Family Holiday Destinations - Issue 2

Family Holiday

DESTINATIONS THE ARMCHAIR EDITION!

ROAD TRIPPIN’

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD RECONNECT IN

VANUATU EXPLORE CAMBODIA

ANGKOR TEMPLES LEARNING TO

SCUBA DIVE WITH KIDS

GREAT DAYS OUT IN

MELBOURNE

Issue 2

DISCOVER A NEW WAY

CAMPING

Alice Springs YHA

Fremantle Prison YHA (Colonial Cottages) Port Lincoln YHA

Hu Hawkesbury Mt Lofty YHA Blue Mounta Adelaide City YHA Canberra C Port Elliot YHA Grampians Eco YHA Port Fairy YHA Apollo Bay Eco YHA

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Melbo

Philli

Magnetic Island YHA

Brisbane City YHA

Bellingen YHA

unter Valley YHA y Heights YHA ains YHA

City YHA

Port Macquarie YHA Port Stephens YHA Newcastle Beach YHA

FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH YHA

Pittwater YHA

Sydney Harbour YHA

Thredbo YHA ourne Metro YHA

ip Island YHA

Hobart Central YHA

Y H A . C O M . A U / FA M I LY

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DESTINATIONS

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ROAD TRIPPIN’ THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD Australia is too large to see in one road trip, but The Great Ocean Road packs a lot of features into a manageable length

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GREAT DAYS OUT IN MELBOURNE Whether you’re a visitor or a local on a staycation, a city break in Melbourne is hard to beat. Here are three great days out in Melbourne with kids.

RECONNECT IN VANUATU Discover what’s down the coconut tree lined highway in Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu

EXPLORE CAMBODIA From the cultural heart to Tomb Raider temples, learn why Cambodia is a great family adventure

Top LtoR: The 12 Apostles and Bon Beach, Victoria.

Above: Cape Otway Lightstation, The Great Ocean Road Left: ‘‘Tomb Raider’’ temple in Cambodia Far Left: Lonnoc Beach on the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Opp. Page: Elaborate stair case railing at a temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photos: Jessica Palmer © Jessica Palmer No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst every care has been taken in the research and preparation of Family Holiday Destinations, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss, hardship or injury arriving from any attempt to follow any of the stories, however caused. When it comes to travel, things change daily and we cannot rake responsibility for changes that occur subsequent to publishing.

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ENJOY YOUR TIME AT HOME

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GET THE KIDS INTO PHOTOGRAPHY A selection of cameras to get your kids into photography that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

LIVESTREAMING & VIRTUAL VISITS Virtual field trips to enjoy from the comfort of your own home

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WHATS UP Get inspired and begin planning with the latest news and deals from around Australia and worldwide

BOOKS FOR HOUSEBOUND FAMILIES A great selection of Lonely Planet Kids books that are both educational and inspirational to help make the most of your time at home WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO TRAVEL SUSTAINABILY Amanda DiSilvestro from Discover Corps takes us through the what, why how and who of sustainable travel for families SCUBA DIVING FOR KIDS Learn how to begin your diving certification while isolated at home and get the kids involved.

THE NEW WAY TO CAMP Discover YouCamp and why its the best way to camp in Australia.

Avoid the FOMO and sign up to our monthly newsletter. Click HERE to join our mailing list!

This magazine includes affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the link. You may also find links to websites operated by third parties. I do not control these linked websites and are therefore not responsible for the content of any linked websites. I provide the links for my readers convenience only. Linked websites are visited at your own risk. For more information on sponsord posts or PR samples, please see: www.familyholidaydestinations.com/disclosure-statement/

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Editor’s Letter

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s we bunker down with our immediate families to socially distance ourselves from the rest of the world, travel is not on the cards for the immediate future.... but dreaming about it and even making plans is NOT off the cards. I suspect there will be some days when looking towards the future is what keeps us going.

In light of the coronavirus and its devastating impact on communities worldwide, this issue has been transformed into an ‘‘armchair’’ edition. An edition with suggestions of activities you can do now, while remaining at home, and also inspiration for later on in the year when the crisis has passed.

I love how attractions worldwide are allowing us to ‘‘visit’’ in spirit, by livestreaming zoos, galleries and public spaces, until the time comes when we can be there in person.

This issue features The Great Ocean Road and Melbourne, sustainable travel ideas, Vanuatu, Cambodia and a way to camp in Australia that’s ideal for both Aussies and international visitors.

Things you can do right now as a family while isolated include completing the online component of a scuba diving certification, learning about our world with some great Lonely Planet Kids books, beginning your journey with photography and of course, making plans for your next amazing holiday with a little help from our pages.

As usual, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the magazine - what you enjoyed reading and what you would like to see less of. Feel free to join our mailing list so you don’t miss out on the next edition and any content that doesn’t make it into the magazine. Stay safe these holidays!

Jessica Palmer travelwithjess@hotmail.com

LIVESTREAMING & VIRTUAL VISITS As schools close around the world, other institutions are stepping up to help. Here are just a few of our favourite virtual field trips to experience with your family.

The Kennedy Space Center has been hosting awesome family friendly live streams on their Facebook page.

Check out the International Space Station via Google Street View!

The Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo has set up live webcams. The Snow Leopard cubs are particularly entertaining.

Google Arts and Culture allows you to peek into the hidden world of USA’s National Parks. Follow rangers on a journey to places most people never go.

Thanks to Google Street View, we can enjoy the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Taj Mahal in India, the Palace of Versailles in France, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the Collaseum in Italy and Kiyomizu Temple in Japan.

A stream of the Northern Lights is available from a webcam in Manitoba, Canada and last but not least, the San Diego Zoo has a number of live cams to watch.

www.familyholidaydestinations.com

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CHRISTMAS 2020 in

Aurora Village

23 Dec 2020 to 27 Dec 2020 For more information, please visit 50 Degrees

North.

Nordic tour operator, 50 Degrees North, has introduced a new 5-day tour for 2020: Christmas in Aurora Village, Finland. This is an independent Christmas tour in Finnish Lapland and includes winter activities, Christmas celebrations, and accommodation in an Aurora Glass Cabin with a prime view of the Northern sky from the comfort of your own bed.

The tour is suitable for children and features a Santa program for Christmas eve, Christmas dinner, snowmobile safari, reindeer feeding, sleigh ride, husky safari, toboggans, use of thermal clothing and overalls, aurora alert mobile app. and free access to Kota and Laavu campfire sites.

Northern Lights at Aurora Village Photo: Aurora Village

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What’s Up? NEWS & DEALS

Experience Tidbinbilla like never before with the ultimate family sleepover at Wildfest Pop Up Family Wilderness Camp. (Photo: Ari Rex landscape)

A Wild Night Out at Tidbinbilla

Canberra (25 Sep -10 Oct) Experience Canberra’s premier wildlife sanctuary like never before with the ultimate family sleepover and explore this vast Nature Reserve with specially designed ranger guided activities. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has koalas, wombats and kangaroos which we all love but families may also be introduced to some of the lesser known animals. www.wildfest.com.au/annualfestival

Bargain Breaks Around OZ With YHA

Stay at 1, 2 or 3 different YHAs across Australia for just AU$93 a night for a private or family room with 3-night vouchers valid until 20 Dec 2020. Open-dated vouchers to be purchased by 8 April 2020 and are transferable to share the love with friends and family. www.yha.com.au/promotions/epacks

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Adelaide Central YHA Family Room.

Photo: YHA Australia

Photo: Universal Studios Japan © Nintendo

The Real SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is Just Around the Corner!

The World’s First Super Nintendo World is Coming to Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan will be opening the world’s first Nintendo-themed area featuring Nintendo’s legendary worlds and character. The new attractions will include an all-new Mario Kart attraction and Yoshi ride, bringing the characters to life in a way that takes theme park entertainment to an entirely new level.

Aquaduck Offers Free Audio Guide

Alberta’s 1st Grizzly Wakes Up

Gold Coast Aquaduck are now able to provide international guests with a free on board audio guide in 7 languages. One of the original amphibious duck tours, Aquaduck began operating on the Gold Coast 23 years ago. Over 2.3 million happy customers and counting!

A grizzly bear sighted in Canada’s Banff National Park signals the end of hibernation.

Large males usually emerge mid-March while females with cubs are usually not seen until late April or May. Bear watching opportunities are plentiful in Canada’s west between April and September.

Photo: Aquaduck

Photo: Destination Canada

Vivid Sydney Cancelled

The NSW Gov announced the cancellation of Vivid Sydney 2020 after recommendations by the Federal Gov and health authorities to limit non-essential organised gatherings to control the spread of COVID-19. Vivid was scheduled to run from 22 May to 13 Jun 2020.

