Sydney, Australia

Why Your Family Needs a Trip “Down Under”

Sydney, Australia
*Written in collaboration with Mary J.

While Australia is one of the seven continents in the world, it is also one of the largest countries, located between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans in the Southern hemisphere. Because it is located at the most southern point in the world, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing, sunny vacation. If you have been considering a warm weather getaway to escape the cold winters of the Northern hemisphere, below are the top reasons why you should consider planning a trip to this wonderful country.

Technological Advancement

Australia is filled with appealing sights and innumerable natural views ranging from the beautiful beaches to the fascinating wildlife that inhabits this country. Additionally, the country has made many technological advancements, for example Australia’s famous Skytrain which is a cable-way train that transverses through the rain forest and gives you the full view of the captivating scenery. 

Australia

To make the best memories on your Australian getaway, these four places are must-sees for you and your family on your adventures down under.

Gold Coast Theme Parks

When visiting Australia, be sure to make a stop at the Gold Coast which is located in Queensland. The Gold Coast Theme Parks are geared toward children as well as the kid in all of us with its myriad of activities that are sure to entertain travelers of all ages. The park boasts a variety of themes including Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet and Wild and Whitewater Worlds. One day is not enough time to enjoy the park with your family, so definitely consider VIP passes that will grant you easier access as well as save you money. When visiting the park, you can participate in many activities such as surfing, jet skiing, sea-kayaking and whale-watching.

Sydney

The shimmering metropolis of Sydney is one of Australia’s biggest cities as well as the home of the Sydney Harbour. The vicinity created by the flawless waters that surround the town creates the perfect backdrop for gorgeous photography. The scenery is very sophisticated which you can enjoy at a leisurely pace by embarking on a Sydney Ferry ride. The ferry will provide you with views from the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city is also host to Cockatoo Island, Fort Denison, Manly Beach, Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Quarter Playground, and the Wild and Sealife Zoo and Aquarium.

Brisbane

If you are traveling with children, it is helpful to have a planned itinerary so everyone gets the most out of your vacation. Brisbane is a wonderful destination for families with young kids where you can visit the Queensland Museum and Science Center and the Queensland Art Gallery as well as the Gallery of Modern Art. All of these establishments offer myriads of kid-oriented activity rooms with hands-on interactive programs that every child is sure to enjoy while on holiday.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great Barrier Reef

When in Australia, visiting the Reef is a must. You can gain access by staying on the Whitsunday Islands, a group of eight islands that have hotels accessible by flights and boat rides and offer direct access to the Great Barrier Reef. The proximity to the Reef enables you to indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, water slides and wave skis, all of which are great activities for an unforgettable family bonding experience. The available resorts offer a delicious array of Australian cuisines which will contribute to making your Reef expedition a memorable one.

When planning a trip to Australia, keep in mind that one or two days is not enough time to really experience all that this mesmerizing country has to offer. With plenty of places to visit and activities to experience, be sure to plan enough time as a well as a structured itinerary so you don’t miss out. Because the country is extensively vast, you may require an extended vacation to enjoy your time at a comfortable pace. It is also definitely worth more than just one trip!

I have never been to Australia, but it has been on my bucket list for probably as long as I have memories. How about you?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

14 Comments

  • Patrick Weseman

    I went there in 1993 while in the U.S. Navy, I went to Melbourne and it was so wonderful. I love the place. One of the coolest things (Sorry for a sea story) is that I became a Golden Shellback. I crossed the equator and the International Date Line at the same time.

    Australia is a place that I would love to go back to and stay. I have this huge obsession with the place (I do watch the Australian Baseball League and Aussie Football and have some gear). I better quit while I am behind.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, I love this! I had never heard the term “Golden Shellback” but what a cool sea story to have! And I loved learning this little bit of interesting information about you. I hope you get to go back there again someday! My favorite place on Earth that I hope to get back to one day would have to be Iceland. Such a beautiful country!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Joanne

    OH yes, Australia is one of those places I’d just LOVE to visit one day. Have you ever read In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson? It’s all about his travels to Australia and I thought it was both funny and so informative. He really tried to travel all over the continent.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Barbara, thanks for checking out the post! I don’t know if I would survive a 24 hour plane trip either. I get crazy claustrophobic and panicky in confined spaces like planes. I can barely tolerate a 6 hour flight.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Christine

    I am Australian so it is always interesting to read what others think of your home. I have also lived in Europe for many years & have visited the USA a few of times & am now back living in Sydney. It is very disappointing to read so many people comment that they would not visit Australia because of the long plane trip. Australians of all ages travel across the globe every year. Surely we are not the only hardy ones – yes it is a long trip – but be assured it is worth it.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Christine, thank you so much for visiting my blog and commenting and for visiting the USA. I think there are different kinds of people when it comes to travel…those who are very hardy and can travel long distances with ease and those who are just not equipped for it. I get extremely claustrophobic on airplanes, so a 6 hour flight is about my limit before I get really panicky and uncomfortable. However, given the opportunity and financial capability to visit Australia, I would absolutely go for it despite my discomfort getting there! But I may not want to come back home! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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