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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.

Published: February 21, 2026

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.

DestinationFlight time from AustraliaEstimated cost(3 days, family of 4)Best for
Bali3–6 hoursAUD 900–1,500Budget beach holiday with culture and activities
Fiji4–5 hoursAUD 1,800–3,000Relaxing resort stay with kids’ clubs and calm beaches
Japan9–10 hoursAUD 2,500–4,000Safe, organised city trip with theme parks and culture
New Zealand3–4 hoursAUD 1,800–3,200Nature escapes, road trips, and outdoor family adventures
Thailand8–9 hoursAUD 1,200–2,000Affordable beach resorts and family activities
Malaysia~8 hoursAUD 1,300–2,200Budget-friendly city sightseeing and food culture
Singapore~8 hoursAUD 2,200–3,500Clean, safe, and easy first trip to Asia with major attractions
Hawaii9–10 hoursAUD 3,500–5,500Premium beach resorts and outdoor adventures
Hong Kong~9 hoursAUD 2,300–3,800Short city break with theme parks and harbour views
Cook Islands6–7 hoursAUD 2,400–4,200Quiet 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

Lush landscapes and warm tropical days in early spring. Source: Shutterstock

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

Snorkling in Fiji.
Snorkling in Fiji. Source: Shutterstock

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

Cherry blossom bloom in Japan
Cherry blossom bloom in Japan. Source: Shuttersock

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

New Zealand landscape.
New Zealand landscape. Source: Shutterstock

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

Famous Thailand Train Route
Train system in Thailand. Source: Shutterstock

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

eSIM for Kuala Lumpur
View of Kuala Lumpur. Source: Shutterstock

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

Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay. Source: Shutterstock

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

hawaii view
Ocean view of Hawaii. Source: Shutterstock

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

Hong Kong at night. Source: Shutterstock

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

Ocean view of Cook Islands.
Ocean view of Cook Islands. Source: Unsplash

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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