FamilyFun, Queenstown

Brooklands Zoo is a free, family focused zoo which is home to farmyard animals, oriental small-clawed otters, meerkats and both capuchin and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, as well as a selection of colourful birds housed inside a walk-through free-flight aviary. http://visitnewplymouth.nz/activities/providerid/675

Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and boasts the only tapirs in New Zealand, the only fishing cats and the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. See exotic species like giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, red pandas, lemurs and Sumatran tigers as well as farm animals like kune kune pigs and alpacas. Get to know some animals during free daily Meet the Keeper talks. For a special experience, go behind the scenes on a Face2Face encounter and meet a southern white rhinos, siamang gibbons, giraffe, red pandas, or lemurs. Every visit is different, with breeding and baby animals at any time of the year. Hamilton Zoo is committed to inspiring conservation action through participation in various projects and contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species like southern white rhino, once there were only 100 left in the world, now there are more than 20,000. http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/see-and-do/attractions/hamilton-zoo

Paradise Valley Springs is Rotorua's must-see wildlife park where visitors of all ages can interact closely with a range of New Zealand’s wild animals, native birds, farm animals and trout, as well as view and get up close to a large pride of African Lions. The wildlife park is set amongst beautifully maintained New Zealand native bush, offering easy walking along flat accessible walkways in all types of weather. You can hand-feed animals that are found wild around the country such as Deer, Goats, Tahr and Wallabies. Visit the Kea, New Zealand’s infamous and comical alpine parrot in their walk-through aviary. Stroll through the waterbird wetland for great views of native and introduced waterfowl, and look out for the different native birds living wild around the park. Pat and feed the very sociable farm animals - alpacas, donkey, emus, sheep and more. Hundreds of Rainbow and Brown trout can be fed in the natural stream as well as in the spring-fed display pools, and viewed at eye level through an underwater window below their pool. Spot some of the large native long-finned eels lazing in their pools. Drink straight from the cool waters of the freshwater spring, or purchase some of their bottled ‘Paradise Pure’ to take away with you. Take the elevated treetops to walk in a secluded area, putting you up near the canopy of the trees. In a separate area of the park, there is also a pride of African Lions that can be seen all day in an enclosure that allows visitors to get very close to these wild animals. Lion pride feeding is at 2.30pm, followed by kea and possum feeding at 3pm every day. 10-15 minutes drive from central Rotorua. Open every day of the year including all public holidays. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/leisure-wildlife-parks/paradise-valley-springs-wildlife-park

Skyline Rotorua Gondola is the most spectacular way to take in the 180-degree views of Lake Rotorua, the city and surrounding district. Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, open daily for lunch and dinner, is renowned for its delicious New Zealand cuisine, and the Market Kitchen provides a multitude of tasty options for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. No visit would be complete without a ride down one of Skyline’s luge tracks. The luge is a world first! With three different track options and over 5kms of track to ride, once is certainly never enough! Riders have full control, over the 3 wheels, gravity-based luge cart. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/family-fun/skyline-rotorua

Claim your bragging rights! High excitement, stomach-churning and a great confidence builder. Test your skills by taking on an Adrenalin Forest aerial obstacle course. Located among natural surroundings in the Bay of Plenty, Adrenalin Forest courses feature over 100 fun-filled challenges across six levels. Each level is harder than the last, with obstacles starting at 1.5 metres above the ground that are suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. To conquer the whole course and claim your bragging rights, you’ll be climbing, jumping and swinging up to 23 metres up in the air. But this isn’t just a test of your physical skills - each obstacle can be conquered in different ways, so you’ll be stretching your brain as well. https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/adrenalin-forest-bay-of-plenty/

Bring your family, swimsuits, barbecue supplies or picnic and make a day of it with one of our two adventure park pass options, or if you’re short on time, come down and rent a kayak by the hour. Our adventure park pass system is designed so once you have purchased a pass for the park you won’t need any more money for the rest of the day. You can enjoy, get wet, relax and most importantly have fun, without needing to reach for your wallet. Enter the park knowing that the day is yours to enjoy with our supreme pass. The Blob, The UFO, rock climbing and unlimited kayak hire; the fun is just starting. Slide down NZ’s only kayak slide. Beach volleyball is a hit while others enjoy the challenge on Waimarino’s new low ropes course. https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/adventure-park/

With over 20 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone, every day of the year except Christmas Day. If you are a thrill seeking enthusiast, the Stratosfear, our brand new ride, is just for you. Or if you'd like something a little less scary, perhaps the Log Flume or Pirate Ship. It's your fun, and you can put it together any way you like! https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/entertainment/amusement-park/rainbows-end-theme-park-ltd-manukau

