A Week of Family Fun in Australia

1. Saturday December 30: Sydney Opera House
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Sydney CBD

   Start your day exploring the iconic Sydney Opera House. Take a guided tour to learn about its unique architecture and rich history. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic at the Royal Botanic Garden and take a ferry ride to Taronga Zoo for an up-close experience with Australian wildlife.

   • Sydney Opera House Tour: $35, 1 hour
2. Sunday December 31: Bondi Beach
   30 minutes (7 miles) from Sydney CBD

   Spend the morning relaxing at Bondi Beach, known for its golden sand and vibrant atmosphere. Take a coastal walk to Bronte Beach and enjoy brunch at a beachside café. In the afternoon, visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to discover the wonders of the underwater world.

   • Coastal Walk: Free, 1.5 hours
   • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: $40, 2 hours
3. Monday January 1: Blue Mountains
   1 hour 30 minutes (65 miles) from Sydney CBD

   Escape the city and explore the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Visit Scenic World to experience the thrilling rides and panoramic views. Discover the stunning rock formations of the Three Sisters and enjoy a bushwalk in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

   • Scenic World: $45, 4 hours
4. Tuesday January 2: Great Barrier Reef
   2 hours 30 minutes (290 miles) from Cairns CBD

   Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a snorkeling or diving tour to witness the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Don't miss the opportunity to see the majestic beauty of this natural wonder.

   • Great Barrier Reef Tour: $150, 6 hours
5. Wednesday January 3: Australia Zoo
   1 hour (52 miles) from Brisbane CBD

   Get up close and personal with incredible wildlife at Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin. Experience interactive animal encounters, watch amazing wildlife shows, and learn about conservation efforts. It's a day full of educational fun for the whole family.

   • Australia Zoo Admission: $59, 5 hours
6. Thursday January 4: Gold Coast Theme Parks
   1 hour 20 minutes (48 miles) from Brisbane CBD

   Experience thrill and excitement at the Gold Coast theme parks. Whether you choose Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, or Wet'n'Wild, there's something for everyone. Enjoy exhilarating rides, live shows, and meet your favorite movie characters.

   • Dreamworld Ticket: $99, 7 hours
   • Warner Bros. Movie World Ticket: $89, 7 hours
   • Wet'n'Wild Ticket: $79, 7 hours
7. Friday January 5: Melbourne Zoo
   10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Melbourne CBD

   Explore the animal kingdom at Melbourne Zoo. Discover a wide variety of animals from around the world and learn about their habitats and conservation efforts. Enjoy interactive exhibits, keeper talks, and wildlife encounters.

   • Melbourne Zoo Admission: $37, 4 hours

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Great Ocean Road for stunning coastal scenery or taking a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest for a unique rainforest experience. To make the most of your money, check out local deals and discounts for attractions and consider purchasing combination tickets. Don't forget to try some traditional Australian cuisine like meat pies and vegemite sandwiches for an authentic taste of the country.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices here.