Adventures that everyone actually wants to do
"The best family holidays aren't the ones where the kids are entertained. They're the ones where everyone is genuinely alive."
— Sarah & Steve
From Gumbuya World's private cabana to surf lessons in Kuta and snorkelling in Fiji's crystal lagoons — these are the activities we've actually done with our kids, tested across every age and energy level. We flag the ones that are particularly good for neurodiverse families too.
Our favourite family activities
Every activity below has been done by our family. No sponsored content, no guesswork — just honest reviews from parents who've been there.
Gumbuya World — Private Cabana
This is our absolute number-one tip for big Australian families: book the private cabana at Gumbuya World. You get your own shaded base with loungers, a dedicated server, and a spot to dump all your gear while the kids rotate between the lazy river, the Oasis Springs water park, and the wildlife encounters. The difference between a cabana day and a non-cabana day is enormous — it's the difference between a holiday and a survival exercise.
- ✓Private shaded cabana with loungers
- ✓Dedicated food & drink service
- ✓Lazy river + Oasis Springs waterpark
- ✓Wildlife park & koala encounters
- ✓Neurodiverse-friendly: quieter morning sessions
Sarah's Insider Tip
Book the cabana the moment tickets go on sale — they sell out weeks in advance. Arrive at opening (9am) to beat the crowds at the slides.
Sigatoka River Safari, Fiji
One of Fiji's most iconic full-day experiences — and one that genuinely works for big families with kids of all ages. You board a jet boat and travel deep into the Fijian interior along the Sigatoka River, stopping at a traditional Fijian village for a kava ceremony, a guided walk through the rainforest, and a traditional lunch. The jet boat itself is a highlight for older kids (it's fast and loud), while the village visit is genuinely moving and educational. Transfers from most Coral Coast resorts are included. This is a proper, full-day adventure that gets families off the resort and into real Fiji.
- ✓Jet boat ride deep into the Fijian interior
- ✓Traditional Fijian village visit with kava ceremony
- ✓Guided rainforest walk
- ✓Traditional Fijian lunch included
- ✓Resort transfers included from Coral Coast
- ✓Educational & culturally immersive for all ages
Sarah's Insider Tip
Book directly at sigatokariver.com for the best price. Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting muddy. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. The jet boat is loud — bring ear protection for sensory-sensitive kids.
Malamala Beach Club, Fiji
Malamala is the world's first island beach club — a tiny private island in the Mamanuca group, just 15 minutes by boat from Port Denarau. It's genuinely one of the most beautiful places we've ever taken our kids: white sand, turquoise water, a proper beach club with sun loungers, a pool, a bar, and a restaurant. Day passes include the boat transfer, access to the island, snorkelling gear, and use of all facilities. For big families, it's the perfect day trip from Nadi or Denarau — no resort stay needed. Kids absolutely love the snorkelling directly off the beach, and the shallow lagoon is safe for young children.
- ✓World's first island beach club — private island experience
- ✓15-minute boat transfer from Port Denarau included
- ✓Pristine white sand beach + turquoise lagoon
- ✓Snorkelling gear included
- ✓Pool, sun loungers, bar & restaurant on-island
- ✓Shallow lagoon safe for young children
Sarah's Insider Tip
Book online at malamalabeachclub.com at least a week ahead — day passes sell out fast, especially in school holidays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The boat departs at 9am sharp from Port Denarau Marina — don't be late.
Snorkelling at Natadola Beach, Fiji
Natadola Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific, and the reef just off the beach is teeming with colourful fish that kids can see from the surface with a mask and snorkel. No boat needed — just wade in. The InterContinental Fiji provides snorkel gear to guests, and the calm lagoon makes it safe for young children. We've had kids as young as 5 snorkelling here with a pool noodle for buoyancy. It's genuinely magical.
- ✓Calm lagoon — safe for young children
- ✓Colourful reef fish visible from surface
- ✓Gear available at InterContinental Fiji
- ✓No boat required — wade straight in
- ✓Combine with beach picnic for a perfect day
Sarah's Insider Tip
The best snorkelling is at high tide when the water is clearest. Ask the resort concierge for the tide times the night before.
Kula Wild Adventure Park, Fiji
Kula is Fiji's best wildlife and adventure park — think giant iguanas, sea turtles, tropical birds, and a waterslide that drops you into a lagoon. It's compact enough not to be overwhelming, and the animals are genuinely impressive. The turtle sanctuary is a highlight for kids of all ages. The park is well-shaded and manageable for families with younger children. Combine with a stop at the Shangri-La Yanuca for lunch on the way back.
- ✓Fiji's only sea turtle sanctuary
- ✓Giant iguanas & tropical birds
- ✓Waterslide into a lagoon
- ✓Well-shaded & manageable for young kids
- ✓Combine with Coral Coast resort stay
Sarah's Insider Tip
The turtle feeding session is at 11am daily — arrive early to get a front-row spot. Book tickets online to skip the queue.
Bali Safari & Marine Park
Bali Safari is a proper full-day experience — open-air safari trams, elephant encounters, a marine park with dolphins, and a water park all in one. It's big, so plan your day carefully and use the map. The safari tram is brilliant for kids who find walking long distances difficult — you stay seated and the animals come to you. The Mara River Safari Lodge inside the park is one of the most unique family accommodation options in Bali.
- ✓Open-air safari tram — no walking required
- ✓Elephant encounters & feeding
- ✓Marine park with dolphins
- ✓Water park included in some packages
- ✓On-site accommodation available
Sarah's Insider Tip
Book the 'Jungle Hopper' package which includes the safari, marine park, and water park. Arrive at 9am before the tour groups arrive.
More things we love
Ziplining, Fiji
Eco Trax zipline near Pacific Harbour — thrilling for ages 8+
Stand-up Paddleboarding
🧠Available at most Fiji & Bali resorts — calm lagoons perfect for beginners
Rice Field Trekking, Bali
🧠Gentle walks through Ubud's terraced rice fields — calming & beautiful
Kayaking, Fiji
🧠Free gear at most resorts — paddle the lagoon at your own pace
Cycling, Ubud
Downhill cycling tours through rice fields & villages — kids love it
Cooking Classes, Bali
🧠Hands-on Balinese cooking in a family compound — see Food & Craft page
Yoga at Sunrise, Bali
🧠Family yoga sessions at Ubud resorts — calming start to the day
Whale Watching, Tasmania
Bruny Island cruises — seasonal (June–August) but spectacular
Ready to book your adventure?
The Flights Club can build you a complete family package — flights, accommodation, and activities — tailored for big families.