We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit almost every need – current or recent models or, if you want to save even more, we have fully serviced, clean and reliable older vehicles.

Whatever you choose from us, it comes with a guarantee that if you find a comparable rental car deal at a lower price than ours, we will refund double the difference, plus an additional $50. That’s right, if you found a deal $10 better than ours, we would give you $70!

You will never have to pay extra to have child safety seats appropriate for your children, they are always free with us. Whatever seats you specify to be in your rental vehicle will also be in any transfer vehicle that we use to collect you from the airport, railway station or your holiday accommodation and they will be in the transfer vehicle again when we take you back.

Of course, child seats are not the only issue for families with little ones, we can also provide portable “Holiday Accessories” such as cots, high chairs, strollers, prams, picnic sets and beach shelters, all at very modest rental prices (e.g. stroller @ $8 per week, cot @ $17.50 for a week).

Hip pocket protection starts with low rental prices, but potentially of far greater importance is the fairness of the “fine print” in the Rental Terms and Conditions. Many rental companies do not make their full contractual rental terms and conditions available online, so despite all the FAQs and Easy to read summaries, their customers don’t know what the contract that they will be asked to sign actually contains.

A good example of the difference between summaries and complete disclosure is that (apart from us), there are 17 rental companies who purport to offer a Zero insurance excess option, however when scrutinised, only one of them (Hertz) actually has a true zero excess, (plus us of course).

We have been awarded Gold Star status by an independent rental car comparison service (CarHire Guide) as having the most “Consumer Friendly” rental car contractual terms and conditions, this was from more than 1,100 depots checked, covering 26 different crucial contractual matters.

With guaranteed lowest prices, Australia’s fairest rental terms and conditions and a genuine ZERO insurance excess option, you can rent from Gold Coast Family Car Rentals with Complete Peace of Mind!

The post Gold Coast Family Car Rentals appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Like its famous counterpart in Munich, this authentic beer and folk festival is known for being a festive oompah-pa-pa-party, but because the organisers of the Swan Valley event don’t want the younger generation to miss out on all the fun, they’ve arranged a special all-ages event on Sunday 22^nd October.

Games & Activities

The focus will be on family-friendly games and activities including a Bucking Bull, bouncy castle and all-star basketball plus all the traditional Bavarian food and drinks.

Drinks & Foods

Oktoberfest-in-the-Valley at the award-winning Elmar’s brewery and restaurant has become an annual institution with sell-out crowds flocking to the two-acre ‘biergarten’ to enjoy the specially brewed Marzen Oktoberfest beer.  This year, organisers have promised an even bigger and better celebration, but it’s definitely not just about the beer.

You’ll be able to taste a variety of traditional German foods including roasted pork shank, bratwurst sausage, Käsespätzle (German ‘mac and cheese’), Kartoffelschnitze (potato wedges) Schweineschnitzel (crumbed pork schnitzel) and sauerkraut, plus there will be lots of other snacks, meals and soft drinks available too.

Enjoy with Safety

To keep everyone safe, Oktoberfest in the Valley is a ‘glass-free’ event with all beverages served in polysafe containers, including the famous one-litre steins which are ubiquitous in Bavarian beerhalls.

Lesson for Kids

This authentic Bavarian experience is not only a great opportunity to spend time with the family in a fun and exciting outdoor environment, it’s also a great opportunity for kids to get a history lesson without even knowing it!

The Oktoberfest tradition actually began hundreds of years ago in 1810 when the citizens of Munich were invited to attend festivities on fields in front of the city gates in celebration of a royal wedding.  The world-famous beer and folk festival has been held virtually every year since then on those very same fields, with over six million visitors attending each year!

Accommodation

Why not make it a special family bonding weekend? With a special discount for Oktoberfest guests at the Big 4 Discovery Park – Perth Vineyards and a variety of activities on offer including a swimming pool, games room, movies and pedal carts, you’ll have the perfect base for enjoying your authentic Bavarian beerfest and keeping the whole family entertained.

Parking & Other Important Bits

With free onsite parking and regular shuttle buses from Guildford train station and the Ellenbrook shops directly to the venue, even little legs will find getting there a breeze.  So dress up in your lederhosen and dirndls or dress down for casual fun, pack a picnic blanket and chairs, load up the family and head for the valley on Sunday 22^nd October. Tickets are available from www.elmars.com.au or for more information, contact them on 08 9296 6354.

