Family Travel #4 (Autumn 2019)

Issue 04 | Autumn 2019

AUS vs NZ

Which will be crowned Snow Queen?

CARAVAN CRUISIN’ The best Tassie tourism routes

TOP NORTH AMERICAN ROADTRIPS

Wine country with kids Special delivery

Nusa Lembongan A secret island paradise

AUST $7.95

Get the royal treatment with Disney

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9 772209 423003 >

04

9 DAY THAILAND FOR TEENS VISIT THAILAND WITH YOUR TEENS

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The Family Travel team familytravel.com.au CEO Janeece Keller Communications manager Natasha Keller Editor Tatyana Leonov tatyana@boundround.com Digital editor Alison Godfrey alison@boundround.com Sub-editor Sarah Friggieri Contributors Lisa Adams Chez Chesak Sophie Cullen Suzan Dickson Adele Dyson Elisa Elwin Sarah Friggieri Alison Godfrey Lisa-Maria Harwin Amelia Jones Julie Jones Janeece Keller

Natasha Keller Tatyana Leonov Pip Macken Bev Malzard Nissa Marion Jemma Newlyn Rachael Oakes-Ash Bethany Plint Nicola Rennie Lydia Smith Sue White Melanie Whyte

Art director Jon Wolfgang Miller Advertising enquiries salesmanager@boundround.com 02 9904 4111 Published by Bound Round Pty Ltd 431 Warringah Rd Frenchs Forest NSW 2086 F A M I LY T R A V E L

Issue 04 | Autumn 2019

AUS vs NZ

Which will be crowned Snow Queen?

ISSUE 04 | AUTUMN 2019

CARAVAN CRUISIN’ The best Tassie tourism routes

TOP NORTH AMERICAN ROADTRIPS

Wine country with kids Special delivery

F A M I LY | T R A V E L | H O L I D A Y | L E I S U R E | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Nusa Lembongan A secret island paradise

FT04-p01-cover-10jm.indd 1

AUST $7.95

Get the royal treatment with Disney

ISSN 2209-4237

04

9 772209 423003 >

28/2/19 9:50 pm

Cover image Lisa-Maria Harwin

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Family Travel. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication.

Copyright © Bound Round Pty Ltd 2019 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.

Bound Round Pty Ltd cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will be returned.

WELCOME So here we are – well into 2019 and (I hope!) well into holiday planning.

Summer has been and gone, and wasn’t it epic? As much as I love the heat, when the wind starts to have a chill again it brings a renewed sense of excitement. It’s a reminder that, soon, the leaves will start changing colour – into fiery oranges and russet reds – before tumbling to the ground.

As the months pass, we’ll even get snow in some areas of Australia. Every season has something magical about it, and seasonal travel is an underlying theme this issue. The photo essay on page 102 will undoubtedly get you thinking about travelling to certain destinations to take advantage of the seasonal highlights.

My husband and I always consider seasons when booking a holiday. In fact, I’m probably in Finland admiring the Northern Lights as you’re reading this; we’ve been craving some seriously cold weather after a long, hot Sydney summer.

Late last year, we wanted to experience New Zealand’s South Island in spring. Although it was a wee bit colder than we envisioned (as you

can probably tell by all the gear my daughter and I are wearing in the photo above), New Zealand was a stunner. Flick to page 93 to read about the top activities for families on the North Island.

Speaking of weather, the Australian and New Zealand snow season is just around the corner. We asked snow expert Rachael Oakes-Ash to give us the low-down on what, where and how well in advance so you can plan your 2019 snow holiday. Flick to page 96 for all of her tips.

Roadtrips are great at any time of the year, with each season bringing new scenery en route. In this issue, US-based writer Chez Chesak sums up his top five family roadtrips through North America (page 52).

And we’ve got even more holiday ideas to keep you inspired – everything from Hong Kong’s green spaces on page 86 (how great are the outdoors!) to a dreamy island getaway (page 64) and camping in Tasmania (page 60).

So, please, enjoy!

Tatyana Leonov and the Family Travel team

FAMILYTRAVEL.COM.AU AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Readers’ letters Winner

Win

Dear Family Travel team, this was my first time reading your magazine and all I can say is I wish I had known about you years ago! The thought of travelling with my kids was enough to give me grey hairs and sleepless nights – finding the right destination where they won’t be bored, where we can do exciting activities together as a whole family, finding kid-friendly restaurants… We often go back to the same place just for the sake of convenience.

Now, thanks to you, we are going kayaking next weekend at Conjola Beach, and I have a list of new holiday destinations that I will not only enjoy planning, but ones that I know my family will love (a South Pacific cruise is number one on the list, and you can be sure I will be reading Family Travel while sipping my cocktail!).

Thank you for your creative and fun ideas to bring families closer together and to make beautiful lifelong memories – because that’s what life is all about.

K Hutchins, ACT

Hi, wonderful people at Family Travel, I’ve loved watching the magazine grow over time and I can say it is now the perfect one-stop shop. The destinations you feature are always unique and I love how you put a family friendly spin on them all. My family loves the quiz each issue too – it gets us all talking. We’ve even decided to visit Great Britain next year, so having it in the quiz gave much delight to our 5-year-old. Keep up the good work!

Katrina S, NSW Hi, Family Travel team, firstly, congratulations on such a winning magazine – it’s my go-to for all things travel! With a young family, it’s great to read amazing handy tips and discover awesome destinations. It’s my dream to show my children the world, and it would be even more amazing to capture it on the Sony AX33 4K Handycam.

Our first trip overseas to Japan for my daughter was eye-opening, and now with a babysitter for her and another sibling on the way, it’s even more

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“They grow up so fast!” Parents have been saying this for generations. When video cameras came along, it became so much easier to hold on to treasured moments and milestones. The only difference is, nowadays, home movies don’t have to sit in an old box collecting dust – they can be shared instantly with family, friends and the rest of the world.

For travelling families, finding the right camera to capture those special holiday moments can be tricky, but we’ve taken out the guesswork. The Sony AX33 4K Handycam is compact and won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. It has advanced stabilisation technology to keep footage blur-free, even when you’re bouncing about on a boat or taking on a 4WD track. Share your videos instantly with friends and family back home, and record all of your experiences in crisp 4K image quality (that’s four times more detail than full HD!).

We’re giving readers the chance to win a Sony AX33 4K Handycam (valued at $1099) so you can live in the moment while capturing it for the future. To go in the draw, tell us what you think of the magazine by emailing editorial@boundround.com.

important we capture our next family adventure. Keep up the great work – can’t wait for the next issue!

Chris P, Vic Wow, Family Travel, I just love reading your magazine! There are so many amazing destinations and places to stay.

We’ve enjoyed travelling for years and now we have our own little travel baby to take with us on our journeys – so your magazine has been a wealth of knowledge for our future travels.

I really enjoyed reading your ‘19 Best Family Experiences’ article. Also, well done on the conversation around responsible tourism in Cambodia and the environmental changes some of the airlines are doing. These things are so important for a sustainable future.

Now excuse me while I go and look into our next holiday… Sri Lanka or Hawai‘i? Oh, and maybe a Victorian High Country hiking trip in there somewhere too. I look forward to your next issue – keep up the great work!

Calliope Z, SA

QUIZ Think you know it all? Take the quiz below to find out how worldly you really are, then flick to page 09 for the answers.

01 Which animal is depicted on the flag of Sri Lanka?

02 Name the peninsula that runs down the west coast of Mexico.

03 In which city would you find Schiphol airport?

04 The Valley of the Kings is located close to which Egyptian town?

05 Which US state is the smallest in land area?

06 The late Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was born on Bathurst Island. True or False?

07 Which is further north: the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands or the Faroe Islands?

08 The Atacama Desert lies in which country?

09 Name the capital of Uzbekistan.

10 The 1978 movie Midnight Express was set in which country?

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96

52

86

64

102

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Plan

93 NEW ZEALAND’S NORTH ISLAND

Five of the best for families

Australia and New Zealand’s 2019 season

16 COVER STAR

60 CARAVAN ADVENTURES

18 PERFECT PAIR

64 NUSA LEMBONGAN

20 OUR EXPERTS

68 NORTHERN TERRITORY

Whistler Blackcomb in summer and winter Advice on packing for holidays

22 NEWS & VIEWS

The latest and greatest from across the world

Lapping Tasmania

A sleepy sanctuary

FOR FAMILIES Why you should self-drive

72 PENRITH ADVENTURES

36 OPINION

Get to know this family fun hub

38 KIDS’ PICKS

Family friendly vineyards

Intrepid travelling with kids 11 young travellers share their most-valued holiday highlights

Our top 10 experiences

96 SNOWED IN

102 BY THE SEASONS Photo essay inspiration

NAVIGATE 112 WHY VIDEO CAMERAS

SURPASS SMARTPHONES Spotlight on the Sony Handycam® camcorder

76 WINE COUNTRY WITH KIDS

115 TALK TO THE EXPERT

82 TOP CRUISE LINES FOR FAMILIES

118 WE REVIEW

As voted by you

Rohan LePage chats about renting gear while on the road

42 TRAVEL WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

84 LIVING THE (DAY)DREAM

Daydream Island Resort is back in the game

Barangaroo, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Trisara, The Westin Brisbane and Cambelltown Catholic Club

47 PLAY

86 HONG KONG’S GREEN SPACES

125 WHAT’S ON

50 HOW TO

90 A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY

130 HAPPY SNAP

Adventures in Disney and New York

Spotlight on London, Dunedin and Hoi An Plan your holidays based on the seasons

Holidays

52 NORTH AMERICA’S BEST ROADTRIPS

The story behind the photo

CONTENTS

93

14 PACKING LIST

Travelling through the seasons

ISSUE 4

Getting among nature

Stay and play at Ruby Apartments

Events across the world Mandarin-picking fun AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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ISSUE 4

WORLD MAP 102

BY THE SEASONS Pack the camera for these stunning locations.

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NORTH AMERICA’S BEST ROADTRIPS Pacific Coast Highway caters to all interests.

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76

WINE COUNTRY WITH KIDS It’s possible – and captivating!

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SNOWED IN Where to base yourselves this ski season.

86

HONG KONG Going green is just as inspiring!

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CARAVAN ADVENTURES On the road in Tassie.

93

NEW ZEALAND’S NORTH ISLAND What to do when you’re there.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Keen to see how many of the questions you got right? Here are the answers...

01 Lion 02 Baja California 03 Amsterdam 04 Luxor 05 Rhode Island 06 False. Elcho Island 07 Faroe Islands 08 Chile 09 Tashkent 10 Turkey

AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Take me there This may look like a tranquil sanctuary, but it’s actually one of the Maldives’ hottest action spots. That’s not to say you can’t just kick back in a swinging hammock at LUX* South Ari, it’s just, well, why would you want to when there are so many other activities on offer? Cycle or golf-cart your way from one end of the island to the other, swim with whale sharks, jetski, kite-surf, flyboard, hoverboard, wakeboard or take part in coconut bowling.

And when you’re absolutely exhausted, replenish your energy levels at one of the seven on-site restaurants. luxresorts.com

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AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Making travel possible for people of all abilities and needs. Travel with Special Needs makes what you’ve dreamt about possible.

Tested Packages

Value for Money

Specialist Team

travelwithspecialneeds.com.au

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Plan NEWS BITES & TRAVEL IDEAS

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PACKING LIST Travelling through the seasons COVER STAR The story behind the photo

PERFECT PAIR Whistler Blackcomb in summer and winter

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OUR EXPERTS Advice on packing for holidays

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NEWS & VIEWS The latest and greatest ideas and developments from across the world

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OPINION Intrepid travelling with kids – would you do it?

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KIDS’ PICKS 11 young travellers share their holiday highlights

TRAVEL WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Adventures at Disney and in New York

PLAY In London, Dunedin and Hoi An HOW TO Plan your holiday based on the seasons AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan: Packing list

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SUMMER/ SPRING 01 Victorinox Harmony 2-in-1 Laptop Backpack; $515; victorinox.com

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02 Ultimate Ears Boom 3; $199.95; ultimateears.com/ en-au

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03 Vaya Tyffyn Thermal Insulated Lunchbox; from $75; vayalife.com/au-en 04 Globber Flow 125 Foldable Scooter; $160; globber.com.au 05 Cutlery Carriage Fork & Spoon Set; $19.95; cutlerycarriage.com 06 Rocketbook Everlast Smart Notebook; $55; getrocketbook.com.au 07 The Soak Life Instant Shower Face & Body Cleansing Spray; $22.95; thesoaklife.com 08 Rufus & Coco Seat Belt Attachment; $16.95; rufusandcoco.com.au

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Plan: Packing list

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AUTUMN/WINTER

01 EFM 10,000mAH Power Bank; $79.95; myefm.com

03 Junior Flyer Logbook; $25; littlekidsbusiness. com.au

05 Teddy Bear Passports; $28 each; teddybearpassport.com

02 Cosmo Crew Kids’ Sea & Snow Rash Top; from $75; cosmocrewkids.com

04 Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion; $12.99; aveeno.com.au

06 Black Chicken Remedies Essential Oil Inhaler; $19.99; blackchicken.com.au

07 Fujifilm Instax Mini 9; $99; $199; jbhifi.com.au 08 Vivra Magnetic Beltless Bum Bag; $42.95; vivra.com.au

AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan

cover star

the story behind the photo Cover model Matilda (pictured enjoying the beach with her cousin) travels the world with her mum Lisa and dad Tim. We chat to Lisa about their story.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Lisa, 33, from Salzburg, Austria.

My love for travel has led me all over the world, including Central America a decade ago, where I met my husband Tim in a little surfer town in Mexico.

Thirteen years later and after the birth of our baby girl Matilda in May 2016, we still love to explore new countries and revisit our favourite ones over and over.

When did you start travelling together as a family?

We never stopped! When Matilda was 8 weeks old, we drove from Austria to France. I took Matilda on her first flight at 3 months and travelled via Dubai to the Maldives. When she was 10 months old, we flew to Australia to see family and friends. We spent Matilda’s first birthday in Paris; she blew out the candle on her cake while sitting on the grass just in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Shortly after her first birthday, she took her first steps on a beautiful white beach in the Maldives. Then we started to travel regularly to South Africa, where my husband was working on a project.

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Last year, we took a few months off and travelled via Singapore to Australia and on to South Africa for two months.

How does travel differ now?

We take it slower. We fill our days with less when on the road and make time to stop at playgrounds and for play time. We still go to new places, but for a relaxing holiday we'll chose a place we know. Travel with our daughter has made us see many of our favourite places in the world with different eyes, which has been an adventure in itself.

Can you tell us about your photography? What inspired your passion for it?

I have always loved photography and have carried a camera around from my early teens. This is something that has been passed on from my parents, who are both passionate photographers and taught my siblings and I that no moment is without its beauty. Both my sister (who specialises in beautiful photographs of dogs and has a worldwide following of more than 40,000 on Instagram @clari_ calahari) and my brother (who takes breathtaking photos and videos with his drone) have inherited the love for photography as well.

What are your future goals?

In a few years (and before we move back to Europe), we are planning to travel ‘the big lap’ around Australia in a campervan for a few months to show our kids the most beautiful places of this faraway continent that they call home and is part of their heritage.

In terms of my Instagram, I’m happy where I am. I love this little community of fellow mamas who live all around the world and who, like me, love sharing pretty snapshots from their lives and their travels.

What's the best thing about life right now?

The excitement for baby number two and finally getting settled in our new home in Sydney after a few long months of renovating and living out of unpacked boxes. We're looking forward to spending our weekends exploring this beautiful city all over again or simply enjoying an afternoon at Bondi Beach. Not having too many (travel) plans, we're just enjoying the here and now – until we get itchy feet to get on the road again!

Follow Lisa and her family’s journey on bebejournee.com and @bebejournee on Instagram.

Plan

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Plan

perfect pair

worth the whistle WORDS PIP MACKEN

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB IN WINTER

Ask anyone to name a ski resort in Canada and they’re likely to list Whistler Blackcomb first. Famous as Canada’s top ski destination with a vibrant, family friendly village, there’s plenty for the whole family to do both on and off the slopes during winter.

Between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, you’ll never run out of terrain, and with a season that lasts about 200 days, you’ll never want to leave. Its Kids Club program is second to none, with specialised schools for toddlers, primary-school-aged children and teens, categorised by ability levels.

Coca-Cola Tube Park, located on the Base 2 Zone of Blackcomb mountain, provides hours of fun for all ages, with multiple lanes ranging from gentle slopes to steep drops, plus a special lane for tiny tots who don’t meet the minimum height requirement.

For that quintessential winter wonderland experience, rug up together in a horse-drawn sleigh and ride the trails the old-fashioned way. Alternatively, dog-sled through the snow-covered forest – it's an unforgettable adventure that will live on in the hearts of your little ones for the rest of their lives. The yelps of the excited canines, the smooth tracks of the sled as it slices through fresh snow and the sight of towering fir trees, each one as though dipped in vanilla ice-cream, is the stuff of dreams.

Invented in Canada, the snowmobile (known as a skidoo) is a great way to explore the snowy backcountry, with Whistler Blackcomb offering tours for experienced riders and families who like to go at a slower pace.

The outdoor ice rink is a great way to spend an afternoon off the slopes, or strap on some snowshoes and get to know the mountain on foot. For something a little more adrenalin-fuelled, try some high-flying adventures with Ziptrek’s treetop walks and guided zipline tours across Fitzsimmons Creek.

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WHISTLER BLACKCOMB IN SUMMER No matter what the season, the Guinness World Recordbreaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountaintops, offers gobsmacking panoramic views and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Spanning 4.4km, the ride provides 11 minutes of breathtaking vistas over the coniferous forests. The new Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven's Eye Cliff Walk from Whistler Peak, towering over the bowl, is included with the purchase of a Peak 2 Peak 360 Season Pass or day ticket.

Whistler is a mountain-biking and cycling mecca, beckoning thousands of avid riders from across the world each year. During summer, make the most of hundreds of kilometres of bike trails, designed to entertain every age and ability level. Catch the chairlift to Whistler Mountain Bike Park for some serious downhill action, or spend the day cycling at a leisurely pace along Whistler’s beautiful Valley Trail. Wind through lush forests and around pristine lakes, which, by the way, make the perfect pitstop when it’s time to cool off. A kayak or canoe is the best way to explore Whistler’s beckoning rivers and lakes – be sure to keep your eyes peeled and the camera ready for grizzly bears that like to sunbake on the shores.

It’s fair to say the hiking at Whistler Blackcomb is as mind-blowing as the skiing. During summer, the chairlifts and gondolas access wilderness trails that meander through the volcanic landscape, complete with lakes and meadows strewn with wildflowers, all set against a backdrop of ancient glaciers and towering mountains.

With 50km of trails to discover, it’s an unforgettable way to spend quality family time. You’ll feel like the mountain is all yours… well, yours and the abundant wildlife that call this utopic place home.

AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan

holiday mode

leading the pack

Experts reveal what packing for the family is like at every life stage.

Teenager

AMELIA JONES

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Parents have different priorities when it comes to packing, so now that I’m 16 I make my own list of must-have items when we travel.

Not surprisingly, technology is at the top of my list. I travel with a range of entertainment for any downtime. I download movies and TV shows from Netflix on my laptop or iPad for long waits at airports and for evenings at the hotel when there’s nothing on TV. I also make sure I download the airline’s inflight entertainment app so I can access the latest movies. I’m not the biggest reader, but I sometimes take a book, and earphones for listening to music – they’re much more comfortable than the ones provided by the airlines.

I love photography. Recently I bought my first camera, which has been money well spent, but it has added a lot to my packing list. I now travel with a battery charger, spare battery, spare SD cards and an external hard drive to back up my photos. Even though I take most photos on my camera, I still use my phone, so I make sure I have enough storage on it. I find a small makeup bag is handy to keep all the leads and

chargers together, so I don’t lose them.

If our holiday involves going to the pool or beach, kayaking, or if it’s likely to rain, I pack a dry bag for both my phone and my camera.

After receiving a HP Sprocket (a small photo printer) as a present, I have enjoyed being able to print photos straight from my phone to add to a journal while we are travelling.

Travel makes me hungry, so I always pack snacks. It’s cheaper (making my parents happy) and I’m always sure I’ll have food that I like handy.

When it comes to choosing clothes, I check the weather app to make sure I know the weather forecast. Even when it’s hot, I always take a jumper because I’m a cold frog and on the plane I always get cold. Packing pods help keep my clothes organised and easy to find at our destination.

At the airport, and for some activities, I’ve needed to show ID. I use my student ID or my driver’s licence; I pack it in my phone case for quick access.

Amelia Jones is a teenager who loves to travel. Follow her on Instagram (@travelswithamelia).

Plan

Travelling with kids who have hit primary school has got to be the most interesting and fun. We’re in that golden phase between the lugging around of the bulky nappy bag or awkward travel stroller and the ‘so what’, eye-rolling of the teenage years. The kids are full of wonder and much easier to please.

Packing is still a minefield, though. You need to balance the kids’ needs with the luggage allowance, and that can be tricky.

Screens can be seen as a blessing and a curse, but no matter which side of the fence you sit, these devices come in handy when you’re on the move. Getting the kids involved in planning your route with Google Maps or learning the language of the country you’re visiting with Duolingo are awesome ways to expand their minds. Of course, Netflix also helps with those nights when you all just want to relax.

Having a range of playlists or audio books/podcasts on hand can also keep them enthralled without the need for them to stare at a screen. Of course, a set of headphones per child is a must! If you’re trying to keep the number of devices

Parent of schoolaged children

Parent of teenagers

NATASHA KELLER

NICOLA RENNIE

to a minimum, invest in a headphone splitter so both kids can listen to the same device through their own set of headphones.

The thing that matters most to kids is having something of theirs with them that makes them feel connected to home. A tip I was given early on was to give each of my kids their own small bag to fill with their chosen treasures. This includes the all-important friend for bedtime, pencils and activity books for time spent in transit (or waiting for dinner!), a pack of Lego for my son, a Polly Pocket for my daughter, and compact travel games aplenty, like UNO, Spot It!, Bananagrams and Pass The Pigs.

They also love taking their wallet. Giving kids an allowance to spend over the course of the holiday gets them engaged in the unique currency of the destination (if heading overseas), thinking about souvenirs to choose as a memento of their trip, and having a bit of autonomy to choose a treat or two at the local supermarket.

Natasha Keller is a mum of two and Head of Online, Marketing and Communications at Bound Round.

We have always travelled with our three kids, and packing is definitely one aspect that has become easier as the kids have grown older. For starters, they can carry their own bag now, and they know what they want to take. Love or loathe it, technology is very useful when travelling. Each of my kids has a tablet, and it’s the first thing they pack, along with the appropriate power adaptor if we are travelling overseas.

A decent pair of headphones is also a must for a long journey – the standard-issue airline ones are incredibly uncomfortable on long-haul flights. Just remember to download a few movies, books and playlists if internet connectivity is going to be a problem on your journey!

If you’re going to be travelling for any length of time, often a good wifi connection is needed for them to complete schoolwork, so do your research before you leave.

It is often worth taking a spare phone and getting a local SIM card if you need a reliable connection. Check the package to make sure the one you buy allows you to tether if you want to send

the internet signal to more than one device.

If travelling with teenage girls, taking sufficient sanitary products to last your trip is also worth considering. For many young women, changing from products they are used to can be problematic.

We never go anywhere without at least two packs of playing cards. Many hours have been happily spent playing card games and learning a few magic tricks.

One thing that never changes with kids of any age is the constant need for snacks, so pack lots, especially if you’re travelling long haul (we all know how hit-and-miss plane food can be, and there’s nothing worse than a hungry teen!).

Last of all, pack a decent camera. Get the best camera you can afford – memories made while travelling are so precious, and as your babies become teens, you realise more than ever how incredible time spent as a family really is. Capture absolutely everything!

Nicola Rennie is a mum of three and Owner of Standard Goods Co (standardsockco.com).

Follow her on Instagram (@renniejournal).

AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan

Travelling with a toddler means a lot more luggage.

That means way more outfit changes, because what we call accidents are her everyday norms.

Then there are nappies – they are light but take up so much space. Same goes for wipes. If we are travelling within Australia, we tend to take enough for just a few days and buy more along the way, but with overseas travel we’ve found it’s easier to take the brands we know and trust.

Our daughter sleeps in a cot at home, so we always travel with a BabyBjorn Travel Cot. Many hotels provide travel cots, but at least by taking our own we know that it’s safe and comfortable for her.

We also have the BabyZen Yoyo pram, which many tout as the world’s best to travel with. It’s supposed to fit in any plane aisle, and from our experience this is almost true. It fits fairly easily on most large planes flying international routes, but when it comes to domestic flights this is not always the case. It does fold up easily and can be stored in the overhead locker, though. On most economy flights, babies get one carry-on piece

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Parent of a toddler

Soon-to-be mum

TATYANA LEONOV

JANEECE KELLER

and one piece of checked luggage – the pram is our carry-on item and the cot is the check-in piece.

We usually pack food for our daughter. She only has a few teeth and has not yet perfected the art of chewing, so that rules out quite a bit of stuff. These days, I usually carry around a few boxes with a variety of snacks, such as soft vegies, homemade vegetable muffins and fruit.

We can’t leave the house without a few bright and colourful toys for her, be it textural books, blocks she can stick together and rip apart, and usually something that makes a lot of noise (her favourite kind of toy, but not one to use in the confined space of a plane).

It’s funny how life has changed. Before, I took a handbag with my Kindle, headphones and an eye mask inside. These days, I know there’s no way I’ll be reading or listening to any music while travelling.

But hey, I get to watch my daughter see and experience things for the first time, and that’s a million times better than any song or book.

Tatyana Leonov is the Editor of Family Travel magazine.

Follow her on Instagram (@tatyanaleonov).

I’m just a few weeks from having a newborn to travel with, and it’s something my husband and I are really excited about. We know it’s going to be very different when the baby arrives, but already the transition from a footloose and fancy-free couple to a duo with a jumbo-size bump between us has had a significant impact on our packing.

