Foodie escapes the family will love
Bellingen, NSW
This arty village nestled deep in the forest above the Coffs Coast is brimming with food, wine and music. A visit to Bellingen Gelato is mandatory, as is dinner (or any meal you like really) at Cedar Bar & Kitchen. Plus, the Bellingen Community Markets boasts a smorgasbord of local produce. Kids, both big and small, will want to head down the hill to check out the Big Banana or tear it up on the Raleigh International Raceway.
Cradle Mountain, Tas
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is the ultimate place to launch a Tasmanian mountain adventure. The lodge is known for fine dining, The Tavern features a quality kid’s menu – and the porridge at breakfast is simply amazing. The kids will love getting into nature and there are family-friendly attractions near by such as the Enchanted Walk is a short rainforest stroll past wombat burrows, and the maze fun-park Tasmazia is also nearby.
Daylesford, Vic
Beyond the world-famous spas of Daylesford is a culinary wonderland. The town abounds with fabulous cafes and other culinary delights but make sure you try the charcuterie platter at historic Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, or indulge your inner chocoholic at Sweet Decadence, country Victoria’s original hand-made chockie shop. While you relax in a spa, the family can tee off at Daylesford Mini Golf, or climb the Pioneers Memorial Tower at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
Dunsborough, WA
Killer ice-cream and mini golf? It’s easy to see why kids love beachy Dunsborough! For a surfie vibe, house-brewed beers and family-friendly sharing plates and pizzas, try Occy’s on the main drag. Yarri offers more refined dining, matched with wines from smaller, local wineries such as Victory Point Wines. Littlies will enjoy feeding the animals at the Wonky Windmill Farm and Eco Park and with long stretches of beach to comb its a great place for a family to frolic.
Gold Coast, Qld
Burleigh Heads is one of the go-to spots for great food on the Gold Coast. Justin Lane is at the centre of the revolution for its gourmet pizza and scrumptious desserts. It’s also home to the area’s best rooftop bar. For award winning, top-notch seafood try The Fish House and for family friendly organic fish and chips with a Japanese twist try Oceans Fish & Chips Bar in West Burleigh. Of course the kids will love that the Gold Coast is all about theme parks, and the DC Rivals Hypercoaster at Movie World is tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere!
