[naturalgoodness]

We have been thinking about taking the family away for Xmas next year - possibly Xmas day, but open to leaving Boxing Day. Just discovered that the youngest (who will be approx 9 months by then) is too young to go on a cruise so am looking for other suggestions.

Here are our details/criteria:

- 2 adults and 3 kids aged 9, 6 & 9 months (possibly 18 year old too - so another adult)
- maximum 5 hours day time/8 hours overnight plane travel
- prefer apartment style accom, although to want food either on site or very close
- Does not need to be 5 star, we are happy with clean rooms and good beds!

Very open to travel within and outside Australia. We like to get out and about but are not adventure seekers and are not super fit hikers or campers.

Would love suggestions - am open to all sorts as we will have the year to save!

This post has been edited by naturalgoodness: 23/12/2012, 04:34 PM

[casime]

If you're looking for a nice peaceful holiday, then try Norfolk Island. I love it. I stay in a place which is self contained, nice view. Shops are just a short drive away (pretty much all of the accommodation includes a car). You can also rent houses there so you'd have plenty of space. Beach is clean and absolutely safe, and never crowded. Plenty of space to explore, and some interesting sites and tours. Not a busy "tourist" style holiday at all. About an hour and a half flight from Sydney or Brisbane. Book through the local travel agent for the best deals (www.bountycentre.nf)

[strawberrycakes]

a cruise could be awesome.

[naturalgoodness]

For a cruise the youngest has to be 12 months - so unfortunately that is out for next year

Will look into Norfolk Island, have never thought of it before

[Harmonica]

First 3 ideas that came to mind...

Whitsunday Islands (Hamilton Island has apartments)
Fiji and...
New Zealand

[FiveAus]

You could go to Tassie on the Spirit of Tasmania, that's the cruise bit there and back, and Tassie is the best holiday destination in Australia...loads of things to do with the kids and everything very accessible.

[casime]

Will look into Norfolk Island, have never thought of it before

I've been going there on holidays since I was seven. Absolutely adore it. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

Think I've talked myself in to it again. I could do with a recharge and think I will need it even more so by the end of next year. Might see you over there in January OP!

[The 7 Dwarfs]

Bali was great fun with the kids. The second best holiday we have been on, behind a cruise .

We stayed here: http://www.sanurparadise.com/plaza-suites/

Had it's own restaurant and the meals are so cheap there that we could have a 3 course meal brought to our room for next to nothing.

I'd love to go to Norfolk Island though, if it had of been easier to get there from Adelaide, then that is where we had planned to go for our recent holiday. It was just too much hassle unfortunately.

[naturalgoodness]

Thanks everyone - we have been to Bali quite a few times and DH wants to go somewhere different next time, although I really love it and would go back in a shot!

We travel from Adelaide too and whilst I prefer a direct flight, sometimes don't mind breaking up a trip a bit with 2 flights - its how we got to see a bit of Perth, by hiring a car and spending a day there between Adelaide and Bali a couple of times