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5′ family travel ideas in Newcastle:

Newcastle. Credit: Destination New South Wales

1. TreeTops Newcastle: adventure for the whole family awaits. Climb trees, whoosh through the forest canopy on a zipline or step out onto a rope bridge.
2. Bathers Way Walk: a brilliant way to explore the Newcastle coastline, this 6km walk runs from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Ocean Baths. But the track does not end there. This walk is a very small section of the 250km track that starts in Merewether Ocean Baths and ends in Sydney.
3. Learn to surf: multi-generation and roaring fun! Enjoy a surf class with the family.
4. Eating and drinking: discovery some of the best restaurants in NSW serving some the region’s wonderful produce. With 25 eateries in the trendy inner-city Darby Street alone, Newcastle is first-rate holiday destination for even the most discerning foodie.
5. Lunch with a Koala: these adorable marsupials love to eat, and you can join them at Blackbutt Reserve! Elsewhere on the park pay a visit to Sally the wombat or feed the local emus. There are many other family-friendly activities at the reserve, see them all here.

Top-rated family holiday homes in Newcastle:

Bull St Retreat: fusion of industrial luxury and five-star lifestyle appeal

The Beach House at Merewether: luxury home opposite Merewether Beach.

See more Newcastle holiday homes.

5 family travel ideas in the Southern Highlands:

Southern Highlands. Credit: Destination New South Wales

1. Bowral: the largest town in the Southern Highlands, the architecture and charm make the town’s history as a retreat for Sydney’s well-heeled very apparent. For outdoor fun wander through Corbett Gardens and Bowral Botanic Gardens or head into Mt Gibraltar Reserve. Look into Bowral’s past with visits to Retford Park National Trust or Hopewood House.
2. Berrima and Burrawang: in Berrima the Bendooley Estate is home to an incredible Book Barn with thousands of books or learn more about the local area in Berrima District Museum. First settled in 1862, old-world charm and perfect Southern Highlands scenery can be found in the small village of Burrawang. Pop into the Burrawang General Store (built 1867) for lunch or enjoy a meal with wonderful country views at Burrawang Village Hotel (built 1928).
3. Walking: Discover some surprising WW1 history on the Berrima River Walk. With some good picnic spots and an easier 5km in length, the Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral in a good trail for the whole family. For a guided option Wild Food Adventured will show you hiking trails, wild food experiences and a chance to savour local produce and much more.
4. Waterfalls: See the Kangaroo River run over and off a sandstone escarpment at Carrington Falls as well as amazing woodland and sandstone heath views. The bushwalks and views around Fitzroy Falls are always worth a stop.
5. Eating out: visit Robertson and stop for delicious pies at Robertson Pie Shop or pick up homemade cheeses from the Robertson Cheese Factory. Bowral town is home to some wonderful restaurants and brasseries.

Top-rated family holiday homes in the Southern Highlands, NSW:

Luxstowe House: a historic cottage surrounded by sprawling gardens and expansive paddocks hidden in the heart of Bowral.

Notts House: the original coach house, circa 1884 cottage in Bowral

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5 family travel ideas in Tweed Heads, NSW:

Kayaking on the Tweed River: credit DNSW

1. Lunch at Farm & Co: homemade carrot cake? Coffee? Freshly baked bread? Enjoy the wonderful food and drinks at Farm & Co and take the kids to see some of the many animals on-site.
2. Uncrowded beaches: enjoy one of the areas many beaches like Fingal Head, Little Cove – Cabarita Beach, Kingscliffe and Durunbah Beach.
3. Tropical Fruit World: see, taste and learn about tropical fruits from across the globe on this family-run plantation.
4. Uki: nestled by the Tweed River, this charming village is a great base for the local areas many activities. Go bushwalking, join a Rainforest River Cruise, enjoy views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning), cycle or take a kayaking tour.
5. Fingal Head Lighthouse: built in 1872 and perched on one of Australia’s most easterly points enjoy coastal view from the lighthouse or take on one of the local bushwalks.

Top-rated family holiday homes in Tweed Heads, NSW:

Luxury on Salt Beach: modern beach style apartment.

Country Getaway at Crystal Creek: a wonderful home for families

Family travel ideas in Coffs Harbour, NSW:

Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour. Credit: Destination New South Wales.

See more Tweed Heads holidy homes.

1. Big Banana Fun Park: see the banana in person and enjoy the many banana-based activites. Take to the park’s many rides or cool off at the water park. All of this family fun just 3 km north of Coffs.
2. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve: take a self-guided tour of this island and discover ‘An island’s tale’. Take the kids to the island’s outdoor learning space or enjoy the breathtaking views of the Solitary Islands from the Eastern Side Lookout. See NSW National Park and Wildlife Service for more information.
3. Visit the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House: see the kids enjoy hundreds of live Australian butterflies in an indoor subtropical rainforest setting. See the Butterfly House website for more details.
4. The Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout: just a 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour, free entry and magnificent coastal views. This a is a great short trip from Coffs for the whole family.
5. Coffs Harbour Marina and Jetty: cafes, restaurants and even homemade ice cream. Take a walk along the jetty and for a few evening drinks The Sailing Club is a great spot. Through the winter months (June to November) the marina is the embarkation point for most whale watching tours.

Top-rated family holiday homes in Coffs Harbour, NSW:

Jetty House: Stylish holiday home with large living area and deck in sought-after location

Liapari Beach House: superb beachfront home next to Littoral rainforest tropical reserve.

See more Coffs Harbour holiday homes.