Eco kids – top holidays for families

Family Fun: a couple of our favourite family and eco-friendly holiday spots in Australia

Taronga Western Plains Zoo & Zoofari Lodge
Dubbo, New South Wales
Base yourself in Dubbo for 2 days to make the most of your visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Arrive at the zoo early to see as many animals as possible in the morning (animal viewing is best in the morning). Take a picnic with you and hire bicycles. There is a regular program of animal feeding times, activities and talks. The zoo entry ticket is valid for 2-consecutive days. The advanced eco-accredited Zoofari Lodge, is located right in the heart of the zoo. Behind the scenes tours of the zoo are included in the overnight rates, as well as meals. It’s like living in a zoo – and hearing the lion roar right next door in the middle of the night sure made it feel real!
For more: www.taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo

Mt Barney Lodge
via Rathdowney, Queensland
Located in the spectacular Scenic Rim area, Mt Barney Lodge is just a 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane, and is nestled right next to the National Park. A range of very affordable accommodation is offered from campsites, to self-catering style rustic cabins and homesteads – plenty of room for small and large families.
What makes Mt Barney Lodge so special though is the family-friendly environment, and the welcoming hosts Ines and Tracey Larkin. The property is Advanced Eco Certified, and Ines and Tracey have gone to tremendous efforts in offering educational and fun activities for children – during the school holidays and selected weekends, a children’s program includes beginner rock climbing, night time adventures with wildlife spotting, ‘wild pizza’, and a CREATE activities program.
For more: www.mtbarneylodge.com.au

Barkala Farm and Pilliga Pottery
via Coonabarabran, New South Wales
Barkala is a truly unique farmstay, located 34km north of Coonabarabran in the Pilliga Forest area. The accommodation is very family-friendly, with self-catering options available. The cafe offers delicious home-made meals, and the best pizzas ever! The property is fully self-sufficient, running off the largest privately-owned solar energy system in Australia (120 panels). The family-run farm operates on organic growing principles. Home also to the famous Pilliga Pottery, children can try pottery, roam the gardens, swim in the pool, jump on the trampoline, and watch and pat the farm animals. Horse riding is also available. The ‘Old School House’ cottage (all made by hand!) is the favourite for families – and ours too!
For more: www.barkalafarm.com.au

Other great eco holiday ideas for children are:
• Camping in National Parks – especially those near the beach
• Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, Queensland
• Phillip Island Nature Parks – and the Penguin Parade, Victoria
• Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria
• Heron Island, Queensland
• Farmstays (with eco accreditation or features)
• Alice Springs Desert Park, Northern Territory
• Daintree Discovery Centre, Queensland
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Queensland
• Taronga Zoo, Sydney, New South Wales
• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Queensland

Words & images: Melanie Grevis-James

For more holiday ideas, please Contact Us and ask; we’re always happy to offer suggestions: info@ourplanettravel.com.au

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