5 Budget Friendly Family Holiday Destinations

1. Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is a beauty no doubt. Famous for its wine culture to keep the grown-ups happy, the Hunter Valley is perfect natural getaway for little ones too. If you can’t find a babysitter to look after the kids while you go tasting, don’t worry! There’s plenty of family friendly activities around cool-climate country:

• The Chocolate and Fudge Factory
• The Hunter Valley Gardens Village
• Hunter Valley Zoo, and
• Hunter Valley Horse Riding

Our purpose-built family rooms at Hunter Valley YHA are a short drive away from the centre of town, and have plenty of space on the property for younger ones to explore. Simply show up, and let our friendly staff look after you while you explore the region.

2. Sydney Harbour

The views over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House are priceless but they don’t have to be costly! Explore the beauty of Sydney and spoil your family, staying at Sydney Harbour YHA, close by to many great family attractions:

• Luna Park Amusement Park
• The Royal Botanic Gardens
• Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
• The Australian Museum
• ….. and of course, too many incredible beaches to count!

If you’ve got any student or concession cards for you and the family, check with our reception staff to see what great discounts you can score on events and attractions across the city. Pick up an Opal Travel Card to catch the famous Sydney to Manly ferry, just a short walk from the hostel, for a truly unforgettable family holiday.

3. Blue Mountains

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and turn a day trip into a blissful weekender in the Blue Mountains. The area is famous for its mind-blowing scenery, bushwalking adventures, canoeing, cave tours and an incredible creative scene. Our family rooms at our award-winning Blue Mountains YHA are kitted out from murals to fairy lights, you’ll have the mountains right on your doorstep, ready to be explored!

4. Grampians National Park

Just three hours away from Melbourne lies the Grampians National Park, home to the picturesque MacKenzie Falls, caves of Indigenous rock art, 160km of walking trails, and Halls Gap – a tiny village of 600 people. Known for its flourishing food and wine scene, there’s also abundant wildlife all around the hostel, including our hostel chickens! The kids can help managers of our eco-certified Grampians Eco YHA, Kellie and Gary, forage for eggs in the morning, or head down to the Grampians National Park to spot kangaroos and kookaburras.

5. Magnetic Island

Ever wanted to cuddle koalas over breakfast? Pack up the car and head out to what the locals lovingly call ‘Maggy Island.’ This hidden slice of paradise is easily accessible via a 20min ferry ride from Townsville. Home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, dozens of walking tracks, cafes, restaurants, diverse wildlife, and so much more, you can escape the city without needing to stray too far from all the creature comforts you’ll find in our family rooms. Stay at Magnetic Island YHA, and take your children to the on-site koala sanctuary, where they can learn about koalas, wombats, birds and reptiles.

Wherever your family is headed, we’ve got safe and comfortable accommodation with all you need to turn the family holiday into great memories.