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Family-friendly tropical holiday destinations

These three locations offer beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, kid-friendly activities and affordable dining options.

By Natalie Reilly

If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday just off the beaten track, the following trips provide warm, turquoise water, powder-white sands and plenty of good value, too. Here’s how to make the most of your week in a tropical paradise.

Bali

Families can do it all in Bali—chase adventure, soak up culture or simply kick back by the pool. With its tropical landscapes, endless beaches and vibrant culture, it’s hard to believe it’s just a six-hour flight from Australia’s east coast. One day you’re exploring ancient temples or spotting monkeys in the jungle, the next you’re watching the sunset over the ocean while the kids devour fresh mango and banana pancakes. It’s also great value, with affordable dining, activities and resorts that genuinely cater to families.

For a peaceful escape, Padma Resort Ubud is a hidden gem. Set in lush jungle, it’s a paradise for kids, with a supervised club for little ones, an activity program for tweens (think soccer, kite flying and nature walks) and a kids’ pool with a waterfall feature. Meanwhile, parents can unwind in the heated infinity pool or take in the valley views from a private balcony. For the best mix of sunshine, space and savings, plan your trip in March or October. It’s Bali at its best, without the crowds.

Tip

Your new favourite local word is about to be "warung", which describes the small family-run eateries that serve authentic Balinese food at local prices. Try Warung Biah Biah in Ubud, where you can enjoy a delicious plate of nasi campur (rice, meat, veggies and sambal) for under AU$5. For a budget-friendly beachside meal, grab fresh seafood at Jimbaran fish market—buy your fish and a local stall will grill it for a fraction of what resorts charge.

Fiji is an ideal spot for families.

Fiji

This archipelago of more than 300 islands always offers a good experience and with a flight time of less than five hours from Australia’s east coast, it’s the kind of tropical getaway that feels like a world away without the long-haul hassle. The best time to visit? May to October, when the skies are endlessly blue, the days are warm but not sticky and the ocean is just right for swimming. And thanks to friendly locals, a relaxed island vibe and the way kids are welcomed with open arms, it’s an ideal spot for families.

At the newly refreshed Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort , little ones can spend hours racing down the waterslide or trying their hands at archery and paintball at the Outrigger Adventure Park, while parents lounge by the pool. There are also firewalking shows, sip-and-paint sessions and even a new Adventure Pass for all-in access to the fun. The best part? Right now, kids under 12 eat free.

Tip

Skip the buffet and head to a local roadside barbecue stall. In towns like Sigatoka or Nadi, you’ll find locals grilling up marinated chicken, fresh seafood and cassava, served with salad for FJ$5-10 (about AU$3-7)—a fraction of resort prices. Want a real feast? Visit Bulaccino in Nadi for farm-to-table dishes and excellent coffee.

Thailand

Phuket delivers it all—soft sandy beaches, aquamarine water and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. It’s just a short flight from Australia and once you arrive, everything is easy. It’s difficult to believe that nestled within a protected nature reserve surrounded by a tropical forest and the sparkling Andaman Sea, Trisara resort is just 20 minutes from Phuket airport. Think beach days with fresh coconuts and lazy afternoons by the pool. There’s also a kids club where the junior members of your family can enjoy games, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities.

For those seeking a little more adventure, Koh Weao—a rock formation surrounded by coral reef—is located right in front of Trisara, making it the ideal spot for snorkelling. And it’s worth spending an evening wandering the nearby night markets where kids can snack on banana pancakes while you grab a mango sticky rice.

Tip

Head to a local night market, where you can enjoy classic dishes for as little as THB 50-100 (AU$2-5) per plate. In Phuket, try Malin Plaza or Chillva Market, where you’ll find sizzling pad Thai, grilled meat skewers and mango sticky rice. In Bangkok, visit Or Tor Kor Market or Rod Fai Night Market, where fresh barbecued seafood and spicy papaya salad are crowd favourites. Look for busy stalls with locals—that’s where the best street food is usually found.

Try street food in Thailand, including classics like banana pancakes and pad Thai.

Plan ahead

Knowing your budget can make all the difference in keeping your family holiday fun. With a CommBank Travel Money Card, you can lock in exchange rates ahead of time so your money goes exactly as far as you planned. Load up to 16 currencies on your card and pay no load or reload fees as well as no international transaction fees on your purchases. Happy travels!

Find out more about CommBank’s Travel Money Card.

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An earlier version of this article was published in Brighter magazine.

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