Out & About with Kids - Issue 38 Spring 2013

FAMILY

| TRAVEL

|

HOLIDAY

|

LEISURE

|

ENTERTAINMENT

with kids

ISSUE 38 SPRING 2013 AUS$6.95 (inc gst)

HOLIDAY PARK

KIDS IN

America

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spring | 13 Welcome

M

“

ama, what’s a bucket list?” asked my son after hearing someone drop the phrase in conversation. To save myself from THAT chat I sold him the idea, in kindy speak, as a list of places that he really wishes he could go before he grows up.

“Mama, does that mean you can’t choose anything for a bucket because you’re so

old?” Ouch! Tossing up between disowning him and explaining further I choose the latter. Winging it, I explain that my “Bucket List” is full of the places I want to go with him and his sister before they grow up ... or drive me into an early grave with all their darned questions!

“And what about the spade, Mummy?” his little sister pipes in. “Is there a spade too?”

And so the pair of them are busily creating their very own “Bucket & Spade List” which, to my surprise doesn’t only consist of chocolate-coated theme parks.

Instead my son’s top three include a sushiseeking mission to Japan, a drive down Route 66 to visit Radiator Springs and a subterranean sojourn to New York’s sewers to chow down on pizza with Ninja Turtles.

Here’s hoping this issue’s extensive guide to travelling in the USA with kids might inspire him to more parent-friendly pastimes in America because I prefer my holidays to be spent in places with great plumbing as

opposed to in the plumbing.

We’ve packed this issue so full of great destinations at home and abroad, from beach breaks to exotic escapes, our extensive guide to Australian Holiday Parks and a smorgasbord of cool ideas for frosty fun in our bumper Northern Hemisphere ski guide, you’re bound to find something to add to your own family’s bucket list.

Still looking for more? Head over to www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au for fantastic family holiday deals, inspiration and all our great competitions, plus you can get all the latest news delivered by email.

Happy holidays!

Aleney de Winter Editor & Associate Publisher aleney@oawk.com.au www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

WWW.OUTANDABOUTWITHKIDS.COM.AU Join the conversation on Facebook We received some great tips when we asked you to share your advice on travelling with kids…

Toni says: “Make sure you incorporate plenty of fun/different activities into any sightseeing holiday to keep the kids interested. In Rome the first thing we did was take the kids to an interactive movie about the history of Rome. This got them interested and gave them a better understanding of all the sights thereafter.”

Have wheelchair will travel says: Get the kids involved in planning the trip by making up a countdown calendar poster.

Cut out pictures of things they will see on their trip and write down what they are

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looking forward to on the holiday. Then the kids can cross off each day in the lead up to the trip.”

Missy says: “For in-flight bassinets pack Blu Tack to stick a muslin wrap to the wall that can be draped over the bassinet. The bassinets are always near the galley where it’s bright and your baby is constantly disturbed.”

Follow us on www.facebook.com/OAWkids

Visit our website to subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to get all the latest family holiday, leisure and entertainment news delivered by email and for a chance to win some FANTASTIC FAMILY PRIZES.

with kids

Publisher Elisa Elwin elisa@oawk.com.au 0413 770 550

Online Content Manager Christine Kane christine@oawk.com.au 0412 559 363

Editor & Associate Publisher Aleney de Winter aleney@oawk.com.au 0400 808 108

Design Magnesium Media

Snow & Ski Editor Helen Hayes helen@hayestack.com

Published by Elwin Media Pty. Ltd. ABN: 22 159 093 606 50a Central Avenue, Mosman 2088 0413 770 550

Contributors Helen Hayes, Michelle Pettigrove, Scott Podmore, Sheridan Rhodes, Julianne Roberts, Daniel Scott, Mark Sheehan, Stephanie West Director of Sales & Marketing Richard Bunting rbunting@oawk.com.au 02 8204 1015 National Sales Manager Colleen Hinch colleen.hinch@gmail.com

Art Director Louise Summerton

Photo Credits: Shutterstock.com © Maryna Kulchytska Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and Out & About With Kids. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication.

Copyright © Out & About with Kids 2013 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Out & About With Kids cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are to be sent to the magazine they will be returned.

Shop online for: * travel activity bags * magnetic play sets * colouring and creative activities * puzzles * travel games and toys * stamping sets * gifts

follow us on facebook: www.facebook.com/mybusybag • p 0434 275 096 • e info@mybusybag.com.au

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contents

70

18 regulars

36

12

What’s Hot

We review the latest travel products and gadgets for families.

36 Camping News The latest camping and holiday park news.

40 The Suite Life Family-friendly hotels reviewed.

40

8

Travel news and offers from around Australia.

The big trip.

128 International Holiday News The latest travel news and offers from around the Globe.

134 Cruise News 139 What’s Hot for Baby We review the latest products for tots.

142 What’s Hot Entertainment

features

66 Australian Holiday News

The latest news from the world of cruising.

128

22

We review the latest books and entertainment for families.

144 Dad’s Word Iconic Aussie rugby great George Gregan shares his family travel tips and memories.

18

Reportage Drive

We test-drive the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.

22 Camping, Caravanning and Holiday Parks Holiday Park special.

86 Kids in America USA for families special.

114 Northern Hemisphere Skiing with Kids Ski resort round-up.

136 Out & About With Baby Travelling with toddlers.

SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

5

contents

international destinations 80 Taiwan

42

australian destinations

82 Thailand Thai smiles.

90 Hawaii Aloha adventure.

42 Sydney, NSW

94 California

Kids in the harbour city.

Where family dreams come true.

44 Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW

98 New York, New York

We visit NSW’s coast with the most.

Family-size bites of the Big Apple.

48 Canberra, ACT Kids in the capital.

56

From gorges to gorgeous.

52 Gold Coast, QLD Triple treats on the Gold Coast.

56 North Stradbroke Island, QLD Spreading the word on Straddie.

102 Telluride, Colorado A tale of two towns.

106 Jackson Hole, Wyoming Awesome fun in an old west setting.

110 Mammoth, California Mountains of fun in Mammoth Lakes.

112 Keystone, Colorado

60 Bundaberg, QLD

Kids are key in Colorado.

The inside word on family fun Bundy style.

118 Sun Peaks, Canada

64 Victoria

Family snow delights in Sun Peaks.

Victoria’s fab four family stays.

122 Innsbruck, Austria Action stations on snow.

60

win 12

Playskool Showcams.

20 A Jayco Eagle Camper Trailer.

37 Explore Australia 2014 books.

70 Taronga Zoo family passes.

89 An Anaheim family holiday.

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142 The Amazing Spencer Gray books.

143 Disney Infinity starter packs.

inT W GREA S PRIZE

Tsitsikamma River

Shamwari

Shamwari

Sun City

Shamwari

Table Mountain

Gansbaai

Mossel Bay

It’s time. Your Bucket List begins here!

“South Africa surprised us, it’s much cheaper and a lot safer than we imagined and it’s not all about safari.

There are so many beautiful things to see and do. We enjoyed crazy adrenaline pumping experiences, followed by world class luxury. Do yourself a favour and add South Africa to your Bucket List!” – Mikaila Faber, Sydney Visit www.southafrica.net for amazing deals on travel to South Africa.

Bo-kaap District

Cape Town

Sun City

Sun City

Shamwarie Town

SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

7

trp i THE BIG

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REPORTAG E

IF YOU’RE THINKING OF PACKING UP THE KIDS AND TRAIPSING AROUND AUSTRALIA ON A ‘BIG TRIP’, THESE FAMILIES – ONE FAMILY RETRO CARAVANNING THE WEST COAST, A FAMILY OF NINE TRAVELLING AND PERFORMING WITH THEIR TRICK DOGS AND A COURAGEOUS FAMILY WHO CROSSED THE NULLARBOR WITH A DAUGHTER IN A WHEELCHAIR - PROVE IF THEY CAN DO IT THEN, SERIOUSLY, WHAT’S STOPPING YOU? WORDS: SHERIDEN RHODES

© Shutterstock.com, Stanislav Fosenbauer

Free wheeling

It was four years ago when Chris and Jill Palmer left their home in Perth to drive around Australia with their then four children aged from two to six years, including their daughter affectionately called Sparky who has profound Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair, a communication device, and a tube feeding system. “Many would say we couldn’t or shouldn’t go travelling.

Seriously, who takes four kids and a wheelchair across the Nullarbor? It’s true we have more challenges than some others. But, in true Australian style we thought we’d give it a whirl,” said Jill.

The Palmers flew to Melbourne on a whim after Chris was made redundant, bought a Toyota Land Cruiser and a second-hand Jayco Expanda caravan and then spent nine months travelling around Australia, either free camping or staying in caravan parks. “Having a generator and large water tanks gave us the freedom to get away from towns, to camp on beaches, to go days without touching our wallets.”

Having a child with profound Cerebral Palsy like Sparky would be a pretty good excuse to stay at home, get a mortgage and put the kids in school. But the Palmers decided not to allow Sparky’s disability to be an obstacle to getting out and seeing the world – not to mention the normal school system had failed their daughter and they were home schooling their children anyway. “It was a great decision; all our kids thrived, learned, matured and were healthy and happy throughout,” Jill said.

Highlights included snorkelling at Ningaloo, seeing the stairway to the moon in Broome, spotting crocodiles at Litchfield in the Northern Territory, four-wheel driving on Fraser Island, seeing one of their girls catch her first-ever wave on a longboard at Byron Bay and exploring Queensland’s ancient rainforest. “But the real highlight was getting out of our rut, slowing down, being outdoors, cooking, eating and living simply, being together, feeling the seasons, going without clocks, being unstressed, and grateful.”

You can read more about the Palmer’s adventures on their terrific blog, www.goinganyway.net

Vantastic adventures It’s hard for Kate Ulman to pinpoint the exact moment that they decided to uproot their family of five, squeeze them into a little old caravan and set off on a

six-month road trip around Australia. Organic farmer, blogger, www.foxslane.blogspot.com.au, and mum to three girls, Kate decided to make it happen before the next ten years flew by, her kids had graduated from high school and maybe even flown the nest. “We wanted to leave the distractions of work, school and our social lives behind for a while and to devote our time to each other,” Kate explains.

She and her husband Bren bought a forgotten old caravan and breathed new life into it, transforming it into a home away from home for the whole family.

“A vintage van fitted in with our ideology. We are op-shoppers, recyclers, garage sale lovers, fixer upperers.” The idea of meandering from beach to beach appealed to the family, who decided to explore the less touristy west coast of Australia, staying mostly in caravan parks.

Kate admits it took a long time to be fully committed to the idea of leaving their world behind the organic farming business in Daylesford, Victoria, their community and the girls’ school. “But then when the girls were three-, seven- and 10-years old, they suddenly seemed old enough to enjoy and learn from a trip like the one we were dreaming of.”

After much research, a meeting with the school and lengthy discussions, Kate and her husband decided that the informal education of the ‘school of the road’, where students learn from their experiences rather than formalised lessons, suited them best.

“The majority of families we met along the way had similar approaches. Unless they had children of highschool age, most found the structure and rigidity of formalised schooling difficult to reconcile with the spontaneity of a road trip.”

SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

9

R EPORT AGE

From left: The Martin family hit the road.

Kate Ulman and clan.

The Mackay family and their trick dogs.

Kate’s book Vantastic: Retro Caravan Holidays in the Modern World is a must read for anyone planning a road trip around Australia with chapters detailing planning, itineraries, food on the move, caravan park living, packing, craft projects and travelling with kids.

Wheel education Mike and Sarah Mackay, a nomadic couple with seven children who have been travelling around Australia for five years now, subscribe to the ‘life learning’ approach, teaching their children the fundamentals such as reading, writing and maths, while science, history and geography are learned through visits to museums, old jails and historic sites. “I think they get a better education on the road. Their social abilities are not limited to one age group; they’re mixing with everyone from small children to grey nomads.”

The couple, originally from New Zealand, hit the road after Mike’s work hours were reduced - packing up their then six children and setting off to find work. The family enjoyed being on the road so much they decided to keep going. “We now have four trick dogs, trained by our four oldest daughters, that travel with us and perform at shows and festivals as the Superdog Trick Show. It’s become a way of life for us and provides some income, but the gypsy was certainly in us before we hit the road,” Sarah laughs.

When the Mackays first set off their sixth daughter was three-months old, they then had a little boy, who is now three, while an eighth child, Serenity, tragically died thirteen hours after she was born in March 2011. Their oldest daughter is now 16 and learning to drive. The family has travelled and stayed in everything including a house, a caravan, an 11.5 metre bus and they are currently living in an 11-person tent. They tend to settle down for an extended period of time over summer, when the hot weather makes it uncomfortable for travelling.

The Mackays have travelled through NSW, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and most recently visited the Northern Territory. Currently they’re camped beside a reservoir in Cobar, NSW, are looking at buying a bus again, and Sarah says she has no idea where they’ll end

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up. “When we set off we just thought we’d travel to Townsville, get a job, a house and carry on with normal life, but it just didn’t happen that way.”

You can follow the joys and trials of travelling around Australia as a family of nine on the Mackay’s blog, www.wheeleducation.webs.com

Tow much fun Megan and Clarke Martin from Beaumaris in Victoria packed up their three children and headed to Central Australia for 100 nights, to escape a messy renovation of their house. At the time their kids were five, 10 and 12, which Clarke says was the ideal age. They towed a brand new Jayco Expanda, which only arrived two weeks before their departure date.

“The main thing we got out of it was a very strong, shared experience and a better understanding of Australia that just can’t be had by visiting a resort on the Gold Coast or a beach.” The family headed from the Murray Darling through South Australia, Coober Pedy, through to Alice Springs and Uluru, along with a whole bunch of other Australian families known as the ‘Term Three Travellers’. “If you’re a family doing a third term road trip, everyone meets at Fitzroy Crossing, just north of WA at about the half-way point. It’s amazing to see all these families arrive like migratory birds at the same time,” Clarke said.

The Martins had designated travel days: sometimes travelling only 100kms and other days up to 600kms.

“We did a practice run up to Queensland so the kids could see how would it go, which I think is important.”

For Clarke and Megan, one of the best parts was discovering how easy it was to do a road trip around Australia. “I’d definitely say swimming in the natural billabongs in the Northern Territory and WA, camping out in the desert and taking the kids to an Aboriginal Festival near Katherine were highlights for us. The kids still reminisce about our travels and want to do the whole trip again, exactly the same,” Megan said.

LIFELONG MEMORIES

!

E R E H E D A M E AR

T A E R G

S L A E D !

HITOP

EXPLORER

SAFARI

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Grab the kids and hit the road with the FREEDOM of a campervan.

Whether your dream family roadtrip is the spectacular beauty of the Legendary Pacific Coast, the true outback experience of the Red Centre or the picturesque Wildflowers of WA, explore it at your own pace in a Britz Campervan.

Britz have Australia’s largest range of 2WD and 4WD campervans, so you’ll find one to suit your needs, and your budget.

To book simply call 1800 331 454 or visit our website: www.britz.com.au JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

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Campervan. 4WD. Car Rentals SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

11

W H A T ’S HOT FOR T H E H O L ID A Y S

WHAT’S HOT for the holidays Content and Calm Tray Kit This awesome multi-award winning all-in-one kids travel carry-on backpack and play tray was designed by a frequent travelling mum sick of chasing toys down the aisle while flying. The Tray Kit straps on to a plane tray table or the back of a front seat in a car providing an extendable play tray with raised sides to keep toys off the floor and kids entertained in transit.

Available in pink and blue. www.flossymoo.com.au RRP: $54.95

Playskool Showcam

win

The awesome two-in-one digital camera and projector from Playskool lets kids have all the fun taking family holiday snaps. With easy-to-use controls and big buttons for little fingers the Playskool Showcam Camera comes with built-in image stamps, sound effects and animations and holds up to 1000 images. Best of all it switches quickly from camera to projector allowing kids to show off their creations to family and friends. www.hasbrotoys.com.au Out & About With Kids has SIX Playskool Showcam Cameras to give away, each valued at $84.99.

For your chance to win visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

Strider ST-4 If your toddler can walk, a Strider No-Pedal Balance Bike will soon have them cruising. Designed to be steady, stable and safe, the Strider ST-4 Balance Bike is perfect for children from 18 months to five years old, teaching them essential motor skills, like balance and coordination early in life. The bike includes integrated footrests for rider development and the handlebar and saddle height are adjustable for growing kids.

Lightweight but strong, the Strider is designed to be super light for ease of handling and is perfect to throw in the boot for your next road trip. www.strider.com.au RRP: $169.00

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SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

My Busy Bag My Busy Bag takes the hard work and hassle out of preparing for travel and outings for both parents and children. The convenient activity packs, available online, mean parents can choose and purchase hours of entertainment for their little ones with the click of a mouse. The extensive selection of engaging top brand age-appropriate activities and travel toys will delight and occupy even the pickiest of children. The compact activity packs come in a cute drawstring backpack and are available to suit every budget. www.mybusybag.com.au

Kathmandu Sputnik Pack The fantastic Sputnik backpack from Kathmandu is the perfect size for kids to store all their belongings.

The comfortable kid-size pack features an air mesh harness with breathable shoulder straps and a reflective bike light loop for safety. www.kathmandu.com.au RRP: $79.98

e it r u o v a f s ’ a i l a r t s Au s t r o s e R d n a s k Holiday Par

Hot Specials available on our website

Visit our website for information and bookings

Cabins • Caravans • Camping • Backpackers • Resorts

AW1463

Western Australia Fremantle Woodman Point Holiday Park Fremantle Coogee Beach Holiday Park Swan Valley Perth Vineyards Holiday Park Exmouth Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Exmouth Blue Reef Backpackers Karratha Pilbara Holiday Park Port Hedland Cooke Point Holiday Park Monkey Mia Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Coral Bay Ningaloo Reef Resort Kununurra Kununurra Country Club Resort South Australia Port Augusta Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park Roxby Downs Myall Grove Holiday Park

1800 244 133 1800 817 016 1800 679 992 1800 621 101 1800 621 101 1800 451 855 1800 459 999 1800 653 611 1800 795 522 1800 808 999

New South Wales Echuca/Moama A Shady River Holiday Park Echuca/Moama Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park Dubbo BIG4 Dubbo Parklands Eden Twofold Bay Beach Resort Forster/Tuncurry Wallamba River Holiday Park Victoria Albury/Wodonga Boathaven Holiday Park Geelong Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Echuca/Moama Yarraby Holiday Park Mildura Golden River Holiday Park Melbourne Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village

1800 833 444 1800 356 103

aspenparks.com.au

1800 674 239 1800 356 801 1800 033 072 1800 631 006 1800 268 176 1800 352 982 1800 336 225 1800 222 052 1800 621 262 1800 061 444

WHA T’S HOT FOR T R A V E L

WHAT’S HOT technology Snap happy The sleek, chic and ultra portable COOLPIX S9500 is the only camera you’ll need for great holiday snaps.

The 18.1 Megapixel, HD recording with built-in Wi-Fi® Compatibility, features an awesome 22x optical zoom covering from wide-angle 25 mm to supertelephoto 550 mm. The imaging power of 18 megapixels achieved with the backside illumination CMOS image sensor and combination of lens shift and electronic vibration reduction make capturing magnificent open landscapes as well as super close up shots a breeze. The new Quick effects function makes it easy for you to explore your creative options and the camera’s GPS function means you can easily record and store the locations you take photos and with a pre-populated database of 1.86 million points of interest, you can find where you are in no time. The COOLPIX S9500 makes it easier than ever to share your holiday snaps. Snap a shot and instantly send it straight to your smart device to email, text, or upload it to your favourite social networking services. www.nikon.com.au RRP: $399.95

Drool-proof tablet The absolutely fabulous Xperia Tablet Z from Sony is the tablet parents dream about. Offering the highest level of water and dust resistance ever delivered, it is drool and milkshake resistant and can even survive being under one metre of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. This is great news for every mum and dad who’ve watched in horror as their little treasure soaked their tablet in all manner of muck. Super thin and light at only 6.9mm and 495 grams – making it a dream for travellers - the Xperia boasts a 10.1” full HD Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2.

There’s an excellent eight megapixel camera that lets you shoot beautiful photos even in low light conditions and you can seamlessly share your music and images with one-touch connectivity.

Available in black or white, the water-resistant and parent-friendly Xperia Tablet Z can be purchased in 16GB or 32GB WiFi or 16GB with 4G/LTE connectivity. www.sony.com.au RRP: from $539

FP - 210 x 275mm + 5mm bleed on each side

App, app and away Don’t want to miss a flight or spend extra hours hanging around in airports? The FlightTrack app allows you to manage your domestic and international flight with real-time updates of more than 1,400 airlines and zoomable maps of 3,000 plus airports.

Want something unique and special from your holiday digs? Maybe a luxury villa, a beach house or an igloo is up your accommodation alley? The Airbnb app is a community marketplace that connects you with people who have unique spaces to rent in more than 33,000 cities in 192 countries.

There’s nothing worse than dealing with jetlag and kids, except maybe dealing with jetlagged kids. To stay on top of your game when travelling the JetLag Genie can help you with a guided plan to significantly reduce the effects of jet lag.

Still a little foggy? The free and easy XE currency converter uses accurate live currency rates to help you do the thinking when you arrive at your destination.

How much to tip? In some countries tipping can cause offence while in others it is offensive not to tip. Tipulator is a cool tip calculator that tells you what, when and where to tip as well as how much for the mathematically challenged.

Looking for some family-style fun? Museums Mobile will point you in the direction of museums in your area and shares all the inside info from what’s on to permanent exhibits on thousands of the world’s biggest museums.

Kids Tracks is another app that makes sightseeing fun for kids. Offering tailored activity ‘Tracks’ for museums, galleries and local attractions in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, the app offers cute options such as taking a virtual pet along for the adventure. Children receive digital reward points for participating, working their way towards certificates and prizes.

With all that data at your fingertips you don’t want to be met with hefty data roaming charges when you get back home. Wi-Fi Finder will give you directions to your nearest source of wireless internet wherever you are.

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SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

Read all about it Everyone likes to pack a book or two to read on their holiday but if you’re travelling with a family the collection can fill a suitcase. Enter the Sony Reader and the brand new Reader™ Store Australia. The purpose-built eBookstore brings Australian families a wide range of local and international eBooks, spanning best sellers, classics, new authors and more in eight languages. The store’s clear, uncluttered design enables book lovers to easily search for their favourite titles including dedicated Australian content to download. If you have a Reader™ Wi-Fi® from Sony, it’s even easier – just tap the Store Button and Reader Store can be accessed directly from the device. To start building your portable library, just visit au.readerstore.sony.com.

Holiday fun for the whole family!

Scan Here

Start planning your summer holiday and make another great discovery.

Based in some of Australia’s most scenic locations, Discovery Holiday Parks offer something for everyone.

Choose from 30 destinations across Australia with a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget.

Stay in our self-contained cabins and villas, bring your caravan or pitch a tent. Whatever you choose, discover the good times and great memories this summer at Discovery Holiday Parks.

Don’t miss your chance to book your summer holiday as space in our parks is filling fast. Find out more about our range of locations, accommodation options and park facilities. Visit our website, select your favourite region, secure your spot and you will be ready to go in no time.

For more information and bookings please visit:

www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

australian holidays

The beautiful Gold Coast

18 DRIVE VW family car review.

22 HOLIDAY PARKS All the latest and greatest on Holiday Park breaks.

40 THE SUITE LIFE Australia’s best family hotels and resorts reviewed.

42 SYDNEY, NSW Kids in the harbour city

44 LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST, NSW NSW’s coast with the most.

60 BUNDABERG, QLD The inside word on family fun Bundy style.

Kids in the capital.

64 VICTORIA Victoria’s fab four family stays.

52 GOLD COAST, QLD

66 SHORT CUTS

48 CANBERRA, ACT

Triple treats on the Gold Coast.

56 NORTH STRADBROKE, QLD

All the latest and greatest from around the country.

Spreading the word on Straddie.

SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

17

DR I V E

MAKING

alltracks Sea Cliff Bridge © Tourism Wollongong

A FAMILY WEEKEND AWAY TEST DRIVING THE GORGEOUS NEW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACK SHOWCASES WHY THIS IS THE IDEAL FAMILY CAR. WORDS: ALENEY DE WINTER

B

efore the advent of offspring I zipped around town in my two-door sports car and swore that I would never own a station wagon. I mean, that was the kind of thing my parents drove. And I’d never be that old! Fast forward two kids and still I resisted the pull of practicality over panache. Until I meet the smooth and kind of sexy, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.

In fact, it is love at first sight as I slip into the comfortable leather driver’s seat and marvel at the wads of legroom, front and back. The boot also provides plenty of space for transporting a family load of luggage, something a frequent road-tripper like me could get very used to. In fact, even with the addition of two child seats and all their accoutrements, the roomy vehicle looks a little empty as we hit the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular coastal route starting from the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south and travelling through pretty seaside villages and lush rainforest on our way to Wollongong for a family break.

The interior offers plenty of sparkly bells and whistles that you’d expect from a car at this price point (starting at $47,790 plus on-road costs) but the design is so sophisticated with its titanium console trimmings and luscious leather seats, it could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. A 6.5 inch touchscreen is linked to a 30 Gigabyte music storage drive and offers one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use satellite navigation systems I’ve come across. There’s also dual-zone automatic airconditioning, a USB port, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free mobile.

An awesome reversing camera, parking sensors front and rear and a nifty electric driver’s seat, plus eight airbags, a fatigue-detection system, tyre-pressure sensors and stability control, are other features which appeal greatly to this safety-conscious mum.

The zippy 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine packs a surprising punch and the vehicle rides higher than the standard Passat wagon. With adjustable suspension and a four-wheel-drive system allowing for complete control of the vehicle across a variety of terrain, there’s more than a hint of the SUV about this car but the AWD Alltrack is easier to handle, a bonus on our windy route.

After an hour and a half of dreamy driving we arrive in Wollongong, a city that is equal parts metropolitan buzz and small town charm and a holiday haven for families. We’re staying in a Junior Suite at The Chifley Wollongong (www.chifleywollongong.com.au). Located on Wollongong’s foreshore, adjacent to WIN Sports and

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Entertainment Centre, the hotel is a short stroll from Wollongong City Beach, one of Wollongong’s 17 patrolled beaches.

Ready to explore the ‘Gong’s family-friendly best, we head to nearby Symbio Wildlife Gardens to get up close and personal with some of its 1000 resident critters including a rare Sumatran Tiger. Rafferty cuddles a koala while two-year old Marlo enjoys hopping around after the kangaroos.

After a morning of talking to the animals we take to the trees at the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, one of only a handful of elevated steel treetop walks in the world. The 1.5km return walk is pram-friendly and we stroll through the rainforest before returning to our hotel with two exhausted but content kids.

On the drive home the following day we pop into the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere for tea and a moment or two of tranquility before hitting the road again. Like the temple, the Alltrack is whisper quiet inside, the only noticeable noise is the kids nattering away in the back. As for said kids, five-year-old Rafferty reverently declares it the most comfortable car EVER! And with our normally noisy twoyear old lulled into a sound sleep for the best part of the smooth trip home, mum and dad declare it magic!

For more on the Volkswagen range visit www.volkswagen.com.au.

Volkswagen Passat Altrack

I’ve never seen the kids have so much fun!

Caravan and Camping Holidays are a non-stop adventure, where mum, dad and the kids spend quality time together relaxing, exploring and creating a lifetime of memories. Mountains or valleys – rivers or lakes, the opportunities are endless with Jayco’s full product range to suit your needs.

Start your adventure today, call 1300 JAYCO RV for your nearest dealer or visit jayco.com.au

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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WIN!

Have your say on the BEST family travel experiences and you could WIN an amazing Jayco Eagle Camper Trailer valued at over $23,000!

This fantastic prize includes 12 months worth of CIL Insurance thanks to the team at www.campingforkids.com.au.

Visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au to vote for your favourites and tell us where your family would most like to take a camper trailer and why for you chance to win. *Please note Terms & Conditions Apply.

Before heading off on your camping adventure, visit www.campingforkids.com.au for hints and tips while camping in the great outdoors.

