best ways to see Australia with teens Driving around Australia with teenagers Flying in Australia with young adults Public Transport in Australia for families Food in Australia Must-try dishes when you visit Australia with family: Know before you go: Expert travel Australia tips for families Visa requirements for your visit to Australia: Australian Currency Tips: Stay connected on your vacation to Australia with teenagers Additional travel Australia with kids tips When is the best time to visit Australia with teenagers More travel inspiration for your trip to Australia
Australia with teenagers
People plan a visit for a couple of weeks and plan to hit the main sites in a few days but don’t factor in the distance between places and to be honest, just going to the big-ticket destinations here you will miss some of the splendour of the smaller ones.
Best cities to visit in Australia with teenagers
I have been asked to put together a list of places to visit in Australia with kids as our country has started opening up and I hope some of these places will end up on your list of places to see when you get here.
Melbourne: Naarm
I have to start with my home city. There is a long-standing dispute between Sydneysiders and Melbournians as to which city is better and I think you know where I stand on that one!
It is a beautiful green city with amazing coffee, food and culture for everyone to enjoy. There are so many things to do in Melbourne for families holidaying in Australia.
National Gallery of Victoria
Queen Victoria Market
Royal Botanical Gardens
Eureka Sky Deck
Luna Park
ACMI
Go to an AFL game
St Kilda Beach for the Little penguins at dusk
Shrine of Remembrance
Melbourne Zoo
Fitzroy Garden Fairy Tree
Famous Street Art and Laneways
Cruise the Yarra River
Tour the MCG
Visit the Australian Sports Museum
*Federation Square is a great place for kids too. You will find that they have changing displays, exhibits or live performances there on a regular basis that are great for families on their holiday in Australia with teens.
Day trips from Melbourne for families
Setting out on some day trips from Melbourne Australia with teenagers can include some of the most iconic Australian landscapes, unique Australian animals and walks through our ancient forests.
Whatever you choose to see on your day trip from Melbourne you will be sure to have a memorable experience.
Dandenong Ranges to ride Puffing Billy
Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
Great Ocean Road
Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill
Gumbya World
Places to stay in Melbourne for families
For a memorable stay, choose central accommodations near the city centre, granting easy access to attractions and dining. Look for family rooms or apartments with two separate rooms to ensure everyone’s comfort and privacy.
Consider Citadines on Bourke with spacious two-bedroom apartments, Adina Apartments Southbank for proximity to landmarks, or Mantra on Little Bourke , offering central convenience and relaxation.
These options provide the space and amenities needed for an enjoyable trip. You can search for more Melbourne accommodations here. Get ready for a fantastic Melbourne adventure with your family!
More Melbourne inspiration: All the best things to do in Melbourne with teens
Hobart: Nipaluna
Tasmania is an absolutely stunning part of Australia that is often missed by visitors and locals alike. Once you have been to Tassie the memory stays with you and you long to go back.
Its raw beauty is still untouched by many, and you can find some amazing things to do in and out of Hobart with kids. It was high on my list of places to go for its beauty but also to see the famous Tassie Devil, which is a must if you visit Australia with teenagers.
Salamanca Market
Cascade Brewery
Mt Wellington
Battery Point
MONA
Hobart Convict Penitentiary
Cascades Female Factory
Constitution Dock
Tasmanian Transport Museum
You can also spend some time driving through Tasmania tasting and enjoying the amazing food and wine they grow there, although car hire can be expensive and limited in the peak season.
You can alternatively catch the ferry from Melbourne with your own car if you wish.
Day trips from Hobart for families
When in Hobart with family you can easily go on day trips to see some magical Australian attractions. Teens visiting Australia will not miss their trip to Tasmania!
Port Arthur Historic Site
Bruny Island
Hastings Caves and Thermal Pools
Mount Field National Park
Maria Island
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Where to stay in Hobart with teenagers
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations. Here are three great options for places to stay with family rooms or suites that are conveniently located near attractions
Wrest Point Hotel Casino features an indoor pool and various dining options. It is a short drive from attractions like Salamanca Place and the MONA . Situated in the heart of the city Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart has an indoor pool and a restaurant.
RACV Hobart Apartment Hotel offers spacious family accommodations equipped with kitchen facilities
These choices promise a wonderful family getaway brimming with comfort and unforgettable experiences. Explore additional f amily-friendly accommodations in Hobart right here.
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Sydney: Warrane
Many tourists arriving in Australia with teenagers will make their first stop in Sydney. While many think it is our capital city, Sydney is the largest Australian city, but it is not our capital city. Canberra has that honour.
Teenage-friendly attractions in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a sprawling city that offers so much for families visiting Australia for the first time. Its iconic bridge and Opera House make it one of the most recognisable cities in the world and you will find so many other wonderful things to do in Sydney .
Taronga Zoo
Cockatoo Island
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Ride the ferries from Circular Quay
Visit Manly Beach
Bondi Beach
The Rocks
Day trips from Sydney Australia for teens
Planning day trips from Sydney with teenagers adds a level to your vacation in Australia with teenagers. You can go home to tell all of your friends you saw all the iconic places in Australia.
Blue Mountains
The Hunter Valley
Wollongong
Places to stay in Sydney on your Australia vacation
To ensure a memorable experience, look for accommodations in a central location like the Rocks, Darling Harbour or close to Circular Quay. This places iconic attractions and conveniences at your doorstep, enhancing exploration.
As you’re a family, prioritise two-bedroom family rooms or apartments to balance together time and privacy.
