Need a break? Here are 7 regional family holidays you need to try next.

Holidays. It’s felt like a distant memory for a cheeky year or two (or three!) hasn’t it? But even as travel possibilities open up for us, many of us find ourselves yearning to explore our own backyard, helping support our own local gems and Aussie tourism. 

Regaining our freedom has made us realise that Australia has some of the best hidden (and not so hidden) experiences and natural wonders. And honestly, our desire to get out and find them has never been stronger. 

NRMA Parks and Resorts have parks in some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations and natural landscapes making it a top tier choice to visit with the family. And they deliver way beyond simply ‘somewhere to sleep’. From glamping and cabins to camp and caravan sites, NRMA Parks and Resorts really do have accommodation options (ahem, with waterslides, pools, kids clubs...) to suit any family size or budget. Even if you have a fur baby with you, many of their sites welcome them too.

It’s these holiday moments that not only create memories for families but also allow kids to experience and explore places different to their own. There are some really beautiful places (particularly regional and rural spots) that I would recommend every family visits during their travels around our sunburnt country.

Here are 7 recommendations to get you inspired.

Port Macquarie, NSW

Located on the Mid North Coast, this coastal town is perfect for beautiful beaches, friendly locals and the best climate in Australia.

The 9km coastal walk from town all the way to Tacking Point Lighthouse will see you pass historic sites, stunning coastal scenery, beaches and rainforest. 

For some history, there is the convict-built Historic Courthouse, the Historical Museum and the Historical Cemetery in the heart of town which dates all the way back to 1821. 

The kids will absolutely love a visit to the Koala Hospital, Bago Vineyard Maze and the newly-built WildNets Adventure Park, which sits just 10 minutes outside of Port, is Australia’s largest suspension playground and gives visitors a really unique experience.

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Whether you visit in the warmer months or rug up in the cooler ones, relax on the sandy beaches of Flynns or Towns and watch for whales or dolphins. And the best part? NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is located literally on the breakwall that separates the river from the sea, with rocks that you can paint lining the path.

Victor Harbor, SA

Only an hour drive south of Adelaide, Victor Harbor is the historical coastal town that's highly recommended for its relaxed charm, local seafood and rugged clifftop views.

Located right on the Fleurieu Peninsula, your first stop should be a stroll or horse tram ride over the wooden causeway that connects the mainland at Victor Harbor to Granite Island Recreation Park (or just Granite Island to the locals). This island is characterised by huge granite boulders, and is home to little penguins (!!!) with the chance to spot seals, dolphins and the majestic Southern Right whale. 

The underwater observatory at Oceanic Victor is a must-visit. A short boat ride from Granite Island, you can actually hand feed from the surface, or jump in and swim with plenty of sea species, like Southern Bluefin Tuna! 

At the end of each day, go glamping in Safari Tents at NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park where your family will enjoy being a stone’s throw from the beach (and pets are welcome there, too).

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Tasman Peninsula, TAS

Sleep where convicts literally tended to vegetable gardens with a stay at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park when you visit the Tasman Peninsula and everything it has to offer.

Just 26 minutes outside of Port Arthur is the Totem Pole Sea Stack, a dolerite sea cliff that rises up from Fortescue Bay in Tasman National Park. Marvelling at the Stack from the 300m cliff side is unforgettable as you take in the sheer beauty of such a unique natural creation.

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And if you’re lucky, you'll get to view some of the wonderful wildlife this seascape has to offer, including migrating wales, dolphins, Australian fur seals and penguins.

Port Arthur, the once-penal town, really promotes exploration and the rich history of times before with the World-heritage listed convict site, Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s home to dozens of structures including the Separate Prison, filled with stories to tickle the kids' imaginations.

For some relaxation beside the water, visit Stewart’s Bay. The water is clear and fairly shallow so it’s great for supervised little ones. The walk back into the town centre is easy, allowing you to make it back in plenty of time for the Maker’s Markets at the old Historic Site.

Gold Coast, QLD

Okay... let’s face it, not the most obscure recommendation at first glance! But sometimes the kids just want to go nuts and tackle a few waterslides and rollercoasters during their road trip. And whilst headed north through sunny Queensland, the Gold Coast is the place for some serious fun.