We’ve taken a few trips throughout my pregnancy, and as the bump has grown, so too has our packing list.

Initially our extra packing requirements were based on health and safety – we didn’t leave without mosquitorepellent wristbands, Panadol, Hydralyte, antihistamines, anti-nausea tablets and hand sanitiser.

Snacks have been another must-have during any sort of travel for me. Be it a two-hour drive to visit family or a nine-hour flight to Vietnam, we’ve never left home without my favourite things to nibble on. I’ve got a preference for salty over sweet, so we had mini packs of nuts, soy snacks and muesli bars in pretty much every bag. This helped reduce my mood swings and lessen the effects of my morning sickness.

The biggest tip I can give is to use a wheelie suitcase.

Pre-pregnancy, I preferred my leather hold-all for short trips, but while I am carrying these extra kilos on the inside, rolling my luggage behind me has proven much more comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to take a bamboo or metal straw on overseas travel.

For me, this came in handy particularly in Asia and the Pacific Islands, where I wasn’t always happy to drink directly out of the storebought bottled water. We’ve also found insulated flasks to be really helpful; they keep water cool and can be easily refilled (just make sure they’re empty when you go through security if you’re travelling internationally).

I’ve become clumsier as my bump has grown, so having a spare set of clothes has been a lifesaver. But perhaps the most valuable thing I’ve packed later in my pregnancy has been my own pillows. When sleeping is as tricky as it can be in late pregnancy, having my own pillows has been the difference between getting a good night’s sleep and no sleep at all.

Janeece Keller is the CEO of Bound Round.

Plan

Grandmother

SUZAN DICKSON

Parent of children with special needs

MELANIE WHYTE

“Nanna, you haven’t hotspotted my iPad,” complains my three-year-old granddaughter, whom I have just picked up from daycare, along with the day’s artistic creations, a bag of extra clothes and an insulated lunchbox with the remains of the day’s food. They go in the boot, next to her lightweight stroller and her baby brother’s allterrain-capable pram.

“In a minute, sweetheart,” I mumble as I try to clip the shoulder straps of the child car seat into the buckle without catching my fingers (again), then tighten the harness, an action that seems beyond me. Where are the simple baby seats I used when my two children were toddlers, I wonder.

I place a brightly coloured bottle containing water, a couple of healthy snacks and some toys within reach of my granddaughter, find my glasses and phone, and wirelessly connect her iPad to my mobile.

“How was your day?” I query. I’m pleased there’s just the two of us, as we have an hour to ourselves to chat. But there’s no reply – she’s busy watching Curious George.

As I drive, I recall car trips taken when my children were very young, 30-plus years ago. Those days, preparations consisted of finding a few books and sufficient cassettes to entertain everyone. When we tired of listening to and singing along with tapes, we played I Spy or counted how many different brands of car passed us or made up silly sentences using the three letters from the number plates of oncoming cars.

“Nanna,” comes a voice from the back seat. “Mummy sings with me – can you sing with me too?”

“Of course I can! What about ‘Wheels on the Bus’?” I ask.

So I’m never caught out, I’ve started a mental checklist for travelling with young grandchildren: learn how to strap a child into the car seat before taking them out alone; check with their parents if there’s anything I should know before I leave; be ready for any eventualities; and ensure an older child has enough water, food and entertainment at hand before we start – no matter how short the trip may be.

Suzan Dickson is a doting grandmother to three grandchildren.

When I was a backpacker, my packing would involve some throwing of garments in the general direction of my bag. These days, it has to be much more measured. My two little people both have special needs, and packing for them requires planning, though possibly not in the way you’d think.

The standard things can’t be forgotten – activity books, pencils, iPads, snacks, comfort items (blankie, teddy), headphones – but there are extra considerations to be taken into account too.

Headphones should be noisecancelling; many devices can be used during take-off and landing now, and noise-cancelling headphones can alleviate the stress associated with jet engines taking off.

Every trip needs a social story as to what will happen. Many travel suppliers, such as cruise lines, will offer these, and they can be tailored to your little person’s needs. I remember my first flight with my then 3-year-old son; the noise of the toilet terrified him to the point where it took me three years to get him to use one again.

Snacks are a must. Quite often, the choice of children’s meal items are limited, and no airline will guarantee that any of their products are free of contaminants or allergens. Plus, for many kids with autism spectrum disorder, their own lunchbox with their own food is calming in what can be a stressful process.

I let them pack their own carryon bag. Giving little ones ownership of what they take onboard keeps them involved in the process. I also recommend a little present (Lego or a new doll) to make the process exciting rather than scary.

My children are quite amazing travellers, but they are still challenged on a sensory level every time we fly.

In fact, my daughter now has anxiety while flying, even though there seems to be no trigger for it. We won’t let it stop us, though – we just modify our behaviour to make it easier for her.

Melanie Whyte is a mum of two autistic tweens and has been in the travel industry for 20 years. Follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/ MelanieWhyteTravelManager).

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news & views

Set up camp

It’s outdoors. It’s a novelty. It’s a budget option. It’s perfect family time. And the best bit? There are marshmallows. Here are 12 tips to help make your next camping holiday your best one yet.

WORDS SOPHIE CULLEN

Family camping is an easy and rewarding holiday experience. As someone who grew up going on many a roadtrip and even sleeping out in a tent in the backyard, I’m dismayed to hear that some families shove camping in the ‘too hard’ basket. First-time camping and preparation may seem a little daunting, so check out these tips and tricks for a fun and seamless trip by the beach or in the bush.

with an esky, a car door and an umbrella after a tent pole snapped. Heavy-duty tape would have been a much quicker fix.

01 CHECK ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU GO

06 PRIORITISE FIRST AID

Make sure all the bits and pieces are there before you take off to avoid nasty surprises upon arrival. If equipment is new, give it a trial run at home – especially tents and stoves.

02 ARRIVE AT YOUR CAMPSITE IN DAYLIGHT

PLENTY OF WATER A spare day’s food and drinking water is important in an emergency, especially on overnight hikes or in remote areas.

Check your first-aid kit is fully stocked and replenished before leaving – it will come in handy for emergencies both big and small.

07 KEEP YOUR CAMPSITE TIDY

This makes setting up much easier and allows you to get your bearings. Locate the toilets if there are any and set out bedding before dark.

Store your food in a dry bag or sealed container, and keep rubbish away from where you intend to sleep. That way you’ll avoid attracting unwanted insect or animal guests.

03 PREPARE FOR ALL CLIMATES

08 BOOK IN ADVANCE

Bring wet-weather gear (including raincoats and a weatherproof fly for the tent) no matter what. A warm jumper is a good idea too.

04 PACK A REPAIR KIT

Some gaffer tape, extra rope, a sewing kit and even spare poles will seem like dead weight in the boot of your car – until you need them. Then they become a godsend. I once kept a tent up

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05 PACK EXTRA FOOD SUPPLIES AND

School holidays and long weekends book out really quickly, so jump in early, especially if you want to camp somewhere popular. March and April can be really pleasant if the weather is still mild.

09 BORROW EQUIPMENT

Make sure camping is for you before committing to expensive purchases.

10 BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Choose a tent that is easy enough to put up and pack away. After a while, my family and I stopped using our big touring tent in favour of two smaller annexed domes because they were much simpler and less time-consuming to erect. Climate ratings on sleeping bags are another biggie. Take a hammer or small mallet to push tent pegs in, and a doormat for the tent entrance. Take a dustpan and broom to sweep away sand and dirt, and a ground sheet to lay under your tent. Take a pump for airbeds and individual torches for everyone, including kids.

I recommend head torches to keep your hands free for board games and the game Spotlight.

11 CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPOT

If you’ve never camped before, consider opting for a caravan park, where you’ll have access to electricity, shower blocks, camp kitchens, laundries and convenience stores.

12 KEEP MEALS SIMPLE BUT YUMMY

Pre-made meals are easy to heat up on a stove, and sausages and vegies or bacon and eggs are easily cooked on a BBQ. Aim for few ingredients and short preparation time. For some fun, try camp staples like marshmallows melted on an open fire or damper cooked over hot coals.

Don’t forget tea and coffee, and definitely don’t forget the chocolate!

Plan

Three things you’ll love on Ovation of the Seas

FOR KIDS: FLOWRIDER AND IFLY Head to the back of the boat and you’ll find the kids’ zone. At RipCord by iFly, you can feel the rush of indoor skydiving; twist, turn and drop your way through the glass tube. Make sure you look up, too – it’ll help you fly, and the view is incredible. Afterwards, try the FlowRider surfing simulator.

The key is to get down nice and low, dip your toes in the water on either side of the board and use your core muscles to balance.

FOR PARENTS: ADULTS-ONLY OASIS Pop the kids in the kids’ club and head to the adults-only sanctuary on the top deck at the front of the boat, where you’ll find a series of cascading pools and spas set beneath tropical palms. There’s also has a bar and loads of comfortable oversize lounge chairs for dozing, reading or simply admiring the view.

FOR GRANDPARENTS: DINNER AND A SHOW Choose your favourite cuisine and book a night at the theatre; Ovation of the Seas has Broadway- and Vegas-style productions set in a grand theatre. The Asian-fusion restaurant Silk offers elegant, sophisticated dining under colourful lanterns. For something more theatrical, try Wonderland, an Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant with smoke and mirrors to delight your senses. royalcaribbean.com.au

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IN QUEST OF A GOOD TIME For more than 30 years, Australians have been discovering the smarter way to have fun at Questacon, the national science and technology centre. Whether for the first time or the hundredth, a visit to Questacon is a must for families.

There’s something for everyone as you experience science in extraordinary ways. Free-fall down a 6m slide, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake or challenge a robot to a game of air hockey. Or visit Q Lab to catch an ever-changing array of intriguing experiments, explosive demonstrations and interesting displays.

This year, Questacon is home to two brand-new exhibits. Recline in an oasis of calm amongst boundless enthusiasm as you take in all the details of ‘The Moon’.

And challenge yourself at ‘Born or Built? Our Robotic Future’, exploring the increasing similarities between humans and machines.

Little scientists and their carers will enjoy Mini Q as they play, discover and learn in a gallery specifically designed for newborn to 6-year-olds.

Questacon’s eight interactive galleries feature more than 200 hands-on exhibits designed for visitors of all ages to touch, play and explore. They cover a range of science topics, from astronomy to zoology and everything in between.

No visit is complete without watching – and perhaps taking a starring role in – a Spectacular Science Show.

Questacon is located in Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone, adjacent to several other national institutions within this premier tourist precinct. It is just a short walk from the centre of Canberra and an ideal location for visitors and locals to enjoy some of Canberra’s best tourist experiences.

Questacon is open daily between 9am and 5pm (except Christmas Day). Be sure to stop in at Q Shop – it offers a range of science-themed toys, gifts and souvenirs, so you can continue the Questacon experience well after you leave. questacon.edu.au

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The beauty of Ruby The Ruby Collection – a beautiful new holiday apartment complex recently opened in Surfers Paradise, with sweeping views of the beach or hinterland – is the perfect base for whatever kind of holiday you’re after. For couples wanting a romantic retreat, there is a luxury pool, gym, sauna and steam room.

There is plenty of entertainment throughout the day and evening as well – from cocktail-making classes and wine-and-cheese tastings to live music and cooking demonstrations. If being on holiday, though, means taking a break from cooking, there are plenty of great dining options, with a cafe and restaurant on site. So whether you want to head out and enjoy the local attractions or just stay put and savour cocktails by the pool, Ruby is the place to be. therubycollection.edu.au

A DREAM COME TRUE Is there anything more exciting than the relaunch of a favourite family resort? How about a discount on its dreamy accommodation? That’s right – when you become a Daydream Island Daydreamer Club member, you’ll enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including 10 per cent off accommodation booked through its website, upgrades, free wifi, late checkout and two complimentary tickets to its soonto-open Daydream Cinema. You don’t need to pinch yourself – just sign up at daydreamisland.com.au.

Central Coast Holiday Parks Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council

www.cchp.com.au

Central Coast Council

FREE CALL 1800 241 342 AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan

Australia’s best farm stays WORDS JEMMA NEWLYN

A timber cottage farmhouse with provincial French interiors. Days spent milking the cows, riding horses and feeding goats. Muddy gumboots and valley views. Drinking local wine on the verandah and collecting freshly laid eggs in the morning.

Farm work is hard work, but what’s stopping you from trying the farm life without all of the backbreaking labour?

Australia boasts some of the most beautiful farm stays with varied levels of involvement – here are our five favourites.

01

BLACKWATTLE, BEERWAH, QUEENSLAND This self-described ‘back to basics’ farm stay offers the serenity of a remote farm lifestyle in a central location; Blackwattle is situated on the Sunshine Coast, just 30 minutes from the coastline and 10 minutes from Australia Zoo. The rainforest cabin boasts a luxury bathroom with claw-foot baths, and a continental breakfast hamper with farm-made honey and jam. The new ‘tiny’ house has an outdoor firepit that’s perfect for toasting marshmallows.

Join in the farm activity by feeding the cows, miniature pigs and goats, alpacas, chickens and ducks. Kitchen-garden workshops using greens selected from the organic vegetable garden are a highlight for those interested in learning how to make their own fresh produce. blackwattlefarm.com.au

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02 PUMP HILL, PEMBERTON,

WESTERN AUSTRALIA A four-star farm stay boasting classic mud-brick cottages, cosy fireplaces and misty valley views – and just 90 minutes from Margaret River. The soft forest sunrise encourages coffee on the verandah while baby ducks come for a visit.

Each morning, journey on a traditional hay cart through the farm with one of the friendly

horses to feed the cows, donkeys, goats and sheep. All of the animals at Pump Hill love a pat and a carrot or two, and the chickens always provide fresh eggs to collect.

Take a break from farm play with a bushwalk in the nearby forest, and go bird-watching for the colourful local residents. A private barbecue as the sun sets is the perfect culmination of the day’s farm-stay experience. pumphill.com.au

03 RIVENDELL, EAST

GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA For a breath of fresh country air without sacrificing luxury, head to this opulent farm stay.

The large open-plan cottages – originally water tanks and dairies – now boast outdoor entertainment areas and open fireplaces, perfect for an evening featuring board games and wine.

Rivendell sees magical sunsets fall across Tambo River. The

working beef farm also boasts a truffiere, magnificent manicured gardens, two orchards and an extensive vegie garden. It’s also pet-friendly and has a large range of farm animals.

Strolling through the orchards, collecting eggs, feeding the animals, taking spa swims, kayaking, swimming and indulging in home-cooked pastries are all part of the daily routine. rivendellfarmcottages.com.au

05 MINIMBAH, KANGAROO VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Timber cottages with wide verandahs, open fields and nearby cellar doors – Minimbah is one of the South Coast’s favoured farm stays for a reason.

A fully operational cattle property with animal feeding and its own flowing creek, this escape provides the perfect education for little farmers. They can feed goats, alpacas, chickens, sheep and baby cows, and take a gentle walk through the rainforest. Minimbah also has a play fort with rope swings and a river for rock-hopping and swimming.

The accommodation spans a range of classic farmhouse cottages featuring kids’ bunks and group options. Looking out over expansive fields, the kids can let off steam while parents kick back with a glass of wine. Surrounding activities include bushwalking, lookouts, swimming, horseriding, golf, tennis, cellar doors and a nearby museum. minimbah.com.au

04 28 GATES, DERWENT VALLEY, TASMANIA

It’s a classic grazing property set on 2225 hectares of Tasmanian beauty, yet 28 Gates is just an hour from Hobart – and its sweeping pastures and lakes are brimming with activity year-round.

At this working sheep farm, you can learn about the wool process and the shearing sheds or simply take a tour of the property.

The original stables and grain lofts have been transformed into luxury farm properties surrounded by hiking trails and rolling hills – there are plenty of tracks for all abilities.

Try fly fishing at the four private lakes, or feed the horse, sheep, rabbit, chooks and dogs. Join a wildlife night tour and try to spot wallabies, kangaroos, potoroos, quolls, possums, wombats and even an endangered Tasmanian devil.

28 Gates is also about sparkling wine, local cheese and homemade cake, so finish your days with secluded sunset picnics of local cheese, biscuits and Tasmanian wine.

28gatesfarmstay.com.au

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE HOLIDAY PARK THAT HAS IT ALL Looking for a family holiday destination? Look no further than BIG4 Easts Beach, where there really is something for the whole family.

01 Sunny’s Aquaventure Park features multilevel platforms with three water slides and a giant tipping bucket, an ocean-themed splash pad with interactive features, plus a shaded water journey for babies and toddlers. There is also a partially shaded sunlounge area for you to relax in while your children are having the time of their lives.

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02 Little Monkeys Play Corner and Games Room will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Challenge yourselves as a family or play individually with the various games to choose from. Young ones will love the designated play corner, which features a fantastic indoor playground.

03 The relaxing massage studio is designed to offer privacy and tranquility, allowing you to be fully pampered by our professional and experienced massage therapists. The massage studio is located inside the park and offers a peaceful environment in which you can relax and unwind. Go on – spoil yourself or surprise a loved one.

02

04 The exciting brand-new pool complex has two pool areas: a heated lounge pool with children’s play area and plunge pool, plus a large main pool with two lap lanes and a disability ramp.

03

05 Whether you enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, body-boarding or just splashing about, you can do it all at Easts Beach, where the sapphire-blue ocean waves lap onto golden sands. This 400m beach offers a chance to relax, unwind and bask in the sun while your children build sandcastles. Easts Beach offers the complete package, from dancing waves at sunrise to a moonlit evening stroll.

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PITCH A TENT...

...or park your caravan or book a cabin – with Central Coast Holiday Parks, the choice is yours! The beautifully varied landscape between Sydney and Newcastle proves itself as the perfect weekend away time and time again. It encourages families to fish, swim, surf, snorkel, dive, bushwalk, feed pelicans and go horseriding. Now that you know where your next mini-break will be, it’s time to figure out where to base yourself. Stay close to the action at Budgewoi Holiday Park, Canton Beach Holiday Park, Norah Head Holiday Park or Toowoon Bay Holiday Park – you won’t be disappointed! cchp.com.au

Think, play and do with Bookywoo Looking for something to keep young kids engaged while on the road?

Bookywoo is a fun-filled felt activity book that helps develop fine motor skills, critical thinking and problemsolving. Each page is themed with a different interactive activity so little people can explore textures and tasks; tie a bow, sew in and out, snap on shapes, do up buttons, match colours, zip zips and peg pegs. It’s super light

AIM FOR THE STARS If you’ve ever dreamed of winning the Sony World Photography Awards, you’ll need an interesting subject matter (inspiration can be found within the covers of our magazine) and top-notch equipment. Sony has a range of cameras that include travelfriendly features such as 30x optical zoom, waterproof capacity and even 4K recording capability.

Find one that’s right for you at sony.com.au.

and portable, which makes it a great option for family travel.

Bookywoo is a small family-run business – the brainchild of an experienced designer and mum of two who got tired of electronic toys with flashing lights and loud noises.

“I thought it was about time to make something that focuses on old-school learning,” she says. bookywoo.com

BIG4 IS BEST There’s a reason Big4 Easts Beach is swarming with families all throughout the year: it’s the best self-contained accommodation down south! Just a few kilometres from the centre of Kiama, the 14-hectare park features mountain backdrops and absolute beach frontage. Plus, it’s just welcomed a new pool complex with two distinct areas: a heated lounge pool with children’s play areas and a plunge pool, and a large main pool with two lap lanes and a disability ramp. So whichever terrain suits your family, you’ll find it right here. eastsbeach.com.au AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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5 must-have travel apps

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FIRST AID FAST $2.99; IOS AND ANDROID Save someone’s life (or maybe even your own) with First Aid Fast.

Press the one-touch button and you will be put through to the local ambulance service, wherever you are in the world. While you are on the call, your phone’s GPS location will be visible, which means they’ll know exactly where you are so help can arrive as quickly as possible. There is also a hospital locator with directions to the closest option from wherever you are. A to Z step-by-step first-aid guides and videos are included to provide additional assistance whenever you need it.

SKYPE FREE; IOS & ANDROID Skype remains one of the most versatile and feature-packed communication apps around, with free instant messages, face-to-face video and voice calls, low-cost calls and text messages, and photo and file transfers via wifi or any internet service provider. Group chat is also available, so you can stay in touch with everyone back home. If you are going on a world trip, a subscription for unlimited calls to mobile or landline numbers in 50-plus countries costs less than A$15 per month. Or you can simply pay as you go, with rates starting at just one cent per minute.

WEATHERZONE FREE; IOS & ANDROID Rain, hail or shine, this weather app covers 2000-plus Australian cities and more than 1000 international destinations.

Features include regularly updated forecasts and an interactive Australian weather radar. The app stores favourite cities and includes a daily rainfall graph to help with planning excursions, as well as other useful information such as snow reports, pollen forecasts and a ‘feels like’ temperature indicator so you know what to really expect outside. The app also looks good, thanks to beautiful user-submitted landscape and sky photography on the home screen.

ROME2RIO FREE; IOS & ANDROID Discover how to get wherever you need to go by plane, train, bus, ferry or automobile anywhere in the world, with Rome2rio. Enter a town, address or landmark as your destination and this clever app will display flight, train, bus, ferry and driving options with estimated travel times and fares. Booking details from more than 5000 companies in 160-plus countries are also available, giving you the opportunity to shop around to get the best deal on fares to wherever you are going. Accommodation choices and suggestions on activities you can do once you arrive are also included.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE FREE; IOS & ANDROID Google Translate acts as a realtime translator between people speaking different languages.

More than 90 foreign languages can be detected and immediately translated, both spoken aloud and displayed on screen. When the user responds in their native tongue, their words are translated to the appropriate foreign language automatically, creating a conversation in real time. Translation works without an internet connection, and popular words and phrases can be saved in the app for easy reference. Google Translate also includes image translation – simply take a photograph of a foreign sign, menu or museum plaque and the app will translate it almost immediately into English text.

Plan

CLIMB OF YOUR LIFE Tired of the crowds on ground level when Vivid Sydney is in town? Rise above it all with BridgeClimb Sydney! On the ever-popular Vivid Climb (now in its sixth year), you and your kids aged 8-plus will rock a colourful flashing vest en route to the summit of the Harbour Bridge. Then, afterwards, you can all dance the night away (or until the kids get tired) under the stars on a specially designed ’70s-style dancefloor. Book quickly via bridgeclimb.com – this climb is only available between May 24 and June 15.

Our love is in the air

Most of the best places in the world need to be reached by plane, so it’s lucky that the airlines aren’t just resting on their laurels, knowing we’d have to give them business whether we want to or not.

They’re constantly competing for our love – and, this issue, these three have got it!

ETIHAD AIRWAYS: Another family friendly flight will be found with Etihad Airways, which offers the services of a Flying Nanny to keep little ones busy (think origami, hand puppets, facepainting, arts and crafts). Plus, every child over 3 receives their own pack of games, activity books and stickers.

FINNAIR: Right from the get-go, you can tell Finnair loves families.

There’s a dedicated check-in desk for us, where our littlies are given special tickets and baggage tags.

Then, once we’re onboard, kids will receive either a cute Moomin towel or toy and can even opt for special meal times.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: This beloved local airline will be adding up to 183 extra flights over the April school holidays and, at the same time, launching two seasonal routes: Perth to the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Launceston. Talk about making domestic travel easy!

FIVE STARS FOR FAMILIES Discover the best of Jakarta when you stay at Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta, a sanctuary for travellers set in the heart of the city’s golden triangle. The five-star hotel boasts spacious accommodation with 280 stylish rooms and suites, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and an opulent Presidential Suite with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline.

The entire family will be kept entertained with a host of facilities – a large lagoon-style outdoor pool, jacuzzi, children’s wading pool, rejuvenating spa services and a well-equipped fitness centre.

Two specialty restaurants also offer all-day dining and Italian cuisine, along with an on-site bakery for pastries and coffee. Just a short distance from some of Jakarta’s largest shopping malls and attractions, Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta is the perfect place to base yourself. Book now at wyndhamhotels.com.

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opinion

Intrepid travelling with kids Is it possible to travel like you used to when you were single, but with small children? Lydia Smith and her partner set out to find the answer with their two little girls, three bags and a lingering sense of adventure.

My partner, our two kids (aged 2 and 11 air-conditioning, overexcited kids and very short months) and I recently embarked on a magical bunks. This would have been fine if it had been two-week adventure through Vietnam and just the two of us, but we found our limit with Cambodia. As seasoned backpackers, my the little ones. partner and I are used to a certain amount of From Da Nang, it was a hop, skip and jump to lacklustre planning, trekking and accidental Hoi An, which was fantastic! It was easy to cycle sightseeing usually covering long distances (and and walk around with the kids, and the lanterns doing so somewhat uncomfortably) – now we that light the streets at night were just magical wanted to see how it’d go with the kids in tow. and brought so much joy to their faces.

LYDIA SMITH We thought it would be good to break the Next stop: Cambodia. It took us some time Founder of Bookywoo journey to Vietnam, so we stopped in Kuala to get through customs in Siem Riep, but when (bookywoo.com) Lumpur on the way over. But we quickly learnt we did we found a lovely chap holding a piece that the extra rest you thought you’d get only comes if you of paper with our names on it and a tuk tuk raring to go. stay close to the airport and have room service and a cot.

You should have seen Flori’s grin! Even Annabelle, at the At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we ran into a hiccup worldly age of 11 months, was beaming from ear to ear as we when I figured out I’d made a typo on my visa application for whisked our way through the night.