The post Oktoberfest For Families in Perth – A Great Day Out appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

There are a lot of things for kids to do in Bali.  Accommodation options are aplenty, but you will need to know which one is suitable for families. Rest assured, we’ve created an essential checklist of what to look for in a family-friendly villa in Bali.

Must-have features:

• Pool fence
• Stair gates
• Closed stairway

These are essential safety features for a family villa. If you choose a villa with multiple storeys, make sure that the stairway is safe and that it’s possible to install a stair gate if you need. If you need a pool fence, you can contact the service provider directly. They will come to the villa to take measurements and give you the exact quotation.

Typically, pool fences in Bali are made from bamboo, but if you need a metal fence or net style fence, there are also companies who provide that.

If you are travelling with babies:

• Baby cots
• High chairs
• Car seats

These may not always be included in the rate, but a family villa must have these available.

If you are travelling with young children:

• Kids’ bedroom: Usually, kids’ bedrooms come with bunk beds, but there are also villas with single beds and child furniture.
• Kids’ bedroom attached or connected to the master bedroom: Many villas in Bali has bedrooms as stand-alone bungalows, which is not ideal when you have young children. Instead, look for one with kids’ room linked to the master bedroom via an internal path or door. Otherwise, there are also villas with bedrooms next to one another in the same building.
• Plastic cutlery: If you plan to dine in and the kids are still practising using cutlery, then you can check with the villa if they have plastic ones to avoid bring additional items.
• Enclosed living area: This is up to personal preference. An enclosed living area provides a better sense of security. However, it’s really up to your own preference.

Other features:

Services

• Daily breakfast: Finding a place for breakfast can be a hassle if you don’t have a list of kids-friendly restaurants at hand. Therefore, a villa with daily breakfast option will help you start the day right.
• Kids’ meal: With an in-house chef, you can also ensure that the food does not contain anything you child can’t eat.
• Laundry services: You won’t have to worry about dirty clothes, foul smell, stains or having to pack extra clothes for the kids.
• Car & driver: Sometimes, it may be hard to catch a taxi in Bali, so having a car always comes in handy. Plus, you can also have car seats if you travel with babies.
• Babysitting services: You can always ask the villa manager to help you hire one, or check out Bali Nanny Club

Facilities:

• Shallow pool / Wading pool for kids and inflatable toys
• Entertainment: This varies across villas. Some come with a dedicated media room with home cinema, some are equipped with TV and DVD players, billiard table, tennis courts, board games, toys and books. Some villas also provide complementary access to Canggu Club.
• Lawn, yard, playground, treehouse: If your kids love to run around, a villa with a big yard will definitely make them happy.

Location:

Whether you go to the tourist hotspots like Seminyak, Ubud and Canggu or to off-the-beaten-path locations like Candidasa or Lovina, it’s better to stay around the centre of the town where you have easy access to restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Additional information:

Whatever you need to make your stay stress-free, there are companies like Bali Villa Related Services which provides that. You can rent from pool fence to toys, prams, car seats to baby bath tubs.

Alternatively, there are companies which specialise in Bali villas rental such as Villa-Bali.com. They know exactly which villa fits the bill, and also provide complementary services. They can take over and arrange everything for you. Easy-Peasy!

Images credit: Villa-Bali.com

The post What to look for in a family-friendly villa in Bali appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Here are a few pointers for making the most of your family trip to Melbourne:

How to Get Around Melbourne with Kids in Tow

If little legs are liable to get tired from too much walking, you can make use of Melbourne’s excellent public transport system. The easiest way to get around is by tram. The network travels around the city centre and into outer suburbs too, with the central City Circle Tram route completely free to use. The route takes in many of Melbourne’s main attractions and departs every 12 minutes.

Family Friendly Accommodation options in Melbourne

Basing yourself in the centre of Melbourne is a good call if you want to be within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. Staying somewhere central also means you can head back to your accommodation if you need to regroup. Many hotels offer baby-friendly facilities and family rooms too.
However, you may be able to find a better deal if you look further afield. Websites like AirBnB  advertise affordable accommodation that provides a home away from home for families. If you think having a kitchen and everyone having their own room is going to be more convenient, it’s definitely worth taking a look.

Activities to do with the Family in Melbourne

Many of Melbourne’s attractions offer discounted family tickets and reduced prices for children, with under-fives often going free. This means exploring the city is affordable as well as lots of fun.