Designed to get children excited about camping, this new initiative will teach kids about Australia’s natural wonders and beauty, as well as new skills, games, and healthy habits.

a c S

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Parklife ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF PACKING UP, LEAVING THE SAMENESS OF THE FAMILY HOME TO RE-LOCATE TEMPORARILY TO A MAGICAL PLACE CLOSER TO THE NATURAL WORLD - THE SOUND OF THE ROARING SURF, THE SCENT OF THE GUMS, THE SIGHT OF THE RED DUST - UNDERSTANDS THE ALLURE OF HOLIDAY PARKS. WORDS: MICHELLE PETTIGROVE

A

s small screens and timetables increasingly consume family life, the simple pleasures of a camping holiday have become more and more enticing. Today’s holidaymakers have reclaimed that simplicity, and managed to add a few of life’s little luxuries along the way. It is their expectations that have re-shaped the entire ‘camping’ experience, triggering a metamorphosis in the holiday park market. Today, over half the accommodation beds available in Australia are found in holiday parks.

The massive resurgence in camping and caravanning holidays worldwide has put pressure on holiday parks to deliver far more sophisticated options for their guests. In Australia the holiday park business has blossomed from a cottage industry to a highly competitive marketplace.

Names like Aspen, Escape 2, Discovery and NRMA are fast becoming recognised for their strength in that marketplace and their welcome investment in the national holiday park sector.

Many parks offer holidaymakers a guarantee of excellence and quality service by joining franchises like BIG4, Top Tourist and Family Parks. The presence of these well-known and loved brands – synonymous with family fun – now outweighs the star-rating system when guests choose their destination. They promise a consistency of quality and an ambitious standard of holiday park.

Even the destinations names have taken on a cosmopolitan edge. It’s not a ‘caravan park’ anymore; it’s a holiday park, an eco-village, even a resort. And these claims are not self-inflating; they are right on the money, with most parks offering a startling array of accommodation, taking all budgets into account. These days even the very affordable tent and van sites are so much more than a patch of flat ground. Large grassy or slab sites are shaded by mature trees, and have full power and water. Close to spotless amenities, gas barbeques and camp kitchens, pitching a tent

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Photo courtesy of BIG4

Bigger is better

C AM P I N G , C ARAVAN S AN D H OL I D A Y PARKS

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Above: Wallamba River Holiday Park

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has never been so luxurious. Some parks even offer campers private en-suites and free Wifi.

The market is flooded with a plethora of accommodation options, from modern cabins to five-star condos, boasting every feature imaginable including spa baths, flat-screen TVs, private barbeques, air-conditioning and internal laundry.

Modern parks acknowledge that flexibility is the key, and have adapted to happily cater for today’s blended and multi-generational families, so sleeping eight or even ten is a breeze. It’s a far cry from the demountable dongas of the ‘70s!

It’s not just holiday park accommodation that has enjoyed a major facelift. There’s fierce competition to extend the range of entertainment available, and Big 4 North Star Holiday Resort at Hastings Point in NSW is just one of many parks getting it right.

As well as a full-size tennis court and playground, North Star has a two-storey water park with over 66 interactive water features including water slides, water cannons, Australia’s first water piano and a massive bucket that dumps 600 litres of water over the whole area every six minutes!

And the excitement doesn’t have to stop when it rains, many Holiday Parks across Australia also offer

SPRING 2013 www.campingforkids.com.au

guests indoor play centres with fun activities like ball pits and slides, kids club activities during school holiday periods plus games rooms with pool tables, arcade games, table tennis and pinball machines.

And it’s not unusual for some to offer an on-site day spa or an in-house masseuse to keep the grown-ups happy.

The personal touch Infrastructure aside, possibly the best reason to head for a holiday park instead of booking a hotel room, is the warm community atmosphere. The proximity of camping families, the can-do attitude of staff, and the organised activities mean guests are constantly mingling and re-discovering the benefits of knowing their neighbours.

These days clever parks are so much more than somewhere to stay. They connect firmly with their surroundings and promote their destinations holistically through website links, and by organising bookings to local attractions and tours. Goldmining, bushwalking, whale watching, kayaking, theme parks … the personal touch of a holiday park gives you easy and often discounted access to a raft of family activities.

t h g i N E E R One F plus E E R F y a t S Kids plus

e r i H t r a K o G FREE

Island Treasure Park Holiday QLD t Gold Coas

Darlington Beach Holiday Park Coffs Coast NSW

Ocean Beach Holiday Park NSW Central Coast

*

Merimbula Beach Holiday Park South Coast NSW

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As part owner of Tathra Beach Family Park on the Far South Coast of NSW, writer Michelle Pettigrove knows a thing or two about the subject. Michelle believes at Tathra Beach they’ve cornered the market on friendly, making the most of its wood-fired pizza oven by holding weekly pizza nights, hands-on damper making and spud nights. Co-owner Frankie J Holden performs gigs with a little help from guests and the park regularly rocks with the sound of a crowd enjoying trivia, bingo and big-screen outdoor movies. Families bond during sand modelling, treasure hunts and hula-hoop classes, all designed to shatter inhibitions and bring people together.

Strong repeat bookings at Tathra are evidence that the communal-style holiday is a winner. And the luxury safari tents are a big hit too!

Left to right: Mini golf fun.

Courtesy of Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia.

Scooting along at Tathra Beach Family Holiday Park

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The modern park is techno-savvy and employs a full range of e-networking to expose its product and keep its guests abreast of exciting changes and offers. A growing awareness of their eco-footprint has also motivated holiday parks to strive to reduce their environmental impact, with nationally recognised ratings awarded to pro-active parks.

So much about holiday parks has changed in the last few decades but there’s one thing that will always remain the same - direct access to good old Mother Nature. In a block of apartments your doorstep is often the portal to a flight of stairs or a mirrored lift and a carpeted lobby. Whether it’s through the tent flap, the van door or across the cabin deck, the holiday park brings you face-to-face with nature, an encounter most families don’t experience in their day-to-day lives.

A common phenomenon revealed by park managers is the change that occurs in kids when they arrive - cramped and cranky, stretching and glued to their thumb-driven electronic paraphernalia. Within a day, the shoes are kicked off, the appetites are ramped up, and the happy pack abandons games of the re-chargeable kind in favour of playing with new friends. Surely this is what family holidays are made of. These memories are precious, and ground our kids in the real world, the world of nature and the remarkable diversity of our country.

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To some parents the thought of packing up and heading to a caravan park brings back images of muddy campsites, cold showers and bored kids.

Those days are long gone. A brilliant blend of stateof-the-art accommodation and entertainment, and the eternally enriching ingredients of friends and the great outdoors have guaranteed holiday parks a growing profile on the Aussie holiday radar. Next time you’re looking for a family holiday that ticks all the boxes, join the holiday park revolution, you’ll never look back!

FAST FACTS Big4 Holidays Parks www.big4.com.au NRMA Holiday Parks www.nrmaholidayparks.com.au Aspen Holiday Parks www.aspenparks.com.au Escape2 www.escape2.net.au Discovery Holiday Parks www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au Tathra Beach Family Park www.tathrabeachfamilypark.com.au

on!

Prime beachfront locati

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BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park Gold Coast Holiday Park is your family holiday oasis.

Looking for a family friendly holiday park with great access to the Gold Coast’s fantastic theme Parks? Gold Coast Holiday Park offers 32 acres of nature, space and freedom right across the road from a selection of Theme Parks and the awesome Outback Spectacular. Accommodation at the pet-friendly park include everything from grassy waterfront sites for tents, caravans, big rigs and motorhomes to cozy family cabins and five star luxury villas with facilities including microwaves, big screen TVs and DVDs. There is also a resort pool, great spa, huge water slide and poolside service from our on-site licensed family café.

LOCATION Located by some of the Gold Coast’s biggest attractions, it’s an ideal base from which to explore the best of the area.

FACILITIES › Wide selection of accommodation options. › Kids club available during holiday periods. › Close to shopping precinct › Close to tourist attractions including Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet & Wild and the Outback Spectacular.

› On-site animal farm. › Pool with water slide. › Jumping pillow. › Landscaped gardens. › Great bird watching opportunities within the park grounds. › Security boom gate. › Licensed Café. › Internet kiosk.

66-86 Siganto Drive, Gold Coast, 4212, Australia 28

E: stay@gcpark.com.au SPRING 2013 www.campingforkids.com.au

P: 1300 789 189 or 07 5514 4400 W: www.goldcoastholidaypark.com.au

Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach Splash in to summer with a new water park at beautiful Pambula Beach holiday park Discovery Holidays Parks, Australia’s largest owner and operator of lifestyle holiday parks, is pleased to announce the construction of its first water park, located at Pambula Beach on the New South Wales Sapphire Coast.

After a $1.6 million investment the new water park boasts two water slides, five water cannons, a six-metre tall tipping bucket, aqua domes and more than 35 interactive play features surrounded by a 250m2 lagoon, the Pambula Beach water park is the first of its kind in the region.

With the beach so close you can taste it, Discovery Holiday Park – Pambula Beach offers absolute beachfront accommodation and Discovery Holiday Parks have invested in eight additional Superior Oceanview Villas to help meet the expected demands of the exciting new water park this summer.

LOCATION Discovery Holiday Parks Pambula Beach is famed for its picturesque beachfront location. Tucked into the northern tip of the rugged Ben Boyd National Park, just south of the popular tourist township of Merimbula, this park is a magnet for families.

FACILITIES › Range of self-contained cabin and villa accommodation › Powered and unpowered caravan & camping sites › Indoor and outdoor heated pools & spa pool › Fully equipped camp kitchen & BBQs › Jumping pillow & trampolines

› › › › › › › ›

Kids Club & Games Room Playground Kiosk Hire Equipment Putt-Putt Golf Laundry facilities Children’s bathroom Absolute Beachfront

1 Pambula Beach Rd, Pambula Beach NSW 2549 E: pambula@discoveryparks.com.au

P: Free Call: 1800 677 808 W: www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au SPRING 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Budgewoi Holiday Park

Canton Beach Holiday Park

Budgewoi Holiday Park, on the NSW Central Coast, is an idyllic holiday destination for families.

Canton Beach Holiday Park, on the NSW Central Coast, is perfect for a family escape.

Perfectly positioned on serene Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Holiday Park has a range of accommodation options available to suit any family budget and taste. And keeping the kids entertained won’t be a problem with fantastic family-friendly facilities including a jumping pillow, playgrounds, free school holiday activities and more.

With a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget – from caravan and camping sites to modern cabins with free Foxtel – this Park has something for everyone. It’s the perfect spot for bushwalking, water sports or just simply relaxing.

The Park is also located close to shops, cafes and restaurants.

LOCATION

LOCATION

Budgewoi is a lakeside haven with something to offer all families and the park is also within walking distance of Budgewoi Beach.

The Park is situated directly on the foreshore of Tuggerah Lakes and is only a short drive to nearby beaches.

FACILITIES

FACILITIES

› Range of accommodation options - modern cabins plus spacious caravan and camping sites. › Jumping pillow for the young and young at heart. › Playgrounds for the kids.

› Walking distance to Budgewoi Beach. › FREE school holiday activities. › Grassed areas with plenty of shade and sheltered BBQs on the foreshore. › Foxtel in all Cabins. › Camp kitchen.

Weemala Street Budgewoi NSW 2262 P: 02 4390 9019 or 1800 241 342 E: budgewoi@cchp.com.au W: www.budgewoihp.com.au

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› Range of accommodation options – modern cabins and caravan and camping sites. › Jumping pillow for the young and young at heart. › FREE school holiday activities.

› Playgrounds and grassed areas. › Boat ramp within the park. › Sheltered BBQ’s on foreshore. › Foxtel in all Cabins. › Camp kitchen.

Oleander St, Toukley NSW 2263 P: 02 4396 3252 or 1800 241 342 E: canton@cchp.com.au W: www.cantonbeachhp.com.au

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park

Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park - a Gold Coast adventure getaway for the whole family

Let the kids get close to nature at Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort

Situated on the sunny Gold Coast, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park is centrally located to all things fun and exciting so you won’t miss a minute of the action.

Enjoy an abundance of activities and facilities including three resort pools, mini golf, giant jumping pillow and kids club activities throughout the year.

The resort boasts absolute ocean frontage overlooking the pristine waters of Beagle Bay. The beauty of the surrounding national park and clear waters of Mill Beach are some of the standout features along with modern and private accommodation options, giving you much needed privacy and space for your family holiday.

LOCATION

LOCATION Located only minutes away from Surfers Paradise and close to Dream World, Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild.

Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort is in South Durras, two hours from Canberra and 15 minutes north east of Batemans Bay.

FACILITIES FACILITIES › Three resort pools › Jumping Pillow for kids › Go-kart hire › Games room and activities › Galleons Bistro

› One- to three-bedroom villas and cabins › Convenience store › Wireless internet and kiosks

117 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, QLD 4216 P: 1800 339 966 E: treasureisland@nrmaholidayparks.com.au W: treasureisland.com.au

› FREE kids activities in school holidays › FREE WIFI hotspots › FREE daily newspaper in villas › FREE Foxtel TV in villas

› Ocean View and Spa Villas › Fully-licensed restaurant with garden terraces › Swimming pool featuring an adjoining wading pool › Poolside cocktail bark and snack bar

Banyandah Street, South Durras, NSW 2536 P: 1300 767 255 E: relax@murramarangresort.com.au W: murramarangresort.com.au

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BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park The perfect beach holiday destination, where lifetime memories are made Whether you just want to relax and enjoy what the park has to offer or set off on an adventure to explore the wonderful attractions of the South Coast, BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park is the perfect choice.

Nestled between the headlands that make the absolute waterfront location of BIG4 Easts Beach so unique, the park has been designed to cater for everyone with a huge variety of accommodation. Whether you’re camping with the kids or indulging in a Waterfront Spa Unit on a much deserved escape from the everyday, you will find something here to suit your taste and budget. If you’re looking for a little serenity, a relaxing massage in the onsite Massage Studio next to Munna Munnora Creek should do the trick and the kids will never be bored between the beach, pool, jumping pillows or playgrounds.

LOCATION Only a 5 minute drive to the picturesque seaside Village of Kiama and minutes from so many popular attractions including Jamberoo Action Park, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, and Berry, BIG4 Easts Beach offers the ideal location for families.

FACILITIES › Direct access to stunning Easts Beach › Massive jumping pillow for the young and young at heart › Resort style pool and spa with solar-heated, shaded toddlers wading pool › Breakaway Café and MiniMart › Exclusive onsite massage studio

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Two children’s playgrounds Two full-size tennis courts Four free BBQ areas Fully-equipped camp kitchen Modern amenities Organised activities for the kids during school holidays › Large multipurpose room and bunkhouse accommodation for group bookings › › › › › ›

Ocean Street, Kiama NSW 2533 E: holiday@eastsbeach.com.au

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P: 02 4232 2124 W: www. eastsbeach.com.au

Holiday Haven Tourist Parks Holiday Haven offers you a choice of 12 coastal holiday parks along the South Coast of NSW With Holiday Haven you can unwind in the tranquil bushland setting of Kangaroo Valley Tourist Park or swim on Seven Mile Beach before catching flathead in the river at Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park. Keep the kids occupied at the resort pool or jumping pillow at Crookhaven Heads Tourist Park on Culburra Beach. Enjoy the seclusion of Currarong Beachside Tourist Parks or watch dolphins frolic in Jervis Bay at one of two Huskisson holiday parks. Relax in the tranquillity of Swan Lake Tourist Village or feed stingrays at Bendalong Point Tourist Park. Camp on the shores of Lake Conjola Entrance Tourist Park or stroll to cafes and restaurants from Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake at Burrill Lake Tourist Park or experience the endless wonders of Lake Tabourie Tourist Park.

LOCATION Whether you are towing a caravan, pitching a tent or wanting a waterfront cabin accommodation, Holiday Haven offers you the choice of 12 beachfront, riverfront or lakefront tourist parks along the South Coast of NSW.

FACILITIES › Cabins, tent & Caravan sites and ensuite sites available › Kids playgrounds › Kids under five stay free › Camp kitchens available › BBQ and picnic areas › Swimming Pools

› › › › › ›

Jumping Pillows Mini Golf Summer holiday activities for kids Recreational Facilities Clean modern amenities Onsite Park Managers

Shoalhaven, South Coast, NSW

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Tweed Coast Holiday Parks

Brisbane Holiday Village

Tweed Coast Holiday Parks offer seven spectacularly beautiful holiday destinations

Brisbane Holiday Village offers the ultimate holiday getaway for families wanting to enjoy being together.

Discover the Surfari Tents. BOOK NOW! Camping holidays have gone upmarket at Tweed Coast Holiday Parks with the arrival of Surfari tents at Fingal, Kingscliff North, Kingscliff Beach and Hastings Point. Everything is provided in the luxury tents which are beachfront in Fingal and Kingscliff or back onto Cudgera Creek at Hastings Point. The Surfari tents sleep 4-6 and feature a kitchenette, tv, queen bed, bunks and some with ensuite.

Brisbane Holiday Village has something to suit all tastes and budgets! No matter what option you choose from, our range of upmarket, self-contained holiday cabins or our variety of caravan and camping sites, we’re sure you’ll enjoy an unforgettable family holiday.

LOCATION

Just 10 minutes from Brisbane CBD and 30 minutes from Dreamworld, Brisbane Holiday Village is centrally located to many attractions.

The Parks are located at Boyds Bay, Fingal, Kingscliff North, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point, Pottsville North and Pottsville South.

FACILITIES

FACILITIES › Surfari Tents at Fingal,

› Children’s playground at Fingal

Kingscliff North, Kingscliff Beach and Hastings Point › Stay in tents, caravans or villas at any park › Heated swimming pool at Boyds Bay

› Sheltered BBQ areas › Beach and creek frontage › Two pools at Pottsville North

and Pottsville North

For a simply perfect coastal holiday, book now. Freecall P: 1800 234 121 E: admin@tchp.com.au W:www.tchp.com.au

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LOCATION

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› Inca themed pool area with toilets, change rooms and pool cabanas. › Inca Trail themed 18 hole mini golf. › Children’s adventure playground. › Full size tennis court with night lighting.

› Lagoona Resort Restaurant licensed restaurant open 7 days from breakfast to dinner. › Large undercover BBQ area. › Guest Reception open from 7.30am to 8.30pm seven days. › Amenity Blocks with toilets, showers and laundries.

10 Holmead Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 P: 07 3341 6133 W: www.brisbaneholidayvillage.com.au

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camping, caravanning and cabins

Pambula’s Water Park Discovery Holiday Parks, Australia’s largest owner and operator of lifestyle holiday parks, is building its first water park! Located at Pambula Beach on the NSW Sapphire Coast, the water park is the result of a $1.6 million dollar investment by the company, which will also deliver eight additional units of accommodation to the Holiday Park.

Boasting two water slides, five water cannons, a six-metre tall tipping bucket, Aqua Domes and more than 35 interactive play features surrounded by a 250sq m lagoon, the Pambula Beach water park is the first of its kind in the region. The water park will be open to Discovery Holiday Parks’ guests as well as the general public.

The Pambula Beach park is famous for its picturesque beachfront location. Tucked into the northern tip of the rugged Ben Boyd National Park, the holiday park is a magnet for families and is especially popular with residents of Sydney, country NSW and the ACT. www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

TomTom GO puts drivers on the map

Camp coffee

Love camping and coffee? Take the instant coffee blues out of your next camping, caravan or cabin holiday with the fantastic Aeropress. It’s a coffee maker that’s part plunger, part dripfilter that you simply place directly over your cup. It’s robust with no electricity or fiddly breakable parts, is small enough to put in your backpack and makes great tasting coffee wherever you are. www.aeropress.com.au RRP: $49

Put an end to the “Are we there yets?” with the all new TomTom GO, a Portable Navigation Device (PND) re-designed to become an essential daily driving tool.

A brand new Interactive Map, Lifetime TomTom Traffic and 3D Maps give drivers the ability to know precisely what is going on around them, as well as what lies ahead to enable them to make the smartest driving decisions, every day.

Busy mums and dads can easily access the travel information they need via a high-resolution, capacitive touch screen with interactive maps. Drivers can simply zoom in and out to find and explore places on the map with their fingertips and tap on the map to get an instant route to a destination.

Drivers can connect to TomTom Traffic via Smartphone Connected to receive TomTom’s worldclass traffic information pinpointing exactly where delays start and end, allowing you to get there faster.

And Quick Search functionality means you can also find your destination faster. As part of TomTom’s global driving community, you’ll also benefit from an advanced and highly accurate speed camera warning service with a three-month trial. www.tomtom.com/go.

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camping, caravanning and cabins

Camping For Kids – it’s outdoor fun!

© Shutterstock.com

Camping for Kids is a fresh new initiative designed to get children to enjoy the camping experience and playing outdoors rather than spending the day in front of a computer or TV screen. In this increasingly technological world, children spend all day in front of computers at home and at school, making it even more important to get them outside and playing on holidays. Camping for Kids encourages a lifestyle of learning, playing and making new friends while keeping active and healthy.

When outside the kids develop skills like teamwork, organisation, social and physical skills as well as learning to improvise, play and be creative. Kids - we know you love your brand new PlayStation, but nothing can compare with the boundless fun of discovering the great outdoors.

Visit some of the many caravan holiday parks in Australia, make stacks of new friends and get involved in heaps of activities! You will meet people from all around the country and see new places, which isn’t possible from your living room.

The Camping for Kids website will act as an information and activity hub dedicated to promoting the camping lifestyle to children under the age of 18 years and falls under the Experience CaravanningandCamping.au brand (a website that promotes the caravanning and camping lifestyle to an adult audience). Both are initiatives of the Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) – the Peak Tourism National Body of the Caravanning & Holiday Parks Industry. www.campingforkids.com.au

© Shutterstock.com

win

The Ultimate Aussie Roadtrip Resource If you’re planning on hitting the road anywhere in Australia, Explore Australia 2014 is your travel bible. This 680-page travel guide and comprehensive atlas offers information on more than 700 towns and cities across Australia. With detailed maps for key tourist towns and an overview of Australia’s history, flora and fauna it’s a must for Aussie

explorers. You will also find helpful information on major attractions, things to see and do as well as fun family events for each holiday region in Australia.

Out & About With Kids has 10 copies of Explore Australia 2014 to give away, each valued at $59.95.

For your chance to win, visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Safari time at BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park introduced two new safari tents in May and they have proven very popular, offering guests the fun of camping without the hassles of the setting up. The stylish tents are perfect for princesses who don’t want to get down and dirty but do want to experience the delights of being in the bush around Katherine. The tents are situated on a timber deck near the swimming pool and feature a queen-size bed, fridge freezer, table and chairs plus all linen is provided.

The park is located on 18 hectares of parkland with plenty of wildlife to spot, and if the safari tents don’t float your boat, there are powered and unpowered sites as well as comfy cabins. The helpful staff at the Park can also arrange tours to Nitmuluk Gorge and Edith Falls. www.BIG4Katherineholidaypark.com.au

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by BIG4 a li a r t s u A

NSW t s a o C h t u o S by

BIG4

Escape to the NSW South Coast for the ultimate family holiday - ride the giant waterslides at Jamberoo Action Park, get up close and personal with some furry friends at Mogo Zoo or simply explore the postcard perfect bays, lakes and estuaries. The NSW South Coast leaves you spoilt for choice and with BIG4 you’re perfectly positioned to explore all this region has on offer.

With over 180 parks across Australia, BIG4 offers a choice of facilities, activities and accommodation to suit all budgets.

Visit BIG4.com.au for more details, availability and our easy booking system.

Rock formations Kiama

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Australia’s

BEST FAMILY STAYS

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Xbox marks the spot!

EAST HOTEL, CANBERRA

East Hotel certainly has kids sorted! Canberra’s newest 4.5 star hotel is a family-owned and operated business and as such was designed with families in mind. Contemporary and stylish, East Hotel is conveniently located between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka.

The apartment hotel offers brilliant “Kids Cubbies” which are perfect for the travelling family. Each consists of a modern and beautifully appointed two-bedroom apartment set up for the adults with all the great adult stuff (including an all important Nespresso machine) connecting to the Kids Studio. The Studio comes complete with cool bunk beds, kid-friendly décor, bean bags, an X-Box and selection of video games, age-appropriate board games and even a kids mini bar. At East they understand that if your kids are happy and entertained, as ours certainly were, then you can relax, unwind and enjoy your stay as well, as we certainly did.

When it’s time to venture out and about (if you can drag the kids away), the hotel offers a selection of both cruiser and electric bikes that you can take to explore the local area. They’ll even pack a picnic for your journey! ✸ HOTEL HINT: “Our family packages are our best sellers for a reason! Questacon is fun for everyone in the family and the privately-owned National Zoo is a special Canberra experience. If you head to the zoo, let the kids have a play at the brand new playground at the National Arboretum - it’s awesome fun and there is a café for essential adult coffees too!” Dion Bisa, Conference & Events Manager, East Hotel www.easthotel.com.au

T H E S U I TE LI F E

Room with a view

Tropical retreat

Only an hour’s drive south from Sydney Airport, 2.5-hours from Canberra and with direct flights from Melbourne, escaping to Wollongong for a fun family getaway has never been easier.

The Novotel Northbeach Wollongong hotel offers 204 rooms with sensational ocean and mountain views. The Superior Ocean View Balcony rooms feature wide verandahs to take in the views of Northbeach where, if you’re as lucky as us, you might even enjoy your morning cuppa with a couple of chatty cockatoos. The rooms also come with a queen-size bed and double sofa, iPod docking stations and Wifi access.

Accommodation and breakfast is free for up to two children under the age of 16 when accompanied by an adult. Plus, when booking a second room the room charge is 50 per cent off. Their Family & Novotel package offer includes welcome gifts (my kids adore their buckets of beach and bath goodies), children’s menus and a late checkout of 5pm on Sundays. There are also two great kids’ play areas.

Mum and Dad aren’t forgotten. There are bars, a restaurant and leisure facilities including tennis, pool, sauna and Day Spa. The resort is minutes from a variety of beachfront activities, cycle paths and walkways and bike hire can be arranged at the hotel. ✸ HOTEL HINT: “At Novotel Northbeach kids are treated with the same respect as adult guests from check-in. We have great play areas for younger guests and the hotel is located directly across from one of Wollongong’s best swimming beaches. There’s also a fantastic coastal cycle-way so we suggest you hire bikes to take in the sights on two wheels.”

Walter Immoos, General Manager, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong. www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au

Family holiday destinations don’t get much better than Tropical North Queensland – home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest – and the superb Ramada Resort Port Douglas which delivers a memorable holiday experience.

Set amongst a pocket of melaleuca rainforest, Ramada Port Douglas is surrounded by lush gardens and free-flowing waterways filled with large barramundi. There’s also a resident cockatoo who has made his home in the spacious open-plan foyer and who proves very popular with the kids.

The resort is the perfect retreat for families, with a beautiful heated lagoon-style pool with waterfall, tour desk for arranging tours and cruises and Four Mile Beach is an easy stroll away for little legs.

Families can enjoy relaxed dining against a backdrop of illuminated trees at Tree Bar and Grill, the resort’s onsite restaurant. It offers a diverse menu showcasing a bounty of local produce and fresh seafood and the tasty children’s meals keep the littlies happy.

The recently refurbished one- and two-bedroom apartments provide plenty of space for a comfortable family stay. Apartments feature a fully-equipped kitchen, which is ideal for families looking to cut back on spending while on holidays. ✸ HOTEL HINT: “The resort provides a free Wynnie the Wallaby Green Adventure activity pack to kids on arrival, which is packed with fun games and educational tips on protecting the environment. The Tree Bar and Grill buffet breakfast with all-you-can-eat pancakes is also a must for kids!” Anna Cribb, Front Office & Reservations Manager, Ramada Port Douglas www.ramadaportdouglas.com.au

NOVOTEL NORTHBEACH WOLLONGONG

RAMADA RESORT PORT DOUGLAS

From far left: East Hotel, Canberra East Hotel, Canberra Novotel Northbeach Wollongong Ramada Resort Port Douglas

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SYDNEY

Sydney

ON SHOW WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR VISITING FROM INTERSTATE, TREAT THE KIDS TO AN AWESOME DAY OUT IN SYDNEY. WORDS: JULIANNE ROBERTS

S

ydney is a city blessed by Mother Nature, surrounded by waterways, national parks and beautiful beaches.