Vietnam. After a mad dash and some frantic searching, we Angkor Archaeological Park is much more than just were back in the check-in line, through security and on the Angkor Wat – monumental as this famous temple is – and plane – phew! Thankfully, as the plane took off, so did our the kids (as well as us adults) loved exploring the enormous renewed sense of excitement. historical complex. To make the most of it, we decided to do The next morning, we headed for our short train journey it over a couple of trips (tip: take it slow with kids and break from Ho Chi Minh City to the beach town of Mui Ne. We up busy days with relaxation days). weren’t sure about our train bookings, but we were delighted We spent the next day recovering poolside at the resort, that the station was quiet and easy to navigate. I think I was then went back to Angkor Wat for an unforgettable sunrise. expecting something akin to Mumbai at rush hour, and was After stopping to pick up tickets, we parked in the dark and pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t. Intrepid, here we come! made our way down a dusty road. It felt a little like a festival, Two lovely ladies were sharing our four-berth cabin with where you get sucked into the crowd, unable to see much us, and they were a delight, offering us homemade pork buns further ahead than the person in front of you. along the way. So far, so good.

Once inside, we saw the silhouette of Angkor Wat more We arrived at Mui Ne’s Pandanus Resort, which is spread clearly. Even though it was still dark and only half past five out over huge grounds with a pool, playground, hammocks, in the morning, it was chock-a-block. The sunrise was a sun loungers and restaurants where we indulged in some of spectacle all of its own. The orange sun casting its rays over the best Vietnamese food we have ever had. the lotus towers does not disappoint. It was crowded and The beach directly out the front of the resort was lined dusty, but also awe-inspiring and incredibly special to be with fishing nets and squid fishing boats, the tranquility only able to spend that moment together as a family. broken by the odd scooter whooshing past us on the sand.

There are dozens of coffee shops with plastic tables and We stayed here for three full days and ventured out for some chairs that make a great place to base yourself – as long small trips. The fish market is worth a visit, but it’s definitely as you buy a coffee (which, let’s face it, everyone wants at not for the faint-hearted. that early hour anyway), they allow you to eat your packed The overnight train from Phan Thiet to Da Nang took 13 breakfast at their tables. hours, but it felt much longer. We now know that there is a All up, we had an amazing time travelling with our kids. big difference in the types of trains and their age, size, speed We did have to plan more, do a bit less, stay longer in each and comfort. I highly recommend that you do your research place and always have access to food and water, but we had on which train is best for your situation and try to book that. a great time. And the times when it didn’t go so well – well, I love overnight trains, but this trip was a storm of broken those times are part of the adventure too.

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images

Clockwise from top left: Macaque monkeys at Angkor Archeological Park, Cambodia; pretty lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam; taking a break at Ta Prohm temple, Cambodia; Angkor Wat at sunrise; exploring Ta Prohm.

‘WE DID HAVE TO PLAN MORE, DO A BIT LESS, STAY LONGER IN EACH PLACE ...

BUT WE HAD A GREAT TIME.’

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kids’ picks

Why we love to travel

There’s no greater learning experience than physically exploring the world.

Here, 11 young travellers share their holiday highlights with us.

Georgia, 11 My favourite season to travel in is summer because I love the beach and swimming and eating mangoes.

Last holidays, my family went to Mollymook Beach on the south coast of NSW. It was great because I could easily access the beach and the ocean in my new Hippocampe beach chair. Next holidays we are planning to visit Byron Bay and Tamworth, and I’m really looking forward to hopefully trying horseriding on our friend’s farm. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Batu Batu in Malaysia because the water was so clear and amazing. Family holiday time is special because everyone is together and it’s much more relaxed than school time. My favourite family holiday memory is visiting Disneyland in Anaheim. I got to go on lots of rides and everyone was super helpful. I’ve always dreamed of going to the snow because I would like to go zooming down a mountain. After listening to the Harry Potter audiobook, I really want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood because that’s where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is. And maybe England so I can see the castles! The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Uluru, as it looks amazing and I’ve never seen the desert. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Singapore because I was born there and I’d love to go back to explore it some more. The best thing about life right now is my friends and my family.

Oliver, 3 My favourite season to travel in is all the seasons because I like holidays.

Last holidays, my family went to the Blue Mountains and it was great because we went to Dinosaur Valley and saw the dinosaurs and went on the steep train. Next holidays we are planning to visit Queensland and I’m really looking forward to going to Australia Zoo. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Byron Bay because our hotel was across the road from the beach and a playground! Family holiday time is special because we always have heaps of fun together. My favourite family holiday memory is

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going fishing with Mummy and Daddy and throwing our bait off the boat. I’ve always dreamed of going to Jurassic Park because I love dinosaurs. After seeing the movie Jurassic World, I really want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood or Singapore because they have a Jurassic Park ride. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Cairns because there are lots of crocs and rainforests there. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Bali because I want to see the monkey temple in Ubud. The best thing about life right now is that my birthday is coming up.

Plan

Marley, 14 My favourite season to travel in is autumn because the weather is perfect – not too hot but not too cold either.

Last holidays, my family went to Spain and it was great because it was my first time to Europe. It was amazing to see all the history – it blew my mind that I could touch Roman buildings! We went to lots of soccer games as well.

Next holidays, we are planning to visit South Africa for my uncle’s wedding.

I am really looking forward to seeing family I haven’t seen for a while. We might go on safari too. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Spain – I was on a soccer tour and got to go to lots of games, and even trained at Valencia and Real Madrid! Family holiday time is special because you get to relax and have fun with people you love. My favourite family holiday memory is going to Thailand with Mum when I was about 8. We went to these waterfalls that you could slide down like waterslides and there were fish in the pools at the bottom that nibbled on your toes. I’ve always dreamed of going to Machu Picchu, because it looks so cool. And llamas! After starting to learn Spanish at school, I’d really like to visit Spain again, or maybe South America. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Cambodia because I’d like to see Angkor Wat – it’s a wonder of the world!

Florence, 3 My favourite season to travel in is summer because that’s when it’s hot. Last holidays, my family went to Bali. It was great because I went swimming every day. Next holidays we are planning to visit Bali because it was so much fun and so hot.

My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Fraser Island because it was a big adventure and has scary animals. Family holiday time is special because my family is fun. My favourite family holiday memory is going swimming with my family.

Thea, 9

My favourite season to travel in is winter because I can throw snowballs at my dad. One time I got one down the back of his shirt! He wasn’t happy and then he threw one back at me. Last holidays, my family went to central Australia. It was great because we did lots of swimming in the rock gorges. Next holidays we are planning to visit Oman – I am really looking forward to seeing some camels.

My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Cairns because we travelled around in a campervan and we had the biggest one!

It was cool to be able to stay anywhere.

Family holiday time is special because we get to go to new places and see new things. My favourite family holiday memory is going to Zoo Cafe in Budapest.

They had cats, chameleons, guinea pigs, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes and a bearded dragon that they brought to our table to pat while we ate! I love animals, so I never wanted to leave. A bird ate a man’s cake, but luckily it didn’t get mine! I’ve always dreamed of going to Kakadu because I want to see crocodiles – just not too close. After watching the Harry Potter movies, I’d really like to visit England and Scotland because they look cool. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Perth because I want to watch a movie on the plane. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Bali because my friend went there and I would like to too. The best thing about life right now is my cat Bonnie and my best friend Orla.

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Plan

Mackenzie, 14

My favourite season to travel in is summer because I can do adventurous things in the water. Last holidays, my family went to Bali. It was great because I got to experience their culture and I especially liked the temples. Next holidays we are planning to visit somewhere in the South Pacific – I am really looking forward to trying new foods and cultural experiences. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Paris because we went to Disneyland.

Family holiday time is special because we get to relax and bond without stress. My favourite family holiday memory is going on the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland. I’ve always dreamed of going to Antarctica because it’s nowhere like anywhere else in the world. After learning in class about Greek mythology, I’d really like to visit Athens to see those stories come to life. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Uluru because they are closing it to the public soon and I don’t want to miss out. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Japan because it has a long history and some really awesome culture. The best thing about life right now is waiting for my baby brother to be born.

Cooper, 14 My favourite season to travel in is autumn because it’s not too hot or cold and it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring. Last holidays, my family went to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden. I went skiing in Lapland, got to know the Finnish culture and tried different foods in a variety of countries. Next holidays we are planning to visit Myanmar. I’m really looking forward to staying at a nice hotel and visiting temples.

My favourite destinations that I’ve visited is Verona in Italy and Seoul in South Korea because of the amazing history and food and awesome architecture. Seoul, also, because it’s modern, fashionable and great for foodies. Family holiday time is special because we get to test ourselves and have a good time – even when we’re arguing. My favourite family holiday memory is adaptive skiing in Lapland. It was incredible! I’ve always dreamed of going to the Maldives because I’d love to snorkel there, eat the food and enjoy the luxury. After learning in class about NepaI, I’d really like to visit Kathmandu as I would love to see all the mountains and divine scenery. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is the Great Barrier Reef because I’m not sure how much longer it will be alive.

The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Hong Kong, to eat the food, sail on a junk and go shopping. Want to read Cooper’s family’s blog? Visit smithsholidayroad.com.

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Ewan, 13 My favourite season to travel in is winter because I love snow and skiiing. I love the feeling of blasting down the mountains.

Last holidays, my family went to central Australia. It was great because I drove there with my dad; it was 7000km there and back! We stopped and camped along the way and met with my mum and my sister, who flew in.

I got to ride a camel, which was pretty cool, and walk around Uluru. Swimming in the gorges and waterholes was also fun.

Next holidays, we are planning to visit Oman – I am really looking forward to seeing the desert. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is France because I got to climb the Eiffel Tower. Family holiday time is special because there’s no school! And you get to do fun things with your family. My favourite family holiday memory is walking around the base of Uluru. I’ve always dreamed of going to Spain because I’m obsessed with soccer and I want to see an El Clasico game. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Darwin or Broome because they’re really remote and I might be able to leave my sister there (just kidding).

I’d love to see some Aboriginal art and dances. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Vietnam. I want to go out on a boat cruise and just see somewhere different, because I haven’t been to Asia.

Plan

Kian, 12

Zoe, 11 My favourite season to travel in is summer because we have long school holidays and we get to go camping. Last holidays, my family went to Vietnam. It was great because there were lots of nice beaches and lots of yummy food to eat. Next holidays, we are planning to visit Fiji or Bali. When we get there, I’m really looking forward to snorkelling in the sea. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Paris because the weather was nice and there were lots of great things to look at, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Family holiday time is special because we get to go to new places. My favourite family holiday memory is exploring all of the old castles with my grandparents in Wales.

I’ve always dreamed of going to Hawai‘i because the beaches are beautiful and I really want to see lava going into the ocean.

After learning in class about Cambodia, I really want to go there because Angkor Wat and the other temples look really amazing. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is the Sunshine Coast because I want to visit Australia Zoo and see where Steve Irwin’s family is and see all of the animals. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Japan because I want to go skiing there. The best thing about life right now is sport because it’s super fun and I enjoy it.

My favourite season to travel in is winter because you don’t get hot in the car. Last holidays, my family stayed at home and it was great because we went to the beach a lot, explored rock pools and went bodyboarding. Next holidays we are planning to visit Malta, England and Ireland. I’m really looking forward to meeting one of Mum’s friends in Ireland, seeing my great-grandparents in England and visiting the Blue Grotto in Malta. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Iceland because the landscapes were beautiful, everyone was really nice there, we went in a volcano cave and we saw the largest waterfall in Europe. Family holiday time is special because we get to go to lots of places and have fun adventures together. My favourite holiday memory is visiting The Forbidden Corner in Yorkshire, England, because it was full of tricks, jokes and mazes. I’ve always dreamed of going to the Amazon because of the Aztec and Inca temples and all the wildlife in the rainforest. After reading about Egypt, I really want to go see the pyramids. The next Australian destination I’d like to visit is Ningaloo Reef because I want to snorkel and see all the amazing coral and fish. The next Asian destination I’d like to visit is Cambodia because I want to see the temples like Mum and Dad did.

Hayden, 8 My favourite season to travel in is summer because it’s hot and there are more things to do.

Last holidays, my family went to Bali. It was great because we went shopping and bought lots of things for me. Next holidays we are planning to go to Fiji because it was really fun there, the people were really fun and we swam a lot. My favourite destination that I’ve visited is Bali because we swam every day. Family holiday time is special because you get to spend lots of time with family and sometimes take friends. My favourite family holiday memory is flying in the planes. I’ve always dreamed of going to London to see Big Ben. AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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Plan

accessible travel

special treatment for special needs In Walt Disney’s words, all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

Images: Julie Jones

WORDS JULIE JONES

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Before we had even entered the gates of Disneyland, I found myself walking with an extra pep in my step. Anticipation and the piped music playing seemed to carry us – and others – to the entrance.

The aptly named ‘happiest place on Earth’ creates a magic that I haven’t felt anywhere else. Walt Disney did indeed achieve what he set out to do and create a “happy place, where parents and children can have fun… together”.

As we walked through those gates, the inner child in each of us was seemingly released, freeing us to squeal on rides, eat Disney-themed treats and show our kids another side of us.

After many visits to Disneyland and California Adventure Park as a family, we think ‘most accessible’ could be added to the list of Disney’s accomplishments.

While the physical access is good, it’s one of the only places we have visited where we have felt our son’s needs have been understood and not questioned.

The provisions, understanding and willingness of staff (known as Cast Members) to ensure people of all abilities have a fun-filled day makes it a destination we can’t wait to return to again and again. It’s why Disneyland has earned a reputation for being an

inclusive attraction, and is on the mustsee travel lists of many families who have a member with additional needs.

MAKING THINGS EASY

We researched the wheelchair accessibility of rides in advance using the Disneyland website’s Guests with Disabilities information. The detailed descriptions allowed us to curate a plan around the rides that would suit our son.

As he can transfer from his wheelchair, he was only limited by his fear factor, however some rides can accommodate people who need to remain in their chair.

The Disability Access Service (DAS) was the greatest provision for our family.

Our son likes to be on the go constantly, so standing in a queue for 20 minutes or more is just not manageable for him. After a visit to City Hall to discuss his requirements, we were issued a DAS card that allowed us to avoid conventional queuing. Instead, at our desired rides, we received a scheduled return time comparable with whatever the current queue wait time was for it.

Better yet, we were able to use the DAS card in conjunction with the FastPass+ system, allowing us to make the most of our time at the parks.

Like a well-oiled machine, Cast Members anticipated our needs, stopping rides with moving access to give us time to get on, and ensuring our son’s wheelchair was waiting at the end when we alighted. And when there wasn’t a queue, they allowed us to ride again without getting off.

It can be exhausting assisting someone in and out of the various rides throughout the day, but the smile never left our faces because everything was made that bit easier thanks to the attitude of the Cast Members.

INTERACTING WITH THE CHARACTERS

Given our son is non-verbal, photos from our holidays play a pivotal role in his communication with family, friends and mates upon his return. Getting pictures with the characters is always high on his list, and we found interactions were always positive here. Breakfast with the characters was an easy way to meet many in a short time. The only problem was it was so exciting that our son didn’t eat a single thing. Noting this, staff kindly offered us a couple of takeaway containers to take food with us for when the excitement subsided and hunger hit.

Plan

images

From left to right Bert and Mary Poppins helped us find our way; Alice In Wonderland-themed Easter decorations; Roz from Monsters Inc at California Adventure Park; The Little Mermaid’s Ariel is just as lovely in real life!

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Plan

It’s Mickey Mouse in his Easter outfit!

VISITING ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Disneyland is always magical – not only because of the rides, shows and parades, but because of the stunning detail the Disney Imagineers (the research and design team) include everywhere. Amazingly, they take that detail to the next level when it comes to special occasions. We’ve visited during Christmas and Easter and enjoyed seeing the characters dressed in themed clothing and noticing the makeover that happens throughout the park.

Images: Julie Jones

STAYING AT DISNEYLAND Disney days are wonderful, but they are exhausting. Staying close to the parks is essential, and booking a Disney hotel has many advantages. The most compelling reason we stayed on site is because, as Disney hotel guests, we received an extra magic hour, giving us early entry to the parks. Although some Park Hopper passes offer a magic-hour morning, staying at a Disney property

provided an additional hour. This allowed us to ride five rides before the park was open to others, maximising our time in the park and eliminating wait times.

Staying at Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier kept us immersed in the Disney bubble. Living in an animated world, far from reality, is magical, even if it is short-lived. Each of the hotels is within easy walk or wheel of the parks, and is individually themed. Paradise Pier’s casual vibe is inspired by the heyday of California’s beachfront boardwalks, while Disneyland Hotel is classically themed, with decorations giving a firm nod to Walt Disney and the history of the park. Accessible accommodation ensures guests of all abilities have a comfortable stay.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Setting an alarm on holiday may seem counterintuitive, but we’ve found getting to the park early is key.

By using our phone to book our

family travel tip Accessible viewing areas for the parades and the fireworks are reserved for guests with a disability. Don’t be afraid to ask a Cast Member for assistance.

FastPass+ on the Disneyland app, we avoided a two-hour wait for Radiator Springs Racers. Purchasing a MaxPass further enhanced our Disney days. It was a game-changer for the rides, and even for avoiding the long queues for food – we ordered through the app and picked it up at our allocated time. When spending a full day at the parks with kids, all of these time-savers contribute to a happier day.

Disneyland should be savoured, not rushed. Three days minimum is what we allow to enjoy its magic. Disney adds an extra sprinkle of pixie dust to everything it does, and it’s why our family rates our times together at the parks as some of our most memorable family adventures.

Plan

another Wheelie good time!

Long known as a formidable city to even the bravest, New York is throwing open its doors and growing a reputation for being helpful, friendly and much more mobile.

New York’s reputation as a busy, no-nonsense city had us wondering how easily we’d navigate it with our son in his wheelchair – but we were pleasantly surprised that the locals were willing to lend a hand when we found ourselves with an access road-block and accessible facilities were available at many of the must-visit attractions.

GETTING OUR BEARINGS Booking a free tour with an Apple Greeter for our first day in the city helped us find our feet. The Apple Greeter service matches local volunteers with visitors, tailoring a tour to your interests.

Our guide, Coreen, showed us the ropes (including access) and the sights. First, she gave us tips on navigating public transport, advising us that while New York’s buses are accessible, only a portion of the subway stops are. We toured some of her favourite places in the city, and at the end of the day she left us with a printout of her tips, which included the best places to buy a hot dog and where to bag a shopping bargain. Our daughter particularly enjoyed engaging with a native New Yorker, asking questions and learning more about US schools and the city itself.

SEEING THE SIGHTS As first-time visitors, seeing the major sights was a given. We hit up all the usual attractions, including watching a sunset from The Rock Observation Deck, visiting the Statue of Liberty (lift access is available to the pedestal if you book tickets in advance) and spotting squirrels in Central Park. We wandered across Brooklyn Bridge, ate pizza at Grimaldi’s and visited the American Museum of National History.

While it was wonderful to tick off all of the headline attractions, we also enjoyed tailoring some activities to the kids’ interests. The remote-control boats in Central Park proved popular with everyone but me – mine was particularly wayward! And after reading and watching Kay Thompson’s Eloise At The Plaza series, we were happy to indulge in a decadent Eloise high tea at The Plaza Hotel. As Eloise’s nanny would say: “Divine, divine, divine!”

It’s easy to feel pressured to see it all in New York, but the city that never sleeps is jam-packed with so many entertainment options it makes it impossible. We’ve found it’s more important when travelling with kids to take time to indulge in the simple pleasures – they tend to be the ones remembered fondly.

Brooklyn Bridge links Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Go to travelwithspecialneeds.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best accessible travel content direct to your inbox.

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Plan

HOI AN

Play

The kids will love watching a traditional water-puppet show! Set under the stars in amphitheatre-style seating, the energetic 45-minute performance presents a series of fables about Vietnamese village life. There are minimal English translations, however the slapstick comedy that sees lazy farmers fight off big fish will leave kids and adults of all ages entertained and engaged throughout. The show starts at 6.30pm (except on Wednesdays and Sundays), but arrive half an hour early to nab the best seats. hoianworldheritage.org.vn/ en/news/Tours/hoi-an-waterpuppet-show

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Eat

From upmarket restaurants to roadside stalls, the local dishes will have you constantly drooling.

Hoi An is famous for fresh, highquality seafood, and prices are low, which means a seafood feast is affordable for any budget. For kids who don’t enjoy the spice and chilli often found in South East Asian food, the milder flavours of Vietnamese spring rolls, cao lau (Vietnamese rice noodle bowls) and banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) are likely to be a hit. There are no western food outlets in Hoi An, but you will find restaurants that serve burgers and fries if the kids are looking for something more familiar on their plate.

The ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed town will delight families with kids of all ages.

Sleep

Little Hoi An Group has five boutique hotels in Hoi An that are fantastic for families. Our favourite is the newest in the group, the five-star Allegro Hoi An. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, and the pool has a great collection of inflatables to entertain the kids. Guests at all five properties can take the free shuttle from their hotel to the private beach club at An Bang Beach. If you’re keen to stay at the beach, the four-star Little Beach property is 5km from the Old Town. Guests can enjoy free bike rental and access to the beach club across the road. littlehoiangroup.com

Do

The verdant market garden central area – between the Old Town and Ang Bang beach – is where you can learn about Vietnamese farming and food. Borrow or rent a bike from your hotel and take the kids on a daytrip away from the Old Town’s lanterns and pretty yellow buildings to experience the traditional way of life. Ride along the bike paths that criss-cross their way through fields, keeping your eyes out for water buffalo, ducks and geese, as well as locals working on their farms. The Tra Que Vegetable Village provides a great opportunity to walk in the shoes of local farmers. en.traquevegetablevillage.com

Plan

LONDON

Play

London’s famous Hyde Park can be explored on foot, bike or horse.

Dip your toes in the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain or brave a swim in the Serpentine, a 16-hectare lake that is sometimes home to floating scupltures. Hyde Park is a great place for a family picnic or to kick around a ball on the soccer (known as football in Europe) pitches. It’s also home to Hyde Park Playground, which features climbing frames, swing sets and slides. If you’re in the area for the Christmas holiday season, be sure to visit the beautiful Winter Wonderland. royalparks.org.uk/parks/ hyde-park

Eat

At Piccadilly Circus in the West End sits a restaurant that’s just a little out of the ordinary. Join the exotic animals of the Amazon and explore the viney depths of a tropical rainforest-themed eatery, the aptly named Rainforest Cafe.

This jungle features real tropical fish, lightning sounds, a running waterfall, animal chairs and vine-covered interiors from floor to ceiling. The extensive menu offers a large variety of American and international cuisine, such as chicken wings, nachos, mezze, pastas, burgers, pork ribs and lamb shanks. Plus, activity packs are available for the kids. therainforestcafe.co.uk

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the English capital continues to be a top destination for travelling families.

Sleep

What better way to finish a jampacked day at Chessington World of Adventures than a night at the spectacular Safari Hotel? Whether you book a room themed around monkeys, penguins, gruffalos or zebras, the whole family will enjoy an exotic night’s sleep.

Chessington is a theme park and zoo located just 35 minutes by train from central London, and the neighbouring hotel features a swimming pool, gym and easy access to the park. The Zafari Bar and Grill restaurant and terrace above overlook the Chessington African Animal Reserve. chessington.com/resort-hotels/ chessington-safari-hotel

Do

Are you ready for butterbeer, flying broomsticks and the sorting hat? How about thousands of intricate props, sets, costumes and interactive exhibits from the Harry Potter films? With all of this supernatural goodness, the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, north-west London, needs a full day. The tour also takes guests to the real sets of Privet Drive, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the Great Hall, the Ministry of Magic, the Weasley family’s burrow, Dumbledore’s office, Diagon Alley, Gryffindor dormitory, the Lestrange Vault and the Hogwarts Castle model. wbstudiotour.co.uk

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Plan

DUNEDIN

Play

The Tuhura Otago Community Trust Science Centre at Otago Museum is an inspiring edutainment destination featuring 45 hands-on science interactives, including a stopmotion film studio, a recreation of the big bang, a 7.5m-high double-helix slide and a Tropical Forest enclosure with more than 1000 exotic butterflies. It’s a great place to spend the day playing and learning about science in a fun and engaging way, and can be followed by an immersive experience in the 360-degree Perpetual Guardian Planetarium. otagomuseum.nz/ whats-on/do/tuhura

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Eat

You can’t go wrong with a decent burger, and the team at Good Good are the masters. Here, deliciousness comes in the form of buttermilk chicken burgers and tater tots sprinkled with parmesan and special sauce, among other comfort-food gems. Hidden behind Ocho Chocolate Cafe in Dunedin’s trendy Warehouse Precinct, Good Good channels the food-truck vibe into an indoor space where a retro-caravan-come-burgerservery takes pride of place. Kids will love the quirky decor and tasty menu options, especially with the promise of a classic milkshake to wash it all down. goodgood.co.nz

Sleep

Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a stunning harbour, family friendly Dunedin is one of the bestpreserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere.

The hottest new digs in town – The Terminus – combine the colourful heritage of Dunedin’s Warehouse Precinct with a New York loft vibe.

The eight short-stay apartments are all about exposed brick walls and super-comfy furnishings.

Situated just opposite Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and Dunedin Chinese Gardens, The Terminus makes a great base from which to explore the city. The apartments are fitted with fully equipped kitchens, but if you fancy dining out you won’t have to go far; the ground floor houses Moiety, Urbn Vino and The Tart Tin. warehouseprecinct. co.nz/terminus-building

Do

Penguin Place is the world’s first entirely tourism-funded conservation program, and one of the best places in the world to see yellow-eyed penguins (or hoihos, when referred to by their Maori name). The 90-minute tours – which run frequently in summer and once daily in winter – offer wonderful opportunities to spot the endangered birds in the wild.

Other highlights include spotting fur seals and blue penguins as you stroll through beautiful native forest and regenerating wetlands. Be sure to stop by the rehabilitation facility to show some love to sick creatures. penguinplace.co.nz

Plan

• Avoid overhead lights – they create a reflection on the plate. Stick to light that is off to the side, or angle your camera or device to allow it.

• Pull back from the dish for a wide shot to show napkins, utensils, cocktails or even a menu to create more action in the shot.

