Australia - General Travel Tips

Australia is one of the easiest places in the world to travel to with kids. There is a big family culture here, people are extremely friendly, and there are loads of outdoor activities, no matter where you go. Our general Australia travel tips below:

1. Baby supplies are easily acquired at your closes Woolworths or Coles. Both stock diapers, bottles, jar foods, and even blankets and sleepwear if you are desperate. Many pharmacies such as Pulse will stock equipment such as breast pads, teethers, and sterilizers. Pharmacies will also stock all manner of baby medicine such as Otrivin and Panadol, as well as specifically Aussie brands like Bauer, a homeopathic concoction for colic and general stomach aches.

2. If you are looking for jar food for convenient travel, New Zealand brand Only Organic offers a variety of meals for 4 months on for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is available in most supermarkets. Heinz Organic is also available but tends to be more water-based and less flavorful than Only Organic.

3. In the cities, most neighborhoods have their own Early Childhood Centre. These facilities are run by mid-wives and are designed to offer support to parents with children under 4 months. If you need a quick check-up or weigh-in, or need to find a good doctor, see if you can locate your neighborhood ECC. This is a free service, so don't take up much of their time as they are supposed to be focused on people in the community. Also beware that most good doctors in Australia tend to be quite full up - but they are generally kind enough to understand if you are traveling and have an emergency.

4. In Australia, children don't go to a pediatrician unless they have a condition that needs specialized treatment. For all generic and routine symptoms like colds, fevers, earaches, etc., Aussies go to their general physician who acts as the family doctor.

5. Buses and trains are the way to go around the cities as taxis in Australia are generally quite expensive. Note that you do not need a car seat in a taxi if your child is over a year old. If you need to call a taxi with a car seat, call Lime Taxis at 13 5463 (13 LIME) or book at limetaxis.com.au. At airports, tell the taxi stand manager that you need a carseat and he will call one forward for you.

6. The Australians are a pretty chilled out bunch, which means that if you are coming from the States, you could be taken aback by their slower pace and friendliness. Most shops will close at 6, except for supermarkets which close at 10 or 11. So if you are from Asia and expect to be shopping past dinner time, ain't gonna happen. Thursdays is late-night shopping and shops will stayopen till 9 or 10 so that's your one chance to shop.

7. If everything looks quiet on a nice day, it's because all the Aussies have gone to the beach. Similarly, Aussie babies are water freaks and start swim classes from 4 months on, so don't be surprised if your un-Aussie baby is getting swum around by all the little Aussie fish.

8. Facilities/provisions are easily available in the major cities - once you move into the rural bits outside the major metropolitan hubs, provisions for children are hard to come by. So stock up and consult your most reliable map for emergency shopping locations.

9. You have to take your kids to see a koala and a kangaroo. They are so cute and you will never see them anywhere else in the world! Similarly, the aquatic life is amazing (see whales and reef sharks below) - go whale watching or snorkeling if you have a chance, off any coasts of Australia, or if the kids are still too young, check out the local Aquarium for some uniquely Aussie specimens.

10. Australia customs is probably the strictest in the world. You need to declare ANY foodstuffs you have in your bags, especially fruits or dairy . If you explain it's for the baby they won't fine you but they probably will make you toss it.

11. Babies are called "bubbies", everywhere and by everyone.

Other posts in the Sydney series:


Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon


Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches


Sydney, Australia - Mum 'n' Bubs Movie Date


Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummies Pole Dancing

Sydney, Australia - Saturday Paddington Markets

Other posts in the Melbourne series:

Melbourne, Australia: The Medina Grand on Queen Street

Yarra Valley, Australia

Sydney, Australia - No Lift at Martin Place Station on the City loop

For the most part, the Sydney train system is pretty baby-friendly. However, beware of getting off at Martin Place station in the city, as it has no lift and the one piddly elevator to get to street level won't accommodate very wide prams. I had to depend on the kindness of two passers-by to get my pram and I up the stairs.My first time was a bit of a shock because this is such a busy station, but mostly for business commuters (even though the only Prada and Jimmy Choo stores in Sydney are in Martin Place). If you want to get to the main city hub, get off at Townhall station instead - it is much better equipped, albeit larger and much more chaotic.

On another note, the Christmas tree in Martin Place is beautiful, if you are ever visiting at that time.

