Road trip: Dubbo to Sydney

Pick up your car rental at SIXT Dubbo Airport where members get a 15% discount, and head to the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The 6km circuit is perfect for cycling around (flat enough for even the most inexperienced riders) and seeing everything from the wild dogs and lions to hippos and meerkats in wide open surrounds. The daily talks are worth getting along to and, even if you miss some exhibits, the tickets are valid for two days so you can always visit in the morning.

But Dubbo is more than just the zoo so leave time at the end of the trip to take in some local history at the Old Dubbo Goal (there are nightly ghost tours), marvel at local art at the Western Plains Cultural Centre or just cool off at the local water park in Elston Park. Also, don't forget to treat yourself and the kids to an ice cream at Annie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour.

Get on the road early to avoid the traffic rush and head to Jenolan, where it's famous Jenolan Caves are. The Caves are composed of 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers, and amazing formations. This remarkable cave system is among the finest and most ancient in the world and is undoubtedly regarded as the most outstanding within Australia. Visit this 'hidden gem' for fascinating cave tours and other activities, designed to suit every age and fitness level.

Soak in all that is for offer in the Blue Mountains, stopping at Cahills Lookout, then cruise to Katoomba for a banquet style lunch before heading to Echo Point, site of the famous Three Sisters – both viewpoints take in the incredible expanse of the aptly named Megalong Valley. (Try to arrive early enough to beat the crowds at Echo Point.) If you chosen to check out the trails in this area, the kids will not doubt get a sweet energy boost at The Gingerbread House in Katoomba.

Head to Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can meet koalas, crocodiles, echidnas and dingoes.

Head into the trees for some fun and adventure featuring flying foxes, zip lines & more with over 100 individual challenges at TreeTop Adventure Park Sydney. Located in the forests of the Western Sydney Parklands, this fun outdoor attraction allows ages of everywhere from 3 and older to harness themselves up and ascend to the treetops to take part in an array of courses, zipping, climbing and flying from one point to the next. Courses are divided up by ability level, so those who aren't too confident can take one of the easier courses and still come away with a level of satisfaction and achievement to suit them without feeling any unnecessary fear.

Easily one of the best attractions to visit in Sydney, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium features multiple stunning exhibits - each showcasing a different aspect of marine life - with low viewing glass making it easy for the kids to see the likes of various kinds of sharks, the vibrant colours of the Great Barrier Reef, and even Australia's own duck-billed platypus.