It’s a city made for al fresco activities, but you’ll also find a wealth of treasures in its many museums, galleries and entertainment precincts. Overseas visitors can’t get enough of it – discover why for yourselves!

Animal Attractions Just like Leonardo DiCaprio and The Voice judge Seal, you can enjoy all kinds of wildlife interactions at Featherdale Wildlife Park, which has been going strong since 1972. Pat a koala, feed a kangaroo and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful bushland setting while you get close to creatures great and small. www.featherdale.com.au Come and ogle the world’s biggest predator

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at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, but remember – never smile at a crocodile! Rex, the star attraction at the Kakadu Gorge exhibit, is six metres long and weighs in at 1200kgs so don’t miss feeding time! www.wildlifesydney.com.au Taronga Zoo has outstanding views over the Harbour and you don’t have to be a giraffe to see them! There are gorillas, elephants, meerkats, red pandas, tigers, leopards, lemurs… so many animals and many of them endangered. Don’t miss the live shows and you can even have a sleepover with the Roar ‘N Snore. www.taronga.org.au

Adventure Time The best view in the city is also one of the most thrilling adventures imaginable! Climbing to the crest of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge has become the “must do” activity in

Far left: Roar and Snore safari tents at Taronga Zoo © Lorinda Taylor Top right: A day on the Harbour with Sydney by Sail Bottom right: Treasure tots at the Australian National Maritime Museum

the beachfront and around to Queenscliff Lagoon. Let the kids play in one of the playgrounds while you watch. Build sandcastles on the beach or join in one of the beach volleyball games. There is so much going on – you will feel like you’re on holiday.

Manly Surf School operates year round and is so much fun for kids of all ages – and their parents. Wetsuits and surfboards are provided, with the instructors good with beginners – they can teach almost anyone to stand up! www.manlysurfschool.com.au To add some fright into your night, head to Q Station for the Family Ghosty tour.

Kids must be accompanied by a parent and will hear stories and legends of former Quarantine Station internees. You don’t have to scare yourselves silly. Q Station is now a great resort, with accommodation, dining and all kinds of activities from standup paddle boarding to snorkelling, bush walking and tours. www.qstation.com.au

More fun stuff

the city for every visitor and local. Kids over 10 with an adult are welcome. www.bridgeclimb.com Explore the harbour on board a luxury yacht with Sydney by Sail. During the three-hour sails, kids can trim the sheets, learn about tacking and maybe even take the helm, all the while taking in the wonderful views. You can even charter a yacht for a half day, full day or a week! Ask about the special themed Treasure Hunt! www.sydneybysail.com Learn to fly through the air on a trapeze with Circus Art at Sydney Olympic Park.

Begin on a low practice bar to learn the basic trapeze positions then buckle up into a harness to tackle your first ever flying trapeze swing. www.circusarts.com.au Thrillseeking teenagers can join their

parents on an underwater adventure, diving with sharks, stingrays and sea turtles on a Shark Dive Xtreme at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. An introductory dive includes instruction and a half-hour tank dive. www.manlysealifesanctuary.com.au

Northern Exposure Manly is a ferry ride from Circular Quay – an adventure in itself – and there is plenty for kids to see and do. Take a stroll from Manly to Shelley Beach, stopping at one of the cafes along the way or enjoying a picnic in the secluded park. When it warms up, stop for a swim in the Fairy Bower rock pool, or go for a snorkel at Shelley Beach.

The beachfront at Manly is perfect for family pursuits. Hire rollerblades, scooters or bikes from Skater HQ and ride along

Sydney Olympic Park is a one-stop entertainment and sporting facility. Go for a Segway tour at Newington Armory, cycle on 35 kilometres of pathway, cool off in the waterplay areas or get a birdseye view of the endangered frog habitat in the Brickpit from the elevated Ring Walk. The popular Kids in the Park program will also return in the next school holidays. www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au There’s no nicer place just to sit and smell the roses on a sunny weekend than the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take the kids for a run around, picnic under the trees, ogle the fruit bats hanging from the trees, wander through the glass pyramid or join a free guided walk. www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au The National Maritime Museum has one of the largest fleets of historic vessels in the world, from destroyers and submarines to beautiful tall ships. Wander along the dockside, or head inside for a feast of maritime exhibitions inlcuding the exciting new Vikings extravaganza. For the kids, there are programs for under fives, Kids on Deck activities every Sunday and in school holidays plus all kinds of pirate adventures! www.anmm.gov.au

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A LEGENDARY

family break A SIX-DAY DRIVING HOLIDAY UP THE LEGENDARY PACIFIC COAST DELIVERS GOATS, CHICKENS, DOLPHINS, BUTTERFLIES AND A HOST OF MEMORIES FOR DANIEL SCOTT AND HIS FAMILY.

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L E G E N D ARY P AC I FI C COAST

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ithin minutes of arriving at Honeycomb Valley Farm on the second day of our family driving holiday along the Legendary Pacific coast, our six and four-year old daughters Mila and Freya have vanished.

Love at first bite on Honeycomb Farm

Coffs Butterfly House

As we gaze over the farm’s undulating paddocks from the veranda of our cottage, there is, however, nothing to worry about. We can hear their excited voices and know they are paddling about in the muddy goat enclosure with their new chums Darcy (13), Zach (11) and Josie (8), who live at Honeycomb Farm, near Nabiac.

Darcy has already taken them riding on Soda, Honeycomb’s resident Shetland pony and now Josie is showing them how to bottle-feed baby goats. For our youngest, Freya, it’s the beginning of an infatuation with a goatee-bearded kid with snow-white locks that she names Sarah.

“It’s like we look after the farm for them,” says Andrew Campbell of Honeycomb Valley’s younger visitors, as we help him collect eggs the next morning. Andrew and wife Anna left Sydney behind eight years ago to take on the 38-hectare property, with the vision of raising their children with a connection to the land.

Since then, they’ve opened a farmgate shop, selling everything from goat’s milk soap to an innovative range of honey products and two farmstay cottages, winning them several tourism awards for hosted accommodation.

“All my favourite memories as a child are of staying on a farm, sitting in the bush interacting with animals,” says Anna Campbell. “This is a magical place for kids,” adds Anna, showing us the farm’s native bee “motel”.

To my two girls, free to roam and interact with sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens and miniature Galloway cows, Honeycomb Farm is indeed magical and for we parents, it is inspiring, both for its message of sustainability and its gently-educational environment.

Perfect Port Stephens Starting at Fingal Bay at Port Stephens and driving north to Coffs Harbour over six days, we are intent on combining entertainment and learning for the kids with relaxation for Mum and Dad for a well-balanced family holiday. Most places we plan on visiting are on the Legendary TodoKids trail put together by Port Macquarie mother of triplets, Jodi McAlary, who clearly knows how to keep children happy.

What better place to begin the trip than in a well-equipped beach house at Fingal Bay Holiday Park? Out- come the bikes and off we ride through Tomaree National Park and, before long, we’ve spotted our first wild koala, peeking down at us from a leafy branch. Later, out in the Bay on a Moonshadow cruise, we add bottlenose dolphins and pelicans, skudding into land like WW2 flying boats, to our wildlife sightings.

Juicy fruit After spending the next two days at Honeycomb Farm, we move onto the likeable seaside town of Port Macquarie.

Bedding down at Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel, we go camel riding at Lighthouse Beach, a hit with Mila but a tearful miss with little Freya, and take a child-orientated tour of Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, before returning to the hotel’s Corner Restaurant for a gourmet dinner. Next morning, on our drive north from Port, we visit Ricardoes Tomatoes where we

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101

things to do for kids on Coffs Coast Have yo seal u kissed a segw , ridden a a y , walk whe once re dinos ed au ro a tob amed or rs ogga tr n rid ied e?

From zorbing to buggy tours, camel rides to go karting, discover 101 things to do, accommodation and hot deals at

www.coffscoast.com.au or call 1300 369 070 facebook.com/coffscoast

twitter.com/coffscoast

BIG4 Soldiers Point Holiday Park • Free Games room with Xbox • Ensuite & Powered Caravan Sites • Close to shops & local attractions • Great Park for young families

• Trampolines • Tennis • Playground • Cabins

• Tropical pool with slide • Softplay Centre • Kids Holiday Activities • Bike Track

Indoor heated pool with waterplay area BIG4 Soldiers Point Holiday Park 122 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point, NSW, 2317

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SBIG4 P R HPH.indd I N G 2 011 3 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

P: 1800 827 300 E: holiday@big4soldierspoint.com.au W: big4soldierspont.com.au

6/09/13 9:05 AM

L E G E N D ARY P AC I F IC COAST

Legendary family attractions on the TodoKids trail PORT STEPHENS Moonshadow Dolphin Watch Cruises, Port Stephens. www.moonshadow.com.au

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE Port Macquarie Camels.

Lighthouse Beach camel rides. www.portmacquariecamels.com.au Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, www.ricardoes.com Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

COFFS COAST Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Maze and Tearooms, Coffs Harbour www.butterflyhouse.com.au Dorrigo National Park Rainforest Centre, Dorrigo.

Open 9am-16.30, entry by donation. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ NationalParks/

go strawberry picking - the girls cramming their buckets with juicy fruit.

In the middle of our trip we take it easy, staying in a luxury cabin at Big4 Sunshine South West Rocks (formerly Trial Bay Eco Park). It’s an opportunity for the girls to cycle safely in the extensive grounds, bounce around for hours on a giant jumping pillow and splash about in the resort pool.

At night, their heads barely hit the pillow before they’re asleep.

Our next overnight stop, at Nambucca Heads, follows a similar pattern, with kayaking on and swimming in the emerald river during the day and dinner on the balcony of our Marcel Towers apartment, overlooking the coast, in the evening.

Coffs Coasting By our last two days we’re as relaxed as we’ve ever been on a family driving holiday, a lack of stress helped by the interactive Legendary Pacific Coast App we’re using as a guide. Not only does it signal nearby attractions, like the Dorrigo National Park where we head next, but it also gives realistic driving times.

So, after winding up the Waterfall Way beyond Bellingen, we arrive at Dorrigo’s

Rainforest Centre early enough to join a morning tour. After assembling at the Skywalk, jutting out 70 metres above the canopy, we follow Discovery Ranger Brian Hawkins into the Dorrigo National Park – part of the World Heritage-Listed Gondwana Rainforests. A reverent hush soon breaks out amongst our group, with even the children quietened by the immense presence of the ancient trees. The only sounds are occasional whoops or cackles from forest birds, calls which Hawkins expertly mimics, drawing on a repertoire that includes every species found here.

Enchanting though this stroll through the rainforest is, it is our final stop, at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, that most enraptures the girls. As we stroll through the indoor rainforest, checking out pupae and allowing luminous Ulysses butterflies to land on our arms, we can see that for them, it is like watching the pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar come vividly to life. For us all, the Butterfly House marks the end of a much less arduous journey, during which we have shed our city skins and emerged rested, inspired and far more connected with the natural wonders of the Legendary Pacific Coast.

Previous page: Camels on the beach at Port Macquarie.

Mila and Freya at Coffs Butterfly House.

Above: Mila with friend at Honeycomb Valley farm All images © Daniel Scott

FAST FACTS WHERE TO STAY Fingal Bay Holiday Park www.beachsideholidays.com.au/fingalbay Honeycomb Valley Farm www.honeycombvalley.com.au Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel www.mwaters.com.au Marcel Towers Holiday Apartments www.marceltowers.com.au Bellingen Valley Lodge www.bellingenvalleylodge.com.au BIG4 Sunshine South West Rocks www.BIG4southwestrocks.com.au MORE INFORMATION For further information on the Legendary Pacific coast tourist drive and all its family attractions visit www.pacificcoast.com.au.

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Capital KIDS

THE NATIONAL CAPITAL NEVER FAILS TO DISAPPOINT AS A DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES, WITH A WEALTH OF ACTIVITIES THAT APPEAL TO ALL AGES. WORDS: ALENEY DE WINTER

T

hink of the national capital and you’re likely to think politics, not miniature trains, dinosaurs, robots and outdoor fun. But we’ve discovered that when it comes to family getaways, you can’t go past Canberra.

Around the world

Above: R.G Menzies Walk, Lake Burley Griffin © Australian Capital Tourism

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We’ve arrived in Canberra on a sunny blue-sky day so to take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air we head to Cockington Green Gardens, one of the city’s landmark family attractions, to venture into a magical world in miniature. We stroll through an English village complete with stone churches, pubs, canals and a soccer stadium full of tiny people (including a streaker) that whisks my husband back to his parents’ village in England. There’s

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a turf maze which is best viewed by clambering up the stairs to a special observation platform while shouting “I’m the King of the Castle” (at least according to Rafferty, five and Marlo, two), and mechanised exhibits that both kids can’t get enough of. Like Machiavellian maestros my children take control of the little world, sending windmills spinning, express trains racing through tunnels and railway carriages climbing up cliffs and down again.

We stroll through Peru, Jordan and Argentina, stop to admire Oman and Indonesia and have a rest near the Ukraine, all in about ten minutes. But it’s the miniature steam train ride, which encircles the International Display, that gets my daughter most excited and she insists on several world tours before we leave.

C A NB E RRA

uninterrupted by the usual demands for Peppa Pig or Ninja Turtles. Bliss.

Science with a side of humanity

Kids at Cockington Green Right next door to Cockington Green is the National Dinosaur Museum and with the museum’s Dinosaur Garden and its giant replica dinos clearly visible from the road, there’s no way we’re going to get away with driving past. The museum houses the largest permanent display of dinosaur and other prehistoric fossil material in Australia, a dozen animatronic dinosaurs, all the replica beasties in the Dinosaur Garden and on this occasion, two very loud roaring, stomping dinosaur children, though they were BYO.

Go East It’s a good job we decided to stop at the attractions before we checked into our hotel, because we soon realise it’s going to be hard work tearing either of the kids away from our digs. We’re staying at the East Hotel, located between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka, and I must say that the premium apartment hotel rates as one of our all time favourites. Simple, modern and extremely stylish with fabulous service and amazing food (at the fabulous Ox Eatery), pushbikes for loan, jars full of freckles and jaffas in the lobby (which wins major brownie points with my lot), this place is the bomb!

And I haven’t even mentioned the interconnected apartments for families. These are not just any old interconnected rooms; the Kids Cubby is a funky studio for kids fitted out with a set of bunk beds, a play table, age-appropriate toys, colouring table, play rug and bean bags plus an Xbox 360.

Needless to say, once the kids go in they refuse to come out! That is perfectly fine by us, as we’re kind of busy playing with the toys in our connecting one-bedroom apartment, notably the Nespresso Machine, and watching a movie on our own TV

Convincing the kids that a whole world awaits outside their beloved “Cubby” isn’t easy but when we finally succeed, it’s a case of love at first sight for Rafferty when we enter Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, straight into sight of a very cool computer-controlled robot.

There’s so much to do here that we’re giving it the best part of the day and still struggle to squeeze it all in. We come face to face with a sea monster in Deep Oceans, Rafferty and his dad try out an earthquake for size in Awesome Earth and Marlo spends a happy half hour playing in Mini-Q, a custom-built gallery for little scientists. But it is Excite@Q that gets Rafferty’s vote. This high impact neon room has a free fall slide, 360 Swing and Robot Hockey to keep him busy while the little one is entertained with shoving pieces of bright cloth in a hole and watching them get sucked along a wall of tubes to be spat out again. And once again we have a fight on our hands to leave. Canberra has our kids hooked.

We decide to walk the shortish distance to Old Parliament House so we can stop to smell the flowers at the historic rose gardens. But that plan is scuppered once Marlo sees some ducklings in a pond on the front lawn and Rafferty’s curiosity is aroused by a bunch of tents, enquiring as to why they’re there. As luck would have it a kindly Indigenous gentleman spots us chatting and invites us on a tour of what is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. He and Rafferty click and chat in the most gentle and non-political way about why it was erected (way back in 1972) and how it is now a heritage-listed and important site for the Indigenous people of Australia. Our new friend invites Rafferty to the site’s Sacred Fire, sharing a message of equality and respect which I hope my son will carry with him forever. He reaches out and takes my son’s hand to teach him a special handshake and leaves him with the message, “love you forever, my brother”! It is immensely special, so much so that when we awake the following morning and ask our son what he’d like to do today, he asks if he can go back and visit his pal at the embassy.

Art and about It’s a lovely thought but instead we head to the Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra’s award-winning indoor Sunday market for regional arts and crafts set within a fabulous old industrial building. The

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C A NB E RRA

kids score balloons from a magician and we all fill up on tasty treats before we head next door to the Canberra Glassworks to watch fascinating glassblowing demonstrations and where the kids get to make their very own glass tile.

There’s more than one public gallery in Canberra and we choose one that’s devoid of politicians.

Canberra is home to some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums. At The National Gallery of Australia mum and dad have an art attack but there is plenty for the kids too. They particularly enjoy the comic book colours and stylings of some of the iconic images at the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition (running until January 2014). And the school holiday program also means that our pint-size Picassos are inspired with drawing, stories and games. In the lakeside Sculpture Garden they play an arty version of hide and seek, that is until they stumble across Cones, a polished stainless steel creation that they are convinced is a spaceship and instead head off in search of aliens.

Before my mini Mulder & Scully open another X-File we bid adieu to the gallery and head to the fantastic Australian War Memorial. It’s thankfully devoid of extra-terrestrials, and instead the kids duck into a First World War trench, climb into a Vietnam War era helicopter, peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine and learn a little about peacekeeping.

After all that excitement we decide to spend the rest of our day strolling through Commonwealth Park. The park wraps itself around Canberra’s picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s centrepiece and a hub of activities for families.

We ooh and aah as the Captain Cook Memorial Jet sprays water more than 100 metres in the air and consider hiring bikes to explore. That is until we stumble across a playground with a giant fort, slides and tunnels and realise we’re not going to be going any further if our kids have any say in it.

Once again we find ourselves having to drag our enamoured kids away, something that this family is starting to get used to in Canberra.

For even more great Canberra holiday tips visit www.oawk.com.au From top: Hands on fun at Questacon.

Hide and seek at the National Gallery of Australia.

Aboriginal Tent Embassy at Old Parliament House

FAST FACTS TRIPLE THE FUN Grab a 3inFun pass for a 10 per cent discount on entry to Cockington Green Gardens, the Australian Institute of Sport and Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre.

3inFun also gives you a free return visit to your favourite attraction. 3infun.com.au WHERE TO STAY East Hotel www.easthotel.com.au MORE INFORMATION www.visitcanberra.com.au.

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Treat TRIPLE

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G OLD COAST

LET’S FACE IT. THE GOLD COAST HAS AN OVERLOAD OF ALL THINGS FAMILY HOLIDAY. BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, PLENTY OF ANIMAL EXPERIENCES, THRILL-A-MINUTE THEME PARKS AND INCREDIBLE NATIONAL PARKS IN THE HINTERLAND. HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT. WORDS: HELEN HAYES

Three of the best… beaches Rainbow Bay is tucked away between Coolangatta and Duranbah, a protected beach that is perfect for kids who like to frolic in small waves. It’s very popular with surf schools and has a touch of yesteryear about it. Kids who want bigger waves can walk out to the point and surf the legendary Snapper Rocks.

Currumbin Beach is a pretty, uncrowded haven for families, book-ended between striking Currumbin Rock and Elephant Rock. The surf is gentle and when the kids tire of jumping, body boarding, boogie boarding or surfing, they can look for sea creatures in the rock pools. You can even fish in Currumbin Lake or go for a stand up paddle or kayak in Currumbin Alley.

Surfers Paradise draws people from all over the world and is a tourist destination in its own right thanks to its neck-craning backdrop of skyscrapers, adjacent to a white-sand beach just made for sand-castle building. Off the sand, take your pick of amazing shopping, plenty of attractions and a buffet of restaurants.

Three of the best… theme parks Sea World has it all with shows, rides for all ages, animal attractions and interactive experiences. Highlights include Polar Bear Shores – the new cub is the cutest thing ever – the Sea Viper, Shark Bay, the Jet Stunt Extreme Show and, coming this summer, the Storm Coaster. www.seaworld.com.au Movie World is action packed with a mix of thrill rides, kids rides and some fantastic movie entertainment. Justice League 3D The Ride, Arkham Asylum and the Green Lantern Coaster will indeed turn you green, while younger kids can head straight to Kids’ WB! Fun Zone to see their favourite Looney Tunes TV show characters. As for shows, the Hollywood Stunt Driver Show is sensational. www.movieworld.com.au Dreamworld delivers a roaring good time with everything from Wiggles characters to tiger cubs and rides that will turn your stomach inside out. Tiger Island, with various tiger interactions available, is a highlight. Or tackle the Big 8 Thrill Rides, with less scary rides for younger children. Little kids also adore Wiggles World with the new Big Red Boat Ride, as well as the Land of Kung Fu Panda. www.dreamworld.com.au

Three of the best… animal attractions

nda

Kung Fu Pa

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary continues to be very popular with families. The kids can cuddle a koala, see amazing birds – and have some sit on your head – wander through a mob of kangaroos, marvel at the crocodiles and other reptiles. For extra fun, agile kids will love the Green Challenge high ropes adventure course. www.cws.org.au Australian Outback Spectacular is an incredible 90-minute show celebrating the spirit of the Australian horse. The current show, Spirit of the Horse with a Tribute to Phar Lap, features wild horses, stampeding cattle, an array of bush vehicles and an unforgettable display of horsemanship. The show includes a BBQ dinner. www.outbackspectacular.com.au Paradise Country is a surprise package and kids absolutely love this slice of life on the farm. Watch the Stockmen and Sheep Dog Show, learn how to milk a cow, throw a boomerang and crack a stockman’s whip. See sheep being shorn, watch a wonderful display of stockmen strutting their stuff on their beautiful stockhorses and wander around the kangaroo and koala sanctuary. www.paradisecountry.com.au

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Three of the best… rainforest experiences Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is an elevated walkway which allows visitors to explore the middle and upper reaches of the rainforest canopy. It really is like walking in the treetops!

The walk also takes you to some rockpools on Cedar Creek, a butterfly lookout and to the Cantilever – a 40m span way, way up, giving awesome views. The whole walk takes about an hour. Afterwards visit the Thunderbird Park at Mt Tamborine, where you can take the kids horseriding and fossicking for thunder eggs. www.rainforestskywalk.com.au Springbrook National Park has plenty for the family with beautiful bushwalks taking you to highlights including Twin Falls, Goomoolahra Falls, Purlingbrook Falls, Rainbow Falls and the spectacular Natural Bridge. The water comes tumbling through the roof of a cave and the creek leading up to it is so pretty. You really have to visit it twice – once during the day and once at night with a guided tour, to see the glow worms inside.

Remember to take a torch but switch it off when you’re inside. Also check out the view from the aptly named Best of All Lookout. www.springbrooktourism.com.au Binna Burra is a Heritage-Listed lodge located in Lamington National Park and has been welcoming guests for 80 years. It’s no surprise why people keep coming back. The bush walks take you through Tolkien-esque rainforest with Antarctic Beech trees, by idyllic creeks, or through mist-shrouded forest.

You can test yourself on the Flying Fox, go rockclimbing or abseiling. For kids there is an Adventure Playground with a mini-flying fox, spotlighting and a brilliant kids program on weekends and during school holidays. And if you are a Biggest Loser fan, the Commando conducts training camps here. Stay in the Lodge, the Skylodge or in the new safari tents at the campsite and really immerse your family in this exquisite part of the world. www.binnaburra.com.au.

For even more great Gold Coast holiday ideas head to ww.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

Previous page: The Green Lantern at Movie World Above left: The beautiful polar bear cub at Sea World.

Pic David Paull

Above right: Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Most major domestic airlines have regular flights to either Brisbane to the north or Coolangatta at the southern end of the Gold Coast.

MORE INFORMATION Gold Coast Tourism www.visitgoldcoast.com.au

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S

traddie SECRETS

© Janelle Lugge, Shutterstock.com

TIME TO SPREAD THE WORD ON A SECRET KEPT BY BRISBANE AND GOLD COAST LOCALS – AN ISLAND PARADISE WITHIN COOEE OF THEIR SHORES. WORDS: HELEN HAYES

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N ORT H S T RAD B ROKE I SLAND

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ichard Branson has his own island and while North Stradbroke - ‘Straddie’ to the locals does not belong to anyone it feels like a slice of private paradise. Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane and 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, the holiday starts when you get on the ferry at Cleveland – there is a choice of two car ferries or a fast passenger ferry. We choose the Big Red Cat and relax upstairs in the comfy lounge with a coffee and snack while we leave the mainland behind.

The ferry pulls in at Dunwich, the main town on the island and we pick up a breakfast basket of goodies from the Island Fruit Barn before driving to Point Lookout, where most of the island’s accommodation is located. We are staying at Allure Stradbroke Island,

a fabulous property for families thanks to its pool, big roomy villas and location – close to the beach.

We almost don’t make it out of Allure, once we find out about the two koalas that reside here. CK, or Crazy Koala as he is known, and his buddy love the leafy environment and so do we, spending plenty of time on our deck and by the pool.

Beach magic Straddie has a swag of beaches to cater to everyone, whether you are looking for a surf break for your mad keen surfer grom or a protected beach with calm waves for younger kids. We have the first kind and we are in fact on Straddie for a surf comp – the Fox Grom Shoot Out, headed up by Aussie pro surfer and all around

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NO RT H S T RADBROKE ISL A N D

good guy, Bede Durbidge. Bede is a massive Straddie fan and is seen as a local on the island. You might also run into former cricketing legend Matt Hayden, who has a house here and can often be found stand up paddleboarding, surfing or fishing.

Two of the beaches - Main Beach and Cylinder Beach – are patrolled over the warmer months, with Cylinder best for families wanting to frolic in the shallows and play cricket or Frisbee or just laze on the sand. Main Beach is popular with surfers, as is Deadmans, which is really pretty and often more protected for those kids who are not at ease in bigger swells. Deadman’s and Frenchman’s are also great places to take the kids and explore the rockpools, seeing crabs, small fish, sea anenomes and shells.

Snorkelling is another fun activity here, with Amity Point, on the Moreton Bay side of the island, very protected. Fishing is always fun for kids and there are myriad places to dangle a line, on the jetty, on the beach or hire a tinny.

Glorious gorge The star attraction for locals and visitors is the North Gorge Walk, which starts near the Point Lookout shops. The 1.2 km track is particularly scenic, with the boardwalk winding through pandanus palms and sheoaks, with mesmerising views over the ocean and rugged coastline. We stop to have a look at the blowhole, which obligingly performs, spray shooting out the hole like a whale spout. Coincidentally, this Walk is one of the best places to see whales, as they cruise up, then down the coast. The walk is very easy and we pass many families, even young mums carrying babies in slings. At the end of the walk, we have a wonderful view of Main Beach, which stretches for an astonishing 32 kms off into the distance.

We don’t have to walk that far though, so we turn around and do the walk in reverse, rewarding ourselves with a gelato from Oceanic Gelato. While the kids would have been happy to have gelato for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we try out a few of the eateries, with Look Café and Fishes on the Point firm favourites. Seafood lovers will make a beeline for the Prawn Shack, for fresh-asfresh seafood, straight off the trawlers.

Take your pick There is so much more to this quirky, relaxed island.

Visit Blue Lake or Brown Lake, do yoga on the beach on sunrise, hire an electric bike, do a 4WD tour up the beach, learn to surf, paddle a kayak, or have an impromptu game of beach cricket. You never know, Matt Hayden might just join you.

From top: North Gorge Walk Cricket on the beach

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Big Red Cat www.bigredcat.com.au WHERE TO STAY Allure Stradbroke Island www.allurestradbroke.com.au

Little ones on thealk North Gorge W 58

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MORE INFORMATION Redlands Tourism www.redlandstourism.com

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B

undaberg FUN

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B U NDAB E RG

ELISA ELWIN TALKS TO TWO FAMILIES TO GET THE INSIDE WORD ON FAMILY FUN AND NATURAL WONDERS, BUNDY STYLE.

