Unforgettable Family Adventures Across Australia

Creating Memories That Last Generations

Explore Family Tours

Why Choose Cooee Tours for Your Family Adventure?

We specialise in creating extraordinary experiences that bring families closer together while exploring Australia's most breathtaking destinations.

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Multi-Generational Design

Our tours are carefully crafted to engage every family member, from energetic toddlers to adventurous grandparents, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience.

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Educational & Fun

Learn about Indigenous culture, native wildlife, and Australia's unique ecosystems through interactive experiences that captivate both kids and adults.

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Safety First

All tours include comprehensive safety measures, first aid trained guides, and family-friendly accommodations that meet the highest standards.

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Expert Local Guides

Our passionate guides are not only experts in Australian history and nature but also skilled at keeping children engaged and entertained throughout the journey.

Discover Australia's Magic Through Family-Friendly Adventures

Australia is a land of extraordinary diversity, from the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient red centre of Uluru, and the cosmopolitan buzz of Sydney to the pristine wilderness of Tasmania. At Cooee Tours, we believe that exploring this incredible country should be an experience that brings families closer together, creating bonds and memories that will be treasured for generations.

Our family tours are designed with one simple philosophy: every family member, regardless of age or ability, deserves to have an amazing adventure. We understand that travelling with children requires special consideration, from pacing and activities to accommodation and dining. That's why we've spent years perfecting our itineraries to strike the perfect balance between excitement and relaxation, education and entertainment, adventure and comfort.

The Cooee Family Tour Difference

What sets Cooee Tours apart is our deep commitment to creating authentic, immersive experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions. When you travel with us, you're not just seeing Australia โ€“ you're experiencing it in ways that foster genuine connection with the land, its people, and its unique character.

Our guides are carefully selected not just for their extensive knowledge of Australian geography, wildlife, and culture, but for their ability to engage with children and families. They know how to turn a bushwalk into an exciting treasure hunt, transform a museum visit into an interactive detective mission, and make even the longest coach journey entertaining with stories, games, and activities that keep everyone engaged.

Destinations That Captivate Every Generation

From the moment you step off the plane, Australia offers endless opportunities for family adventure. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, provides unforgettable snorkelling experiences where even young children can float above gardens of coral teeming with colourful fish. Our reef tours include child-sized equipment, flotation aids, and guides who specialise in marine education for all ages.

In the Red Centre, families stand in awe together as the sun sets over Uluru, painting the massive monolith in spectacular shades of orange and red. Our Indigenous guides share Dreamtime stories that have been passed down for tens of thousands of years, giving children and adults alike a profound appreciation for the world's oldest continuous culture. These experiences are delivered with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that families gain authentic insights while honouring Aboriginal traditions.

Sydney's iconic harbour provides the backdrop for countless family adventures. From climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge (for families with older children) to exploring the interactive exhibits at the Australian Museum, or taking a ferry ride to Manly Beach for sandcastle building and fish and chips, the city offers something for every interest and energy level.

Wildlife Encounters That Inspire Conservation

Australia's unique wildlife is often the highlight for young travellers. Our tours include opportunities to cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, spot platypuses in the wild, and watch penguins waddle ashore at sunset. These encounters are carefully managed to ensure animal welfare while providing children with transformative experiences that often spark lifelong interests in conservation and environmental stewardship.

We partner with wildlife sanctuaries and conservation organisations that prioritise ethical animal interactions. At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland, families learn about koala conservation efforts while having the chance to hold these adorable marsupials. In Tasmania, our twilight tours offer the possibility of seeing Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat, with guides explaining the vital conservation work being done to protect this endangered species.

Accommodation Designed for Family Comfort

We know that a good night's sleep is essential for happy travellers, especially when children are involved. That's why we've carefully selected family-friendly accommodations throughout our tour routes. From spacious family suites with separate sleeping areas to resort properties with kids' clubs and swimming pools, we ensure that families have comfortable spaces to relax and recharge between adventures.

Many of our accommodations offer self-catering facilities, which can be a lifesaver for families with picky eaters or those who prefer the flexibility of preparing some of their own meals. We also ensure that our chosen properties are located in safe, family-friendly areas with easy access to parks, playgrounds, and family dining options.

Flexible Pacing and Free Time

Unlike rigid tour schedules that can exhaust families, our itineraries are thoughtfully paced with plenty of free time built in. We understand that parents might want to explore on their own for an afternoon while kids splash in the pool, or that grandparents might appreciate a leisurely morning while younger family members tackle a more strenuous hike. Our tours provide structured group activities alongside flexible free time, giving families the best of both worlds.

This flexibility extends to our approach to dining as well. While we include many meals in our tour packages to showcase Australia's diverse culinary scene, we also ensure families have opportunities to explore local restaurants on their own, accommodating varying budgets, dietary requirements, and the inevitable craving for a quiet family meal after a busy day of sightseeing.