• If you want to take a detail shot, physically step closer to your subject instead of using the digital zoom – this goes for any photos taken with a phone. Digital zoom will just make your image pixelated. You’re better off cropping the photo afterwards.

• Did you know that you can control the exposure on your phone much like you can on a DSLR camera? When you open the camera app, focus on your subject manually with the touch of your finger. You will see a little image of a sun appear. If you slide your finger up and down the small bar that appears, you can control the amount of light in your photo even before you take the picture.

• Before posting an image to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, use apps such as VSCO or Snapseed to edit the photo further.

• Avoid using the flash – it can create harsh lighting on one area of the shot.

• When photographing sandwiches or filled rolls, wedge out some of the contents so the shot is not blocked by bread.

• Baked goods, such as cakes, bread, pastries and pies, can make for great shots because of their various textures.

• Oozing is attractive! Melted cheese oozing from a burger or chocolate pouring out of a pudding is ‘food action’. Don’t miss the opportunity!

• There’s a tool on almost all smartphones that allows you to overlay a grid onto every photo you’re taking. That way you can make sure your lines are straight, or you can easily divide your frame into thirds. On an iPhone, you can find the ‘grid’ toggle in your photo and camera settings. For Android phones, check the settings in your camera app.

• Your food/plate subject doesn’t have to take up the entire frame – you can let it take up just a third of the frame if it looks good that way.

• Placing your food in front of a simple backdrop works well; dark or black backgrounds can create a dramatic contrast.

snap it

capturing the tastes of travel Want your meal to be envied? Your risotto remembered? Your cake catalogued? Here are our tips on taking food photos like a pro.

WORDS BEV MALVARD It seems everyone wants to photograph what they had for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and everything in between.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Food and travel go together, as we remember significant events, moments and meals in the countries we visit. Ahh, that fragrant bowl of pho in Hanoi, the strudel in Vienna, those ribs in Chicago, baguettes and buttery croissants in Paris and the Balmain bugs in Sydney. So why not take a snapshot to relive the

memories of the special occasion?

But be discerning! Don’t get carried away with that fab vindaloo – in bad lighting, it looks like a dish of dog food. Or the bowl of chicken rice under neon lights – pale as. And that piece of steak on a plate with a couple of vegies is not as appealing as it would be in the mouth. In short, don’t post images of food unless they look as good as they taste.

If you’re an amateur photographer, read more of our tips (left) to make your food shots sing.

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Plan

How to

Plan your holiday based on seasons When peak season doesn’t match with your schedule, embrace the chance to get out and about at other times of the year.

WORDS SUE WHITE While spring might be the optimal time to see Japan’s cherry blossoms and autumn is when you’ll spot Canada’s fishing grizzly bears, there’s no need to let travelling off peak dampen your spirits.

With a bit of planning, you may find hidden benefits…

WET SEASON DOESN’T MEAN IT’LL RAIN ALL DAY Don’t immediately write off the wet season thinking it’ll downpour 24/7. In many locations, it may just mean evening showers or a couple of hours of rain in the afternoon – both of which are easy to work around.

EXPLORE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS WITHIN THE SAME COUNTRY It can be easy to assume that one country (especially a hot country) equals one season, but that’s far from the case.

Thailand is a good example.

Not only does it have hot, cool and wet seasons, but down south (near the islands) the climate varies between the east and west coasts.

Do your research and choose your location accordingly.

OFF SEASON HAS ITS ADVANTAGES Quite a few advantages come with travelling in the

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off season. Fewer tourists mean less need to book everything in advance, the accommodation and transport you want is likely to be available, and daytrips won’t be packed with other tourists. Plus, don’t forget that those willing to travel off peak usually score discounts on flights and accommodation.

REMEMBER THAT NATURE IS UNPREDICTABLE Seasonal travel is often tied to natural phenomena: cherry blossoms in bloom, snorkelling with whale sharks – the list is extensive. But nature is unpredictable, so, to avoid disappointment, make sure you and your kids maintain realistic expectations and enjoy the location for more than just the one seasonally based experience.

GIVE BUCKET-LIST ITEMS EXTRA TIME If a seasonal activity is on your absolute must-do bucket list (something like the Northern Lights, for example), make sure you give the destination more time rather than less. It may be cost more than you’d planned, but adding those extra few days will increase your chances of success and reduce the nail-biting.

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Holidays LOCAL & OVERSEAS ADVENTURES

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NORTH AMERICA’S BEST ROADTRIPS Five of the greatest road-based adventures for families

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CARAVAN ADVENTURES Lapping Tasmania on your own terms, in your own time

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NUSA LEMBONGAN A sleepy sanctuary near beloved Bali

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NORTHERN TERRITORY FOR FAMILIES

Why you should self-drive

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PENRITH ADVENTURES Get to know this family fun hub

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WINE COUNTRY WITH KIDS Family friendly vineyards

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TOP CRUISE LINES FOR FAMILIES As voted by you

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LIVING THE (DAY)DREAM Daydream Island Resort is back in the game – and better than ever

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NEW ZEALAND’S NORTH ISLAND The 10 experiences that should be at the top of your list SNOWED IN Where to base yourself in Australia and New Zealand’s 2019 ski season

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HONG KONG It’s time to appreciate the greener gaze of the bustling region

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY Stay and play at Ruby Apartments

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HOLIDAYS: USA

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HOLIDAYS: USA

NORTH AMERICA’S BEST

roadtrips GRAB THE KIDS AND GET YOUR KICKS ON THESE SUPER-COOL TOURS THROUGH THE STATES. WORDS CHEZ CHESAK

While North America is vast, its extensive and dependable highways make it an outstanding roadtrip destination for families. The dramatic coastlines and mountains of the west and the more densely populated eastern coast present opportunities for fantastic driving adventures. And with a train network that is generally only convenient on the coasts, the interior cries out for families to hop in, buckle up and explore by car.

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HOLIDAYS: USA

NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO There’s really no bad time to visit, but winter is great as the province is chock-full of activities involving skiing, snowshoeing, winter wildlife, tubing and dog-sledding.

FROM TOP LEFT Just another stunning roadside view; kids will enjoy climbing Dinosaur Provincial Park’s badlands; drop the top and feel the wind in your hair!

ALBERTA There’s a reason Canada’s province of Alberta produces some of the world’s most amazing photographs – it’s stunning at almost every turn!

“Family roadtrips in Alberta offer an incredible diversity of scenery, experiences and seasons,” says Bart Donnelly, Business Development Director at Travel Alberta. “The roadtrip is a tradition here and a great way for a family to experience the province.”

To the south of Calgary, you can absorb the history of the North West Mounted Police in Fort Macleod, then head to the ancient buffalo hunting ground – and World Heritage-listed site – of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

East of Calgary are the Dinosaur Provincial Park (where kids can go on dinosaur digs) and The Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs.

Then head west on the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) to the resort town of Banff, to enjoy panoramic mountain views after taking the Banff Gondola up Sulfur Mountain to an impressive 2281-metre elevation.

Further north, along the stunning Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93), you’ll find the Colombia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, where you can board an Ice Explorer bus and cruise across the Athabasca Glacier.

Meanwhile, the Jasper SkyTram – the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada – offers breathtaking views of six mountain ranges, glacial lakes, Athabasca River and the town of Jasper itself.

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BEST FOR KIDS AGED Slightly older kids, aged 10 and up, will get the most out of this wild, rugged, adventure-filled destination.

HOLIDAYS: USA

MID-ATLANTIC The US Mid-Atlantic region is filled with major metropolitan destinations, most of which are a short drive from the next, and therefore offers a plethora of roadtrip options.

Start at Washington DC, which is brimming with fabulous kid-friendly attractions such as the National Air and Space Museum and American History Museum as well as monuments to famed US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.

Take the scenic Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295) north to the Baltimore city of Inner Harbor, where you’ll find a world-class aquarium, science centre, various boat rides and tours and Fort McHenry, where the US national anthem ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was written.

Continue heading north to enjoy Delaware’s seaside resort town of Rehoboth Beach. Some guidebooks have named this the best family beach on the east coast. Its 1.6km boardwalk is full of eclectic restaurants, shops and amusements, and the 2.6km beachfront is patrolled, offering plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, surf, walk or just soak up the sun.

In New Jersey, families can explore myriad great beaches in places like Manasquan and Long Beach Island. For the more adventurous clans, Diggerland is a constructionthemed amusement park where kids can control a variety of full-size excavators, diggers and tractors that are modified for safety.

Continue on to New York City, which is bustling with family friendly museums (like the 185,000 squaremetre American Museum of Natural History), cultural opportunities and attractions.

Schedule stops at Diggerland in New Jersey (above) and the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington DC.

NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO Avoid the North American summer, as this region can be quite humid and crowds flock to both Washington DC and New York City.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED Kids aged 6 and older will get the most out of this diverse, historical, bustling region.

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HOLIDAYS: USA

NEW ENGLAND Bursting with American history, New England is, like the Mid-Atlantic, puzzled together by small states all within an easy drive of each other.

“New England’s winding roads and quaint towns make for some fantastic driving,” says Lori Harnois, Executive Director of Discover New England. “And there are so many sites to visit along these drives historical, cultural, adventure-packed – that families will find no end of fun things to do.”

Start in Newport, Rhode Island, where your family can explore the fabulous Newport Mansions.

These huge house museums sit upon 35 hectares

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HOLIDAYS: USA

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The Northville Five and Dime is the oldest still in operation; a giant chair is just one of the educational attractions at Boston’s Museum of Science; tour Boston Common with Swan Boats; keep the camera handy; Easton’s Beach in Newport is popular with surfers.

‘THERE ARE SO MANY SITES TO VISIT – HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, ADVENTUREPACKED.’

of gardens and parks, and offer lessons on 250 years of American history.

Just a short drive north will take you to Boston, Massachusetts, where you can dive into the earliest history of America’s colonists and revolution along Boston’s Freedom Trail, which links various historical attractions together along a walking tour. The Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium and a boat tour of Boston Harbour are also not to be missed.

From Boston, head north-west to Vermont. Take Scenic Route 100 Byway to enjoy farm stands, maple-syrup farms and historic sites as you pass through the low, rolling Green Mountains. Conclude your driving tour in hip Burlington, on the shores of Lake Champlain, and check out the unique Shelburne Museum, Vermont Teddy Bear Company and Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream factory nearby.

NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO To experience New England at its peak, visit during autumn for stunning displays of riotous fall colours.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED You can find something for kids of all ages in this region.

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HOLIDAYS: USA

ROUTE 66 Arguably the most iconic US roadtrip, the ‘Mother Road’ was established in 1926 and covers 3940km. It passes through eight states, but its best-known segment runs through New Mexico, Arizona and southern California. The route is littered with fabulous diners, classic motor lodges and motels, vestiges of Americana and some truly quirky, unique and sometimes downright bizarre attractions. Many of these roadside amenities and attractions were models for the buildings and businesses seen in the animated film Cars.

From Albuquerque, New Mexico, head west on – you guessed it – Route 66. Immediate highlights include the New Mexico Mining Museum and neonlit Route 66 archway in Grants, as well as the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, which was originally built as a headquarters for local movie productions in the heyday of Hollywood.

Next up: Arizona. It offers the town of Seligman, which was the inspiration for the town of Radiator City in Cars.

Another notable destination is the town of Williams.

“This is a great town for families. It’s a blend of an old western town mixed with a railroad town mixed with an old Route 66 town – and it celebrates all three of these phases of its history,” says Austin Coop, Founder of the website Two Lane America. Here, families can also take a train into Grand Canyon National Park.

After passing through California’s high deserts, families can check out the Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain in Pasadena, the Original McDonald’s Site and Museum in San Bernardino, and the rides and restaurants of Santa Monica Pier. Conclude your driving adventure with a trip to Disneyland to enjoy, of course, Cars Land, where you can relive moments from the movie.

NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO This region is a desert, so summers can be scorching hot. It’s best to go in spring or autumn.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED Smaller kids will get a kick out of reliving all things Cars along the way, but they may get bored if you are driving too long each day. Be sure to break up the trip and stop often.

FROM TOP Is there anything more American than drinking a milkshake at a diner?; classic cars dot the famous route; Santa Monica Pier is full of fun.

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HOLIDAYS: USA

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Image: Jack Hollingsworth

Image: David Collier

Probably the second most notable drive in North America (after Route 66) is the fabulous 900km-long Pacific Coast Highway, or State Route 1 (SR1) in California. The route is the longest in The Golden State and hugs the coastline from San Francisco to San Diego.

First enjoy San Francisco’s kid-friendly attractions, like Pier 39 and Alcatraz. Then head south to Santa Cruz for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its classic rollercoasters, arcades and historic carousel.

In Monterey, visit the worldfamous Monterey Bay Aquarium, then head to the Carmel Mission and Mission Trail Nature Preserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Further south, Big Sur beckons. This 145km stretch of

redwood-covered coast is simply a gorgeous melange of bluffs, sea and sky. Camping grounds abound in the area, as do rustic cabins and a few luxury hotels. Be sure to spend a day exploring the sprawling Hearst Castle as well.

Santa Barbara offers some family friendly beach resorts as well as the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centre and the MOXI science and technology museum.

Conclude your family adventure in San Diego, which is consistently ranked as one of the top family destinations in the US. It offers 110km of beaches, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, and an array of family focused hotels and accommodation.

NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO While you can enjoy this drive at any time of the year, the very best time to do it is definitely summer.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED With enough stops along the way, all kids could have a blast on this trip.

Go to familytravel.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best family content direct to your inbox.

FROM TOP Cool off at Waterfront Park in San Diego; Santa Cruz’s Looff carousel has been in operation since 1911; soar and dive like a manta ray on Manta rollercoaster at SeaWorld San Diego.

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HOLIDAYS: TASMANIA

travelled THE ROAD LESS

Lapping Tassie in a caravan is a bucket-list adventure that’s guaranteed to be one of the best Aussie roadtrips.

WORDS ADELE DYSON

It’s an early start and an easy 25-minute drive to the Port Melbourne dock from our overnighter at Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park.

Our first sight of the big red ferry provokes squeals of delight from the back seat; our two very excited young girls are literally jumping up and down in their seats, and we are just a

Family Mt Wellington

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little bit excited too. Our long-planned Little Lap is about to begin.

Tasmania is often left off the classic Big Lap because the only way to get your caravan across Bass Strait is to book it a spot on the Spirit of Tasmania, which can be expensive – but, as a caravanning clan, we know that the journey is always part of the adventure. We do have a few pointers for your family before you begin your expedition, though.

We day-sailed from Melbourne to Devonport and night-sailed on the way home. The food was delicious, the

seating areas were comfortable and the activities for kids kept ours well entertained (book the kids’ movie session the minute you’re on deck – spots run out very quickly!). Next time, however, we would reverse the order and sail out of Melbourne in the evening, giving us the chance to hit the ground running in the morning when we arrive in Devonport and not worry about camp setup and finding our accommodation late in the day. This would also mean we’d get more hours of smooth sailing right when we’re trying to get to sleep.

HOLIDAYS: TASMANIA We made it to the edge of the world!

Sailing on Spirit of Tasmania is exciting in itself!

the South Cape Bay Walk, a strenuous four-hour (16km) loop through unspoilt Tasmanian bushland in Southwest National Park, taking him even further south. While he was trekking, the girls and I splashed about at a virtually deserted beach.

We found a lovely free camp here, just over the Cockle Creek bridge. Staring up at the bright night sky, we felt as though we were a million miles away from the rest of the world. Base yourselves here from June to August for your best chance of seeing the spectacular Aurora Australis (or Southern Lights).

Whenever you do a day-sail, be sure to book a cabin. It’s an extra cost, but it gave us more flexibility; we had a place to dump our gear while we explored the boat, and somewhere to take a nana nap in the afternoon after our early start.

Plus, since you can’t access your vehicle during the crossing, you’ll have a place to stow your essentials.

One of the greatest benefits of travelling in a mobile home is that you can visit the far corners of the country, where you can unplug and discover hidden gems and free camps that are off the main tourist trail. These places will make you feel like you’ve discovered a special secret. Here are our favourites…

SOUTH CORNER: COCKLE CREEK (AKA THE END OF THE ROAD)

The walk to Trowutta Arch was very easy.

A 19km gravel road took us and our caravan to the most southerly point in Australia you can drive to (a big tick on the caravanning bucket list): Cockle Creek on the magnificent Recherche Bay. From here, my husband completed

NORTH-WEST CORNER: TARKINE DRIVE

From rainforests to farms, lookouts to sinkholes, rugged coastlines to fire-ravaged mountains – the winding Tarkine Drive took us (sans caravan, which we left in Stanley) deep into the north-west wilderness.

Less than an hour from the coast, we arrived at beautiful Trowutta Arch, a rare geological feature that frames a sinkhole.

An easy 10-minute walk led us into a quiet forest filled with giant tree ferns. It was hard to imagine what we might find at the end, and then the arch appeared out of nowhere, like a magical gateway to another world, with a deep, dark pool of water on the other side.

A stop at Tarkine Forest Adventures is a great way to break up the 260km round trip. This eco-tourism centre is located in Dismal Swamp, the largest sinkhole in the southern hemisphere. Here, you can view the unique blackwood forest from a treetop walkway and wander the boardwalk maze. Or you could do as we did and opt for the adrenaline-filled option, getting our blood pumping on AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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HOLIDAYS: TASMANIA

the awesome 110m slide, on which you can plummet at speeds of more than 50km per hour.

There is wonder to be found outside the forests, too. On the coast, near the mouth of Arthur River, we spotted a plaque with the words ‘The edge of the world’. Just north of here is a place called Cape Grim. Thanks to global wind currents, it is home to the world’s cleanest air. Standing on this windswept point, looking out to sea, we breathed deeply and tried to get our heads around that fact that we were looking at the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the planet – absolutely nothing between us and Argentina!

NORTH-EAST CORNER: NORTHEAST TRAIL

The day we took on this corner of the state was one of the best on the road.

It was filled with hidden gems, but be prepared: there are sections that are challenging, winding and narrow. In fact, there were times when we averaged no more than 40km per hour.

To start the trail, we turned left at St Helens on the coast and headed inland.

Our first stop was St Columba Falls, one of Tassie’s highest waterfalls and an easy 1km return walk from the carpark. The forests around here once sheltered the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger.

Then it was on to the spectacular Little Blue Lake, between Derby and Gladstone. Just 15km on a small detour off the main road, this lake contains water of the most vivid aqua-blue hue, as a result of past alluvial tin mining in the area. Unfortunately it is not suitable for swimming, but the colour is breathtaking and worth visually taking in.

We ended our adventures after a wrong turn took us to Pipers Brook Vineyard, where we camped for free!

What a perfect end to the day: dinner with the vineyard as our backdrop and not another soul around.

NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE Bringing your own campervan? Spirit of Tasmania is the only ferry to Tasmania, departing Melbourne for Devonport and returning Devonport to Melbourne. A range of fares and accommodation options are available, with ticket prices determined by whether you take a vehicle, the length of the vehicle and the accommodation that you select.

BEST TIME TO GO Every season has its advantages and disadvantages, but summer and early autumn are the best times to visit if you are planning a big roadtrip – everything is open and road conditions are at their best.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED Tasmania is a great place for kids aged 3 and over with a sense of adventure. There are great wilderness walks that aren’t too tiring for little legs, some of the tallest trees in the world, amazing wildlife parks, fabulous food, beautiful beaches and fresh air. A great place to unplug and connect with the kids!

Go to familytravel.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best family content direct to your inbox.

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A TREAT FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS We created the Caravanning with Kids Travel Journal to help our kids unplug and reflect on their adventures at the end of a busy day. A journal entry is a piece of personal history and, once a trip ends, the journal provides a priceless keepsake on the bookshelf, filled with little histories to read and share for years to come. Our Travel Journal features a packing checklist, activities and even space to put photos or draw images. Visit caravanningwithkids.com.au.

We set up our rig in Stanley, at the base of the Nut, a stunning sheer-sided bluff.

Nature’s trio Tarkine Forest boasts rainforest, sand dunes and coastal heathland.

What a tall fall!

With a drop of 90-plus metres, St Columba Falls is one of Tassie’s tallest waterfalls.

Tasmania

Happy hours You can camp at Pipers Brook Vineyard for free, so why not have a glass of wine while you’re there?

On the map Cockle Creek is the furthest south anyone can drive in Australia.

3 NIGHT DUBAI STOPOVER FOR FAMILIES FAMILY HOLIDAY IN DUBAI’S SUPER-LUXURY HOTEL Atlantis The Palm + Aquaventure Waterpark + Lost Chambers Aquarium

Destination Dubai! Stay at the iconic award-winning Atlantis The Palm, which is set on the crescent of Palm Island, and offers 5-star luxury, including over a kilometre of private beaches and 2 outdoor pools with impressive views of Dubai’s cityscape. Home to Aquaventure Waterpark, it also provides fun for all the family with water slides.

HIGHLIGHTS: Discover Atlantis The Palm, Dubai’s ultimate entertainment destination Experience 360 degree sweeping views from the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa (828 meter) Return coach transfers included

Duration 3 Nights

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For Kids From 3 to 11 years

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Travel Multiple Departures in 2019 & 2020

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HOLIDAYS: INDONESIA

A SLEEPY

sanctuary AS BALI GETS BUSIER, FAMILIES ARE CROSSING THE WATERS TO SLEEPY NUSA LEMBONGAN. WORDS SUE WHITE

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HOLIDAYS: INDONESIA

F

or all parents who travel with their kids, there’s a moment we’ve secretly dreamed of.

Yours may be sitting on a surfboard in a tropical location, kids adjacent on their own boards. Or perhaps it’s that first cycle trip when they ride their own bikes beside you.

My own family travel fantasy involves a snorkel mask and comes true minutes after my 4-year-old Ollie and I launch ourselves off a boat into the clear waters of sleepy Nusa Lembongan.

“Mum! Fish! Thousands of coloured fish!” he cries from behind his bulky life jacket, dogpaddling furiously before dipping his head in for another look.

Nusa Lembongan offers our family plenty of travel firsts – but most importantly it offers sanctuary. Bali remains beautiful, but even longtime fans admit it’s getting busier. As I investigate quieter family friendly options, the name of this small island continually pops up as somewhere worthy of more than a daytrip.

On paper, I can see why. Firstly, the transit is easy; Nusa Lembongan is just 30 to 40 minutes by fast boat from Sanur to the ‘port’ at the small village of Jungutbatu. It’s a beach landing, but boat operators have perfected the art of carrying three bags a time on their shoulders. Secondly, there are plenty of accommodation choices, although families are best to avoid clifftop hotels, due to their endless steps.

Twenty-four hours before my snorkelling success story, we spend our first day exploring Nusa Lembongan on land. For backpackers and kid-free adults, this is usually done by scooter. For families, it’s by golf buggy. After a short lesson from the owner of Arjun Buggy Rentals, we are off, snorkels and swimwear strapped on the back seats. “Faster!” Ollie cries, ever the adventurer.

Aside from the occasional sign and a tourist map tucked underneath my right thigh, I have little idea where we are going, so I keep our speed through the winding jungle roads at a conservative pace. It doesn’t matter – on an island this size, there’s more than enough time for the highlights: the calm waters of Mushroom Bay, the crashing waves of Dream Beach and the thickly forested road leading to the island’s mangrove forest (good for a short kayak adventure).

Of course, those are my own highlights. As it turns out, my second in command has another other addition.

“Stop – what’s that?” Ollie calls urgently from the passenger seat about an hour into our exploration. I pull the golf buggy over and shift it into neutral – a simple exercise involving one foot on the brake and a flick of a switch.

He vigorously gestures to the tall double waterslides of Sunday Beach Water Park, which I’ve quietly tried to sneak past.

Sandy Bay Beach Club’s casual eatery offers an array of gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan meals.

Many of Nusa Lembongan’s beaches feature unspoilt views.

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Nusa Lembongan Gentle giants Snorkelling alongside manta rays in their prime feeding ground will remain a lifelong memory.

Lazy daze Base yourselves at Sandy Bay Beach Club when you want to be barefoot and beachfront.

Paddle along Not a fan of submerging into the deep blue? Explore above it in a kayak!

A true gem Dream Beach is an absolute, er, dream – 115m of white sand and one of the quietest places to while away the day.

5 MORE FAMILY ISLAND GETAWAYS YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA A nature reserve ringed by pristine beaches off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Get there via an easy coach trip from Singapore, followed by a two-hour ferry from Mersing.

LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY A unique daytrip where visitors arrive and depart by boat to spend the day walking the lush green hills and admiring whale skeletons laid out on the deserted beaches.

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Feel the thrill When it’s time for some curated fun, Sunday Beach Water Park will have you covered.

ISCHIA, ITALY Go for the hot springs, fabulous food and local vibe – this island just off Naples is the place Italians choose over Capri (visit Capri on a daytrip instead).

IONA, SCOTLAND Getting to this Inner Hebrides island takes some doing, but you’ll pass through some of Scotland’s best scenery en route. Visitors can’t bring cars over, so explore by taxi or, even better, bicycle.

ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO Now that it has become daytrip fodder for resort guests from nearby Cancun, 7km-long Isla Mujeres is far less sleepy than it used to be – but this Caribbean beauty rewards those staying a few days; serenity prevails after the daytrippers leave.

images

Main: The bar at Sandy Bay Beach Club features cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, juices and fizzes.

Inset: This swing at Sunset Beach is the perfect place to get your feet wet.

HOLIDAYS: INDONESIA

NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE A 30- to 40-minute boat trip from Sanur. Choose a reputable operator like Rocky Fast Cruise (rockyfastcruise.com).

“Do you think 4-year-olds can go on that?”

Honesty prevails, despite knowing what comes next for my legs. Two hours later, I beg off slide duty and we continue our loose circumnavigation of Nusa Lembongan, passing daytrippers returning from snorkelling for manta ray sightings and local children riding motorbikes through the tiny villages.