Other posts in the Sydney series:


Australia - General Travel Tips


Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon


Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches


Sydney, Australia - Mum 'n' Bubs Movie Date

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon

For a taste of how much Sydney loves its mums, and how they all have that hot, MILFy glow, check out the Yummy Mummys Salon in Paddington. This is way off the beaten tourist track, but is worth a try because it's such a novel concept.

When I say full-service salon, I mean full-service. YM offers hair, nails, laser, tanning, massages, pregnancy treatments, cellulite reduction, facials, beauty packages, waxing, and the list could go on. You can bring your own wine and champagne or taste some of their own pretty delectable coffee. And if you are in town for a party, they can even organize catering for you.

The kicker is - they have a little creche downstairs with playing equipment inside and out, as well as cots if baby needs to sleep. For AUD 7.50/hour, their caretakers will supervise your child, or if you are traveling with your nanny, bring her in for free! The best part is that this place is fairly low key, so it's not ever bustling like some overexposed salons can be.

I won't lie- this place is expensive. But the surrounding is clean and pleasant and the low stress and guilt factors of having your children near you is worth a few extra dollars. That, combined with the fact that it is close to Oxford Street, Sydney's premium shopping street will punch a decent hole in your wallet. Perfect for a day out when dad's working (or golfing).

Other posts in the Sydney series:


Australia - General Travel Tips



Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches


Sydney, Australia - Mum 'n' Bubs Movie Date

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummies Pole Dancing

Sydney, Australia - Saturday Paddington Markets

Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches

Aussies love their children and Sunday brunches are part of family traditions. While most places in Sydney will welcome babies, some tend to be harder to maneuver around with a pram, etc. Here are some recommendations with wide passageways, kids' menus and outdoor seating that make for a great brunch experience.

Centennial Parklands Cafe: If you don't live in the Eastern Suburbs, you may very well be oblivious to the existence of Centennial Parks, one of the most beautiful recreational parks in Sydney. You will find tons of spots with bbq hubs, horse-riding, biking, several playgrounds and a lake to make for a great day of family picnic-ing and relaxing. Or instead of a D-I-Y meal, make your way over to the Centennial Parklands Restaurant and Cafe. The restaurant offers more by the way of fine dining, but I really like the cafe with its bright space, outdoor patio, and proximity to a playground. The menu is gourmet brunchy (mind you, you'll pay for it), and there is an assortment of items on the children's menu. The cookies for kids and the wine list for adults make it a happy afternoon for all! Beware that it can be quite crowded on the weekends so arrive early or prepare for a bit of a wait.

          Bill's Woollahra: Bill Granger's casual but sumptuous scrambled eggs have made him a household name in Sydney brunches. While there are three locations in Sydney, the one is Woollahra may be the most pretentious, but it is definitely the best brunch location. Settled on elegant Queen Street, Bill's offers patio dining as well as a small indoor option (usually empty on warm, sunny Sydney days). They don't have a children's menu but their breakfast all day, made-to-order omelettes and freshly squeezed juices make for great baby-friendly options. Plenty of space for prams, large tables and breakfast classics with a twist have Bill's one of our favorite brunching spots in Sydney.

When you are done, check out some of Queen Street's exclusive boutiques (especially if you care to drop AUD 500 on a Baby Dior jacket) or nip into educational kids' store Kidstuff right next door for a post-brunch treat.

Other posts in the Sydney series:


Australia - General Travel Tips

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon


Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - Mum 'n' Bubs Movie Date
Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummies Pole Dancing
Sydney, Australia - Saturday Paddington Markets

Melbourne, Australia: The Medina Grand on Queen Street

As my husband is an avid tennis fan, we took a family trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open tennis. It was busy times in Melbourne but we managed to get accommodation at the Medina Grand on Queen Street. We were a rather big crew with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, the nanny, Karam and us. The hotel offered us the perfect sharing scenario: a one-bedroom apartment attached to a studio. The studio didn't have a kitchenette but all we needed was the one in the one-bedroom. The rooms were connected by a foyer and behind a main door so it was almost like being in a two-bedroom apartment because we could jeep the front door closed and let Karam run freely between the two rooms. The staff were very helpful and there is a convenient store across the street for essentials like milk and bread. If you fancy a night in but no cooking, the several restaurants around the hotel will deliver or offer quick takeaway. Finally, it's central city location is super convenient to the Botanical Gardens, city shopping, and Flinders street station which connects to everything. It lacks the quaint character that is associated with Melbourne, but in all, a good bet in Melbourne.