Here are just a few of the attractions perfect for families:

• The Melbourne Museum offers plenty of interactive exhibitions. It’s the largest museum in the southern hemisphere and is also home to the IMAX Melbourne.
• The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is located in the Docklands area of the city. The wheel takes you 40 floors high and offers panoramic views of Melbourne and beyond.
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is home to crocodiles, elephant sharks, rays, penguins and lots of different fish species. It offers interactive animal encounters and interactive exhibits.
  Melbourne Zoo allows you to get up close with even more incredible animals. The zoo is home to over 320 animal species including Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats, emus and koalas.
• Old Melbourne Gaol, where Ned Kelly was once kept prisoner,is an atmospheric destination and one that children tend to love. The 19th century gaol is one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings and offers tours with lots of grisly tales along the way.
• Melbourne’s sporting venues are a must if your family are into cricket, football or tennis. Book ahead to get tickets to a game or match.

Venturing Out of Town

It would be a mistake to forget about the incredible destinations surrounding Melbourne on a trip to the city.
If you have the time to venture beyond the city limits, be sure to visit the Dandenongs, a range of hills not far from Melbourne. They’re the perfect place for family hikes, BBQs and picnics and you can also take a ride through the scenery on Puffing Billy, a 100 year old steam train.
Over on the Mornington Peninsula you can get lost in the Ashcombe Maze, go surfing at Point Leo or go swimming with seals. And at Phillip Island you can get to know the local penguin colony by watching their march back from the sea each day at sunset.

There’s so much to do and explore on a family trip to Melbourne. With a little planning, you’ll see the very best this exciting city and beautiful surrounding countryside has to offer.

The post How to make the most of your family trip to Melbourne appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

You can prepare your vehicle as much as possible to prevent mechanical problems but sometimes breakdowns just happen.  Make sure you know what to do when you break down with your kids in the car.

1.Stop the car somewhere safe
Pull over to the left as far as possible, with your wheels turned to the left.

If you break down on a highway or motorway, pull over on the hard shoulder, which is for emergency stops.  If you’re unable to reach the hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.

2.Make sure your car is visible
Once you’ve pulled over, turn on your hazard lights. If you break down at night, keep your headlights on too so that other drivers can see your vehicle. Explain to your kids that the car has broken and you will need to wait for someone to come and fix it.

3.Get out of the car
If you’ve broken down on the freeway, sitting in the car next to fast-moving traffic is very risky.  You and your children should get out of the car using the left-hand doors to avoid any passing traffic and stand behind the guard rail.

If you don’t feel safe getting out of the car – for example, if you feel at risk from another person – stay inside the car with the doors locked until it is safe to leave the vehicle.

It’s best to leave any pets in the car, as you don’t want them to run onto the road, but make sure you keep the windows open so animals don’t overheat.

4.Phone for help
Call the RAC or your roadside assistance provider and tell them where you have broken down. Most roadside assistance companies provide on-the-spot joining options for non-members requiring immediate help.

If you don’t have a mobile phone, walk to the nearest emergency phone. Be really careful walking along a freeway and stay away from passing cars as much as you can.

5.Wait for help in a safe place
If you’ve broken down on a freeway, it’s important not to get back in the car to wait for help.  This is because a passing car could hit your vehicle if they don’t see that you’ve stopped.  Wait for help behind the guardrail or crash barrier, and keep your kids close so they won’t wander onto the road.

You might be in for a long wait, so bring any snacks from your car plus some toys or activity books to keep little ones entertained.

Tips and reminders of things to do before you leave:

Keep emergency items in your car
Stow a reflective vest or jacket in your car boot, so that if you need to change a tyre, other drivers will be able to see you.

Make sure your mobile phone is charged
Before you go on any long trips make sure your mobile is fully charged and consider keeping a portable or in-car charger in your vehicle.

Keep Blankets, Clothing and Snacks in the car
If you’re worried about breaking down in the cold keep a blanket, some snacks and warm clothes in your car. A pair of comfortable shoes will also come in handy if you need to walk to find help.
How to Prevent Breakdowns Before You Set Off
Keep your car well maintained to reduce the risk of breakdowns.  Get regular services and make sure your oil, coolant and other fluids are topped up.  Make sure your vehicle has a spare tyre that is inflated and has enough tread.  You should also keep a puncture repair kit in your boot and check that you know how to use it.

Don’t ignore small problems

What seems like a small problem might indicate a larger issue – or the beginning of a problem that could grow out of hand.  Get any chips in your windscreen fixed before they spread and become irreparable.

