Jet Setting with Qantas

There’s something quite special about family trips and this is the one thing I have a major weakness for. I can do without the Pradas, Vuittons and Louboutins but when it comes to family vacations, I’m all like “Here, just shut up and take my money already.”

To be sure, leaving the country with 2 young kids and an infant in tow can be a logistical nightmare but just being able to explore the world together with them? So worth it. Over the past 2 years, we’ve been to Melbourne, Hong Kong, Gold Coast, Melbourne again and most recently, Bali with the kids. For me, it’s like a drug and I spend most of my non-traveling time dreaming of (and planning) our next trip. Seriously, I’m so hardcore I prepare itineraries for fun – just in case we decide to spontaneously pack our bags and jet set off with the kids.

One of our favorite places in the world to visit is Australia. It’s near enough for the kids to survive the flight and more importantly, it’s a great place for a family vacation. We love the laid back Aussie charm, the great outdoors, the animals, the beaches, the mountains, the city vibe…all of it.

From now till 17 April (travel by 31st July), Qantas is having a special promo price for a return trip that includes Sydney and Queensland. Fly Singapore-Sydney-Brisbane or Singapore-Brisbane-Sydney from only $818 (return economy) or add one more location from just $113. Which means that it will cost as little as $931 to fly Brisbane-Cairns-Sydney. In addition, buy a Qantas Walkabout Pass and enjoy 30kg of checked-in baggage.

Sydney has always been high on my list of places to visit and we almost went during our trip last year but we decided to do a last minute swap with Gold Coast because the kids wanted to check out the theme parks instead. I even prepared a Sydney itinerary which we’ll definitely use on our next visit. You’re most welcome to use it first.

1. Sydney Harbour by jet boat

I hear the best way to experience Sydney Harbour is by jet boat. Instead of the regular ferry, we’ll take in the magnificent view of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge via a 30-minute thrill ride with spins, slides, power-break tops and fish-tails. The kids are going to love it.

2. Darling Harbour attractions

There’s no way we’re going to miss out on the Daring Harbour attractions when we’re in Sydney. The cluster of kid-friendly activities should be fun enough to fill an entire day.

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium for the world’s largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life, showcasing more than 12,000 aquatic animals from 650 species in spectacular habitat displays.

• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo because the kids have an obsession with zoos. We’ll check out the ultimate koala experience, where we can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with the koalas.

• Madame Tussauds. This is mostly for me so I can take a photo with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Don’t ask.

• Australian National Maritime Museum where the husband and kids can have fun exploring a real battleship and submarine

• We’ll stroll down Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf before heading to I’m Angus for a juicy steak and some breathtaking harbourside views.

3. Concerts & events

We’re probably going to check out a concert at Darling Harbour when we’re there. I mean, after all, Sydney is known for being Australia’s events capital and *cue fangirl screaming*Jason Mraz just did a concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre last week. If you’re visiting from May to June, Vivid Sydney (24 May – 10 June) is a highlight of the events calendar featuring light spectaculars and music performances at Sydney Opera House.

4. Driving out of the city

When we travel, we almost always venture out of the city because we like renting a car and just driving out to discover new places. It helps that the kids do really well on car  without fussing, and there are a diversity of experiences for the whole family to enjoy 2-3 hours drive outside Sydney.

• The Blue Mountains National Park for some fresh mountain air and a range of outdoor activities that include easy bushwalks, animal-spotting and exploring Jenolan Caves, the world’s oldest open limestone cave. The Scenic World railway experience will be a hit with Truett, who’s still into all kinds of trains.

• We’re not really into wineries but I’ve heard a lot about Hunter Valley. We’ll probably do 2 days there for a different pace from the hustle and bustle of the city, maybe do a hot air balloon ride and let the kids run around in the 10 magical themed gardens at Hunter Valley Gardens. *If you have time for just one, go for the Storybook Garden.

• Port Stephens, also known as the “dolphin capital of Australia”. Okay, dolphins. Nuff’ said. There are also a whole bunch of really cool activities like sand boarding and 4WD at Stockton Beach, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in Southern Hemisphere.

While we’re at it, here’s a list of stuff to check out in Queensland.

1. Gold Coast

We had so much fun when we visited Gold Coast last year. Truett and Kirsten are theme park junkies and they really enjoyed their time at the theme park trifecta – Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild. From adrenaline-inducing roller coasters to water rides to dolphin shows, they’ve got it all.

Also, you can’t miss Surfer’s Paradise. Go at around 5pm to catch the golden light and you’ll see the entire coastline shimmer in the setting sun – it’s like walking on a sheet of gold.

2. Brisbane

Brisbane’s city scene has got a more laid back vibe. There’s the entertainment scene, the eclectic laneway markets, the cool urban villages and the usual food places, which are all great. But when you’re in Brisbane, the one thing you absolutely have to do is take a 75-minute catamaran to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island, where you will get to hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins that come at dusk. That’s unbelievably cute. And when you’re done playing with the dolphins, you can watch whales or go on a 4WD sand safari adventure.

3. Cairns

Located in Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed areas are side by side. You can dive the depths of the Great Barrier Reef or soar above the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

Spend a couple of days at the Cairns Esplanade, the hub of this tropical city and is the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere. There’s a 4,800 sq m saltwater lagoon, barbecue facilities and a huge playground to keep the kids occupied.

4. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest, most spectacular coral reef system and did you know that it is the only living thing on earth visible from space? It provides some of the most spectacular scenery on earth, with over 1,500 species of fish, about 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusk, and some 240 species of birds, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and other species.

There are several ways to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, including snorkeling, scuba diving, walking underwater amid the fish and corals with a bubble helmet and riding the motorized underwater scooters. And for the less adventurous, you can also go on the semi-submersible, glass bottomed vessels that will keep you nice and dry.

*Qantas is offering a special S$818 airfare to Sydney & Brisbane or just add S$113 to Cairns. The sale will be on till 17 April, head on over to Qantas to book your air tickets early.