Photo: Destination NSW

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Sage James Street Welcomes Four-Legged Guests

Brisbane’s Sage James St Hotel has rolled out the fur carpet with the launch of their Paw Pads Package. Dog friendly rooms are located on the ground floor and come with spacious courtyards, food bowls and litter bags. The hotel will provide you with a guide to the best dog friendly venues in the James Street precinct. www.nexthotels.com/sage/james-streetbrisbane/offers/paw-pads

Thredbo’s $10k Easter Egg Hunt Cancelled

Thredbo’s popular $10,000 Easter Egg Hunt supported by Lindt has unfortunately, been cancelled due to current events. However, the Kids Snow Festival is still planned for Mon 21 Sep - Sat 3 Oct, 2020 with movie nights, kids flare run, night skiing and loads of other activities on and off the mountain. www.thredbo.com.au/events/ september-kids-snow-festival

Holiday at Home With Nesuto’s ‘‘Good to Go’’ Package

In support of Tourism Australia’s ‘‘Holiday Here This Year’’ campaign, Nesuto have developed the ‘‘Good to Go’’ package which includes free parking, $25 pre paid fuel and a free family breakfast at select Australian properties. New Zealand properties receive a welcome grocery pack. Kids under 12 stay free and WiFi is free! Valid for bookings made 1st Feb - 30th Apr 2020 for stays between 1st Feb - 30th Dec 2020.

Nesuto apartments and hotels provides families with the freedom of apartment living such as a fully equipped self-contained kitchen, private bathrooms, separate bedrooms and open-plan living quarters. www.nesuto.com/special-offers/we-re-good-to-go

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Above: Photo - Nesuto Apartments. Top LtoR: Photo - Next Hotels. Photo - Thredbo

Stay in a Pokemon Room in Japan!

Come and experience the world of Pokemon at Apartment Hotel Mimaru’s Pokemon themed Rooms in Japan. Expect to find Poke Ball motifs on the walls, Snorlax, Pokemon plates and cups and a special gift for all guest who stay in the room. Ideal for families, Apartment Hotel Mimaru is located close to public transport and features a kitchenette so you can enjoy home-style cooking. www.mimaruhotels.com/en/ja-jp

Photo: Apartment Hotel Mimaru

Discover a New Side to Fraser Island on the Sea Explorer Families can now discover a new side to Fraser Island aboard Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Sea Explorer tour. Adventure up the remote north western coast of Fraser Island to experience the white sand and turquoise water, visiting locations such as Pelican Banks, Moon Point and secluded creeks. www.kingfisherbay.com/sea-explorer

Photo: Kingfisher Bay Resort

Explore Kangaroo Island With Your Caravan or Camper Save up to $196 on travel between 15 May - 15 Sep 2020, with SeaLink offering free return ferry transfers for two people who book their car plus a caravan or camper on the Kangaroo Island SeaLink Ferry.

Kangaroo Island is a popular escape for families and retirees and after Australia’s devastating bush fire season, they need your support more than ever. Experience wildlife, relaxation and adventure on Australia’s third largest island. Just quote CARAVAN20 when booking to receive this fantastic deal! www.sealink.com.au

Photo: SeaLink

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ROAD TRIPPIN’

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

By Jessica Palmer

A Bucket List Aussie Road Trip With a Little Something for Everyone

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ustralia is too large to see in a week long road trip, but a leisurely week long drive down it’s iconic Great Ocean Road packs a lot of features into 243km.

This memory came back to me as we drove towards the iconic surf beach, some 34 years later. I smiled to myself at the memory of a young girl hiding beneath her dad’s towel. ‘’What are you smiling at?’’ my husband asked. I couldn’t really explain it. ‘’Oh you know, just thinking,’’ I replied.

It was a blustery day when I first visited Bells beach.

The sky was overcast, threatening to turn an even darker shade of grey. The wind was unpleasant, blowing directly from the shore and peppering my young legs with yellow sand. So I hid under my parent’s oversized towel and sulked.

Bell’s Beach Bell’s Beach was our first stop on the iconic Great Ocean Road, just south of Melbourne and stretching 243km from Torquay to Allansford. Although technically, you can drive it in a day, we have a whole

Opening Image: View from the 12 Apostles viewing platform.Right: Bells Beach. Photos: Jessica Palmer

GETTING THERE & STAYING THERE The Great Ocean Rd begins in Torquay, one hour and 20 minutes drive south of Melbourne. If flying into Melbourne, car hire can be pre-booked to pick up at the airport.

Many families choose to drive themselves and either camp, or stay in a range of accommodation along the way. During peak season, you will need to pre-book accommodation, sometimes many months in advance. Accommodation is available from camping through to luxury.

week to explore its beaches, national parks, dramatic coastline and wildlife. This epic road trip from our home in Queensland has been a bucket list item for a few years. ‘’Ugghhh stairs,’’ I moaned. ‘’Yes, stairs!’’ my seven-year-old son says excitedly. What a difference three decades makes. Although I wonder if he and his sister will be so pleased about them when it comes time to walk back up them, rather than down.

The feeling of dread vanished quickly as I stood at the top of the stairs, waiting for another family to ascend the last run before heading down ourselves.

The scene is dramatic, a small bay between two green headlands, contrasting yellow sand and the swells from the Southern Ocean producing the outstanding surf that is Bells Beach. I was now excited about heading down those stairs.

Although too rough for young kids to swim, they had a great time playing at the edges of the water as we strolled from one headland to another, exploring the rocky outcrop at the other end.

Barefoot and in bathers, we discovered birds nesting in a small overhanging shelf and searched for crabs in the rocks left behind by the outgoing tide.

The kids played in the sand and I sat and watched the surfers.

This is why you shouldn’t do the Great Ocean Road in one day. In one day, there is no time to linger and enjoy.

Above Right: Kangaroo sculpture at Cape Otway Lightstation Right: Cape Otway Lighthouse Photos: Jessica Palmer

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Above: Descend the stairs at Loch Ard Gorge for a play in the sand and a peek into the caves.

Below: The London Bridge made headlines in January, 1990 when a section of the bridge collapsed, leaving visitors stranded on top and separated from the mainland.

Photos.: Jessica Palmer

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Happily exhausted and hungry, we all trudge back up the stairs. The kids don’t complain anywhere near as much as I thought they would, even though their slow, plodding steps show they are tired.

We go through the process of getting everything and everyone in the car ... wet clothes and towels in the back, kids buckled in, confiscate a mini-bucket half-filled with sand and last but not least, adults flop into their seats in the front. We look at each other, both in need of caffeine.

We don’t have a destination in mind, the plan is just to drive the road. I thought we would drive for an hour or so, but not even seven minutes down the road I see a sign that makes my heart sing. I yell and point excitedly, ‘’Chocolate!’’

Our youngest who has nearly dozed off immediately jerks her head up. ‘’Chocolate?’’ she asks excitedly, instantly awake. ‘’Yes please!’’’ yells my son, a little too loudly.

We see another sign, it informs us to turn right for the ‘’Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and IceCreamery”. Could today get any better?

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery We park the car in a surprisingly large parking lot.

Exactly how big is this place? Turns out as far as chocolate and ice-cream shops go, this one is huge.

A sign warns us to watch out for children, ducks and oompa-loompas and although unfortunately, I didn’t spot the last of those three things, we did spot three bright kangaroo sculptures with various candy and ice-cream toppings. It’s starting to feel a little surreal.

Built in 2016, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice-Creamery certainly wasn’t here the last time I visited three decades ago. We walk into a spectacular showroom filled with what I imagine is to be thousands of chocolates and desserts. This is a great opportunity to buy a gift.

Although we timed it wrong, families can join in daily hosted tasting sessions, adult-free junior chocolatiere classes, high teas and rocky road making sessions. You can also watch the Chocolatiers at work through giant viewing windows.

Check out our YouTube clip of the great ocean road!

Above LtoR: Ice-Cream at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice-Creamery. Flowers in the gardens at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie. The kids posing in front of the iconic ‘Great Ocean Road’’ sign. Photos.: Jessica Palmer

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The Chocolatiers are part of the Cocoa Horizons program, supporting farmers and communities and ensuring their cocoa is sustainably sourced.

Due to the Victorian heat, we opt for ice-cream over chocolate. A word of warning, the serving sizes here are ridiculously large. One scoop really is enough, especially for a small child. Loaded up with ice-creams in both cones and cups, we quickly realize that although the all-day cafe is large, it’s also busy at this time of day. There are no tables left!

No worries, we head outside and have a picnic on the grass. Our grass seat turned out to be a better option as the kids went wild as soon as the ice -cream ran out. Clearly the owners are aware of the effects of chocolate and ice-cream on children, as they have built a fence around a large grassy area, added a sandpit and walk through garden, and have thrown in some soft round balls. All in all, it’s a fantastic way for parents to relax and the kids to go wild within the confines of the convenient fence. It’s the perfect opportunity to top up caffeine levels.

By now it’s mid-afternoon on day one of our Great Ocean Road seven-day adventure, and we have only travelled 12.4 km since our starting point in Torquay. We’re staying at a YouCamp near Lorne (learn more about YouCamp on page 42), and decide to head to camp and call it a day. The short journey was supposed to take around 40 minutes, but we were distracted by the stunning beaches we passed in Anglesea and by the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, where you can take your obligatory road trip selfie under the arch that proudly displays the words, ‘’Great Ocean Road’’.

