Where to go, what to do?!

[MrsFabuloso]

DH and I are trying to plan some (or at least one) holidays for next year. DH has to put in his holidays soon for next year and we are thinking of where to go. The kids would by then be 2 1/2 or 3 (DD) and 1 1/2 or 2 (DS).
I thought of going to the snow (in NSW/Vic). We would most likely drive (from Sydney). What would it be like to take two toddlers to the snow? I went many years ago but haven't been since, I don't remember prices or anything, just remmeber having an absolute ball!! How much would it cost? We'd like to go skiing and would need to hire all the stuff that goes with it, as well as accomodation. Would it be possible with two little ones? When would be the best time? I know in terms of snow it would be the middle of the season, but what about price wise, and I would rather be there when there's not sooo many people too.
Another option is to go to Tassie. Again what would approximate prices be like? We would fly this to Tassie, need accom, and to hire a car to get about in. Where is a nice place to go? Where do you reccommend to go there?
Any other suggestions? Time of year, places to go.....I'm open to suggestions!!!
TIA

[Arimeh]

Come to tassie!!!!!

You can stay with us - free accommodation

[Ella]

Wow Arimeh, what a lovely offer... you seem like such an amazing and giving person!!!

[Rivlas]

If you go to Tassie put your car on the boat, it is alot cheaper than hiring and will extend your holiday if you need to come to Vic to put it on the boat.
Forest Glen in Qld is a good place to have a base. We stayed at the caravan park. It is close to alot of things, Australia Zoo, bee place, nut factory and not far from Maroochydoore.
Vic has alot of places just depends on the time of year. Northern Vic is usually warmer in winter
As for the snow all I know is that it can get pretty expensive, the chairlift is quite pricey.

[Erin_25]

It really depends on what you want to get out of it & how much you can afford. You do not have to spend a heap of money to have fun with kids of that age or keep them entertained. But if you do want the whole snow experience then that would cost some $$$$. I can't speak for Tasmania, have not been there yet but would love to go at some stage.
I myself (and this is just me) would not want to spend too many $$$ on something the kids would most likely not remember or something that could be more hassle depending on their behaviour IYKWIM.
Since we can't go to the beach at Christmas we just went on a holiday with DS to Lithgow NSW. It was great, we took Charlie to see Thomas which he just loved, we went on two bushwalks (free) also loved. We just took out time & let him explore everything. We also went on some great drives & he loves being in the car so that was good also. Then we did some tourist things that didn't cost a heap, plays at the park etc. We all had a great time!

[MamaPan]

jetstar is having a sale on fares to tassie atm - there are some excellent deals.
if your DS is still under 2 you wotn have to get him a seat - but is he is older than 2 he will also need his own seat. that makes a diff to price.
imo limit the moving around - ie if you go to tassie stay in 1 or 2 places max - the hasslefactor of too many diff locations...

[Phteven]

For the same price as a week on snow in NSW you could go to NZ if you get a cheap fare.
Early spring should be cheaper and for beginners it's usually a good time to but it depends on the season.

[Rivlas]

Should have thought of this earlier.
What about a farm stay. Our girls loved and still do love going to the farm and at the moment there are lots of baby animals. Some places have cottages so you can bring your own food.

[MrsFabuloso]

Ooohh, some great ideas!!
I know the snow is exxy, that's why I want to know what else there might be. I want to go somewhere we haven't been. DH's family live on Qld mid nth coast and we go there every year, as well as often stopping off on the Gold Coast or Brissy. So DH and I have done the fun parks and things like that, and the kids are a bit little yet to do that. So I want something nice, probably not toooo expensive (I'm thinking the snow will wait for a few years now!).
I like the outdoors and I love the beach, though DH isn't that much of a fan. DD loves the water too though. I love outdoors, bushwalking and things like that, but again DH not so much....so it will need to be in between the 'au natural thing' and the 'all mod cons thing'. And something we can do with two toddlers. We would most likely only go for a week, so would only stay in one place, though would be willing to travel, as in drive/bus/train around the place. So somewhere with attractions or places to visit within an hour or two drive away.
The farm stay sounds like a great idea, but I have a feeling that I will have to convince dh! And I thought of New Zealand but thought it would most likely be a bit more expensive than staying in oz?

What's been your best family holidays you've had when you bubbies were young???

ETA, Mel, thanks for the offer babe...that would mean 5 kidlets in one house, 2 almost 3yr olds, 2 almost 2yr olds and your new bubba, could you imagine the noise! We'd need ear plugs, not to mention some serious drinkypoos to calm the nerves at the end of the day, lol!!

[Phteven]

NZ is cheaper than Australia - hotels, dinners and so on are all cheaper and our dollar is worth more. If you book early or get a special fare it doesn't cost any more to fly there than flying inter-state.

[Arimeh]

ETA, Mel, thanks for the offer babe...that would mean 5 kidlets in one house, 2 almost 3yr olds, 2 almost 2yr olds and your new bubba, could you imagine the noise! We'd need ear plugs, not to mention some serious drinkypoos to calm the nerves at the end of the day, lol!!

I know - how much crazy fun could it be? PMSL

The house we have scored to rent in tassie has another room and separate toilet downstairs - so we could send them all down there to hibernate - or they could stay upstairs and we could go hibernate.. lol.. plus there is a kids playground next door

Offer is there anyway!!

[Rivlas]

The farm stay might appeal to your DH as there is plenty of manly things to do, tractors, motorbikes and they usually need someone to drive the tractor when giving out hay to cattle.
NZ sounds great especially if you already have passports.

[Ella]

How bout camping??? I know we are taking DS camping in December, we are going to Stradborke Island. I know it's a bit rough and tumble, but would be great if you DH likes fishing or 4x4 driving as we do???? Also lots of playing in the sand for the little ones and sunbaking for you...