A

Located in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett Region, Bundaberg and the seaside town of Bargara are chock full of family fun and natural wonders. For the down low on the best of Bundaberg, we spent time with two lovely families on two very different adventures in what is, for good reason, one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations.

There’s a bear and a bar in there Most Australians associate Bundaberg with its eponymous rum and you simply can’t visit this fantastic part of Queensland without stopping at the Bundaberg Distillery Bond store for the Bundy Rum tour. In fact, it’s our first stop on arrival and the unmistakable big Bundy Bear is here to greet us as we enter. There’s also a giant bottle of rum outside just in case we didn’t know where we were. I have to confess I wasn’t sure about a rum factory as a family tour but was lucky enough to share the two-hour tour with the delightful Riordan and Kinnear families who quickly convinced me otherwise.

On a family road trip, nine-year-old Khye Riordan was at the helm of this family adventure. A budding travel writer in the making, Khye wrote all about his take on Bundaberg for the Out & About with Kids blog. Be sure to pop by and give this junior journo some support. www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au/onthe-road-to-fnq-with-9-year-old-khye-riordan Beyond the bear and big bottle, the tour is fascinating and interesting for kids too. Seriously!

This place is the how, what, where and why of rum and there’s even a sample or two of rum at the bar at the end, with plenty of soft drinks for kids.

Chatting to the Riordan and Kinnear families after the tour, I asked the kids what they thought and they give a unanimous thumbs up. Even little Tahni, who spent most of the tour in one of her adoring family member’s arms, said she liked it. This place proved a winner all around.

Just one tip, be sure to wear closed toe shoes for the tour.

Time for Turtles Cooling down by the pool at Manta Bargara Resort at sunset, I was surrounded by happy families with the same idea. I began to chat with Sharon and Brett and their bundles of energy - sons Gabriel, eight, and Remy, five. Visiting Bargara from Brisbane, the family had driven up specifically to take their sons to see the turtles at Mon Repos beach. Mon Repos has more marine turtles nesting than any other beach on the East Coast of Australia and the most significant population of nesting loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific.

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Bundaberg

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg where you can see turtles nesting between November and mid January and baby turtles hatching from mid January til late March.

For bookings and more information, call 07 4153 8800 or www.bundabergregion.info

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B U NDAB E RG

Cooling off with Kai, Remy, Brett & Sharon Brett and Sharon were happy to share an insight to their previous evening of family turtle watching magic. While they do mention it was a late night – the boys were not in bed until midnight - they also agreed it was totally worth it. The boys were part of something wonderful, helping to form a beacon path so a nest of loggerhead turtle hatchlings could make their way safely into the sanctuary of the ocean. This magical experience more than made up for the waiting around.

Chatting by the pool to the brothers between dips, I ask each what their favourite part of this holiday has been so far, apart from the turtles. Gabriel shouts his answer on his way underwater, “the pool”. And when a happily sodden Remy comes up for air he reveals that he loved having ice cream on pancakes for breakfast best of all. Brett and Sharon shrug and smile. Turtles, swimming pools and ice cream for breakfast? It doesn’t get better than that.

Turtle Tips To keep the baby turtles and turtle helpers safe, the Rangers are in charge. Their single goal is to help these endangered creatures and run everything carefully to ensure they breed, nest and hatch successfully.

Parents need to keep in mind that this will be a late night and there’s lots of paying attention to the rules - quiet, no artificial light (including phones) and no touching. This can be a little trying for toddlers and those with less selfrestraint.

My top tip for a top night is to book early.

Bookings are essential and the first booked get to the beach first. This is particularly important for families with some groups not

even making it onto the beach until after 11 pm.

There is, however, plenty to keep young minds active while you wait with displays, activities and a documentary-style movie in an open-air amphitheatre. To book visit www.bookbundabergregion.com.au Be sure to read the Turtle Time blog on Out & About With Kids for more on the Loggerhead Turtle watching experience. www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au/turtle-time

From left to right: The Riordan and Kinnear clans at the Bundaberg Distillery.

Tiny turtles at Mon Repos.

Best of Bundy

Part of a string of wetland remnants in the Bundaberg area, Baldwin Swamp FOR S Conservation Park is a FAMILIE tiny slice of Kakadu right in the heart of the city. As you walk along the Sunset Track beside Bundaberg Creek, you can see more than 75 species of water birds in the park. At night, spot brushtail and common ringtail possums, short-nosed bandicoots, insectivorous bats and echidnas. www.nprsr.qld.gov.au Spend a good couple of hours at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. You don’t have to be an aircraft aficionado to have fun here and will find a load of interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. www.hinklerhallofaviation.com Turtle Encounters at Mon Repos Beach.

Have a ranger guided Loggerhead Turtle evening. Turtle hatchlings are best viewed from January to March, after dark. Book ahead to get a spot in this popular event.

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE The drive to Bundaberg is an easy four hours from Brisbane Centre, or 20 minutes if you fly straight to Bundy airport.

Bargara is 15 minutes’ drive from Bundaberg Airport.

WHERE TO STAY Manta Bargara Resort offers five-star apartments with ocean views right across from Bargara Beach. It’s only a 300-metre walk into town and minutes to turtle watching at Mon Repos Beach www.mantabargara.com.au MORE INFORMATION Bundaberg Tourism www.bundabergregion.org

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fab four

VICTORIA’S

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1. Ramada Resort Phillip Island

2. Wyndham Resort Torquay

Ninety minutes from Melbourne’s CBD but a world away in attitude, Phillip Island is an extraordinary holiday destination offering a wealth of natural experiences and popular tourist attractions to please every member of the family. As well as the world-famous nightly Phillip Island Penguin Parade which offers visitors a chance to get up close with fairy penguins, there are great surfing beaches, a go cart track for the motor crazy, trout fishing where you can’t help but catch something, farmyard fun, and a local population who’ll make you feel part of the furniture. And that really is just the tip of the Phillip Island fabulousness. To find out more visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au/penguin-party Ramada Resort Phillip Island, located just minutes from a variety of beaches and popular tourist attractions, is fab for families offering private two- and three-bedroom cottages with slick mod cons including self-catering European kitchens and laundries. The cottages, surrounded by native gardens, are so cleverly designed that they melt into the landscape. In fact you don’t even know you are in a resort until you hit the pool area, playground and kids club. For dinner, the woodfired pizza is sure to be a hit with the kids. www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au

For surf and sand loving families it’s hard to go past Torquay, located on the Bellarine Peninsula in South-West Victoria. Torquay is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s best scenic drives. It’s also home to the famous surf mecca of Bells Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro is held. The area offers visitors gorgeous walks that take you through spectacular National Parks to jaw-dropping lookouts and plenty of beaches where budding Kelly Slaters can learn to surf.

Stay at the Wyndham Resort Torquay where, even with all this on your doorstep, you might find yourself tempted to simply chill out and enjoy the hospitality of the resort itself. Water rules with an inviting outdoor heated swimming pool taking centre stage. Other great features include excellent dining options, fitness centre, indoor lap pool, tennis court, barbecues and a day spa. Best of all for families, there are sophisticated and well-equipped two-bedroom self-contained apartments. We suggest you do as we did – check the family specials before you go as they often have great Kids Eat Free dining plans. www.wyndhamtorquay.com.au

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V I CTORI A

WHETHER YOU ARE A VISITOR OR A LOCAL LOOKING FOR A BREAK CLOSE TO HOME, VIBRANT VICTORIA HAS PLENTY OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS AND GREAT ACCOMMODATION. OUT & ABOUT WITH KIDS HAS FOUR FABULOUS SUGGESTIONS; TRIED AND TESTED BY OUR TEAM. WORDS: ELISA ELWIN

3. The Langham Hotel Melbourne

4. WorldMark Resort Ballarat

No Victorian family vacation would be complete without a stay in the lively and cosmopolitan capital of Melbourne. There’s plenty for kids of all ages with the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo and the National Gallery of Victoria just a few of the awesome family attractions in town.

During our visit we sampled the luxurious delights of the lovely Langham Hotel Melbourne in Southbank, on a divine mother daughter experience that started with a sumptuous sweet and savoury Tiffin Tea. With regular themes including The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan, advance bookings for The Langham’s Tiffin Teas are a must. www.melbarestaurant.com.au.

An afternoon spa session with indoor pool, Vichy shower and an hour-long massage at the hotel’s acclaimed Chuan Spa proved sublime. Don’t be afraid that the Langham has been lauded with award after high-end award. This hotel loves kids!

We recommend you splurge and book a club lounge room. Breakfast, snacks, cocktails and canapés are all included. With rooms offering views of the Yarra River and a short walk to the cosmopolitan inner city delights of Federation Square, your family will want to go back and live the Langham life over and over. www.melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au

Soak up a little history in beautiful Ballarat. There is so much for families to see and do in this town; about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Don’t miss Sovereign Hill, the impressive recreated gold mining town and its plethora of great family activities including the spectacular Blood on the Southern Cross sound and light show that tells the story of the Eureka Stockade. The pretty streets of Ballarat itself are also lined with gold in the form of curio shops, boutiques and art galleries.

At the magnificent and rambling WorldMark Resort Ballarat, set in a sprawling 22 hectares, you and the kids can paddle boats on the lake, take a dip in the indoor heated pool and spa or visit the children’s play area and activities room. There is also a kids club if you want a little adults-only time. No room is alike in the HeritageListed grand mansion, constructed in 1878.

With tall ceilings, ceramic tiles and a choice of accommodation from studios to three-bedroom deluxe apartments, this resort caters for all budgets in grand style. Fun Fact - Make sure the kids ask the resort staff about the underwater inhabitants of the lake. It’s a slimy tale indeed. www.wyndhamvrap.com/resorts/ballarat

From far left: Ramada Phillip Island Resort.

Wyndham Resort Torquay.

The Langham Hotel Melbourne.

WorldMark Resort Ballarat.

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Australian holiday

NATIONAL Free flights and nights with Great Southern Rail Great Southern Rail is offering free flights, nights and inclusive tours with holidays booked aboard The Ghan and Indian Pacific – two of the world’s great rail journeys. Book a Platinum or Gold Service fare before 31 December 2013 for travel between 1 November 2013 and 30 April 3014 and Great Southern Rail will provide your airfare and up to three nights’ accommodation at your destination for free. With this year’s introduction of all-inclusive fares for Platinum and Gold Service travel, you’ll also pay nothing extra for Off Train Excursions, standard on-board beverages, meals and more. Packages are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and Perth. www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/fnt

BIG HOLIDAY ADVENTURES NEED BIG HOLIDAY APARTMENTS! Grab a great rate and book at wyndhamAP.com/hotels/deals

KIDS STAY FREE -including breakfast *

*

from

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*

per room per night

*Terms and Conditions apply, visit wyndhamAP.com/hotels/deals. Subject to availability. Minimum 2-night stay applies. All offers are valid for travel between 21 Sep – 13 Oct 2013.

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140

$ from

WHG8464

Get away from it all with Aspen

BOUND ROUND RECOMMENDS Food Frenzy: Bound Round’s Top Five Places to Feed Animals

1

BEAR, LION AND EMU – NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM, CANBERRA

Lions, emus and bears, oh my! These creatures might look fearsome, but with the friendly guides at the National Zoo, you can actually feed them.

Surprisingly, the Bound Round kids thought the Aussie bird was the scariest of all! www.nationalzoo.com.au

2

PELICANS – CATCHACRAB, GOLD COAST

3

STINGRAYS – SEA WORLD, GOLD COAST

4

GIRAFFE – TARONGA ZOO, SYDNEY

5

LORIKEETS – CURRUMBIN GOLD COAST

Give wild (sometimes rehabilitated) pelicans a fishy treat when they flock to the local café – and check out the wild raptor show after! For something a bit calmer, there’s fish feeding and those gorgeous ocean views to enjoy. www.catchacrab.com.au

Aspen Parks and Resorts specialises in looking after the whole family.

Escape and relax as you watch the world go by or enjoy the many recreational activities available at your finger tips. Aspen strives to keep the facilities in all their Parks and Resorts modernised, fun, and enjoyable, each offering a variety of activities for kids little to big. Whether your family prefers to pitch a tent, park your luxury caravan, or rest and relax in a spa chalet, Aspen Parks and Resorts has it all. And with their 23 parks situated across five states, Aspen also offers visitors a range of iconic destinations sure to appeal to every family. www.aspenparks.com.au

Teen time

With a reef full of over 100 of these little guys, Sea World is the perfect place to feed stingrays. Grab some squid and make their day! Don’t forget to give them a pat – lots of people say they feel like velvet. www.seaworld.com.au

A giraffe’s tongue is about 50cm – and that’s how he grabs food from eager visitors to Taronga Zoo! You can have a unique encounter with these gentle giants for a $5 donation to animal conservation. www. taronga.org.au

These beautiful birds have one true love: the special milk that Currumbin cooks up for its twice-daily feeding time! Completely wild, the local lorikeets flutter down from the trees and cause lots of fun – and mayhem! Grab a bowl and wear a hat! www.cws.org.au For more top tips, Bound Round’s fabulous interactive travel guides for children and by children use stories, photos, video and games to help kids explore a city. Download the fantastic Bound Round app at www.boundround.com

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,

Marriott Hotels & Resorts Australia is set to revolutionise travel for teens and their families with the launch of This City My Way, an Australian-first peerto-peer Teen Concierge program. Too young to travel alone and too old for the kids club, there’s not a lot on offer for teens but they often have the power to turn the family holiday upside down if they are dissatisfied with the travel plans. Enter the Marriott Teen Concierge team and their new program, which aims to help older teen guests have a more enjoyable holiday.

Four Aussie teens have become virtual concierges for their home cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane, each creating original travel content which will appear on a real-time City Guide with a local edge. www.ThisCityMyWay.com.au

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NSW Vikings invade Sydney

Spring into Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Experience new beginnings and the vibrant colours of spring at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. There’s a brand new open coral tank where staff will be demonstrating how to propagate coral.

The stunning interactive coral garden will reside next to, and complement, the remarkable Great Barrier Reef exhibit which homes hundreds of tropical reef fish who live amongst sharks and sawfish. www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Mowbray Park Farm

Man, you think your room’s untidy If you are under 3 then you are FREE at ‘Wow-bray Park Farm’ Come say G’day to Chloe, Chester, Scooter & friends The days are full of fun at Mowbray Park Farm, Kid’s Club, ponies, camp fires, hay rides & more Day visits, birthday parties & weekend escapes Mowbray Park 745 Barkers Lodge Rd Picton www.farmstayholidays.com.au mowbray@farmstayholidays.com.au Call us 02 46809 243 for that special holiday

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If your kids are anything like mine they’ll be thrilled to discover that the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour has been overrun by Vikings!

The fascinating world of Scandinavia’s most famous celebrities is on display at a major new exhibition, Vikings – Beyond the legend until 2 February 2014. The exhibition takes visitors beyond the legends and myths drawing on archaeological discoveries to quash stereotypes of Vikings as ferocious, plundering pagans in horned helmets.

Visitors to the exhibition will see hundreds of unique artefacts including exquisite jewellery, statuettes of Norse gods and of course, Viking swords! Interactive digital stations will allow the kids to try out different roles in Viking society and explore Viking mythology. The exhibition also includes an amazing eight metre replica Viking boat called Krampmacken. www.anmm.gov.au/vikings.

Newcastle Museum gets oceans deep Having played host to over 300,000 visitors in just two years, Newcastle Museum has firmly established itself as a leading cultural attraction and is bounding into its third year with an impressive calendar of events and exhibitions.

The museum already boasts more than 11,000 objects in its permanent collection, which includes three exhibitions – A Newcastle Story, designed to share the true character, colour, grit and beauty of Newcastle over 200 years; Fire and Earth, focusing on the hot and heavy industrial heart of the Hunter; and Supernova and Mininova, an interactive explosion of science fun. And the museum is about to get even better with its Deep Oceans exhibition, where visitors can dive in and uncover the secrets of the world’s largest habitat as the strange and rarely seen creatures of the deep are revealed.

The exhibition is running from 7 December until 9 March 2014. www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

F-111 Lands at Fighter World An F-111 air force jet is proving a big hit at the Fighter World aircraft museum in Port Stephens. Your little top guns can now get a close-up view of this powerful fighter jet and look into the cockpit, which stretches 21m and can weigh up to 40 tonnes when fully laden. The Fighter World museum at the RAAF Williamtown air base is located next to Newcastle Airport in Port Stephens and boasts 15 other aircraft including the Gloster Meteor, Hawker Hunter and the de Havilland Vampire. The museum also offers a display of intricately designed model aeroplanes and has a souvenir shop and café. www.fighterworld.com.au

Brand new for Bondi Beach-loving families will be thrilled to discover Bondi’s hottest new address, Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach. The new apartment hotel comes with all the family-friendly features Adina guests have come to know and love including studios, one-, two- and threebedroom apartments, stylish interiors, enough space for the kids to feel comfortable, full hotel service, a pool, gym and outdoor space right in the heart of Bondi. And all while oozing seaside cool. There’s even a retail precinct with a selection of gourmet providores. Set amongst a diverse mecca of vibrant restaurants and trendy shops, the commanding position of the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach allows families to soak up all the fun that Bondi offers in comfort. www.adinahotels.com.au

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NSW

VIC SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Melbourne Aquarium has re-opened its doors after an $8million, five-month facelift with the popular attraction now featuring 12 new amazing zones of discovery. The attraction now encompasses everything from interactive animal encounters, state-of-the-art displays including the world’s largest collection of seahorses and the brand new Croc Lair. The purpose-built Croc Lair has been created as the brand new home of Pinjarra, a massive 50-year old male Saltwater Crocodile. Themed to reflect the diverse landscape of the Northern Territory, the exhibit will feature a full 360-degree viewing experience across three spectacular viewing levels giving visitors a chance to come face-to-face with one of the most feared predators in the world. www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

win

You belong in the zoo

Situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour it’s no secret that a visit to Taronga Zoo is an experience no family should miss, even Angelina has taken her kids.

Home to literally thousands of the world’s most exotic species including rare Western Lowland Gorillas, Sumatran Tigers, Snow Leopards, chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras and Asian Elephants as well as native animals like kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian Devils and crocodiles, it is one of the world’s best city zoos.

The kids will love the Sky Safari cable car that connects the ferry to the main entrance and the not to be missed Seal Show is a lively, informative look at marine wildlife. There’s also an amazing Free Flight Bird Show and unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour. www.taronga.org.au Out & About With Kids have FIVE family passes (two adults, two children) to Taronga Zoo to giveaway, each valued at $112.20. For your chance to WIN visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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Phillip Island Scavenger Hunt During the summer school holidays, Victoria’s family holiday playground, Phillip Island will host an island-wide Scavenger Hunt for adventurous families keen to discover the area’s beautiful attractions, wonderful wildlife and native fauna. During the week of 17-24 January, participants can head to the island, follow the clues and Scavenger Hunt map to complete a series of fun challenges and collect ‘Island Points’ for the chance to win some great prizes from Anaconda. Register online to receive an event pack with Island map, cryptic clues and some great value accommodation deals. www.visitphillipisland.com

ACT

QLD Revved up and ready for Supercars

Learn, play & reconnect in Canberra If an easy, short break with the family is on your mind, don’t look past Canberra this spring.

The Pod Playground at the National Arboretum is the newest spot for outdoor family fun in the capital. The playground features acorn cubbies at various heights connected by rope tunnels and tube slides, climbing nets for younger kids and banksia cubbies with music-making activities. With 94 forests of rare and symbolic trees planted across the Arboretum’s 250 hectares of rolling hills, there is plenty of space for the kids to run and roam while mum and dad soak up the views or grab a coffee from Sprout Café. Families can also join free guided walks to learn more about the Arboretum and its role in building up seed banks for the future. www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Looking for a supercharged break with the family? You can’t beat the excitement of the V8 Supercars Armor All Gold Coast 600, to be held 25-27 October, 2013. The racing action will be fierce but it’s not just about the cars. The Gold Coast 600 concert series will feature hot international headline acts as well as local bands, and little rev heads aren’t forgotten with the Disney-Pixar Fun Zone.

Since its inception in 1991, the internationally-recognised Gold Coast street race has become one of the most distinctive and exciting race formats in motorsport. The high speed, concrete-lined race has proven to create carnage in the past, testing the skills of drivers to compete for victory. www.v8supercars.com.au.

Port Douglas

Kids under 12 stay & eat free Rendezvous Reed Resort offers affordable one, two and three bedroom self-contained two storey villas,each offering an enormous 110 square metres of space, each with a garden or pool view, balcony or patio, fully self contained kitchen and laundry.

Choose from a great range of resort facilities, relax by one of 4 swimming pools, cook up a delicious bbq while the children explore the new children’s playground, or enjoy alfresco dining at Straits Cafe and Bar.

2 BEDROOM DELUXE VILLA from

$144*

per night

Your own villa for the price of a room! *Price valid 01 Oct 13 – 31 Mar 15 (excludes School Holiday and Peak periods. Minimum 4 night stay) Offer based on 1 child per adult, in existing bedding.

Tel: 07 4087 2790 email: reservations.portdouglas@rendezvoushotels.com www.rendezvoushotels.com Adelaide l Auckland l Brisbane l Christchurch l Melbourne l Perth l Port Douglas l Shanghai l Singapore l Sydney

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QLD Experience Sea World For the ultimate family holiday take your family on a journey of discovery and adventure at the amazing Sea World Resort & Water Park. There’s so much to explore including an aquatic adventure playground, a full-sized water slide, cuddles with your favourite Nickelodeon characters and a fun-filled Kids Club.

For a wonderful experience the kids will never forget take them on a behind the scenes peek of a dolphin training session with Sea World Resort’s exclusive Dolphin Discovery experience, free when you stay

two nights or more.

Be sure to join everyone’s favourite sponge and his nautical friends in your own underwater adventure at the awesome SpongeBob SplashBash aquatic adventure zone. Your kids will adore the bright and colourful water-play areas themed around SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, and Squidward. And they’ll just love the spectacular nightly light show at the musical water fountain.

With four restaurants and two bar areas, you’ll never have to leave the comfort of the Resort. You can dine on a delicious buffet at the Shoreline Restaurant

or authentic Japanese cuisine at Hatsuhana, or enjoy casual dining down by the pool at the Waterfall Cafe. Spoil the kids with an evening in the Resort’s newly upgraded Kids Club with specially-designed Nickelodeon activities and programs that they’ll love.

Sea World Resort also has direct monorail access to Sea World, and the famous theme parks and beautiful Gold Coast beaches are right on the doorstep.

There’s also free Wifi around the entire hotel, a host of seasonal water sports plus massage, beauty treatments and a fullyequipped gym. www.SeaWorldResort.com.au

Y3 STA 2 PAY

225

$

per apartment, per night including breakfast

1800 111 808 ☎ www.eurong.com

* Subject to availability, min 2 nights stay. Price is for 3 persons in apartment, additional person surcharge will apply. Valid until 31 October 2014.

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Indulge in a little island time at Eurong Beach Resort on your next family beach holiday. There’s 75 miles of golden beach front to enjoy and plenty of sand tracks in between to explore. Bask in the fresh water swimming spots; land the catch of the day and reconnect with the ones you love on your next Fraser Island family holiday.

The Gold Coast gets appy Gold Coast Tourism has unveiled a destination app that is set to become one of Australia’s most sought after travel companions. Offered free of charge, the Gold Coast Traveller App features a startup directory of over 500 Gold Coast tourism businesses from attractions, tours, accommodation, restaurants, and events, all searchable and bookable on the one device.

The Gold Coast Traveller App’s useful features include Find My Friends, Locate My Vehicle, What’s Near Me, Public Transport, Flight Info and more, making visiting the Gold Coast easier than ever before.

SKIPPERS COVE NOOSA STYLE

WA

N

urture yourself in Noosa and relax in this peaceful family haven right at the water’s edge. Choose from two- and three-bedroom Waterfront apartments with decks and balconies, all with superb Noosa River views, or two bedroom Poolside apartments with courtyards and access to waterfront facilities.

It’s a superb holiday setting for families of all ages, with kayaks, boat hire and mooring, a beach, tennis, heated pools, wireless broadband and tour options. It’s also close to Noosa’s cafe strips and public transport.

8-16 Munna Crescent, Noosa Sound, Qld P: 07 5449 8946 E: info@skipperscove.com.au W: www.skipperscove.com.au

Mantra blooms in Broome Mantra has expanded its portfolio in Western Australia with a resort in Broome, located just a few minutes’ walk from worldfamous Cable Beach. The new addition will be the fifth property in WA for Mantra, joining two Perth hotels and hotels in Bunbury and Geraldton.

The Mantra Frangipani Broome – formerly known as the Frangipani Resort – is family friendly and consists of 62 apartments - all with private courtyards, two large designer swimming pools with flowing waterfall, BBQ facilities and awesome open-air showers to utilise Broome’s temperate climate. www.mantra.com.au/frangipani

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NT Head way, way outback Want to sleep under the stars in the Red Centre, experiencing the unforgettable Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Parks?

Wayoutback Safaris’ fantastic three-day Cockatoo Dreaming safari will provide unforgettable memories; sleeping in swags, eating by the campfire and taking in some of our country’s most significant natural landmarks. Suitable for children over eight, the tour starts in Alice Springs or Uluru, spending the first night in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the second night in the brand new Kings Creek Station campsite, situated near magnificent King’s Canyon. If you don’t want to sleep in a swag by the fire there are brand new tents complete with beds, but the swags are so comfortable and the stars so amazing, why wouldn’t you? Wayoutback has a host of other tours around the Northern Territory, or you can organise a private tour for your family. www.wayoutback.com.au

SA Hop onto Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island has plenty to offer for your summer family holiday with a host of natural and animal experiences. Ride the sand dunes at Little Sahara, go for a quad bike ride or a kayak with Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action, swim with dolphins with KI Marine Adventures, see the seals at Seal Cove, marvel at the truly Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park or just opt for some sun and sand at Stoke’s Bay, accessed by a secret walkway!

There are wallabies, kangaroos and koalas to spot, some very special honey to taste and some amazing accommodation to stay in – whatever your style and budget. www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

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THE INSIDER THE INSIDER TALKS FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH MATT MCINNES, DOMESTIC MARKETING MANAGER FOR TOURISM AUSTRALIA. MATT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENCOURAGING MORE AUSTRALIANS, ESPECIALLY FAMILIES, TO TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA RATHER THAN HEAD OVERSEAS. MATT’S OWN FAMILY HOLIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT HAVING A GO, TRYING NEW ACTIVITIES, EXPERIENCING NATURE, AND SPENDING ‘REAL’ TIME ‘DOING’ QUALITY THINGS TOGETHER

My ideal family holiday is... an active ‘hands on’ holiday in Australia with my two boys Max, (four), Angus (two) and wife Nicole. There’s nothing like being in a pool with the boys and teaching them how to swim or watch them splash on the shoreline as the waves roll in. We also like to collect shells and explore rock pools where we imagine that there are underwater cities filled with mini dragons and other exotic creatures. My boys are not yet big enough to really get into fishing, beach cricket and surfing but they (and I) can’t wait till that happens.

My fondest family holiday memory is... when my boys ran up and down a grassy hill with me at Twin Waters on the

Sunshine Coast. We raced each other up and down the hill laughing together for what seemed like an entire afternoon.

It’s often the simplest things that make for the best memories and deliver the biggest smiles.

My most memorable family holiday meal was... fish and chips by the ocean in Mooloolaba in Queensland. We enjoyed having fresh food together around an impromptu kitchen table we built under the stars. We’ve found that the inspiration of wide open spaces on an Aussie holiday matched with amazing fresh food means our kids will often try things they won’t try at home. It was on this holiday that my boys developed

their obsession for calamari and as a family we discovered that informal dining is the ultimate way to relax, recharge and re-connect with people you love.