Educational Value That Makes Learning Fun

Every Cooee family tour is designed with educational value in mind, but we deliver it in ways that feel like fun rather than school. Children learn about geology while hunting for fossils in ancient rock formations, discover physics through interactive science museums, understand marine biology while snorkelling the reef, and gain insights into Indigenous astronomy during our outback stargazing sessions.

We provide age-appropriate activity booklets for children on our tours, turning each destination into an exciting learning opportunity. These booklets include scavenger hunts, drawing challenges, fun facts, and quiz questions that keep kids engaged while teaching them about Australia's environment, history, and culture. Many parents tell us that these materials become cherished souvenirs that children refer to long after returning home.

Creating Bonds Through Shared Adventure

Research shows that shared experiences, particularly adventures in nature, strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories more effectively than material possessions. When families navigate new experiences together, overcome small challenges as a team, and share moments of wonder, they build connections that endure far beyond the holiday itself.

Our tours are designed to facilitate these bonding moments. Whether it's the collective thrill of spotting a wild kangaroo, the shared accomplishment of completing a bushwalk together, or the simple pleasure of watching a sunset as a family over the Outback, these experiences create stories that families will recount for years to come.

Sustainable Tourism for Future Generations

At Cooee Tours, we're committed to ensuring that the Australia we show your family today will be there for future generations to enjoy. We practice responsible tourism by supporting local Indigenous communities, partnering with eco-certified accommodations and tour operators, minimising waste on our tours, and educating travellers about environmental conservation.

We believe that children who grow up experiencing nature's wonders firsthand become the environmental advocates of tomorrow. By exposing young people to Australia's incredible ecosystems and the importance of protecting them, we're investing in the long-term preservation of these precious places.

Practical Considerations for Family Travel

We understand that travelling with children requires attention to practical details. Our tours include regular rest stops on longer journeys, access to clean bathroom facilities, childproofed accommodations where needed, and guides who carry basic first aid supplies and are trained in child safety. We also provide recommendations for what to pack, tips for managing jet lag with children, and advice on preparing kids for the Australian climate and environment.

For families with very young children, we can arrange car seats, cots, and high chairs at accommodations. We're also happy to provide recommendations for family-friendly restaurants near your hotels and can arrange babysitting services if parents want an occasional evening to themselves.

Customisation to Suit Your Family

While our set tour itineraries are designed to appeal to most families, we understand that every family is unique. Some families travel with teenagers who want more adventure and independence, while others have toddlers who need frequent breaks and early bedtimes. Some families include elderly grandparents with mobility limitations, while others comprise highly active thrill-seekers.

That's why we offer customisation options for all our family tours. Want to add an extra day at a beach resort? Need accommodations with accessibility features? Interested in incorporating a special interest like birdwatching or photography? Our tour designers work with you to tailor the perfect itinerary for your family's specific needs, interests, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about touring Australia with your family

What age groups are your family tours suitable for?

Our family tours are designed to accommodate all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Most of our tours are suitable for children aged 3 and above, though some activities have specific age requirements. For example, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb requires participants to be at least 8 years old. We provide detailed age recommendations for each tour, and our team can help you choose the perfect itinerary based on your children's ages and interests. We also offer customisation options to adjust activities and pacing to suit your family's specific needs.

Are your tours suitable for families with young children or babies?

Absolutely! We welcome families with infants and toddlers. We can arrange baby equipment such as cots, high chairs, and car seats at accommodations and in vehicles. Our itineraries can be adjusted to include more rest time and baby-friendly activities. Many of our accommodations offer family suites with separate sleeping areas, making it easier to maintain children's sleep schedules. Our guides are experienced in working with families with young children and can recommend baby-change facilities, family-friendly restaurants, and shaded play areas along the route.

What's included in the tour price?

Tour prices typically include accommodation, most meals (breakfast daily, plus selected lunches and dinners), all transport during the tour, entrance fees to attractions, guided activities, and the services of our expert tour guides. Specific inclusions vary by tour, so please check individual tour details. Items not included are typically international flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, and some meals to allow flexibility for families to explore on their own. We provide a detailed breakdown of inclusions and exclusions for each tour package.

How do you accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies?

We take dietary requirements very seriously and can accommodate most needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and religious dietary restrictions. We ask about dietary requirements when you book, and we communicate these to all restaurants, hotels, and catering services we use. For children with severe allergies, we can provide information about the ingredients in all planned meals and help you identify safe dining options during free time. Many of our accommodations include kitchenette facilities, allowing families to prepare some meals themselves if preferred.

What happens if my child gets sick during the tour?

All our tour guides are trained in first aid and carry basic medical supplies. We can recommend local doctors and medical facilities at all destinations along our tour routes. We strongly recommend that all families have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses. If a family member becomes ill, we can adjust the itinerary where possible to allow for rest and recovery. Our guides maintain contact with your accommodation and can arrange medical appointments if needed.

