10 Best overseas family holidays from Australia
Best overseas family holidays from Australia are Bali, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hawaii, Hong Kong, and the Cook Islands.
Some of the best overseas family holidays from Australia are found across Asia and the Pacific, where short flight times, safe transportation, and strong value for money make travelling with family, including children, much easier.
Many of these destinations offer family-friendly resorts, cultural attractions, and activities suited to school-holiday travel. In this guide, we explore the best overseas family holiday destinations from Australia and explain what makes each one worth visiting.
What makes a great overseas family holiday from Australia?
Australians look for a few simple things when travelling overseas with family. Beautiful scenery, good food, fun attractions, and a chance to experience local culture all matter. But travelling with family, especially children, also means considering comfort, safety, and cost.
We chose the destinations in this guide based on what Australian families value most when planning the best overseas family holidays from Australia. Here’s what we considered:
- Flight time and jet lag: All destinations are within 10 hours of Australia, making travel easier and less tiring for children.
- Family-friendly infrastructure: We selected destinations that are easy to visit with kids, have walkable areas, and offer activities for all ages, rather than nightlife or party scenes.
- Safety and healthcare: Destinations were selected for safe environments, reliable transportation, and access to medical care as needed.
- Value for money: Family travel can be expensive, so we included locations where accommodation, food, and activities offer good overall value.
- Weather and school holidays: We considered peak and shoulder seasons for Australians to help families find the best balance of good weather, smaller crowds, and reasonable prices.
Best overseas family holiday destinations from Australia
Australian families can reach beach resorts, safe cities, and nature destinations within a few hours. Each option below differs in cost, flight time, and the type of family experience it offers.
| Destination | Flight time from Australia | Estimated cost(3 days, family of 4) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | 3–6 hours | AUD 900–1,500 | Budget beach holiday with culture and activities |
| Fiji | 4–5 hours | AUD 1,800–3,000 | Relaxing resort stay with kids’ clubs and calm beaches |
| Japan | 9–10 hours | AUD 2,500–4,000 | Safe, organised city trip with theme parks and culture |
| New Zealand | 3–4 hours | AUD 1,800–3,200 | Nature escapes, road trips, and outdoor family adventures |
| Thailand | 8–9 hours | AUD 1,200–2,000 | Affordable beach resorts and family activities |
| Malaysia | ~8 hours | AUD 1,300–2,200 | Budget-friendly city sightseeing and food culture |
| Singapore | ~8 hours | AUD 2,200–3,500 | Clean, safe, and easy first trip to Asia with major attractions |
| Hawaii | 9–10 hours | AUD 3,500–5,500 | Premium beach resorts and outdoor adventures |
| Hong Kong | ~9 hours | AUD 2,300–3,800 | Short city break with theme parks and harbour views |
| Cook Islands | 6–7 hours | AUD 2,400–4,200 | Quiet tropical escape with safe lagoons and slow pace |
Bali
Travelling to Bali is a popular choice for Australian families because it is close, affordable, and easy to visit with children. Flights are short, the weather is warm, and families can stay in resorts or private villas at low prices.
Beaches, snorkelling, surfing, and cultural sights give families plenty to do, while cheap food and transportation keep daily costs low. These advantages continue to make Bali from Australia one of the easiest and most affordable overseas choices for families.
Flight time: 3–6 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 900–1,500

Fiji
Fiji is known for calm beaches, relaxed resorts, and a slow pace that suits families with children. Many families stay at all-inclusive or beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs and safe swimming areas.
Snorkelling, water sports, short walks, and cultural shows offer simple ways to enjoy the islands. This makes Fiji from Australia an easy choice for families seeking a peaceful and stress-free holiday nearby.
Flight time: 4–5 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip (family of 4): AUD 1,800–3,000

Japan
Travelling to Japan with children is easy because the country is safe, clean, and simple to navigate. Public transportation is fast and reliable, and cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer theme parks, shopping, and cultural sights.
The mix of modern attractions and traditional culture keeps both kids and adults interested. Planning a trip to Japan is a good idea for families looking for an exciting holiday without the complicated travel.
Flight time: 9–10 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 2,500–4,000

