Why South Australia is an ideal destination for a Family Vacation

Australia is an ethereal travel destination, especially if you are looking for a family vacation. There are endless of activities and the culture is sublime. Cities in South Australia like Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, and Sydney boast a plethora of culture and art based events and attractions.

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A family interacting with young kangaroos in Kangaroo Island

Places to visit -

a Visit Kangaroo Islands -

Although Kangaroos can be found in many places across the vast country, the best region would be the southern part of Australia. Close to Adelaide, there is an island called Kangaroo Island which is home to a vast number of kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas. Nearly one-time of the island is a national park. Make sure you stay there for at least a night to experience the island's real beauty.

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A picture of the iconic apostles at Port Campbell National Park

a Port Campbell National Park -

Port Campbell National Park is one of the country's most gorgeous natural wonders. Of the Twelve Apostles, six can be seen from the main viewing platform. To get to this place, one has to do a 144-mile trek. However, you can also drive up to this place. If you are fortunate, you can also spot kangaroos and koalas inside the national park.

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A hot air nation ride at the breathtakingly beautiful Yarra Valley is a dream

a Yarra Valley -

Yarra Valley houses more than 70 wineries. Located northeast of Melbourne, the valley is a great place to visit for a short hike and to try some of the most scrumptious wines that are made Down Under.

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A family exploring the magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground

a National Gallery of Victoria -

Located in Victoria, the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and the most popular art gallery in the entire country. Some of the works done by international pro artists can be found here. While the museum largely offers free-visit, a section of the gallery which houses some masterpieces requires an entry fee.

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The Victoria State Library is a paradise for bookworms and history buffs

a Melbourne Cricket Ground -

Cricket is the most popular sport in Australia, and MCG is one of the most magnificent Cricket grounds in the world. You can also visit the National Sports Museum which is located inside the arena. Even if no match is going on, visit this place via a tour. There is hardly any ground in the world which is as beautiful as the MCG.

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There are healing plants on the other side of this tunnel in Adelaide Botanic Garden

a Victoria State Library -

Built on a two-acre land in 1856, the library has thousands of historic artefacts and books. The architecture of the library was effortlessly carved out. Whether you are a bookworm, a history buff, or an architecture lover, the State Library in Melbourne is a must visit.

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Kids enjoying themselves at Bounce Inc in Adelaide

a Gully Waterfall -

Cleland Conservation Park in Adelaide is home to seven pristine waterfalls, and Gully Waterfall is the largest of them all. Do not end your hike till this point, instead, extend your hike till Mount Lofty summit. The additional 5 kilometres will be a treat to your eyes, as you spot kangaroos, koalas, and echidna along your way.

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The gorgeous Sydney Opera House is a must-visit site in Australia

a Adelaide Botanic Garden -

South Australia boasts of a bevy of botanical gardens, but Adelaide Botanic Garden is the best of them all. It has eight gardens, a forest, and a wetland in its vicinity. The Garden of Health is devoted to plants that have healing properties. Spread over 124 acres, the Botanic Garden has a tranquil environment and the landscape is nicely maintained.

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There are not too many places in the world which more beautiful than the Sydney Harbour Bridge

a Theme and Water Parks -

Who does not love a visit to a theme park or a water park? From riding ferris wheels to taking a plunge down a water slide, amusement parks are popular among kids and adults alike. South Australia is home to quite a few amusement parks, including Glenelg Beach House, Semaphore Waterslide Complex, Mega Adventure Adelaide, and Bounce Inc.

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Fountains dancing at the Darling Harbour in Sydney

a Sydney Opera House -

This sailboat inspired monument has six music venues and theatres with exquisite acoustics. Designed by a Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the place regularly hosts musical concerts and opera performances. Even when there is no event, one can do a two-hour tour of the historical site.

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A man taking a picture of the surreal sky at Wellington Park

a Sydney Harbour Bridge -

Standing adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Australia. Also called Coathanger by the locals, the gorgeous structure is famous for being the largest steel arch bridge in the entire world. Take pictures from the ferry or climb the bridge, in either case kids are going to love it.

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Even the public trash cans in Melbourne are a canvas of artist

a Darling Harbour -

Darling Harbour is full of entertainment. It is a pedestrian district in Sydney where you can find the largest film screen on the planet at LG IMAX Theatre. You can also see agree performers doing insane things to entertain the crowd. There are several cafes and eateries dotted along the harbour. On Saturdays and on public holidays, you can see an astonishing display of fireworks from this place.