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JUST A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHT ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD...

Lorne Lorne is a charming, artsy town that has it all, from bush, beaches and waterfalls. There are no less than 10 waterfalls within 10 km of Lorne and the main beach is superb. I don’t think we could have chosen a nicer place to camp.

There are plenty of different accommodation options and some really great cafes but be warned, visitor numbers swell in Lorne during the summer school holiday periods and getting a parking spot can be frustrating.

If you time your visit from the 17th - 31st October, you will experience the Lorne Sculpture Biennale, Victoria’s largest free public outdoor sculpture event. The Biennale celebrates the best in contemporary Australian and international sculpture in one vibrant festival.

Apollo Bay Sometimes referred to as ‘’paradise by the sea’’, Apollo Bay is around midway along the Great Ocean Road so it’s a great place to base yourself. Just a few kilometres from town are rainforest filled valleys, streams and waterfalls.

Watersports are popular here with plenty of swimming, surfing and fishing and the walks down the road a little further at Cape Otway are said to be

some of the most breathtaking in the country, with petrified forests, fireflies and some of the highest ocean cliffs in Victoria.

Cape Otway Lightstation A little detour is required to visit the Cape Otway Lightstation but oh, what a detour it is! The road lazily winds through the Cape Otway National Park and if you are suddenly confronted by a bunch of cars parked on the side of the already narrow road, with travellers standing around looking upwards, it’s worth pulling over too. This usually means koalas in the trees!

Built in 1848, Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.

There’s an entry fee here which I initially balked at, but concluded later that it was worth every cent as it’s not ‘’just’’ a lighthouse that you’re visiting.

Families can roam the surrounds on a self-guided walk, discovering the historic buildings and learning about the history of the Cape Otway Lightstation.

The best part is that you’re still allowed inside the lighthouse, where you can tramp up the spiral staircase to be assaulted by strong winds at this height, and providing magnificent views of the dramatic Victorian coastline.

12 Apostles Dramatic 24 hours a day, but particularly glorious at dusk and dawn, the 12 apostles in the Port Campbell National Park is a well-known highlight on the Great Ocean Road. The force of nature over time has eroded softer sections of the limestone, which eventually formed caves that became arches.

When these arches collapsed they left behind the massive stacks that we see today.

There are only eight remaining stacks since the 12 Apostles were first discovered, with majestic cliffs rising around 70 metres high against the force of the ocean that surrounds them. Pay a visit to the Twelve Apostles Centre for parking and walk through the tunnel under the Great Ocean Road to access the various lookouts with breathtaking views. If you’re up for a splurge, scenic helicopter flights can be taken as well.

Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge The 12 Apostles aren’t the only dramatic natural features along this road. Less than 10 minutes drive further on from the Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge and the Razorback. Loch Ard Gorge is particularly worthy of a visit as you can descend down steps into the gorge for a different viewpoint. It’s also a great break for the kids as there is plenty of sand to play in down here.

You will pass through the completely charming town of Port Campbell (I’d love to spend a week here) before reaching the London Bridge, which made headlines in January of 1990 when part of the bridge collapsed, leaving visitors stranded, although uninjured, only to be rescued by helicopter.

There is so much more …

There is so much more to see and do on the Great Ocean Road from hiking, small-town charm, nature, wildlife and ziplining through the trees at Otway fly.

Don’t let it be 30 years between visits like I did!

INFORMATION ...

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & IceCreamery is open every day 9am to 5pm. Book on-line or phone 03 5263 1588 to book in your high tea or workshop.

The Cape Otway Lightstation grounds are open 9am to 5pm daily. Entry fee for two adults and up to four children is $49.50. More information can be found on the Cape Otway Lightstation website.

Opp. Page Top: Loch Ard Gorge. Above: Views from the Cape Otway Lighthouse. Photos.: Jessica Palmer

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LONELY PLANET KIDS

Books for Housebound Families

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s we try to protect our families by social distancing and isolation, this presents a new challenge for parents .... keeping the kids and ourselves from going stir crazy. Here is a great selection of Lonely Planet Kids books that are both educational and inspirational to help make the most of our time at home.

The Travel Activity Book Explore over 70 countries and cultures around the world in this globetrotting activity and sticker book. Perform the haka with the New Zealand rugby team, race camels through the Algerian desert, and spot the difference between Bangladeshi rickshaw drivers. The adventure begins on Baffin Island in northern Canada, where you will learn about the mysterious Sasquatch, and will then travel across each continent before finishing in the Mariana Trench.

Hidden Wonders (ages 9 - 12) 150 strange and wondrous places await budding adventurers in this enchanting book​. Discover the eerie crooked forest of Nowe Czarnowo in Poland, the invisible Kaleto Fortress hiding on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains and the beautiful (yet unpronounceable)Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu Hill in New Zealand, which at 85 letters long, has been listed by the ​Guinness Book of World Records​as the longest place name in the world.

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Top: Two brothers reading. Photo: Victoria Borodinova from Pexels.

How Trains Work (ages 6 - 8) Go behind the scenes to explore the fascinating world of trains, inside and out. Peek inside engines, carriages, junctions and stations by lifting the flaps and unfolding pages to reveal stylish illustrations that teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about train travel. Young readers can travel through time and around the world to discover the earliest steam locomotives to the Japanese bullet train, which can reach speeds of up to 603 kph (375 mph)!

The Flag Book (ages 9 - 12) Flags are all around us, but what do they all mean? Did you know that there is a flag to represent Planet Earth? Or that Denmark has the oldest flag in the world? This fascinating and visually engaging book will take you around the world, flag by flag, to discover what the patterns, colours and symbols say about each country. Learn why flags are flown at half-mast, which flags have a coat of arms and why, and what you need to spot in order to escape a pirate ship heading your way!

The Plastic Problem (ages 9 - 12) We all know we use far too much plastic but now there’s a book that will help you reduce your usage and make a BIG difference. The Plastic Problem​from Lonely Planet Kids contains dozens of easy, practical and effective ways to reduce our use of plastic. Learn the fascinating history of plastic, the different types, which ones to avoid and which ones to reuse.

Join the Plastic Patrol now and help protect the planet!

This is my World (ages 6 - 8) Meet 84 incredible kids from all corners of the globe who share in their own words, what’s unique about their lives. You’ll meet their families and pets, learn about their homes and their hobbies, their customs and celebrations. These personal portraits also reveal the many things children have in common, no matter where they’re from. Discover what it’s like to live on a cattle ranch in Australia, high up in the Himalaya mountains in Nepal, in an orphanage in Zambia or at an eco-lodge in Costa Rica.

Wild in the City (ages 9 - 12) Be on the lookout! Discover the secret lives of more than 30 extraordinary creatures that share our cities. Cities may seem unlikely places for animals to thrive, but there can be worlds of surprising opportunity for animals in urban areas. From relaxing in parks and raiding dustbins, to scaling skyscrapers and dive-bombing hotel pools, see how animals have learned to make the most of the city.

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Three Great Days Out In

MELBOURNE WITH KIDS

By Jessica Palmer

Whether you’re a visitor or a local on a stay-cation, a city break in Melbourne is hard to beat. Here are three great days out in Melbourne with kids!

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ake Flight at Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondolas Before Hitting Up The Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula

’Hello!’’ my kids yelled out in unison to the passing gondola. ‘’Hello!’’ came the excited echo back from a waving and smiling little girl as we passed each other high up in the air.

They sat down and waited for the next one. The gentle breeze tickling my face through the bars of the gondola was divine, a breath of fresh on a scorching Melbourne day. I closed my eyes to enjoy the sensation. But only for a brief second, as the views were exceptional and I didn’t want to miss it.

From the highest point of the Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola ride, the views stretch from Port Phillip Bay and The Mornington Peninsula across to Melbourne City and beyond.

The serenity was broken by my kids once again, this time yelling, ‘’Mum, look there’s a kangaroo!’’

I shifted my gaze away from the view to peer down and sure enough, bounding below in the state forest were three kangaroos.

After six or so massive leaps of the kangaroo kind, they stopped to graze. Despite seeing many kangaroos in my lifetime, I never tire of seeing them in their natural environment. Seems my kids are still enthralled too.

The kangaroos had moved on by the time we made the return trip, but we were lucky enough to

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spot not one, but two Wedge Tailed Eagles soaring the skies, and countless other birds flittering about.

Arthurs Seat Eagle is a Swiss-made aerial gondola system which is supported by cables from above.

Each gondola holds up to 8 people and the flight takes around 15 minutes for a one-way trip.

The gondolas are all-inclusive and cater to the disabled, elderly, frail and young children. It is wheelchair and pram friendly with a combination of enclosed and open cabins.

Make the most of your day!

Board the gondolas at the base station and enjoy the stunning 15-minute ‘’flight’’ up to the summit station. The kids can participate in an ‘’I Spy’’ game, but only if you remember to grab your free map with a checklist at the kiosk before you board.

Disembark at the summit station and enjoy morning tea at the Eagle Cafe. Delicious food is their specialty with pies, salads, sandwiches and wraps, as well as ice creams and sweet treats.