This time, we are united on our destination: Sandy Bay Beach Club. Flopping onto one of the double beach beds perched on the sand adjacent to the infinity pool, I glance around and learn we’re not the only family that has realised this is the perfect respite from two hours of climbing waterslides. One neighbouring group has a whole baby play area set up on their beach bed, allowing them to entertain their littlie while watching the waves crash just metres away. Others come and go from the pool, where views of the beach and the upcoming sunset make supporting toddler swimming endeavours virtually relaxing.

Famished, I pour over the menu: jackfruit and avocado tacos for me, spaghetti meatballs for Ollie. Plus drinks, of course: a chocolate smoothie for my son and a suitably impressive cocktail for me. On second thought, I make that a mocktail – they come complete with a coconut paleta (ice block) sticking out the top. Plus, I forgot, the golf buggy calls and I’m driving.

Sue White is the founder of the free Facebook community Kids Who Travel. She travelled with the support of various local operators.

Go to familytravel.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best family content direct to your inbox.

GETTING AROUND Hire a golf buggy – it’s a fun and useful vehicle to help families explore the land.

They seat four and cost about AUD$80 per day. We hired ours from Arjun Buggy Rental (62 812 367 5667).

To explore the island by sea, most hotels will organise a snorkelling trip to find manta rays. Lembongan Water Sport is a good option with kids; our trip had a strong safety focus.

STAYING THERE There’s plenty of choice!

We loved Song Lambung Beach Huts (family rooms available) for its short, flat walk along a clifftop track to plenty of restaurants.

The 20m stroll to a calm beach was perfect when we wanted to try somewhere other than the hotel’s mid-size infinity pool.

WHEN TO GO Dry season is May to October, however Nusa Lembongan is significantly less rainy than Bali proper, so off season can be good too.

BEST FOR Kids of any age, as long as you’re not after the kids’ clubs that abound in other parts of Bali. Nusa Lembongan’s offerings are quieter, but there’s plenty to do for three to four nights.

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HOLIDAYS: NORTHERN TERRITORY

IT GOES WITH THE TERRITORY

It’s no wonder the Red Centre is on Aussie families’ bucket lists – it’s home to so many iconic sights and even more lesser-known, yet equally as interesting, experiences.

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to experience the Red Centre is to self-drive the Red Centre Way, a 1135km loop from Alice Springs that takes in Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges. The route includes mostly sealed roads, with just one short stretch of unsealed road to provide that iconic red-dust driving experience.

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In August, grandparents Robyn and Wayne flew from Sydney to meet their family – Louise, Alex and their 4 kids – at Uluru. After picking up a rental RAV4 from Ayers Rock Airport, they followed Louise and Alex’s LandCruiser and caravan convoy to uncover this classic Northern Territory journey to Alice Springs. Here are their tales, from multi-generational perspectives.

HOLIDAYS: NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Ball family all loved watching the sun set over Kata Tjuta on the first night of their Red Centre Way roadtrip.

THE GRANDPARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE Robyn and Wayne have driven the Red Centre Way a number of times. Before retirement, they’d visited the area for work conferences, then they’d spent time here as part of their grey-nomad lap of Australia.

Wayne had even been here in the ’70s, before any of the Ayers Rock Resort infrastructure was in place.

“We’re back here in Alice Springs at the end of an incredibly fun week with our grandchildren,” says Wayne. “It’s a place we’ve been to many times before, but this time we enjoyed it from a different perspective. Everything is much the same as it has been, in terms of the geography and locations, but there are a lot of new facilities that make this a really enjoyable place to have a holiday with kids."

“Having a holiday like this with the family has been really good – just seeing the kids interact with nature has been wonderful,” adds Robyn. “The other thing that I really enjoyed was the Field of Lights – I thought that was magical. There are 50,000 lights installed in a space the size of seven football

fields. We watched the colours change over Uluru with the lights coming on in the foreground while the sun set behind us over the desert. We were all enthralled by the whole experience!”

Robyn and Wayne travelled light: a small suitcase and a couple of day packs. The fact that there was accommodation and car-rental options that allowed them to have the same experiences as the kids and grandkids in the LandCruiser-caravan combo was part of what made the trip so memorable.

“At all the places we stayed, there were so many options,” says Robyn. “We saw people with just a little one-man tent, there are powered sites for caravans and there are cabins. And I was surprised at how clean all the public and campground facilities were.

There are also more upmarket options if you want to pay a bit extra. We came by car this time and the roads are great. You don’t have to carry all the extra camping equipment if you don’t want to, because you can stay in places where it’s all provided.”

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HOLIDAYS: NORTHERN TERRITORY

There are walking trails to suit all ages and abilities.

THE PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE Driving the Red Centre Way with extended family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With four kids and a caravan in tow, Louise and Alex have become experts on roadtripping with children.

Here are their five top tips for others who are planning to do the same.

01 MAKE THE MOST OF THE DAY “Start at sunrise and end at sunset,” says Alex. “It’s the only way you’re going to fit everything in.”

02 PACK SMART Plan ahead to make sure you’ve always got warm clothes, cool clothes and lots of water easily accessible. “Even in winter, when the temperatures are lower, it’s so dry out here that we went through more water than we’d expected,” says Louise. “At Kata Tjuta, we packed a picnic dinner to have at the viewing area while we watched the sun go down. I was able to completely relax and enjoy watching the colours in the rocks change and the stars start to appear because we all had jumpers, jackets and Aerogard on hand. It meant that, as the sun and temperatures dropped, none of us needed to head back to the car, so we got to make the most of the evening.”

03 ACCEPT YOUR DIFFERENCES Be mindful that everyone moves at a different pace, especially when three generations travel together. “What was

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lovely about most of the walks and experiences was that there were options for different abilities and energy levels,” says Louise. “A great example is at Kings Canyon; we had the opportunity to split the group for the morning so that those of us who wanted a harder hike could tackle the spectacular and initially very steep Rim Walk, while the littlies and those looking for a more leisurely morning could do the Kings Creek Walk to be among the birds in the cool of the canyon floor.”

04 UNDERSTAND THAT DRIVING PACES DIFFER TOO “On both the bitumen and the dirt road, our car with the caravan travelled a little bit slower than the car without the caravan,” explains Alex. “Having said that, at no point did we struggle to keep up with the car without the caravan, and we always kept a pretty safe distance. The only thing we didn’t do that we would do next time is put a handheld radio in each car so we could communicate with each other and point out things on the side of the road or things the other car might not have seen.”

05 IT’S OKAY TO BE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS “We’re travelling as a family of six for a whole year, so we’re budget-conscious,” says Louise. “Along the way, we really took advantage of the free activities.

At Ayers Rock Resort, there was didgeridoo-playing and bush yarns, and at Uluru the free guided Mala walk was a fantastic experience that fit perfectly into our budget. We did splash out and do a few paid experiences along the way, too – I loved the Pyndan Camel Tracks and the Earth Sanctuary stars and damper evening in Alice Springs. Alex’s favourite was dinner at The Old Drovers Camp at Kings Canyon.”

“Yep, Drovers Camp is the highlight for me,” adds Alex. “To sit on that ridgetop, watch the sunset and toast marshmallows on an open fire after a delicious meal that we didn’t have to cook ourselves… I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with work, but Drovers Camp was one of the best places I have ever spent an evening. It was stunning!”

Catering and food was the other area where different budgets were well accommodated. “I found the catering side of the trip very straightforward,” says Louise. “I could do breakfast in the van and pack lunches for us for when we were out and about. And on the days when we wanted a treat, they were easy to find. Mum and Dad ate out and had a bit more luxury and a bit less organising to do each day, but they also didn’t have all the facilities we had in our caravan. As a group, being able to either self-cater or eat out pretty much everywhere worked really well for us all.”

HOLIDAYS: NORTHERN TERRITORY

ANOTHER ONE FOR THE ROAD Nature’s Way is also a spectacular roadtrip in the Northern Territory. The 735km loop from Darwin will take you through the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (where you’ll find one of the greatest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art in the world) and Nitmiluk National Park (famous for its network of gorges carved through ancient sandstone and pandanus-fringed plunge pool Leliyn) before returning via Litchfield National Park (the perfect place for a family picnic, thanks to its shady spots near stunning waterfalls and swimming holes).

Ashton, 5, thought the camel ride was awesome.

Along the way, be sure to take an airboat or cruise through Mary River National Park (home to the world’s largest population of saltwater crocodiles) and hike up to Gunlom (a waterfall and nature’s infinity plunge pool in one). Allow seven to 10 days to explore everything this route has to offer.

THE KIDS’ PERSPECTIVE For the kids, the highlights came in the form of experiences and attractions. Here are three things all four of them really enjoyed.

01 MEETING ANIMAL FRIENDS Over the space of a week, the kids got to learn about desert reptiles at Ayers Rock Resort’s Red Desert Reptile Show, stand next to a wedge-tailed eagle at Alice Springs Desert Park, ride a camel through the desert at the Pyndan Camel Tracks and spot wild brumbies grazing by the side of the road.

02 STARGAZING (AND STAYING UP LATE) Being on holidays often means getting to stay up late, and when there’s so much to be experienced over sunset and in the night sky, going to bed in the Red Centre before the stars come out is especially tricky. Getting to look at the surface of the moon through the telescope at the Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs was a particular highlight, as was trying to find the Southern Cross while toasting marshmallows over the open fire at The Old Drovers Camp at Kings Canyon.

03 SEEING ROCKS OF ALL SIZES When adults consider the Northern Territory, they think of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Standley Chasm, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. For kids, finding and playing among rocks of all sizes, shapes and colours along the Red Centre Way proved equally as interesting. Another highlight was spending an hour with an unlimited supply of practise pebbles and skimming stones at Finke River in Glen Helen Gorge.

If you spend some time in Darwin, be sure to stop in at Crocosaurus Cove.

Jackson, 7, and Jessica, 9, took every opportunity to explore.

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HOLIDAYS: PENRITH

GET IN THE GAME IN

Penrith

If you think Penrith is just the home of the Panthers rugby league team, you need to take another look. This suburb in Sydney’s west has quietly been growing a reputation as a family fun hub, particularly among tweens and teens.

Image: Cables Wake Park

WORDS ALISON GODFREY

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HOLIDAYS: PENRITH

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estled at the base of the Blue Mountains and alongside the curving Nepean River is the thriving hub of Penrith, just an hour’s drive west of Sydney’s CBD. We spent a weekend getting to know the suburb and were seriously impressed at what it has to offer.

Our weekend started with a ride on the Nepean Belle. This gorgeous old paddlewheeler makes daily trips up the river to the Nepean Gorge from Tench Reserve. The cruise takes two-and-a-half hours and, if you are lucky, the captain will let you have a go steering the boat.

On our cruise, he taught the kids how to read the wind on the river ahead and how the wheel works to turn the boat around.

We chose the lunch cruise, which leaves at midday. It didn’t take long for the houses to fade into bushland and a relaxed feeling to set in as we left behind the fast pace of our busy lives.

Jagged sandstone cliffs speckled with eucalypts loomed on either side of the river as we made our way through the gorge. Occasionally a wakeboarder or a jetski rider zoomed past.

Lunch was served on the way up the gorge and included roast barbecue chicken, ham off the bone, fresh salads and gravy. Once we’d had our fill, we joined the other guests on the bow to watch the captain expertly skipper the boat through “the narrows” – a small opening between the river banks, marked by red and green buoys. Dessert – a choice of chocolate cake or pavlova – was served with tea and coffee on the return trip. Guests could also purchase alcohol onboard.

From the Nepean Belle, it’s a short drive to Panthers Penrith Leagues Club. This club is unlike any other in New South Wales; it’s not so much about rugby league, although you will find team paraphernalia in the main lobby.

Panthers is home to western Sydney’s adventure activities: aqua golf, wakeboarding and even indoor skydiving. This is teen and tween heaven!

We went straight to aqua golf to play a few rounds, and our son Callum, 10, became instantly addicted. One bucket of balls is $9 – I highly recommend getting at least one bucket each, if not two, or more. You will love this game. Once you have your golf balls and club, you make your way into a small cage in front of a lake, which is dotted at regular intervals with signposts and baskets. Each one has a dollar amount written on the top – get the ball into the net and you’ll win the dollar amount written on the sign. Small colourful signs adorned with Australian animals sit at regular intervals in the front row – hit one of these and you’ll score a discount on your next bucket of balls.

Only one person is allowed in each cage at a time. We lined up our cages next to each other and started swinging. It’s Callum who hit the sign first and pocketed a discount voucher.

It’s oddly satisfying to whack golf balls out over the water. Every time someone hits a sign, a loud cheer goes up from the crowd. Two buckets in, I hadn’t hit a thing, but I felt relaxed and laughed a lot. At this stage, Callum had two discount vouchers and showed no sign of wanting to stop swinging.

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Main: Kneeboard, wakeboard or waterski at Cables Wake Park.

Above: My son Callum was lucky enough to steer the Nepean Belle along Nepean River, with the help of the captain.

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HOLIDAYS: PENRITH

Penrith All aboard!

Sail along Nepean River on the Nepean Belle paddlewheeler – it’s been cruising for almost 40 years.

Make a splash Get ready for your family’s own version of Wipeout at Cables Aqua Park.

What’s for brekkie?

Henri Marc is the cafe every local is talking about. Be sure to get there early to nab a table.

A flight of fantasy Recreate your favourite superhero moments at iFly Downunder.

5 OTHER GREAT WEEKEND ESCAPES FROM SYDNEY KIAMA A one-hour drive south of Sydney, Kiama has great beaches, paved cycling tracks, a famous blowhole and Jamberoo Action Park.

THE BASIN Bring your fishing rod and lots of marshmallows – The Basin offers budget waterfront camping in Sydney’s Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. An easy way to get the kids into camping.

THREDBO In winter, Thredbo is all about skiing and snowboarding. In summer, you can hike to the top of Australia’s tallest mountain (Mount Kosciuszko), ride a mountain bike along the many trails and slide down waterslides at the indoor aquatic centre.

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KANGAROO VALLEY Kangaroo Valley is perfect for teens and tweens who crave outdoor adventure. Hire a canoe and paddle up the Kangaroo River, hike through pristine national parks and keep an eye out for wombats at dusk.

CENTRAL COAST Test your bravery at TreeTops Adventure Park, play ninja on the Aqua Splash course or hit the surf – the Central Coast is perfect for teens!

Eight buckets later, we decided it was time to go, so we left for our accommodation for the night to check in before dinner.

Quest Penrith is close to Penrith train station and Westfield Penrith shopping centre. This hotel is great for families because all of the apartments have a kitchen and a laundry. The kids slept in the lounge room and we took the master bedroom. Both rooms have a TV, but we didn’t have time for that – there’s too much to do in Penrith to stay inside a hotel room!

For dinner, we tried to stretch our kids’ tastebuds with a selection of tapas at The Union on High Street. This casual and intimate Brazilian and Mediterranean tapas restaurant is child-friendly and does incredible tasting plates.

Tapas is a great way to get kids used to trying different foods; they love snacking and tasting various bite-size parcels. Don’t like it? Don’t worry, try something else – Dad will eat what you don’t.

We ordered the Union tasting plate with polenta chips, arancini balls, empanada and paprika squid, as well as some baked prawns, potatoes bravas and pork and veal meatballs.

Just about everything is a hit with the kids (and with us). My favourite has to be the fried haloumi with beetroot, pomegranate, walnuts and honey – the kids needed to fight me for the last scrap of that one!

The kids’ favourite, as always, is dessert.

Churros with caramel dipping sauce – what’s not to love?

If you opt for an early sitting at dinner, you’ll have time to catch a movie at Westfield Penrith, which is just one street over. That’s one of the best things about exploring Penrith with kids – everything is close that it is easy to chop and change activities.

On day two of our Penrith adventure, we went to breakfast at a cafe the locals are raving about. Herni Marc on High Street gets the day started with a deliciously smooth brew of coffee. The menu has regular favourites, such as eggs benedict, but it also has loads of delicious new flavour combinations, such as beetroot, whipped ricotta, spiced Indian pickle and dukkah on sourdough.

After breakfast, we went back to Panthers for some more heart-pumping fun. This time we brought our swimmers for a race through Aqua Park at Cables Wake Park. The floating water playground has several inflatable obstacles, slides and even a volleyball court set in a manmade lake. To play, kids must be at least 6 years old, and everybody must wear a life

HOLIDAYS: PENRITH Indoor skydiving is all the rage at iFly Downunder.

jacket, which is supplied. One 50-minute session costs $20 per person.

You’ll enter the course by swimming to the first obstacle. Pull yourself up (hello, core activation and arm muscles) and you will find yourself on a long and slippery walkway.

The kids will love racing each other through inflatable pyramids, up huge walls and down slides, back into the lake.

Don’t be deceived – the course is harder than it looks. I struggled to make it over the inflatable hills and ended up falling flat on my stomach before collapsing into a fit of giggles.

The hardest obstacles are the monkey bars, set up and over a pit of water. Needless to say, I got very wet, and my kids thought it was hilarious.

The Wake Park also has cable wakeboarding and a giant jumping pillow. We could easily have spent all day here, but we had one final activity to tick off our Penrith list: indoor skydiving. iFly Downunder has to be the ultimate adrenaline adventure in Penrith. The indoor wind tunnel replicates the feeling of skydiving – no plane or parachute needed. To start, you’ll need to check in for your flight then complete the safety briefing and get kitted up in a flight suit, goggles and helmet. Once you’ve learnt the hand signals and correct flying position – legs slightly apart, arms in front with elbows bent, chin up – it’s time to fly with a skilled instructor.

Inside the tunnel, the wind averages about 130km an hour. Our group proceeded onto the flight deck and waited nervously for our turn.

My son made me go first – surprise, surprise!

As I stood at the entrance, I could feel butterflies racing around in the pit of my stomach – but there’s nothing like the expectations of a 10-year-old to make you do something you wouldn’t otherwise do.

To fly, you need to lean into the tunnel and trust fall. A safety net covers the bottom, but you won’t get anywhere near it. As soon as you start falling, the wind will hit your body, forcing

Hitting balls into the water is more fun than you could imagine!

Tapas done right at The Union.

NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE Penrith is a one-hour drive west of Sydney’s CBD, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Families without a car can catch the train to Penrith station.

you up and into the air. It will rush up your nose and wobble your cheeks.

Tom, our flight instructor, guided me into the perfect position and let me fly by myself. On the second turn, we flew up the tube, spinning and twisting in the air before rushing back down with the force of gravity.

It’s important to note that iFly is accessible, with flight harnesses to assist flyers who use a wheelchair. They have also started offering virtual-reality flights, so you can really feel like you are jumping out of a plane.

The whole flight experience takes less than half an hour end to end, but that’s enough. I am hooked – I’m hooked on skydiving and on Penrith. This suburb really is the best place to take active kids in Sydney.

As we leave Penrith to make the drive back home, my husband says “Wow, Penrith really is loads of fun”. I wondered why we were surprised. If you haven’t checked out Penrith with your kids, it’s time to go west.

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GETTING AROUND Hire a car if you don’t have your own. Otherwise, most of the activities in Penrith are a quick Uber or taxi ride from the train station.

STAYING THERE Quest Penrith (questapartments.com.au) is ideal for families, with rooms for all sizes. Each apartment also has a full kitchen and laundry.

BEST TIME TO GO Anytime. Although if you want to get the kids in the water park, you may need wetsuits in winter.

BEST FOR Tweens and teens with a sense of adventure.

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HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

Wine country with kids

FAMILY FRIENDLY VINEYARDS MORE AND MORE CELLAR DOORS ACROSS THE WORLD ARE SERVING UP FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN AS AN ACCOMPANIMENT TO A DELICIOUS DROP FOR THE GROWN-UPS. WORDS BETHANY PLINT

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I Left: Explore the vast grounds of Jordan winery in Sonoma County.

Top: Kids’ platters at Barossa Valley’s Z Wine are the perfect pairing.

Right: Experience the richness of Bacigalupi in Sonoma County.

Image: SATC

HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

f you ask people where their happy place is, most will say the beach or a grassy meadow. Mine is a Tuscan vineyard in September, when the grapes are sweet enough to eat straight off the vine. Swirling a glass of shiraz in one hand, reaching for a slice of brie with the other…

Winery-hopping weekends might feel like a lifetime ago when you’ve got kids, but cellar doors across the world are catching on to one undeniable fact: mums love wine. Dads too. Plus, winemaking is traditionally a family business, so it only makes sense that wine tasting be a family affair.

Extravagant playgrounds, vine mazes and even kid-friendly tasting boards are popping up at stunningly curated vineyards all over the world.

This emerging trend is about more than just getting buyers through the door. The move to make wineries more family friendly provides an opportunity for kids to learn about responsible consumption of alcohol at an early age, and perhaps serve as a refresher for adults too.

Calling it an ‘educational experience’ may be pushing the envelope, but more and more families are dabbling in some form of wine tourism on their holidays. Tasting the local fare is one of the best ways to experience and understand a different culture, and if the regional specialty happens to be squashed, fermented and bottled, then it’d be rude not to try a glass or two.

Unless you’re a hardcore wine connoisseur, chances are you’re not choosing your holiday destination based on your wine preferences. However, knowing that a certain region is teeming with family friendly wineries may just tow you over the line. Luckily, some of the world’s best wine-growing regions are also the most welcoming for kids.

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HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

Settle in to Heifer Station and its cool-climate wines.

AUSTRALIA

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Kids love Heifer Station’s petting zoo and farm.

Food-loving families can get to the very heart of the local culinary scene at Barossa Farmers Market. Every Saturday in the Vinters Sheds in Angaston, locals gather to swap and shop delicious fresh produce, share a laugh with their neighbours and, of course, sample the goods. Get among it by grabbing a coffee or a hot choccie from the breakfast bar and wandering through with a warm pastry.

The Orange wine region in New South Wales is a spec on the map compared to the Barossa Valley, but what it lacks in size and status it makes up for in charm. Visit during winter and your kids will delight in seeing snowflakes on the vines.

Push your trip back to October and you’ll catch the Orange Wine Festival. Regardless of when you visit, a family trip to Heifer Station is essential. Head straight to the tasting room to try the pinot noir, but don’t be alarmed if you hear the odd animal noise between sips. Just across the courtyard is the vineyard’s own petting zoo. Little ones will have fun feeding the chooks and goats, while the alpacas, highland cattle, sheep and an unusually photogenic pony will be waiting to give bigger kids a warm Orange welcome.

Images: Heifer Station

You don’t have to travel far to find a good drop in Australia.

Every state and territory has a strong foothold in the winemaking game – even the Northern Territory, although the jury is still out on the Top End’s specialty: mango wine.

On the west coast, the Margaret River region is worldrenowned for its wine and its craft beer as well. Boutique wineries and microbreweries throughout the region are doing things differently, and their innovative family friendly approach is drawing visitors from all across the world.

There is a lot more competition on the east coast. The Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Gold Coast Hinterland in Queensland and the Yarra Valley in Victoria all throw their hats in the ring to be dubbed Australia’s top wine-growing region, but it’s the Barossa Valley that really takes the cake when it comes to leading the family friendly way.

And if it’s cake you want, it’s cake you shall have. The Barossa Valley’s reputation is partly owed to national treasure (and face of The Great Australian Bake Off) Maggie Beer. Her shop at Pheasant Farm is a must-visit. Whether you reach for something sweet or savoury, you can chase it with a slurp of Maggie’s fruity rosé.

Cellar doors in the Barossa Valley are slowly becoming more family friendly, but Z Wine is leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. Here, kids can enjoy their very own tasting platter, with a selection of juices served in oh-sosophisticated plastic wine glasses paired with fairy bread, fruit and pretzels. Now parents need not feel guilty for lingering over their charcuterie and cheese board.

Champagne, Burgundy and the Loire Valley are among the world’s most renowned wine-growing regions – but it’s Bordeaux that holds the title of Wine Capital of the World. The region’s 7000-plus wine producers pump out an astounding 700 million bottles of wine each year. Bordeaux’s wine industry may be steeped in tradition, but plenty of vintners in the area are keeping pace with the growing demand for family friendly winery experiences.

In Bordeaux, cellar doors are more than buildings filled with barrels, plonked in the middle of a field – they are real-life Disney castles, and some even allow you to star in your own fairytale. Chateau d’Agassac in Medoc is famed for its audio tour, which takes kids on an epic treasure hunt through the grounds. Once they rescue the princess from the castle’s medieval spires, a heroes’ feast awaits. Kids can sample a range of local fruit juices while parents savour the full-bodied merlot.

Further along the wine trail, at Chateau Bardins, families are treated to a different kind of adventure – a culinary one. The Family Gastronomic Excursion showcases the best of Bordeaux’s cuisine. Rich

chocolate ganache macarons are washed down with ruby-red grape juice. Adults are, of course, welcome to indulge in grape juice of the alcoholic-variety.

The most convenient way for families to get around is by car, however there is a kitschy tourist train that provides a fun alternative (especially if all adults plan to have a drop or two). Lots of families with older kids opt to cycle through wine country. The lake Bordeaux Lac has some fabulous bike paths, mostly flat and suitable for all ages. Even if you’re travelling with babies or toddlers, you can hire a carrier or ride-along bike seat.

Beyond wine tasting, animal lovers can feed friendly giraffes at Zoo de Bordeaux or go horseriding through the vineyards. Gutsy kids can fly through the forest at Tepacap, a treetop adventure park, or hit the water with a kayaking expedition on Garonne River.

Families will find plenty of hotel accommodation in the region, however I suggest looking at private rentals and Airbnbs; the French countryside is brimming with gorgeous chateaux you can stay in for a very reasonable price. The kids will never forget that night they slept in a castle!

Image: Vincent Bengold

FRANCE

HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

The Saint-Emilion commune is famous for blending its merlot with cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec.

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At Eric Ross, you’re encouraged to take it easy and enjoy every single drop.

USA

View Sonoma County’s vineyard designs from above with Up & Away Ballooning.