Take an underwater journey through the world famous SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's, Auckland and discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. See the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, the world’s biggest species of stingray and New Zealand’s largest collection of sharks. Journey through a unique Southern Ocean experience and marvel at our amazing live jellyfish display, find out how we work with rescued sea turtles and visit the magical Seahorse Kingdom where you’ll find the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons, all these and more. For the adventurous we have thrilling Shark Cage Adventure, snorkel in our Shark Cage; Penguin Passport where you can get into our penguin enclosure, get up close and personal with penguins. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/activities/wildlife-activities/other-wildlife/sea-life-kelly-tarltons-auckland

Ideal for families, North Wollongong Beach has rock pools, wading areas, and good surf. There is plenty of grass, shade, and picnic booths. A children's playground is close by, and shops, cafes and amenities are provided. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach that's patrolled all year round making it the perfect place for a barbecue with full facilities provided. It is conveniently located along the shared cycle way. North Wollongong Beach hosts the NSW leg of the Beach Netball Festival and a round of the Ocean Six Series in annually and its the perfect spot to watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks. This Beach is not a dog friendly beach, however simply cross the lagoon to the north to find the off lead dog area. Dogs are permitted on the walkways and cycle tracks. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/north-wollongong-beach

The day begins early at Bondi Beach. As a glorious sunrise edges above the ocean horizon, surfers gracefully carve up waves, joggers limber up on the promenade and swimmers flip turn in Bondi Baths. The famous beach is buzzing from dawn to dusk and then Bondi’s night-time scene sparkles.The beautiful sandy beach is perfect for travel snaps or selfies at any time of the year. Just 8km from the city centre, Bondi is easy to get to by public transport – the trip from Town Hall is 30 minutes. Or you can take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay for a connecting bus to Bondi. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/bondi/beach-lifestyle

Centennial Parklands is the 'green lungs' of Sydney. Comprising three urban parks – Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park, almost 31 million people visit our parks annually.Dedicated to the people of NSW as an open space for recreation by Sir Henry Parkes in 1888, modern-day Centennial Park's sports fields, BBQs, playgrounds and picnic areas are aligned with his vision of ‘The People’s Park’.Popular with Sydney’s sport-lovers, Moore Park’s 115-hectares house the Hordern Pavilion, Hall of Industries, Entertainment Quarter, Equestrian Centre, E.S. Marks Athletics Field, a public golf course and sports centre.Queens Park is a haven for Sydney's sport lovers! Located in Centennial Parklands, the 26-hectare park features sports fields, a kids playground, free BBQ facilities, a café and spectacular views of the Sydney region. https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/

One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows, and access to the Sky Safari, Sydney's only cable car. Enjoy the QBE Free-Flight Bird Show overlooking Sydney Harbour, featuring some of the world's most spectacular birds and be delighted by the Daily Seal Show where Australian and Californian Sea-lions and the New Zealand Fur-seals will impress you with their grace and skill. Challenge yourself on Taronga's exciting new sky high adventure, Wild Ropes. Tackle obstacles, cross suspension bridges and soar through the trees while enjoying breath-taking views of Sydney Harbour. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/mosman/attractions/taronga-zoo

Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is an underwater journey of amazing discovery with 12 extraordinary themed zones. Meander through the Jurassic Seas, Great Barrier Reef, Bay of Rays and Dugong Island (just to name a few), then, immerse yourself in the underwater world of Shark Valley, the majestic ocean tunnel walk-through. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/darling-harbour/attractions/sea-life-sydney-aquarium

Rainbow Beach trends south-south west for 2.5 kilometres from the dolerite rocks at Middle Rock Point to the sedimentary rocks at Bonny Hills, The beach is backed by a foredune, then two kilometres long Duchess Gully Creek that drains across the southern end of beach, where it is called Little Vinegar Creek, linking with a second small creek. Ocean Drive skirts round the beach with access only available at Middle Rock, where there are no facilities, while Bonny Hills has the surf club, a park and picnic area, and two caravan parks. Rainbow Beach is patrolled during school holidays October through April. https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/rainbow-beach

At the multiple award-winning Billabong Zoo you can get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. They care for over 200 animals in this friendly 10 acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Enjoy their much loved Zoo Talks throughout the day. All free as they are included in the admission price. Learn about their passion for conservation as Ambassadors for Wildlife and their world-renowned koala breeding programme. Book one-on-one Up-Close personal encounters with some very special animals: cheetahs, snow leopards, koalas, red pandas, meerkats, snakes. Enjoy the playground and picnic areas set in beautiful lush gardens with tranquil koi ponds. Delicious hot food, snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks at the great Zoo Cafe. Souvenirs and retail therapy in the popular Zoo Shop. https://portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/billabong-zoo