Walk 10-minutes over to the Enchanted Adventure Garden, where the kids can have fun ziplining, tree surfing, tube sliding and escaping a maze. Alternatively, a more wallet friendly option is to pack your own picnic and stroll along the walking tracks to Seawinds Garden.

After your tribe is suitably worn out, take the leisurely ride back down to the base station, enjoying the views one last time.

Top: The iconic bright coloured bathing boxes on Melbourne’s beaches. Photo: Jessica Palmer.

Pack the kids in the car and head on over to Mills Beach to spend the afternoon. The Mornington Peninsula has many gorgeous beaches to choose from, but Mills Beach is fairly quiet and sheltered, with shallow water for younger kids and ample grassy areas with a few picnic tables.

There are a lot of great things to see and do on the Mornington Peninsula. For more ideas, check out our blog post on Arthurs Seat Eagle.

Arthurs Seat Eagle Info Top Tip: Book your tickets online for direct boarding access. Otherwise, you will need to queue twice .... nobody likes doing that!

Tickets: A return ticket cost $24 per adult, and $15 per child aged 4-16 years. Children under four years of age soar free. Concession tickets are available.

Please see the Arthurs Seat Eagle Website for more information and to book your tickets.

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uild, Test, Create and Have Fun at the Legoland Discovery Centre

I won’t lie, your kids will be tired after visiting Legoland. I recommending planning something fairly chill for the afternoon such as heading on over to the Hoyts cinemas next door, or grab a Lego project from the retail store for some quiet play.

”MUUUUMMMMMM It’s an EARTHQUAKE!” squealed both kids simultaneously. “ÁGHHHH!” The Lego table they were working on began to shake.

They began to count, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 …”

“This time is stayed up for EIGHT SECONDS!” my son said loudly. “Yeah, that was the best one yet!” replied my daughter.

The “earthquake” they were so excited about was actually a simulation table at Legoland Melbourne.

Kids build a Lego tower and when they are ready to test their design, they can create an “earthquake” with the press of a button. They can even control the magnitude of the quake!

Check Out Our YouTube Clip of Arthurs Seat Eagle!

Top Left: On board Arthurs Seat Eagle. Top Right: Building a tower on the earthquake table at Legoland Melbourne. Photos: Jessica Palmer.

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I

t was just one of the many great interactive exhibits at Legoland, Melbourne. I could almost see their little brains working hard to find a solution!

The Legoland Discovery Centre in Melbourne is designed specifically for families with children aged 3-10 years of age. Being honest, even I enjoyed the activities and I’m ... (cough) ... three decades past the recommended age. Who doesn’t like Lego?

What’s Inside The Melbourne Legoland Discovery Centre?

Legoland Melbourne packs a huge punch in a small space. Here’s the rundown!

Miniland: It’s one of the coolest things inside Legoland Melbourne and adults will appreciate it just as much as kids. Made from over 1.5 million Lego pieces, Miniland is a miniature replica of Melbourne’s iconic buildings. The entire room changes from day to night every five minutes or so and when night time comes, expect to see MiniMelbourne from a whole new perspective.

Lego Racers Build and Test: Kids grab Lego pieces and various Lego vehicle parts to create their own custom vehicle. They have two options to test them out, both of them are fun!

Earthquake Tables: These are the best! An earthquake simulation table to test the sturdiness of your Lego build.

Soft Play Area: It’s basically one of those indoor play areas where everything is padded and it’s chock full of climbing things and slides. Children MUST be wearing socks at all times. If you didn’t bring socks (like us), you can buy some pretty cool Lego branded ones from the cafe.

Merlins Apprentice Ride: This is a fun ride for kids in which your both strapped into a seat and have to pedal like crazy to lift your seat up higher while the ride goes round and round.

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Top: A scene from Miniland at Legoland Melbourne. Photo: Jessica Palmer.

Lego 4D Cinemas: We ALL loved this one at Legoland Melbourne! At first, it’s like an ordinary 3D film, but then it becomes 4D with the experience of snow, wind and rain … all indoors.

Kingdom Quest: This is a really cool chariot ride in which the kids sit in front and everyone is given a plastic laser gun. As the chariot moves slowly through the tunnel, shoot baddies in an attempt to rescue the captured princess. There are trolls, skeletons, spiders and all sorts of bad-guys that you really don’t mind zapping.

Lego Friends: The Lego Friends section is totally aimed at girls, with lots of soft colours and a makebelieve city. I have a personal distaste for girlying things up too much but my little girl loved the purple and pink Lego pieces!

Duplo Farm Adventures: The Duplo Farm Adventure is for younger kids aged 2-5 years, designed to inspire interactive social play. It looks great with giant barn doors, a farmhouse to climb, crawl and slide through and life-size Duplo animals.

Discover the Deep: This has some of my favourite Lego builds in Legoland Melbourne, including a Lego-man dressed in a shark suit and some elaborate under-water themed pieces.

When tummies start rumbling, there is a cafe located in the centre of the attractions featuring a decent selection of healthy options as well as indulgent yummies like cupcakes.

Encourage your kids to save their pocket money before you visit as the Lego retail store is pretty neat!

This store is Victoria’s only stockist of the full Lego range and has some fantastic projects for all-sized wallets.

Here you will find lots of themed projects such as Lego Frozen, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Star Wars or you can just buy specific colours by the scoop.

For more information on visiting the Legoland Discover Centre, check out our blogpost on Legoland Melbourne.

Legoland Melbourne Info Top Tip: During peak times, Legoland Melbourne

limits the total number of guests in the centre and the time spent inside to three hours. In off-peak times, guests can spend as long as they like. For this reasons it’s recommended you buy your tickets online to guarantee entry!

Tickets: Book your Legoland Discover Centre Melbourne Tickets here!

E

xplore Sea Life Aquarium and Head to the Iconic Langham Hotel for an Afternoon High Tea.

The Sea Life Aquarium is considered one of Melbourne’s top attractions, giving you the opportunity to get up close with penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles, seahorses and more.

We stood in front of the penguin enclosure, in prime position to view their antics both above and below the water.

The kids giggled as they waddled up the icy steps only to playfully slide straight back down, their bodies seemingly built for this slip’n’slide fun.

They seem awkward on land, making up for it as you watch them loop the loop and dive with ease under the water. I dread to think how cold that water actually is!

Besides watching the fascinating King and Gentoo penguins play, here’s what else you’ll find inside Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne!

4D Cinema: The 4D Cinema experience is included in the ticket price and is a great opportunity to chill out when everyone is feeling a bit weary.

Ocean Invaders: Ocean Invaders is Sea Life’s newest exhibit and is wonderfully interactive, bright and full of transparent, squishy jellyfish.

Bay of Rays: The perfect spot to check out Fiddler rays with an opportunity for the kids to crawl through and poke their heads up for a different view into the underwater world of Port Phillip Bay. Shipwreck Explorer: This is where you get to see the aquarium’s largest marine creatures. Have a relax on the steps and enjoy your large window into the underwater world.

Check Out Our YouTube Clip of legoland Melbourne

Top Left: Photograph opp at Legoland Melbourne. Top Right: Inside the Jellyfish tunnel at Sea Life Melbourne. Photo: Jessica Palmer.

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YouTube - SEA LIFE

You can also expect to find Discovery Rockpools, where little ones can safely get their hands on sea stars and shark eggs, the Pinjarra Crocodile Lair, the colourful Coral Atoll and the Mermaid Garden.

Now That Everyone Has Worked up an Appetite, Head on Over to the Langham Hotel for a Very Special High Tea After a long morning spent at Sea Life Aquarium, everyone will have worked up an appetite and be ready to head on over to the iconic Langham Hotel for a very special afternoon tea treat.

The Langham is renowned for delivering ‘amazing’ when it comes to afternoons of the high tea kind.

Kids will be over the moon with their children’s themed selections (Little Prince and Princess at the time of writing) and adults will be thoroughly impressed with their Wedgwood High Tea selection.

The Langham and Wedgwood have collaborated to host an indulgent version of the afternoon tradition, with specially created menus designed by the hotels Executive Pastry Chef, Markus Bohm and Wedgwood specialty teas served in tailor-made ‘‘Langham Rose’’ Wedgwood china.

The Wedgwood high tea and kids selections are a great opportunity for a memorable multigenerational get together.

Top: A selection of deserts from the Wedgwood high tea. Right Top: A Peppa Pig themed children’s high tea (current theme is Prince and Princesses at the time of writing). Right Bottom: The beautiful ‘‘Langham Rose’’ Wedgwood China. Photos: Jessica Palmer.

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How to Book High Tea at the Langham Hotel: Reserve your seat online here , phone 1800 641 107 or email rest. res@langhamhotels.com Tickets: Book your tickets to Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium here.

Where

to

Stay

in

MELBOURNE Camping

Great Value

There are some great YouCamp properties in the outer Melbourne suburbs for those families wishing to reduce costs by camping, particularly around the lovely Mornington Peninsula area.

YHA Australia offers great value accommodation across Australia, but did you know that many of their premises are family friendly with private family rooms?

