How to Travel from Australia to Boracay with Kids – Step-by-Step Family Travel Guide
Estimated read time: 9-10 minutes
The Best Place to Stay for Convenience, Safety, and Family Fun
If you’ve been searching for the best places to travel in the Philippines with kids, you’ve probably noticed - there’s not a lot of clear advice for families with young children.
As someone who travels back and forth from Australia to the Philippines regularly, I’d love to help you navigate the journey. And today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan a stress-free, family-friendly holiday to Boracay, one of the best destinations in the Philippines for families with young kids.
Common Concerns for Families Travelling to Boracay
If you’re travelling to the Philippines with young kids for the first time, you might have some of these concerns. Let's address it:
1. Is Boracay safe for families?
Yes - especially Boracay. It’s one of the safest and most tourist-friendly islands in the Philippines. You’ll find security, police, and tourism staff along the beach and tourist areas to keep families safe.
2. Is the travel too long or overwhelming for young kids?
From Australia, it’s a long journey (12–15 hours), but worth it. I recommend breaking up the trip with an overnight stay in Manila so you and your kids can rest before heading to Boracay.
3. Will there be food options for dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian?
Yes, but it’s smart to plan ahead. Family-friendly resorts like Crimson and Discovery Shores offer kid-friendly and dietary-specific menus. You’ll also find Western restaurants on White Beach.
4. What about healthcare - what if my child gets sick or injured?
Boracay has 24/7 medical clinics and pharmacies for minor issues. For serious care, you’d need to go to a hospital in Caticlan (a 15-minute ferry ride away). Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
5. Is the drinking water safe?
Stick to bottled or filtered water. Resorts provide this daily. Avoid drinking tap water or brushing your teeth with it to be safe.
6. Are there clean, kid-friendly toilets readily available?
Yes, in resorts and most restaurants. Public toilets along the beach are limited, so plan toilet breaks at cafes or your resort.
7. Will the weather be too hot or humid for little kids to handle?
Boracay is tropical, but kids can enjoy it with shade, sun protection, and regular breaks. Most resorts have shaded areas and air-conditioned spaces for downtime.
8. How reliable is transport between airports, ferries, and hotels?
Very reliable if you pre-book with your resort or trusted providers like Island Star Express or My Boracay Guide. They’ll handle the entire journey for you.
9. Is it stroller-friendly?
Mostly. Paved paths and resorts are stroller-friendly, but sandy areas might require carrying or folding the stroller. A compact travel stroller works best
Why Boracay is the Best Family-Friendly Destination in the Philippines
We recently travelled to the Philippines with Ronnie’s cousin from Mackay, his Aussie wife, their two kids under five, and even the grandparents. It was their first time as a family in the Philippines, and guess what? The kids could not stop talking about Boracay. It quickly became the highlight of their trip, and here’s why it might be the perfect choice for your family too.
And guess what - Boracay is part of my husband’s home island. We’ve visited multiple times, so you’re getting first-hand local insights, not just Google searches.
Why We Recommend Boracay for Young Families:
- White sand beaches perfect for kids
Shallow, calm waters and soft, powdery sand make it ideal for toddlers to splash, play, and build sandcastles safely. - Family-friendly resorts with kid-friendly amenities
From kids’ clubs to pirate ship playgrounds, resorts like Crimson, Discovery Shores, and Shangri-La go above and beyond to keep families entertained. - Safe, clean, and easy to get around
Thanks to Boracay’s rehabilitation efforts, the island is cleaner, quieter, and more family-friendly - no beach parties, less overcrowding, and safer public spaces. - Compact island with everything close by
Unlike bigger tourist spots, everything is within walking distance or a quick tricycle ride - perfect for prams and little legs. - Plenty of family dining options
From pizza and pasta to fresh seafood and international menus, there’s something to satisfy even the fussiest little eaters. - Tropical island feel with modern comforts
You’ll find reliable Wi-Fi, ATMs, and convenience stores alongside crystal-clear waters and palm-lined beaches - giving you the best of both worlds. - Fun activities for all ages
Whether it’s sandcastle building, stand-up paddle boarding, island hopping, or sunset sailing, there are plenty of activities your whole family can enjoy together. - Warm and welcoming Filipino hospitality
Filipinos are known for their love of children, and you’ll feel that warm, genuine hospitality everywhere you go.