New Zealand
Travelling to New Zealand is a simple way for Australian families to experience one of the most family-friendly holiday destinations, thanks to short flights, English-speaking communities, and relaxed South Island road trips.
Lakes, mountains, wildlife parks, and scenic drives create an easy outdoor escape. New Zealand is perfect for families who prefer nature to busy cities.
Flight time: 3–4 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 1,800–3,200

Thailand
Thailand is popular for beach resorts, family-friendly facilities, and low travel costs. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui offer kids’ clubs, pools, island tours, zoos, and easy day trips.
Affordable Thai street food and transportation, along with the many things to do in Thailand, make it easier to enjoy more experiences without overspending. Thailand is a strong choice for a fun beach holiday on a budget.
Flight time: 8–9 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 1,200–2,000

Malaysia
Malaysia combines cultural diversity, modern cities, and affordable prices. Food and accommodation are budget-friendly, and Kuala Lumpur offers shopping, theme parks, and sightseeing.
Many families also add a short visit to nearby Singapore. Malaysia is a practical family destination with plenty to see at a lower daily cost.
Flight time: ~8 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 1,300–2,200

Singapore
Singapore is clean, safe, and very easy to travel with children. Public transportation is simple, English is widely spoken, and attractions like zoos, gardens, and theme parks are easy to reach.
Although more expensive than nearby countries, travelling to Singapore from Australia is a great choice for Australian families, especially for those visiting Asia for the first time, thanks to its ease, safety, and convenience.
Flight time: ~8 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 2,200–3,500

Hawaii
Travelling to Hawaii offers families beautiful beaches, natural scenery, and comfortable resorts. It suits those with older children who enjoy surfing, hiking, cultural shows, and outdoor activities.
While prices in Hawaii are higher than in Asia, the scenery and relaxed beach lifestyle are a major draw. Hawaii is best for families planning a longer resort-style escape, especially when visiting during the best time to visit Hawaii from Australia.
Flight time: 9–10 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 3,500–5,500

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a compact city that works well for short family trips or first-time travel in Asia. Public transportation is excellent, and theme parks, cable cars, and harbour views keep children entertained. Hong Kong’s convenience makes it ideal for a quick and easy overseas family break.
Flight time: ~9 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 2,300–3,800

Cook Islands
The Cook Islands offer a calm, relaxed island holiday, with quiet beaches and safe lagoons for children. Direct flights from Australia and simple water activities make travel easy. The slow pace is perfect for rest and family time, making the Cook Islands a peaceful tropical escape for Australian families.
Flight time: 6–7 hours
Expected cost for a 3-day trip for 4: AUD 2,400–4,200

Practical tips for Australians planning overseas family holidays
These simple tips can help Australian families prepare for smoother travel when planning the best overseas family holidays from Australia.
- Book flights early around Australian school holidays to secure better prices and seats together.
- Choose family-friendly accommodation such as resorts, serviced apartments, or villas with space and kitchen access.
- Buy travel insurance that covers children, medical care, and trip cancellations.
- Manage jet lag by adjusting sleep times before departure and planning light activities on arrival.
- Use a travel eSIM to stay connected overseas without expensive roaming fees.
- Pack essential medicines, snacks, and entertainment for long flights and transfers.
- Check passport validity and entry rules well before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Stay connected on your overseas family holiday with Holafly
Regardless of where your best overseas family holidays from Australia take you, get unlimited data with Holafly. Holafly’s Global eSIM provides unlimited data and up to 5G coverage in 121 countries worldwide, starting at AUD 15 for 1 day.
You also receive 24/7 customer support and up to 1,024 MB of daily hotspot sharing for your family. Frequent travelers can also avail of Holafly Plans, a pay-monthly global eSIM subscription that gives you unlimited data in over 160 destinations, a local phone number, unlimited hotspot sharing, and other travel perks.
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