See page 42 for more information on YouCamp!

The Melbourne Metro YHA is located in leafy North Melbourne, just a short walk from Queen Victoria Market.

Try the Mornington Country Getaway and enjoy a country escape on a six acre property. This Mornington Peninsula camp overlooks a winery with views to Arthurs Seat. The property features a large dam, roaming sheep and a relaxed country feel.

Check out Baldrys Rd Farm Stay, situated next to Greens Bush Point Nepean National Park . This farm stay offers secluded bush camps and open paddocks.

For those families making plans to see the famous Penguin Parade, the Phillip Island YHA is a conveniently located option, allowing you to soak up the sun on the beach and browse quirky shops and boutiques.

Magnetic Island YHA

Alice Springs YHA

Brisbane City YHA

Bellingen YHA Fremantle Prison YHA (Colonial Cottages) Port Lincoln YHA

Port Macquarie YHA Hunter Valley YHA Port Stephens YHA Hawkesbury Heights YHA Newcastle Beach YHA Mt Lofty YHA Blue Mountains YHA Adelaide City YHA Pittwater YHA Canberra City YHA Sydney Harbour YHA Port Elliot YHA Grampians Eco YHA Port Fairy YHA

FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH YHA

Thredbo YHA Melbourne Metro YHA Phillip Island YHA

Apollo Bay Eco YHA

Hobart Central YHA

Y H A . C O M . A U / FA M I LY

Luxury The Langham Hotel is in an outstanding location amidst Melbourne’s arts and leisure district. With sweeping views of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline, each of the 388 rooms and suites is framed by a magnificent view of either the river or skyline.

Ask them about their Kids Glamping Package!

Above Left: Happy Camper Camping Mug. Image: Dominika Roseclay from Pexels.

Above Right: Family friendly YHA’s across Australia. Image: YHA Australia.

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What it Truly Means to

TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY

By Amanda DiSilvestro

What must a family do to travel sustainably?

T

hese days, this simple question is asked by an increasing number of soon-to-be vacationers.

The answer, however, is often anything but simple.

With the rise of this buzzword come others – you and your children can now travel responsibly, sustainably, ecologically, or as green tourists.

Fear not though, as a sustainable trip with the kids is both attainable and applaudable, and there are lots of different ways to think about what this may mean for you. Here’s how:

The Heart of Sustainable Travel Behind all of the fancy new terms for travel, there is one clear intention: travelling with purpose. What formerly involved me-focused travel has shifted to others-focused trips.

Travelling for reasons beyond your own enjoyment has a way of deepening your experience in a way that absolutely allows for a fun, comfortable, memorable trip, but collectively, your family starts to ask themselves, how can I make a difference here?

For example, with the right itinerary, you can fulfil your dream of an African safari in Tanzania while

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Top: Kenya: Safari & Conservation/Photo: Discover Corps.

also tutoring local children in English, learning more from those that call Tanzania home.

It’s incredible what adventures can be had when your attention moves to the people and places surrounding you. Your family, especially your children, will benefit greatly from this new perspective and a less impacted planet.

The Why of Sustainable Travel Travelling sustainably sounds like a noble cause, but it’s also becoming a necessity. With tourism growing to an $8.8 trillion industry, people are globe-trotting more now than ever before.

Sadly, this increase comes with a cost. Traditional travel has led to over-tourism – the exploitation of many of the places we hold dear. Some examples: • It’s feared the Angkor Wat temples could eventually collapse due to tourist-driven depletion of water resources below the ancient monuments.

• The impact of 30 million annual visitors to iconic Venice, Italy has contributed to coastline and ecosystem damage. Some experts have even predicted skyrocketing prices in the city will bring the native population to zero as early as 2030.

• In 2017 a “garbage emergency” was declared at one of Bali’s most popular beaches due to the overwhelming presence of plastic waste at the once-beautiful location.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents.

Countless other travel destinations around the world are facing similar threats, which only elevates the importance of travelling responsibly.

The How of Sustainable Travel One simple reminder really helps when contemplating your next trip: the “3Ps.” Ask yourself if the vacation benefits one or more of people, place, and planet.

The People element means supporting local communities, from your tour guide to the underprivileged children near your accommodation.

Above: Thailand: Elephant & Islands Expedition.

Below: Cuba: Celebration of Arts & Culture Far Below: Costa Rica :Family Volunteer Vacation Photos: Discover Corps.

See a side of Alaska that few others get to experience on Discover Corps’ Alaska: The Great Exploration

Place focuses on the region, city or town you visit.

Does your vacation stimulate the local economy ?

Far too often tourism dollars are funnelled to big overseas corporations and away from those who need the money most, and without paying attention, it can sometimes be hard to tell as a traveller.

Lastly, the Planet. Do your activities better the environment? This can mean taking part in tree planting, beach cleanups, animal conservation outreach, educational opportunities, and more.

Conversely, it is just as important to avoid actions that are detrimental to nature, such as excursions that can harm environmentally sensitive areas, excessive pollution during activities, and treating animals in inhumane ways or supporting organizations that do.

The Who of Sustainable Travel With the right combination of motivation, knowledge, and time, you can research and plan a sustainable-focused vacation. Another option is going with an organization that specializes in this way of travelling.

Travel companies like Discover Corps provide well thought out and thoroughly-vetted itineraries that ensure your trip hits all of the 3Ps. As a Benefit Corporation (B-Corp), Discover Corps is required to meet social and environmental standards.

This type of organization provides you with peace of mind, knowing your vacation makes a legitimate difference. Many companies make claims of the good they do, but fewer actually follow through on these promises. Choose wisely!

Amanda DiSilvestro is the Marketing Manager for Discover Corps, an organization offering Vacations with Purpose for families and friends across the globe, offering both nature and wildlife adventures and cultural explorations.

An adventure lover herself, Amanda believes sustainable, responsible travel can change the world.

Discover Corps’ Tanzania: Safari and Service brings you into the small community of Rau Village.

Your Role

Opp. Page Top: Alaska: The Great Exploration Opp. Page Bottom: Hawaii: Ocean & Islands Adventure.

Above:: Tanzania: Safari and Service. Photos: Discover Corps.

Now that you understand what it truly means to travel sustainably, put this knowledge to use!

Both the industry and our planet need informed travellers making educated decisions. Whether this means where you visit, what you do, or who you travel with – your purchases speak volumes.

Travelling, when done right, has the transformative power to lift up all parties involved.

It’s the ultimate win-win: Your family vacation creates memories for life while at the same time changing lives. It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase happy travels. Join the movement!

CLICK ON THE PURPLE ELEPHANT TO VIEW THE VIDEO! The Baby Elephant Experience brings you to an elephant nursery in the jungles of Northern Thailand.

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Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Disconnect to Reconnect Down the Coconut Tree Lined Highway

By Jessica Palmer

A

coconut tree-lined highway that ends with white sand, turquoise water and not a soul in sight...

...Unless a well-fed cow taking a siesta under the shade of a large banyan tree counts.

This is Port Olry on the island of Espiritu Santo and this is Vanuatu at its finest. By finest, I do not mean luxury. You will be hard-pressed to find that here. Mains electricity hasn’t made it this far down the island so the locals use a combination of solar power and coconut oil powered generators.

But it certainly is fine. Better than fine actually.

People pay top dollar for this kind of seclusion and view. You won’t need to here though as resorts haven’t been allowed to buy up the land. Here you will find small, comfortable, family-owned bungalows. Some of these bungalows are built into the trees allowing you for at least one night, to be a kid again.

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I close my eyes and rejoice in the feeling of the warm sun on my face and the gentle swaying motion of the hammock beneath me.

Crunch, Crunch. The moment is interrupted by my youngest, cuddled up to my side and loudly chewing an Arnott’s Scotch Finger biscuit in my ear.

Actually, this calm cuddle is a nice change from the energizer bunny fueled tornado that she usually is.

“I’m still hungry. Can I have another one?” she whispers in my ear. ‘’Ummmm….’’ Before I can answer, the chef at Chez Louis Restaurant, a sandy floored, casual establishment who were thoughtful enough to install the hammock we are lying in, appears with a fruit smoothie for the kids.

He apologises, explaining that he sent someone to get some steak over two hours ago but he ‘’seems to have gotten distracted.’’ The steak we ordered is off the menu. Being honest, this isn’t really uncommon in Vanuatu but I’m sure I’ll have plenty more opportunities to try out the well known Santo beef.

Above: Port Olry Beach. This Image: Lonnoc Beach. Opp. Page Top Left: Organic Cocoa Plant. Opp. Page Top Right: Champagne Beach. Opp. Page Bottom L&R: Lonnoc Beach. Views from one of the Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows.

Photos: Jessica Palmer . Opp. Page Middle: Lonnoc Beach Eco Bungalow. Photo: Courtesy of Lonnoc Beach.

We order a simple fish, chips and salad instead. The meal is superb, sourced from local ingredients with the fish caught just hours earlier. Farm to plate is typical here, although not to be trendy, but because that’s the way it is.

