The school bells have rung, classes are over, holidays have arrived.

These winter school holidays will provide families with an opportunity to take a load off and relax. Its well known that some parts of Australia have warmer climates than others, but there is still plenty for all to enjoy.

Let us take a look at some of the best day trips around Australia that your family can take.

Phillip Island – VIC

An old favourite, Phillip Island is perfect for a family who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD. Plus, it’s only a 90-minute drive south of the city.

Get up and close with the natives at Penguin Island, watch the seals play at sea or go in search of whales. If that does not suit you, explore the famous Grand Prix Circuit. A walk to the top of Cape Woolamai will also provide you with coastal views like no other. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Port Stephens  – NSW

An easy 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens offers plenty of sea and land adventures for the entire family to enjoy.

Fresh seafood for the adults while the kids swim in the clear waters or sandboard down the Sand Dunes. Don’t forget the wildlife either, whether it be hearing the calls of the wild dolphins and humpback whales or even taking a horse for a ride, you’ll have a busy day. With so much to do, it may be best to visit on a day where you won’t be in a rush.

Lake Bumbunga – SA

It may be a 2-hour drive from Adelaide, but the beauty of Lake Bumbunga is hard to ignore. Adding in an element of surprise, you could be seeing a pink, white or blue lake depending on the day.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the wonderful Jitter Bean Oasis café before taking the kids for an afternoon of exploring. Make sure you pack some suitable footwear too, nobody enjoys having wet socks!

Cottesloe Beach – WA

Its hard to go past the beautiful Cottesloe Beach as a place to visit with the family. Situated halfway between Fremantle and Perth, Cottesloe Beach has more than a kilometre of pure white sand.

Cottesloe Esplanade provides the perfect area for the entire family to enjoy a picnic. If you are a family who loves the water, this is an ideal spot for your swimming, snorkelling and surfing activities. Before heading home, why not enjoy a dinner overlooking the water?

Wave Lagoon – NT

Are you a family of Darwin locals who wish the waters weren’t full of crocs? In that case, the Wave Lagoon is perfect for you.

A total of 10 different wave patterns, the lagoon is suitable for the entire family. If you’re an older member of the family, make sure you try one of the boogie boards on the waves. The shallow play area is ideal for the smaller members of the family too.

Moreton Island – QLD

Only 40 kilometres north-east of Brisbane, Moreton Island is the perfect escape from the long lines at the theme parks.

Spend your day feeing the wild dolphins by hand or tobogganing down the sand dunes. Looking to do some exploring? Take a swim around the shipwrecks not too far off the beach. If you don’t feel like swimming, take part in a 4WD sand safari or hike around the island.

Mole Creek Caves – TAS

No matter what time of year it is, the Mole Creek Caves are always open. If you are a family who loves trying new things, there’s a choice of three different tours for the family to enjoy. Each tour is only 45 minutes long!

Dress for cooler weather as the caves don’t reach temperatures over 9 degrees. Enjoy some food at one of the local cafes to refuel after a day of exploring before enjoying your trip home.

Make sure you’re protected for your journey. Visit us to find out more about Eric Comprehensive Car Insurance.

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(Image Sources: VisitMelbourne.com, Wakefield Regional Council, DarwinWaterfront Corporation, DiscoverTasmania.com.au)