Family holidays don’t have to mean emptying the savings account — if you know where to look. Australia has plenty of reliable places to score great deals on flights, accommodation, and attractions, and some even do the hard work for you with alerts and bundles. Whether you’re planning a quick school-holiday getaway or a longer trip, these sources can help you save money without cutting back on the fun.

1. Airline Flash-Sale Events

Several Australian airlines run regular flash sales with heavily discounted fares, often released only for a few hours at a time. Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy typically runs on Friday afternoons and evenings, while Virgin Australia’s Happy Hour sales are usually on Thursday afternoons and evenings. Qantas also has periodic “Red Tail” sales that are worth keeping an eye on.

Why it’s great for families: These events can offer fares up to half-price, making it far more affordable to book seats for multiple travellers. If you’re flexible with your departure dates and willing to consider different airports, you can score exceptional value.

Tip: Set calendar reminders for these sale windows and check fares from both your nearest major and regional airports — sometimes a short drive to a different departure point can save hundreds.

2. Price-Tracking Tools

Websites and apps like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to set up alerts for specific routes or dates. When prices drop (or are predicted to rise), you’ll receive an instant notification so you can grab the best deal before it’s gone.

Why it’s great for families: You don’t have to constantly check prices yourself — these tools do the monitoring for you. This means less screen time spent searching and more time focusing on planning your trip.

Tip: Create multiple alerts for different travel windows, especially around school holidays, so you’re instantly notified if a fare drops during your preferred times.

3. State-Based Motoring Club Deals

If you’re a member of a state motoring club — such as NRMA in New South Wales, RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, or RAC in Western Australia — you can access exclusive discounts on accommodation, theme parks, and attractions. Many also partner with national hotel chains, holiday parks, and tour providers to offer member-only pricing.

Why it’s great for families: These memberships can pay for themselves quickly when you use them for a single holiday, especially if you book family rooms or holiday park stays. Savings on attraction tickets and dining are a bonus.

Tip: Even if you’re not currently a member, check whether a short-term or trial membership is available — joining just before a big trip can still unlock significant savings.

4. Tourism Australia Packages

Tourism Australia’s official website features a “Deals & Packages” section that brings together seasonal offers from hotels, resorts, and tour operators across the country. These packages often include extras like breakfast, attraction tickets, or late checkouts at no additional cost.

Why it’s great for families: It’s a one-stop shop for inspiration and value, especially if you’re open to different destinations. Many packages are designed to appeal to families, with built-in perks for children.

Tip: Filter the offers to highlight family-friendly inclusions, such as kids-stay-and-eat-free deals or free activity passes.

5. Local Attractions Bundles

Sites such as Experience Oz and Klook specialise in discounted entry tickets and bundles for attractions including zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and wildlife experiences. Often, these platforms also offer seasonal discount codes and multi-attraction passes.

Why it’s great for families: Booking in advance at a discounted price saves money and avoids the stress of lining up at the gate — particularly valuable when travelling with young children. Some bundles even include skip-the-line benefits.

Tip: Compare bundle pricing to buying tickets directly from the attraction’s website — in many cases, these platforms are cheaper, but occasionally the attraction may have its own special.

6. Travel Agents and Package Retailers

Both physical and online travel agents, such as Flight Centre, regularly put together family holiday packages that combine flights, accommodation, and extras like airport transfers or attraction passes.

Why it’s great for families: Having everything booked in one go saves time and hassle, and package deals often include extras you wouldn’t get when booking components separately. Plus, agents can sometimes access unpublished rates.

Tip: Ask specifically for family-friendly package options that include perks such as free kids’ meals, adjoining rooms, or extra nights — these can make the trip more comfortable and even better value.

Quick Tips to Maximise Your Savings

• Be flexible with travel dates — mid-week and off-peak travel can make a big difference in price.

• Join email lists for airlines, booking sites, and attractions to hear about sales first.

• Book early for school holidays — the best deals are often snapped up months in advance.

Finding great family holiday deals in Australia is all about knowing where to look and acting quickly when the right offer appears. With the right tools, memberships, and timing, you can plan unforgettable getaways without overspending — leaving you free to focus on what really matters: making memories together.