Many family travellers are not aware of... the fact that kids believe going on an Australian family holiday provides the best way for their parents to pass on skills and values. In fact, it is viewed as more influential than going to school, playing sport, owning a pet and even playing video games.

Every family should experience... sunrise at Uluru and sunset at Cable Beach together.

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Norfolk Island

F A M I L Y

H O L I D A Y

PA C K A G E S

Stay 7, Pay 5 Packages Start from:

AUD $885

PP

based on family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Children) Subject to availability

Package Includes: • Return Economy Airfares • Accommodation at Hibiscus Apartments (with Resort Pool) • Airport Transfers • Complimentary ½ Day Tour • Rental Car (excl. petrol) • 1 Free Day at Kidz Club (NSW School Holidays) Terms and Conditions apply

We are the Norfolk Island specialists and we’re based right here on the island!

Contact us today so we can tailor a package just for you!

Phone: 1800 501 128 Email: travel@burntpinetravel.nf www.burntpinetravel.com

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NORFOLK ISLAND An action-packed summer for kids

Looking for some fun for your children over the January 2014 summer school holidays? Think about Norfolk Island. Norfolk is a place the whole family can enjoy with many wonderful activities, tours and show. And for some of the tours that kids might find a bit ‘boring’, never fear. They can have the time of the lives at the Norfolk Island Holiday Kids Klub.

Norfolk Island Holiday Kids Klub offers a fun, safe and entertaining program of activities, focusing on active outdoor

Park Life Norfolk Island is a wonderful place for families with a subtropical climate that makes for amazing National Parks and Reserves full to overflowing with unique flora and fauna. Home to more than 78 species of native plants and the tallest tree fern on earth, there are many places to explore and several fantastic bushwalks, including the Palm Glen Track and the Tree Fern Valley Circuit, where you might even spot some of the local birds.

play and socialising with new friends. Operating during the summer school holidays from 13 -31 January 2014 for kids aged five-13 years, the program is designed to give the kids great entertainment, with every day action packed and exciting. From canoeing, fishing, grass sliding and even visiting nearby farms, there’s an endless list of fun for your children. Contact Burnt Pine Travel, Norfolk Island for more information on 1800 501 128 or travel@burntpinetravel.nf.

Fishy fun in Norfolk Norfolk Island is surrounded by crystal clear ocean and offers stunning, pristine and quiet beaches for swimming including idyllic Emily Bay. This beautiful beach is holiday perfection and can be explored by swimming, snorkelling or in a kayak.

Surfers will be happy too, as when the surf is right, there are plenty of places to catch a wave. If fishing is more your thing, by boat or by land, there are ample opportunities to catch a fish or three. You never know, you might reel in a local Trumpeter (Sweet Lip), Yellowfin Tuna or Kingfish.

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T H E

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B E A C H

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&

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Photographers: Joann oa e Buck + Paul Osta l www w.TheRaro rotong tongan.c n om

PLAY FREE IN PARADISE!

Now your family can feel the freedom of Paradise with the NEW DIRECT FLIGHT from Australia to the heart of the South Pacific, Rarotonga! At the 4-star Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa your family can enjoy the island’s best beach and lagoon, including ALL-TIDE safe swimming in the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, the island’s best snorkelling lagoon protected by a natural coral reef from the open ocean (no stingers or sharks to worry about!). KIDS STAY FREE! KIDS PLAY FREE @ the amazing Moko’s Kids Club – includes KIDS NATURE & CULTURE DISCOVERY PROGRAMME! FREE Snacks & Drinks at Kids Club sessions! FREE Kids Welcome Pack! NEW Banana Beach Playland crèche (0-3 years; charges apply). NEW Teen Zone!

Extensive FREE Activities Programme for all the family with snorkelling, kayaking, tennis, beach sports, games room, learn to dance the hula, play the ukulele & log drums, make a lei, husk a coconut + much more. Around Rarotonga enjoy 4WD Safari Tour, Glass-Bottom Boat Lagoon Cruise, rainforest trek to see one of the world’s rarest birds, Saturday Market, cafes & restaurants – all minutes away! The tropical island family holiday of your dreams awaits you at The Rarotongan!

Aroa Beach + Lagoon Marine Reserve l Rarotonga l COOK ISLANDS P (+682) 25800 l F 25799 info@rarotongan.co.ck | www.TheRarotongan.com S I S T E R

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international holidays

Thailand © Banana Republic images, Shutterstock.com

80 TAIWAN

102 TELLURIDE, USA

114 SHORT CUTS – SKI

From gorges to gorgeous.

A tale of two towns.

The latest global ski news and holiday offers.

82 THAILAND

106 JACKSON HOLE, USA

Thai smiles.

Awesome fun in an old west setting.

90 HAWAII, USA Aloha adventure.

94 CALIFORNIA, USA Where family dreams come true.

98 NEW YORK, USA Family-size bites of the Big Apple.

110 MAMMOTH LAKES, USA Mountains of fun.

112 KEYSTONE, USA Kids are key in Colorado.

128 SHORT CUTS – WORLD TRAVEL The latest news and holiday offers from around the globe.

134 SHORT CUTS CRUISING The latest news from the world of cruising.

114 SKI NORTHERN HEMISPHERE International resort round-up.

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TA I WAN

Taiwan

FROM GORGES TO GORGEOUS

THE TINY ISLAND OF TAIWAN OFFERS A BOUNTY OF GREAT EXPERIENCES FOR HOLIDAYING FAMILIES, FROM TASTE SENSATIONS TO NATURAL WONDERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. WORDS: ALENEY DE WINTER

I

have to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first visit to Taiwan. But it’s certainly not the giddy crush I develop for this clean, green little island that is equal parts natural beauty and culture, liberally sprinkled with amazing food, great shopping, family-friendly hotels and some of the most genuinely lovely people I’ve encountered on my travels.

Gorgeous gorge The Taiwanese countryside is spectacular and extremely diverse when you consider the entire island is only about half the size of Tasmania. There are magical lakes, stunning valleys and mountains, indulgent hot springs towns and the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. This spectacular gorge is Taiwan’s most popular attraction and is located on the east coast near the city of Hualien.

The name Taroko means magnificent and beautiful in the language of the indigenous Truku tribe who reside in the area, and it is definitely as advertised.

The 19 kilometre marble canyon is mind-blowing. As we drive around each corner of the winding road that snakes through caves and across vibrant coloured bridges in the gorge, our gasps become more and more audible. A spectacle that was millions of years in the making, the gorge is simply unmissable, and is the topic of conversation as we tuck into an amazing meal of succulent boar ribs at the indigenous Leader Village Taroko Resort. Nestled in the sublime mountains the resort is designed as a small tribal village with family-friendly cabins all decorated with hand-made indigenous artefacts.

Taipei treats From the depths of the canyon floor to the heights of Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, we’re heading to the top.

The top of Taipei 101 that is, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Designed to look like a bamboo shoot, the building houses the world’s fastest elevator

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which zooms you up, up and away to the rooftop observatory, where spectacular views of the city await. The kids will adore the building’s “Damper Baby” mascots and on ground level, the whole family will love the world famous dumplings at Din Tai Fung - even Tom Cruise is a fan!

Taipei is a hip and energetic city with fantastic shopping, great fashion, art, sensational food and plenty of must-see attractions but we’re particularly enamoured by the grand Chiang-Kai Chek Memorial. There are families everywhere in the grounds and the kids all seem particularly mesmerised by the elaborately choreographed spectacle of the Changing of the Guard.

Then there’s the National Palace Museum, home to the largest collection of Chinese artefacts and artwork in the world, including an iconic cabbage carved from jade, complete with tiny crickets. But it’s not all priceless knick-knacks; the museum’s Children’s Gallery is a big hit with rooms full of interactive activities.

A trip to Taipei Zoo is another must for families.

A leader in conservation, the zoo is the largest in

Asia with extensive animal exhibits from across the globe. But surely the cutest residents are the utterly adorable Giant Pandas, with the cutest of all being the brand new baby born on July 6. Her temporary name is ‘Rice Meatball’, and she is so beautiful she has fans around the world. You can see her on Taipei Zoo’s Facebook page.

Pretty in pink Lovers of the fantastically plastic world of Barbie will want to ride the outrageously girly wave of retina-searing candy pink at Taipei’s Barbie Café - the world’s first ever Mattellicensed Barbie Café. The décor of the expansive café will certainly have Barbie fans in the pink.

The walls are adorned with framed images of some of Barbie’s finest fashion moments while hot pink paint, reams of pink tulle and a generous dollop of glitter cover every surface.

Even the menu is dripping with pink and though Barbie’s anatomically impossible waistline suggests she hasn’t been indulging

herself on the pink-iced cakes, macarons or sticky sweet pink drinks served up by the tutu and tiara-clad wait staff, they’re certain to have her fans feeling a little peckish.

If too much pink is never enough, around the corner you’ll also find Hello Kitty Sweets, where the popular puss adorns everything from the cakes to the walls. In fact, the pretty kitty is so popular in this city that Taipei’s international airport even has a Hello Kitty-themed gate lounge!

Themed restaurants and cafes are all the rage in Taipei, so if the candy-hued glitz and glitter of the Barbie Café or Hello Kitty Sweets don’t float your boat, don’t despair! You’ll also find a quirky Ninja Restaurant, the airplane-themed A380 Restaurant and the infamous Modern Toilet - a nationwide restaurant chain where the seats are toilets, food is served in miniature toilet bowls and the chocolate soft-serve is shaped like, well, you know! Probably not the best place to take your toilet-training toddler but older families who enjoy a side of toilet-humour.

FAST FACTS

GETTING THERE China Airlines is Taiwan’s national airline and offers excellent service.

They operate four flights a week from Sydney to Taipei with three flights a week from Brisbane. www.china-airlines.com WHERE TO STAY Leader Village Taroko www.leaderhotel.com/blw/leadervillage Parkview Hotel Hualien www.parkview-hotel.com Howard Plaza Taipei www.howard-hotels.com Grand Formosa Regent Taipei www.regenttaipei.com/en MONEY The currency is the Taiwanese Dollar (TWD). At the time of writing, AU$1 buys 27.70 TWD MORE INFORMATION www.taiwantourism.org

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Thai SMILES

SEEING ANOTHER COUNTRY THROUGH YOUR CHILD’S EYES IS A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE. KIDS OFTEN LOVE THE SIMPLE THINGS – THINGS THAT ADULTS OFTEN DON’T SEE BECAUSE WE ARE TOO BUSY SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING OR TICKING OFF WISH LISTS. WORDS: STEPHANIE WEST

B

efore our son Finlay was born, we travelled extensively through South East Asia and always planned to share this part of the world with our children - especially beautiful Thailand with its smiling people and grininducing beauty. Thailand is an easy destination for budget-conscious and luxe-loving families alike and you will see as many families happily trotting onto ferries and planes with backpacks of proportionate sizes as those wheeling their Louis Vuitton’s through the airport! It is no surprise now that Finlay has become something of a Thailand travel pro having made his first pilgrimage at the age of two.

Island time Finlay’s first experience of Thailand was on beautiful Koh Tao, just a two-hour ferry ride from Koh Samui. Best known for its diving (there were 33 dive centres at last count), Koh Tao is now becoming one of the must-see islands in the Gulf of Thailand. We loved it so much pre-children that it was the first place we revisited with Finlay and it didn’t take long for him to love it too. He adored it from the moment he stepped on the ferry to the island, racing his Thomas the Tank Engine up the aisles, to the delight of some of the boat boys who joined in on the fun.

The main beach of Sairee on Koh Tao island has pockets of bungalows (resorts) at budgets to suit everyone from the backpacker to the bourgeois, most of which have swimming pools and restaurant facilities right on the beach. It’s an ideal spot when you have young ones as being in a bay,

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the water is totally flat, meaning that as well as being safe for little ones, it is an ideal spot for them to learn how to snorkel.

Finlay embraced the island life and each afternoon, when the local kids had returned home from school, they’d come down to the beach to play with him.

As children need no common language, he and his new pals would amuse themselves in the sand, taking turns to push each other along in a little toy truck, or chase imaginary crabs down sand holes. The boys would bring their toys from their home and the kids would swap words in one Stephanie another’s languages. Just one of so many special moments we shared with our son.

Another was a trip to Mango Bay on a local fishing boat. The water was perfectly clear and we enjoyed the best snorkelling we had ever experienced. Finlay was literally swimming with the fish and we had just as much fun watching him as we did watching the fish. Finlay also enjoyed some junior fun at the Koh Tai Playskool while we went scuba diving.

Bangkok Boy

Bangkok is one of our favourite cities and always an exciting place to be. Although it’s very different with a child, there was still plenty to do and see.

The Chatuchak weekend market is the mother

& Finlay at Koh Tao

THAI LAND

Pagoda in Phuket

Š Bennyartist, Shutterstock.com

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CAPTURE THE MOMENTS Extraordinary moments worldwide with Centara Every day is brilliant sunshine! The kids are going wild in the water park.

When they’re not in the pool they’re having a load of fun in the kids’ club, which is supervised and has endless games and action!

As for us, in between all this relaxing, we are planning our next tropical holiday. It’s all so affordable. Our only problem is choice!.

11.30 am Phuket, cannot get the kids out of the water, having so much fun. We’re off to the swim up bar.

TH A I L AND • B AL I • S R I LA N K A M AL D I VE S • M AUR I TI US • V I E T N A M

T: 02 80968781 84

E: rsoaus@chr.co.th

centarahotelsresorts mycentara WWW.CENTARAHOTELSRESORTS.COM

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Life should be rewarding WWW.CENTARA1CARD.COM

THAI LAND

of all markets and the ultimate place to hone your bartering skills. If hunting for bargains gives you a rush, Chatuchak will have your head spinning. It’s a fantastic place to buy kids’ clothes and Finlay took a particular liking to the delicious and thirst quenching ice fruit drinks there.

As (before baby) backpackers, we couldn’t resist a return to Khaosan Road in the evening, a haven for travellers the world over where our son proved quite a hit with the waitresses who wanted to dress him in their jewellery and play hide and seek with him while we enjoyed a meal, all of which he took in his beaming stride.

The not-to-miss activity for our little visitor was a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River. You can hire a long-tail boat to go gliding through the klongs (canals) to watch people going about their daily lives among the traditional houses built on stilts over the water, or simply take a ferry. It’s easy to jump on and off the boat at different points along the river to explore some of Bangkok’s more spectacular and unmissable attractions including Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Phra Haew plus the dazzling Grand Palace, with its intricate golden roofs, glittering statues of mind-boggling mythical creatures and giant monkey gods that no small boy could resist.

Playtime in Phuket Having nearly doubled in age since his first visit, Finlay’s latest Thailand escapade is on a mother and son journey to Phuket to visit a family friend living on Kata Beach. Phuket is a very different beast of an island compared to Koh Tao and has plenty for families to do. So much so that

it’s simply a matter of finding the right thing for you. Our friend’s villa did not have a pool, but we learned on our early explorations that many of the spectacular resorts nearby were happy for us to enjoy their facilities as long as we were paying to dine or drink there. So while our host worked, Finlay and I spent our mornings frolicking in a lovely resort pool and the afternoon exploring the island by car.

The fresh seafood market at Rawai is a big hit (the wonderful experience of fabulous Thai food never disappoints) as is the plethora of beaches we stumble across on the south side of the island. A highlight is a boat trip to stunning Koh Phi Phi and Pha Nang Bay is another great way to fill a day. The scenery is breathtaking and the snorkelling is incredible. We celebrate Finlay’s fourth birthday in kid-friendly style with a visit to Dino Park, a miniature golf park which is just as much of a hoot for the adults as it is for the kids, made even better as it also had a 19th hole, Thai style, to keep us grown-ups hydrated and happy.

A visit to the Big Buddha, known to the Thai people as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, also proves special. At 25 metres across at the base and layered with shimmering white marble, it is absolutely beautiful, as are the views of the island. It proves an excellent spot for Finlay to learn a little about Buddhism as we were able to write a prayer on a tile that has now become part of the completed Buddha, yet another lovely Thailand moment for Finlay to add to his happy collection.

For more great tips on Thailand with kids visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Flights are available daily to both Bangkok and Phuket from most Australian capital cities with transfers available to Koh Samui and the ferry to Koh Tao. WHEN TO GO Thailand is generally hot and humid, particularly between March and May. November to February is cooler and dry.

MONEY The currency is the Thai Baht (THB). At the time of writing, AU$1 buys you THB31.22 MORE INFORMATION Tourism Authority of Thailand www.tourismthailand.org.au To help plan your perfect holiday, call Escape Travel on 1300 556 855 or visit www.escapetravel.com.au

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U S A W I TH KI DS

merica KIDS IN

WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO THE CELEBRITY STUDDED USA WITH THE KIDS IN TOW, YOU MIGHT DISCOVER THAT IT’S YOU THAT WILL BE TREATED LIKE A STAR. WORDS: MARK SHEEHAN AND HELEN HAYES

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mericans across all 50 fabulous states will roll out the welcome mat when they see you toting teens, tweens or tots. Add an Aussie accent and you’ll reach celebrity status.

Little people have a way of breaking the ice, getting staff and complete strangers to go the extra mile (or 1.61 kilometres!) and, unlike other destinations where the small ones might be considered a bit of an anchor to travel progress, having your offspring along will only enhance your American holiday experience.

To make the most of your American sojourn engage the home team before you leave. Planning the family’s frolic in the USA is an activity that can engage, enlighten and inspire every member of the family, long before you get the kids to straddle the suitcases to squish them shut. Doing your homework on-line before any trek with the kids means you can short-list the must see and do items.

And here’s one very helpful hint - pack lightly! The shopping is fantastic throughout the USA with countless outlet malls and department stores with all kinds of discounts. Remember to purchase travel insurance before you leave and contact your credit card providers to let them know in advance you’ll be travelling otherwise they may ‘decline’ transactions when they see the card being used away from home.

© Shutterstock.com, Palette7

Land of dreams

America really does have something for everyone, from vibrant cities like Las Vegas, Chicago and New York to the ranches of Wyoming and Montana.

You can visit Washington DC with its big ticket attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian and the White House or explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Yellowstone. Explore the wilds of Alaska, catch a wave at Surf City - Huntington Beach, feel the beat in New Orleans, Memphis or Nashville or catch a steamship on the Mississippi. Hire a car and drive on Route 66, shake hands with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and marvel at Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse in South Dakota. Go ballooning in Albuquerque, horse riding in Kentucky, discover

the delights of Georgia, watch a Pow Wow in North Dakota or see how the Amish live in Pennsylvania.

The USA also packs a real punch when it comes to family snow holidays, with ski resorts dotted around the country from Vermont to New Mexico.

Colorado is resort rich, with an impressive array of heavy hitters to choose from, including Aspen/ Snowmass, Telluride, Vail, Beaver Creek and Steamboat. California does snow as well as it does beach, with great resorts such as Mammoth Mountain, Heavenly, Squaw Valley and Northstar all catering to families. Utah is another snow wonder, with historic Park City home to three incredible ski areas, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons. Then there’s Alta, Solitude and Snowbird if you are still hungry for more. Wyoming smashes it out of the park with Jackson Hole, Montana boasts Big Sky and Idaho has the star-studded Sun Valley. A ski or snowboard holiday in the USA will deliver you unbelievable service, a great range of accommodation, world-class lessons and fire pits to warm up by or toast ‘smores in.

Take me out to the ball game To really add to your American discovery tour, go to the game… any game! It doesn’t matter if you follow the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees, the Flyers or the Mighty Ducks, taking the kids to a baseball game or an ice hockey game in Anaheim or Philadelphia will rank right up there on your list of highlights. Ice hockey is fast, furious and fabulous but be warned – you probably won’t escape without buying up some merchandise to take home. Note to self – pucks take up less room that baseball caps!

For more great USA holiday tips visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

FAST FACTS

Discover America www.discoveramerica.com To help plan your perfect holiday, call Escape Travel on 1300 556 855 or visit www.escapetravel.com.au

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merica

THE WHEEL

IF VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE WHEN TRAVELLING, AMERICA OFFERS UP A REAL SMORGASBORD FOR FAMILIES. IN FACT, IF IT HAS GOT WHEELS ON IT, THE AMERICANS WILL RENT IT TO YOU! WORDS: MARK SHEEHAN

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hen we do a troop movement in America, we think BIG. Driving in the USA is a breeze, so don’t panic. Roads (all 3.5 million miles of them) are wide, well-signposted and gasoline (petrol to the home-town team) is still much cheaper than you’ll find at any Aussie pump. To avoid domestic squabbles pick up a GPS which can tell you you’re headed in the wrong direction in four or five different languages.

Road tripping in the States is fantastic, with so many great drives to be had. Route 66 is the granddaddy of them all of course, but the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is very pretty and for something different, we have done the drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco via the Extra Terrestrial Hwy through Rachel, Nevada. Cue Twilight Zone music! Beautiful landscapes, tiny towns and a drive through Yosemite National Park sticks in the memory bank – and no, we didn’t see ET.

On the road If we’re renting a car, we ‘supersize’ the vehicle, because we always enjoy the extra room for luggage and for the little ones to spread out in the back. Be sure to confirm, preferably BEFORE you leave home, that your rental package includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and unlimited mileage. Oh, and don’t forget that Americans drive on the WRONG side of the road. Once you get used to it, it is easy. While on this subject, remember to look the OTHER way before you cross the road!

I’m a walking sandwich board for travelling by recreational vehicle (RV) as the savings are significant.

You’ve got a full kitchen (I’ve cooked a Christmas

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turkey in an RV’s oven!), a refrigerator and freezer, places for the kids to sit and play cards, play video games, text friends or watch the on-board movies.

Don’t forget you’re getting comfy beds for everyone as well and the brilliant take-along bathroom and shower reduces the need to stop by the side of the road. We love the notion that we only pack and unpack our suitcases once and our children get to rub elbows with other American families, who have made vacationing

by RV a way of life. Many RV resorts or campgrounds boast five-star swimming pools, laundries, general stores and more. Americans love communing with nature, but they refuse to give up creature comforts to accomplish it. I call it, “Cadillac Camping!”

Train, planes and buses This is America – land of the Greyhound bus, cheap flights and Amtrak trains. It all comes down to how much time you have as to which you choose. Flights are plentiful and pretty cheap if you’re trying to pack multiple destinations into one school vacation.

Just leave plenty of time to get through security at the airport and make sure you check the luggage requirements or you might find yourself trying to pull your dirty laundry out of one bag and squish it into another in front of an interested crowd. If you have time on your side but don’t want to drive, choose buses or my preferred option – train.

Amtrak criss-crosses the USA and has an easy website booking system. It’s foolproof! We have done long trips on a sleeper from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight, from Los Angeles to Albuquerque on the Southwest Chief and done the short hop in business class – it was really cheap to upgrade – from Philadelphia to New York. The train even had Wifi! The trains are fantastic for long haul, with dining cars, comfy seats and when it’s time for bed, the porter prepares the beds for you. There is something very pleasant about nodding off to sleep to the clickety clack of the train on the track.

AMAZING ANAHEIM “Seven days are not enough”

win

The ultimate family holiday in America

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ut & About With Kids and Anaheim/OC Visitors and Convention Bureau are offering one lucky family of four a seven-day holiday of a lifetime with accommodation, transfers and admission to some of the America’s best family attractions, valued at more than $4700!

This amazing prize package includes: • Seven-nights’ accommodation at the Anabella Hotel • A family pass to the Happiest Place On Earth – Three-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets.

• A Family Pass to Knott’s Berry Farm • A Family Pass to SeaWorld • Family pass to Universal Studios Hollywood.

• A Family Pass to LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Aquarium • A Family Pass to the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament • A Family Pass to the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure • A Family Pass onboard the Catalina Express • Airport transfers with Karmel Shuttle Service • Transfers to Catalina Express terminal with Karmel Shuttle • Transfers to Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, LEGOLAND California Resort, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament with Pacific Coast Sightseeing Tours & Charters.

For your chance to win this amazing family holiday enter at www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au *Prize does not include airfares. Family passes are for a maximum of four people. No cash value. All the prize package and/or any individual component are not transferable for cash

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a lo h A

ADVENTURE

A FAMILY HOLIDAY IN HAWAII WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, THANKS TO THE BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS, THE FRIENDLINESS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE AMOUNT OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO. WORDS: SCOTT PODMORE

Swim with turtles in Oahu

Oahu Learn to surf with the Waikiki Beach Boys. Not only does Waikiki Beach provide Honolulu with a place to splash behind Hawaii’s most famous strip along Kalakaua Avenue, it also has a dream team upholding the longheld tradition of teaching families how to surf on one of the coolest surf beaches on the planet. George Cam, a former Waikiki Beach Boy and an Ambassador of Aloha, assures me that surfing is not something you consciously select. “You can’t choose surfing, man. It chooses you,” he says with a bright-eyed smile out the front of Duke’s Restaurant, named after world-famous Duke Kahanamoku (the father of modern surfing). “No one can replicate the way you feel when you are in Oahu, especially when you’re surfing. “And being Aussies,” he adds, leaning in close, “you don’t have to worry about the sharks in these parts - there’s too much suntan oil in the water.” After a quick lesson on the sand you’ll be surprised how easily these clever beach boys can get everyone up and riding the waves. www.waikikibeachservices.com

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Swim with spinner dolphins and turtles. When in Oahu you really can’t stay out of the water too long, so consider getting up early and head along the Wai’anae coast for Wild Side Specialty Tours’ Best of the West snorkel and sail experience where you get to jump in and join some aquatic friends. If the season is right you can watch some whales making a splash before diving in yourself for a swim with spinner dolphins and turtles. www.sailhawaii.com All aboard the Pineapple Express. Learn all about Oahu’s agricultural history and modern-day farming through educational experiences at the Dole Plantation.

Serious buzz factor arrives for the kids when it’s time to board the Pineapple Express, a vintage-style choo choo that takes you through working agricultural fields as you soak up some stellar views. After that, test your memory at the two-acre Pineapple Garden Maze. www.dole-plantation.com

© Hawaii Tourism Authority Ron Dahlquist

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nyone who has seen the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch will remember a poignant moment in the film when Lilo says: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind – or forgotten.”

There is something magical about Hawaii that brings a family closer together. That sense of ohana is ever present from the moment your tribe sets foot on the land of aloha. Not only do you see it, taste it and hear it in all its splendour … but you also feel it. Hawaii’s islands have their own heartbeat.

For the most part it seems there is no hurry to get anywhere in Hawaii, if not only for a stroll along the sand or an early morning swim after a gentle and warm sunrise paves the way for a brand new day in paradise. But a holiday in Aloha State shouldn’t necessarily be all about rest and relaxation. To truly experience that strong sense of ohana is to weave in a bit of adventure and activity.

After all, like Lilo says, nobody should get left behind or forgotten. So here are some unforgettable family experiences to contemplate for your Hawaiian holiday bucket list throughout the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

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Surf time with dad at the Westin Ka’anapali Resort

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Kauai

Rock the Kids Club at Ka’anapali Resort. Set along a beautiful expanse of Ka’anapali’s North Beach is the enormous Westin Ka’anapali Resort, excellent for families with well-appointed resort villas complete with kitchens, spacious rooms and a great little store for provisions. While Mum’s settling into some Spa Helani pampering and Dad’s having a hit around the golf course, this resort’s super kids club for five-12 year olds offers cultural activities such as hula lessons, Hawaiian story-telling and outrigger canoe rides. Others include mother-daughter spa time, pool fun, a botanical tour within the resort, snorkelling in the Pacific fronting the resort and paddle boarding. The Westin Kids Club has half-day and full-day programs that include koi fish hunting within the resort’s gardens and the pirate ship pool. www.westinkaanapali.com

Zip, dip, and be hip. Kauai is arguably the adventure capital of Hawaii when it comes to getting back to nature and setting the kids’ pulses racing. Check out Outfitters Kauai for a whole raft of activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, zip-line safaris, whale watching, surfing and hiking/trekking. Kauai has Hawaii’s only navigable rivers so you can either paddle up the Wailua River, park your kayak at a rainforest then step back in time while passing by ancient Hawaiian home sites and flora on the way to a hidden waterfall, or go on a sea kayak adventure along the Na Pali Coast. Those courageous enough can tackle the zip-line safaris for a chance to wobble your way through tree rope bridges, scoot above the treetops flying-fox style and cool off in a mountainfed swimming pool. www.outfitterskauai.com

Hit the Road to Hana. A Maui activity that simply can’t be missed is the drive along the famous Road to Hana, a picturesque cruise along the Windward Coast. Take in views of waterfalls and rainbows, exotic flowers, plants and rainforests. The road was built with volcanic rock by prisoners almost 100 years ago before it was paved with asphalt in the 1960s.