Pat a koala, hand feed an albino kangaroo, walk with the dingoes, talk to the parrots, meet Honey the golden possum and then get all wrapped up in a python snake, It’s all made possible at Maru where you can really get in touch with wildlife. https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/maru-koala-and-animal-park/

Experience a piece of Victoria’s heritage on this historic island, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the fragrant cottage gardens and lawns. Coastline walks offer magnificent views of Phillip Island and Western Port, while the restored farmhouse and cottages provide a glimpse into the past lives of early Australian settlers and past farming practices. Churchill Island, just off the coast of Phillip Island holds an important place in the history of European settlement in Victoria. The site of the first European agricultural pursuits in Victoria, the island has been farmed since the 1850’s and in 1872 was purchased by Samuel Amess, former Mayor of Melbourne. This tiny island of 57 hectares is now open to the public as an historic working farm that boasts significant natural and cultural values with world-class wetlands, ancient Moonah trees, heritage gardens and historic buildings. https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/churchill-island-heritage-farm/

Warrook is living history, a full working farm over 100 years old. Take a step back in time, channel your inner ‘farmer’ self as you experience a range of hands on activities and demonstrations at Warrook – a genuine Aussie farm experience! https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/warrook-farm/

Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten. https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/penguin-parade/

The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, located only one hour east of Melbourne. With lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest. https://puffingbilly.com.au/

Overlooking the famous Port Phillip Bay, this historic park has been a destination for Melbourne families for the past century. With 2012 celebrating 100 years of fun-filled adventures, Luna Park continues to surge forward with a generous mix of heritage listed attractions and brand new thrill rides to satisfy all thrill seekers. The most famous of the Park’s attractions is its Roller Coaster – The Great Scenic Railway, a large wooden coaster that projects its passengers, at high speed, around the outside of the entire Park. It boasts the title of being the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world and the only one of its kind with a standing brakeman in control aboard its moving carriages. This world famous roller coaster will not only provide you with heart-stopping dips and turns, but also the most stunning views of Port Phillip Bay St. Kilda has to offer. Luna Park offers a range of rides and attractions for all ages from our latest additions, the free spinning mini roller coaster Speedy Beetle and relaxing ferris wheel Moon Balloons, to old classics such as the Silly Serpent and nail biting thrill rides like the Pharaoh’s Curse and Power Surge. A day at Luna Park cannot be missed when visiting Melbourne, no matter your age. https://lunapark.com.au/park-info/about-luna-park/

Kryal Castle is a legendary land of adventure, with knights, dragons, wizards, kings, queens, princesses, fairies and so much more. Once you cross the drawbridge, a kingdom of myth, magic and fantasy will enthral you. An adventurous, fun-filled day within the sprawling village awaits. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/goldfields/things-to-do/family/kryal-castle

Founded in February 1985 through a passion for conservation of wildlife and the environment. The Parker family have long realised the value of allowing people and animals to come together in a relaxing, friendly and educational environment. The selection of animals is truly unique and features animals that can only be described as natural wonders of the world. http://www.visitballarat.com.au/attraction/ballarat-wildlife-park

The Lismore Memorial Baths were reopened in September 2005, after more than two years of redevelopment work. The multi-million dollar aquatics facility sets a new benchmark on the Northern Rivers. The Memorial Baths not only provides a great place for families and the community to enjoy their leisure time, they also cater for the more serious swimmers. The facility meets international specifications and is capable of hosting major events. State of the art equipment includes an electronic timing system available for major swimming carnivals and a moveable boom for short-course events and multi-programming. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/lismore-memorial-baths

Explore this iconic Gold Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Immerse yourself into the wonder and natural beauty of 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest, wandering through open animal enclosures, feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas along the way. Experience the wild lorikeet feeding, free flight bird shows and Aboriginal performances. Test your physical ability on the TreeTops Challenge High Ropes Course, an exhilarating 90 challenge canopy ropes course and see the wonderful vets in action within the Wildlife Hospital precinct. With a huge outdoor themed playground, Wild Island, there is plenty of entertainment for kids to enjoy as they tour the sanctuary on a miniature train. Lost Valley a new exotic precinct features five hectares of stunning rainforest, Lost Valley takes you on a journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Explore a forgotten world and get up close and personal with some of the world's most unique and distinctive flora and wildlife including friendly Lemurs, Cotton-top tamarins, Red pandas, Capybaras along with free-flying birds and exotic reptiles. https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/places-to-see/currumbin/attractions/currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary

Infinity is a mind-blowing 30-minute journey into 20 futuristic, maze-like 'worlds of wonder' filled with special effects, atmospheric sound fields and illusions that go all the way to infinity.This dreamlike fun-house is the first of its kind in the world and is fun for all ages and nationalities. It's an interactive experience that's good family entertainment and a great group or team-building activity. http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/attractions/infinity