This article was provided by Autoscreens, a family run business offering mobile services for windscreen repairs and windscreen replacement in Perth.www.windscreenreplacementperth.com.au

The post How to Stay Safe when you Break Down with the Kids in the Car appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Keeping children occupied during the long school holidays can be a challenge, but anyone wanting to instil a ‘culture of culture’ whilst having fun AND keep the kids occupied for hours should explore these top cultural places to visit in Perth.

1.      Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison is the largest and most intact convict-built prison in Australia and is Western Australia’s only World Heritage Listed Building.  Choose from a range of entertaining tours conducted by experienced tour guides who bring the rich folklore and stories of the prison to life, including the Ghostly Tram Tour, the eerie night-time torchlight tour and the extreme heritage tunnel adventure tour.

1 The Terrace, Fremantle 08 9461 3403

2.      King’s Park and Botanic Garden

Rated the top attraction in Perth and one of the top four things to do in the whole of Australia by TripAdvisor, King’s Park offers much, much more than spectacular views and acres of manicured lawns and indigenous bush.  Kids will love learning about the area’s deep and important connection to the Nyoongar community through the many activities, tours and education programmes on offer at this famous World Heritage site.  There’s an indigenous heritage tour where kids can discover more about unique WA plants that are useful for bush food and medicine and hear an Aboriginal guide tell the Ancient Dreamtime story, the Boodja Gnaring Walk which explores the Nyoongar use of the land as well as an Aboriginal Art Gallery for inspiring creative young minds.

Fraser Ave, West Perth 08 9480 3600

3.      His Majesty’s Theatre

Theatre may not sound like much fun for kids – but wait until they hear about the behind-the-scenes tour at one of Perth’s most loved heritage icons.  They’ll be fascinated by the impressive domed roof (particularly when they learn that in the ‘olden days’ before air-conditioners, it used to slide open on Perth’s hot summer nights to improve ventilation), the backstage area and the memorabilia exhibition and who knows, a visit to the ‘Maj’ may just fire up their artistic ambitions!

825 Hay St, Perth 08 9265 0900

4.      City of Perth Library

Whoever said books were on the decline hasn’t seen the amazing new City of Perth Library. This seven-level building is a perfect cultural outing for the school holidays with its spectacular views, storey-telling zones, history centre, green wall, free WI-FI, public-use computers and gaming centre on the Young Adult level and of course, thousands of awesome books.   Kids even get unwittingly introduced to the work of Shakespeare through a massive artwork which hangs from the ceiling of the circular structure which relates to the ending of his play, The Tempest, but with a WA twist of course!

573 Hay St, Perth 08 9461 3500

5.      Shipwreck Galleries

Recognised as the foremost maritime archaeology museum, the Western Australian Museum — Shipwreck Galleries offers all sorts of historic treasures and artefacts for kids to explore and discover.  They’ll learn about WA’s history through the fascinating collection of relics from shipwrecks along our treacherous coastline, including the original timbers from the Batavia (wrecked in 1629) and the famous de Vlamingh pewter plate which was left by Dutch explorer, Dirk Hartog in 1616.  Hartog made one of the first recorded landfalls by a European on the West Australian coastline and given that 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of this important arrival, a visit to this fascinating museum would be a fitting cultural excursion during the school holidays.

Cliff Street, Fremantle 1300 134 081

6.      City Art Walk

Need to keep kids occupied and expending energy for a few hours?  Perth’s public art walk is a fascinating way of teaching them about Perth’s cultural heritage.  At the Swan Bell Tower 60 000 mosaic tiles represent each region’s culture, community and lifestyle at the turn of the century.  Visit the lifesize Kangaroo Sculptures at Stirling Gardens or the Charnock Woman mosaic in Victoria Gardens which recounts Bibbulmun dreamtime story.   Well worth a look also is the  Regeneration Relief mural which gives a visual history of Claisebrook in East Perth.  There are many fascinating public artworks to explore and discover to enrich their understanding of life in Perth.

Art City Public Walk 08 9461 3403

The Swan Bell Tower

Several of these artworks are situated at the Swan Bell Tower which is another of the top Perth attractions for a cultural outing with the kids during the holidays.  Boasting a unique and distinctive design and filled with fascinating historic content including 12 huge bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields, which are recorded as being in existence from before the 14th century and the ‘It’s about Time’ display which contains a fascinating array of precision timepieces, bells and optical instruments that demonstrate how time was kept before the world went digital.