Fly into the land of dinosaurs. A cool way to put Kauai into perspective is to visit the gang at Island Helicopters near the Lihue Airport for one of the best 85-minute air tour experiences on the planet - a Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure. Fall under the spell of Hawaii’s most famous waterfall as you slowly descend to a landing area near the base of the giant water attraction, then it’s on with a onehour Kauai Grand circle island tour for views of the famed Menehune fish ponds and Haupu mountains before swooping into the Hanapepe Valley. Then it’s time to glide across the deep crevices of Olokele Canyon, through Waimea Canyon and then above the Na Pali Coast. www.islandhelicopters.com

Cliff-diving at Black Rock. No, not for the kids, but certainly something spectacular they can watch! The Sheraton Hotel’s beachside setting is the place to go at sunset as the daily cliff-diving ceremony begins as the waves lap at the sand. The last chief of Maui, Kahekili, is said to have proved his spiritual might by leaping from sacred Pu’u Keka’a into the Pacific. As the sun closes in on the horizon, a cliff diver honours his heritage each night. He leaves a trail of glowing torches along Ka’anapali Beach. Once he reaches Black Rock, he offers his torch to the ocean below, hurls his flower lei in and dives into the rolling surf below. www.sheraton-maui.com

Left to right:

Maui

Jump on the tube and set sail. Kauai Backcountry Adventures give families the chance to go mountain tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system through canals and tunnels dug out during the late 19th Century. www.kauaibackcountry.com

Zipline Safari, Outfitters Kauai Hula time at the Westin Ka’anapali Resort Waimea Canyon, Kauai © Hawaii Tourism Authority Tor Johnson

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Hawaiian Airlines flies 10 times a week from Australia to Honolulu - daily from Sydney and three times a week from Brisbane.

Hawaiian also continues to the islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island. Virgin Australia Velocity points can be earned and redeemed when flying Hawaiian.

WHEN TO GO Hawaiian weather is consistent all year round, with the average around 25°C to 29°C. MORE INFORMATION www.gohawaii.com/au To help plan your perfect holiday, call Escape Travel on 1300 556 855 or visit www.escapetravel.com.au

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C

alifornia Huntington Beach

DREAMING

CALIFORNIA. LAND OF SUNSHINE, FINE WINE, MORE ATTRACTIONS THAN YOU CAN POKE A MOUSE AT AND HOLLYWOOD. IT REALLY IS A PLACE WHERE DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. WORDS: MARK SHEEHAN & HELEN HAYES

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The menu of treats offered to families on the Californian holiday smorgasbord is endless. Do you want beaches with that? Maybe a serving of theme park with a side of scare the pants off? Followed by a fine Napa or Sonoma wine and a liberal serve of adventure.

California’s plate is overflowing and your first job is to work out where you want to go and what you want to do. We are doing our bit by presenting this short list of our top picks, and we’re starting at the top… Disneyland.

The Happiest Place on Earth Disneyland Resort California has two resorts and you will need three days to see it; one day

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for each park and another day to go back and do your favourite rides again. Disneyland is where it all began and it still has the magic. For younger kids – don’t miss Goofy’s Go Coaster in Toon Town, Peter Pan’s Flight and the Jedi Training School in Tomorrowland, where they can fight Darth Vader. Dads are not allowed but will be appeased with doing Star Tours, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain.

In Disney California Adventure older kids with no fear will step up for the Tower of Terror and California Screamin’, while everyone can strap in for the sensational Radiator Springs Racers at the new Cars Land. Do not miss World of Color in the evening and do splash out for the Glow with the Show Mickey ears.

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La La Land Where to start? Spend a day at Universal Studios with the main attractions the Studio Tour and the Transformers: The Ride 3-D. Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre then do some window shopping along Rodeo Drive. Head out to the coast and spend a morning on Santa Monica Pier or hire a convertible and drive up to Malibu or head south to Huntington Beach – home of the US Open of Surfing. Watch the surfers from the end of the pier or hire some boards and do a surf lesson – what better place to do it than the original Surf City USA? There are all kinds of celebrity tours in Los Angeles, from bike tours to bus tours to ghost tours. You might even see some

celebrities just hanging out. Our last visit found us eating burgers alongside Daniel Craig (James Bond), Ruth McCartney (Beatle Paul’s sister) and comedian, Billy Connolly.

Leave your heart in San Francisco Home of the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, fabled cable cars, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and Lombard Street - ‘the most crooked street in the world’, San Francisco is loaded from one end to the other with great things to entertain the troops. Alcatraz was a highlight for the kids – somewhat surprisingly – and they still talk about how they met one of the former inmates on their gaol tour. Head over the Bridge to Sausalito, a beautiful little town where you can take the kids

Disneyland California Mickie & Minnie. © Paul Hiffmeyer, Disneyland

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crabbing or just eat some at one of the many quaint restaurants. For a big nature hit – I mean really big – visit Muir Woods to see the gigantic Redwood and Sequoia trees. It is truly amazing to see these 3000-year-old trees up close. Another great day out is to go wine tasting in the Napa Valley - just don’t bring too many bottles back with you!

There’s a bear in there One of the must-dos for families in California is Yosemite National Park. Stop en route in the State Capital of Sacramento, with its fantastic old-west restoration area. Yosemite is the most popular park in the USA, luring over three million visitors each year to see waterfalls seven times higher than the raging waters of Niagara and wildlife that seems duty-bound to share the fruits of any visiting picnic basket. Yosemite is an Indian word, for the ‘place of many bears’ and at last ‘Bear Count’ the critters numbered over 500!

For more animal encounters, head to sunny San Diego and take the kids to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and the Wild Animal Park. All three are exceptional and very different. Legoland is a must as well and if your kids are lovers of all things Lego, you can even stay at the all new Legoland Hotel. Round out your visit with a tour of the Gaslamp Quarter and head out to Coronado for some fun at the beach and to show your kids some of the massive navy ships at the base.

Secret Islands California’s best kept secret is the magnificent island of Catalina. Accessed by the Catalina Cat ferry, Catalina Island is a pristine day out. Once the private estate of the Wrigley chewing gum empire, the island was left to the American people when he died. Today, it’s a nature reserve with camping, hiking and all kinds of water sports. Not to mention some pretty exotic wildlife that roams freely on the island. A baker’s dozen bison were brought to the Island for the filming of a Western, and for cost reasons, left behind. Today the herd numbers just over 150 and they roam free. Cars are few and far between with hiking and biking all the rage.

For more California insights head to www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

TOP TIPS

Grab a great value CityPass in San Francisco and you’ll receive hefty discounts to major attractions, hop freely on cable cars and buses, enjoy a cruise on San Francisco Bay and save time waiting in lines. www.citypass.com California Tourism www.visitcalifornia.com.au

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From top: SeaWorld, Legoland, Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland Resort California

Star Command, I’m going to be a while.

The happiest place on earth just got happier! You and your family will keep pace with Lightning McQueen at the transformed Disney California Adventure Park, featuring Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and World of Color nighttime water spectacular. Then, enjoy the one-and-only original Disneyland Park, with its world-famous attractions, and all new Mickey and the Magical Map show, Fantasy Faire character meet-and-greet and so much more. Extend your holiday stay and power up for a whole new level of fun!

See your local travel agent or visit www.disneyland.com.au for more information.

© Disney © Disney/Pixar

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Big Apple

BEST BITES of the

NEW YORK IS BIG, BOLD AND ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT FOR KIDS. HERE WE SHARE OUR SHORT-LIST OF THE BEST FAMILY FUN IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS.

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© SeanPavonePhoto, Shutterstock

ew York is a kid kind of town with so much fun to be had by families that it would require volumes to write it all down! There are, quite literally, so many great things that you could visit New York a dozen times and never have to do the same thing twice. The city offers a gargantuan smorgasbord of activities and attractions for young visitors, but where do you start?

On any visit to New York, there is too much to do and too little time. This is especially the case when it comes to fitting in all the amazing exhibitions, museums and attractions on offer for kids in the city. From the American Museum of National History to the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, world-class galleries and museums are here for the taking.

There are also great museums dedicated to all things kid-related including the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Jewish Children’s Museum. Be sure to grab a NY CityPass for great discounts off admission costs and to beat the queues at participating museums and attractions.

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Do the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave -the Over Easy way!

A trip to the USA presents a dizzying smorgasbord of attractions, events, accents and landscapes, and America Over Easy is about tasting the best of what’s on offer.

As the KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO guide to making the most of an American vacation, it highlights essential sights around the country, from national parks to camping spots, free attractions to shopping malls, and museums to road trips, to help you get the best out of your visit.

Coming soon: California Over Easy and New York Over Easy

www.newhollandpublishers.com

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New York’s fabulous Central Park has heaps to keep kids entertained and offers a breath of fresh, green air in the heart of the city. They can wind through the Shakespeare Garden to Belvedere Castle and check out the world-famous Central Park Zoo. Or perhaps you’d prefer to hop on a hand-carved horse on the Central Park Carousel, or hop behind a real one on a horse and carriage ride around the Park. Hire a boat at the Loeb Boathouse for an afternoon on the lake or hire a bike and go for a ride. Music fans may want to make the pilgrimage to the nearby Dakota Building, where John Lennon lived, and also to Strawberry Fields. It’s very moving.

When you’ve done your bit in Central Park, play for an age at the famed FAO Schwarz Toy Store. Tickle the real toy soldier at the front door of the massive toy emporium and freely play-test every toy. Happily, adults are openly encouraged to play too.

Take the troops to Macy’s on 34th Street, the world’s largest department store under one roof and get a free International Shoppers Discount Card for great savings - even on sale items.

Your kids will discover deep-pocket discounts that they ‘just have to have’ so be sure to stick by your teens so you can control the credit card atrocities. Besides, someone is going to have to help them with all those shopping bags.

Explore the Subway System. New York has the best-everanywhere-underground. Take it from wherever you’re nesting to Times Square and spend a while just taking it all in - massive electronic billboards, all kinds of attractions such as Ripley’s Believe it Or Not and a HUGE array of Broadway shows. If you haven’t seen The Lion King, see if you can score 50% OFF tickets to it or one of the many Broadway Shows at the TKTS Kiosk in the centre of Broadway. Take an empty shopping bag; merchandisers will help you fill it with passes to TV tapings,

U S A W I TH KI DS

THE JEWEL

Of the

UPPER WEST SIDE

dream celebrate

sunglasses, music and more.

You’re bound to wind up with GETTING THERE not only discounted tickets to Flights to New York are available an amazing show but bargain from most Australian capital stocking-stuffers for the cities. entire clan. Make sure you WHERE TO STAY head back to Times Square The Hotel Beacon – NYC after dark when its blazing www.beaconhotel.com LED signage kicks in, and VISAS Most Australian residents holdtake the kids to Bubba Gumps ing an Australian passport do not for dinner for a real familyrequire a US visa providing the friendly all things Forrest duration of stay is not more than Gump feast.

90 days and travellers hold a For amazing views take valid outbound ticket. to the top of the Empire MORE INFORMATION www.nycgo.com State Building or the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center. For something active, go for a stroll on the High Line or take a hike across the Brooklyn Bridge. With a pedestrian path and bikeway running along the middle of the bridge, high above the traffic, the panoramic views take in the city skyline, East River and even the Statue of Liberty.

Speaking of views, be sure to set aside a half day to ride the famed (and free) Staten Island Ferry. Listen to buskers playing Simon & Garfunkel, get your sneakers shined and take in the best Manhattan skyline views, the Statue of Liberty and many other great vistas – and you can enjoy a bagel or a massive Poughkeepsie pretzel onboard while doing it! Ask to meet the captain - they love the company of junior sailors.

For more great tips and tales of family adventures in New York visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

sparkle experience

FAST FACTS

recharge explore

2130 Broadway at 75th Street • New York, NY 10023 Tel: 0011+1+212.787.1100 • Fax: 0011+1+212.787.8119 www.beaconhotel.com • reservations@beaconhotel.com

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A TALE OF TWO TOWNS IN

Telluride

ANY FAMILY THAT LIKES ALL THINGS SNOW WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH TELLURIDE, ONE OF COLORADO’S BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS. WORDS: HELEN HAYES

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ith two towns, there is twice as much fun to be had in Telluride. The town of Telluride sits in a box canyon surrounded by the neck-craning peaks of the San Juan Mountains… a veritable pearl in a mountainous oyster. And it’s not just any old town.

It’s a designated National Historic District with the quaint Victorian-style community decked out in a poetry of pastels. Being an old mining town it is brimming with history. In fact, THE Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank here.

The town has plenty of family-friendly restaurants, the wonderful New Sheridan Hotel (built in 1898) as well as a swag of galleries, shops and boutiques.

Up the hill and connected to Telluride by a free gondola, sits the Mountain Village, cleverly designed with condos and hotels built around plazas that boast coffee shops (a Starbucks has just opened there) pizzerias, restaurants, ski hire places and even an ice skating rink. Most hotels are ski-in, ski-out, making it easy to get the kids going in the morning and to get back to your room when they – or you – need a nap. We stayed at the Hotel Madeline in a three-bedroom condo with all the bells and whistles, great eateries and very helpful ski valet service – all we had to do was put our boots on, stroll outside and our skis or snowboard would be waiting on the snow. Mountain Lodge is another great option and is deservedly popular with Australian families.

here and the scenery is ridiculously pretty. Ski lessons start for kids from age three with snowboard classes from age six. Kids are grouped by ability and age and it’s all about progression. The nursery caters for kids from eight weeks.

Eco Adventures offers a range of programs for kids who might want a break from skiing for a day.

Snowshoeing, snowbiking, ice skating, indoor games and ice cave building are on the menu, plus they run a Happy Hour program for kids, so mums and dads can ski a few runs together and then enjoy some après ski – and there are plenty of good places for

On the mountain With such easy access that means you spend more time skiing and boarding and,trust me, you are going to want to squeeze every bit of time you can on the slopes – they are that good. Telluride caters for beginners, intermediates and advanced, with stacks of terrain for everyone. Groomed runs, moguls, chutes, super steep and super scary are all on offer

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Lunch on the mount

ain

Snowmobiling in paradise.

Pic: Helen Hayes

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ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME IN EACH CONDO OR LUXURY CABIN WITH SKI-IN/ SKI-OUT CONVENIENCE! CONSIDER THE MOUNTAIN LODGE YOUR “HOME AWAY FROM HOME” DURING YOUR STAY IN TELLURIDE.

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SKI U SA

Alta ghost town Pic: Helen Hayes

FAST FACTS

that, including Lumiére, Rev and Tomboy Tavern.

Highlights for us were the Revelation Bowl, mastering The Plunge down to Telluride, the many runs around the Village Express, Polar Queen and Prospect Express. We even tackle the Galloping Goose – a leg-wobbling 7.4kms – in what turns out to be a bit of a race. We collapse in a heap at the bottom, panting and giggling with pure joy. The terrain parks are cool too, with Ute Park keeping kids busy for hours.

Snow much more You can’t ride a snowmobile to a real, dead, ghost town every day, so we signed up for a

tour with Telluride Snowmobile Adventures.

After a short lesson, we rev cautiously up the trail, gaining in confidence and speed as we zip through stands of aspens on snowy-white tracks.

We stop at Alta, an old mining town built in 1877.

The old wooden buildings are buckling under the strain of time and snow, and it’s hard to imagine the bustling village that it once was. The kids want to know where the ghosts are, and the guide wisely doesn’t tell them.

Another family, from the Central Coast of NSW, raves about the dogsledding tour they did with Winter Moon, but sadly, there is no time for that … the skiing is way too good!

GETTING THERE United Airlines flies daily from Melbourne and Sydney to LA or San Francisco, with convenient connections to Montrose Airport, which is an 80 minute drive from Telluride with transfers easily arranged. www.united.com WHERE TO STAY Hotel Madeline: Multi-room condos are perfect for families and the location is superb. www.hotelmadelinetelluride.com Mountain Lodge: Fabulous for kids with heated pool and excellent dining. at The View Restaurant. www.mountainlodgetelluride.com WHAT TO DO Telluride Snowmobile Adventures www.telluridesnowmobile.net MORE INFORMATION Telluride Ski Resort www.tellurideskiresort.com Colorado Ski Country USA www.ColoradoSki.com

T E L L U R I D E S K I R E S O R T R A N K E D # 1 B Y C O N D É N A S T T R AV E L E R

THE MOST

BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU’LL EVER SKI FOR TELLURIDE’S BEST STAY & SKI PACKAGES:

(001) 800.778.8581 | TellurideSkiResort.com

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HOLE in one

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SKI U SA

A SNOW HOLIDAY AT JACKSON HOLE IN WYOMING COMBINES AWESOME SNOW WITH A SERVING OF THE OLD WEST AND A DASH OF YELLOWSTONE …

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FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Fly to Jackson with daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco, with flights also available from Dallas, Salt Lake City and new this year, Seattle.

WHERE TO STAY There is a stack of accommodation in Teton Village including the Snake River Lodge & Spa, Hotel Terra Jackson and Teton Mountain Lodge.

You can book everything from condos to cabins through Jackson Hole Resort Lodging.

TOP TIPS Kids 14 and under ski free with a paying adult at Jackson Hole when you book through an Australian tour operator, plus there are ticket deals available.

MORE INFORMATION Jackson Hole www.jacksonhole.com

hen you look at statistics Jackson Hole is impressive, with 1011 hectares of terrain, two mountains – Après Vous and Rendezvous – 116 trails accessed by 13 lifts and a summit of 3185 metres. The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert to love skiing or snowboarding here, with plenty of space for absolute beginners to learn and more places for intermediates to explore.

Statistics can’t prepare you for just how stunningly beautiful Jackson Hole is, with its snowy peaks sitting pretty against the fairytale setting of two of the world’s greatest National Parks - Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

The Smith family from Melbourne visited Jackson Hole in January and mum Caroline reports that while she had been a little apprehensive about her ability to ski there, she needn’t have been.

“My husband and eldest son are advanced skiers and they headed straight up the Aerial Tram to the 3100m summit of Rendezvous Mountain and followed that up with endless runs down the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. I was just as happy heading up Bridger Gondola on Rendezvous and spent lots of time exploring the Casper Bowl and the runs on Après Vous, which were long and varied enough to keep my thighs burning and a smile on my face all day. I particularly liked the terrain around the new Casper chairlift.

“Leanne, my daughter, went to snowboard lessons at The Kids Ranch and improved out of sight over the week. She was in the Explorer program and had a ball scouting the trails, learning new skills in the terrain park and spotting wildlife along the way.

“There was so much to do off the snow at Jackson Hole as well, which was one of the reasons we went there. We went for a sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge and found ourselves in the middle of hundreds of wild elk and also loved a dogsled tour to Granite Hot Springs, seeing some deer, moose and bald eagles on the way. The kids had lots of ‘likes’ for those pics on Instagram and Facebook!”

As for where to stay, Jackson Hole has a plethora of slope-side accommodation available in Teton Village, with hotels, resorts and condos to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants and après options in the Village, including the familyfriendly Mangy Moose and Q Roadhouse, or jump on the regular bus to Jackson, a real cowboy town delivering a real cowboy experience.

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califOrnia’s

faMily playgrOund 1416 hecTares

28 lifTs 300 sunny days

TOp reasOns TO bOOk nOw! • Ski & snowboard world-class Mammoth Mountain.

• Longest season in North America with over 300 days of sunshine a year!

• Award winning ski school program & snowboard camps for kids of all abilities and ages.

• Try tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fly fishing or soaking in a natural hot spring.

LAS VEGAS 5 HR. DRIVE

3 HR. DRIVE

• Flights into Mammoth are under 1 hour. Combine the snow with Disneyland or the beach!

To book your vacation and for more trips ideas, contact us at:

OzVisitsMammoth.com SPRING 2013

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Visit Mammoth *winter seasonal flights only.

All flights subject to change and/or cancellation.

SKI U SA

A MAMMOTH mountain

MAMMOTH BY NAME AND NATURE, THIS IS ONE VERY COOL PLACE FOR FAMILIES TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD.

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he town of Mammoth Lakes sits cosily at the base of Mammoth Mountain, which has mammoth amounts of terrain, mammoth snow depth (10-13 metres on average a year) and 300 days of sunshine. It also has the longest season in North America, open from November to June. January is a great time for Aussie families to visit, with American kids back at school meaning plenty of room on the slopes and discounted pricing. You could even tie in a ski trip to Mammoth Lakes with a visit to Disneyland or a few days in Las Vegas to make for one very happy holiday.

Mammoth caters for everyone from beginners to advanced, with 20 per cent green, 35 per cent blue, 30 per cent black and 15 per cent double black, and the snow sports school caters for kids of every age and ability. It is a cool place for experts too. In fact, the US Olympic Freestyle and Board teams have named Mammoth as their official training base.

Bryn Nicholas (12) is one little shredder who tore it up at during a three-week slopestyle camp at Mammoth Lakes in April. Bryn reports that the coolest thing about Mammoth is the nine terrain parks. He says “The runs are really long and they’re nice to ride. The snow is awesome!

Forest Trail Park was my favourite and I loved

FAST FACTS

Bryn Nicholas with his

trainer

South Park, which had massive nine-12 metre jumps. I was landing them by the end of my three weeks there. Mum couldn’t watch!”

Off the slopes you can go tubing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice skating, ice climbing, try fly fishing on Hot Creek or hang out at some fabulous restaurants or cafes on the mountain or in town.

Bryn says Pita Pit is the best!

You won’t need to hire a car as the town and mountain are together and there are free ski buses. Everything is easy at Mammoth Lakes, so start planning your snow adventure now!

GETTING THERE Fly into LAX or San Francisco then it’s a onehour flight to Mammoth Yosemite Airport. If you want to drive, it’s five hours from Los Angeles or Las Vegas, with the latter going through the incredible Death Valley National Park.

WHERE TO STAY There are options for all budgets. Check out the Village at Mammoth, Sierra Nevada Lodge, Juniper Springs Lodge, Snowcreek Resort and the Westin Monache.

MORE INFORMATION www.OzVisitsMammoth.com

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SKI USA

KIDS SKI FREE AT

Keystone, Colorado

KEYSTONE IS A QUIET ACHIEVER AMONGST THE GIANTS OF COLORADO, WITH EVERYTHING THAT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY.

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ids rule at Colorado’s Keystone Resort, with a whole swag of family-friendly deals and activities to help you make the most of your family ski holiday. One of the best things for Australian families is the Kids Ski Free offer, where kids 12 and under staying for more than two nights in Keystone, ski for free.

The Resort is BIG; there’s 1278 hectares of terrain with 135 trails, 20 lifts, five bowls and five terrain parks for all levels. If lessons are called for, the Camp Keystone Children’s Ski and Ride School is unparalleled. The Mom, Dad and Me Lesson is really fabulous too – a one-hour private lesson at the end of the day to review your child’s progress.

Keystone also has the coolest fort in the land, Kidtopia. This massive snow fort comes complete with climbing areas and tunnels on top of Dercum Mountain. There are all kinds of fun events for the kids through the Kidtopia program, including parades led by Ripperoo, kids’ après and free cookies.

The Mathews family, formerly of Sydney and now living in Denver, visited Keystone many times

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over winter. Mum Andrea says River Run Village is great with no through traffic and thinks the free red wagons to carry your skis – or your kids – to and from the slopes are a wonderful idea.

“The kids are great skiers now and we all had a ball skiing Fox Trot at the Outpost on North Peak, Diamond Back and Mozart from the Summit House plus the Wild Irishman, Elk Run and Bighorn from The Outback. There are so many lovely places to eat, but our favourite for a morning coffee and fresh pastries is the Outpost’s Alpenglow Stube, with beautiful views. Next time we will go to Der Fondue Chessel on North Peak – mainly for the food and the chicken dance – and we also want to do a sleigh ride dinner.

“We really enjoyed the snow cat skiing, trying out the ice rink – there are two – and tackling the highest tubing hill in the world. The kids also liked the night skiing because it’s not just one slope that’s open, but nine,” Andrea concluded.

Our tip, if you are staying five days or more, is to purchase an Epic Pass, which allows you to ski at 18 resorts in three countries for only US$709. www.epicpass.com

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Keystone Resort is an hour’s drive from Denver International Airport (DIA).

WHERE TO STAY There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, ranging from luxury hotel rooms to cozy ski-in, ski-out condos such as The Timbers, Lone Eagle and The Springs.

MORE INFORMATION www.keystoneresort.com

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Heading

NORTH WINTER MIGHT BE DONE AND DUSTED IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, BUT IT’S JUST STARTING TO GEAR UP IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE.

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S KI N ORT H E RN H E MI SPHE RE

Captivating KĂźhtai, Austria

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ith the long summer holidays ahead, it’s time to start planning for your next family snow holiday. We have already covered some of the best resorts in the USA in our massive American special, so here are some other ideas to get you thinking, and hopefully booking, an unforgettable ski and snowboarding holiday in Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland, or, closer to home in Japan.

Locals over there will be at school, so forget about long queues. The mountains are bigger, the snow is awesome and you have the opportunity to experience a different culture and maybe the odd history lesson here and there. The kids might even learn a few words in another language as well as meeting new friends and gaining new skills.

If the idea of organising a snow trip overseas is a bit daunting, we are lucky to have some fantastic tour operators who specialise in helping families. Travelplan, Mogul Ski World, Skimax, SkiJapan and SkiItaly can help you choose the right resort for your family and include lift passes, rental gear and lessons at prices you would not be able to get yourself.

You could even tie in your holiday with a White Christmas. All the carols make much more sense in the snow and the kids could even ski with Santa! The jolly red man makes appearances at many Northern Hemisphere ski resorts, which are oh so pretty decked out with twinkling lights and decorations.

Whenever you go, your family will have the time of their lives!

For even more great tips and advice on skiing in the Northern Hemisphere visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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SK I NORT HERN HEMISP H E R E

Canadian CAPERS CANADA HAS A LOT TO OFFER WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING A SNOW HOLIDAY. THE ONLY HARD PART IS PICKING WHERE TO GO.

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histler is big, beautiful and bound to rank right up there in the list of great holidays of all time. Whistler and Blackcomb offer around a hundred runs and even going between the two on the Peak2Peak Gondola is a highlight. The ski and snowboard school is one of the best in the world and off the snow there are plenty of activities to choose from, including zipline tours, rock climbing and the spectacular Fire and Ice Show.

Big White is another favourite with oodles of on-snow accommodation, a lively village and plenty of fun for kids, including ice skating, tubing, night skiing and ice climbing. Lake Louise is simply stunning, situated in Banff National Park – one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

Go for a moonlight sleigh ride on Lake Louise,

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soak in the hot springs in Banff, try your hand at ice fishing or just sit in the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and be mesmerised by the view. Your lift ticket also allows you to ski at Norquay and Sunshine Village – so you get to experience three for the price of one.

If you just want to hang in Vancouver you can still ski, with Grouse Mountain just 15 minutes from downtown. Grouse is accessed by the Skyride Gondola, which whisks you up the top for breathtaking views and plenty of snow adventures for skiers and boarders. You can even go for a sleigh ride and visit the Wildlife Refuge.

Cypress Mountain is 30 minutes away from Vancouver. Cypress hosted the freestyle skiing and boarding at the Vancouver Olympics and has 51 runs serviced by seven lifts.

Big White

SKI SUN PEAKS BEsT PRIcE POLIcy!

