Best Destinations for Baby’s First Holiday

By: Tully Rosenberg, 18 July 2022

The first two years of a child's life are the most precious. Why? Because they can fly for free! When planning your baby’s first holiday, that’s one less thing to worry about, and these destinations will help ensure the rest of your family's escape is just as easy.

When travelling with your little newbie, choosing the right place to go can make or break your holiday. While keeping it close to home is key, for minimum travel time and body clock disruption, you still want the ultimate in family-friendly fun, that is fully stocked with baby essentials, and maybe even a kids club. Plus, you don't want to be slugged with a huge bill for the privilege, so getting good value is a must.

Here are our top picks of the best places that tick all the boxes for your first holiday with your baby.

Top 5 Destinations for Baby’s First Holiday

1. Fiji

Baby’s First Holiday In Fiji
Fiji is considered one of the most child-friendly holiday destinations in the world.


Only four hours from Australia, you will be swept up in an entirely different culture where kids reign supreme. Fiji is famous for being the most child-friendly holiday destination around. Fijians genuinely love children, and most resorts are well-equipped to accommodate tiny tots. Things like cots and high chairs are a given, but you can also lighten your load by renting baby equipment like strollers and car seats. You can also find all the baby supplies you need at your resort or local general stores and supermarkets.

Fiji is dotted with amazing, waterfront resorts throughout the islands, and you’ll find pristine beaches for some family fun in the sun, and lagoon-style pools where babies can wade while you soak up the rays. Kids clubs abound and there is no shortage of capable babysitters if you want to sneak in a date night or spa visit. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort even provides children under 5 with their own assigned 'nanny' for their stay!

Resorts in Fiji often boast all-inclusive deals with great offers like kids eat free so you can go with the ‘Bula’ flow without breaking the bank!

Take a look at the Best Family Resorts To Stay With Kids In Fiji.

2. Hamilton Island

​ Baby's First Holiday on Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is the ultimate tropical destination with everything you need.


A short flight to this Whitsundays paradise and you’re a world away from the daily grind. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most spectacular seascapes and an abundance of natural wonder, the stage is set for a relaxing retreat. Having a baby on board need not belay your bliss!

Various Hamilton Island properties offer a comprehensive range of baby products saving you stress and luggage space. You can request a cot, highchair, microwave, pram, Baby Bjorn and more online prior to arrival. You can also pre-purchase essentials including baby wipes, dummies, nappies and bibs. Any last-minute extras can be purchased at the local pharmacy or supermarket - a shuttle bus is provided! In fact, there are complimentary hop-on-hop-off shuttle services so you can easily explore the island, with plenty of room for families.

Meal times are a cinch with kid-friendly options, plus a Kids Stay & Eat Free offer. You can also take back some me-time with the Clownfish Club or babysitting services, have peace of mind with a 24-hour on-call doctor and even capture Baby’s First Holiday with the on-island photographer. With the details taken care of, you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or along a nature trail.

Find out more about Baby's First Holiday on Hamilton Island.

3. Byron Bay

Family Holiday In Byron Bay
Byron Bay is the perfect place for a chilled-out family getaway, close to home!


Take it from Thor, Australia’s beloved hippy hotspot of Byron Bay is a favourite for families with kids in tow, and for good reason. From the gorgeous hinterland to the spectacular coastline, the relaxed vibe of this northern NSW coastal town is contagious - and addictive. You’ll want to keep going back for more!  

While you will have no problem finding all the day-to-day, big city necessities required for life-with-baby, Byron still retains its village feel. The beautiful beaches make this place special, with Main Beach, Clarkes Beach, Wategos Beach, The Pass and Tallows Beach all offering long summer days of sand-play and surf-paddling. For a cooler break, the famous, family-friendly Byron Bay Bluesfest runs over the Easter long weekend, for those keen to introduce your fledglings to the joys of your festival glory days! 

Byron Bay offers the gamut of accommodation options in the town centre and surrounding suburbs, including caravan parks, apartments, villas and resorts. With endless places to eat, shop (the markets are amazing!) and entertain, this is a feel-good destination for an easy, breezy getaway.

Check out the Best Things To Do With Kids And Family In Byron Bay.

4. New Zealand

Matamata, Hobbiton ,New Zealand
The whimsical Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, New Zealand.


No language barriers, the perfect mix of nature and culture and a favourable exchange rate. Just a stone’s throw from Australia, New Zealand already ticks lots of holiday boxes and lends itself to being an ideal first-holiday destination for your new offspring.

With all the mod cons of our homeland, having access to everything you need for a family-friendly holiday is as easy as ABC. Mother Nature clearly looks kindly upon The Land of the Long White Cloud - it is known for its stunning landscape and natural bounty, a breath of fresh air for families! Of course, you’ll find a range of accommodation options from AirB&B’s to luxe hotels, loads of fun attractions (mini animal lovers will love the zoos), great places to eat (including good coffee - a must for new parents!) and lovely locals.

The magical, mini wonderland of the Hobbiton film set is the perfect backdrop for Insta-worthy travel photos of a baby’s first trip. There are also local farm stays for a unique taste of Kiwi life.

Discover What To Do On A Kid-Friendly Trip To New Zealand.

5. Vanuatu

Port Orly, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu
Paradise is found in Vanuatu.


Did you know you can fly overseas, to a beautiful tropical island destination that feels a million miles away, in around 3 hours? Plus, there is no time difference, which means those meticulously regulated body clocks are kept intact - a huge bonus with a baby. You’ll still get those coveted nap time breathers!

Like Fiji, Vanuatu natives (known as Ni-Vanuatu) love children, so from the time you arrive your little one will feel like royalty. It is quieter and less developed than its Pacific neighbour (a plus in my book and well suited for tots), many of the family-orientated resorts in Vanuatu will be well-equipped, with cots, highchairs, kids clubs and babysitting services (at ridiculously reasonable rates). Port Vila, the lively, village centre of Vanuatu, is your best bet for suitable accommodation, and to ensure you have everything you need at your doorstep.

With a wealth of natural beauty including breathtaking waterfalls, calm lagoons and beautiful beaches with perfectly tepid water, plus a unique cultural fix with vibrant markets and exotic locals, Vanuatu will spoil you - and your baby - rotten!

Plan your family holiday in Vanuatu.

BOOK YOUR FAMILY ESCAPE NOW WITH VIRGIN AIRWAYS.

More Family-Friendly Travel Ideas

Top Hotels and Resorts Where Kids Eat Free
Top Hotels And Resorts For Kids And Families in Australia
Best Hotel Kids Clubs In The World

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!


 

  • Mums & Bubs
    Toddlers
    Preschoolers
    Family

Reviews