Before planning a big, bucket-list trip, it’s wise to start with a shorter holiday with kids — and the Gold Coast is one of the best places in Australia for a family holiday. The short flight helps toddlers adjust to air travel, while the destination’s family-friendly setup takes the stress out of travelling with little ones. Gold Coast also has all the comforts of home, so if you forget anything you know you can nip to the shops and get your regular brand. Gold Coast also has some of the most consistent and pleasantly warm weather in Australia, meaning beach days can make up a huge chunk of your trip. There’s nothing more exciting than playing with a bucket and shovel! You’ll also find plenty of other kid-friendly options, from the simple attraction of going on a tram or booking a whale watching tour. Going to the Gold Coast can easily become a family tradition, and when the kids grow up, there’s a whole host of theme parks to enjoy. No wonder it's one of the best places in Australia with kids!

Tropical nations like Fiji are the perfect holiday destination for babies, toddlers and adults. Book a villa for the family and relax by the beach. For many Australians, a flight to Fiji is just a few hours away, which is another huge perk. Even if your child has survived a domestic flight or two, it’s always best to keep flights short and sweet while you can. Keeping toddlers and babies engaged on the beach or by the pool is a simple way to avoid tantrums and enjoy your holiday. Many resorts in Fiji also have kids club or offers like kids eat free, which can also help your holiday run smoothly. Plus, Fijian culture is famously baby-friendly–you won’t feel out of place bringing them to any shop or restaurant.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly holiday that’s outdoorsy but comfortable, then New Zealand may be the answer. More specifically, Te Waipounamu. Fly into Christchurch and explore the best of the South Island. Your family will find solace in the familiarity, but there’s plenty of novel sights and activities to enjoy. It’s also a great place to go for a hiking holiday with young children, while they’re still portable. To the north of Christchurch is the Hanmer Fairy Door Walk. This 20-minute loop is manageable for a toddler who will be tricked into the adventure due to the numerous fairy doors placed on the trees. Many hikers leave gifts behind the doors for future toddlers, so be sure to bring something behind for the next group to discover. Elsewhere on the island, you have the Queenstown Gardens Loop that’s stroller-friendly and or a longer trek like the Blue Pools track that’s easily doable with a baby carrier. Who knows, maybe the scenery will inspire your baby to take their first steps!

One of the best aspects of a holiday with young children is making memories together as a family. Without the pressure of work, spending quality time all together can build strong bonds and create precious memories. Nelson Bay, half an hour from Newcastle Airport, is the perfect place to do this. Again, there are short flights for many families in Australia and a host of attractions available for all ages. Like Gold Coast, whale/dolphin watching tours are popular seasonal options, and there are plenty of year-round attractions too. Consider going to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, the Oakvale Farm petting zoo or one of the many beaches. It's the perfect holiday with kids if you want to get up-close and personal with the wildlife. Accommodation is easy to find and often caters to groups. Like many coastal towns, you’ll find many houses and apartments let as holiday homes. This gives you a cosy space together, a kitchen to cut down on expenses (and to provide healthy food) and a great space for those afternoon naps.

Much like Fiji, Bali is an excellent holiday destination for families with young children. Hotels, villas and resorts are well geared for families, with a wide range of activities and facilities on hand. Like other popular tourist destinations, you’ll find a huge competition for your money. This is especially true for accommodation if you travel outside the school holiday seasons. Enjoy family time together in relaxing ways. Take your floaties to the pool or water park, play on the sand or make use of onsite child car services. Elsewhere on the island you can browse markets, see wild monkeys and book into soft play centres.