Barrack Square, Riverside Drive 08 6210 0444 www.thebelltower.com.au

The post Top Cultural Attractions in Perth for the school holidays appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Fremantle Esplanade

You’ll find this spacious park right next to the Harbour. It features sweeping green lawns, an impressive children’s playground, and shady walks under tall pine trees. Take the kids for a ride on the SkyView Observation Wheel – a 46m tall ferris wheel with soaring views of Freo. Hungry? Indulge the family with a high tea at the traditional Esplanade Hotel, or grab a quick bite at one of the many kiosks selling light meals and drinks along the esplanade.

Fishing Boat Harbour

Immerse yourselves in modern maritime life by taking the kids to see this fully functioning fishing boat harbour. It’s home to over 400 fishing boats, so sit back and enjoy the parade of vessels and the whirl of activity on display every day. Adventure seekers can ride on a high-speed jet boat or charter a sailing tour. Foodies can satisfy their appetites in one of the fantastic seafood restaurants, or simply grab some fish and chips, find a sunny spot, and watch the action on the water.

West Australian Maritime Museum

This museum offers a unique glimpse at the past, present and future of Freo as a port city. Kids and adults alike can explore the city’s connection to the ocean by discovering handcrafted sail boats, commercial pearl lugging boats, and leisure yachts suspended from the ceiling. You can even step inside the awe-inspiring HMAS Ovens, an authentic Oberon class submarine from the Cold War era.

Fremantle Prison

Transport yourself back in time by discovering the stories and secrets of this World Heritage listed building. Open to the public since 1992, Fremantle Prison is a fascinating historical destination where kids can learn about convict life and colonial times in Australia. Browse the Prison Galleries to see real prisoner artworks, or search for your convict ancestors in a database of genuine convict records. Older kids will love the prison’s unique guided tours – the Torchlight Tour at night and the Tunnel Tour in the passageways under the prison are particular favourites for the brave and courageous.

Rottnest Island

Take a short ferry ride from Fremantle and explore the stunning beaches, serene bays, coral reefs and shipwrecks of Rottnest Island. Families can hire bikes and cycle around the island, discovering unique plants and animals such as seals, ospreys, whales and the famous Quokka marsupial. If you have little ones too small to cycle, you can hop on the Bayseeker Bus and make your way around the island. See early colonial cottages, take the kids swimming or snorkeling in the sparkling ocean, or enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the island’s cafes or restaurants.

If you’re looking for Fremantle apartments or Fremantle hotels, look out for Pier 21 Apartment Hotel in Freo. Located on the banks of the Swan River, Pier 21 is ideally close to tourist attractions, restaurants, pristine beaches and shopping destinations. With 47 self-contained serviced apartments, Pier 21 offers comfortable accommodation for the whole family, with a personalised and sophisticated style. To make a booking, call 08 9336 2555 or visit www.pier21.com.au to find out more.

The post The Top 5 Things to do in Fremantle with the kids appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

It’s evident that more and more people are taking their pets when they travel with their family, and according to a recent study by Petstock 75% of dog owners would consider choosing travel destinations based on whether or not their pampered pooch could also come along. An amazing statistic that in future could see the decline of boarding kennels as owners opt not to leave their pooch out of the family fun.

Fortunately, many businesses across the world have welcomed this trend and opened their doors to four-legged family members. So whether you’re searching for a beach break or a rural farm stay, here are some great places in Australia for family members with both two and four feet.

Canberra & Surrounds

The nation’s capital isn’t just great for educating kids about Australia’s military and political history, but it’s also a hub for taking in stunning museums and art galleries. Centrally located, the Mercure Canberra on the corner of Ainslie and Limestone Avenue has dedicated dog-friendly rooms with a fenced yard for exercising, plus family packages available too.  The pet friendly rooms only have one king bed so perhaps not suitable if your children require their own beds.   For a more peaceful locale just one hour out of town, Wee Jasper Reserves offers bush camping on the banks of the beautiful Goodradigbee River.  Let your canine and your kids run free in nature.

Around Sydney & Byron Bay

There’s no doubt that this state has the most variety for families travelling with pets, and you don’t need to go far out of the major population areas to find resorts that will suit all members of the family – even four-legged ones.