If you’ve never associated wine with Texas, you won’t believe that the southern state’s wine region spans more than three million hectares. Along with its east coast counterparts in New York and Virginia, Texas is growing in prominence on the wine scene – but they still have a lot of catching up to do if they wish to compete with the top dog on the west coast. California dominates the USA’s wine game, producing more than 80 per cent of the country’s wine from 4000-plus wineries. The Golden State’s most legendary winemaking region is Napa Valley. From boozy bachelorette parties to slow-paced seniors tours, Napa draws an eclectic crowd – emphasis on crowd; purists and wine snobs say the region has become overrun with tourists. Long queues, noisy tasting rooms and parking perils have spoilt the delight of wineryhopping in recent years. Luckily, California has more than a hundred other wine regions to discover.

Families will find a great alternative in Sonoma County. The region runs along the coastline, just an hour’s drive from San Francisco. While it’s close enough for a daytrip, you’ll need a few days to really soak up the Sonoma vibes.

Of all the family friendly wineries in the region, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is the most fun for kids because it was designed by one. After being dragged to countless wineries as a child and wanting nothing more than to frolic in the fountains and run wild in the vineyards, the famous film director and vineyard namesake made it his mission to open a kid-friendly winery that was more of a theme park than a traditional cellar door. He drew inspiration from Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens and New York’s Coney Island,

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Francis Ford Coppola Winery has unique outdoor tasting rooms.

where fun was the focus. The result? A wine wonderland where people of all ages can splash around in the pool, marvel at old movie memorabilia, dance under the stars and do so with a glass of wine or juice in hand. If you only manage to visit one cellar door in Sonoma, make it this one.

After you’ve enjoyed your fill of fermented produce, make sure you try some of the fresh stuff. Make a stop at Green String Farm to prove to the kids that you can make friends with salad. Free informal farm tours run on the first Saturday of every month. The kids will be dreaming of kale and carrots for weeks to come.

Kids with a love of trains will be in their element at TrainTown on the outskirts of Sonoma County. Since 1968, generations of families have cruised through the theme park in a small-scale steam train, calling in at a miniature town, petting zoo and carnival rides along the way. TrainTown is among Sonoma’s most popular family attractions, alongside the wildlife rescue centre in Petaluma and Morton’s Warm Springs, which has wading pools for tiny tots and plenty of shady picnic spots.

Accommodation in Sonoma is plentiful but sometimes pricey. Part country club, part spa retreat, the region’s best resorts for families have facilities that are worth the splurge.

The Inn at the Tides has an indoor-outdoor pool the kids will love. The Flamingo Resort is great for active families who will make good use of the tennis court, lap pool and sweeping lawn area. Well-known hotel chains such as Best Western, DoubleTree and Hyatt all have properties around Sonoma and are known for accommodating families with kids of all ages.

Image: Francis Ford Coppola

Image: Mariah Harkey

Image: Eric Ross

HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

HOLIDAYS: WINE REGIONS

ITALY

If you missed out on your Eat Pray Love experience before having kids, you can still discover la dolce vita as a family.

Where better to begin your wine adventure than the pillar of Italy’s winemaking industry? I’m talking about Tuscany, of course. I trace my love of wine back to a trip my family took to Greve in Chianti when I was 12. I still remember playing hide-and-seek in a vineyard with my three brothers, sneaking grapes off the vine and wondering why they tasted so different to the ones I usually found in my lunchbox.

The Chianti region is the star of Tuscany’s wine game.

Stretching from Florence to Siena, Chianti is best known for its ruby-red wines made from the region’s signature Sangiovese grapes. Because of their popularity, most wineries in Chianti require a reservation – easily taken care of online or via phone or email. Castello di Brolio is a great option for families. Kids can take a tour of the castle and armory while parents make use of the tasting room.

Montecalvi Winery is another family run vineyard that welcomes children, providing activity books and board games for kids on request.

In Tuscany, food is a religion that is best practised through the marriage of red wine and pasta, but you can do more than just eat it. Pasta masterclasses are held all over the region, and some encourage kids to learn the art of rolling gnocchi, folding ravioli and slicing spaghetti. Expect an all-day foodie affair at Nonna’s Recipes, 15km south of Florence. You’ll be greeted with cake and drinks before the rolling pins come out. You’ll follow generations-old family recipes from a Tuscan local and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a family feast (wine included).

For a true Tuscan experience, skip the hotel and stay on an estate. The hills are peppered with old stone homesteads

Castello di Brolio in Chianti is the oldest winery in Italy.

and refurbished farm houses, some with pools overlooking the vineyards and others with landscaped courtyards, offering the perfect spot for happy hour at sunset. You’ll find plenty of options on Airbnb. Aim for towns such as Pienza, San Gimignano and Lucca – their medieval towers and maze-like cobblestone streets will place the kids right in their own fairytale. Public transport is limited in smaller towns, so you’ll need to hire a car. Though the streets are often narrow and have a tendency to become one-way all of a sudden, out in the countryside the roads are quiet and winding. Cruising past rows upon rows of vines and crumbling hilltop castles, you’ll enjoy the luxury of stopping off to take photos whenever you want, which will be often.

Go to familytravel.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best family content direct to your inbox.

Italy’s famed Chianti wine region in Tuscany extends from Florence to Siena.

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HOLIDAYS: CRUISE

5 OF THE BEST CRUISE LINES FOR FAMILIES Cruises are great for families. You get to unpack once and see multiple destinations.

You don’t have to worry about where to eat or what to do. Everything is done for you!

But how do you know if the cruise you choose is family friendly? We asked you for your favourite cruise lines for families and were swamped with responses. An impressive 120,000 votes were cast in our Best of Family Travel Awards. Here, we shine a spotlight on the top five cruise companies, as voted by you.

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01 P&O CRUISES

Having received the most votes, P&O Cruises won the crown of the best cruise company for families – and with budget friendly options and plenty of exciting activities onboard, it’s easy to see why.

At P&O Edge Adventure park, kids can zoom along on a flying fox that spans almost the entire length of the vessel. There’s also bungee trampolines, laser tag and abseiling for the daring types, a comedy club and karaoke for the fun-lovers, giant chess games for the strategists, the all-encompassing and endlessly popular kids’ clubs, and some ships even have a place for the brave to walk the plank.

Most Aussie families choose P&O’s South Pacific routes, as their fabulous itineraries take you through New Caledonia and Vanuatu to island beaches you would never see from land. Plus, they depart from Australian cities.

If you’re new to the game and feeling unsure about whether you and your family would appreciate a holiday at sea, you should try one of P&O’s ‘taster’ cruises, which will take you away for just a few days.

WHERE WILL P&O CRUISES TAKE YOU? Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

HOLIDAYS: CRUISE

02 CARNIVAL CRUISES

Carnival Cruises is known for its incredible Green Thunder waterslide. Yes, that’s the one that drops you, free-fall, into a shoot and sends you around the bend at 65km an hour. If that sounds a bit too intense for you, take a ride on Twister, a huge spiralling waterslide that, though not quite as vertical, is just as much splashy fun.

Kids will love the onboard lolly shop, pools and mini-golf course. They can try their hand at basketball at sea, learn to draw in the art studio or bounce themselves silly on the sky-high trampolines at Sky Zone. They can also sit down to breakfast with the fantastical characters from the world of Dr Seuss, or try to come out on top as their favourite board games come to life in Hasbro, The Game Show.

WHERE WILL CARNIVAL CRUISES TAKE YOU? Alaska, Australia, Caribbean, Hawai‘i, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and South Pacific.

03 NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line has great family friendly itineraries and some of the newest ships in the industry, featuring large cabins, suites and interconnecting rooms. They also have twobedroom family suites close to the kids’ play areas, so you won’t have to trek far to play.

Kids can learn to juggle at the circus school, play dodgeball and decorate cupcakes. There’s also an onboard bowling alley, mini-golf course and ropes course.

Most families from Australia will cruise on the Norwegian Jewel, which has just undergone an extensive dry dock. Everything onboard has been refreshed – the carpets, the chandeliers, the 16 dining options, the 15 bars and nightclubs and the stunning suites.

You’ll also find an art gallery, a walking track, a library, a fantastic pool, and a basketball, volleyball and tennis court.

WHERE WILL NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TAKE YOU? Alaska, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Cuba, Europe, Florida, Hawai‘i, Mexican Riviera, New England, New Zealand, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America and transatlantic.

04 ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Royal Caribbean is another line that caters to all ages. Kids will love the meet-and-greet experiences with DreamWorks characters, the FlowRider surf simulator, rock-climbing wall and zipline – not to mention the science lab, where curious minds can conduct experiments (under supervision, of course). Its ships have a library, a mini-golf course, an arcade room and a theatre for kids to stage a live show of their own making. Teens even have their own disco.

Families with babies can pre-order nappies, wipes and cream onboard, and parents can reserve time for their littlies to be looked after by trained staff. School-aged kids will go crazy for the unlimited soft-drink perk!

Royal Caribbean has cabins that sleep fiveplus and can also offer interconnecting rooms, so you won’t need to worry when travelling with a group or extra family members.

WHERE WILL ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES TAKE YOU? Alaska, Arabian Gulf, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, Hawai‘i, New England, New Zealand, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South Pacific and transatlantic.

05 DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Disney Cruise Line delivers old-fashioned soda-pop fun; expect 1920s elegance injected with a dose of fantasy. Its ships are sleek and clean with crisp navy-blue hulls and bright-red funnels. In true Disney style, not one detail will be out of place!

Disney cruises have waterslides, pools and Broadway-calibre musicals as well as basketball courts, sports simulators and minigolf. Some even have fireworks at sea.

There are also specialty cruises, such as Star Wars Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.

The spacious staterooms were built with families in mind, with extra space and storage, a spacious sitting area and baths. There’s even a five-berth cabin for larger families.

It’s also what Disney’s ships don’t have – casinos – that make its cruises so inviting for young families.

WHERE WILL DISNEY CRUISE LINE TAKE YOU? Alaska, Bahamas, Baja, Bermuda, British Isles, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Norway, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, Hawai‘i and transatlantic.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

LIVING THE (DAY)DREAM Dust off your suitcases and prepare to hit the beach – Daydream Island Resort is back in the game!

Yep, you heard right: Daydream Island Resort is set to reopen this year, following an extensive $100 million renovation. The hugely popular Great Barrier Reef resort closed in 2017 after Cyclone Debbie tore through it. Now, two years later, the 4.5star resort is going to be bigger and better than ever.

“Daydream Island Resort will have more than 40 sets of interconnecting rooms and suites for families,” reveals Jayson Heron, Daydream Island’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

“The majority are superior king and twin (two queen beds)

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combined, but the resort also has options for three, four and even five rooms to be connected together for larger or multigenerational families. And all rooms feature a bath.”

Ground-floor rooms will be poolside, while those on level one will have pool or ocean views. Either way, when around the completely refurbished pool area, parents can expect to relax on sun loungers and enjoy unparalleled views over the Whitsundays – and the kids will experience their own daydream… “The huge pool winds through tropical gardens

The island is so beautiful, you'll think you're daydreaming!

and includes shallow areas for little ones, as well as bridges and deep sections for older kids,” says Jayson.

When a hungry tummy interrupts the action, it’ll be time to head to the poolside bar, which will serve gourmet burgers, sliders, pork ribs and chicken wings. Kids can enjoy smoothies, milkshakes and soft drinks, and adults will be spoilt for choice with smooth tropical cocktails, draught beer and wine.

Want to indulge even more? Order a scoop of ice-cream from the Movenpick Ice-Cream Bar. Though the resort is full of huge transformations, one element remains (almost) the same: the free-form coral lagoon. Wrapping around the hotel’s central building, it’ll hold 1.5 million litres of water and meander for 200m. It will feature a new education centre complete with touch tanks, a theatre and eye-opening exhibits, as well as an underwater observatory that showcases a typical reef system. In addition, guests will be able to join local marine biologists in feeding and shaking fins with baby stingrays, and keep their eyes peeled for starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs on group tours.

Kids can also explore the lagoon, beaches and rainforest with the kids’ club, which will run two activity-based sessions each day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – for children aged 4 to 12.

Parents with younger tots can take advantage of the resort’s babysitting services, which includes evening spots, so adults can enjoy a romantic night together at one of the three on-site restaurants (Graze Interactive Dining, Infinity and Inkstone Kitchen and Bar) or bars (Barefoot Bar, Tonic and Silica).

No matter what restaurant you choose, you can expect fresh local produce; through simple yet creative menus, Executive Chef Keith Le Fevre plans to showcase the area's flair.

And we've saved the best for last – families will be excited to learn that kids 12 and under eat free!

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HOLIDAYS: HONG KONG

Hong Kong’s GREENER GAZE

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HOLIDAYS: HONG KONG

Known for its dizzying skyscrapers and big-city buzz, Hong Kong is an intoxicating place to visit by any account. Just beyond the bright lights, however, a less-hyped and equally captivating experience awaits intrepid families and travellers.

WORDS NISSA MARION

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isitors to Hong Kong are often surprised to discover that the dense and bustling city – famous for its shopping, dining and nightlife – is also a popular destination for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Almost 70 per cent of the territory is unspoilt natural terrain, with 40 per cent of it officially protected by the government. Rugged mountains rise from sandy beaches and sleepy villages to heights of almost 1000 metres, and are criss-crossed by a network of world-class hiking trails and country parks. Yet the entire region covers an area only one-quarter the size of Sydney, making its natural wonders uniquely accessible to both locals and visitors.

The very first of these wonders can sometimes be seen before you even set foot on the ground; on a clear day, flying into Hong Kong International Airport from the west, a keen eye might spot one of the famed pink dolphins that inhabit the surrounding waters.

The endangered dolphins can be viewed up close via regular boat tours – just be sure to go with a reputable operator such as conservationminded Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, which offers educational talks on every trip.

The dolphin trips run in the morning, so on the way back consider a detour to sleepy Tai O, one of the most unique traditional fishing villages in Hong Kong. The village is a maze of canals and stilt houses, with plenty to discover along its winding boardwalks and waterways.

Find your way back to Central by bus and ferry for unbeatable views of the coastline and city.

Back on dry land, a visit to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, on the steep northern slope of Tai Mo Shan, is perfect for families with young children. Sprawling across 148 hectares of organic farming terraces, landscaped gardens and natural forest, the farm encourages visitors to explore their relationship with nature.

Join seasonal events – from cherry-blossom

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HOLIDAYS: HONG KONG

MORE YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR FUN IN HONG KONG

SPRING Hop on a ferry to one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands for a chilled-out daytrip that leaves the urban bustle behind. One great pick is Cheung Chau (pictured above), a quiet, barbellshaped pedestrian island with winding trails and a charming village where you can try traditional local snacks.

SUMMER For the ultimate Hong Kong summer experience, hire a junk boat, pile on some drinks and snacks, and spend the afternoon cruising and splashing in the warm waters of the South China Sea. For extra credit with the kids, ask for the inflatable slide or banana boat option to enhance the experience.

AUTUMN Rent bicycles near Sha Tin MTR station and take in the coastline on two wheels. Take advantage of the easy well-paved bike paths along Tolo Harbour, and stop for food at one of the local eateries along the route.

WINTER Visit one of the many organic farms that dot Hong Kong’s New Territories, and pick your own strawberries to bring back – many of the farms are family run businesses. Other activities on offer range from baking bread to petting baby goats.

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A beautiful sun sets on Tai O.

Hong Kong

Float on by A boat ride through the fishing village of Tai O will take you past traditional stilt houses.

Putting on a show Repulse Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong, is an ideal viewing spot for sunsets.

Seeing is believing The famed Indo-Pacific pink dolphins enjoy frolicking in the New Territories.

A hike and a half!

If you can make it to the peak of Dragon’s Back, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the south.

HOLIDAYS: HONG KONG Cherry blossoms don’t just spring up in Japan!

Image: Jessica Li

The Dragon’s Back lookout offers a stunning vista.

The great egret likes to chill out at Mai Po Nature Reserve.

viewing in spring to wild animal encounters and mindfulness workshops, or just have a wander and a picnic.

Meanwhile, older kids will find plenty to discover at Mai Po Nature Reserve, a wetland park on the China border that sees tens of thousands of migratory birds each winter, and is home to a plethora of local wildlife yearround. Well-managed walking paths and bird hides allow visitors to explore at their leisure – just be sure to call ahead, as the WWF-run conservation area has a daily visitor quota.

If your visit falls during the warmer seasons, your first activity should be a no-brainer. Head straight for one of Hong Kong’s many stunning beaches and soak up the subtropical climate.

For the adventurous, Tai Long Wan beach in Sai Kung sets the gold standard. The beach is accessible only by hike or boat, but worth the effort; surrounded by lush green hills and completely secluded from civilisation, its white sands and clear warm waters are unparalleled.

With younger children or shorter itineraries, Repulse Bay Beach is right on Hong Kong Island, just 20 minutes by bus or taxi from the

chaos of Central, and has plenty of play areas and facilities to ensure a stress-free beach day is had by all.

With such diverse terrain, it’s no surprise that Hong Kong offers some mighty fine hiking, including plenty of family friendly trails. One of the best known – for good reason – is the Dragon’s Back, named for the undulating mountain ridge that it follows. Do it for the unbeatable views across Hong Kong Island, and reward your efforts with cold drinks and local snacks at Big Wave Bay Beach, where the path comes to an end.

Start early to avoid crowds on the popular trail, but feel free to linger over lunch; like so many of Hong Kong’s green experiences, your trip back to the city is just a short bus or taxi ride, leaving plenty of time to plan out the next day’s adventures.

Go to familytravel.com.au for travel inspiration, ideas and tips to turn your travel dreams into reality. Be sure to sign up to the e-newsletter to receive the best family content direct to your inbox.

NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia and Hong Kong Airlines offer direct flights from Australia.

BEST FOR KIDS AGED Families of all sizes will find plenty to do with kids of any age.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Subtropical Hong Kong is a year-round destination, however June to August can get very humid.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY Ruby Apartments in Surfers Paradise opened to high acclaim in November 2018, and there’s no slowing down. The stylish accommodation is the perfect destination for families of all shapes and sizes. Bring the clan or leave them at home to have that special romantic escape you’ve been dreaming about – think romantic dinners, delicious beverages and fun activities to spice up your getaway.

Whichever you choose, time spent at Ruby Apartments is about relaxing and having a good time. Sit back with a cocktail (or mocktail) by the pool while watching the sun go

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No one stay with The Ruby Collection will be the same as the next, making it a place to visit time and time again.

To book your next holiday visit therubycollection. com.au.

down, then enjoy a candlelit dinner on your private balcony before settling in for the night with a movie streamed via the complimentary Google Chromecast to set the mood.

For those a little more active, heat things up in the gym, sauna or steam room, then enjoy a tantalising dining experience at either Stones Bar and Grill or the Terrace Cafe, followed by live music.

For couples and families wanting more interactive activities, book in for cocktail-making classes, trivia competitions or enjoy wine and cheese tasting.

5 Reasons to spoil yourself and your partner (and the kids, if they’re tagging along) 01 STUNNING SETTING Ruby Apartments is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, with views of both the Gold Coast hinterland and Gold Coast beaches.

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02 DAYTIME AND EVENING ENTERTAINMENT Cocktail making, wine and cheese tasting and live music are just a few of the options to entertain you throughout your stay.

03 WINE AND DINE Whether it’s a family dinner at Stones Bar and Grill or an intimate couples-only meal in the comfort of your room or on your balcony, Ruby has it covered.

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04 LUXURY POOL Relax by the pool with a cocktail or two. Jump in to cool off after a warm day or make your body feel good all over – you’ll easily while away an evening here.

05 OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE With Ruby’s ambassadors and digital concierge, you’ll have everything The Ruby Collection and the Gold Coast has to offer right at your fingertips.

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HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

Snowed in IT’S TIME TO SKI AND SLEIGH AND PLAY ALL DAY!

In the snow, not all kids are created equal. Some love to snowboard in the terrain park, others like to ski on the slopes, some need daycare, others need a party. We’ve broken down the best of Australian and New Zealand skiing and snowboarding according to your family’s needs.

WORDS RACHAEL OAKES-ASH

Mt Hutt’s Kea Club includes lift passes, gear hire and lessons.

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HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

Just the thought of snow-based activities will get kids off the devices and into the great outdoors. And, once you’re there, it will keep them mindful and in the moment, and create a family leisure sports legacy that can be passed down through generations, bonded by snow love. To help get it started, we’re going to reveal some of the best local places where the kids can cut loose and learn to shred, jib and ride the magic carpet.

FURRY FUN FOR LITTLE ONES

Australia’s ski resorts know that keeping toddlers and preschoolers entertained without the use of skis or snowboards is important for family harmony, and that a cuddly animal mascot can go a long way to welcoming kids to the snow.

Falls Creek Alpine Resort (skifalls. com.au) in Victoria is a family mecca.

The pedestrian-only village, surely the prettiest in Australia, is a ski-in ski-out dream. The resort is largely intermediate terrain, has a rocking ski school with covered ‘magic carpet’ surface lift and

is known for Wombat’s Ramble, a fun and playful ski run that’s adored by little misses and misters.

Each season, the resort partners with the team at Nickelodeon to host a creative program of events so junior can hang with SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Kids at Falls Creek also go crazy for Pete the Snow Dragon. You’ll find the brightblue beast hanging around Snow Club 4 Kids, on skis on Wombat’s Ramble, and at the Twilight Tuesday party in the Village Bowl from 4pm in July and August.

Across the mountain range in Victoria sits Hotham Alpine Resort (mthotham. com.au). It’s a powerhouse ski resort that sits atop the mountain peak, so you’ll need to ski down to the lifts in the morning. Vistas here are magical, with rows of mountain ridges that disappear into the horizon. Dinner Plain Alpine Village, 10 minutes down the road, offers snowshoe walks in the trees, toboggans down gentle slopes and an outdoor hot tub at Onsen Retreat day spa.

Kids congregate at kids’ ski school Big D, where you’ll find Pete the Dragon

(from sister resort Falls Creek) and his best mate Harry the Snow Dragon.

Heading to Thredbo (thredbo.com. au) in New South Wales? Expect an old-school alpine village nestled on the side of a mountain slope facing 480 hectares of skiable terrain, with more than 65 per cent of the resort dedicated to intermediate skiers. Ski runs here are lined with snow gums and peppered with ski-in ski-out cafes that are prepared for hot-chocolate breaks when needed.

Kids head straight to Thredboland, a dedicated ski school for the young ones and home to Thredbo’s famed furry marsupials, which can be spotted at Animal Hideouts on the beginner slopes.

SNOWSPORT CAMPS ARE ALL THE RAGE

Once the kids have conquered the art of snow play, sign them up for a week-long snow camp so they can hang out with like-minded kids of the same age who love the snow as much as they do.

Ski and snowboard improvement programs are a great way to instil good

Cardrona offers private and group lessons for adults and kids.

Have a sit-skier in the family?

Disabled Wintersports Australia trains family members to be adaptive guides at Hotham, ensuring parents and siblings can support their child or sibling and ski with them on the slopes. Check out disabledwintersport.com.au for more information.

Perfectly groomed snow

Image: Cardrona Alpine Resort

ADAPTIVE ATTITUDE

HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

images

Top: Mt Buller’s Snowfactory ensures there’s snow on the mountain year-round.

Bottom: Thredboland is so much fun for kids aged 5 to 6.

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ski technique and mountain skills for life.

Whether your children love to carve up the groomers, hit the moguls or ride the halfpipe, there is a camp for them.

Cardrona Alpine Resort (cardrona. com) on New Zealand’s South Island is where all the cool kids play. Midway between Queenstown and Wanaka, the resort is home to freestyle skiers and snowboarders who love the Olympic-size superpipe and air bag for jump training.

Sign the kids up for the Four-Day Adventure Program for ages 5 to 14, to give them a solid start. The program offers two group lessons a day, lunch and entertainment, and kids are grouped by skill and ski or snowboard level.

On a clear day, you can see as far as the coastline from the ski slopes of Mount Hutt (mthutt.co.nz), an hour from Christchurch. Loved by locals, Mount Hutt looks out across the Canterbury plains, serves up some big terrain and even has New Zealand’s highest hot tub, so take your swimmers. If you’re in town for the winter, the mountain offers a six-week program every Sunday for Big

Mountain- and Freeride-skiing kids.

Victoria’s Mount Buller (skibuller.com. au) has produced many an Australian Winter Olympian, from aerial skier goldmedallist Lydia Lassila to snowboardcross finalist Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin.

Clearly the locals’ beloved Buller is a good place to start! Sign the kids up to Snow Squad, a season-long program for kids aged 4 to 17. After 30 days, you can expect your little miss or mister to reach a level where they can ride safely anywhere, any time, with confidence.

Short on time? The Mount Hotham Free Ski Academy (mounthothamfreeski. com.au) runs many different winter camps and several all-winter programs for youngsters. It’s a smorgasbord for snow lovers looking to upskill. Choose from weekend, one-day or five-day clinics, or school-holiday camps, all held on the slopes of Hotham Resort.

GOING INSANE ON THE TERRAIN

Australia’s Scotty James is a household

HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

THE QUIET ACHIEVERS

Falls Creek has 450 hectares of skiable terrain!

name. The X Games gold-medallist, Olympic bronze-medallist and FIS World Champion snowboarder is helping to put snowboarding front and centre for our sports-loving nation. He’s talented, funny and cool, and he leads the current charge of kids wanting to hit up terrain parks.

Luckily for your budding James in the family, all of the resorts in Australia and New Zealand have terrain park progression offerings from beginner to advanced, even for big air and superpipe.

Many also offer terrain park lessons in the ski school, so you can’t go wrong wherever you choose to ski and ride.

Perisher (perisher.com.au) is Australia’s largest ski resort, with more than 1245 hectares of playful terrain. It plays host to the world’s elite snow athletes who descend upon the terrain parks on Front Valley to train for international competitions. Ride the parks here and you could be sharing the slope with Olympic and X Games gold-medallists.

The PlayStation Terrain Parks at Perisher offer five parks – from small to extra large – as well as a mini pipe and a halfpipe, so kids can progress as they

improve their skill set. You can even take a run down the Yabby Flats Mini Pipe for rolling good times.