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A kid enjoying indoor skydiving in Sydney

a Wellington Park -

Wellington Park is nestled about 20 kilometres west of Hobart. It is a nature reserve which is filled with picnic spots and trekking trails. It is highly recommended as the view one gets from the top of Mount Wellington is surreal.

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A scuba diver posing for a picture with a turtle

Fun things to do -

a Explore the Street Art -

The Street Art of Melbourne is beyond impressive. They are renowned all over the world and forms as a wonderful tourist attraction. They are full of bright and bold colours that bring life to the deadly walls.

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An illuminated Ferris Wheel in Melbourne

a Indoor Skydiving -

While one can also experience Skydiving in South Australia, for families, there's a perfect alternative - indoor skydiving. In Sydney, one can experience the excitement of a skydive in a safe, indoor arena. Named iFLY Downunder, it is the largest indoor skydiving centre in the world.

a Explore the Aquatic Life -

From dolphins to sharks, the southern part of Australia attracts a variety of marine animals. You can go a boat tour, get inside an underwater cage, or rent scuba equipment to experience scuba diving in one of the most happening aquatic regions on the planet. You can see a number of diverse marine creatures.

a Surfing -

Surfing is one of the most exponentially growing recreational activities in Australia. The waves here are just perfect for all kinds of Surfers. If you don't know Surfing and would like to learn it, there are many certified schools which can teach you the sport in just a few hours.

a Melbourne Star Observation Wheel -

Who doesn't love a Ferris wheel ride? Take your kids to soar above and beyond Melbourne's skyline on a Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. The 30 minute ride promises surreal views of the city. Each cabin is fully enclosed and air conditioned.

a Melbourne's City Circle in a Tram -

One of the best free attractions in South Australia is travelling in a tram. Although slow, a tram is a great mean to explore a city like Melbourne.

a Ice Skating -

In Melbourne's O'Brien Group Arena, you can do ice skating. It may seem difficult, but it is not. It is extremely addictive and your kids will forever be grateful if you take them for a spin. In addition to that, ice skating provides a great opportunity for family bonding.

a Beach Hopping -

South Australia is home to some exotic beaches. Along the southern coast of the country, there are are beaches such as Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach which are a delight for the beach bums. Even if you don't want to venture into the sea, just a walk on the beach will be worth it. The fact that these beaches are not too crowded on weekdays make them even better.

a Snorkelling -

Snorkelling is widely popular in South Australia. With excellent visibility underwater and a plethora of diverse marine life, Snorkelling is a must-do activity on the southern coast of Australia.

Food -

Being a hot mixing bowl of various ethnicities, the southern part of Australia has a diverse dining culture. The most prominent cuisines that are easily found in South Australia are Chinese, European, Continental, and Indian. Vegan foods are easily available as well.

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A vintage tram runs for free around the Melbourne city

Getting Around -

Being a developed nation, getting around in South Australia's popular tourist attractions is not at all difficult. Cycling and walking highly popular amongst the locals, especially for short distances. For longer routes, you can hire a taxi, take an intra-city tram, or a bus. Taxis in Australia are quite expensive. To travel between two cities, you can either take a flight or a train.

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Kids and adults enjoying ice skating in Melbourne

Budget -

Australia is not a budget destination. Most of the things are fairly expensive. However, the country also offers a variety of free attractions as well. For a family of a couple and two kids, the per day expenses would be INR 9000 or more. The amount includes accommodation, local transport, and food.

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Foraging is the new black in Australian cuisine

Visa -

Getting an Australian tourist visa for travel purpose is fairly simple, but takes time. The base application charge is AUD 140 (INR 7500). The visa is valid for three months. For a fast track tourist visa, the cost is AUD 1000.

How to Reach -

There are regular flights connecting major Indian airports with South Australia. A return flight from India to Australia could cost around INR 25000 per person.

When to go -

March to May and September to November is the best time to visit Australia. These are the shoulder seasons for travellers visiting South Australia, which means that there will not be too many tourists to spoil your vacation. June and August are when the South Australians enjoy their winter vacation, so it is not a great time to visit the southern part of the country.