Situated in Monkerai Valley just 2.5 hours north of Sydney, you can find the ever popular Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort at 311 Upper Monkerai Road that has a variety of activities to keep the nippers amused.  Choose from canoeing, fishing, horse riding, tennis and swimming or if you prefer relaxation indulge in a massage after a peaceful bush walk.

Alpaca Farm Stay, Kurrajong Heights

Not far away is Madisons Mountain Retreat, a great place for young animal lovers, this alpaca farm stay in Kurrajong Heights has spa cottages, an 18m indoor solar heated pool, a tennis court, bushwalking tracks and converted train accommodation the kids will love.

For beach vacations on the South Coast just a 20 minute drive from either Bega or Merimbula you should definitely try Tathra Beach Holiday Park. It’s situated right on the beach and all dogs receive a free gift on arrival! Pets are welcome all year long on the sites and in the pet-friendly cottages too (excluding the peak period over Christmas).

On the North Coast, Byron Bay offers blissful sun-filled days on the beach for man and pet alike, and you can even stay at Sandy Paws, a self-contained three-bedroom house on Childe Street, a stroll away from Belongil- the best off-leash beach in Byron Bay.

If skiing is more your family’s idea of fun then the Pender Lea Swiss-style Chalets in the NSW Snowy Mountains have accommodation to suit all budgets and even have a dedicated pet enclosure onsite for when you head to the slopes.

Northern Territory

While the Northern Territory offers a lot of outback adventures and opportunities to learn about the indigenous culture, there is little in the way of pet-friendly accommodation to be found here.

Darwin Holiday Apartments has properties to suit families of all sizes who will be staying with a pet, while Coolalinga Tourist Park just outside Darwin and features a large fully-fenced dog exercise area (pets are onsite accommodation only, however). Alice on Todd Apartments at the at corner of South Terrace and Strehlow Street offer the best property in Alice for anyone needing accommodation with their pet, and what’s more children under 4 stay for free.

Queensland

Who wouldn’t want a holiday in tropical far north Queensland? Marlin Cove Resort truly has it all.  Not only is it set in 10 acres of lush rain forest, it is close to beautiful Trinity Beach which sports a range of top-quality facilities including 2 shallow children’s wading areas and a large salt water pool.  It also boasts a sauna, tennis court, games room and spa and has apartment units that allow dogs.  For people who want to stay more central, Cairns Holiday Homes have an excellent selection of child and pet-friendly properties available all year round.

Heading further south, BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park at 2634 Shute Harbour Road is pet friendly, however, conditions apply. Kids will enjoy the giant chess set, a pirate playground along with a jumping pillow and waterpark.  For something more rural on the Sunshine Coast try Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages in the the beautiful Noosa Hinterland on 30 private acres. Kids will love feeding the animals.   West of Gympie, just 54km is bush camping at Kilkivan, a caravan park which accepts pets. – Lots of accessible activities for your dog so they won’t be bored.

South Australia

If you want to be near both the city and the beach when travelling with pets, Adelaide’s Glenelg Beach area is the place to stay. The affordable Comfort Inn Haven Marina is one of few establishments in town offering affordable pet friendly rooms in Glenelg as well as dog walking and pet care services (contact the property direct to book).

If you are looking for self-catering style accommodation in regional South Australia, Pet Let specialise in pet friendly holiday rentals that allow both cats and dogs on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula.

For caravan parks try Port Augusta or Myall Grove.

Tasmania

For family holidays across the Ditch, Tasmania has a good range of accommodation. A scenic fifty minute drive South from Hobart in the Huon Valley is Kermandie Lodge, a family-friendly motel which welcomes pets.  Nearby attractions the kids will enjoy include hang gliding, the Ida Bay railway and the gloomy Hastings Caves.  For family road trips, Hobart Caravan Park at Seven Mile Beach  is 15 minutes from Hobart and has a dog-friendly beach only 5 minutes walk away.

Family & Pet Friendly Farm Stay Accommodation in WA

When the locals say “West is best” they must be talking about pet-friendly accommodation! According to Mark and Kerriann from Diamond Forest Cottages Pemberton in the Southern Forests region of WA

“WA is starting to become more pet friendly with more accommodation, cafes, wineries and parks being opened up to pets.”

The cottages are built around being a family-friendly farm stay with lots of activities for children and adults alike: daily animal feeding, canoeing, fishing, a games room and a playground plus ample space for kids to run free in a safe environment. Set in a central location close to local activities and wineries to keep everyone happy.  Each of the pet-friendly cottages has a fully secured enclosure attached to keep pets safe. Kerriann provides visitors with a list of pet-friendly places where people can take their animals such as state forests and parks adding,

“As the owner of a farm dog and two cats ourselves we feel we understand what people need when it comes to holidaying with their pets.”