What You Need to Know About Boracay’s Rehabilitation
In 2018, the Philippine government shut Boracay down for six months to fix serious environmental issues. The president called Boracay a ‘cesspool’ lol. The island had become overcrowded, polluted, and poorly managed.
After a massive clean-up, Boracay now requires:
-Proof of hotel booking before entering the island
- Limits on visitor numbers
-No beach parties
- Environmental compliance from all businesses
The result?
When I visited again in 2023, I couldn’t believe the difference. Boracay is cleaner, safer, and more family-friendly than ever before.
Smoking Ban in Public Places
Thanks to nationwide smoking laws, smoking is banned in all public spaces - including Boracay’s beaches. Designated smoking areas are available, but families can enjoy cleaner air and safer environments throughout their trip.
Ready to start planning?
Now that you know Boracay is safer and more family-friendly than ever before, let’s map out exactly how to get there from Australia - without the overwhelm. From flights to ferries to hotel transfers, here’s your step-by-step guide to travelling to Boracay with kids.
The Aussie Family’s Easy Travel Guide to Boracay
Your step-by-step breakdown for a stress-free island escape with kids
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get from Australia to Boracay with kids, step by step, based on real travel experience.
🛫 Step 1: Fly from Australia to Manila (MNL)
- Flight time: Around 8 hours (non-stop from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane)
- Processing time: 1.5 to 3 hours (immigration, baggage, transfers)
Family Travel Tip: Break up the journey with an overnight stay in Manila. This gives everyone a chance to rest, grab local SIM cards, exchange money, and adjust to the time zone before flying again the next day.
🛫 Step 2: Domestic Flight to Caticlan (Boracay’s Nearest Airport)
- Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Processing time: 30–60 minutes
Make it easier by booking a resort that offers airport and ferry transfers—this saves you from juggling bookings mid-trip.
🚐 Step 3: Shuttle or Van to Caticlan Jetty Port- Travel time: 10 minutes
🛥️ Step 4: Ferry or Private Boat to Boracay Island
- Boat ride time: 15 minutes
- Processing/wait time: 30–45 minutes
Pro Tip: Use porters at the jetty to carry your luggage for around 100 pesos (~$3 AUD). It’s a small price for less stress - especially in the tropical heat.
🚖 Step 5: Land Transfer to Your Boracay Resort
- Travel time: 15–30 minutes depending on where you’re staying
🕑 Total Travel Time- 12–14 hours on a smooth day- 15+ hours if you include stopovers or overnight stays
Our Top Family-Friendly Resort Recommendations
Budget-Friendly Resorts
- Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel - Station 2. Spacious family rooms and a child-friendly pool. Transfer services available through the hotel.
Mid-Range Resorts
- Henann Resorts Collection - Boracay is home to mulitple Hennan Resorts, all located conveniently near station 2. Multiple pools and family suites close to restaurants and shops.
- Fairways and Bluewater Boracay - Newcoast area Private beach, golf course, and kids’ play area with free shuttle services.
Luxury Resorts
- Crimson Resort & Spa - Station Zero Kids’ club, pirate ship playground, and beachfront luxury with private transfers.
- Discovery Shores Boracay - Station 1 Award-winning family packages with included land and boat transfers.
- Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa - Northern tip Exclusive villas, kids’ activities, and private speedboat transfers.
Reliable Airport Transfer Services
- Island Star Express - Comfortable family-friendly transfers
- My Boracay Guide - Premium and assisted transfer packages
Final Thoughts: Is Boracay Worth It for Families?
Absolutely.
While it’s a long journey, the convenience, safety, and family-friendly vibe of Boracay make it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines with kids. With the right plan, your family can create unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful island destinations.
PS - Want to make your Philippines trip even easier? Click here to see our free resources.
