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If I had a dollar for the amount of times I was told during my pregnancy to say goodbye to travel and holidays for a good 10 years, I would be able to afford to travel non stop for a year! Well not really, but you get my drift. If you are anything like us, the thought of giving up your love for travel, or at least sidelining it for a bit, because of your new arrival isn’t exactly what you had in mind. Luckily, whilst yes your holidays may change a little with children, there are plenty of wonderful spots in Australia to enjoy as a family. Although hole in the wall wine bars aren’t quite pram friendly and might need be reserved for a baby free evening, travelling with your new bundle of joy brings it’s own excitement and adventures. At Thirty Three South we are all about the lifestyle, so our moses bassinet baskets are the perfect portable accessory for all of you wanderlust lovers to keep bub safe and snug in their familiar sleeping environment no matter where your travels take you.
If you are wracking your brain for some baby friendly getaway spots, the below destinations are tried and tested and sure to start your family memory bank off in a very special way.
Mollymook
Three hours drive south of Sydney, the beachside town of Mollymook is as beautiful as it is peaceful. Don’t expect big high rise hotels or uber eats here, it is every bit the quintessential small coastal town. The roadtrip from Sydney is a treat in itself, and can easily take the whole day if you would like to enjoy the journey and break up the drive for bub. When you pass the winding cliff roads around Gerringong where the farms meet the ocean, the hustle and bustle of the city is long gone. There are plenty of perfect spots to stop for a feeding and nappy change for the little one along this stretch of road so that Mamma can enjoy the view. Any trip down the south coast is certainly not complete without a lunch stop at the picturesque Huskisson Hotel, a quick ocean dip at Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay, a wine at Silo’s winery and of course a perusal of The Treat Factory in Berry to stock up on desserts for your holiday (if they make it that far!!).
And if the roadtrip isn’t enough to get you relaxed, you certainly will as soon as you arrive in Mollymook and see the sweeping stretch of sand on the main beach, which has a wonderful long walking path perfect for the pram. If lying by the beach all day is not your thing, take your picnic rug along to Cupitt’s winery and enjoy the gorgeous view of surrounding farmland, vineyards and pigeon house mountain while enjoying a drop of local wine or boutique beer. There is plenty of space on the grassed area for bub to have a snooze in their moses basket while Mum and Dad enjoy a quiet drink. For a hipster brunch, look no further than Native in Ulladulla – where you can still get your city like fix of smashed avo and Will & Co coffee.
For accommodation, if you are looking for luxury, go no further than the two Bannisters properties. If the two properties were siblings, Bannisters Pavilion would be the oh so hip younger brother with its rooftop pool and bar; and Bannisters by the Sea would be the chic older sister perched on the cliff with sweeping ocean views. If you are after more of a relaxed apartment vibe for a little more space for your little one, then you are in so much luck. Air BnB and Stayz go nuts down here so just enter your requirements and off you go. Our personal fave is Mariners on Mollymook, right across the road from the beach with phenomenal views and a quick trot across the road to the Golf Club for a good old Aussie family friendly bistro meal – but don’t book this one all at once, we don’t want it to become too popular now!!!
Hamilton Island
A secluded, tropical island getaway without leaving Australia makes Hamilton Island a perfect first getaway with your bub. Just a short 2 hour direct flight from Sydney, not only is the scenery spectacular, the weather divine and the food oh so fine, but the island is also super family friendly – tick, tick, tick, tick! Like days gone by, no cars are allowed on Hamilton island and the mode of transport is by buggy! Before your mind jumps to the complexity of car seats, be rest assured that child restraints can be hired for your stay very easily and at a minimal cost. Most large cities can fly directly to Hamilton island which is also a big win to save those little ears from having to board multiple flights. Transport sorted!
Another genius idea from the Hamilton Island crew is the ability to order several baby convenience items to purchase when staying at the Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows, so that they are ready and waiting for your arrival and there is no need to pack them in your suitcase. Swim nappies, Sudocrem and Bonjela are just a few of the items that don’t need to contribute to those precious kilograms of your suitcase – no one wants to pay for excess baggage! As if it couldn’t get any easier, you can also request complimentary items such as a cot, stroller, baby bath, change table and even a bumbo!!
For those of you still reading who haven’t left in a hurry to book flights to Hamilton, you can now let your mind wander to all the exciting things to do on your holiday. Snorkelling or glass bottom boat tours of the Great Barrier Reef, spa treatments for Mum, golf for Dad and bushwalks and wildlife spotting for the whole family… really what is not to love?
Still not tickling your fancy? Some other spots to consider might be Glenelg (SA), Freemantle (WA), Sorrento (VIC), Newcastle (NSW) or the Daintree (QLD).
If the thought of packing a bag for your bub fills you with dread, be sure to visit our blog post “Holiday packing for bub without needing a semi-trailer”.