Australia is one of those destinations many people dream of visiting. It’s home to some of the world’s oldest cultures, breathtaking beaches with stark blue waters and perfect waves, vibrant cities, incredible natural parks and more. But where are the coolest cities in Australia to visit with family? Luckily we have the very best right here.
Top tips for visiting Australia with family
When travelling with family to Australia or any destination, you want to make sure you have all your bases covered first. For instance, apply for your Australia online visa a few days before the trip. Make sure you have travel insurance and pack a small medical kit. It never hurts to have a small sewing kit too.
Long haul to Australia from anywhere in the world can be tedious. Make sure you have added activities on hand in case there is a problem with your in-flight service or you have a long layover in an airport.
Know your connecting airport and see if you can use the gym to have a shower and change clothes if you have had a very long travel day with kids. This is something we do on a regular basis when we travel internationally from Australia.
The coolest cities in Australia to visit with family
We’ve been travelling as a family since our daughter was 10 months old, and we know every trick in the book. Also being Aussie we know a few of the coolest cities in Australia to visit with family and what are some amazing things to do while you are visiting. Read further to know about the coolest things to do in Australia with the whole family, including teenagers.
Sydney Australia for adventure and entertainment
You can’t visit Australia and not stop in Sydney. It has it all! A stunning harbour, beaches, museums, and, naturally, the Sydney Opera House. It’s hands down, one of the coolest cities in Australia you can visit with the whole family. Finding accommodation in Sydney is easy when you visit Rentola.
If you’re visiting Sydney with children, there are countless things you can do. Here’s a list of our top choices:
Taronga Zoo
Get the ferry at Circular Quay or rent a car to visit Taronga Zoo. The zoo is open from 9:30 to 17:00 every day of the year. Ideally located by the harbour, families can enjoy seeing elephants, and several other species. Furthermore, Taronga is investing in research, education, action, and advocacy toward conservation that supports wildlife.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Families in Sydney with children aged 8 and over who like a bit of adrenaline might enjoy climbing to the top of the bridge. However, if you prefer to be on the safe side, a simple walk across the bridge is fun too. Sydney Harbour Bridge makes Sydney one of the coolest cities in Australia.
Luna Park Amusement Park
Situated north of Harbor Bridge, this amusement park houses Ferris wheels and dodgem cars, and it’s especially packed with a vintage aura.
Royal Botanic Garden
Ideal for a picnic and to play some Frisbee. Families can walk through the park on their way to the Opera House. There are also some of the most stunning pictures to take at the Royal Botanic Gardens, especially at sunset.
Sydney Tower Eye
An excellent stop for older kids, you take an elevator to the observation deck, 250 meters above the city centre. It’s the tallest building in Sidney, with stunning views of the whole city.
Sea Life Aquarium Sydney
If you’re travelling with teenagers, one activity that might especially sound appealing to them is diving with sharks at the Sydney Aquarium.
Canberra for politics and science
Many people who visit Australia with kids think that Sydney is the capital city of Australia but it isn’t. Australia’s capital city is Canberra and here you will find some of the best displays of Australian history. From our Traditional Owners to War Memorials, Canberra is one of the coolest cities in Australia for learning.
Questacon
In Canberra, your kids will enjoy the National Science and Technology Center, Questacon. They can do experiments, learn while having fun, and watch shows and exhibits.
National Museum of Australia
Another great place to go with your children in Canberra is the National Museum of Australia. The entrance is free! And kids can run outside all they want. The children’s are of the museum is exceptionally superb. In addition, it boasts a rotating theatre.
National War Museum
Here you can learn about the Wars and conflicts Australia has been involved with over time.
Melbourne, culture and art
Melbourne exudes energy, and families will find that there are lots of fun activities to do here. Melbourne city is packed with world-class street art, restaurants, and bars.
Too much to uncover in a few weeks or a few days which makes Melbourne one of the coolest cities in Australia for you to discover with family.
There’s a lot of diversity within its suburbs, and each neighbourhood reflects the communities that live there. So, for example, if you’re in Victoria St, Richmond, you’ll find Vietnamese food, and if you’re in Carlton, you’ll find primarily Italian restaurants. Finding accommodation in Melbourne is easy when you visit this site.