The Island of Espiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands, but certainly not the most populated. I wasn’t surprised to learn that James A. Michener based his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘’Tales of the South Pacific’’ on his observations here.

He was stationed as a lieutenant commander for the US Navy in WWII and it’s really not hard to see why one could be inspired on this beautiful island.

Espiritu Santo (or just Santo to the locals) is only a three-hour direct flight from Brisbane, or 50 minutes from the ‘’main’’ island of Efate. Port Olry is around an hour drive from the airport and main town of Luganville, straight down the coconut tree-lined highway. When the sealed road runs out, you have reached Port Olry.

We actually found Port Olry by accident, staying only 10 minutes up the road at the utterly relaxing Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows, a set of bungalows sitting no further back than 30 metres from the divine, clear, sheltered waters of Lonnoc Beach.

The bungalows are simple with bright mosquito nets surrounding the bed to keep pesky visitors away.

Powered by solar, there are no outlets in the room, so you will need to charge your phone at the restaurant charging station. Most of the bungalows have their own bathroom.

WiFi is hit and miss so don’t plan on doing too much work or being able to post hourly updates on Instagram. However, don’t let this put you off, it’s easy to put your phone down here. Save this for when you return home as this island is purely for disconnecting to reconnect with your family.

Accommodation down this end of the island mostly consists of clean, simple, family-run bungalows that although lacking in luxury, are oozing in appeal. In fact, it’s the lack of luxuries that make this place so special.

The bungalows have charming thatched roofs that do their job of keeping out the weather when an evening storm rolls in after a perfectly sunny, bluesky day.

I thoroughly enjoy watching these quick visiting storms from the front porch of our bungalow. The kids are so exhausted from a day swimming in blue holes and snorkelling in the ocean that they sleep right through the brief tropical downpour.

Sharing a bed, they sleep sprawled out in their underwear, blissfully unaware of the thunder cracks and din of the insects once it passes over.

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We enjoy the moment together, from the view of two plastic chairs on the hut’s covered porch.

There is plenty to do on Santo, with all of the highlights easily navigated to by yourself with a hire car.

Snorkel over dumped military vehicles at Million Dollar Point.

Seven decades ago, the US Army dumped millions of dollars of equipment not far from the shoreline at what is today known as, Million Dollar Point. Both older kids and adults will be enthralled snorkelling over bright coloured fish swimming around barely submerged tractors and other machinery.

Young kids can still enjoy Million Dollar Point as well. There is plenty of sand to play in and grass to picnic on. When the tide is low, they can stroll around ‘discovering’ the items in the sand. Shoes are a must here!

This is a really unique thing to do in Santo and if you have your PADI Open Water Diving Certification … even better! (Check out our article on Scuba Diving for families in this issue)

Stroll Around the Luganville Markets The local produce market in Luganville is the place to stock up on fruit and vegetables….including peanuts and coconuts!.

The produce comes fresh from the farm that morning and it’s open seven days a week until noon.

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Close by is the Sarakata River and the remains of the steel sea walls built during WWII.

Ride With Santo Horse Adventures Santo Horse Adventures is primarily, a horse rescue facility. Megan, the founder, has personally rescued and rehabilitated all of the horses herself and the ride is a unique experience from the moment you arrive at the rustic western-style ranch.

The trail takes you through tropical rain forest, lush green jungle, a pretty freshwater creek mangrove tunnel and out for a swim in the aqua blue waters of Lope Lope Beach.

Megan’s horses are suitable for both first time and experienced riders and kids will need to be over six years of age to do the trail ride. Pony rides are available for younger children.

Check out our website post on Santo Horse Adventures for more information on this unique adventure.

Jump Into Nanda Blue Hole Nanda Blue Hole is one of the islands’ stunning freshwater blue holes accessible to tourists. Both kids and adults will enjoy swimming in the cool, jewel-coloured waters here.

There are a few fish around the edges of the crystal clear water hole so don’t forget your goggles.

Nanda Blue Hole features a boardwalk to picnic on, platforms to jump off, modern toilets and a café.

All of this is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and lush jungle.

For more information on the Blue Holes in Santo, check out our website post on The Amazing Blue Holes in Vanuatu.

Swing Into Riri Blue Hole Riri Blue hole is another stunning freshwater blue hole. Due to how unique both blue holes are, it’s definitely worth a visit to both.

Riri Blue hole is surrounded by lush green jungle, complete with hanging vines and wildlife. There is a jumping platform and swing rope if you dare and if you’re lucky, there might be some local kids around to show you how it’s done.

Unplug at Lonnoc Beach If you’re not staying in the bungalows here, make a day of it and visit the lovely sandy floor restaurant at Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows.

This sheltered and calm beach is great for little kids with plenty of sand to play in. Kayaks are free to use if staying here but day visitors will need to hire them.

Swim at Champagne Beach The cruise ships dock regularly at this pretty, curved beach and if time your visit on cruise ship day, you will experience the vibrant market that greets the disembarking passengers.

If you visit on any other day, you may be sharing the beach with just a stray cow or pig.

Pay a Visit to Port Olry Port Olry has one of the most picturesque beaches in Santo and due to the fantastic snorkelling in the calm waters, it’s great for all ages.

If you’re not staying in the area, you can set up for the day at Chez Louis Restaurant and swing in the hammock whilst watching the kids play in the sand.

When the tide is low, wade across to the neighbouring islands for even more snorkelling.

Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

FACT BOX

Flights: Air Vanuatu has regular flights into

Espiritu Santo. Direct flights available from Brisbane.

Car Hire: The Espiritu Hotel & Car Rentals.

Phone +678 37539 or email book@the-espiritu.com Accommodation: Budget to Mid-Range Families can look at Lonnoc Beach Eco Bungalows (quiet end of the island) or Village De Santo Resort in the main town of Luganville.

Families looking to splurge can stay at the beautiful Ratua Island Resort & Spa

More Inspiration on the website ...

For more inspiration on a family holiday to Santo, check out the Vanuatu Family Holiday page on our website.

Opp. Page Top: Port Olry Beach. Opp. Page bottom LtoR: Ripley enjoying champagne Beach. Horse riding through mangroves with Santo Horse Adventures. Views from the restaurant at Lonnoc Beach Bungalows. Nanda Blue Hole. This image and above: Enjoying Lonnoc Beach at sunrise and Sunset. Photos: Jessica Palmer. 33

SHOW THEM A DIFFERENT LIFE

...Under the Water! ‘’You need to stick your butt out more’’...

T

his was the advice given by my very patient instructor on my very first scuba diving lesson.

In an attempt to prove that I could put on a weight belt underwater, I found myself slowly rolling over on my side semi-submerged and thrashing around awkwardly like a half-dead fish. Clearly I didn’t stick my butt out enough.

I was recently given the opportunity to obtain my PADI Open Water diving certificate. Having experienced some amazing snorkelling last year in French Polynesia, this sounded like a great adventure and I quickly put my hand up to shout, ‘’Yes, pick me!’’

But afterwards, the doubt crept it. You see, I am dangerously close to 40 and I lost most of my hair to an auto-immune disease last year. On top of that, I haven’t looked good in a bathing suit for eight years.

I was very aware that I was going to be a bald, chubby woman in a too-tight wet suit.

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I needn’t have worried, I ended up having a great time and my first dive out of the pool and in the ocean was even better. Afterwards, I commented to my husband that I wished the kids were old enough to do this with us.

Do you know what I discovered? Kids can learn to Scuba Dive much younger than I thought.

Children as young as 8 years old can scuba dive in a pool at their PADI Dive Center or Resort as part of PADI’s Bubblemaker and Seal Team experiences.

Kids 10 and up can enroll in the Junior Open Water Diver course, allowing them to gain their certification at the same time as their parents. How cool is that!

Family dive vacations are becoming increasingly popular. According to a 2018 study by the Family Travel Association, the number one reason parents are likely to travel with their family is to have them discover new places and have new experiences as a family. There are lots of locations that are ideal for new divers, with plenty of topside family activities!

While we are laying low ... Adventure doesn’t have to wait. PADI online courses are a great way to start your family scuba adventure from home and jump start your certification.

You have an entire year to complete the online portion, and can connect with a PADI Dive Centre to complete the in-water training at a later date. When the global situation calms, you will be ready to get in the water and develop dive skills with a PADI Instructor.

Even though travel is off the cards for the majority of the world at the moment, it doesn’t mean we can’t plan and save for when the world is safer and we can all begin enjoying it again. With that in mind ...

4 Great Kid-Friendly Dive Destinations Recommended by PADI AUSTRALIA

Australia has one of the most child-friendly scuba diving communities anywhere. Several liveaboards welcome children as young as 4 onboard, and day boats are equally equipped to handle younger travellers. The Great Barrier Reef is an excellent place to learn with many diver operations in the area offering PADI Bubblemaker and Junior Open Water Diver courses.

Expect to spot cool and unusual wildlife, such as potato cod, reef sharks and even minke whales.

This is a great opportunity to teach children about conservation and inspire the budding naturalist inside all of us.

TURKS & CAICOS

Turks & Caicos is a group of islands scattered throughout the beautiful turquoise blue Caribbean.