How physically demanding are your family tours?

We design our family tours to include a mix of activity levels. Most tours include some walking, but we keep distances manageable for children and provide regular breaks. We rate each activity with a difficulty level (easy, moderate, or challenging) so families can make informed decisions. For tours that include bushwalks or hikes, we offer alternative easier options or the choice to skip certain activities. Our guides are skilled at adjusting the pace to accommodate the slowest member of the group, ensuring no one feels rushed or left behind.

What should we pack for an Australian family tour?

Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), reusable water bottles, light layers for varying temperatures, swimwear, and insect repellent. For children, bring favourite snacks, small toys for travel time, and any comfort items they need. We provide a detailed packing list specific to your tour when you book. Australia's weather can vary significantly by region and season, so we tailor packing recommendations to your specific itinerary and travel dates. Many families find it helpful to pack a small day bag for each child with their own water bottle, snacks, and activities.

Are there single-parent family discounts available?

Yes, we understand that many single parents travel with their children and we offer special pricing structures to accommodate this. Single parents typically won't face single supplement charges when sharing a room with their children. We also offer family room configurations that work well for single-parent families. Contact our reservations team to discuss the best pricing options for your family composition. We're committed to making family travel accessible and affordable for all family structures.

Can grandparents join the tour, and do you offer multi-generational discounts?

We love multi-generational travel! Many of our tours are specifically designed with grandparents in mind, featuring a comfortable pace, accessible activities, and accommodations with features like grab rails and step-free access where needed. We offer group discounts for larger family bookings, which often apply to multi-generational groups. We can also arrange connecting rooms or family suites that comfortably accommodate extended families. Our guides are experienced in managing groups with diverse age ranges and mobility levels.

Is travel insurance necessary, and what should it cover?

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all family members. Your insurance should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. For families with children, it's particularly important to have coverage for unexpected illness or injury that might require medical attention or trip modification. We can provide recommendations for family travel insurance providers that specialise in Australian tours. Insurance gives families peace of mind to fully enjoy their adventure.

How far in advance should we book our family tour?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for travel during Australian school holidays (December-January, April, June-July, September-October) when availability is limited and prices may be higher. Booking early also gives you better flight options and allows more time to prepare children for the adventure. However, we sometimes have last-minute availability, so it's always worth enquiring even if you're planning to travel soon. Early booking also often qualifies for early-bird discounts of up to 10% off the tour price.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), bank transfer, and payment plans for bookings made more than 90 days in advance. For payment plans, we typically require a deposit at booking with the balance due 60 days before departure. We understand that family travel is a significant investment, so we try to offer flexible payment options. All payments are processed securely, and we provide detailed receipts and booking confirmations for your records.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy varies depending on how close to departure you cancel. Generally, cancellations more than 60 days before departure incur a small administrative fee, cancellations 30-60 days before departure forfeit the deposit, and cancellations within 30 days may forfeit the full amount. However, we understand that family circumstances can change unexpectedly, especially with children's health issues. This is another reason we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage. We also offer the option to transfer bookings to another family member in most cases.

Do you offer private family tours?

Yes! Private tours are perfect for families who want a customised itinerary, flexible scheduling, or prefer to travel without other groups. Private tours allow you to set your own pace, spend more time at attractions your children particularly enjoy, and skip activities that don't interest your family. While private tours cost more than group tours, many families find the flexibility and personalisation worth the investment. Contact us to discuss creating a bespoke itinerary designed exclusively for your family's interests, ages, and travel style.

Are your tour vehicles child-safe and comfortable for long drives?

Absolutely. All our vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and regularly maintained to the highest safety standards. We provide appropriate child restraints and booster seats as required by Australian law. Our drivers are professionally licensed and experienced in family travel. For longer journeys, we schedule regular rest stops at family-friendly locations with playgrounds, clean facilities, and opportunities for children to stretch their legs. Entertainment options like USB charging ports and comfortable seating ensure even long drives are manageable for families.

What Families Say About Us

"Our family of five, ranging from age 6 to 68, had the most amazing experience on the Great Barrier Reef tour. The guides were patient with our youngest and made sure Grandma felt comfortable snorkelling. Every detail was perfectly planned!"

โ€” Sarah M., Melbourne

"As a single mum travelling with two teenagers, I was nervous about managing everything. Cooee Tours made it effortless. The kids learned so much about Indigenous culture at Uluru, and they're still talking about it months later."

โ€” Jennifer K., Brisbane

"The Wildlife Discovery Tour exceeded all our expectations. Our 8-year-old wants to be a marine biologist now! The educational aspect was brilliant, and the guides knew exactly how to keep both kids engaged throughout the entire journey."

โ€” David & Emma T., Sydney

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