Last Minute Family Holidays

by Ivana Katz (subscribe)

Haven't had the chance to think about what to do and where to go during the next holidays? Don't despair, you still have time to plan last minute family holidays. Whether your children are young or a bit older, you will find plenty of family friendly places to stay and activities to enjoy within your budget.

Central Coast

Approximately 1.5 hours north of Sydney, Central Coast has plenty to offer whether you are planning a quiet getaway or an action packed holiday.

Accommodation:

Oaks Waterfront Resort, The Entrance
Located on the waterfront, this resort features self contained apartments, a gym, a rooftop swimming pool, wading pool and spa. Cafes, restaurants and parks/playgrounds are located right outside.



Things to do:

Segway Tour at Mount Penang Gardens – lots of fun on two wheels. Minimum age is 9 years

Aqua Fun at Avoca Lake – hire pedal boats, kayaks and standup paddle boards

Vera's Water Garden at the Entrance – a water playground for young children

Pelican Feeding at the Entrance – watch pelicans be fed every afternoon

Australian Reptile Park – come face to face with crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, turtles and more

Beaches to visit: Umina Beach, Avoca Beach, Macmasters Beach, Toowoon Bay, Copacabana Beach, Canton Beach, Terrigal Beach, Ocean Beach

Ice Arena at Erina – world class ice skating facilities.





Port Stephens

Situated just 2.5 hours north of Sydney, this is a great spot if you enjoy water sports or want some time to rest and relax. For children, there are plenty of fun activities and places to visit.

Accommodation:

The Landmark
One of the best resorts in the Nelson Bay area, The Landmark offers studios and self-contained apartments with fully equipped kitchenette, balcony, Cable TV and DVD player and spa bath. Onsite facilities include heated swimming pool and spa, elevated sun deck, games room, pool table, on-site parking and communal laundry.



One Mile Beach Holiday Park
A holiday park that caters to every budget and lifestyle. Set up a tent, bring a caravan, rent a cabin or a luxury beachside apartment. The park's facilities include a swimming pool with slides, a spa, basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, putput golf and playground.



Things to do:

Dolphin or Whale Watch Cruise – you will find many excellent companies, which offer cruises – Moonshadow Cruises, Imagine Cruises

Go Sandboarding – just like snowboarding, but without getting cold

Australian Shark and Ray Centre – Handfeed giant sharks and sting rays from outside the tank or put on a wetsuit and get right amongst them.

Oakvale Farm & Fauna World – Get up close with farm animals – cuddle koalas, milk a cow, ride a tractor and more

David Grahams Golf Complex – enjoy a game of putt putt golf or play at the driving range

Beaches to visit: Birubi Beach, Boat Harbour, Crolette Beach, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Salamander Bay, Sunset Beach.





Port Macquarie

Approximately 3 hours north of Newcastle and 5 hours drive from Sydney, Port Macquarie is a popular family destination

Accommodation:

Flynns on Surf Resort
Features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas with modern facilities including TV with Austar, garage, 2 bathrooms, private balcony, wifi, safe, reverse cycle airconditioning and fully equipped kitchen. Onsite facilities include swimming pool, BBQ area and outdoor dining and plenty of space for children to run, play and explore.



Things to do:

Camel Rides on Lighthouse Beach – lots of fun for adults as well as children

Timbertown Heritage Theme Park – step back in time, ride a steam train, learn how to crack the whip, feed the animals

Ricardoes – pick your own strawberries and tomatoes

Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park – Get close to wallabies, wombats, reptiles and other native animals

Beaches to visit: Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Towns Beach, North Beach





Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is located approximately 6 hours north of Sydney and is ideal for family holidays or as a stopover if driving further up north. It has beautiful beaches and plenty of family friendly facilities.

Accommodation:

Opal Cove Resort
A luxurious 4 star resort, which is just a short drive from Coffs Harbour City Centre. Facilities include two swimming pools, outdoor spa, 9 hole golf course, tennis court, sauna, gym, day spa and beautiful gardens, large chess set, arcade games, table tennis and more. The resort offers babysitting service for young children and also a kids club for children aged 5-12.



Aqualuna Beach Resort
This resort offers stunning water views, luxury affordable apartments with private balconies, open plan living room, self contained kitchen, laundry, large bathroom with spa and complimentary car parking, wireless broadband. Facilities include a restaurant / bar, swimming pool, children's wading pool, gym, tennis court, bbq area and games room.



Things to do:

Dolphin Marine Magic – Play with dolphins, feed fish and penguins, interact with seals and enjoy several shows

The Clog Barn – Explore miniature Dutch villages

Big Banana – Hours of fun on water slides, toboggan, ice skating and watch hard candy be made

Coffs Coast Camels – ride camels on the beach or at the park - an unforgettable experience for young and old.

Solitary Islands Aquarium – enjoy the underwater world without getting wet.





Last minute family holidays can be a lot of fun. Be spontaneous, book some accommodation through www.lastminute.com or www.wotif.com.au, pack your bags and head out the door.

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Why? Family holidays

When: All year round