Many of the sites in the Turks & Caicos are shallow reefs with little or no current.

This makes them ideal for children just learning to scuba dive or even those too young for a certification.

The marine life found here will blow you away.

The islands are known as a refuge for sea turtles, and you are almost guaranteed to see a few during your stay. Expect to see nurse sharks, eagle rays, dolphins, reef sharks, jacks, grouper and snapper.

PALAU

Palau has long attracted scuba divers to its water and islands, offering some of the best soft coral reefs, wrecks and shark diving in the world. The country is seemingly designed for expanding minds with a plethora of fish like fusilier and humpback wrasse.

There are plenty of topside activities here and Kids Sea Camp offers family packages to Palau that provide one-in-a-lifetime cultural and diving experiences that every member of your family will enjoy.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Sea turtles, stingrays and adventures await in the Cayman Islands. It’s unique marine life welcomes loads of scuba divers each year, including families.

Coral reefs and wrecks entice both scuba divers and snorkellers alike and budding photographers might like to try their hand at capturing the Çaptain Keith Tibbettts and the Kittiwake, some of the most photographed wrecks in the world.

Need to Know ...

PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the world’s largest recreational diver training organization with more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts and 137,000 professional members worldwide.

All PADI programs, from entry-level through professional-level training, fall under strict educational standards monitored for worldwide consistency and quality. Visit padi.com/start-diving to learn more!

Opp. Page Top: Diving among the beautiful coral. Opp. Page Bottom Left & Right: Youth Learning to Scuba Dive.

Top: Youth Learning to Scuba Dive. Photos: PADI

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Cambodia

36

The Golden Temple (Wat Kean Kleang). Photo: Jessica Palmer

From

the

Cultural Heart Tomb Raider temples Cambodia to

in

F

rom Phnom Penh, the cultural capital to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, Cambodia is definitely one for your family bucket list!

A monk passes us on the steps, his bright orange robes blend in with the bright gold-gilded exterior of the temple. The colours give a sense of warmth, as does his friendly smile as we pass in opposite directions. The kids race up the steps in front, shouting a loud “hello” in response to his nod of the head as a way of greeting when two parties don’t share the same language.

The steps lead to the entrance of the Golden Temple (aka Wat Kean Kleang), which is located some 15km from central Phnom Penh and until five minutes ago, we didn’t know it existed.

We had planned on visiting the Royal Palace but timed the opening hours wrong.

The Royal Palace Grounds. Photo: Jessica Palmer

As we stood staring at the closed gates to the palace, one of the many tuk-tuk drivers approached us and asked if we would like a tour of Phnom Penh while we waited for the palace to re-open.

We agreed on US $10 and climbed in, relieved not to be hoofing it in this humidity. The Golden Temple was our first stop and my personal favourite. Not just because the entire inside of the Buddhist temple was decorated in ornate paintings, including the ceiling, but because our daughter was blessed by a monk. At least I think she was!

The monk doesn’t speak English and we don’t speak Khmer, yet he beckons us over with a friendly ‘’follow me’’ gesture. Pointing to myself and my daughter, he indicates for us to kneel on the ground like himself. Tying a red cord around mine, and then my daughter’s much younger wrist, he begins talking in a very monotone way, almost chant-like. I catch some English words such as ‘’blessing’’ and ‘’good’’ however, for the most part, I am blissfully clueless but very touched nonetheless.

Riding in a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap. Photo: Jessica Palmer

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Entering Ta Prohm (aka Tomb Raider Temple). Photo: Jessica Palmer

The afternoon passes in a blur of markets, barge crossings on the mighty Mekong Delta, temples, ice-cream breaks and a tree full of cute monkeys of whom showed me their rear ends every time I lifted the camera. Although I’m sure it was unintentional, the kids especially found this hilarious. Maybe the monkeys were just sick of being gawked at.

We didn’t make it to the Royal Palace that day, or the next. In fact, we didn’t get there until 10 days later after a whirlwind trip up to Siem Reap to experience the wonder of the Ankgor Temples and down to Koh Rong Island off the coast of Cambodia.

When we finally did make it to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, we wondered why we didn’t visit sooner.

The Royal Palace is reminiscent of Bangkok’s Grand Palace in Thailand, although it doesn’t seem as large, and is therefore easier to manage with young kids whose legs tire easily in the heat. It’s the official residence of the King of Cambodia so some parts are closed to the public, but visitors can view the throne hall, surrounding buildings and the Silver Pagoda, aka Wat Preah Keo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

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A typical temple altar in Phnom Penh. Photo: Jessica Palmer

The Silver Pagoda features a floor covered in five tonnes of shiny silver with an Italian marble staircase leading up to it. There are all sorts of goodies in here, including a life-size solid-gold Buddha covered in 2086 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats.

I can’t prove any of this as photography is strictly not permitted inside the Silver Pagoda so you will have to just take my word for it, as I took the guide’s word about the obscene amount of diamonds.

Check Out Our Short YouTube Clip of Phnom Penh

Around Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) Temple. Photo: Jessica Palmer

Siem Reap & The Angkor Temples Getting around Cambodia is actually pretty easy!

As a compromise between the cheapest mode of transport from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and the most expensive, we chose to hire a driver for the 5.5 hour road trip.

Our impeccably dressed driver could not speak English but our hotel helped us out with instructions. He phoned his son and indicated for us to take his phone for any other interpretations. This turned out to be a blessing as his son, Sareth, was a tuk-tuk driver in Siem Reap. Sareth agreed to pick us up the next day for a temple tour.

I thought Siem Reap, the city that services the Angkor temples, was all about Angkor Wat … boy was I wrong. There is plenty to do for families in and around Siem Reap and I would love to come back and see more of this small, vibrant city.

I know that your hotel is ‘’just a place to sleep’’, but a great place to sleep really helps you enjoy a destination and we loved our family room at the Ibis Styles.

Although the bathroom was a little small, the Ibis Styles is very modern with spacious rooms. The kids had their own room and TV, while our room featured a swing chair chained to the ceiling. The extra space was a huge blessing when I was struck down with traveller’s gastro and needed some peace to recover.

Inside Angkor Wat. Photo: Jessica Palmer

I’m not sure why, but I was surprised Sareth, our tuk-tuk driver was waiting for us when we waltzed out of the Ibis the next day. I expected him to be a no-show because, well, it was all too easy. But here he was, 10 minutes early and ready to go.

We learned about Sareth’s life in Cambodia as he spoke of his children. Education is not free here, making it very hard to break the cycle of poverty and we could hear the pride in his voice as he spoke of their achievements.

To avoid the tour buses, we decided to visit the temples at noon when a lot of visitors take a break for lunch. Instead, Sareth took us on a tour of Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.

In the rainy season from June to October, the mighty Mekong River fills it, reaching depths of up to 14 metres. The floating villages and their welcoming people are fascinating, with a hub clearly set up for tourists like us. Nevertheless, it was a fun visit involving tuk-tuks, boats and wildlife which we all enjoyed immensely.

Lunchtime and the afternoon saw us finally visiting the famous temples we came to Cambodia to see, Ta Prohm (aka Tomb Raider temple) and Angkor Wat. Of course, I’m well aware there are many more amazing temples to explore here, but I wanted to make sure the kids enjoyed the experience which means taking the time to enjoy the temples we visited rather than rush through in the heat.

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The Siem Reap night markets. Photo: Jessica Palmer

Ta Prohm was made famous by the original Tomb Raider movie starring Angelina Jolie and it is here that you will witness nature growing in, around and through the ruins. Nature and temple have collided to create beautiful scenes of green on brown and being honest, I can’t imagine it any other way.

This temple is particularly amazing for kids as although some sections are off-limits, families can still roam through the corridors and ruins at their own pace, allowing the children the freedom to be little explorers.

Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building. Built-in the first half of the 12th century, it’s amazing that it’s still standing today and even more amazing that we are allowed to wander through it. Angkor Wat involves a lot of walking and at this point of the day, feet were dragging and the kids were asking for shoulder rides.

Flashes of orange glimpsed through the hallway pillars indicate the monks are nearby, and many people come here to be blessed by them in such a monumental place.

I’ve found the words hard to come by to describe these temples, as my words don’t do them justice.

Glimpses of orange, the smell of incense, the chatter of tourists, cheeky monkeys, and the clash of nature

Check Out Our Short YouTube Clip of Ta Prohm (aka Tomb Raider) Temple

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Phare, the Cambodian Circus Photo: Jessica Palmer

and man-made structure. It all combines to create one truly memorable experience.

I sat in a quiet courtyard in the centre of Angkor Wat and closed my eyes, my back leaning against a wall, my son and daughter leaning against me as they too, rested their legs. Taking a deep breath in and out, I tried to imagine what it would have been like all those centuries ago in this exact same spot.

As we walked back towards the large moat that surrounds Angkor Wat, the sun was noticeably lower in the sky. Light was now shining through the ornate pillars, leaving long shadows of light on the ground and illuminating my daughter’s dark blonde hair from behind as she pulled faces at her brother. The scene is memorable and words don’t do the memory justice. But it’s this memory that’s my favourite.