Consider Mantra 2 Bond Street for its spacious suites and facilities, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour for its outdoor pool and city views, or QT Bondi for a stay near the beach.
These options guarantee a delightful family escape filled with comfort and memorable moments. Search here for more Sydney family accommodation options.
Australia with teenagers: All the best things to do in Sydney with teens
Alice Springs: Mparntwe
Even for Australians a trip to Alice Springs is high on their must-see list. Known as the Red Center and the gateway to Uluru , it is surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, known for its striking red sands and unique rock formations.
Families with teenagers will be captivated by the rich Aboriginal culture, an integral part of Alice Springs’ identity, evident in its art and history. Some of the best things to do in Alice Springs include
RFDS (Royal Flying Doctors Service)
School of the Air tour
Alice Spring Desert Park
Camel Rides
Hot Air Ballooning
Day trips from Alice Springs for teens
When planning day trips from Alice Springs for families with teenagers, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to diverse interests.
The surrounding natural beauty offers opportunities to connect with the unique essence of the Australian outback while creating lasting memories with your teenagers. Some of the best day trips include
Uluru ( Ayers Rock) Day Trips
West MacDonnell Ranges
Kings Canyon
Palm Valley
Places to stay in Alice Spring for families
At this time, there is some serious unrest in Alice Springs, and it is not recommended to stay in Alice itself. Many people who want to see Uluru are landing in Alice Springs and going straight to Uluru.
Featuring a swimming pool and family rooms DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs is a top choice. Desert Palms offers self-contained villas and a pool that are perfect for families. Consider staying in a cabin or villa at Discovery Parks Alice Springs .
You can search for more hotels in Alice or even find a self-contained apartment for your stay.
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Cairns: Gimuy
Cairns is a city where most people who visit Australia head to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Its amazing weather makes it a great stop for families wanting fun in the sun with some amazing experiences to top off their holiday.
Cairns has to be one of the top places to visit in Australia with teens, and it is definitely the easiest way to see one of the top Australian landmarks.
Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Cairns ZOOM and wildlife dome
Giant Swing Park
Cairns Aquarium
Rusty’s Markets for fresh local produce
Cairns Botanical Gardens
Find one of the many kid-friendly playgrounds
Top Australian landmarks to see from Cairns
You will find that Cairns itself can be an affordable destination if you are travelling on a budget.
Teenage Adventure Tours in Australia
But once you add some of the top attractions in Cairns , it is where your costs easily add up. In reality, though, there is no point visiting Cairns without ticking off the big items. You will find plenty of things to do with teenagers in Cairns.
Daintree Rainforest
Great Barrier Reef
Mossman Gorge
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Fitzroy Island
Green Island
Atherton Tablelands
Top accommodation in Cairns for your holiday in Australia
Choose accommodations in the heart of the city for easy access to all the exciting attractions. Select Cairns lodgings with family rooms or apartments offering two separate bedrooms. This provides both space and privacy.
Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort , offers modern amenities and pools by the Cairns Esplanade. Mantra Esplanade Cairns boasts waterfront views and two-bedroom apartments, while Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort provides suites with a lagoon-style pool. These choices ensure an enjoyable family getaway,
For more accommodation options , search here and get ready for a fantastic Cairns adventure with your loved ones!
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Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is where many Aussie families spend at least one epic holiday at some stage in their travel journey. The weather is sunny and warm and there are a plethora of things to do on the Gold Coast for families.
Whether you have small kids looking for a relaxing beach holiday or older kids looking for adrenalin, hair-raising activities the Gold Coast is your one-stop Aussie destination!
Australian Outback Spectacular
MovieWorld
SeaWorld
DreamWorld/Whitewater World
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
High Tea at the Sky Point Observation Deck
Have a surf lesson
Whale-watching cruise (seasonal)
Wander a local Sunday market
Jet boat ride
*Money-saving tip for your holiday on the Gold Coast: There are vendors on the esplanade at Surfers Paradise, where you can get daily bargains for activities on the Gold Coast. They change daily and differ as well so you may not get exactly what you want but you will save on some amazing attractions.
Find the best place to stay on the Gold Coast, Australia with teens
Look for accommodations with family-friendly options like two-bedroom apartments for both privacy and comfort.
Check out places like the Mantra on View Hotel in Surfers Paradise with family suites and ocean views, the Paradise Resort with outdoor pools, or the SeaWorld Resort with family rooms and access to the theme park. Look for more Gold Coast places to stay .
Surfers Paradise is pretty compact, and most places you stay will be close to the bustling Cavill Avenue for shopping and dining and thrilling theme parks.
Need fun in the sun? Visit the Gold Coast for maximum thrills with teenagers
Adelaide
Adelaide, Australia, is an incredible, family-friendly destination waiting to make your vacation special. With its sunny and inviting weather, Adelaide has something for everyone.
Whether you’re after a relaxing beach escape or heart-pounding activities, this city has you covered. Your Aussie family journey won’t be complete without experiencing the warmth, charm, and excitement that Adelaide has to offer.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure Down Under!
Go shopping at Rundall Mall
Westbeach Mega Climb
Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
Go to the Beach and take a surfing lesson
Scavenger Hunt at the SA Museum
Westbeach Adventure
See a Giant Panda’s at Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour
Day trips from Adelaide for families on vacation in Australia
Adelaide, Australia, offers fantastic day trips for teenagers . Head to Kangaroo Island to explore wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