Prepare to be amazed as you experience the entertaining and unique wax museum right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Meet people who made history, movie stars, scientists, explorers, villains, royalty and world leaders all presented with startling realism and dressed in authentically reproduced costumes. http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-wax-museum

Delve below the surface and discover a whole new world of fun and adventure at Sea World, Australia’s number one Marine Park! Embark on a journey to save the oceans with the all new Seal Guardians Presentation or chill out in the shade while the kids cool down in Sea World’s latest splash pad attraction, The Reef at Castaway Bay. Plus, don’t forget to stop by and meet Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol and catch their new show, PAW Patrol On Holiday. Make friends with the magnificent marine life, from dolphins to seals, Polar bears, penguins and more. Take to the sky with our all new Sea World Sky Flyer attraction! Experience breathtaking views of Sea World and the Gold Coast Broadwater as you soar in a giant swing chair 33 meters above the ground. Discover the beauty and wonder of sea jellies at our new exhibit, Sea Jellies Illuminated which features an array of sea jelly displays and educational elements to take you on an illuminating journey. If you prefer a thrill, you can jump on the Jet Rescue ride and speed around the track your very own jet ski or take on the awesome Storm Coaster. https://www.queensland.com/attraction/australias-sea-world

Enjoy endless summer days at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast! Splash into a world of fun with a world class line-up of slides and attractions for the young and young at heart. Experience Wet’n’Wild Junior, a huge zone just for little adventurers. Designed especially for kids, Wet’n’Wild Junior features kid-friendly water slides including miniature versions of our larger thrill slides like Tornado and the Aqua Racers. If you’re after something more adventurous, tackle the gut wrenching Aqualoops! You’ll be released down a trapdoor, sending you plummeting into a massive vertical free fall. If you’re after a slower pace, you can’t go past Calypso Beach or the Giant Wave Pool – the perfect place to relax and unwind after all the action. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/wetnwild-gold-coast

Step under the famous archway of Australia’s number one Theme Park, Warner Bros. Movie World. Take on world class rides, attractions and shows and meet some of your favourite stars! Home to the tallest, longest and fastest Hyper Coaster in the Southern Hemisphere, Movie World boasts a full day of adventure filled with all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, your favourite Looney Tunes Characters plus the Superheroes and Supervillains of the DC Universe. Experience all new attractions including the family favourite Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster Next Generation. Uncover endless thrills with new special effects such as projections and lasers! Plus, witness the all new exclusive JL 52 Batmobile in the Streets Star Parade. You can also get your photo taken with Batman and the Batmobile throughout the day. Don’t miss your chance to meet the most technically advanced member of the Justice League – Cyborg. Part man, part machine and all Super Hero, Cyborg is a crowd favourite. Snap a photo with this impressive hero, along with your other favourite Superheroes, during your next adventure! https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/warner-bros-movie-world

As Australia’s largest theme park, Dreamworld has it all. Adrenaline junkies can take on the world’s tallest free-falling ride, be propelled from zero to 161 kilometres per hour, and even challenge gravity 15 storeys above the ground on the Big Thrill Rides. Come face-to-face with the jungle’s most fearsome predator at Tiger Island or immerse yourself in traditional Indigenous Australian culture and wildlife at Dreamworld Corroboree. Families can take a scenic ride aboard the Dreamworld Express, make a splash on the Log Ride or drive back in time in Dreamworld’s iconic Vintage Cars. Kids can meet loved television characters Hoot and Hootabelle, and Dorothy the Dinosaur at ABC KIDS WORLD, while animated movies Madagascar, Shrek and Kung-Fu Panda come to life in the DreamWorks Experience. Go from thrills to spills at WhiteWater World, now one of the many worlds of Dreamworld. Ride the giant waterslides or the world’s most exciting simulated wave on FlowRider, or simply cool off in the wave pool. Treat yourself at a number of retail outlets including the flagship LEGO® store and take home a memento of your Dreamworld experience. With so many worlds in one, there’s something for everybody at Dreamworld! https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/dreamworld

Only 12km from Brisbane City, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with 130 koalas. Hold a koala, hand feed kangaroos and meet a large variety of Australian wildlife in beautiful, natural settings. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and oprhaned koalas, at a time when the species was being culled for the fur trade. Founder, Claude Reid, recognised something had to be done to help protect one of Australia's most iconic species. Today, Lone Pine remains as a destination for local and international guests to not only see native Australian animals, but to also connect and learn, and to leave feeling inspired to make small, positive changes in their daily lives to help protect their own native wildlife and habitats. https://koala.net/en-au/

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, Grey Street and South Bank Cultural Precinct. South Bank Parklands covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/shopping/south-bank-parklands?sc_lang=en-au