One of the things that brought me the most joy whilst raising my daughter on my own were the holidays we took together. Okay, some were more stressful than others 🙃🤨 but overall we had some amazing times and I’m grateful that I have those memories from my eight years as a single mum.

I know for a lot of women, the idea of going on a holiday solo with your kids can bring around some fears, so with our long school holidays just around the corner, I wanted to share some holiday (or, “vacation”, for my US friends) ideas for you take alone with your little ones.

Here are ten ideas to inspire your next single mum holiday – whether you’re ready to book flights tomorrow or just dreaming from the couch between snack requests.

Ten Ideas for a Single Mum Holiday

1. The Classic Beach Break Single Mum Holiday

There’s something healing about the ocean – for you and for the kids. Sand between the toes, salty air, and no pressure to do anything other than build sandcastles and occasionally reapply sunscreen (easier said than done, I know).

Bonus: kids are always tired after a full day at the beach, which means you might actually get to read that book you packed. Or at least one chapter. Maybe?

Ideas:

• Fiji – I’ve done this multiple times with my daughter and we LOVE it!
• The Gold Coast
• The Sunshine Coast
• Port Stephens
• Port Douglas or Palm Cove

2. Farm Stay or Country Escape Single Mum Holiday

These kinds of single mum holidays are perfect if you’re craving simplicity. Think feeding chickens in the morning, toasting marshmallows at night, and watching your kids actually forget about screens for a day (miracles might happen). It’s grounding, affordable, and often filled with beautiful slow moments you’ll both remember.

Idea:

We did a farm visit to Mowbray Park Framstay with another single mum friend years ago and had such a great time! If I had done it alone, I would have stayed there, but we stayed in an AirBnb in Bowral together and it was a wonderful weekend!

3. City Staycation

If travel funds are tight (I’ve been there too!), try being a tourist in your own city for your next single mum holiday. Book one night at a hotel with a pool, pack snacks, and explore like you’ve never been there before. Visit a museum, jump on a sightseeing bus, or just let your child be “in charge” of the itinerary for the day. I did this with my daughter on a trip to Melbourne and we had the best time. She planned the three day itinerary – we did lots of sight seeing, some shopping, and had a fun movie night in bed with pizza too. It’s low-stress, still feels like an adventure, and gives you a break from cooking – win-win.

Idea:

If you happen to be a  Sydney-sider like me, Darling Harbour is a great place to stay for the night. It’s an excellent spot to park yourself for the night whilst you are a tourist in your own city – the Aquarium, the Imax, and the Maritime Museum (just to name a few) are all in walking distance and you can even walk to Chinatown for a yummy yum-cha lunch or dinner.

4. Cabin in the Woods or Mountain Retreat Single Mum Holiday

Think cosy nights, nature walks, and board games by the fire (or iPads and instant noodles – both are valid depending on the day). Getting out of your usual environment can work wonders for your nervous system. And if the weather turns? Well, that’s when indoor dance parties and hot chocolate come in handy.

Ideas:

The Blue Mountains. My daughter and I have done numerous getaways here and loved every single one. You can browse the stores in Leura, go to Scenic World, see the Three sisters and enjoy endless hot chocolate at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company. It’s so good! 😍

5. Theme Park Getaway

Okay, this single mum holiday I would imagine would be a little more “adrenaline + chaos” than “rest + recharge,” but if you’ve got a little thrill-seeker on your hands, it might just be the ultimate bonding trip. I have only done this trip with my daughter when I had my (now) husband with us, but I did think whilst I was there how much fun this would also be to do alone with my daughter, and totally doable! With a backpack full of snacks, a solid plan, and setting realistic expectations you can manage! Don’t try to do everything. Your feet (and sanity) will thank you.

6. A Cruise Adventure

I know it might sound a bit “fancy” or overwhelming at first, but hear me out – cruises are actually amazing for solo mums. Everything is in one place, meals are sorted, there’s childcare and kid-friendly activities, and you don’t have to pack and unpack at every stop. Plus it’s actually very budget friendly! I was surprised at how supported I felt onboard. And there’s nothing quite like watching the ocean go by while sipping a coffee (or $2 mimosa at happy hour) and knowing your kids are happily entertained (and fed!).

7. Snowy Ski Single Mum Holiday

If your kids are a bit older – or you’re up for a challenge – a ski trip can be magical. There’s something so exhilarating about being in the snow, even if you spend more time falling than skiing. Many ski resorts have excellent kids’ lessons and childcare, giving you a moment to breathe, enjoy the view, or maybe even squeeze in a few runs on your own. Pack layers, your patience, money (the downside is that ski holidays are $$$), and a good sense of humour – you’ll need all four!

8. Camping Single Mum Holiday (yes, really!)

Single mum holiday you say? I know, I know – camping as a solo parent sounds like a logistical nightmare. But with the right mindset (and snacks), it can be pure gold. Kids love the freedom, the dirt and sand, the marshmallows… and once the tent is up and the fire’s crackling, you might just find yourself enjoying the peace. Or at least the lack of Wi-Fi. Start with one night and see how it goes. That’s what I did!

Ideas:

• If you happen to be in Sydney, start with one night in Bundeena. There’s shops nearby if needed, it’s beuatiful, and it’s only an hour away if you’ve had enoughin the middle of the night and want to go home. 
• Go glamping for a night on Cockatoo Island!

9. Wildlife or Safari Park Visit

Whether it’s a full-blown safari (bucket list!) or just a weekend at a local wildlife sanctuary, animal adventures are always a hit as a single mum holiday. Many places offer overnight stays or glamping-style experiences where you can wake up to the sounds of nature. Educational, exciting, and the perfect excuse to skip screen time without complaints.

Ideas:

• There’s one in Canberra – Jamala Wildlife World – I’ve been dying to go to. I’ve heard it’s amazing, but also expensive.
• For a cheaper option, head to Symbio Wildlife Park and book something nearby to make it a getaway. We had a fantastic time there!

10. Holiday Park or Family Resort Single Mum Holiday

Sometimes, what you need is convenience, and holiday parks totally get that. Think playgrounds, swimming pools, jumping pillows, bike tracks, kid-friendly cafes, and even babysitting services. It’s like outsourcing the “fun” part of parenting for a few days while still being right there in it. Plus, if you go during off-peak times, it’s often much more affordable. And you have several children, it’s a budget friendly single mum holiday as most cabins have multiple beds. 

Ideas:

• Ingenia Holiday Parks
• BIG4 Holiday Parks

The most important thing to remember? Your single mum holiday doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. The magic lives in the small moments – sharing chips by the ocean, laughing in a tiny tent, watching them fall asleep in a new place with sun-kissed cheeks.

Travelling solo with your kids is brave. It’s also an incredible gift – to them and to yourself.

Have you taken a holiday alone with your little ones? I’d love to hear where you went or what’s on your dream list.

With love,
Julia💛

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P.S. DID YOU KNOW?

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