SENSATIONAL EARLY BIRD SPECIALS AT SUN PEAKS RESORT: LIFTS UP TO 15% OFF AND KIDS SKI/RENT FREE TO 12 YEARS!* Sun Peaks has some of the most expansive ski terrain in Canada, not to mention one of the most convenient, charming villages in North America. The snow quality is simply amazing. For an extra special experience, take part in the Sun Peaks Family Cup – All Nations Celebrations (Jan 1-15) and don’t miss the renowned 16th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Festival of Wine (Jan 11-19).

NANCY GREENE’S CAHILTY LODGE FAMILY SUITE PACKAGE: from $719 per adult $299 per child 4 share** 10% off – book by 15 Nov.

DELTA RESIDENCES AT SUN PEAKS 2 BEDROOM PACKAGE: from $955 per adult $539 per child 4 share** Stay 7 Pay 5 – book by 15 Nov.

Call or email us for a copy of our 2014 brochure for full details of our available deals.

*Conditions apply. Book by 15 Nov. Excl. 21 Dec – 1 Jan. One free child per equal adult purchase of 5+ days. **Package costs for travel in January 2014 include 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 day lift pass and taxes.

Costs valid as at 20 August 2013. Blackout dates and other conditions apply.

Call 1300 754 754

email ski@travelplan.com.au visit www.travelplan.com.au S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 117

www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au Offices in Sydney and Melbourne. NSW Licence No 2TA000270 and VIC Licence No 30167.

TPN1089

BOOK NOW for great ski fares with Air Canada!

FREE WORLD’s BEsT sKI HOLIDays BROcHuRE

SKI NORT HERN HEM ISP H E R E

SUPER

Sun Peaks

SUN PEAKS RESORT HAS IT ALL FOR A MAGICAL AND MEMORABLE SNOW HOLIDAY FOR YOUR FAMILY… THE KIDS CAN EVEN TRY MUSHING A DOG SLED!

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ome ski resorts are so big they can be a little confronting, but that is not the case with Sun Peaks Resort, which has a relaxed, intimate feel but still offers 125 trails on three mountains serviced by 11 lifts.

The snow is light and dry and there are more than enough groomed runs, moguls, glades and terrain parks to please everyone in the family.

We had lessons too, which were very well run and very well priced.

We zoomed all over Mt Tod, Sundance Mountain and Mt Morrisey, with a highlight being the snow ghosts up the top of Sundance.

The trees are covered in so much icy snow they look like weird giants… great to pose in front of. We also posed with the legendary Nancy Greene – who is to Canada what Dawn Fraser is to Australia. She was, and still is, an amazing skier and, incredibly, she runs free guided tours whenever she is home.

Nancy showed us all over the mountains including some of the trees that are done up

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with Christmas decorations in the lead up to Christmas Day. Another big plus here is the ski-in, ski-out accommodation. We stayed at Cahilty Lodge and loved being able to walk out the door, snap on our skis and be at the chairlift in two minutes. We also loved being able to ski through the main street - very cool. At night we had no qualms letting the kids wander out to grab an ice cream or a hot chocolate; everything is so close.

We had a blast at Sun Peaks Resort, going tubing, ice skating and even dog sledding.

Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures offers a tour where you drive or mush yourselves. My eldest son drove me around and I felt like Lady Muck tucked under a blanket in my sled. It was a surreal experience, sliding through the snow driven by pure puppy power at one end and excited teen at the other. Afterwards, we fed our team a meaty treat and gave them a welldeserved pat.

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Fly to Kamloops from Vancouver, or fly to Kelowna from LAX, or interresort shuttles are available for a multi-resort stay including to and from Whistler three days per week.

WHERE TO STAY Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, Kookaburra Lodge or stay in a condo or chalet.

TOP TIP If your kids love racing or want to start to race, book in for the Family Cup, from 1-15 January.

There are on and off-snow activities for all the family. The Winter Festival of Wine is also on from 11-19 January. Here’s cheers!

MORE INFORMATION www.sunpeaksresort.com

SWAP SANDCASTLES FOR SNOWFLAKES ( it’s how we play north of the equator ) In British Columbia’s interior you’ll find light, dry snow famous to this region of Canada. Gracing the mountains at Sun Peaks Resort, our powder days are often accompanied with bluebird skies. We’re a favourite ski destination among Australian families—not only for the quality of snow and amazing grooming—but for the welcoming vibe of our village community where you’ll feel more like a local than a guest. As BC’s second largest ski area, there’s terrain for every family member. And when you’re not exploring the slopes, try out dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing and more. It’s time to play, at Canada’s Alpine Village.

8th Annual Sun Peaks Family Cup:

All Nations Celebration JANUARY 1–15, 2014

Take part in a multinational celebration of recreational races, winter activities, and social gatherings. With the annual Winter Festival of Wine held January 11–19, you can also indulge in BC’s award winning wines! www.SunPeaksFamilyCup.com Photo: Kelly Funk

SPECIAL

OFFERS

Kids Ski Free and Early Bird Specials! Contact your preferred travel agent today.

Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver and a quick connecting S flight to Kamloops.

PRING 2013 119 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au Visit SunPeaksResort.com/AUS

SKI NORT HERN HEM ISP H E R E

Best of EUROPE

FROM PICTURE-POSTCARD VILLAGES TO STYLISH FRENCH RESORTS, EUROPE’S WORLD-CLASS SLOPES ARE A TREAT FOR FAMILIES.

Go with the snow

Val Thorens

Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy are the main players for a top-notch family snow holiday.

In France consider Megève, Val d’Isere, Tignes, Courchevel, Val Thorens or Chamonix, for amazing terrain mixed with elegant French style and divine cuisine.

In Switzerland, add cheese to the equation with fondue and raclette part of the snow tradition. As for skiing, you can’t really go past Zermatt, Verbier and St Moritz for big name stars, but there are many smaller resorts that offer a more intimate experience. With kids, sometimes smaller is better and the many car-free villages like Bettermeralp and Saas Fee might be the way to go.

Ski Italy Combine the wonders of Italy and a ski holiday with Ski Italy, who are specialists in organising snow holidays in the Dolomites as well as the Valtellina area of northern Italy. Ski at the Pearl of the Dolomites - Madonna di Campiglio - then move to Alta Valtellina, known for its hot spring spas, food, wine and family-friendly slopes.

The Patching family from Sydney visited Bormio in the Valtellina this year and found it an excellent place for the family to learn to ski and enjoy all things Italian.

Mum Corinne said “Although I spent a lot of time on the beginner slopes, I eventually conquered the 12km ski run which included a small section of a black run. The children learnt very quickly and their highlight was going “off piste” and through the “bosco” or forest. Another highlight was unwinding at the two spas, Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi. The thermal waters that bubble from the ground are said to contain healing properties, and they were certainly incredibly relaxing. At Bagni Vecchi we swam outside into a large warm pool while the snow was falling!”

Whether you ski in the Dolomites or Valtellina, Ski Italy can organise everything for your family including which area to choose, accommodation, lessons, guides and advice on what to see and do in this magic part of Italy.

MORE INFORMATION www.skiitaly.com.au

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Bormio

Mogul Ski World are your vacation makers not just reservation takers ❄ We know Fernie like a local ❄ We are passionate skiers and boarders ❄ We care about your holiday experience

❄ Exclusive ski airfares ❄ 30 years of service ❄ We travel and ski with our kids

Amazing Fernie Specials LIFT SPECIAL Save up to 40%*

KIDS SPECIAL Kids 12 & Under Ski FREE*

THE GRIZ INN ❄❄❄ from

$744 *per person

Based on 7 nights twin share accommodation in an Hotel room and a 6 day lift pass.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan

ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS Pay 8 stay 10* Pay 10 stay 14*

CORNERSTONE LODGE ❄❄❄❄ from

$1129 *per person

Based on 7 nights twin share accommodation in a 1 bedroom and a 6 day lift pass.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan

LIFT SPECIAL Ski Fernie and Kicking Horse on the same pass

LIZARD CREEK LODGE ❄❄❄❄ from

$1299 *per person

Based on 7 nights twin share accommodation in a Studio and a 6 day lift pass.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan

LIFT SPECIAL 40% discount*

LIFT SPECIAL 40% discount*

LIFT SPECIAL 40% discount*

ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL Pay 4 stay 5*

ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL Pay 4 stay 5*

ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL Pay 6 stay 7*

CORNERSTONE LODGE ❄❄❄❄ from

$2659 *per family

Based on 7 nights accommodation in a 2 bedroom condo and a 6 day lift pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children 12yrs and under.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan LIFT SPECIAL Kids 12 & under ski FREE* ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL Pay 4 stay 5*

TIMBERLINE LODGE ❄❄❄❄ from

$2999 *per family

Based on 7 nights accommodation in a 2 bedroom silver condo and a 6 day lift pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children 12yrs and under.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan LIFT SPECIAL Kids 12 & under ski FREE*

Join in the co n ve rsa t i o n

LIZARD CREEK LODGE ❄❄❄❄ from

$3599 *per family

Based on 7 nights accommodation in a 1 bedroom plus loft condo and a 6 day lift pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children 12yrs and under.

Valid 06 Jan – 31 Jan LIFT SPECIAL Kids 12 & under ski FREE* ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL Pay 6 stay 7*

facebook.com/MogulSkiWorld

@MogulSkiWorld

mogulski.com.au ❄ 1800 335 724 ❄ reservations@mogulski.com.au S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

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www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au LIC #31304 *conditions apply please contact Mogul Ski World for all details

SKI NORT HERN HEM ISP H E R E

INTO

Innsbruck AUSTRIA HAS AN EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES WHEN IT COMES TO SKIING, WITH ABOUT 22,000 SQ. KMS OF GROOMED RUNS AND 3000 LIFTS AT 800 SKI RESORTS. FOR A SKI HOLIDAY WITH HISTORY, CULTURE AND FUN ACTIVITIES ON THE AGENDA, HEAD FOR INNSBRUCK.

I

nnsbruck is spoilt for choice with nine ski resorts to choose from, many of which hosted Olympic disciplines in the three Winter Olympics held here – in 1964, 1976 and the Youth Olympics in 2012.

Buy an Olympia Skiworld pass and ski at all nine resorts - Axamer Lizum, Patscherkofel, Muttereralm, Nordkette, Rangger Köpfl, Kühtai, Schlick 2000, Stubai Glacier and Glungezer, or handpick the resorts you want to try.

We hired a guide through Igls Snowsports and explored the slopes at Axamer Lizum, accessed by a firetruck-red funicular and spent a few days flying down the Patscherkofel. The ski and snowboard lessons here are excellent, with kids able to progress at their own pace and on suitable slopes. Our guide Wolfgang was very helpful and gave us pointers to improve our skiing and boarding.

We also stayed in the idyllic village of Kühtai

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for a few days, perched at 2020 metres and surrounded by peaks covered in pure, white snow. We could ski to our lounge room door, so there was no problem if you forgot something, wanted a break or a snack. We hadn’t heard of Kühtai before but it is absolutely fabulous for families. Book in for a week in January and you will have an unforgettable time on uncrowded slopes with corduroy groomers as well as plenty of challenging terrain. My kids spent countless hours in the K Park and loved that we had a sauna in our apartment. Apart from the skiing, a highlight was staying in a real igloo one night!

A perfect combination would be a week in Innsbruck, enjoying the Old Town, the Christmas Markets (if you are there in December), the many attractions and the wonderful food, followed by a week in Kühtai. It will be the start of your Austrian affair.

FAST FACTS GETTING THERE Fly into Innsbruck via Vienna or Frankfurt.

WHERE TO STAY Hotel Grauer Bar in Innsbruck, SportHotel in Igls and AlpinLodges in Kühtai.

MORE INFORMATION Innsbruck Tourism www.innsbruck.info

INNSBRUCK TOURISMUS GRAFIK h. a.

Innsbruck – the Capital of the Alps Christmas Markets or shopping malls? Ski boots or high heels? No need to struggle to make the right decision – with a holiday in Innsbruck and its Holiday resorts you get the best of both worlds, the city AND the slopes. Where else can you take a designer cable car from a historic city centre that whisks you up to 2,000 meters altitude for afternoon tea? Only in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps.

Take your pick from the vast variety of Innsbruck’s tailor made holiday packages:

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 Innsbruck Tourismus, www.innsbruck-packages.com, office@innsbruck.info, www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au www.innsbruck.info

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JAPAN IS BACK ON THE RADAR FOR AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES THANKS TO THE GREAT SNOW, A RELATIVELY SHORT FLIGHT, AMAZING CULTURE AND DID WE SAY GREAT SNOW?

T

hounds POWDER

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he undisputed number one for Australian families in Japan is Niseko on the island of Hokkaido. Niseko has four ski resorts situated on An’nupuri Mountain – Niseko An’nupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono – all giving spectacular views over Mount Yotei. And they are all interconnected, giving skiers a massive amount of terrain to explore.

On the island of Honshu and easily accessed by Shinkansen bullet train, take your pick of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen and Appi.

Hakuba consists of nine ski resorts with over 200 runs and 135 lifts with Happo One, Goryu and Hakuba 47 the main resorts for families. Shiga Kogen is another giant with 21 interlinked resorts making it the largest ski resort in Japan. For some added excitement, go see the snow monkeys at the Jigokudani hot springs and also visit Matsumoto Castle – a designated National Treasure and eye candy for budding ninjas.

You’ll be happy at Appi, which really turns it on for families.

There are two mountains to ski and board on, plus snowshoeing, cat ski tours and plenty of other activities.

Book through one of the name Australian tour operators and pick up some great deals. For instance, book a holiday in Niseko in March with SkiJapan and kids 12 years and under receive free lift passes and free ski rental from Niseko Base Snowsports.

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SHORT CUTS

Northern Hemisphere ski

Ski Aspen/Snowmass with Travelplan Aspen/Snowmass is the ultimate snow destination for families, with four mountains to ski and ride, the worldfamous ski town to explore and plenty of off-snow fun to be had for kids and parents.

Travelplan can help you book your Aspen trip; giving advice on where to stay, arrange lift tickets, lessons and other things to do. They have many great packages available for families, with early bird lift passes and/or ski rental depending on how many days you pay for and when you book. For instance, pay for eight-day lift tickets and ski rental before 12 November and ski for 14 days. There are also deals on lessons for kids and adults. Travelplan has a great deal staying at the Crestwood Snowmass in a beautiful ski-in, ski-out two-bedroom apartment, with six-day lift passes and airport transfers. Snowmass is the biggest of all four mountains and is awesome for families with amazing terrain, the world-class Treehouse Kids Adventure Center for snow school and child care and the very cool Ullr Nights. Every Friday night from late December to the end of March, Elk Camp at Snowmass transforms into a wondrous wintery world where kids can climb and do the slide on the Viking Ghost Ship, go sledding, tubing, snow biking, ice skating, skiing and boarding. Then it’s time to toast a marshmallow by the fire and head indoors for a fabulous meal and great entertainment. Book your Aspen adventure at www.travelplan.com.au

French flair at Les Menuires

Montage Deer Valley has merit

Les Menuires has been attracting families for 50 years and, together with neighbouring Saint Martin de Belleville, offers 160 kms of slopes with 34 lifts and more charm than you could poke a croissant at. If that’s not enough to keep your calves burning, the resorts are part of Les 3 Vallees, which is the biggest ski area in the world with a gargantuan 600 kms of ski runs. Les Menuires caters for kids of all ages with the Piou Piou Village introducing kids to the snow from three months to five years with a range of on-snow activities. Older kids are also well looked after. One of the coolest features for teens with a love of social media is the free video system in the BK Terrain Park. Log in with your ski pass, choose your run and at the bottom you can watch your video straight away and receive a copy. It’s even set to music! With special First Time on Skis packages, a 4 km toboggan run, Tribe Passes for families and a sliding castle, Les Menuires, together with Saint Martin de Belleville, is magnifique. It even carries the prestigious Famille Plus Montagne accreditation. www.lesmenuires.com

To make the most of your dream holiday in the snow the accommodation has to be just right and the Montage Deer Valley in Utah is perfect.

The Montage is a beautiful property with stunning rooms, one-, and two-bedroom hotel suites and two-, three-, or four-bedroom Montage Residences – ideal for longer stays. The Montage is ski-in, ski-out, with guests able to step out onto the perfectly groomed slopes of Deer Valley. Kids will love splashing in the heated outdoor pool, can be chauffeured to the Deer Valley ski school, will adore dining and playing at Daly’s Pub, which has a bowling alley, game arcade, Wii lounge and sensational food and have a fantastic time at the Paintbox activity center.

They will also love the Merit Badge program that rewards younger guests who master each one of 12 tasks – ranging from skiing their first black diamond run to shooting a bullseye on an archery target. www.montagedeervalley.com

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Head for Europe with Mogul Ski World Europe is the land of charming chalets, fairytale villages and magical snowy vistas. Mogul Ski World is run by families, for families and knows just what it takes to organise the perfect snow holiday. Rachelle Matheson of Mogul Ski World has taken her kids around Europe and says it is a wonderful place for an extended ski and boarding holiday mixed in with some

other European highlights. Verbier in Switzerland is on her list, along with Courchevel and Val d’Isere in France and St Antons in Austria. Verbier is set to get even better, with the W Verbier opening 1 December this year. It is the first W Hotel at a ski resort and will really raise the bar. For snow holidays in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan and South America, Mogul Ski World can help you out with long stay discounts, kids stay and ski free deals and free nights. Visit www.mogulski.com.au

Bring on the Games AUSTRALIA’S FINEST SKIERS AND BOARDERS HAVE THEIR EYES ON THE PRIZE OF REPRESENTING AUSTRALIA AT THE WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES, TO BE HELD IN THE RUSSIAN CITY OF SOCHI IN EARLY 2014.

OAWK HAS THIS SNEAK PEAK. Sochi is a popular resort city located on the coast of the Black Sea in southern Russia with a population of 350,000. The Sochi Olympic Park will host all the ice events, including curling, ice hockey and skating, as well as the Olympic Stadium, Olympic Village and Olympic Family hotels.

The mountain events will be held about 50 minutes away at Krasnaya Polyana in the Caucasus Mountains, including the biathlon, bobsleigh, luge and all skiing events – alpine, cross-country, freestyle, Nordic combined, ski jumping and snowboard. The mountain venues will be connected to Sochi by highspeed rail and roads.

Sochi will introduce new Olympic events - ski slopestyle, snowboard slopestyle, snowboard parallel special slalom, ski halfpipe, women’s ski jumping, biathlon mixed relay,

figure skating team event and luge team relay.

It is expected that the Australian Team for Sochi 2014 will total 50 athletes which is 10 more than Vancouver 2010. In Vancouver Australian athletes achieved a record medal haul with two gold and a silver. The Team for 2014 looks destined to have at least two defending Olympic champions in Torah Bright and Lydia Lassila plus World Champions Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, Anna Segal and a host of other athletes with continued World Cup success.

Segal and Russ Henshaw will lead the charge in one of the new events on the program in Ski Slopestyle. It promises to be an exciting build-up as athletes chase qualification and perfect their performances ahead of the Games.

More information: www.owia.org

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World travel

Go glam with the fam at the Peninsula For those looking for an A-List escape, you can’t go past the luxe offerings of the Peninsula Hotel Group. Now is a great time to go glam with the fam with plenty of exciting new activities for kids to enjoy through the awesome Peninsula Academy program.

In the USA, The Peninsula New York offers younger guests a Fire Department of New York Tour, where they can explore a real fire house and meet the fire fighters who keep New York City safe. And budding junior Masterchefs can hit the kitchen where the hotel’s culinary team will teach them how to

bake and decorate sweet treats. The Peninsula Chicago can make little princesses dreams come true complete with princess attire and tiara, a horsedrawn carriage ride to a shopping spree, a princess etiquette class and a visit from Prince Charming for a glassslipper fitting. The Peninsula is also offering younger visitors some Asian sensations. At the Peninsula Tokyo, little guests might like to try their hand at glassblowing or discover the Japanese art of paper folding in a special Origami for Kids lesson. In Shanghai, little Peninsula guests can make their

Wonderful world for kids in Austria Schwarz Alpine Golf and Spa Resort in Mieming, Austria, is an amazing place for families. Just a short drive from Innsbruck, the Resort has an exceptional program at the Hopp’l Popp’l Children’s World including a petting zoo, all kinds of alpine adventures plus a soccer pitch, an array of accommodation, great food, the Sun Welly Spa - one of the best spas in Austria - and the incredible Schwarz Water World. With seven pools, both inside and out, this place is a haven for families. Now kids have their own Water World, so they can share in the fun. The new Kids Water World opened earlier this year, with the highlight a 92-metre water slide, all kinds of fun interactive water activities and areas to hang out. www.hotel-schwarz.com

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own Chinese style kite at a traditional workshop and, weather permitting, fly it on the famous Shanghai Bund with new friends made during the class.

And the Peninsula Manila is offering Filipino craft classes and a cooking school where kids aged seven-12 can learn to make the quintessential Filipino dessert, halo-halo. The Peninsula Manila also boasts a fantastic Family Moments Accommodation offer with 50% off the rate of an adjoining room for children under 12 until 31 December 2013 with kids also eating free from the kids menu and buffet. www.peninsula.com

Trafalgar’s Family Experiences In 2014 Trafalgar has 19 exciting guided Family Experiences on offer across Europe, UK, North & South America and for the first time, South Africa. Their Family Experiences holidays are an ideal way to introduce your children to different cultures and places, as well as allowing you to share amazing experiences together as a family.

One of the most popular holidays is the 10-day Castles and Kilts – a classic family experience that introduces the history, mystery and magic of England, Wales and Scotland in a fun and engaging way. Highlights include staying overnight in a Welsh castle, visiting Edinburgh Castle in Scotland and a Harry Potter tour in London where you’ll visit the red telephone box from The Order of the Phoenix, and magical platform 9 3/4 where Harry catches the Hogwarts Express! To find out more about this or other Trafalgar Family Experiences holidays contact your local travel agent, or visit www.trafalgar.com

Travel with Kidz Travel with Kidz knows families come in all shapes, sizes and ages and that their needs vary greatly. Since 1995, their growing network of TWK-accredited consultants has been providing tried and tested family-friendly itineraries worldwide for families seeking a stress-free holiday. A boutique company, Travel with Kidz’ accredited consultants are experts in family and multi-generational travel and offer recommendations and choices based on their personal experiences for kids of all ages – from new babies to late teens. The team can enhance your holiday by providing value for money and a variety of exclusive value adds. Their experience in the family travel market also means they can offer exceptional tips, taking the unknown factors out of family travel. Travel With Kidz will go the extra mile to make your family holiday perfect for your family. www.travelwithkidz.com.au

Jump into Jaci’s For an unforgettable safari holiday with the kids, Jaci’s Lodges in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve is the place to go.

Stay in the Safari Lodge, the Tree Lodge or in one of the two Family Suites and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush. Jaci’s really knows how to look after families, with special Family Game Drives twice a day with kids aged five and over welcome. There are special Jungle Drives for kids under five or babysitters can ensure they have a great time while you are on safari.

Seeing the absolute wonder on your child’s face as they see a lion, giraffe or zebra in the wild for the first time is truly rewarding. Even for adults the experience is something really special – especially if you get to see the Big Ten – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, wild dog, hyena and cheetah. www.madikwe.com

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World travel Family retreat in Pattaya

Fiji’s finest welcomes budding chefs Jean Michel Cousteau Resort’s new Bula Club Chef’s Junior Assistant of the Day is a fabulous new initiative for kids aged six-12. They’ll learn all about what’s involved in preparing the meals for the kids in the Bula Club. The program gives budding junior chefs an amazing opportunity to spend time with the Chef and Bula Club staff for a meal period, assisting with preparing the dining area, setting up the kitchen, learning how the meal is prepared and assisting with plating and serving the meals to the other kids. www.fijiresort.com

The Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya, opening this October, has recruited an Aquarium Specialist to take care of the two large aquariums in the lobby; one a predator tank with black tip sharks, stingrays and big groupers, the other a coral reef with exotic species such as angel fish and butterfly fish. The two tanks will add an underwater-world ambience to the elegant hotel lobby - filled with Fendi furniture - and will add a unique experience for diners accessing the signature rooftop restaurant Ruffino, created in cooperation with the famous Tuscan winemaker.

Guests can experience complete luxury in 165 guestrooms and suites, including three Deluxe Family Residences each spanning over 88 square metres and comprising an extensive furnished balcony, a king-bed master bedroom and a separate children’s area with bunk. An additional three Deluxe Family Residence Ocean Vistas combine the ideal family retreat with stunning views of the ocean. www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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Pa r e n t s d r e a m h o l i d a y w i t h t h e k i d s Pay for 4 nights or more & receive

2 free nights plus bonus massage & diving *conditions apply.

Remember pre children exclusive holidays?

Best family resort in Fiji 2012

as voted by readers of Luxury Travel Magazine

The goods news is that there is a special place that offers you a romantic, restful, rejuvenating experience with fine dining whilst enjoying a family holiday.

The resort views children as the future caretakers of the earth & its oceans and has created fun educational programs for age groups 0-5 yrs & 6-12 yrs. Each child under 6 has an exclusive nanny 8am-9pm & children 6-12 yrs have a Fijian buddy on 1-5 ratio.

Enjoy couples time out or fun times with your family.

Call Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort office to enquire about our inclusive family packages.

1300 306 171 - 03 9815 0379 - sales@fijiresort.com - www.fijiresort.com

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Opening

September 2013

RIMBA Jimbaran Bali is sprouting to life As AYANA’s sister resort, RIMBA’s opening in September 2013 offers guests the best of both worlds: the ocean-front setting of AYANA including Priority Access to Rock Bar, and the lush forest setting and sustainable design from which RIMBA gets its name. Offering a children’s pool with waterslides, Kids Club, interconnecting rooms and Pool Access Rooms, RIMBA is a perfect destination for families a holiday that everyone will enjoy.

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WORLD’S BEST HOTELS - 2013 Travel + Leisure Awards ASIA’S BEST RESORT - Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards AYANA Resort and Spa Bali | www.ayanaresort.com RIMBA Jimbaran Bali | www.rimbajimbaran.com K arang Mas Estate Jalan K arang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali T. (62) 361 846 8468 | bookings@rimbajimbaran.com

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World travel Waikiki’s suite-est deal Treating your family to a blissful Hawaiian holiday at Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk means fantastic savings for mum and dad and a guaranteed good time for the kids. And, for guests who want to shop, the resort’s Suite-est Deal package provides $100 in “beach bucks” to be used for shopping, dining and entertainment at the vibrant and stylish Waikiki Beach Walk, located just steps from the resort. What really sweetens a stay at the ideally located Embassy SuitesWaikiki Beach Walk is the host of added-value extras including full cooked-to-order breakfast daily and nightly poolside receptions, featuring an assortment of complimentary coldies and nibbles. For families, the resort’s comfortable one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments provide heaps of space with private bedrooms, separate living room with sleeper-sofa and a mini-kitchen that provide a true home-away-fromhome in paradise. www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com

The party continues at Tokyo Disney Resort Tokyo Disney Resort is celebrating its 30th birthday and the party is kicking on until March 2014. During the 340-day Happiness Year celebrations guests will experience a whole new level of happiness with fantastic entertainment, special merchandise, great new menus, fireworks, anniversary-themed events and activities, delightful decorations plus a fantastic new attraction for Star Wars fans. The new Star Tours attraction offers out of this world 3D technology that will have visitors riding over and over again to experience all its different combinations. If you’re visiting before 31 October, be sure not to miss Disney’s Halloween festivities at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Download the official camera app, the Happiness Cam, before you go. www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en

Green sheen to Bali’s newest five-star resort Bali’s newest five-star resort is named for its forest setting, and RIMBA Jimbaran Bali has taken the concept even further by planting over 50,000 trees to reduce its carbon footprint. The brand new RIMBA - Indonesian for forest - is all about sustainability with recycled material, water conservation and natural lighting central to the resort’s innovative design.

A central feature is the one hectare of multi-tiered swimming pools, including a main pool with swim-up pool bar and a

children’s pool adjacent to the Kids Club, plus the tree plantations, tropical flowers and organic fruit and vegie gardens.

