8 top summer destinations for families in 2025

Planning an Aussie family holiday used to mean choosing between Bali and the Gold Coast. But in 2025, the options have expanded. Whatever your budget, your family’s travel style, or whether you prefer adventure-packed days or laid-back downtime, there are exciting new destinations you may not have thought of yet.

Domestic Australian Destinations

Travelling close to home means not having to travel the other side of the world for a memorable family holiday.

Queensland’s golden offerings

The Gold Coast is Australia’s leading family destination. The reason why is pretty simple: 300 days of sunshine every single year. And there are plenty of things to do, too. Visit some of the largest theme parks in Australia: Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, or Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast. Each of them will give you an experience to remember. Alternatively, make Cairns your base for the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s no exaggeration to say it’s a wonder of nature. For the family, you can go snorkelling or marvel at the many forms of marine life found in those waters. The inland town of Kuranda, known as the Village in the Rainforest, is famous for its vibrant outdoor markets and makes the perfect day trip from Cairns.

New South Wales’s coastal delights

For those of you who like the coast, NSW is the go-to place. It remains unbeatable for combining iconic landmarks and family-friendly attractions. You will find plenty of fun museums, like the Australian Museum (which is the country’s oldest), the Powerhouse Museum, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, all in Sydney; or you can head to the nearby Newcastle Museum, 170 kilometres north of Sydney . These are ideal spots for a bit of covert learning.Byron Bay is a laid-back setting to enjoy relaxing time with the family, visit from May to November for incredible whale watching opportunities. For pristine beaches and coastal towns with a trendy vibe, the South Coast regions are great for a multi-day road trip. Byron Bay © Adobe Stock

Trending international destinations

These destinations will require you to brush up on your Duolingo lessons. Remember to check your visa requirements, confirm any health regulations or vaccinations that might be required, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and at least six months’ validity on your passport. Language barriers and unfamiliar systems can make unexpected situations harder to navigate, so these preparations offer peace of mind no matter where your trip takes you.

Cambodia: temple adventures on a budget

If we’re going to go by the numbers, then Cambodia is a clear leader in 2025. Siem Reap, for instance, has experienced a staggering 529% increase in Australian visitor interest. The Angkor Wat temple complex is such an awe-inspiring place that even your moody teenagers will be impressed. There are rich cultural experiences all over Cambodia, with plenty to learn about ancient civilisations. What we love about Cambodia is that it’s so affordable. Accommodation is not expensive, and if you have a large family, dining will not be the usual financial blow you’ve come to expect back home. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Japan: weak yen makes a visit affordable

For most Australian families, a trip to Japan used to require a hefty handful of coins from the piggy bank. But with the yen currently weak, it’s a very doable destination. Tokyo and Osaka are the obvious favourites, and must-visit places if you’ve never been before. The famous cherry blossom festivals are extremely popular with tourists and worth seeing, attracting massive crowds each year. Otherwise, how about a visit to Disneyland? Be mindful of the waiting times; some rides will be more popular than others. Also, you would want to avoid visiting Tokyo Disneyland during peak times – New Year’s, Spring Break and Graduation Season, summer holidays and Japan Golden Week (April 29 to May 5), which is by far the busiest time of the year. The ideal time is mid-May. The weather is great, and it’s not crowded, giving you the chance to enjoy the very best of Disneyland. Compared to many other countries, Japan is particularly safe, and the infrastructure is fantastic. You will be amazed by just how efficient the country is, and how easy it is to take public transport. Japan’s metro is very famous for being extremely clean, punctual, fast, very frequent and safe. It has a great city coverage, especially in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. And everyone knows about Japan’s bullet trains, aka Shinkansen. They can reach 300km/h, and just watching them pass by is an experience of its own. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Maglev bullet train set to launch soon in Tokyo, with a maximum speed of 603km/h. A mind-blowing experience. Tokyo © Shutterstock

Thailand: quiet tropical beaches

Thailand is popular, so choose your location carefully. Krabi is a quieter alternative to Phuket, and the airfares are cheaper, too. The beaches are just as stunning, with Railay and Phi Phi Islands providing endless water activities. There are plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from, like Centara Grand Beach Resorts Phuket or Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, which will give parents much-needed downtime while the kids enjoy the range of fun activities, like treasure hunts, family pool games, kids’ aqua dance, water basketball and more. Or if you are down for something more picturesque, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, or Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort are great.

Morocco: adventure and culture

Morocco has surprisingly affordable long-haul options. You may have to set up an alert on Google Flights, but there are bargains to be had. You can comfortably get away with a daily total budget of approximately $50-60 per person (yes, even including accommodation). Meals are usually under $10 each, and the food is delicious, even for fussy eaters. We recommend staying in a riad, which is a far more authentic experience compared to a standard hotel. Visit Marrakech’s bustling medinas, where the sounds of haggling, the scent of spices, and the labyrinth of stalls feel like stepping into another time Marrakech, Morocco © Unsplash There are plenty of multifaceted locations that offer a full experience, so don’t be afraid to expand beyond the usual Aussie destinations.