But outside the obvious, there are places like Jellurgal Mountain where you can take an Indigenous-led guided stroll along a beachside rainforest walkway. Seriously, it's well worth a visit and the kids will feel so engaged and involved.

Then there’s the hidden world of the glow worms (bet you didn't see that coming?), lighting up the night in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The worms live underneath the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, located just 60 minutes out of Surfers Paradise.

Mount Tamborine, just an hour outside of the city, boasts beautiful national parkland and amazing local food experiences. And if you are keen to escape the high-rise accommodation for something more family-friendly, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort will keep the whole family happy.

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And don’t forget the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on the beach opposite Caville Avenue to find a little spesh souvenir to remind you of your trip.

Great Ocean Road, VIC

An Australian National Heritage listed 240km stretch of road along the south-east coast of Oz, the Great Ocean Road (or GOR if we're blending in like locals) is housed between the famous surfing town of Torquay and Allansford, home of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter.

Starting at Bells Beach, you could lay witness to some of the infamous, heavy swell surf that was home to Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze whilst filming Point Break. The Great Ocean Road Memorial Archway is a must-have photo point, constructed in 1932 to commemorate the soldiers that built the Great Ocean Road after WW1. 

Sites like the 12 Apostles, The Grotto, The Arch and London Bridge boast some of Mother Nature’s finest rock formations at sea with Erskine Falls’ spectacular waterfall able to be admired by two lookout points after a pleasant walk. 

Something the kids will really love is Otway Fly Treetop Walk, hidden in the rainforest just north of the GOR. It consists of a series of suspended bridges dangling 25 metres up in the treetops and is touted as being the most thrilling GOR attraction there is.

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And lastly, make sure you visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. End your journey with a visit to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park to see Indigenous rock art paintings and one the largest waterfalls in Victoria, being the iconic MacKenzie Falls – and a local stay at NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park.

Airlie Beach, QLD

Part of the Whitsunday region, Airlie Beach is accessible luxury with a small local population but a huge amount of things to do.

Tours to Whitehaven Beach and diving on the Great Barrier Reef are at the top of every visitor’s list, but Airlie Beach Lagoon is absolutely perfect for families who may be travelling on a budget but still want to experience Airlie’s famous luxury. 

Heart Reef is exactly what you picture – a lone reef naturally created in the shape of a heart. It’s a really popular destination and also accessible for you to take your own pics up in the air via a charter flight!

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To experience raw Airlie, go for a stroll along Bicentennial Walkway, a 4km waterfront walk that really shows off Airlie’s natural coastal beauty. 

And before you head back to your spot at NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park, don’t forget to visit this lesser known secret spot – Cedar Creek Falls. Located just 20 minutes outside of Airlie, you can experience the peaceful waterfall and secluded waterhole and if you’re lucky, you might have some of the local wild turtles join you.

South West Rocks, NSW

Surrounded by beach and rainforest on the Mid North Coast, South West Rocks is often a place that’s bypassed by holidaymakers.

The Rocks boasts one of my favourite places to visit as a child – Trial Bay Gaol, the remarkable preserved ruins of a historical gaol overlooking tranquil Trial Bay from the late 1800s to 1903 when it was closed. You are free to roam the ruins or you can take part in a guided tour. You can also take a Twilight tour during the warmer months.

Located on the edge of Hat Head National Park at the top of a cliff is Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

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Offering wonderful views to both the north and south with NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort located not too far away for a swim.

There are a number of excellent walks starting in Arakoon State Recreation Area from the short Bridle Track, to the much longer, more challenging 10km walk along the coast of Trial Bay to Smoky Cape. The simplicity of The Rocks is the perfect wind-down place. 

Discover more about Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park, Port Arthur Holiday Park, Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Halls Gap Holiday Park, Airlie Beach Holiday Park, and South West Rocks Holiday Resort.

Feature Image: Instagram/@tasmania/@nationalparksaustralia/@officialfleurieupeninsula/@trentjohnmartin