ELKA WHALAN
Mother of four children, Two-time Australian Olympic Swimmer, TV/Media Personality & Speaker and Founder & Editor of The Queenhood
ELKA’S TOP TWO DESTINATIONS
BERRARA, NEW SOUTH WALES
&
THE FIJIAN ISLANDS
For family-friendly destinations, two places come to mind. The first is the South Coast, New South Wales. We go down there every year and love a town called Berrara. The beaches are not crowded. You have enormous space, there are great new cafes always popping up and we always feel relaxed.
We do a big shop and eat in most nights and explore new beaches and parks during the days. Our usual accommodation features a hammock which we use to read to the children while the kangaroos hop freely about – it’s such a highlight for them.
Even the drive down south is gorgeous, stopping in Berry or going through Bowral. We have had many fond memories down there and by far one of the simplest holidays.
We usually stay in an Airbnb. It’s the perfect way to make the holiday suit you and take the road less travelled rather than the main stream accomodations!
But first, coffee!
Make sure you visit a great cafe in Ulladulla called The Tree House Cafe – the food is incredible and they run activities at the cafe for children whilst you eat!
Image source
Secondly how can you go past Fiji! It’s the bees knees for children. Warm water, amazing service, fresh juices and so child friendly. We’ve been there five times and love it; always such a warm experience and the flight is doable in terms of only a few hours. They have some incredible sunsets and we always have a blast.
Where to stay?
Our favourites are Vomo Island Fiji Resort and Taveuni Palms Luxury Resort.
Ensure you pack activities for the plane rides; balloons work a treat during stop overs!
Elka’s Fiji must-dos
- Make the most of the untapped beaches, pack simply – all you need are swimming costumes, hats and some light clothing.
- Invest in some nights just with your spouse and utilise the warm friendly Fijian nannies for a night!
- In Fiji any opportunity you can wake early for their sunrises do it! Grab the children and make the most of the special beaches to yourselves. Get that touch of heaven!
Want to hear more from Elka?
Check out her top tips for staying in shape on family holidays here (and no it doesn’t involve doing laps! Phew!).
Images provided via @elkawhalan and @thomaswhalan
