We have three weeks left living in one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. We arrived with a seven month old baby and are now leaving with a five year old and a three year old. I really hope that we come back, again and again to introduce the region to our new bub, expected in March. Before we depart though I want to share the absolute best that the region has to offer families with young kids, hence the traditional travel blogger “top pick” list:
(1) Visit the Great Barrier Reef. Whatever you do, don’t skip a visit to the Great Barrier Reef just because you have young children. Our family loves visiting the reef and there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy there with little ones. The boats that visit pontoons provide touch tanks, glass bottom boat tours and children’s pools that facilitate interaction with small reef fish. Day tours to Green Island also work really well with little ones.
The children’s pool Sunlover pontoon
(2) Explore the rainforest. The pristine rainforest of tropical north Queensland is a unique ecosystem. Little kids love rainforest boardwalks and there are some great stroller friendly walks to enjoy. The Mamu Mamu Boadwalk takes families up into the rainforest canopy, for a different perspective. Cooling off in a rainforest swimming hole, such as at the Babinda Boulders near Babinda, Crystal Cascades near Cairns and the Mossman Gorge near Port Douglas is gorgeous – remember to take some bread to feed the fish.
(3) Spot a croc. Take a croc-spotting cruise. My own kids are much better at spotting the baby crocs than I am.
(4) Enjoy the beaches. The gentle waters of tropical north Queensland are perfect for families with young kids. Always swim between the red and yellow flags and take heed of stinger season and warnings.
(5) Go island hopping. Fitzroy Island and Green Island are an easy boat ride from Cairns. Magnetic Island off Townsville has substantial accommodation and dining options as well as numerous sheltered bays and beaches.
Fitzroy Island
(6) Meet the local wildlife. There are wildlife parks throughout the region where young children will enjoy feeding wallabies and kangaroos. Most of these have informative shows for the whole family.
Kangaroos at the Cairns Tropical Zoo
(7) Explore the Atherton Tablelands. A one hour drive from Cairns, the Tableland is foodie heaven . One of our favourite places to explore with the kids – top picks to visit include Gallo Dairyland, the Curtin Fig Tree and Mila Mila Falls.
Some fruit from Kuranda’s Rainforestation’s tropical orchard
(8) Get wet. There are free water-play areas on both Cairn’s Esplanade (Muddies playground) and Townsville’s Strand. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a large, free sandy lagoon. Onsite barbeque facilities at both sites make these great places to enjoy and outdoor meal together.
Water play at Muddies Playground Cairns
You may also be interested in the posts “Townsville by the Sea.” and “The best four hotels in Cairns for kids”.
This blog provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. You can join us on Facebook to receive updates to your news feed.
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This is a nice place for kids next i will go there with my kids and hope you had so much fun there.
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These are all great tips and one I will be using since we just booked a stop in Cairns in July. Michele from Malaysian Meanders just reminded me you lived in Cairns. Been seeing your Melbourne posts on FB. I will be using your blog as an awesome resource while planning. My kids will be most excited about meeting the local wildlife 🙂 Happy Holidays!
You will love Cairns in July Mary – it is the best time of year to visit. Happy holidays to you too.
Danielle you must miss living here… now wishing we went out to the reef when we were up that way 18 months ago but I wasn’t convinced that the kids would get much out of it (and I would spend my time worrying about someone going overboard!) but it looks fantastic – pity the boat companies didn’t highlight these features when we were looking into it. Ah well there is always next time, and probably more likely to remember it now they are that bit older!
Kate, don’t feel disappointed. Most people don’t take their young kids to the reef because the companies don’t market well to them. We are missing the tropical north but hope to visit every year.
Beautiful photo, thanks for sharing! I would love to go there some day. 🙂
Hi Danielle,
Great post and your experience is vicarious. I am not from Australia and heard a lot about the travel destinations.
One of my friend been to Great Barrier Reef and his description of GBR was not less than a heavenly experience. Looking forward to enjoy the rich culture and diversity of Australia this summer. Hopefully will get important information about travel from your blog..:)
Thanks and stay blessed
Susan
You have a great site here, and I love the photos. Good on you for getting out there and showing your kids this awesome country!
Thanks Aaron. Having kids is just an extra reason to explore Australia as they love it as much as us.
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