Journeying Together: Traveling from Cairns to Sydney with Family.

**Exploring Australia on a Working Holiday Visa: A Family's 4-Week Adventure**

For a memorable family holiday in Australia, a well-balanced itinerary is essential. A recommended 4-week route, suitable for those on a Working Holiday Visa, offers a mix of popular destinations and flexibility to cater to various travel preferences within the family.

**Week 1: Sydney and Surrounds**

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Sydney, where iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and Taronga Zoo await. Family-friendly sightseeing and day trips abound, with convenient accommodation options in areas like Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

**Week 2: Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Queensland**

Next, head north to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns or Port Douglas serve as ideal gateways for unforgettable marine experiences through family snorkeling tours and reef cruises. Explore the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest on Earth, with guided walks or river cruises spotting crocodiles. Family-friendly resorts or holiday parks offer pools and kid’s facilities for a comfortable stay.

**Week 3: Melbourne and Surrounding Regions**

Melbourne, known for its culture, food, and parks, offers attractions such as the Melbourne Aquarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, and interactive museums. A day trip to the Great Ocean Road provides scenic coastal views and wildlife encounters. Family-oriented hotels or self-contained apartments in the city centre make for a convenient base.

**Optional Week 4: Tasmania or the Gold Coast**

For those seeking more nature and wildlife, Tasmania offers destinations like Cradle Mountain and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Alternatively, the Gold Coast, with its theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World) and beaches, caters to families seeking fun and sun. Resorts or holiday parks catering to families are plentiful in both locations.

**Travel Tips for Working Holiday Visa Holders**

The Working Holiday Visa enables you to work and travel, offering opportunities to fund extended stays or offset costs by working in sectors like hospitality or agriculture during your trip. Be mindful of visa requirements such as age, sufficient funds, health and character checks, and specific application procedures depending on nationality. Plan enough downtime for sightseeing and family activities.

**Accommodation Recommendations Based on Traveler Type**

| Traveler Type | Accommodation Type | Notes | |-----------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Families with children | Serviced apartments, family hotels, holiday parks | Provide space, kitchen facilities, and activities for kids | | Budget travelers | Hostels with private family rooms or budget hotels | Cost-effective with some social opportunities | | Comfort seekers | Mid-range hotels or resorts | Amenities like pools, on-site dining, and close to major sights | | Adventure families | Eco-lodges, holiday cabins near natural parks | Close to nature and outdoor activities |

This itinerary allows you to explore urban, coastal, and wilderness Australia, balancing iconic attractions with unique regional experiences, all aligned with what a Working Holiday Visa holder can expect in terms of travel flexibility and work opportunities.

The family's 4-week trip took place in September and October, outside of the peak season, allowing for more flexibility in booking accommodations. They traveled by car from Cairns to Sydney, with the flight from Europe taking at least 24 hours. Another friend stayed for 3 weeks, flying from Sydney to Melbourne and then to Brisbane. The family planned their trip and accommodations carefully, booking the first AirBnB in advance and the rest during the trip, as it can be difficult or impossible to book short-term accommodations during the peak season (December to January).

Renting a car is highly recommended for seeing as much as possible in Australia, especially for a road trip. Australia offers a variety of accommodation options, including motels, simple self-catering hotels, AirBnBs, holiday apartments, and hostels. It's recommended to have at least 2 weeks, but preferably 3-4 weeks for the visit. Accommodation options in Australia can be booked via websites like Maui, Travellers Autobarn, Britz, Jucy, Booking.com, and Trivago.

In their 4-week adventure in Australia, the family switched their accommodation based on their travel preferences. For instance, they stayed in luxurious family-friendly hotels in vibrant Sydney and comfortable holiday parks with kid's facilities in tropical Queensland.

To immerse in the local lifestyle and experience different regions, they opted for serviced apartments in cultural Melbourne and a cozy eco-lodge near Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. This diverse choice of accommodation allowed them to seamlessly blend other-worldly experiences into their Australian travel itinerary.