By Narelle Bouveng
Mention the word holiday and kids will quiver with anticipation.
For them holiday means action, adventure and a chance to expend some of that endless energy.
Holiday on the other hand means something completely different for parents. Relaxation, rejuvenation and respite come to mind for me.
So how do you combine two pursuits that are actually in complete contradiction of each other? The answer has to be Kids' Club!
I have not been an advocate of kids' clubs in the past. The traditionalist in me harks that a family holiday is an opportunity to build lifelong memories, create Kodak moments and enjoy precious time with the people closest to us.
But sadly today's kids are not that interested in tradition. They would rather try the latest adventure craze, meet friends they can add to Facebook, hang with anyone other than their charisma-less parents and blissfully indulge themselves without a thought for the people who pay for the privilege.
So instead of forcing tradition, take your kids' advice and "chill". A holiday that offers the works for hyped-up kids could also prove a blessing for wornout parents.
Novotel Twin Waters - Sunshine Coast - Queensland.
If you have dreamt of running away to the circus, Novotel Twin Waters on Queensland's Sunshine Coast is the place for you. Circus Espace is a custom-built outdoor circus school where kids (and adults) can learn trapeze, tightrope, juggling, plate spinning and a whole host of other circus antics.
Busy Bodies Kids Club runs morning and afternoon sessions and while the kids enjoyed creating craft masterpieces, playing games and venturing out with the activities' officers to feed the fish and pelicans, I sampled the spa, which is an indulgent treat for the soul as much as it is for the body.
Other activities to try include sailing, kayaking or archery and there are bikes to hire with plenty of meandering bike trails to discover. Dining is a tempting choice from fine dining through to cafe with bar and bistro choices offered in between. Resort rooms are spacious and well appointed (especially after a recent refurbishment).
And as an extra treat, consider booking into the Grand Mercure Beach houses where your palatial holiday home with its own private pool is just a short stroll from all the popular resort facilities, and a few steps onto the sand where a stunning stretch of uncrowded beach awaits.
Details: www.twinwatersresort.com.au.
Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel - Charlotte Pass Ski Resort - New South Wales.
A trip to the snow has always been a popular choice for family holidays, but finding the balance between exhilarating skiing for grownups and a safe introduction to the slopes for littlies, can prove challenging.
But a visit to the "grand old lady" of the Snowy Mountains, the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, offers the perfect option for every member of the family to find their ski legs at a pace and level to suit.
With spectacular views over Australia's highest snow resort, the issue of no-show snow does not need to spoil any holiday plans as there is adequate cover for those that enjoy the higher and faster runs to those that fringe the resort, perfect for first time skiers.
Frosty's Kids Club is popular running morning, afternoon and evening sessions that include an array of crafts, activities and, if the weather is fine, a bounce on the resident jumping castle for the kids to enjoy.
For parents - don't be disappointed if kids want nothing to do with you, especially at dinner time when the crew from Frosty's arrange a special children's seating with menus, activities and fun right through to 9pm.
This is the ideal time for adults to enjoy a gourmet three course meal, sample the fine wine or cocktail menu or just linger that little bit longer on the piste while the kids are taken care of.
Details: www.charlottepass.com.au/chalet.html.
Voyages Heron Island - Great Barrier Reef - Queensland.
Leave the mainland behind and embark on a journey guaranteed to stir the soul and awaken the conservationist within.
Heron Island is a tiny coral cay perched right on the Great Barrier Reef and, apart from its idyllic postcard charms that include white coral beaches, raucous sea birds, and shimmering aqua waters; Heron Island is also home to a stunning array of sea creatures that can be viewed as up close and personal as you dare.
We took a ride on the groovy semi-submersible where the reef can be explored without getting wet and later pulled on a pair of flippers and a snorkel to see the thriving hive of biological marine activity that exists just below the surface.
The kids loved Heron Island's Junior Rangers program, which offers interactive learning in a fun and stimulating environment for children over seven.
Resident Rangers will take kids to visit nesting sea birds, watch turtles lay their eggs and at the right time of season observe tiny baby turtle hatchlings erupt from the sand.
While the future custodians of the Great Barrier Reef are briefed on their important role of future conservation, parents are free to enjoy the spa, laze on the beach, have a cocktail by the pool or just lap up the tranquillity of such a pristine natural environment.
Details: www.voyages.com.au.
Daydream Island Resort -Whitsundays - Queensland.
A tiny island in comparison to some of its rivals, but proof that good things really do come in small packages! From the traditional shell lei offered as a welcome on arrival to the three bronzed mermaids that beckon boats into its shore, Daydream is an idyllic destination with plenty of things for kids to discover alongside ample opportunity for parents to relax.
There are lagoon-sized swimming pools on both ends of the island, a 19-hole mini golf course, award winning spa and popular moonlight cinema that encouraged us to kick back on deck chairs under the palm trees with popcorn and snuggle under the complimentary blanket. The famous Whitsunday Sunset serves up a spectacular prelude to the movie with a thick canopy of stars ensuring littlies don't get scared of the dark.
Skippers Kids Club offers excellent value and my kids loved the chance to join in craft activities and games, but also pay a visit to Daydream's own living reef, the largest outdoor living coral reef in the southern hemisphere, where Nemo and his friends can all be found.
They also enjoyed a nature walk, fed the resident kangaroos and were captivated by the many stories the kids' club officers told of the history of Daydream Island, the connection to mermaids and the story of the three brothers that still stand guard on the island's shore having been frozen by Medusa, according to local legend.
Details: www.daydreamisland.com.
More places to stay and play:
Margaret River Hideaway - www.margaretriverhideaway.com.
P&O Cruises - www.pocruises.com.au.
All Seasons Eco Resort Phillip Island - www.theislandecoresort.com.au.
Club Med Lindeman Island - www.clubmed.com.au.
AAP
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