Thredbo’s Torah Bright is the queen of kids. The X Games and Olympic halfpipe snowboard champion is adored by young kids on the rise – and for good reason.

She is a Thredbo ambassador and the name behind the Torah Bright Mini Shred held at the Friday Flat beginner area every July, when she brings her Olympian mates along to offer tips and advice to hundreds of the would-be Brights who play on the day. It’s a fun day out, led mainly by Bright’s upbeat vibe, and one to earn you serious kudos with your offspring.

Across the ditch, Cardrona is the terrain park destination of choice for global athletes, and home to a 6.7m Olympic superpipe. The Audi Quattro Winter Games is held here every year as part of the FIS World Cup circuit, so you know it’s good. Expect four terrain parks, from beginner to FIS level, an international halfpipe plus Olympic superpipe, an almost 26m big air jump and a fun gravity-cross freestyle course.

Deep in the wild of Australia and New Zealand sit some smaller resorts that keep under the radar yet still offer a truly authentic ski and snowboard experience – think homegrown instructors, hearty meals, uncrowded slopes and the like.

Selwyn Snow Resort (selwynsnow.com. au) is the perfect Australian introduction for first-timers. The boutique resort in New South Wales is great for snow play with toboggans and snow tubes, and offers 45 hectares of gentle terrain to help build confidence levels.

You can then progress to the coolest ski resort in Australia: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort (pictured above, charlottepass. com.au). But be warned: in just one visit, you’ll fall in love. Many families book in for the same week year after year for the club-style feel. The resort is accessible by over-snow vehicle from Perisher, and is a cute enclave of ski-in ski-out lodge and chalet accommodation.

Few know of the delights of New Zealand’s club fields. These fields, dotted mainly throughout the Canterbury region, are multi-generational club lodges open to the public. They are usually half the price of commercial resorts, but they do lack the infrastructure, which for some is part of the charm. You’ll be down in bunk beds and need to pitch in with chores after skiing to keep the lodge running. Some have a nutcracker-style lift system, which can be challenging at first, however the reward is no lift lines, untouched snow for fresh tracks and amazing family holiday memories filled with stories. Isn’t that what skiing and snowboarding is all about?

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HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

APRES-SKI ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

What’s a ski trip without apres, right?

No need to leave the kids behind when there’s plenty of after-ski and snowboard action suited for them.

The fun doesn’t stop when the chairlift does at Falls Creek. Take the kids to Falls Creek Night Show on Thursdays from 7.30pm in the Village Bowl for demo skiing and acrobatics, fireworks, flares, laughter and more.

At Thredbo, the kids’ Flare Run on a Thursday night is a weekly institution for the littlies in ski school, as they slide down Friday Flat with LED flares in hand. The conga flare line against the white snow after dark makes for great photos, too.

Hotham has a sing-and-dance-along with Harry the Snow Dragon every Wednesday and Saturday at 3.30pm at the Big D kids’ hub. The resort also plays host to Legoland in the July and September school holidays, with a program of ‘bricktastic’ events, so mark your diary when the pre-season schedule is released on their website.

In New Zealand, take the family to Cardrona Hotel after a day of skiing for mulled wine for the adults and roasting marshmallows on the fire in the beer garden for the kids. Or head to Puzzling World after a day at Treble Cone Ski Resort for a maze of optical illusions.

Our favourite is Queenstown’s Patagonia Chocolates’ fondues with views of Lake Wakatipu. Dip marshmallows, shortbread and fruits into gooey, warm, melted chocolate and thank us later.

RIDING WITH CHAMPIONS

Serious boasting rights abound when you ski at Australian and New Zealand snowfields. With so many Olympians and X Games medallists training in both countries during the southern season, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with an envy-inducing selfie. From Torah Bright’s annual Mini Shred to Perisher’s terrain parks, where gold-medallist slopestylers Joss Christensen and Jamie Anderson have trained, you may even find yourself sharing the chairlift with a superstar.

Did we mention that the Aussie moguls ski team, including Olympic silver-medallist Matt Graham, train and compete at Perisher? Not to mention Scotty James, who is a regular at Falls

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Super-convenient!

You can ski-in and ski-out from all accommodation at Falls Creek.

Breaking records Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere.

Kiwi hospitality Ohau has been family-run since the 1980s.

What a deal!

Mt Hutt’s lift passes are free for kids 10 and under!

Mini mates Kids will love Mt Buller’s Gnome Roam!

All-terrain adventure At Hotham, you can ski, hike and bike.

Australia & New Zealand

On the long run Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia.

Creek and even offers the chance to ride with him some days.

If you’re in New Zealand during the Audi Quattro Winter Games, you’ll likely run in to the likes of snowboarding legends Shaun White and Chloe Kim at Cardrona. But it’s the understated smalltown club fields that hold serious kudos when the Austrian and US ski teams come to train – try Ohau Ski Field (ohau. co.nz) for some time in the lift line with the US legends. Alpine racing champion Ted Ligety posts on his social media from Kiwi slopes each winter, so you can follow him too.

ALL ABOUT THE ADVENTURE

For those who like to mix it up with some fun adventure, Australia and New Zealand won’t let you down.

Steve Lee is an Australian downhill Olympian and FIS World Cup winner. In other words, he skis like the rockstar he is. You and your family can ski with him, too, on his backcountry snowmobile-led tours at Falls Creek, for the off-piste family. He’ll take you down cruisy smooth runs on Mount McKay and through snow gums to open bowls.

Dead Horse Gap in Thredbo is a

Always in season Summer and winter are covered at Cardrona!

legendary ‘side country’ run that is easily accessible from the top of the Karel’s T Bar via a short traverse or minor hike into Australia’s iconic bushland. Take someone who’s been before as a guide – it’s easy to get lost in the snow gums.

You’ll ski past wild brumbies to a creek with a cute bridge to cross, and then out to a remote carpark, where your mates will be able to pick you up and take you back to the resort.

For some seriously good fun, try cat skiing at Soho Basin behind Cardrona in New Zealand. Climb into the back of a snow groomer in a purpose-built comfort cabin and ski down behind a guide, only to be picked up to do it all over again. This is the last year for this offering, before the basin area becomes part of Cardrona, creating the largest lift-accessed ski resort in the country. Strong intermediate skiers who like powder will love the full-day adventure, which includes lunch on a mountain-hut deck by the crew from the gourmet Amisfield Winery.

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HOLIDAYS: SNOW SEASON

images

Top: Perisher is home to family fun for all ages.

Left: Cardrona runs ski kindy for kids under 5.

Right: The sunset over Falls Creek is breathtaking!

Bottom: The Remarkables in Queenstown are just, well, remarkable.

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HOLIDAYS: SUMMER

Seasons By the

THERE ARE CERTAIN TIMES OF YEAR WHEN PLACES THRIVE – HERE’S WHERE AND WHEN YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR TRIP. WORDS SARAH FRIGGIERI

california

June to August This is the first place mentioned in The Beach Boys’ ‘Surfin’ USA’ – and it’s no wonder why. Jumping on a board here isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life.

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HOLIDAYS: SUMMER

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01 FIJI November to April You’ll find the best floating bar in the world at Cloud 9.

02 MEXICO June to August Venture west to Loreto for colourful folk festivals.

03 COOK ISLANDS November to April Aitutaki is tranquil and family friendly.

04 HAWAI‘I May to October Take in the scenery while stand-up paddleboarding.

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HOLIDAYS:AUTUMN

01 01 CANADA September to November Watch the foliage change from green to vibrant oranges, yellows and reds.

02 COLORADO September to November ‘Indian summer’ beauty is awe-inspiring.

03 INDIA September to November Dance among the golden leaves of Kashmir’s chinar.

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HOLIDAYS:AUTUMN

GERMANY

September to November There’s no better time to photograph Bavaria’s already-stunning Neuschwanstein Castle than once it’s enveloped by bright autumn leaves.

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HOLIDAYS: WINTER

France

December to February Val d’Isere, a family friendly ski resort in the French Alps, offers low prices on ski passes for kids aged 5 to 13, and offers other icy activities such as sleighing, snowboarding and ice-skating.

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HOLIDAYS: WINTER

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01 PATAGONIA June to August You don’t have to hike Fitz Roy mountain to appreciate its beauty.

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02 FINLAND November to May Wintertime is your best

chance to view the Northern Lights.

03 AUSTRIA December to March The lakeside town of Hallstatt in the Alps evokes long-held dreams of a white Christmas.

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HOLIDAYS: SPRING

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01 NETHERLANDS April to June More than seven million flower bulbs bloom in Keukenhof, Lisse.

02 JAPAN March to May See the majestic cherry blossoms take over Tokyo, Kyoto and Shikoku.

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03 CHINA March to May Rapeseed flowers bloom in early spring – and Luoping County is famous for its large-scale fields.

HOLIDAYS: SPRING

australia

September to November The northern NSW town of Grafton is home to hundreds of lilac-blossomed jacarandas – and even the biggest jacaranda tree in the country, measuring 30m tall with a circumference of 6m and a crown of 36m.

HOLIDAYS: NEW ZEALAND

10 DISCOVER THE TOP

AMAZING EXPERIENCES IN THE NORTH ISLAND

Take a journey through time exploring New Zealand’s geothermal wonders, active volcanoes and luscious landscapes.

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VISIT THE PHENOMENAL HUKA FALLS

Feel the thundering roar of 220,000 litres of water squeezing its way through a slim ravine at Huka Falls in Taupo. The falls are one of New Zealand’s most popular natural attractions, and can be viewed from a vantage point on the footbridge or on a thrilling jetboat ride.

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HOLIDAYS: NEW ZEALAND

02

PLAY IN THE SNOW

Happy Valley Snow Park is ideal. Located in Whakapapa (Mount Ruapehu), Happy Valley is NZ’s premier beginner ski area featuring carpet lifts and a double chairlift, and has its own licensed bistro and rentals facility. Sheltered from the weather and set away from the rest of the ski area, it’s a very safe and gentle slope for first-timers.

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EXPERIENCE MAORI CULTURE AT ROTORUA

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SKI ON EXPANSIVE VOLCANIC TERRAIN

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SAIL ALONG A STUNNING LAKE

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HAVE A FAMILY SOAK IN GEOTHERMAL WATERS

Gain an insight into Maori culture and the myths and legends of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at Te Puia. Home to the National Schools of Wood Carving and Weaving, you can enjoy live cultural performances as well as a live kiwi bird sanctuary. There's also Mitai Maori Village, where you can view warriors paddling an ancient waka (war canoe), savour a traditionally cooked Hangi (earth oven) meal and enjoy an authentic Maori performance.

Take the chairlift up New Zealand’s largest active volcano, Mount Ruapehu (2797m high), or ride up in the new-in-2019 Sky Waka gondola at Whakapapa to 2020m above sea level – don't forget your camera! Take in the extraordinary views overlooking the Central Plateau and enjoy a buffet dining experience at Pinnacles restaurant. Build a snowman, take part in a sledding race or just absorb the incredible snowy alpine environment.

03

DISCOVER A SUBTERRANEAN WONDERLAND

Beneath the rolling hills of Waitomo, about two hours from Auckland, lies a network of limestone caverns with stunning formations and glowworm-lit caves, best enjoyed on a guided boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique blackwater rafting experience on the underground rivers.

Taking the grand stand in the stunning Taupo region is a beautiful lake the size of Singapore.

There is a seemingly endless list of activities to do on and around it, too: take in the iconic Mine Bay Maori rock carvings, which can be reached either by kayak or on a more relaxing cruise, take a scenic flight overhead for the optimum bird's-eye view, or head out for a stroll along one of the many lakeside walks.

Explore Taupo and its geothermal wonders of nature. There’s something for everyone in this lakeside resort town, and what better way to rest your tired muscles after a day on the slopes of Whakapapa and Turoa than a soak in the hot pools?

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HOLIDAYS: NEW ZEALAND

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HOBBITON

Step into Peter Jackson’s fantastical Lord of the Rings movies with a tour of the home of the hobbits. Tolkien fans can immerse themselves in the amazing Hobbitsize village while kids appreciate the magic and adventure of Middle Earth brought to life.

09

SEE THE IMPRESSIVE TARANAKI FALLS

Starting near the Whakapapa Information Centre, the Taranaki Falls loop track in Ruapehu region follows the crystal-clear river to the impressive Taranaki Falls. Enjoy fabulous volcanic views along the way before reaching the remarkable falls.

NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE Direct flights to Auckland depart from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

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DISCOVER ROTORUA’S NATIVE FORESTS

Feel the spirit of the region with a guided Redwoods Treewalk in Whakarewarewa Forest. It'll take you over suspension bridges through the towering trees – or, for more of an adrenaline rush, experience the magnificent forests and birdlife with Rotorua Canopy Tours' thrilling zipline adventures. For biking enthusiasts, there is no better haven than the Redwoods, with a track for every ability and age.

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BEST TIME TO GO It’s very normal to experience extremely variable weather in New Zealand, which can cover four seasons in one day.

Winter nights offer crisp, clear skies, and is a great choice when wanting to stay away from the bustling summer months.

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BEST FOR KIDS AGED The North Island is very family friendly. The walks and bike tracks are best for kids aged 5 and over, but younger bubs will enjoy splashing in the cool blue waters.

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NAVIGATE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & EXPERT OPINIONS

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WHY VIDEO CAMERAS SURPASS SMARTPHONES Eight reasons you should never travel without the Sony Handycam® camcorder TALK TO THE EXPERT Rohan LePage chats about renting gear while on the road – you’ll never be over baggage limits again!

WE REVIEW Barangaroo, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Trisara, The Westin Brisbane and Campbelltown Catholic Club WHAT'S ON Events across the world HAPPY SNAP Mandarin-picking fun AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

8 WAYS VIDEO CAMERAS SURPASS SMARTPHONES The Sony Handycam® camcorder’s got you covered!

If you love to take travel videos, you probably need to upgrade from your smartphone. Sure, it’s easy and convenient to film on your mobile, but even the latest and best phones can’t compete with a video camera. We tested a Sony AX33 Handycam for our travel videos for three months and were astounded by the difference. Here are the eight Sony AX33 features that prove it's better than my smartphone.

01 ZOOM

A mobile phone doesn’t zoom well. Even if you can get in close to the action, your photo or video recording is likely to be shaky and blurry.

I tried filming the kids’ attempt to tackle Cables Aqua Park on a recent trip to Penrith. With a phone, it was almost impossible to focus on them splashing and slipping over – even the slightest shake in my hand made it hard to focus,

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and the result was grainy. With the Sony AX33 Handycam, however, I could zoom in and get a clear, stable picture. It was even stable when I giggled at them falling over!

Unlike phones, the AX33 has a steady shot. As you move the video camera, a gimbal built inside it automatically stabilises the lens. It is up to 13 times more stable when you transfer from wide shots to telephoto. The difference between a video camera and my phone was instantly noticeable. For long shots, the Sony Handycam wins every time.

02 REDUCED VOICE NOISE

Have you ever replayed a video and been annoyed at the sound of your own voice booming “Smile, wave”? You can’t change that on a phone, but on the Sony AX33 you can suppress sounds coming from behind the camera as you record the movie, such as the volume

of your voice. It’s called My Voice Cancelling. I love this function so much because I often laugh or yell right at the crucial moment when I’m recording our family videos.

03 NIGHT VISION

One of the things my kids loved most about the Sony AX33 was the night shooting feature – it allows you to see in the dark, even in complete darkness.

To engage it, simply hit the NightShot function button and the camera will change to an infrared light setting.

Now you can capture those precious sleeping faces.

04 SLOW MOTION

Yes, phones can shoot slow motion, but the Sony AX33 did it better. I tried filming the kids jumping into the pool during the holidays. On my smartphone, slow-motion filming starts when the

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Capture beautiful bonding moments.

It’s all about the action shot!

camera detects action within in a box displayed on the screen. The problem is, kids are unpredictable. I would set it up when I thought they were about to jump, but with the slightest movement in the background it would start recording and miss the actual jump, or it would start the slow motion too early or too late. The Sony AX33 starts filming in slow motion when you press the start/stop button – much easier!

07 BETTER BATTERY

05 GOLF SHOT

Video cameras win hands-down when it comes to video quality. The AX33 can even shoot in 4K, offering ultra high definition, which is the best quality available and the current gold standard.

This function is unique to the AX33. It captures a video from the moment the club hits the ball, then turns it into a sequence of images. Simply frame the subject in the white grid on the LCD monitor and press the start/stop button right after they have taken the swing.

The camera splits the video into dozens of photos so you can see exactly how the ball was hit, frame by frame. This is great for kids who are competitive at sport, as they can analyse their game and learn what to correct.

Recording videos on my phone can really drain its battery. When I go back to the hotel to rest, I often want to use my phone, but with a low battery I need to plug it in to charge. If I use the Sony AX33 to take photos and videos, I then have enough power left on my phone for browsing the web or checking Google Maps to get us back.

08 QUALITY FOOTAGE

06 FAST MOTION

I love using a video camera to take some footage of our destination when we arrive. With a video camera, you can set it up to record a timelapse video, which will condense a long period of time into a short recording. Capture the sunset of your first night on holiday with the Handycam, and you can still use your phone to surf the internet while you do it.

Clear memories to showcase at milestone birthday parties.

And 2 things that are just as easy…

01 TRANSFERRING FILES Video cameras of the past had to be plugged in to transfer files between devices – but technology has improved. All you need to do now is download an app called PlayMemories Mobile and connect the Sony AX33 to your compatible phone or laptop through wifi. If you’re using Windows, you can upload directly from the Sony PlayMemories Home app to YouTube or Facebook.

You can even view the images on a calendar, which my kids loved. If you have an Android device that supports NFC, you can transfer MP4 files by touching the phone to the camera. It that easy to get great-quality footage on to your phone, fast!

02 TAKING SELFIES All kids love taking selfies – and selfie videos. With the Sony AX33, you can rotate the LCD monitor so you can actually see yourself while you’re recording.

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Navigate: Expert advice

TALK TO THE EXPERT When only the best advice will do.

Rohan LePage is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of global sharing marketplace ShareRing.

He has a strong background in business management, having worked with major automotive, plant equipment and e-commerce brands. Rohan and his partner have two children together: a 5-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

TELL US MORE ABOUT SHARERING AND THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT FOR THE CONCEPT. ShareRing is the world’s first global sharing marketplace. The concept behind ShareRing was built on my and the co-founders’ vision to reduce global ecological footprints and achieve greater social sustainability through better utilisation of assets worldwide.

WHAT SORTS OF THINGS HAVE YOU HEARD THAT FAMILIES CAN RENT DURING THEIR TRAVELS? There is not much you can’t rent. For example, we were in Paris and had nine hours to burn with our luggage in tow.

Our choices were to drag our luggage around on the cobblestone paths (not

While the normal rental economy is well established, outside this people can now rent so many unusual things while on their travels. In fact, you can rent or share just about anything – a luxury watch for a special occasion, an artwork for a wall to brighten the apartment you are in, endless types of appliances and tools, an inflatable screen for an outdoor movie session or gaming night under the stars – or, to ensure your home is looked after while you’re away, why not rent goats to keep your lawns short or a keen gardener to check on your vegie patch. The list is endless. going to happen with two kids) or ditch our luggage. Research before we left home showed that other people have faced a similar situation, so we looked online for places that provide insured luggage storage by the hour in people’s houses and shops. Just fantastic! I found the closest one to our accommodation, dropped off our bags and picked them up without an issue – all for the cost of lunch. It was money well spent, as we gained an extra day sightseeing in Paris rather than sitting around waiting for check-in. I have heard hundreds of similar stories, and that is why we started ShareRing.

THAT’S GREAT! ARE THERE ANY ITEMS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FAMILIES TAKE WITH THEM ON THEIR TRAVELS, THOUGH? Personal stuff. I know that as long as I have my passport and car keys, I can find most other things through the sharing economy.

It’s important to note, though, that the sharing economy is still in its growth stage, so getting something you would prefer not to carry needs to be researched before you leave. This is what ShareRing aims to solve.

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Navigate: Expert advicE

ShareRing is on track for an official launch on March 29, 2019. This means the platform will be available on PC and Mac, and for app download on Android and iOS. More information can be found at sharering.network/en.

economy as it stands right now is finding what you need. There are so many rental and sharing specialists, each competing for your business – having it all in the one place will solve this issue.

AND WHY DO YOU THINK FAMILIES SHOULD TRAVEL? There is no better way to get out of the routine of day-to-day life and explore common and individual interests. Kids develop on an hourly basis, and travel has a positive impact on a child’s imagination and thinking process.

Visiting a new town or a new country has expanded the views of my own children – it shows in their personalities and has shaped them as people. My daughter has a love of botany and wildlife. On our travels, she has heightened levels of interest and excitement when seeing new plants and animals. Learning the local pronunciation of a foreign object is her

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I adore seeing the looks on my children’s faces when they experience something new!

forte, and it astounds me how quickly she can soak up information. That is not to say she can’t learn new things at home, just that it happens as a result of being in a new place, whether we are travelling for my work or for leisure.

My son, although only one, is pretty well travelled also. Having spent six months in Ho Chi Minh City, he remembers places and people that still bring a smile to his face or ecstatic full-body joy. It enrichens his life and is lovely to witness.

Food, food, food – we all love greattasting food. My daughter is now a keen lover of a vegie pho, and I seem to now want to put chilli on toast after my travels through Asia. Roast potatoes, beans and a cà phê sūa đá (sweet iced coffee) in Ho Chi Minh City make me look forward to returning.

The extremes. When we were in Tokyo recently, the visual overload of Shibuya’s lights and people, along with the novelty of the Shinkansen, was

fantastic. Kids have a natural wonder, and travel brings that wonder to life in my kids – it’s great fun to watch them write their own book of experiences.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FAMILY? Going on a car trip with my family is certainly different to flying to another country. We have become pretty good at the long drive from Melbourne to Sydney, although this was not always the case. But, like anything, you get better with practise.

We’ve also become quite accustomed to flying internationally, as my family join me when I need to be away for longer periods of time. But my schedule last year was hectic and long-haul flights can get tedious as the sleep routine goes out the window and your daughter insists on meeting every child on the plane.

I would not suggest regular travel is for every family. Having visited six long-

Navigate: Expert advice

distance countries with my family last year, many lessons have been learnt on night flights versus daytime ones, sleep schedules and cultural expectations with things like breastfeeding.

Making time to just let the kids be themselves is paramount. We’ve learnt to spread out trips so the kids don’t feel like they are always on the clock to make the next destination. I would say the biggest change has been learning about our kids’ needs and adjusting to suit them.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THAT FAMILIES CAN SIMPLIFY THE TRAVEL ADMIN? Plan your trip the best you can before you leave. Of course you can roll the dice and find a place to sleep when you arrive, especially if you are travelling to an accommodation-abundant place, but this can take some time and I would prefer to have everything sorted from the start. Knowing I have a hotel or shared accommodation booking locked in takes away the stress of having to deal with it en route.

The same thing goes for car rental, and restaurants, if particular dietary requirements need to be catered for.

Put a value on your time.

Researching a certain subject for days can teach you a lot, but if you can pay a service to do this for you and save yourself time and uncertainty, it’s beneficial to do so. I will always go with a professional service for things that need to be done well.

Deciding on simple things, like whether to rent a car or hire a driver, vary from place to place. While I have happily driven in many countries, in Vietnam (where I actually hold a driver’s licence) the hectic conditions of scooters makes driving stressful and takes away from the overall outing. It’s not worth the hassle – do what is easy.

If you have small kids, consider using a baby carrier rather than a pram. It’s not only less to cart around, it also makes things much easier on planes, taxis and stairs.

Take nothing for granted – read reviews, ask questions on forums, talk to people who have been where you are going. If a website says you don’t need a visa, make sure this is the case.

If you plan to drive, check if you’ll need an international driver’s licence. Make

sure your travel insurance will actually cover you if the worst happens.

Fundamental stuff is, well, fundamental. Keep records – electronic is good but print is better. A stolen phone or dead battery can make life miserable, so have all of your bookings printed and in a sleeve, ready to access at the airport, hotel or rental-car kiosk.

COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE ANY AMAZING FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES WITH US? Everywhere I have visited has had something unique to offer, and has shown me how different cultures deal with day-to-day challenges. What is amazing is how some cultures have

vastly different ways of using what is accessible without the need to own things. That’s not to say people from these cultures don’t want to own ‘stuff’, it’s just that it is not strived for. Sharing the things they own in exchange for things they don’t – or for monetary reward rather than just buying or leasing something – is fascinating and amazing to see.

We in the western world are now coming full circle and beginning to realise that we don’t need to own everything in order to have the best possible quality of life. The reality is that sharing our things will bring about more opportunity and less financial stress for all of us.

Leaving our luggage at someone’s home gave us more time for sightseeing before we flew home from Paris.

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Navigate: WE REVIEW

DID YOU KNOW? Barangaroo has some of the best (and cheapest) tickets to watch Sydney’s NYE fireworks.

If you’re departing Sydney on a cruise, why not spend a morning in the gardens at Barangaroo before boarding the ship?

Families needing assistance to do the free guided tour of the reserve can book to do the tour with a buggy.

Additional free programs run at Barangaroo Reserve during school holidays. Check the Barangaroo website for details of what’s on when.

Walking through Barangaroo Reserve is a popular family pastime.

BARANGAROO LOCATION

As Sydney’s newest family friendly precinct in Sydney, Barangaroo sits on the headland at the north-western end of the CBD, close to The Rocks and an easy, flat walk to Darling Harbour. You can access Barangaroo by ferry from Circular Quay or by a well-signposted six-minute walk from Wynyard train station. At the northern end of the headland, you’ll find Barangaroo Reserve, which has an entirely Australian native garden, spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, extensive walking and cycling trails and plenty of picnic spots. The southern end is where all the shops and restaurants are – from food-court fare to fine-dining restaurants, families of all tastes and budgets will find themselves spoilt for choice when it comes time to eat here.

