Theme Parks, Farm Stays, Great Food: When A Family Holiday Reveals Unexpected Magical Moments

There is a certain kind of travel that families often plan for, consisting of packed itineraries, must-see attractions, and carefully timed days. And then, there is the kind that surprises you with magic in unplanned moments, staying with you long after you return home.

For Lalitha Sathya Prasad, a family holiday to Brisbane and the Gold Coast revealed this. 

Watch this video to find out how to win two Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Australia.

In 2023, the 45-year-old teacher travelled with her husband and their then six-year-old son, Sarvesh, exploring the two cities long loved by families for their ease, variety, and family-friendly appeal. Like many parents, Lalitha had planned the trip with her son in mind.

There were the obvious highlights – full days at Wet’n’Wild and Sea World Gold Coast, the novelty of cooler June weather, and the joy of seeing it all through her son’s eyes.

Yet, the real magic was found in a series of small unexpected moments. One of them came midway through the trip, during a two-day farm stay in rural Gold Coast, when she woke up and was greeted by a peacock standing right at her doorstep.

“It felt almost magical,” she says.

The days there unfolded gently, feeding animals, riding horses, before ending their evenings by the campfire. No rigid plans, just time spent together.

“Brisbane is very chill and laid-back,” says Lalitha. “Not crowded, not rushed. You could just walk into cafes and restaurants without planning too much.”

It’s those moments – unhurried, unplanned, often unexpected – that Australia does best. For families, they can take many forms: afternoons at sprawling playgrounds, wildlife encounters, scenic road trips or meals that turn into lasting memories. Across the country, these are some of the experiences families are returning for again and again.

Stays to remember: From bushland glamping to marina living

Where you stay can shape the entire trip, especially with young children. These stays go beyond convenience, offering space, nature and a slower rhythm that makes it easier to truly unwind together.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Glamping, New South Wales

For a stay that feels like part of the adventure, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary offers family-friendly glamping in a tranquil bushland setting. Spacious safari-style tents come with ensuite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the forest. Waking up to birdsong, and the chance of spotting koalas nearby, adds a sense of excitement for children. Families can also enjoy a resort-style pool, heated outdoor spa, nearby beaches, and the Sanctuary SKYwalk, a treetop pathway offering a unique view into the koalas’ natural habitat.

Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets, Western Australia
Location is everything when travelling with children, and Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets makes things wonderfully simple. Set within Dolphin Quay, the self-contained chalets are designed for families, with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies overlooking the marina. Everything is within walking distance – cafes, shops, playgrounds and even a cinema – with a calm, protected beach nearby for younger swimmers. For a little adventure, families can also explore Giants of Mandurah, a trail of whimsical wooden sculptures hidden across the area.

Markets To Explore: From Street Food To Handmade Finds

One of the easiest ways to slip into that holiday rhythm is at a market. Less about rushing from one stop to another, Australian markets are made for wandering, tasting and discovering at your own pace. It is an easy way for families to spend a relaxing morning.

Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Set on the Sunshine Coast, this open-air market hums with energy – from street performers to the scent of freshly cooked food. One of Australia’s largest artisan markets, Eumundi runs multiple days a week with more than 600 stalls showcasing local crafts, fashion, wellness offerings and gourmet bites. It is an easy place to wander with kids in tow. Nearby, stop by Berkelouw Cafe, tucked within the iconic Berkelouw Bookshop, for cakes and coffee, and shelves of secondhand and rare books that invite you to linger.

Salamanca Market, Hobart, Tasmania
Lively yet easy to navigate, Salamanca Market in Hobart is the kind of place where you can spend a relaxed Saturday morning wandering, snacking and soaking in the atmosphere. Set along Hobart’s historic waterfront, some 300 stalls offer everything from locally made clothing and accessories to Tasmanian gemstones. The food is also a highlight – think scallop pies, fresh oysters, salmon, artisanal cheeses, honey and baked treats.

Dining made easy: From local produce to wood-fired pizzas

Eating out in Australia feels refreshingly uncomplicated – open spaces, an unhurried pace and children not just accommodated but welcomed, allowing families to settle in and simply enjoy being together.

