Holidaying with kids can be a pleasure as well as a challenge. The trick is to find the right place to stay that will keep the little ones amused and enable the adults do their own thing too.
Holidaying with kids can be a pleasure as well as a challenge. The trick is to find the right place to stay that will keep the little ones amused and enable the adults do their own thing too.
A number of places in the South West fit the bill perfectly. But you’d better get cracking if you want to make a booking for the summer school holidays.
Abbey Beach Resort
From the grand entrance, to the beautifully maintained lakes and gardens, this is a luxurious place to spend some time, with or without children.
There are plenty of facilities (playgrounds, pools, tennis courts and beach activities) to keep your children amused while you have some quality time together or with friends. The two- and three-bedroom apartments allow separation by providing separate bathrooms and most have balconies or courtyards.
The onsite restaurant, the Atrium’s Brasserie Restaurant, is the perfect romantic evening dining place after the children have gone to bed or are comfortably ensconced in your suite with a movie or video game. Babysitting services can be arranged.
A wide range of activities is available for active parents though those craving a total chill-out will be well satisfied also. It is conveniently situated right on the coast for a refreshing morning or evening beach stroll. The northerly outlook allows appreciation of both sunrise and sunset. Spas and balconies in most suites provide extra-congenial settings for couples – after the kids are safely tucked in bed.
Tariffs range from $291 to $323 per night for a two-bedroom apartment over the summer school holiday period. www.abbeybeach.com.au
Bay Village Resort
Resort-style accommodation minus the hefty price tag, many activities onsite for the active couple with or without children, easy walking access to the town of Dunsborough and the beach, and wineries and restaurants close by. These features make Bay Village Resort a comfortable and convenient option for a family oriented holiday.
The resort is a short distance from the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, well known for its calm and picturesque outlook. Onsite facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, spa, mini-golf, half court tennis and volleyball, offering parents a number of options and ensuring that children are well occupied.
There is a range of different accommodation options to suit adult couples travelling together or those who have decided to take their children. The chalets or villas have two or three bedrooms and some feature a spa and ocean views.
Because all units have fully equipped kitchens, there is the option of self-catering for those wanting to reduce costs or to cook up a favourite meal. However, there is the BAX on Dunn Bay restaurant and bar onsite and many dining establishments nearby in the town.
Nightly tariffs range between $180 and $220 for a two-bedroom spa chalet or cottage and three-bedroom chalets or villas range from $199 (for two guests) up to $345. www.dunsboroughbayvillageresort.com
Broadwater Bungalows Beach Resort
Just 50 metres from the pristine shores of Geographe Bay, Broadwater Bungalows Resort has a range of self-catering facilities for families and intimate hotel rooms for couples, together with a number of resort features.
There are one-bedroom hotel studios complete with spas for the couple or two- and three-bedroom bungalows for various-sized family groups. Each unit contains all the necessary mod cons.
It's a short stroll or bike ride to the adjacent Broadwater Beach Resort with its Stilt’s Beach Bar and Cafe and international food hall. Busselton restaurants also are within easy reach.
The Kid’s Club caters for young children and teenagers offering great activities for the kids.
Active couples might like to enjoy a vigorous game of squash, a work-out in the gymnasium, a game of tennis or a bike ride along the beachside pathway.
Tariffs are by application. www.broadwaters.com.au
Burnside Bungalows
The setting is tranquil and secluded with scenic rural outlooks over pastures, olive groves and vineyards, with a backdrop of the Bramley National Park on one boundary. Burnside Bungalows are located on a 15-hectare farming property a short driving distance from the town of Margaret River.
Two of the four chalets have been specifically constructed with the couple in mind but the other two were designed to be child friendly. Built from recycled timber, rammed earth and stone, the chalets, with their polished wooden floors and neat modern fittings, have a serene and stylish ambience.
They are fully self-contained with well-equipped modern kitchens and laundries. There are king-sized beds and big oval spas in spacious, luxurious bathrooms.
Children are welcome and well catered for and can participate in some of the farming activities.
Tariffs for a two bedroom chalet start from $240 per night. www.burnsidebungalows.com.au
Donnelly Lakes Chalets
This picturesque inland 40ha property is surrounded by state forest and is home to four lakes. You will find them just off the Vasse Highway 43km from Nannup and about 30km from Pemberton.
Birdlife and kangaroos abound, and a special opportunity is provided to observe them from strategically positioned wildlife hides. Spotlights are available for guests wishing to see the kangaroos grazing at dusk.
Each chalet, spaced privately among the trees, is positioned to take in the water vista. Furnishings are comfortable and attractive and include slow-combustion wood fires, air-conditioning, CD players (TV does not work here), a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecues. Private alfresco spas nestle on the secluded verandas.
Children are well catered for with a covered sandpit, toys, cots and high chairs and child-sized life jackets.
Tariffs for two and three bedroom chalets start from $210 per night. www.donnellylakes.com.au
Broadwater Resort and Spa
Situated in lush seaside gardens, the Broadwater Resort and Spa has a range of accommodation, from self-contained apartments to suit a family group or a couple. The versatility of activities available and the big number of resort facilities, make it a venue that would appeal to a wide range of holidaymakers.
Most parts of the property take in scenic views of the safe and tranquil Geographe Bay, which skirts the northern boundary of the resort.
The two-bedroom apartments contain all the modern conveniences, including fully equipped kitchens and laundries and many of the hotel-style rooms also have a spa and a king-sized bed. All look out to the gardens via a patio or a balcony.
There's a gym, putting green, and tennis and volleyball courts, while those more inclined to relax may enjoy a relaxing massage at the day spa.
The cost of a stay here is around $300 per night for a two bedroom apartment sleeping four guests. www.broadwaters.com.au
