FAMILY
HISTORY
HOLIDAYS

Destinations

Where can I go on a Family History Holiday?

We have a rich mix of people with wonderfully varied heritage here in Australia, and we know the number of trips our customers plan and book will cover destinations far and wide. That said, we all need to start somewhere, so to get you thinking, we have selected a series of well-known historical places so you can understand why, who, where, what, and how a Family History Holiday works. This list is just the beginning!

• Sydney
  Australia’s earliest convict colony is a great starting point for many family history enthusiasts.  Throughout  the city there are pretty suburbs with terrace houses, workers cottages and interesting architecture from every historical period to explore.  And it’s easy to head west to the State Archives stopping at  Parramatta, home of some serious (World Heritage listed) historic sites.  Sydney is the headquarters for the Society of Australian Genealogists, the Royal Australian Historical Society, the NSW branch of the National Trust of Australia.
• The Hawkesbury
  Australia’s pioneers settled these rich riverlands as the colony started to expand. Make this a weekend getaway and explore the significant sites along the original Great North Road, wander through Windsor and other cute “Macquarie towns” and understand the nature of early interactions with indigenous clans. The new Hawkesbury Regional Museum is a great starting point for those looking to explore their family history in the area.
• The Southern Highlands
  Home base for some of Australia’s famous explorers as well as a couple of notorious bushrangers, this region  has lovely places to stay with several heritage homes converted into hotels and easy drives through beautiful bush settings. Groups like the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society have extensive collections that could help answer some of those nitty gritty questions about one of your ancestors.
• Regional Victoria
  Travel around the Victorian goldfields and you’ll see some amazing architecture, and access interesting historic records that  illustrating the impact  that the  boom and bust  had on this beautiful par tof the country.   It’s easy to get around regional Victoria, and plenty to keep you occupied while you’re on your quest. Take the family cycling to old villages, stop at local markets or take a break at the odd winery or two on the way.
• Northern Territory
  
  The dramatic, breathtaking landscape of Northern Territory is matched by its fascinating and poignant history. An exploration of the top end is an education in Indigenous heritage and colonial Australia. Did you know the Northern Territory was part of New South Wales from 1825 - 1863, and then part of South Australia from 1863 - 1911? Explore some of the country's most iconic landmarks from Uluru to Kakadu, and develop a deeper understanding of the territory's history, as you unravel your own. 
• Far North Queensland 
  
  Cairns, Cape York, Port Douglas and the Daintree have a history steeped in Indigenous culture, gold mining and agricultural pursuits. Many of these areas became tourist spots after playing significant roles in WWII efforts. Soak up this Queensland paradise and explore its stunning natural phenomena as you dig up your family roots.
• The Barossa Valley
  With vineyards over 160 years old, there’s plenty of family history trails to follow in South Australia’s wine regions. Named after a region in Spain, and home to many English and European settlers looking for a better life, old church spires are still to be seen across the valley, with fabulous markets in small villages showing how old traditions (particularly German ones) are alive and well today.
• Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the UK
  A trip anywhere in the British Isles can provide many answers about your ancestors. There’s the clans, the crofts, the factories and farms, and so many places can give you a clear picture back into the past. Get to know the locals whose people knew your people. Stay in an old inn, a cosy cottage, or a grand manor house close to the places your forebears worked and played and found their way forward.
• Europe
  Starting with the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, there are now many ongoing commemorations and many Australians are going back to see where their ancestors were involved in WW1 and WW2. Places of interest cover Egypt, Israel and Palestine along with France, Italy and Germany
• India/China/Singapore
  Originally perceived as exotic outposts of the empire, the cities and villages across Asia or the Indian subcontinent can unveil fascinating insights into the family legends. Whether it’s tracking your stories back through multiple generations or looking into the war records and colonial customs, these destinations offer a family history holiday with a difference.

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Wishlist Where do you want to go?

This will be a great year for a Family History Holiday. Start the conversation this summer and find out more about who’s who in your family. We’d love to hear all about it.

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