short breaks
Great Ocean Road.
Six
Kid-FriendlyGetaways Words: Claudia Bouma. images: Chris Bouma
Great ocean road, ViC A magical getaway only a couple of hours from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. The renowned Twelve Apostles are an impressive sight, whether you’re big or small and the story of Australia’s most famous shipwreck, the Loch Ard, will capture anyone’s imagination. Walk down the 86 Gibson Steps and let the kids run wild on the beach while enjoying the magnificent views of Gog and Magog, two nearby limestone stacks. Visit London Arch, once known as London Bridge, and read about the amazing rescue of two tourists stranded when the arch suddenly collapsed – they were marooned for a couple of hours. A visit to the breathtaking Bay of Islands near Peterborough is mandatory where there are a number of walks and lookouts that are worth exploring. Pay a visit to the seaside town of Port Campbell and treat the kids to local fish and chips along the town’s foreshore.
middle of the rainforest with the sound of the Southern Ocean in the background. Kangaroos frequent the beach and the nearby Smoky Cape Lighthouse is a fascinating place to visit. The lighthouse sits on a narrow granite headland, towering 140 m above the sea, making it the state’s highest light. The lookout is a great location to spot humpback and southern whales during their annual migration. The massive mammals head north in June–July to mate and give birth in the warmer Queensland waters, to return back to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds with their calves in October–November. The nearby town of South West Rocks has a wonderful playground as well as an oldfashioned lolly shop which kids will love. Take the kids to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and learn about Australian history as you walk through the ruins. Finally, hike up Monument Hill to enjoy the panoramic views of this area of aweinspiring beauty.
lamington national park, QlD Hat Head national park, nsW Near Nambucca Heads, kids will enjoy camping at Smoky Cape campground in the 16 |
Go Ca mpinG austr a li a
A rainforest oasis located only 90 minutes inland from the busy Gold Coast, World Heritagelisted Lamington National Park transports the