Other posts in the Melbourne series:


Australia General Travel Tips

Yarra Valley, Australia

Mornington Peninsula - Darling Park Winery

Yarra Valley, Australia

You've probably picked up by now that we like our wine and wineries. We did a quick stop in Yarra Valley on our way to the Aussie Open in Melbourne. Yarra is only a 1.5 hour drive from Melbourne airport so we took an 8 am flight from Sydney, and made our way to Yarra by lunchtime.

We hit up a couple of wineries and spent the night at Brentwood Cottage in Healesville. It's an old school cottage with Victorian furnishings, but it was perfect for a family like ours. A double bedroom attached to a single one (where we put the nanny and the cot) and two additional double beds. The lounge was comfortable but small and the kitchen was fitted with all your basic amenities. A cute outdoor patio and front lawn is where Karam spent most of his time. There is a grocery store a few minutes' drive from where we bought all our dinner supplies (and some more wine).
Overall, Brentwood Cottage met our needs perfectly for the night but I am sure you can find other nicer, more modern options in terms of homes and cottages in the Yarra. The Yarra Valley Visitor Information Center can help if you book in advance of your travels.


Other posts in the Melbourne series:


Australia General Travel Tips

Melbourne, Australia: The Medina Grand on Queen Street

Mornington Peninsula, Australia: Darling Park Winery

New Zealand - General Travel Tips

1) In terms of availability, New Zealand is very similar to Australia. In fact, some of the most popular brands in Aus like Only Organic are actually from New Zealand. It's easy to stock up once you are in a major city.

2) Driving distances are long and your guides can be deceptive because although there is nearly no traffic, some roads are windy and may take longer than estimated. Further, if your car breaks down, it may take ages before anyone can help you because the population is so spread out. Therefore, I always had two meals packed for Karam, in case of emergencies.

3) Regardless of how outdoor-sy you are, it's impossible to do a country like New Zealand full justice when you are traveling with a baby. Take it easy the first time around with the bubby, and plan a return trip at a later stage so you don't stress yourself out with regret and over-planning.


Other posts in the South Island, New Zealand series:

South Island, New Zealand - Other Flights We Could Have Avoided

South Island, New Zealand - Mapping the Route

South Island, New Zealand - Baby Friendly Accommodation

The Hyatt Coolum, Sunshine Coast - Children's Paradise

On the recommendation of many of our Aussie friends, we decided to take the short flight to Noosa to spend the weekend. We ended up staying at the Hyatt Coolum which is a 30 minute drive from Noosa proper because of the golf course. And for once, golf has led me to something good in my life! The room size was average and they provided a basic portacot, but the rest of the resort was magnificent! Open courtyards, multiple pools, clean, safe beach, evening activities like face-painting and music for older kids, I could go on and on. They even have day care centers broken out by age group so kids get the right level of attention and activity, while mum can skive off to the spa for an hour or two (clearly a highlight!).

I am not one for family resorts, but there was nothing cheesy about this place. Just a very well thought-out place for the family to enjoy some quality time together. I plan on taking my nieces with me the next time and getting a villa (the ones in the 600s are quiet and beautiful and you will probably wake up staring at a kangaroo. Or vice versa).

Sydney, Australia - Mums 'n' Bubs Movie Date

If you have a morning off in Sydney, I would highly recommend you try to catch a "Mums 'n' Bubs" Movie showing at one of the local cinemas. This is a uniquely Australian offering and just what the doctor prescribed when you're feeling closed off from the cultural world after having a new baby.

New releases are shown, once a week (different days at different cinemas) for babies and their caretakers. The shows are around 10 in the morning, and at a discounted rate ($10) and children under 5 are free. The lights are a bit brighter and the soundtrack is a bit softer to make the babies feel comfortable and you are free to walk, bounce or rock your baby in your seat or in the aisles. Prams are a fire hazard and therefore, not allowed inside the actual theater but can be parked conveniently in the foyer outside.

When Karam and I went to watch Duplicity, there were about 50 babies in the room, and surprisingly, it was a pretty pleasant movie-watching experience with no major disruptions. Most mums had brought along all distraction and pacification tools, and the babies slept, played or fed leaving mum to ogle at the newest eye candy tossed up by Hollywood (Clive Owen in my case).

Greater Union and Hoyts, the two largest cinema chains offer Mums 'n' Bubs (aka "Babes in Arms") at their various cinemas.

Other posts in the Sydney series:

Australia - General Travel Tips

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon


Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches
Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummies Pole Dancing
Sydney, Australia - Saturday Paddington Markets