Three Blue Ducks, Southern Highlands, New South Wales

Set on the 600-acre Burradoo Park Farm in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Three Blue Ducks feels like a countryside escape disguised as a lunch date. Newly opened in 2026 and housed in a restored farmhouse, the restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced produce. Beyond the dining room, families are invited to linger with a bakehouse, cafe and produce store, flower farm, orchard, kitchen garden, gelato bar and a dedicated play area for kids. Three Blue Ducks also has eight other locations across Australia, including in Melbourne, Victoria.

Little Creatures Brewery, Perth, Western Australia
In Fremantle, Perth, Little Creatures Brewery is the kind of place you return to without thinking twice. Open, airy and set along the harbour, the micro-brewery offers plenty of space for kids to move, along with a dedicated play area. Parents can settle in with signature brews like the crisp Pale Ale or Rogers’ Amber Ale, with a large selection of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, shared plates and pasta dishes.

Nature, Up Close: From Sand Dune Riding To Animal Encounters

For many Singaporeans, Australia is where nature feels bigger, closer and more accessible – from spotting wildlife to feeling the coastal breeze or trying something new for the first time.

Port Stephens Sand Dunes, New South Wales

Few things evoke childlike thrill quite like the freedom to run, slide and ride across towering sand dunes. At New South Wales’s Port Stephens, sandboarding turns a simple slope into an exhilarating ride, with plenty of laughter (and sand) along the way. There is also an option to ride ATVs along the sandy landscape. It is the kind of carefree, slightly chaotic fun that stays with you for a lifetime. If you are exploring further afield, similar experiences await at Lancelin Sand Dunes (Western Australia), Tangalooma Island (Queensland) and Kangaroo Island (South Australia).

Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia
At Monkey Mia, Western Australia, the day begins with something special. Just after sunrise (about 7.45am), wild dolphins glide into the shallows, offering rare, up-close encounters. Under the careful guidance of Parks and Wildlife rangers, a few selected dolphins are fed small quantities of fish – a practice designed to still protect their natural hunting instincts. For families, it is a quiet, almost magical moment, waiting side by side for nature to unfold in its own time.

Phillip Island Nature Parks, Victoria
If you visited Phillip Island as a child, you might remember sitting in the grandstand, waiting for the Little Penguins to appear. Today, you can share the same magic with your little ones – only now, the experience is more immersive. The upgraded Penguin Plus offers a more intimate setting, with fewer crowds and a front-row view as the penguins waddle ashore at dusk. You can then follow them along the boardwalks for a closer look. Beyond the parade, Phillip Island is a haven for wildlife lovers, with chances to spot koalas and kangaroos, and an on-site centre that brings the penguins’ story and conservation efforts to life.

New Experiences To Try: From Glowing Night Walks To Wild Safari Days

Even for frequent visitors, Australia always offers something new. These experiences bring a fresh perspective to familiar places while keeping the comfort that draws families back.

Astra Lumina, Queensland

As night falls, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast transforms into a magical, starlit landscape. Astra Lumina, part of a globally renowned series of immersive night walks – and the only one in Australia – reimagines the bushland as a multi-sensory trail of light, sound and storytelling. Winding through glowing pathways, families are drawn into a cosmic journey of stardust and soundscapes.

Poombeeyt Koontapool, Victoria
Even along the iconic Great Ocean Road, there is always something new to discover. Poombeeyt Koontapool – meaning “Breath of the Whale” – is a striking new lookout near Loch Ard Gorge, inspired by the form of a whale. Designed with wide, accessible paths and safe viewing areas, children can watch the blowhole send bursts of seawater into the air, while parents take in sweeping coastal views. The wider Loch Ard Gorge precinct also features scenic trails and lookouts, offering different perspectives of the dramatic cliffs and coastline. The precinct also features scenic trails and lookouts, offering different perspectives of the dramatic cliffs and coastline.

Monarto Safari Park, South Australia
For a day that feels truly different, Monarto Safari Park offers a safari-style experience on a vast, open scale. Located just an hour from Adelaide, the park is home to more than 500 animals, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and cheetahs. It is also home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds. Families can explore at their own pace via the free Zu-loop hop-on hop-off bus, included with admission, which takes you through expansive open-range habitats while offering a safari-style experience on a vast, open scale. There are also behind-the-scenes experiences for an even closer look, making it an immersive and memorable day out.

Share your favourite Aussie memory by May 24, 2026, and you could be heading there with a loved one on a Singapore Airlines Business Class flight. Terms and conditions apply.