Today, the go-to site for domestic travel Wotif.com announces the official Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List – the definitive list of 13 dream Aussie travel experiences to do before you turn 13, as decided by Aussie kids.
With the majority (86%) of Aussie families set to take a domestic holiday this year and most Aussie kids (61%) eager to see and try different travel experiences within Australia, Wotif is flipping the traditional concept of a bucket list and releasing a list of Australia’s top kid-approved activities, to inspire Aussie families as they set out to explore their own backyard in the months ahead.
The Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List reveals Queensland is the ultimate family destination, with the sunshine state receiving almost half (47%) of the total nominations. While nothing beats a day of thrill rides and character meet-and-greets at Queensland’s Gold Coast theme parks, it’s just one of the adventurous, quirky and educational experiences across the country that also topped the list.
Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch said: “We asked Aussie kids to tell us what their dream travel experience in Australia would be and it’s clear today’s kids are young adventurers, excited to explore everything their backyard has to offer. From sleeping underground in Coober Pedy, coming face-to-face with a whale shark in Exmouth or learning about Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory, it’s fantastic to see how energised kids are about travelling within their own country.
“We want to inspire families to get exploring and look for education outside of the classroom. From Australia’s rich culture, unique wildlife, and diverse geography, we hope the Aussie Kids Bucket List motivates families to get their kids involved in the holiday planning and commit to seeing some of the incredible sights in Australia.”
The entries showed Aussie kids generally want what they don’t have. Kids from the southern states are dreaming of a tropical holiday or “anywhere the water is warm”, whereas young Aussies from warmer climes are keen to see snow. As one child put it “I’d like to touch snow, see snow, play in the snow… make a snow man and drink all the best hot chocolates.” Interestingly, Queensland kids seem to buck the trend and were most excited to see more of their own state.
Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List as determined by Aussie kids:
- Tick off the Gold Coast theme parks, QLD
- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, QLD
- Learn about Aboriginal culture at Uluru, NT
- See the quokkas on Rottnest Island, WA
- Watch the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, VIC
- Spotting wildlife, waterfalls and crocs in Kakadu, NT
- Discover Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, QLD
- Swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, WA
- Meet the dolphins at Monkey Mia, WA
- Visit Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, QLD
- Overnight safari at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW
- Sleep underground in Coober Pedy, SA
- Explore Questacon in Canberra, ACT
The list proves there’s a lot to learn from the next generation of travellers – diverse with their ideas, keen to learn and eager to see their own country – In fact many wanted to see every state. But while a bucket list is great for every kid to aspire to, the entries were a great reminder of the innocence kids bring. From eating ice cream, having a mocktail (or juice) by the pool and building a giant sandcastle, kids have a unique way of looking at things, reminding us that in the eyes of a child, it’s often the little things that count.
“While Aussie kids have big and bold travel dreams, at the end of the day their travel wishes are simple, and the flood of entries we received proved just that. Behind all the fun and excitement, the importance of family time was a clear theme in almost all entries. This also came through in our recent research, with spending time together the most important thing for most families (64%).
Australia is a huge playground for Aussie kids and with winter school holidays around the corner, we want to encourage families to look to the Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List for inspiration.”
To learn more about the Australia’s top kid-approved experiences, visit wotif.com/kidslist