Another unique offering from the award-winning AYANA Resort and

Spa Bali, the 297-room hotel is located within AYANA’s grounds overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Guests can experience seamless service as they enjoy the best of both worlds: RIMBA with its forest ambience and AYANA’s unrivaled ocean-front setting.

As an introductory offer, all bookings received before 22 December 2013 for stays until 31 March 2014 will offer savings of up to 36 per cent and include special benefits including daily buffet breakfast, Balinese massage or two people and US$50 Resort Credit per room. www.rimbajimbaran.com

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cruise Disney dreaming Dreams can come true on Disney Cruise Line with new itineraries, a re-imagined Disney Magic and to top it off, on-board superheroes! With four ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, there are more European ports to explore including Venice, Dubrovnik and Mykonos, or you can cruise in Alaska, or the exotic ports of the Caribbean, including Disney Cruise Line’s own island Castaway Cay. Disney’s first ship, Disney Magic, is undergoing a makeover and when she emerges in October this year, will have even more amazing spaces for kids to enjoy.

The Oceaneer Club, for kids aged three to 12, features the brand spanking new Marvel’s Avengers Academy, sure to impress budding crime fighters. See Iron Man’s suit of armour, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s Hammer, as well as Marvel characters. For Toy Story fans, Andy’s Room will be a hit with a Slinky Dog slide, giant Hamm, Rex and Mr Potato Head. Pixie Hollow is another enchanting space. www.disneycruise.disney.go.com

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Awesome Alaska

Go un-cruising with the kids

After 25 years of sailing the region, Royal Caribbean International knows a thing or two about delivering the magnificence of the Alaskan frontier on land and sea. During the 2014 season, the recently revitalised Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will return to Alaskan waters with 34 sailings on seven-night itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. Families will be able to choose from an extensive list of shore excursions to further explore the untamed Alaskan frontier. At Icy Strait Point, older kids can zoom at up to 96.5km per hour on the world’s longest zipline - a breathtaking 1674 metres long. Everyone will love the Gold Rush Sled Dogs and White Pass Train Adventure in Skagway. This is an exciting ride on the world-famous, narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, followed by meeting a veteran Iditarod musher and his dogsled team with a chance to pet some pups. www.royalcaribbean.com.au

Un-Cruise Adventures delivers a cruise experience that is far from ordinary, believing in wildlife over nightlife, quality over quantity and one-of-a-kind voyages that all the family will remember. Choose to explore the wilds of Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands or Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, and connect with the environment and your family.

Go kayaking along a tranquil beach, hike through a rainforest, interact with locals in a remote community or snorkel in pristine coves; whichever cruise you choose will live long in your family’s memories. Kids aged 12 and under with an added interest in nature will love the Kids in Nature program, with a greater focus on activities for children. Or plan the trip of a lifetime with your whole family and charter a vessel all to yourself. The smaller vessels, that hold 22-88 guests, can be privately chartered, so you can take the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends! www.un-cruise.com

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THE INSIDER – AT SEA THE INSIDER TALKS TO TAMMY MARSHALL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, P&O CRUISES ABOUT FAMILY FUN AT SEA.

Sea games Celebrity Cruises has joined forces with Microsoft’s Xbox to introduce one of the largest Xbox experiences at sea! The new partnership will offer kids, teens and the young at heart access to Xbox-themed spaces and interactive Xbox experiences across the fleet.

Celebrity Constellation is the first of Celebrity’s 10 ships to introduce the complete onboard Xbox experience which will be rolled out to the whole fleet by the end of 2013. www.celebrity.com

Santa at sea with P&O Holidaymakers will have plenty of reason to celebrate on P&O Cruises’ ships this Christmas and New Year, with cruises packed with fun onboard activities, traditional festivities as well as great destinations. Catering for passengers of all ages, the P&O Cruises’ festive voyages range from nine - 12 nights to make the most of the extended summer holidays and give parents the gift of a great stress-free break.

For Christmas, Santa will be on deck for young and old, with children enjoying special Christmas-themed activities and movies. Passengers can forget the hassle of queuing for seafood or cooking a hot roast at home and instead feast on a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trappings - and no washing up.

New Year’s Eve means it’s time for everyone to party, with celebrations all over the ships, child minding with special kids’ parties and a memorable countdown to the New Year in the Pacific. www.pocruises.com.au

What makes a P&O cruise so exceptional for kids?

P&O Cruises understands what families are looking for in a cruise holiday. We know they like doing things together but parents also want a special experience for their children. So there is plenty to do together like the Pacific Cirque acrobatic performances and dazzling laser shows in the atrium, family dining in Waterfront Restaurant or playing Laser Tag - the latest experience on board Pacific Jewel. And P&O Cruises has really ramped up the program for our younger passengers with more than 40 activities daily, all designed to give kids holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

What are some of the best new features for kids we’ll see on P&O cruises in 2013/2014?

There is something for every child aged three to 17 on P&O Cruises’ ships with a jam-packed program offering more than 40 different activities each day and more than 200 over a sevennight cruise, all put together with the assistance of internationally-renowned childhood educator, Rhonda DavidsonIrwin. There are circus juggling classes to PlayStation and Wii competitions, movie nights, arts and crafts, karaoke and more. There are four age-specific places for the young ones to meet up: Turtle Cove for the kids aged three to six; Shark Shack for those aged seven to 10; HQ for cool 11-14 year olds and HQ+ for the even cooler 15-17 year olds.

New additions to the program such as Broad Shorts stop motion film making are a big hit with our younger passengers. Teens in HQ and HQ+ can create their own stop motion movies using the software used in hit movies Wallace and Gromit and Pirates! Band of Misfits with a red carpet screening of their productions for their proud families. TC & Skipper’s Island Adventure led by our onboard mascots is a great opportunity for our youngest passengers to participate in some interactive fun and their older brothers and sisters love Teen Jam and the chance to become ‘musos’ in their own band.

There is still much more to come – so watch this space.

What are your favourite activities in the kids program?

I’ve been won over by Broad Shorts, a little taste of Hollywood at sea. The chance to make a stop motion movie really gets those young creative juices firing and there is no end to the imaginative story lines and characters.

I think we have some budding movie makers among our young passengers and I really enjoy seeing the entertaining results of their work.

Teen Jam is fantastic as well. With hits like X Factor and Australia’s Got Talent on TV, teens are inspired to have a go and become a star themselves.

Do you have a secret recipe for keeping kids happy on holiday?

Active kids and busy kids have something in common. By the end of each exciting day, they’re ready for some relaxing family time - and falling asleep with smiles on their faces. Then they’re ready to do it all again tomorrow with their young ‘batteries’ fully recharged.

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O U T & ABOUT WIT H BA BY

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oddlers T TRAVELLING WITH

TOP TIPS FOR TAMING TODDLERS ON TOUR WORDS: ALENEY DE WINTER

Taming toddlers in transit

Holidays mean time for the whole family to relax, bond and share new experiences together. However, travelling with toddlers comes with its own set of challenges and having done it quite frequently with my two, I think I’ve finally gotten it down to as fine an art as a recalcitrant toddler will allow. Here are some of my top tips for taming travelling toddlers.

Let’s get physical Choose a destination where kids can get physical. Make sure there’s plenty of space to run about and plenty of safe energy-depleting activities to keep them busy. And remember that while many resorts and hotels have fantastic facilities catering for older kids, it can be hard to find ones that provide for toddlers. The good news is that more resorts are realising that exhausted parents of babies and toddlers could use a break too and are offering services geared towards their needs - from equipment, meals and babysitting services through to designated toddler clubs.

Toddlers in transit Once you’ve picked the destination you can begin the worrying about getting there. To be honest this is the trickiest bit as even the most well behaved tot can struggle to sit still for extended periods.

It can make transit gruelling for everyone and given that strapping them to their seat with duct tape will likely be frowned upon, you’re going to need to arm yourself with other toddler-taming tools.

I’ve watched on in horror on flights as parents offer candy and chocolates as bribes to their cranky offspring, knowing full well the problems this sugar high will create. Sweet treats are only going to make sitting still less likely and have a tendency to come hand in hand with a crash … swiftly followed by a dramatic public meltdown.

This is something that, as a parent, I personally prefer to avoid. For your own sanity and peace, I’d suggest you opt for healthy snacks.

Pack plenty of engaging items like books and puzzles. A portable DVD player with some favourite movies can be mum and dad’s best friend to keep busy toddlers still on holidays and in transit. For longer haul trips, pack a few little gift wrapped surprises that you can bring out at peak boredom points!

Safe as houses It may seem pretty obvious but keep them safe. All toddlers are curious and new environments can be very tempting. Think about the time, money and effort it took to baby-proof your home. No hotel, motel or holiday apartment will have gone to the same effort.

The first thing a parent should do on arrival at their holiday digs,

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TOILET TRAINING

e l t t i l r u For yo earners Potette Plus

tired or not, is check and child proof. Try to book a room on the ground floor or with an adequately fenced balcony. Make sure you keep balcony doors locked and move any furniture near railings.

Make sure windows are kept closed and locked and use the deadbolt on external doors to avoid your toddler heading off on an adventure without you. Check for sharp edges on low furniture and either tape a wash cloth on the corners or ask the hotel if the offending piece can be temporarily removed. Also check to see that large televisions are secured.

Pack a roll of heavy duty tape. It works perfectly to cover exposed power sockets and seal unsecured drawers and doors. Rubber bands are q baby proofer’s best friend. Use them to tie up curtain and blind cords (a strangulation hazard) and to keep cupboards shut. Look at your accommodation from your child’s perspective. When examined from adult height some dangers can be missed.

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Learning to use the toilet is pretty hard for a little one to master in the first instance and it’s easy for tots to feel overwhelmed. Add travel, with so many new things to see and do, and they can be easily distracted. Expect more accidents as a result and have a little more patience and understanding.

Most experts agree that if you have just started toilet training or are having any hiccups, stopping temporarily is a far less stressful solution for everyone involved than persevering in new environments. However, if things are progressing well, easily the best way to make toilet training on the go as painless as possible is to invest in a travel potty. There are some great options on the market which can make life so much easier. We’re finding the Potette Plus fabulous as it can be used anywhere and anytime and our toddler has become familiar with it which helps her feel more comfortable.

Pull-up training nappies are another wise investment. That way, if the kids do have an accident in transit, it won’t be awkward or embarrassing for them which can help to avoid setbacks.

Plan ahead Plan your days. You may be surprised to discover that toddlers aren’t going to want to lay about a pool reading the latest novel or chugging cocktails. Adapt your plans to suit them, not the other way around. Make sure you get them out and about to age-appropriate playgrounds and attractions to keep them entertained and wear them out so they’ll sleep. Then you can break out the mojitos!

Finally, put your toddler’s needs before your own – you might want to visit that Venetian glass museum but your busy toddler (and the curator) would probably prefer you didn’t.

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WHAT’S HOT for baby Sweet dreams

Belt up, safely!

The Phil&Teds Traveller portable cot, of which this mama is a huge fan, has had a face lift. Its new-look brushed aluminium frame and ventilated all-mesh zip-away sides still come in at a feather-light 4.2kgs (with mattress). Simple to assemble and ultra compact with a self-expanding, thermally insulating mattress, it’s the perfect cot and playpen for travellers. www.philandteds.com/au RRP: $199.95

Hitting the road with your bump? The Dreambaby Bump Belt offers mums-tobe reduced risk in a collision. The special lap strap prevents your seatbelt riding up over your bump, therefore reducing the risk of injury to your unborn child. It is simple and very effective. A must for mums-to-be! www.dreambaby.com.au RRP: $34.95

Hired help If you’ve ever put off an interstate holiday because of the hassle of travelling with little ones and their mountains of equipment, help is on the way. Anything Baby is an online gateway for hiring quality, safe baby equipment for short or long periods at affordable rates. It means you don’t have to travel with prams, strollers, change tables, capsules, cots and the like. Currently available in Melbourne and Perth, expansion is planned into other states over the next year. www.AnythingBaby.com.au

Cushie tushies Compact and portable, the Baby U Cushie Traveller is a clever padded folding toilet seat that’s ideal for toddlers on the go. The soft-cushioned seat fits regular toilet seats and helps keep training routines on course when you are out and about. Plus it has a washable carry bag. www.babyu.com.au RRP: $13.99

Simply designed, to be the best first aid supplies & training for your home or business.

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hen you hurt yourself, tape might be enough, but is it good enough for your kids?

Our traveller first aid kits have all the items you need and are air travel friendly. When you’re out and about and your child’s needs include anything from a bandaid to a CPR face shield, this kit will save a life.

Phone: (03) 9735 9428 | Email: admin@givelifecenter.com | www.givelifecenter.com

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B A B Y & T ODDLER SH O W

Parenting made easy at

The Baby & Toddler Show PARENTS WHO WANT TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES THEIR BABIES AND TODDLERS TICK SHOULD LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE BABY & TODDLER SHOW.

G Inset: Amanda Thornton of Child Revive First Aid

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reat exhibitors and a fantastic forum with plenty of personal interaction make The Baby & Toddler Show, on at the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 11-13 October, a must for busy mums and mumsto-be. Browse, explore and shop until you drop in the dedicated shopping areas. Along with all the latest must-have baby equipment you’ll find fashions that will appeal to fashionistas big and small, a beautiful range of eco-friendly and sustainable products for your family plus a range of unique and gorgeous bespoke products.

The kids won’t be short on fun with Play Along With Sam live shows and a chance to get up close to

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everybody’s favourite explorer, Dora. There is also the LEGO® DUPLO® Brick Pitt, fairies, face painting, balloon animals and more.

For those mums and dads who are looking for a little advice, take advantage of a comprehensive range of expert seminars and one-on-one consultations with parenting professionals including sleep and lactation guru, Pinky McKay and Child First Aid expert, Amanda Thornton, on topics ranging from baby basics and development milestones to infant first aid, nutrition and toddler taming.

Out & About With Kids had the pleasure of chatting to the lovely Amanda of Child Revive First Aid, who offered some practical safety advice for readers who are planning to travel with a tot in tow, starting with the family car.

“A properly fitted car seat that is set for the child’s weight and height is a must. Even in a low speed accident children can sustain significant injuries from not being properly restrained. On long car trips it is common to pack snacks for the children but be mindful and avoid foods that are choking hazards as it is difficult to stop and get to the child if this occurs.”

Amanda says that it is vital for parents to plan and to pack an appropriate first aid kit. Her don’t leave-home-without first aid travel items include a thermometer, children’s pain relief medication, sunscreen and insect repellent (check with a pharmacist which one is age appropriate for your child) and if your child is teething, soothing gel.

If your child suffers from mild allergies, pack a children’s anti-histamine and for asthmatics, a ventolin inhaler and spacer device.

Amanda adds, “On holiday children are most likely to experience minor bumps, cuts, abrasions, insect stings and vomiting. So your first aid kit should include basic dressings for controlling bleeding and solutions to clean a wound and dress it. If holidaying outdoors a burn gel solution for minor burns is also a must. An instant ice pack is a great idea as you don’t need to store them cold. A solution that can reduce the itch and swelling from insect bites is also recommended as well as some versatile bags which can be used as sick bags and for emergency toilet stops.”

Child Revive First Aid has combined all of these essentials into a portable first aid kit to make it easy for parents to be prepared.

For more of Amanda’s practical advice on child safety and first aid, and to enjoy a special day out, new mums and their kids in Sydney should get themselves ‘out & about’ to The Toddler & Baby Show at the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 11-13 October. Tickets will be available at the door for $20 per person. www.babyandtoddlershow.com.au

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WHAT ’S HOT BOOK S

WHAT’S HOT books ... FOR THE KIDS

PENGUIN ON HOLIDAY

JAZZY IN THE JUNGLE

Salina Yoon When Penguin leaves behind the snow for a tropical beach getaway, things don’t go quite the way he planned. Just when he is about to pack up and head home, Penguin meets someone who reminds him that it’s not where you go, but who you go with.

Bloomsbury RRP: $14.99

Lucy Cousins Lovers of Maisy will adore Lucy Cousins’ lovable baby lemur, Jazzy and his mama, Jojo, who are playing hide and seek in the jungle in this lovely picture book filled with diecut surprises. Lift the leaves, peep through the trees and pull aside flowers to discover Jazzy’s jungle world.

Walker Paperback RRP: $16.95

MATES: BUSH HOLIDAY Leonie Norrington & Brenton E. McKenna Tillithia loves the school holidays and hanging out with her mum but, in this fun full-colour Australian novel, her Auntie Doreen takes her off in a big truck for a real bush holiday adventure.

Hardie Grant RRP: $22.95

THE COMPLETE AND UTTER HISTORY OF THE WORLD Sarah Burton When Samuel’s teacher sets a history project, nine-year old Sam presents an exciting collection of half facts, roughly in the right order, and glued together with convincing misunderstanding.

And yet, somehow, he gets to the heart of the matter.

Faber RRP: $14.99

... FOR THE FAMILY

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BRICK CITY

KIMBERLEY STORIES

THE AMAZING SPENCER GRAY

Warren Elsmore Brick City is a celebration of the world’s favourite buildings and urban icons each recreated solely using Lego you’d find at a local store. With exploratory photographs and detailed breakdowns, this is a must for Lego lovers big and small.

Allen & Unwin RRP: $24.99

Edited by Sandy Toussaint This amazing celebration of the art, culture and beauty of the Kimberley invites readers into one of Australia’s most interesting and remote regions by interweaving fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, lyrics and artworks from a diverse group of talented authors and artists including 13-year old Luisa Mitchell.

Fremantle Press RRP: $24.95

Deb Fitzpatrick Spencer’s mates are impressed when the 12-year old finally gets to join his Dad in his glider. Spencer proves to be great at gliding but when they fly into a storm, he’ll need to be nothing short of amazing. Perfect for primary-aged readers this is an exciting story of survival, family and friendship.

Fremantle Press RRP: $14.95

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Out & About With Kids has 20 copies of The Amazing Spencer Gray to give away, each valued at $14.95. For your chance to win visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

W H AT ’ S H OT E N T E RT AI NME NT

WHAT’S HOT entertainment MOVIE

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Picking up where the original finished, Flint Lockwood discovers that his infamous machine (which turned water into food) is still operating and is now creating food-animal hybrids that have taken over his island. With the fate of humanity in his hands, Flint and his friends head on a dangerously delicious mission - to battle hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, apple pie-thons and other food creatures to save the world… again!

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Disney Infinity to take gamers beyond

Are you ready for a game where the real world and interactive play meet? Disney Infinity is a “Toy Box” that allows you to create stories and play experiences by placing physical toy figures of your favourite Disney and Disney Pixar characters onto the Infinity Base and then be transported to a world where you interact with the very best of Disney on one game platform!

Featuring a virtual “Toy Box” and a vast open world environment, players can create their own stories and customise their adventures combining characters, environments, gadgets, vehicles and more. The possibilities are truly infinite!

Disney Infinity starter packs will bundle together everything a player needs to kick off the new experience including Monsters University, The Incredibles and Pirates of the Caribbean play sets; three Disney Infinity character figurines; A Disney Infinity Base; Disney Infinity Starter Disc; unique web codes to unlock online content; and the Disney Infinity Game and will be available to buy for PS3, Xbox 360,Wii-U,Wii and 3DS. www.disney.com/Infinity Out & About With Kids has EIGHT Disney Infinity Starter Packs to give away, four each for PS3 and Xbox 360, each valued at $89.95.

For your chance to win visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

DVD

Adventures in Zambezia Adventures in Zambezia takes viewers to a bustling bird city located on the edge of magnificent Victoria Falls to meet Kai, a naïve but high-spirited young falcon. Kai travels to Zambezia to discover the truth about his origins and, in defending the bird city, learns that every hero must earn their wings.

RENT

Entertainment on demand for action seekers Garage Entertainment has introduced a new on-demand action sports film streaming service that will thrill all action and adventure sports fans.

Hundreds of films are accessible via internet-connected televisions, computers, tablets and smartphones, offering viewers an opportunity to watch the films they love on the beach, in the sky or under the sun. The range of Garage Entertainment films already available is awesome (the library includes entire back catalogues from producers including Taylor Steele, Kai Neville, Curt Morgan, Red Bull Media House and the teams behind Nitro Circus and Crusty Demons) and new titles are added weekly.

The service offers users access to the site for basic one-off film hire, much like the movie-on-demand of Foxtel or Netflix and regular users get even better value for money with the low subscription price of $5.84 per month for a 12-month membership. www.garagentertainment.com.au

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DA D’S WORD

QUICKFIND

Dad’s

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ACCOMMODATION – OVERSEAS Berjaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .berjayahotel .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Centara .Hotels .& .Resorts . . . . . . . . . .www .centarahotelsresorts .com . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Embassy .Suites .Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . .www .embassysuiteswaikiki .com . . . . . . . . . . 92 Hotel .Beacon .NYC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .beaconhotel .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Jean .Michel .Fiji .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . .www .fijiresort .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Rimba .Jimbaran .Bali . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .rimbajimbaran .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Rarotongan .Beach .Resort .& .Spa . . . .www .therarotongan .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Wyndham .Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .wyndhamvacationresorts .com .au . . . . 66

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION LEGEND, GEORGE GREGAN, IS BEST KNOWN FOR HAVING MADE MORE APPEARANCES FOR HIS NATIONAL TEAM THAN ANY OTHER PLAYER IN THE SPORT’S HISTORY. THE DEVOTED DAD OF THREE, FREQUENT TRAVELLER AND CAFÉ ENTREPRENEUR CHATS TO OUT & ABOUT WITH KIDS ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH KIDS.

ACCOMMODATION – AUSTRALIA Allure .Stradbroke .Resort . . . . . . . . . .www .allurestradbrokeresorts .com . . . . . . . . 59 Aspen .Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .aspenparks .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Aspen .Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .aspenresorts .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 BIG4 .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .big4 .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 BIG4 .Northstar . .Holiday .Resort . . . . .www .northstar .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 BIG4 .Soldiers .Point .Holiday .Park . . . .www .big4soldierspoint .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Brisbane .Holiday .Village . . . . . . . . . . .www .brisbaneholidayvillage .com .au . . . . . . 34 Budgewoi .Holiday .Park . . . . . . . . . . . .www .budgewoihp .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Canton .Beach .Holiday .Park . . . . . . . .www .cantonbeachhp .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Central .Coast .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . .www .cchp .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,30 BIG4 .Easts .Beach .Holiday .Park . . . . . .www .eastsbeach .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Discovery .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . . . .www .discoveryholidayparks .com .au . . . . 16,29 Escape .2 .Holiday .Parks .and .Resorts .www .escape2 .net .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Gold .Coast .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . . .www .goldcoasttouristparks .com .au . . . . . . . 28 Holiday .Haven .Tourist .Parks . . . . . . .www .holidayhaven .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Tweed .Coast .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . .www .tchp .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kiama .Coast .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . .www .kiamacoastholidayparks .com .au . . . . . 38 Kingfisher .Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .kingfisherbay .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Mowbray .Park .Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .farmstayholidays .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Murramarang .Beachfront .Resort . . .www .murramarangresort .com .au . . . . . . . . . .31 NRMA .Holiday .Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .nrmaholidayparks .com .au . . . . . . . . 25,31 NRMA .Treasure .Island .Holiday .Park . .www .treasureisland .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Paradise .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .paradiseresort .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Rendezvous .Reef .Resort . . . . . . . . . . .www .RendezvousHotels .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Sea .World .Resort .& .Water .Park . . . . . .www .myfun .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC Skippers .Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .skipperscove .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Wyndham .Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .wyndhamvacationresorts .com .au . . . . 66

Where is your favourite family holiday spot in Australia?

Thredbo. The high country is amazing and there are lots of great outdoor activities to suit everyone in the family.

Where is your favourite family holiday spot internationally?

Africa. We travelled to the Lower Zambezi, Zambia [where George was born] and South Africa and everything from the wildlife to the natural surroundings was truly incredible.

What’s your fondest childhood holiday memory?

Definitely an incredible family holiday we took to Zimbabwe, UK and Europe.

What is your top tip for a family driving holiday?

Good music for the driver and a good pillow for the passengers!

Any hints for flying with kids?

Same as above for everyone plus a good book.

Do you prefer resorts with kids’ clubs?

Our kids are at an age where they can entertain themselves so they aren’t important to us.

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ATTRACTIONS CSIRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .csiro .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Disneyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .disneyland .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Hong .Kong .Disneyland . . . . . . . . . . . .www .hongkongdisneyland .com . . . . . . . . . . IBC Illawara .Fly .Tree .Top .Walk . . . . . . . . . .www .illawarafly .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Mowbray .Park .Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .farmstayholidays .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . 68 National .Zoo .& .Aquarium . . . . . . . . . .www .nationalzoo .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sea .World .Resort .& .Water .Park . . . . .www .myfun .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC Tokyo .Disney .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .tokyodisneyresort .co .jp/en . . . . . . . . . 125

Describe your biggest family holiday disaster?

A few years ago I made us miss a plane from Denver by not seeing the gate change – though it’s very common in the US where there’s no announcement….

Describe your funniest holiday moment?

We were skiing and I fell down some moguls and my youngest daughter skied down with my dropped ski as I slid about 150m face first.

Describe your favourite family holiday photo?

It is us just enjoying lunch on the Lower Zambezi in Zambia Do you have a dream family destination?

Not really but we love to travel and see as many new places as we can.

TRAVEL Britz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .britz .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Escape .Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .escapetravel .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC .

Jayco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .jayco .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Trafalgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .trafalgar .com/aus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Travel .With .Kidz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .travelwithkidz .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC TOURISM ORGANISATIONS Anaheim .OC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .anaheimoc .org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Bundaberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .bundaberg .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Coffs .Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .coffscoast .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Innsbruck .Tourismus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .innsbruck-packages .com . . . . . . . . . . .123 Norfolk .Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .norfolkisland .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 South .Africa .Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .southafrica .net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 SKI - INTERNATIONAL Innsbruck .Tourismus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .innsbruck-packages .com . . . . . . . . . . .123 Jackson .Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .jacksonhole .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108,109 Keystone .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .keystoneresort .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Mammoth .Lakes .Tourism . . . . . . . . . .www .visitmammoth .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 Mogul .Ski .World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .mogulski .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Mountain .Lodge .Telluride . . . . . . . . . .www .mountainlodgetelluride .com . . . . . . . 104 Ski .Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .skiitaly .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Ski .Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .skijapan .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124 Sun .Peaks .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .sunpeaksresort .com/AUS . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Telluride .Ski .Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .tellurideskiresort .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Travelplan .Ski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .travelplan .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 OUT & ABOUT WITH BABY Potette .Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .babyu .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Baby .& .Toddler .Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .babyandtoddlershow .com .au . . . . . . . 140 OTHER Give .Life .Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .givelifecenter .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 My .Busy .Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .mybusybag .com .au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND AND ONLY A SHORT FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA!

Disney’s youngest

Stay close to the magic Stay close to the magic at one of the two Disney-themed hotels – Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, located just a pleasant walk, or complimentary shuttle bus ride from the Park. Enjoy character dining, leisure facilities and the exclusive Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Disney’s youngest Theme Park is an enjoyable 2-Day experience located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

Step into seven themed lands based on stories of mystery, Wild West, Toy Story, fantasy, adventure, space and Americans. In each land, enjoy the high-quality rides, meet your favorite Disney friends, and watch amazing Broadwaystyle shows. ©Disney/Pixar ©Hasbro, Inc. ©Mattel, Inc. ©Poof-Slinky, Inc

© Disney

Main attractions

© Disney

Venture down Main Street U.S.A., enjoy the famous Disney Railroad and the Flights of Fantasy Parade. Make all of your storybook dreams come true at the fairytale adventures in Fantasyland. Journey mysterious waterways by riverboat, climb a giant treehouse and be awed by the magic of Adventureland.

Leave the Earth behind in Tomorrowland and blast off for a wild ride into outer space on Space Mountain.

TO BOOK YOUR ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT Find your nearest Travel With Kidz licensed agent at www.travelwithkidz.com.au or call 1300 729 541

New and exciting Join the toys from your favorite Toy Story movies for playtime in Andy’s backyard at “Toy Story Land” and not to be missed are the all new and exclusive Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point.

© Disney

Mention this ad to receive a complimentary gift from Disney exclusive to Travel With Kidz

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