The Best Kid Attractions in Australia to Include on Your Family Road Trip This Summer

A list of the best kid summer attractions in Australia

Summer in Australia is a perfect time for a family road trip, filled with sunshine, adventure, and plenty of stops at exciting kid attractions. There’s so much to explore, from sandy beaches to wildlife encounters and theme parks. 

As you plan your journey, make it stress-free and flexible by using Low-Cost Self-Drive, Australia’s top choice for safe, reliable, and convenient self-drive vehicle rental services. You can make the most of these top family-friendly stops nationwide with the freedom to set your schedule. 

Here’s a look at some of the best kid attractions in Australia that your family won’t want to miss this summer.

1. The Gold Coast Theme Parks, Queensland

Regarding kid attractions in Australia, the Gold Coast theme parks are an absolute must. From Movie World’s thrilling rides to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island and the fantastic water slides at Wet’n’Wild, the Gold Coast offers something for kids of all ages. Sea World is also perfect for animal-loving families, where kids can learn about marine life and even see dolphin and seal shows.

With Low-Cost Self-Drive, you can easily rent a family-sized vehicle to get around the Gold Coast and ensure you have enough space for everyone, plus all the beach gear and essentials for a summer road trip.

2. Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Just north of Brisbane, Australia Zoo is an iconic stop for families visiting Queensland. Home to crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, and plenty of other Australian wildlife, the zoo was made famous by Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Kids can watch live shows, get up close to reptiles, and even hold a koala, making it one of Australia’s most memorable kid attractions.

The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful area to explore by car. Low-Cost Self-Drive offers convenient self-drive vehicle rental options so you can easily navigate from the zoo to the coast’s stunning beaches and nearby family attractions.

3. Phillip Island, Victoria

For a unique experience, drive down to Phillip Island in Victoria to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Every evening, little penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows, much to the delight of families watching from viewing areas. Phillip Island also offers a Koala Conservation Centre and wildlife parks, making it one of the top kid attractions in Australia for animal encounters.

With a rental car from Low-Cost Self-Drive, your family can comfortably tour Phillip Island and other scenic parts of Victoria, setting your own pace and enjoying the drive along the coast.

children at a Zoo, Australia adventure, November 2024, Australia

4. Taronga Zoo, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is another must-see for families and one of Australia’s most popular kid attractions. With a variety of Australian and international animals and breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo provides an unforgettable experience. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits and animal shows, take a cable car over the zoo, and even book a “Roar and Snore” overnight stay for a truly unique experience.

Getting around Sydney is a breeze when you book a rental with Low-Cost Self-Drive. You can navigate the city and visit Taronga Zoo and other iconic sights like the Opera House and Darling Harbour at your own pace.

5. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

A scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road is one of the most incredible road trip experiences and is ideal for families looking to see some of the best kid attractions in Australia. This famous route features natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otways Tree Top Walk. Kids can also spot koalas in their natural habitat at Kennett River or play on the beaches.

With the convenience of Low-Cost Self-Drive’s self drive car rental services, you can explore all the highlights of the Great Ocean Road comfortably and without rushing, allowing you to create a perfect family-friendly itinerary.

6. Questacon, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

For a fun educational experience, Questacon in Canberra is one of the top kid attractions in Australia for families. This interactive science and technology centre is packed with hands-on exhibits entertaining kids of all ages. With everything from exciting science shows to an earthquake simulator and a giant slide, Questacon is both entertaining and educational.

Driving to Canberra is easy with Low-Cost Self-Drive. You can rent a vehicle that suits your family’s needs, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free drive to Australia’s capital city.

7. Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

Kings Park in Perth is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and it’s packed with kid-friendly attractions. From playgrounds and tree-top walks to wildflower displays and views over the Swan River, Kings Park is ideal for a family picnic or nature walk. There are also cultural exhibits and family-friendly events, making it one of the great kid attractions in Australia for summer.

Low-Cost Self-Drive can get you there with reliable self drive car hire options, ensuring that your family can easily access Kings Park and explore all that Perth has to offer.

Start Your Family Adventure with Low-Cost Self-Drive

For families exploring the best kid attractions in Australia, Low-Cost Self-Drive is the ideal choice for self-drive vehicle rental. With safe, reliable, and comfortable vehicles for every family size, you can enjoy a stress-free, flexible road trip that lets you see all the wonders Australia has to offer. This summer, create unforgettable memories at Australia’s top family attractions with Low-Cost Self-Drive as your trusted travel partner.