Australia’s summer months are a popular time for families to travel overseas. With school holidays stretching across December and January, many Australian families look for destinations that offer a mix of good weather, kid-friendly attractions, cultural experiences and a chance to escape the intense Australian heat. Whether you’re chasing cooler climates, festive cities, or destinations that offer comfortable “in-between” temperatures, planning ahead is key to a smooth and enjoyable family holiday.
When travelling with children, factors such as flight length, accommodation costs, transport ease and family-focused attractions become especially important. Below are some of the most popular and practical overseas summer holiday destinations for Australian families, each with a focus on one standout city, what makes it great for kids, how long it takes to get there, and how costs generally compare to Australia.
Queenstown, New Zealand – A Cool-Climate Family Favourite
Queenstown is one of the most popular overseas destinations for Australian families wanting to escape the summer heat without travelling too far. While Australia experiences peak summer, Queenstown enjoys mild, pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities without extreme temperatures. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it also caters exceptionally well to families with children of all ages.
Families can enjoy scenic gondola rides, lake cruises on Lake Wakatipu, gentle hiking trails, wildlife parks, and family-friendly bike rides. Winter sports aren’t in season during Australian summer, but Queenstown’s summer activities are diverse and accessible for kids, including jet boating and farm visits nearby. The compact nature of the town makes it easy to get around with prams or younger children.
Flights from Australia to Queenstown typically take around 3 to 4 hours from the east coast, making it one of the easiest international destinations for families. Accommodation and food costs are generally similar to Australia, although dining out and activities can sometimes be slightly higher in peak holiday periods. For family travel ideas and seasonal highlights, Tourism New Zealand provides helpful planning resources.
Tokyo, Japan – Culture, Theme Parks and Kid-Friendly Cities
Tokyo may not be the first place families think of for a summer escape, but it remains one of the most rewarding destinations for travelling with children. While summer in Tokyo is warm, it is often less intense than many parts of Australia, and the city is exceptionally well-equipped for families. Clean public transport, safe streets, and an abundance of kid-focused attractions make it a standout.
Families visiting Tokyo can explore world-famous theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, interactive museums, animal cafés, and expansive parks like Ueno Park. Japanese cities also cater well to children when it comes to food, with convenience stores, family restaurants and allergy-aware dining options readily available.
Direct flights from Australia to Tokyo take approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on your departure city. Japan can be surprisingly affordable for families, with hotel prices often lower than major Australian cities if booked early, and meals generally cheaper than dining out in Australia. For family itineraries and travel tips, the official Japan tourism site is a really helpful source of information.
Sapporo, Japan – A Cooler Alternative for Summer Travel
For families wanting to avoid summer heat altogether, Sapporo City in northern Japan offers a refreshing alternative. Located on the island of Hokkaido, Sapporo enjoys cooler summer temperatures and wide open spaces that appeal to families who enjoy nature, food and relaxed city experiences.
Sapporo is famous for its parks, seasonal festivals, zoo visits, and day trips to nearby lakes and countryside areas. Children will enjoy hands-on museums, open-air food markets, and easy access to outdoor activities without long travel times. It is a quieter and more relaxed option compared to Tokyo, which can be appealing for families with younger children.
Flights from Australia usually involve a connection via Tokyo or Osaka, with total travel time around 12 to 14 hours. Accommodation and food costs are generally lower than Tokyo and often cheaper than Australia, making it a good-value destination for families. You can read more about Sapporo in this Japan Guide for the city, which will give you a good idea of what you can see and do there.
Vancouver, Canada – Mild Summers and Outdoor Adventures
Vancouver is an excellent long-haul option for Australian families seeking cooler summer temperatures and an outdoor-focused holiday. During the Australian summer, Vancouver enjoys mild, comfortable weather that is ideal for sightseeing without the extremes of heat.
Families can explore Stanley Park’s bike paths, visit Vancouver Aquarium, enjoy beach picnics, and take day trips to nearby mountains or islands. The city is known for being clean, safe and easy to navigate, with plenty of family-friendly dining options and green spaces. Vancouver’s balance of city life and nature makes it especially appealing for families who want variety.
Flights from Australia to Vancouver take approximately 14 to 15 hours direct. Hotel costs can be slightly higher than Australia in peak season, but food prices are often similar or slightly lower, particularly for casual dining. Tourism information and family travel ideas are available through Destination Vancouver.
London, United Kingdom – History, Parks and Family Attractions
London remains a popular choice for Australian families during summer, especially for those wanting mild weather and a mix of education and entertainment. Summer in London is typically cooler than Australia and ideal for walking, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Families can enjoy world-class museums with free entry, expansive parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, iconic attractions such as the London Eye, and easy day trips to castles, countryside towns and theme parks. Public transport is straightforward, and many attractions cater specifically to children through interactive exhibits and family tours.
Flights from Australia to London take around 22 to 24 hours with at least one stop. Accommodation costs can be higher than Australia, particularly in central areas, but food ranges from affordable casual options to higher-end dining. Planning resources and family-friendly itineraries can be found at Visit London.
Singapore – Short Flights and Seamless Family Travel
Singapore is ideal for families wanting a shorter flight and an easy introduction to international travel with children. While it is warm year-round, it often feels more manageable than Australian summer heat due to air-conditioned transport, attractions and shopping centres.
Family highlights include Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay and excellent playgrounds throughout the city. Singapore is known for being clean, safe and extremely family-friendly, making it a stress-free destination for parents.
Flights from Australia take around 7 to 8 hours, and accommodation costs are generally higher than Australia, though food is often cheaper, especially at hawker centres. Official visitor information can be found via Visit Singapore.
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for your Family’s Overseas Holiday
No matter where you choose to travel, comprehensive travel insurance is an essential part of planning an overseas family holiday. When travelling with children, the risk of unexpected medical issues, cancelled flights, lost baggage or disrupted plans can increase, particularly during peak summer travel periods.
Travel insurance can help cover overseas medical expenses, emergency assistance, trip cancellations, delays and lost belongings, offering peace of mind while travelling with your family. It also allows parents to focus on enjoying the holiday rather than worrying about unexpected costs.
Before you travel, it’s important to ensure your policy covers all family members, planned activities, and destinations. You can explore cover options and get a quote directly through the quick and easy to fill out form on the Go Insurance Australia homepage, ensuring your family holiday is protected from the moment you leave home.
Planning ahead, choosing the right destination, and securing the right travel insurance can help turn your overseas summer family holiday into a memorable, stress-free experience for everyone.