Luxe with Littlies
My Child: Autumn 2008

Having small children doesn’t spell the end to stylish holidays. Travel editor Jo Hegerty looks at some truly child-friendly Aussie destinations.

Bellachara Boutique Hotel
Gerringong, NSW
This converted motel combines four-star luxury with a family-friendly attitude. Every other king room has a galley kitchen for self-catering, and rooms connect to create a home away from home that sleeps up to six. There’s a family pool and the beach down the road, plus the elegant day spa, which features a private bath where you can enjoy some you-time with a glass of sparkling and no interruptions. Let the experts at Jak’s Corner look after the littlies while you dine next door in the picturesque courtyard or by the log fire. The modern menu is superb, with a well-thought-out kids’ menu (both owners are dads).
Rooms from $225 per night, bellachara.com.au or 02 4234 1359.

Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island, Qld
This idyllic, luxurious resort has plenty to keep mum, dad and the kids happy. Babies and toddlers from six weeks are well looked after at the creche in Hernando’s Hideaway, and older children are occupied at the Kids Club while you enjoy the reef, beach, sun or Spa Chakra. Visit hayman.com.au for more.
Special Offer: Creative Holidays and Hayman would like to offer My Child readers a special family holiday package: stay five nights in a Pool View room at Hayman for $1,600 per adult with children under five staying for free. As  a bonus, you will be offered a complimentary upgrade to a Lagoon room (subject to availability). Valid for travel between April 1 and June 30 2008 on bookings made between February 7 and March 31. Make bookings through travel agents. For more information on Creative Holidays and the selection of family-friendly holidays on offer see creativeholidays.com.

The Sebel Resort
Noosa, Qld
A superb base, The Sebel is located on Hastings Street, where the beach, shops and restaurants are all within pram-strolling distance. The suites are enormous, with full kitchens and separate lounge and bedrooms. Dine at Aroma’s or order in with the restaurant delivery service. Suites from $245 per night, sebelnoosa.com or 07 5474 6400. For a night out, contact nanniesofnoosa.com or 1300 659 619.

Moonlight Head Private Lodge
Great Ocean Road, Vic
‘Having a TV and a stack of DVDs doesn’t make a place “child-friendly”,’ says Mark Banning-Taylor, CEO of Moonlight Head Private Lodge, which he describes as being ‘built for children’. Two luxurious lodges sleep up to eight in this location that is both remote and action packed, while a discreet team of housekeepers, a chef and concierge do all the hard work. The latter provides guests with exactly what they want, be it introducing children to wildlife down at Macca’s Farm, arranging trips to Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles, canoeing, horse riding, golf or fishing lessons. And it’s the little touches that make Moonlight Head stand out. Upon arrival, families are issued with a mini guidebook showing the locations of playgrounds and toilets in the surrounding towns; guests arrive to a fully stocked pre-selected pantry; and registered childminders are available to give parents time to enjoy the Great Ocean Walk.
Children are provided with toys, books, Lego, play equipment and anything else you can think of – just ask. From $3,500 per night for two adults, with two kids under 12 staying free, including breakfast and dinner, moonlighthead.com, 02 9363 8870.

Cable Beach Club Resort
Broome, wa
This is a favourite holiday destination for the many regulars who book year in, year out. The self-contained bungalows are ideal for families, with two bedrooms in each and cots and high chairs provided free of charge. The resort is pretty big – 258 rooms overall – and includes four on-site restaurants, two pools and the Buddha Sanctuary where you can learn yoga or tai chi. Babysitters are available to keep the kids happy while you enjoy the surroundings.

Superior bungalows from $406 per night, cablebeachclub.com,
08 9192 0400.