Posted on Thursday, 15 August 2024

Looking for family-friendly beaches in Australia? The following options present beautiful surroundings, fun activities and excellent amenities.

The beaches of Australia are rightly world-famous - well-cared-for stretches of sand that are invariably lapped by impossibly blue waters.

For families, there is perhaps no better way to spend a day - or a week - than by relaxing, playing and dining at one of these fabulous coastal locations.

And Aussie beaches are often superbly well-equipped for families - offering a whole range of outdoor activities, from swimming with wild dolphins to snorkelling, fishing and sunset boat trips - not to mention the ubiquitous public barbecues (most of which are free to use).

Best Family Beach Holidays Australia?

If you’re planning a family adventure Down Under, check out these seven amazing beaches - sure to put a smile on your face, no matter what your age.

Gerroa, Seven Mile Beach, New South Wales

At the very north of Seven Mile Beach in New South Wales, you'll find Gerroa. This stretch of sand is much calmer and shallower than further south, making it ideal for young children to splash around in.

The Crooked River, at Gerroa's northern end, is also great fun for younger visitors.

To cap it all off, Gerroa is protected from the wind by the Gerroa Headland, which is home to the Black Head Reserve, itself offering superb sweeping views and plenty of birdlife to enjoy out on the rocks.

Balmoral Beach, Sydney

North of Australia’s largest city lies Balmoral Beach, offering lots of child-friendly activities, including a playground, rock pools and calm, shallow waters. It even has a fetching rocky islet that divides the beach in two.

Set against the backdrop of plush houses and sleek yachts, it's Balmoral by name - and nature. Despite its salubrious atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic or see the sunset with a bag of fish and chips.

There are also swimming baths by the boatshed. These are enclosed by shark nets, giving parents extra peace of mind!

Shelly Beach, Manly, Northern Sydney

A suburb of Sydney’s northern reaches, Manly sits prettily on the Pacific Coast.

Of the town’s two main beaches, Shelly Beach is the most family-friendly (although the other, Freshwater Beach - smaller and to the north - also has its charms). The clean, azure-blue water is ideal for the kids to cool off in.

More fun is to be had at Parsley Bay Reserve, with shady areas, amenities, and picnic spots.

Don’t miss the Manly Wormhole, a natural tunnel that affords access to seaside rocks. A unique feature that is sure to delight younger visitors - although it’s probably best to keep them away from the often-wet rocks.

And with lots of other beaches nearby, this area has all the ingredients for some of the best family beach holidays in Australia.

Glenelg, near Adelaide

Just 20 minutes from Adelaide by tram, Glenelg is a quintessential Australian beach and a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Family-pleasing activities include kayaking, swimming with wild dolphins, and sunset boat trips. There’s a great selection of restaurants, and plenty of shops.

In summer time, Moseley Beach Club brings a Balearic feel to the Adelaide area, where grown-ups can sip a cocktail in salubrious surroundings while the kids play happily in the sand.

Children also love The Beachouse, a family entertainment centre brimming with rides including bumper boats, carousels, mini golf, and dodgems.

To learn a little about the area's history, head to the Bay Discovery Centre Museum.

At Event Cinema, meanwhile, you can expect all the blockbusting animated movies, plus an enticing choice of arthouse alternatives.

Tallebudgera Creek Beach, Gold Coast

With its shallow banks, Tallebudgera Creek Beach is perfect for kids to wade around in, while the numerous pretty coves offer plenty of choice when it comes to rolling out the beach mat.

Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing. On the Creek's southern side, there’s a well-designed playground, refreshments, toilets and showers. Lifeguards are also on patrol for added peace of mind.

But you might choose a quieter spot in the shady northern side, where you’re unlikely to be crowded out.

And did we mention Tallebudgera won the 'Wotif' Best Australian Beach for 2019 award?

It’s little wonder this area and its surrounds offer some of the best family beach holidays in Australia.

Trinity Beach, Cairns

Probably the best known of all Cairns’ beaches, Trinity presents a good range of accommodation options, with plenty of accompanying restaurants and cafes.

Finding a shady spot for the family is easy thanks to the coconut and almond trees that edge the shore.

And in true Australian style, there are lots of free-to-use barbecues for feeding hungry little tummies.

There are plenty of walking routes too, including the Earl Hill walking trail and the shorter but no less pleasant Taylor’s Point at the beach’s southern end.

Jellyfish are kept at bay with stinger nets in the hotter months, while lifeguards operate throughout the year.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

If you find yourself in sun-kissed Western Australia, be sure to make time for Cottesloe Beach and its famous pure white sand and unfathomably blue waters.

Swimming, snorkelling, cycling and surf lessons are just some of the family-friendly activities on offer.

Grab a spot under the shady Norfolk Pines, explore the colourful reef, and enjoy a bite to eat overlooking the dazzling Indian Ocean. The grassy Cottesloe Esplanade, meanwhile, is ideal for a family picnic.

If you happen to visit in March, don’t miss the excellent Sculpture by the Sea, exhibiting all manner of intriguing - and very large - sculptures.

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