Affordable local getaways this year

You don’t have to jump on a flight or spend thousands of dollars to enjoy a vaycay this Christmas. Keep costs down with these fun, kid-friendly getaways the whole family will enjoy.

Driving distance: 20km (20 minutes) northeast of Perth
Expect to pay: From $54 a night

There aren’t many places in the world where wineries are part of a major city. Perth is one. While a festive-season glass of sparkling or chenin blanc (both typical of this WA region) will no doubt appeal to grown-up travellers, little wanderers can look forward to an equal number of sensory diversions, particularly when you make your base the Discovery Parks Swan Valley. Here, the hardest decision facing your family is how to wake up on Christmas Day. In a tent or trailer, perhaps? Or maybe ensconced in one of the on-site cabins – some sleep eight, and are pet-friendly. Cool down in the pool (there’s also a playground for kids), then set off to meet alpacas and emus at the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm, don a conductor’s hat and visit the Revolutions Transport Museum at Whiteman Park, and pick vine-fresh fruit at Grapes on Swan.

Driving distance: 90km (1.5 hours) north of Sydney CBD
Expect to pay: From $150 a night

The kids may have packed away their text books and farewelled their teachers for the year, but at Hipcamp’s Fern Valley Ranch in Somersby, everyone’s back on the school bus. Here, a lovingly-restored rumbler has been converted into a character-filled abode to spend the summer holidays, with space to sleep four and facilities that range from a fire-pit for toasting marshmallows to a patio where you can gaze over a lily-pond and spot bird life – get the little ones to create an avian checklist. When it comes time to step out, the farm you’re staying on offers direct access to hiking trails and waterfalls; perfect for picnics. You can also join the owners to collect free-range chicken eggs, meet the resident Shetland pony and follow in the webbed footsteps of friendly ducks.

Driving/ferry distance: 60km (1.5 hours) northeast of Brisbane
Expect to pay: Island access from $55.90 per vehicle, plus camping fees and ferry transfers

Among 4WD enthusiasts, Mulgumpin/Moreton Island needs no introduction. This slip of land is 95 per cent national parkland, and – once you arrive from the mainland by ferry – the only way to get around is on foot or along sand highways. Let down those tyres and make a beeline for either one of five campgrounds, where you can pitch your tent beside the water and then send the kids off to snorkel among rainbow-colored fish darting between the Tangalooma shipwrecks. Wild dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs are a common sight by day, while at night on an after-dark kayak tour your family will be mesmerised by nocturnal marine life – not to mention the dazzling Milky Way.

Driving distance: 40 km (30 minutes) north of Canberra
Expect to pay: From $175 a night

Part of our capital’s Murrumbateman region, Eaglewood farm sits pretty on 45 hectares of bucolic countryside. While the drive here from Canberra is a breeze, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking you’d been transported to the English Cotswolds, particularly when you spot the long-lashed alpacas that roam the grounds around your cabin. Your lodgings come with everything required for a self-sufficient stay, but the real reason you’re here is to introduce the kids to the farm’s extensive wildlife, including kangaroos and all manner of birds. If you can tear them away from the crias (baby alpacas), Canberra’s cool-climate wineries await. In fact, you need only venture next door to sip delicious rieslings and pinot noir at Shaw Wines vineyard.

Driving distance: 110km (1.5 hours) northwest of Melbourne
Expect to pay: Free!

You don’t need a reason to visit Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges – from the twee antiques stores to the soothing mineral springs, epic cycling trails and gold-rush history, there are plenty of reasons to visit. But perhaps the ultimate reason to base your staycation in this pretty pocket of countryside is Mount Franklin Reserve. Here, pitch your tent or set up your van in the crater of an extinct volcano, with plenty of private nooks thanks to shady woodlands enveloped by sprawling green fields. While facilities are limited, you’re within easy reach of some of regional Victoria’s tastiest produce, including legendary sourdough at historic RedBeard bakery and piles of produce at the always-busy Sunday markets.

Driving distance: 10km (20 minutes) west of Adelaide
Expect to pay: From $169 per night

When the savannahs of Africa are out of reach, The Retreat at West Beach Parks’ Safari Tents beckon. Channelling Africa’s great wilderness areas, these glam canvas abodes sleep five, replete with perks like air-conditioning, kitchenettes, balcony baths and beds you’ll find hard to vacate. Until the kids drag you out to explore the mind-boggling West Beach facilities, including tennis courts, a golf course, BMX tracks, go-karts and an obstacle course with 70 challenges. But not everything here is fast and furious, with chilled holiday vibes on offer at AquaCove, where heated pools are ringed by cabanas. Send the kids off to expend energy on the jumping pillow, order a cocktail and contemplate just what you’re going to fry up on the park’s alfresco barbecues. Is there anything better than dinner under the stars?

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}