Skip-gen Travel Australia: Weekend Escape Gems You’ll Love to Explore

Australia’s family travel preferences are evolving, with skip-gen holidays growing rapidly in popularity. These unique trips focus on bonding between grandparents and grandkids without parents in tow, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and educational experiences. If you’re planning a skip-gen getaway, destinations like South Australia’s Monarto Safari Resort and New South Wales’ Kangaroo Valley offer memorable experiences that cater perfectly to this demographic. Here’s a detailed 48-72 hour weekend escape itinerary to ensure your holiday is as seamless as it is enjoyable.

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Zipli Table of Contents

Day 1: Getting Started in Monarto Safari Resort, South Australia

Morning: Kickstart Your Adventure

Begin your weekend escape with an early arrival at the Monarto Safari Resort, located just an hour’s drive east of Adelaide. This incredible open-range zoo immerses guests in the wonders of exotic wildlife right here in Australia. Start your day with a guided safari ride—the 90-minute tour offers close encounters with majestic creatures, including lions, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.

Don’t forget to check the safari timings and book online to avoid queues. Arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the first safari sessions to maximise your experience.

Afternoon: Interactive Wildlife Encounters

After your safari, delight in one of the animal feeding experiences. Grandchildren will love hand-feeding meerkats or watching zookeepers interact with chimpanzees during feeding displays. These hands-on moments create lasting memories for kids and grandparents alike.

For lunch, grab a healthy meal at the Chimp Café, offering sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly menu options while overlooking the safari’s scenic spaces.

Evening: Relaxation at the Lodge

After an adventurous day, retreat to your luxurious overnight accommodation at Monarto Safari Resort. The resort offers unique lodge-style stays nestled within the heart of the reserve. Grandparents can unwind with a glass of locally crafted wine, while grandkids marvel at the clear, star-lit skies—all visible from the comfort of your private verandah.

If you’re an early sleeper, opt for local takeaway from nearby town eateries like Murray Bridge’s Resto Bar for a fuss-free dinner.

Day 2: Kangaroo Valley – Serenity Meets Adventure

Morning: A Scenic Drive to Kangaroo Valley

After breakfast, take an early morning road trip from Monarto to Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales. This journey takes approximately eight hours, so plan for multiple rest stops along the way. Look out for charming roadside markets in smaller towns—perfect for grabbing fresh fruits and homemade treats.

Plan your departure by 5:00 a.m. if undertaking a long drive, or hire a comfortable camper van for a relaxed, multi-stop journey. The scenic backdrop of coastal highways provides plenty of photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Picnicking at Hampden Bridge

Arrive in Kangaroo Valley by early afternoon and explore its famous sandstone bridge, Hampden Bridge. The natural beauty surrounding the bridge makes it an ideal spot for a classic Australian picnic. Equip yourself with sandwiches packed earlier or grab lunch at The General Café, known for hearty pastries and aromatic coffee. Don’t forget to bring binoculars—kids will love spotting birds in the lush canopy!

Evening: Stargazing and Bushwalking

As the day winds down, head out for a short evening bushwalk on one of Kangaroo Valley’s tranquil trails such as the Cabins Walk. The trail is beginner-friendly, making it ideal for multi-generational groups. For dinner, visit The Friendly Inn, a historic pub serving flavoursome Aussie dishes amid warm, welcoming interiors. Their child-friendly menu ensures even picky eaters leave satisfied.

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Post-dinner, the valley’s dark skies offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Consider bringing a telescope for an educational yet magical bonding moment under the Milky Way.

Day 3: Tying It All Together

Morning: Paddle and Play

On your final morning, introduce the grandchildren to canoeing along Kangaroo River. Local rental services make it easy to hire equipment, and these calm waters provide a safe yet fun-filled adventure. Alternatively, if younger children aren’t keen on water activities, you could simply enjoy a riverside walk along the banks where they can spot platypuses in their natural habitat.

Afternoon: Farm Visits and Sweet Treats

Wrap up your adventure with a visit to The Nostalgia Factory or Valley Fudge Shop in Kangaroo Valley. These quaint locations offer delicious handmade fudge and candies that kids will adore. Grandparents can explore nostalgic items or grab local souvenirs to bring back cherished memories of their trip.

If time permits, drop by Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures en route back to Sydney. It’s a small detour, but offers breathtaking aerial views of the rainforest canopy and a thrilling treetop zipline that feels tailor-made for older adventures.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

End the trip on a high note with a farewell dinner at Bistro One46. This highly rated restaurant serves gourmet Australian meals and offers vegetarian-friendly dishes as well. Share highlights from the trip over excellent food before packing up for your journey home.

Practical Tips for Skip-Gen Travel

Plan logistics: Booking accommodation early is crucial—skip-gen trips often align with school holidays, and these destinations fill up quickly.
Choose age-appropriate activities: Tailor plans to grandchildren’s interests without overwhelming grandparents with excessive physical exertion.
Pack essentials: Include binoculars, sunscreen, travel games, and comfortable walking shoes for all age groups.
Budget wisely: Family-friendly destinations often offer bundled deals—research before booking.

Wrapping Up

Skip-gen travel is an extraordinary way to foster deeper connections between grandparents and grandchildren while exploring some of Australia’s finest destinations. Monarto Safari Resort and Kangaroo Valley provide the ideal backdrop for relaxation, education, and adventure, catering seamlessly to multi-generational groups. By following this thoughtfully planned 48-72 hour itinerary, you can ensure a holiday full of joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Start planning your skip-gen escape today and discover why these trips have become a favourite for Aussie families.

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Paul Ingersole

Travel Enthusiast

Explore the best places to visit across Australia.

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