WHY WE VISITED

It’s funny how sometimes you just don’t make the time to visit places closest to home, so we decided to enjoy a Sydney staycation to explore Barangaroo at our leisure. Not only were we curious, but with lots of friends and family from overseas and interstate coming to visit

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WORDS JANEECE KELLER

us in Sydney this year, we wanted to find out if we should put Barangaroo on our ‘must see’ list. The short answer to that is yes, it should be on the list.

Sydney The Rocks. There’s no pool, but the apartments do have kitchenettes and bathrooms that feature both a bath and shower.

ACCOMMODATION

ACTIVITIES

There are many accommodation options for families in Sydney, within easy reach of Barangaroo. If you are looking for boutique accommodation that’s trendy and with a great rooftop bar, Hotel Palisade is a good choice – it’s right at the intersection of The Rocks and Barangaroo Reserve. The rooms offer harbour views and the service is impeccable. But if you’re looking for either a pool or space for the kids to run around, this hotel isn’t for you.

Two that are in The Rocks – within a 10-minute walk to Barangaroo and boasting pools and a more relaxed family environment – are the Holiday Inn Old Sydney and the Sydney Harbour YHA. We stayed at the Holiday Inn and loved the location, comfort of the rooms and friendly staff. Another good option for families wanting to self-cater are the one-bedroom apartments at Rendezvous Hotel

With an inquisitive 10-year-old in tow, we loved our one-hour tour of Barangaroo Reserve. The free tours run daily from Monday to Saturday at 10.30am (book via Eventbrite) and are led by one of the Aboriginal Visitor Services Guides. As we walked through the gardens, our guide helped us engage all of our senses. We learnt all about the history of Sydney Harbour and the importance of the land to Australia’s indigenous heritage. We especially enjoyed learning to weave some of the leaves and getting to feel what it’s like to have ochre painted on our skin.

There are also plenty of activities to do at the southern end of Barangaroo, among the bustling retail precinct.

You’ll find cutting-edge fashion and lifestyle stores such as The Standard Store and The Waiting Room, as well as a boutique David Jones concept store.

If you love chocolate, be sure to stop

at Oh! Boo Chocolates – they create incredible hand-painted chocolates, and you can even join a chocolate tasting.

The hot chocolate was a hit with the littlies, and us adults were surprised by the variety of pralines made with native Australian ingredients.

EXPLORE

Barangaroo offers enough variety and more than enough eating and drinking options to keep a family entertained for an entire day.

If you have primary-school-aged kids and under, you might want to consider switching some of the boutique shopping for younger-child-friendly activities at the adjacent Cockle Bay precinct, which is a five-minute walk along the harbour foreshore from Barangaroo South. At Cockle Bay, there’s fun to be had a Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney and Madame Tussauds – all of which are

great wet-weather activities. Or keep walking another five minutes to Darling Quarter, where you’ll find the large playground with a water feature and flying fox, an open-air art gallery, free ping-pong tables and the Monkey Baa children’s theatre.

For families looking for more teenfriendly shopping options, the major shopping areas of the Sydney CBD, such as Pitt St Mall, Sydney Central Westfield and the Queen Victoria Building, are all within a 10-minute walk of Barangaroo South.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

You’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat at Barangaroo. For a quick bite, there are loads of options at The Canteen, where you’ll find everything from freshly made sandwiches to sushi, burgers and fish and chips.

If you’re in Barangaroo in the morning, grab your morning pick-me-

BARANGAROO

up at Devon Cafe. Devon is a chic and modern cafe serving great coffee and juice to accompany a creative breakfast menu – the Dr Seuss is an especially fun and delicious take on green eggs and ham. They offer dine-in and takeaway for breakfast and lunch.

We had lunch at Ume Burger, where there are four Japanese-inspired burgers on offer, along with a selection of sides (including our favourite, Japanese fried chicken) and Hokkaido soft-serve dessert. If you’re craving an exotic taste sensation, order the fish katsu burger or the vegetarian kakiage burger. The less-adventurous members of the family, however, should stick to the classic hamburger or cheeseburger, as they are more traditional than their Japanese counterparts.

Another great option is to grab everything you need for a picnic in the reserve from Bel & Brio, a fresh-food providore selling gourmet produce and ready-to-go meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Speaking of dinner, our favourite choice in Barangaroo with the family is love.fish. Their philosophy is to serve sustainable local seafood that doesn’t cost the earth – and they nail it. The menu is simple yet delicious. Our go-to choice is the barramundi (which luckily is available year-round), and the lightly battered flathead fillets are a favourite with the kids.

After a day of exploring, we needed an hour to sit, relax and soak in the atmosphere, so we went up to Smoke Bar in Barangaroo House. The extensive cocktail list (there are more than 50 options) covers all the classics as well as a range of signature creations using smoke-treated liquids, ice and exotic ingredients. The balcony seats are great, as the west-facing view over the water provides the perfect light (and backdrop) for late-afternoon photos.

Anason was the first permanent restaurant to open on Barangaroo’s Wulugul Walk.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium at nearby Darling Harbour has the ‘wow’ factor!

There is still a lot of development going on in some parts of Barangaroo (the precinct isn’t expected to be fully complete until 2024). So for kids who love trucks, cranes, boats and generally just watching big machines do their thing, the reserve is a great place to observe large-scale construction in progress.

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Images: Destination NSW copyright

FREE FAMILY FUN

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HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU WORDS TATYANA LEONOV

LOCATION

Located in the centre of Japan’s northern island Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a great base for exploring the island. It’s just a 90-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, or you could board the Hokkaido Resort Liner bus service – it’s great value. Super Express trains run from Sapporo 11 times a day and take close to 100 minutes to Tomamu station, where the resort’s shuttle bus will meet you.

WHY WE STAYED HERE

Many Australians travel to Hokkaido to play in the snow, but we were keen to check out Japan’s most northern island in the summertime – and we’re so glad we did! Before we got to Hoshino, we drove around the island admiring flower fields and eating too much soft-serve (they are obsessed with ice-cream in Hokkaido!). When we got to the resort, we wish we had booked for longer – it’s a great summer location for families.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort comprises two lofty towers:

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Risonare Tomamu and Tomamu The Tower. The two buildings loom over sprawling fields, which are covered in powdery white snow in winter and lush green grass in summer. Risonare Tomamu is a luxury all-suite hotel positioned on an elevated site with great views in all directions. All of its rooms are at least 100 square metres and have a sauna and a spa. This is where we stayed and it was hard to leave, especially because the best view is from the spa – yes, we got in before we even unpacked. Tomamu The Tower has many room configuration options – including family rooms – and is in a more central location. There are great kids’ spaces in both towers.

ACTIVITIES

People travel from far and wide to view the ‘Sea of Clouds’ from Unkai Terrace, which is essentially a panorama of overcast layers of clouds that transpire as a result of trade winds and are visible only from places at high elevation.

Regrettably, we didn’t get the surreal effect we were hoping for during our visit, but it’s still a great experience to

go up there (it’s a 13-minute gondola ride up to the peaks of Hidaka and Tokachi mountains) early in the morning to people-watch, have a coffee and admire the views below from the multiple viewing areas.

The farm is another great experience for families. There’s a lounge area surrounded by hay, hammocks and hay beds for you to relax in while admiring the farm animals. Our daughter wasn’t into laying down (toddlers!), but she adored being in such close proximity to sheep and lambs.

Mina-Mina Beach – Japan’s largest indoor beach – is another must-visit attraction at the resort. The 80m long, 30m wide pool is popular with all guests. There’s also a wave pool, a kids’ pool with colourful balls, a relaxation area and, obviously, plenty of space to swim. Come nightfall, the indoor beach is lit up and transformed into a superromantic area.

Another destination that is magical at night is the chapel on the water.

The otherworldly beauty of the cross with the trees behind it is almost eerie, together with the still reflections under

FAMILY TRAVEL TIP Hoshino Resorts Tomamu embraces nature, and many of the activities – both in summer and winter – are designed to help children learn about and appreciate the natural world. The Summer Family Forest Adventure is one such example that encourages kids to learn about trees and insects while on a short walk.

a sky flooded with stars. It’s particularly special when admired in silence, so it’s more one for the older kids.

EXPLORE

It’s all about the great outdoors at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, with summer activities covering everything from river rafting and horseriding to hiking and hot-air ballooning. There’s a section on the company website where you can filter activities by selecting the ages of the children in the family and the month you’ll be visiting. We went on a hike this time, but when our daughter is older I’d be keen to return and go on a river-rafting escapade.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Choice, choice, choice! There are about 20 eateries at the resort, spanning everything from casual cafes to huge buffet restaurants and fine-dining establishments. We didn’t get to try even close to all of them, but Forest Restaurant Nininupuri stood out for me as a firm favourite. The buffet restaurant has a forest-like feel with high ceilings, plenty of woodwork and large windows through which you can see the forest of Tomamu. Although it’s a buffet, there are plenty of options that can be cooked to order, with a focus on signature meats. The best bit for us was its family friendliness.

Parents with babies can put their tot into a moveable chair that acts as both a high chair and a food tray. This was the first time since our daughter was born that hubby and I did not have to take turns going to get our food at a buffet restaurant.

HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu Hokkaido, Japan snowtomamu.jp

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Navigate: WE REVIEW FAMILY TRAVEL TIP For those seeking the epitome of luxury or planning an extended family gathering, consider one of Trisara’s signature residences. They feature multiple bedrooms coupled with a central living and dining pavilion where you can enjoy home-cooked dishes crafted by your personal cook.

TRISARA

WORDS ELISA ELWIN

LOCATION

Situated on a secluded cove in the rugged hills of northwest Phuket, Trisara boasts a sublime setting overlooking the Andaman Sea. It’s located just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport (so ideal for those with only a few days away) and an easy daytrip to attractions across the island – if you can bear to drag yourself away from everything this exceptional retreat offers.

WHY WE STAYED HERE

Trisara seamlessly blends indulgent luxury with Thailand’s beguiling heritage while supporting sustainable community initiatives. Its name translates as ‘Garden in the Third Heaven’, and once you step inside this property, you’ll understand why! Its Thai-inspired villas, suites and residences down the hillside and surrounded by ancient ficus trees, and the perfect balance of kids’ activities and adult indulgences for an unforgettable family getaway. It also offers an in-house digital studio that creates beautiful images and videos for families who would like to document their getaway through artful storytelling.

ACCOMMODATION

Each of the well-appointed suites and villas offer the ultimate in privacy, with tropical gardens creating natural enclosures. They boast private infinity pools overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by sun loungers, where you can kick back with a good book. The fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces creates an atmosphere that invites you to relax, with tranquil footpaths leading directly to the sheltered beach, where kids are sure to love beachcombing and playing in the warm water.

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ACTIVITIES

Trisara is home to a gorgeous kids’ clubhouse where a diverse range of arts and crafts activities are held, together with outdoor games such as beach soccer that will keep young guests entertained throughout the day. Complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to explore the stunning beach and rock formation of Koh Waeo, which is right in front of the resort, as well as snorkelling gear for experiencing the surrounding coral reef. You can begin the day with a private yoga class or learn the art of Muay Thai boxing in the resort’s custom-built ring. If you want to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine, book in for a family cooking class with one of Trisara’s skilled chefs, then be pampered with a signature six-hand massage at the indulgent Jara Spa.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Trisara’s food ethos revolves around sourcing locally produced food, direct from the morning fish market and the resort’s very own working farm. Feast on freshly caught seafood plucked straight from the Andaman Sea at the relaxed Seafood at Trisara restaurant, where classic Thai recipes are given a contemporary twist, or experience a private barbecue (complete with your choice of meats) on your very own pool deck. If your visit coincides with the weekend, relax on Trisara’s sun-drenched deck while listening to the sound of live music during their Jazz Brunch, with both exotic and Western dishes to suit all tastes.

TRISARA

60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay Thalang Phuket 83110, Thailand trisara.com

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THE WESTIN BRISBANE

WORDS JANEECE KELLER

LOCATION

The Westin Brisbane is located right in the centre of the city. It’s an easy 10-minute stroll to the lively Eagle Street Pier restaurant precinct and just a five-minute walk to Queen Street Mall or City Botanic Gardens, where there is loads of space for the kids to run around. It’s a 20-minute walk to get to the South Bank Parklands entertainment quarter (and the manmade beach).

WHY WE STAYED

We were lucky enough to be invited to a media event for the hotel’s opening.

Having spent a lot of time in Brisbane over the past five years and being generally underwhelmed with the city’s luxury hotel offerings, I was keen to check out the brand-new $200 million property – and I was not disappointed.

ACCOMMODATION

I have never stayed in a hotel room with as many thoughtful small touches.

All guest rooms have a small vial of lavender balm next to the legendary – for good reason – Heavenly beds.

Checking in to a family suite, a teepee with a teddy bear and activity books was already set up in the living room for the kids to play in. And, to keep superactive minds busy, there was a puzzle kit in the mini bar, in addition to the drinks and snacks. We spent one night in this suite, which had a king-size bedroom and separate living area with kitchenette.

Our second night was spent in a Westin room, which features a more traditional hotel layout and still accommodates a Heavenly king-size bed, more than enough room for a roll-away trundle and a small sitting area with a sofa.

ACTIVITIES

If you don’t want to leave the hotel, the rooftop pool is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids (it’s even got a swim-up bar, which is sure to impress the adults).

For the ultimate relaxation, Heavenly by Westin Day Spa offers a full spa service, where family members of all ages can indulge in a little pampering. As The Westin Brisbane is right in the centre of

the city, it’s just a five-minute walk to all of the shops in Queen Street Mall and a flat 1.5km walk across Victoria Bridge to South Bank. For families wishing to venture further afield in Brisbane, it’s an easy five-minute walk to Eagle Street Pier, which is full of restaurants and where you can board a CityHopper or CityCat ferry to destinations up and down the Brisbane River.

EXPLORE

Brisbane is a great destination for families, and it’s also a super-convenient base for exploring the wider region.

On a city break, the culture precinct at South Bank is where you’ll find Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, State Library of Queensland, Queensland Science Centre and Queensland Exhibition Centre – all of which offer programs to occupy and entertain kids of all ages.

Also in South Bank are Streets Beach, the Wheel of Brisbane and a large restaurant precinct. If you’re looking for family fun further on, daytrips to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet some cuddly creatures, Tangalooma Island for wild dolphin feeding and snorkelling shipwrecks are all firm favourites.

FAMILY TRAVEL TIP A pool hoist is accessible for those needing assistance getting in and out of the rooftop pool.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Great food is at the heart of The Westin Brisbane experience. Kids will love the buffet breakfast served at Eden’s Table restaurant – and, don’t worry, there are loads of options to please even the fussiest eaters. Our personal favourites were the freshly squeezed orange juice and made-to-order waffles. For dinner, we chose to eat again at Eden’s Table, and this time the kids were entertained by watching the chefs in action inside the open kitchen. Meanwhile, we were impressed with the paddock-to-plate approach to the menu. My favourite dish was the beautifully cooked barramundi – delicious!

THE WESTIN BRISBANE

111 Mary Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/bnewi-thewestin-brisbane AUTUMN 2019 familytravel.com.au

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CAMPBELLTOWN CATHOLIC CLUB LOCATION

Located in the heart of the Macarthur region in Sydney’s south-west, Campbelltown Catholic Club has everything you could want for an enjoyable family weekend away in one spot. It is very easy to get to – about an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD or a 15-minute walk from Campbelltown train station.

WHY WE STAYED HERE

Campbelltown Catholic Club recently marked its 50th birthday with a family friendly Garden Party, so we thought we would take the kids for the whole weekend and join in the celebrations.

ACCOMMODATION

Rydges Campbelltown – attached to Campbelltown Catholic Club – has recently been refurbished. There are 154 luxury rooms, including some one-bedroom apartments that are perfect for small families. I loved the little private balcony – a great place to unwind with a glass of wine once the kids had gone to bed.

ACTIVITIES

Campbelltown Catholic Club boasts the perfect play area for kids under 10, with a mini castle for the little ones and a mega castle with slides, climbing structures and a ball cannon for the bigger ones. The play area is

WORDS LISA ADAMS

fully enclosed, with plenty of seating around the outside so you can enjoy a bite to eat while the kids have a play. It certainly kept my two busy!

The Cube, Campbelltown’s Convention & Entertainment Centre, is a great place to catch a show; it often plays host to The Wiggles!

Guests of Rydges Campbelltown are given access to the Aquafit Fitness Centre, which offers everything from yoga, aqua classes and state-of-the-art equipment. It even has a crèche on site to look after the little people while you exercise. The pool is open for kids 15 years and older.

Just across the road from the club is Koshigaya Park, a popular venue for outdoor activities and named after Campbelltown’s sister city in Japan. Its playground caters for kids of all ages, is protected by ample shade cloths and has been designed with accessibility in mind. It’s very easy to spend an hour or two here, having a coffee and watching the kids explore everything on offer.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

With so many options in one spot, you’re sure to find what you’re craving.

Well-known chef and the club’s Food & Beverage Director, Peter Sheppard, heads up the kitchen at the club and, together with his team, focuses on creating exciting and affordable dining experiences for families to enjoy.

We had dinner at Embers Charcoal Kitchen, where they specialise in smoked and roasted meats and seafood. The food was delicious, although the options were a bit limited for my daughter, who has food allergies.

The club does have a number of restaurants with different offerings, so there is an option to mix them up and dine in a common area.

We started the next day with a breakfast buffet at Otis Grill, located at Rydges, with fresh fruit and pastries, hot brekkie options and great coffee.

Otis also has a microbrewery with some tasty house-made beers.

The club also offers Samba Café and Kings Food Court. If you’re looking for something special, Kyūbi Modern Asian Dining’s Asian-inspired menu is designed to share and offers tasting menus for bigger groups.

In exciting news, the club also gave us the inside scoop on a new kids’ show they are launching this year. Hosted by masterchef Peter Sheppard and featuring local primary-school students, the YouTube series will educate kids on fresh food and inspire them to enjoy cooking with their families.

CAMPBELLTOWN CATHOLIC CLUB

20/22 Camden Road, Campbelltown NSW 2560 kingofclubs.com.au

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THE WORLD MARCH 15-19 VALENCIA, SPAIN

FALLAS OF VALENCIA

MARCH 1-10 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

ANIMA FESTIVAL

Watch the streets of Valencia come alive this spring as the Fallas celebrations begin. Expect a traditional fiesta with installations, costumes, gunpowder displays, flower offerings and Valencian food.

This renowned film festival sees the best of Belgium’s animated cinema across a 10-day cartoon-screening spectacular. The family friendly event also has a range of interactive activities, performances and kids’ workshops.

MARCH 14-21 ABU DHABI, UAE

SPECIAL OLYMPIC WORLD GAMES

This year, the world’s largest humanitarian sporting event is heading to Abu Dhabi.

Budding athletes can learn about the importance of empowering people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport.

MARCH 8-24 WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

PRIDE

The LGBTQIA+ Pride season kicks off in Wellington this autumn with two weeks of events, performances and activities. Join the Family Pride Picnic on the 9th or watch the floats in the parade on the 16th.

MARCH 14-18 DUBLIN, IRELAND

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL

For just about the most memorable and authentic Irish experience you can get, join the St Patrick’s Festival chaos in Dublin. Dress up and paint your face for the parade on the 17th and watch national performers and musicians Irish-dance their way into the evening.

MARCH 24-31 UBUD, BALI

SPIRIT FESTIVAL

Celebrate one of the world’s largest community yoga festivals with a spectacular week of meditation, dance and music. Kids’ activities will include a line-up of arts and crafts, dance and music workshops, as well as storytelling and more.

MARCH 1-5 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

CARNIVAL This year, the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival opens its doors to a younger demographic. The world’s largest street party will feature kid-friendly events and a children’s parade – no wonder it attracts millions each year!

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MARCH 21 – APRIL 8 TOKYO, JAPAN

MEGURO CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Located in central Tokyo, the 800-tree stretch along Meguro River is the hub of excitement come cherryblossom season. Springtime shines a light on the 4km carnival featuring lanterns, food stalls and dance performances each day and night.

MARCH 29-30 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FEST

Africa’s largest music event boasts more than 40 national and international artists performing across two nights. Interactive children’s show Gigs For Kids has singing, dancing and acting for little ones aged 5 to 10.

MARCH 20-21 INDIA

HOLI Even if you haven’t heard of Holi, you’ve definitely seen the photos. India says goodbye to the bad spirits and welcomes the festival of colour with dance, blessings, food and coloured powder paint.

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LATE MARCH – MID MAY AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

TULIP FESTIVAL

If you manage to catch Amsterdam in spring, you’re in for a treat – the Dutch capital comes to life during Tulip Festival, with floral displays stretching across the city for the whole stunning season.

MARCH 30 – APRIL 7 CARDIFF, WALES

APRIL 5 CHINA

Packed to the brim with free school events and craft sessions, the Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival aims to create lifelong readers through kids’ entertainment and activities.

Aimed at little ones aged 3 to 11, the events include writing workshops, book readings, quizzes and games.

Qingming Festival is known in English as ‘TombSweeping Day’. The tradition consists of ritual offerings, paying respect to ancestors and celebrating the warm weather of spring. It tends to be an equal celebration of death and rebirth, and a wonderful time to get outside and hike, fly kites and plant seeds.

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL

QINGMING FESTIVAL

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APRIL 13-15 THAILAND

SONGKRAN

Celebrate the Thai New Year with all things wet. Songkran includes waterthrowing, bathing Buddha images and spectacular traditional performances across the country.

APRIL 21 ROME, ITALY

NATALE DI ROMA

APRIL 12-23 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

ROYAL EASTER SHOW

Every year, this famous Easter spectacular draws the whole country together.

Expect animal encounters, woodchopping, arts and crafts, showbags, fashion, milkshake-making, amusement rides and more.

APRIL 13-14 LOS ANGELES, USA

THE LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

This world-renowned event gathers writers, poets, artists, filmmakers and musicians for a literary spectacular. Join more than 150,000 book lovers and celebrate literary culture with podcasts, film, virtual reality, dance and music.

Join in the 2771st birthday celebration of the Italian capital. Expect a giant costumed gladiator parade circling the Colosseum and Circo Massimo.

APRIL 21 NEW ORLEANS, USA

EASTER PARADE

The hustle and bustle during Easter in New Orleans is worth the excitement. Easter eggs, costumes and floats fill the streets for the colourful Easter Parade.

APRIL 21 FLORENCE, ITALY

SCOPPIO DEL CARRO EASTER FIREWORKS

Easter Sunday in beautiful Firenze means it’s time for an ‘explosion of the cart’.

This folk tradition sees a cart packed full of fireworks turn the city into a pyrotechnic spectacular – you’ll kick yourself if you miss it!

APRIL 18-22 BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA

BLUESFEST

Australia’s most well-known family music festival is a remarkable weekend of blues and roots. Watch acts such as Iggy Pop, Hozier and Norah Jones, or enjoy the face-painting and kids’ entertainment.

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MAY 10 – AUGUST 10 TEXAS, USA

FIESTA NOCHE DEL RIO San Antonio’s annual cultural extravaganza sees a giant celebration of all things Mexican, Spanish and Argentinian.

Visitors are treated to an artistry of colourful costumed dancers and rich musical performances at Arneson River Theatre.

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MAY 12 YPRES, BELGIUM

KATTENSTOET

Kattenstoet started as an event in which the people of Ypres would toss cats to their death from a bell tower due to feral overpopulation.

Of course they no longer throw live cats – now they celebrate with stuffed toys, feline costumes and confetti.

APRIL 28 – MAY 6 TOKYO, JAPAN

MAY 11-13 SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

More than 60 events are held across Tokyo for Rainbow Pride week.

Performances and stalls strew the streets, and a giant float parade through Harajuku and Shibuya appears on the final day.

The Lotus Lantern Festival sees the streets of Seoul come alive with thousands of traditional hanji paper lanterns. You’ll also see folk dance performances, musical acts, rope-walking and food stalls – yum!

PRIDE

APRIL 21-28 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

LIEBHERR WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Join in the fiery competition as Budapest hosts the World Table Tennis Championships.

The week-long tournament sees discounted tickets for under 18s and free entry for those under 3.

APRIL 27 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

KINGS DAY

This national holiday celebrates the great King Willem-Alexander by hosting multiple family friendly events across the city. Food, music, happiness and all things Dutch are commonplace throughout the day.

APRIL 30 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

VALBORG FESTIVAL

Valborgsmassoafton in Sweden celebrates the coming of spring. Expect giant bonfires, military displays and singing – lots of it! Head to Skansen for the biggest of the bonfire celebrations.

MAY 4 (WOMEN’S FINAL) MAY 18 (MEN’S FINAL) LONDON, UK

FA CUP

Whether you’ve scored tickets for Wembley Stadium or you’re just around for the hype, London is the place to be for England’s biggest football competition.

YEON DEUNG HOE

MAY 12 BARCELONA, SPAIN

GRAND PRIX

Little engine enthusiasts will adore being part of one of the oldest-running Formula 1 races, hosted this May in Barcelona. If you hang around until the end, the kids might get a chance to sit in the cockpit.

MAY 31 – JUNE 2 GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK

WYNCHWOOD FESTIVAL

This annual festival is a three-day extravaganza of music and comedy.

The family friendly event also hosts workshops, a Children’s Literature Festival and a Headphone Disco.

MAY 27

RAVER TOTS OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

ESSEX, UK Celebrate British rave culture with the whole family by throwing shapes (not toys) at Raver Tots, the nation’s biggest kid-friendly rave. It will open its doors to 5000 people for its day-long music events and open dancefloors.

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FAMILY TRAVEL HAPPY SNAP

Nina, 4, enjoys mandarin-picking at Watkins Family Farm in Laughtondale, on the Hawkesbury River, about 85km from Sydney CBD. Mandarin-picking season starts in June – just pay for a bucket then start collecting the deliciously sweet fruit.