We’ve gathered some of our favourite activities to do as a family while in Melbourne, but believe me when I tell you that there’s plenty to discover in this marvellous Australian city. It is hands down one of the coolest cities in Australia!
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The 30-minute ride is entirely worth it. Cabins are air-conditioned and fit up to 6 people. The Melbourne Observation Wheel gives you a brilliant view over Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay either at night or during the day.
The District Docklands
Not a regular shopping centre, it is a dining and entertainment spot too. Smaller kids will find lots of attractions here, which include Melbourne Star, ArtVo, and more.
ArtVo
It is an art gallery with interactive 3D art. Kids are encouraged to touch the art and interact with the artwork. The floor and the walls are painted with sculptural elements.
Street Art
Melbourne boasts impressive street art that is renowned internationally. You and your family can take a stroll and explore the laneways that feature bright, huge murals with bright colours.
This is a great free activity in Melbourne if you are travelling Australia on a budget and definitely helps give Melbourne the title of one of the coolest cities in Australia!
The Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI):
Situated within Federation Square, ACMI is a free museum that showcases Australia’s film, TV, video games, digital culture, and art.
There’s the City Circle Tourist Tram or the Yarra River Cruise, among other activities you can do as a family while visiting Melbourne. Let the city surprise you!
We also have an article on what to do in Melbourne while visiting with your teenagers, have a look!
Gold Coast for fun and sun
If there’s a place in Australia that looks a bit like paradise, it’s the Gold Coast. It could also be considered one of the top destinations for families in Australia with kids of any age.
Gold Coast is home to several theme parks, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Sea World, Movie World, and Wet’nWild. What else could you ask for when looking for the top coolest cities in Australia?
Furthermore, the beaches are stunning. If you like surfing or have ever wanted to learn, this is the place to be. Gold Coast pristine waters are lovely to get your surfboard and dive straight in.
Additionally, these are some other activities to do in Gold Coast with the whole family:
Whale Watching Cruise
Say what? Yes, that’s right—whale watching. Your kids will go wild watching the majestic creatures in the wide. Add a whale-watching cruise to your Australia with kids itinerary.
Sky Point Observation Deck
Australia’s tallest building, Sky Point offers views of the Gold Coast 270 meters above sea level. But, of course, you can also climb to get to the top!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Not only is one of a kind tourist attraction for the whole family, but it is a sanctuary dedicated to nurturing animals. The National Trust of Australia is committed to conserving the nation’s indigenous natural and historical heritage and culture. At the sanctuary, families can interact with animals respectfully.
Brisbane for koalas and nature
Brisbane is a wonderful, easy city in Australia to visit with kids. You can’t really say it is one of the coolest cities in Australia because sometimes it can get hot, hot, hot!
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
While visiting Brisbane, your family and you might want to head to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I mean, what’s there not to love about Koalas?
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm
Another option is to let your kids experience farm life at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm and Farmstay. Nothing will make your trip to Australia with family unforgettable than a stay at a true Aussie Farm!
Southbank
This is a brilliant place right in the Brisbane City Center to go and cool off in the summer months. If you are visiting Brisbane on the weekend you may find the markets with stalls from all over the city and outskirts.
Other incredible cities worth visiting in Australia
Australia is such an incredible place to discover. Other cities that have lots to offer to families with children include Hobart and Perth.
- Hobart
- Ballarat
- Darwin
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Launceston
- Cairns
- Alice Springs
If you had any doubts about planning a trip to Australia for your family and you, I hope you know now that there’s plenty to do and see. The country has some of the coolest cities you’ll ever visit!
Travelling with older kids has just as many issues as travelling with younger kids. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations can be so time-consuming. Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration to make your family vacations with teens epic.
For more amazing holiday ideas, make sure you search the Wyld Family Travel website. Planning a vacation to Australia with children is more complex than planning one just for the adults, as the things to consider increase multifold.
There are so many amazing cities in Australia to visit and making the best of your time in Australia on your family vacation is so important. Hopefully, you can visit some of the coolest cities in Australia on your trip down under.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Australia click through to our Australia Destination Page for more brilliant inspiration.