I’m 63. I live on the Gold Coast. Three of my grandchildren – aged 10, 7 and 3 – live on the South Coast of NSW, about 1000 kilometres away. Their parents deserve a break, and I’m keen to steal the kids away for a holiday that’s equal parts fun for them and survivable for me.
But how do you plan a trip that works for three very different ages – without parents to back me up? The trick, I’ve discovered, is to choose destinations that give all of us something to look forward to: a mix of “grandparent choices” (think history, scenery, a glass of wine at sunset) and “kids’ choices” (think rollercoasters, penguins, waterparks).
Here are five holidays on my shortlist – some close to home, some overseas – that promise adventure, comfort and memories worth the airfare.
1. The Grandparent Choice:
Hobart and Bruny Island
There’s something calming about Tasmania. The air feels fresher, the scenery sharper. And for me, Hobart ticks a lot of boxes: heritage walks, Salamanca markets, the waterfront charm of Constitution Dock.
But will three kids under 11 agree? Surprisingly, yes. The 10-year-old loves stories of convicts and explorers, so the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is history that feels more like theatre. The seven-year-old, meanwhile, can’t get enough of the MONA ferry – not for the museum, but for the sheep sculptures you ride on the deck. The three-year-old? Hand him a vanilla slice from Daci & Daci Bakers and he’s happy.
The real magic comes with a day trip to Bruny Island. Picture us on a wildlife cruise spotting seals and dolphins, followed by cheese tastings (for me) and berry ice creams (for them). Tasmania might feel like a grandparent’s dream, but it delivers the goods for the kids too.
2. The Kids’ Choice:
Gold Coast Theme Park Marathon
I could hardly ignore the world-class theme parks in my own backyard. For the grandkids, this is the holy grail.
Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild — the list reads like a fantasy menu. The 10-year-old wants the big thrill rides. The seven-year-old loves the character parades and water slides. The three-year-old will be perfectly content at the Wiggles World precinct or watching a dolphin show.
For me, it’s about survival strategy. We’ll pace ourselves – one park per day, with a day off in between to recover. I’ll insist on early starts (before the crowds) and plenty of snack breaks. Yes, I’ll be exhausted, but the look on their faces when Bugs Bunny waves or a tiger strolls past? Worth every aching muscle.
And here’s the bonus: when they crash into bed at 8pm, I might just sneak onto the balcony with a cold beer and marvel at the fact I’m still standing.
3. The Grandparent Choice:
New Zealand’s South Island
If you asked me to design the perfect family-friendly overseas holiday, I’d say New Zealand in a heartbeat. It’s close, it’s easy, and it has scenery that makes your jaw drop every few kilometres.
We’d fly into Christchurch and hire a car. I can already see their little faces pressed against the windows as we drive past snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. The 10-year-old will love a jet boat ride on the Shotover River near Queenstown. The seven-year-old will want to try the Skyline luge run (like go-karts, but downhill). The three-year-old? He’ll be happiest feeding sheep at a farm stay.
And me? I’ll soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs, preferably with a coffee in hand. The balance is perfect: adventure for them, relaxation for me. And because the flight is only three hours, I don’t have to worry about meltdowns in the aisle at 2am.
4. The Kids’ Choice:
Singapore Super Stopover
Singapore is like a theme park disguised as a city. It’s compact, clean, and packed with things kids adore.
For the 10-year-old, the highlight will be the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo – trams rolling through the dark as lions and elephants emerge under spotlights. The seven-year-old will be wide-eyed in the Gardens by the Bay, staring up at the glowing “supertrees” that light up each night. The three-year-old will splash like crazy at the water play area in the ArtScience Museum.
And me? I’ll sneak in moments of bliss – like sitting in a hawker centre with a plate of chilli crab, watching them chase satay sticks with watermelon juice. The city is safe and easy to get around. We can base ourselves in one hotel and explore by MRT, avoiding endless packing and unpacking.
Best of all, Singapore feels exotic without being overwhelming. A perfect entry point for a grandparent travelling solo with three energetic sidekicks.
5. The Grandparent Choice (with a kids’ twist):
The Whitsundays
I wanted one classic Aussie beach escape on this list. The Whitsundays fit the bill beautifully.
We’d base ourselves at Airlie Beach, with day trips to Whitehaven (rated one of the world’s best beaches). The older kids could try snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef – spotting clownfish like Nemo – while the three-year-old builds sandcastles. I’d be in my element sailing between islands, sipping a sundowner on deck while the kids marvel at turtles surfacing beside the boat.
There’s something simple and grounding about a beach holiday. No long lines, no neon lights, just sand between toes, sunscreen on noses, and the kind of memories that linger long after the tan fades.
Final thoughts
Travelling with grandchildren is equal parts joy and chaos. You’re running a one-person circus: entertainer, chef, medic, mediator. But you’re also gifting their parents a break and gifting yourself a chance to know your grandkids in a way that only happens outside the routines of home.
Whether it’s Tasmania’s convict tales, a Gold Coast rollercoaster, New Zealand’s sheep farms, Singapore’s glowing gardens, or the white sands of the Whitsundays, each destination offers its own flavour of magic. Some trips are about indulging the kids, others about indulging myself. The real sweet spot is when a holiday gives us both what we want.
And maybe, just maybe, years from now, the kids will look back and say: “Remember when Pop took us to…?” That’s the memory I’m chasing.
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