Our last day in Siem Reap was spent walking the streets on foot, visiting markets and catching a performance of Phare, the Cambodian circus of acrobats (no animals), a show not to be missed.

Koh Rong Island off the coast of Sihanoukville was our next stop. I had hoped to draw comparisons to other beautiful beaches experienced in south-east Asia such as in Thailand and Vietnam ...but that’s a story for another day.

Check Out Our Short YouTube Clip of Angkor Wat

More Info on Visiting Cambodia With Kids Blog Posts From the Website ...

Currency...

•T h ings to do in Phnom Penh with kids • Siem Reap with kids & tips for visiting temples • Transport between Phnom Penh & Siem Reap • Cambodia with kids main page

What to Expect ...

The Cambodian Riel and US Dollar are widely accepted. ATMs give USD to those with foreign cards and change is usually given in a combination.

Most international flights land in Phnom Penh although flights to Siem Reap are available. Try searching on SkyScanner for a great deal.

Cambodia loves children and welcome them everywhere. However, don’t expect dedicated change tables, high chairs or stroller friendly sidewalks.

Supermarkets stock all the usual necessities for kids in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Language ...

Power ...

Getting to Cambodia ...

Khmer, English and French

The two-prong round sockets are popular but it’s not uncommon to find a mix in your hotel room. A multi-destination converter works well here.

Where

to

Stay

in

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

The VMansion Boutique Hotel is a great affordable option in Phnom Penh. The hotel is eco-friendly without the bragging, makes great use of their space with helpful staff, and features hand-painted wall art and great food.

The Ibis Styles Hotel is a fantastic affordable family option in Siem Reap. This modern hotel is stylish with an international standard restaurant downstairs and a night market directly across the road.

The Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a memorable luxury option. The legendary Raffles service is abundant and kids are welcomed here with an extensive children’s menu and shallow pool. This hotel is pure class at every corner.

The Raffles Hotel dÁngkor is Siem Reap’s luxury Raffles offering and is conveniently located only 10 minutes drive to both Angkor Wat and Siem Reap’s international airport. Although your wallet will me significantly lighter, you can’t go wrong here.

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Youcamp

www.

.com

The BEST Way to Camp in Australia!

A

wesome for Aussies and overseas visitors seeking an alternative to overcrowded campsites.

Last school holidays, we wanted to get away and explore more of Australia. It was decided that we would head straight down the east coast from Queensland to Victoria, enjoying the beaches along the way.

I knew early on this was going to be a budget adventure and as most of you know, tight purse strings usually means camping. So imagine my disappointment when I discovered that some of the caravan and private parks along our route were charging a triple-digit number for the privilege of camping at their overcrowded campsite.

No thanks! That’s when I discovered Youcamp and never looked back.

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By Jessica Palmer

Youcamp is a private land camping adventure, kind of like Airbnb for campers. Basically, private landowners with property to spare, rent out their land for campers to enjoy a more peaceful experience…or if you have noisy kids like me...a more peaceful experience for the rest of the campers.

It’s a win-win situation as it offers property owners an additional source of income and families a unique place to camp with space to breathe.

Youcamp offers authentic camping how it should be, in a group, surrounded by nature, sitting around a fire and connecting with loved ones.

How it all started …

Youcamp was born around a campfire in NSW in 2013. The first property that went ‘’live’’ belonged to the founders after they realised that opening private land up to campers could return an authentic holiday where families could choose the kind of getaway they want.

Private landowners set their own rules so families can search for a Youcamp suited to their own needs and wants.

You may wish to bring your pet, light a campfire, escape crowds or make a lot of noise. You may be completely self-sufficient, or you may appreciate a property that has a toilet and shower.

Either way, the properties are varied and you’re sure to find one that suits your family!

Sounds great ... How do I book?

Head on over to the Youcamp website and create an account. Verify your email address and then fill in your profile.

This is the fun part … Start searching campsites!

Search a location and if you wish, refine the results even further. Make sure to read the property description, reviews and check out the photos to make an informed decision.

Once you have found the perfect site, select the number of adults and children and your travel dates.

There are three ways to contact the host and this depends on what your host prefers. Guests can send an inquiry first, make an instant booking or send a booking request. Any booking requests must be accepted or declined with 24 hours and you won’t be charged until the booking is confirmed.

Payment is made via credit card and your confirmed booking appears under a tab on your account called ‘’My Trips’’, which keeps track of communication with your host.

INSURANCE INCLUDED! Every eligible Youcamp booking

has $30 million host public liability insurance (subject to T&Cs)

Not sure where to start? ... Check out these great Youcamp sites!

Sarabah Camping in Queensland Sarabah is located in the foothills of the Lamington National Park along the upper reaches of Canungra Creek. This 300-acre working cattle property features creekside camping with five different campsites to choose from.

Bossberries Camping in New South Wales Bossberries is a working blueberry and cattle farm that features riverside camping. Family and friends who are not campers may be enticed by the 3-bedroom self-contained B&B up at the farm, five minutes drive from the campground.

Semaphore Farm in Tasmania Semaphore Farm is a 400-acre property conveniently located near a beach and the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. There are walking and bike trails through the 150 acres of forest and pasture accessible to campers.

Pine Ridge in South Australia Pine Ridge offers peaceful sites in a back paddock on 90 acres of farm. Only 15 minutes to town, this camp is not far from the popular ‘The Blue Lake’.

Kick Back & Relax in the Northern Territory The Kick Back & Relax camp offers a beachfront bush block at Dundee Beach. They only hire out the site to one van or travelling group at any one time so you’ve got the spot all to yourself!

Bolinda Vale Farm in Western Australia Located in the foothills of the Darling Range in Keysbrook, this is a family run beef & sheep farm that has been in the same family since 1926.

Campsites are offered on the banks of the Dirk Brook and on top of the hills .

Opp Page Top: Family camping. Opp Page LtoR: Bolinda Vale. Kiah Willderness Camp. Top LtoR: Bossberries Camping. Jacaranda Hill Farm.

Photos: Courtesy of Youcamp.

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CAMERAS FOR KIDS

The Whole Family Can Enjoy

W

hile we bunker down and try to stay healthy by keeping to ourselves, this is a great opportunity to pick up a new hobby that doesn’t involve being around other people. Why not get the kids excited about photography? Give them a few projects around the house such as Lego scenes or pet portraits. By the time we can safely travel again, you’ll have a budding creative, travel or wildlife photographer on your hands!

Nikon Coolpix W150 The Nikon Coolpix W150 is waterproof to 10 metres, shockproof from 1.8 metres, can handle temperatures down to -10c and is dust proof. Basically, it plays well with kids!

This camera features 13.2 mp, full HD4 movie recording and comes in white, blue, orange and a pattern of pink foliage. It’s an easy to use point-and-shoot camera that doubles as a great all rounder family camera.

Fujufilm Finepix XP140 The Fujifilm Finepix XP140 is a point-and-shoot thats also water, shock, cold and dust proof. This camera differs from the above Nikon in that its waterproof down to 25 metres.

The Fujifilm features a 16 mp camera with 4k video and comes in dark silver, lime, sky blue, white and yellow. It’s a sturdy all rounder family camera designed for the outdoors.

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Top: Young boy with camera. Photo: Markus Spiske from Pexels. Opp. Page Right: Young girl with camera. Photo: Kha Ruxury from Pexels

FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera This retro instant camera is suited to older kids who understand that parents (or themselves) will need to buy instant film for it, and will take a little thought before snapping the picture. It’s super simple and features a little selfie mirror to ensure you are lined up in the frame. Picture size is a cute 62 x 46mm.

The FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 makes a great gift for teenagers or older kids, available in ice blue, flamingo pink, lime green, smoky white and cobalt blue.

NIKON D3500 The Nikon D3500 is great for older kids who have a keen interest in photography. It’s an ideal first DSLR camera from a well-known brand, allowing kids (and parents) to start taking some really decent photographs. The D3500 comes with a versatile 18 - 55mm f/3.5 -5.6G VR Lens and new lenses can be purchased later as required.

Kids can start on auto mode and as they learn more about shutter speed, ISO and aperture, will have the option of going fully manual. The camera features 24 mp and full HD video recording.

GoPro Hero 7 SIlver The GoPro Hero 7 Silver is a fun option for active kids who are interested in video content. It features smooth 4K videos and takes a 10 mp photograph, including a time lapse feature. Files can quickly be moved from the GoPro to the App where they are easily spliced together with music for sharing.

This camera is waterproof, rugged and can even be controlled by voice. It’s as simple as saying, ‘’GoPro, start recording.’’ Accessorising this camera is a lot of fun with options for mounting to helmets and surfboards etc.

Thoughts...

When it comes to cameras for younger kids, there are lots of bright, chunky cameras marketed towards toddlers. I have not included them in this round-up as it’s been my experience they take a terrible picture. We live in a world where most 4-year olds can turn on an IPad and open an app, so they candle definitely handle a point-and-shoot type camera if shown which button to press!

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