Australia
Where to stay with your family in Australia
Australia has a wonderful range of family-friendly accommodation, although the quality and variety of properties does vary depending on where you are staying in the country. As might be expected, the cities offer a real range of options, from stylish luxury urban properties to more regular standard city hotels and everything in between.
Moving further into the rural parts of New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, you can find attractive heritage hotels. These might be an old ranch or a winery that offers boutique-style rooms, usually in a very beautiful location. Once you head to the centre, north and northwest of the country, the range is much more limited.
Most hotels will have a swimming pool, and it is generally relatively easy to find a good configuration of rooms for families. This might mean being all in one room in a family suite or having two connecting rooms.
Family-friendly hotels in Australia
Below is just a small selection of the hotels where families have loved to stay.
Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu NP
This laid-back lodge is Kakadu made easy, with shady pools, wildlife on your doorstep and a choice of family lodge rooms or glamping tents. It’s in a great location, perfectly placed for Yellow Water cruise adventures and the nearby cultural centre. It’s also an ideal base for active families to enjoy big-sky sunsets at the end of busy days.
Davidson’s Safari Lodge, Arnhem Land
What an adventure! Fly in by light aircraft from Darwin for amazing views. Prepare to unplug – with no phone reception or WiFi, it’s a truly immersive experience in this remote part of Northern Australia. The lodge is hugely family-friendly with a range of activities such as exploring caves, boating and fishing as well as great dining options for kids.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas
Excellent for families who want a nature-focused, relaxed stay, Thala Beach has treetop bungalows, swimming pools (with waterfalls!), coconut tours, nature walks and stargazing. Just a few minutes from Port Douglas and with private beach access, this suits those who are looking for luxury and want to be immersed in nature.
Discovery Resorts, Rottnest Island
Some might say this is peak ‘Rotto’ magic. Here, you’ll find glamping tents tucked behind Pinky Beach, a pool for splash-happy kids, and boardwalks leading straight to quokka (small marsupial) territory. Families love the roomy eco tents, beach access and laid-back island vibes. It’s an effortless, sandy-toed adventure with a touch of luxury.
Smiths Beach Resort, Margaret River
A Stubborn Mule favourite, with its self-contained 2/3-bedroom villas just a short walk from Smiths Beach. Kids adore the infinity pool, while grown-ups come for the wineries, walks, and excellent food. The on-site restaurant even has takeaway options. Here, you’re perfectly placed for salt-soaked, sunshine-filled adventures (with washing machines on hand!).
Sydney Harbour Hotel, Sydney
Sydney Harbour Hotel is a winner for families and a regular Stubborn Mule choice. Situated right in The Rocks, just steps from ferries, trains and the Opera House, it has a teen-pleasing rooftop pool with knockout views and excellent food options. After big days out exploring Sydney it’s the perfect place to recharge before the next adventure.
Why book Australia with Stubborn Mule?
At Stubborn Mule, we know that every family is different. That’s why we don’t squeeze you into the same one or two hotels. During our initial conversation, we’ll discuss what works for you and then suggest accommodation options accordingly. We’ve got our favourites, of course, but we use our years of experience to recommend places that will truly suit your family.
Australia