For families wanting to visit Perth, Banksia Tourist Park is the self-proclaimed “finest” tourist caravan park in town with amazing nature, wildlife and facilities for the whole family – and a great exercise area for dogs of all shapes and sizes.  But if this haven doesn’t tickle your fancy discover the South West between Bunbury and Busselton, and stay at the stylish and pet friendly Peppermint Tree Lodge located 2.5 hours from Perth.

Victoria

Nothing will enchant the little ones more than a visit to see the fairy penguins on Philip Island, achieved by booking yourself into Nautilus Cottage by the Sea.With three bedrooms and two bathrooms this cottage is dog-friendly for small to medium well-trained dogs making it a great option for travelling families.

For a relaxing trip mums are sure to enjoy try Daylesford Cottages. Located in separate locations around Daylesford, these cottages are child and dog-friendly and set in glorious surrounds. Everyone can be entertained while mum enjoys some much-needed pampering in the nearby hot springs.

The next place makes a great stopover for families with pets travelling between Sydney and Melbourne. Wakiti Creek Resort in Kotupna, 20 minutes east of Echuca is set on over 90 acres of beautiful natural bush land.  Families can stay in pet friendly duplex cabins with fenced courtyards where Rover is free to roam.

For city breaks, Boutique Stays have the best pet friendly accommodation in Metropolitan Melbourne.  Apartments, townhouses and self-contained houses with up to four bedrooms have secure balconies, fenced courtyards or backyards and plenty of outdoor playing space for both kids and pets alike.  Also in Melbourne you can try Birches Serviced Apartments in the inner suburb of East Melbourne which has affordable rooms in a great downtown location and a relaxed attitude to pets.

Pet Travel Tips

To avoid turning your forthcoming trip into something akin from the movie “Beethoven” always plan ahead.

Check prior to departure that the place is still pet-friendly, as policies do change from time to time.  Also, check the conditions prior to booking such as the time of year pets are allowed, size of dog and breed accepted; there’s nothing worse than turning up and finding your pooch rejected by the owners.

Although there is still some way to go before pets are accepted as widely as they ought to be, this is a good indicator that things are changing for the better in Australia at least.

Few things beat taking the family on holiday so don’t land yourself in the dog house.  Take Fido instead and plan for a holiday that everyone can enjoy!

Carla Francis is the Australian author of “Holidays furrrr all the Family” a travel guide for families with pets covering all states and territories in Australia.  The guide is available for purchase here: http://www.pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au/petfriendly/buy-book-pet-friendly-accommodation-2e-guidebook/

If you have experienced a great pet friendly place to stay with your kids please be kind enough to share with us below.

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The post Pet Friendly Accommodation around Australia Your Kids Will Love Too! appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Are you ready to take the family to Disneyland?

2 adults and 2 young children can travel to the USA from $3999 return when you book an incredible flight deal with Qantas.

To take advantage of this deal for your family simply visit Helloworld and select a minimum of 2 adults and 2 children when searching specific travel dates. Children must be between the ages of 2 and 11 years at the time of travel.

This offer expired 31 July 2015

The post Qantas Los Angeles Family Sale*Expired* appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.

Package includes:

• International flights ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Return private vehicle airport transfers
• 6 nights accommodation at Outrigger in a Deluxe Ocean View Room, inclusive of:Reduced Accommodation Rates
• Buffet Breakfast daily
• Talai’ (butler) VIP service
  *** Complimentary daily champagne and canapes every afternoon
  *** 4 days FREE Mei Mei Nanny service
  Up to 2 Children Dine FREE* (12 years & under)
  Complimentary Kids Club for children 3-12 years from 10am-9pm

What more could you want! A longer stay maybe? Just ask
Valid for travel 01 November 2015 to 25 March 2016 (Block-out dates apply)

Ex SYDNEY & BRISBANE $1,835 per adult and only $249 per child
MELBOURNE $1,935 per adult and only $269 per child

Email your preferred travel dates, ages of children at time of travel , departure city AND your contact number to travelguru@optusnet.com.au

You can also find more great travel deals on Julie’s Facebook page

The post Its time to escape to beautiful FIJI in the summer holidays. appeared first on Travel 4 Kids Family Travel Deals.