The Entrance(Australia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ennis, the top family-friendly hotel is Ennis Lakeside Resort, nestled beside Ennis Lake with spacious family suites, a kids' playground, and outdoor barbecue areas. It’s ideal for families seeking nature immersion, with easy access to Ennis National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting. For a more private retreat, consider Ennis Mountain Hideaway, offering self-contained cabins with kitchenettes and panoramic mountain views—perfect for long stays. Another great option is Ennis Town Centre Inn, located in the heart of town, within walking distance of local cafes, craft markets, and parks. All these properties provide kid-friendly amenities like high chairs, cribs, and activity guides. Families can also book guided bushwalks or fishing tours through the hotel concierge.

For added convenience, many hotels offer free parking and travel tips tailored to young travelers.

The best area for accommodation in Ennis is the Lakeside District, where you’ll find serene views of Ennis Lake, peaceful surroundings, and excellent access to water activities like kayaking and fishing. Top choices include Lakeside Haven and Ennis Lakeview Cottages, both offering private balconies and lake-facing rooms. If you prefer cultural immersion, stay in the Town Centre, where you can walk to galleries, antique shops, and weekend markets. For nature lovers, accommodations near the entrance to Ennis National Park are highly recommended, providing quick access to forest trails and sunrise wildlife viewing. Overall, the Lakeside District combines scenic beauty with comfort, making it the top pick for most visitors.

Ennis offers authentic cultural experiences such as the annual Ennis Farm Festival, celebrating traditional Australian rural life with sheepdog trials, handmade pottery workshops, and live folk music. Visit the Ennis Historical Museum to explore archives of early settler diaries and Indigenous Wiradjuri artifacts. For a deeper connection, join an Aboriginal Guided Walk through Ennis Gorge, led by local elders who share Dreamtime stories and traditional plant knowledge. Evenings can be spent at Old Oak Pub, enjoying acoustic sessions by local musicians performing bush ballads. These immersive experiences highlight the region’s rich heritage and community spirit, offering travelers a genuine taste of outback Australia.

For couples seeking romance, Stargazer Lakeside Cabin in Ennis offers a glass-walled retreat overlooking Ennis Lake, complete with a hot tub, fireplace, and a sky-view ceiling perfect for stargazing. The property arranges private candlelit dinners with local wines and artisanal treats. Another intimate choice is Valley Whisper Retreat, tucked into the edge of Ennis National Park, featuring a private spa pool and secluded meditation deck surrounded by eucalyptus trees. For vintage charm, The Old Stagecoach Inn provides period-style suites with hand-painted murals, old-world furniture, and a record player playing classic Aussie tunes. All options offer personalized services like sunrise photography packages and romantic picnic baskets for lakefront picnics.

Must-try dishes in Ennis include Ennis Kangaroo Steak, grilled with lavender and rosemary for a rich, gamey flavor, reflecting sustainable local sourcing. Another highlight is Wiradjuri Bush Mutton Stew, slow-cooked with native herbs, wild onions, and fern roots, showcasing Indigenous culinary traditions. At the Ennis Farmers Market, sample fresh Blueberry Scones and Honey Walnut Tarts made with organic ingredients. For a true Australian experience, enjoy the Rancher’s Afternoon Tea at Old Oak Pub, featuring homemade jam, scones, and single-origin coffee served with views of rolling pastures. Every dish emphasizes local, seasonal, and eco-conscious ingredients.

Yes, Ennis is ideal for road trips due to its scenic routes and dispersed attractions. Must-visit spots include Ennis Lake, perfect for boating and lakeside walks; Ennis National Park, home to ancient forests and birdwatching trails; and Ennis Gorge, known for its colorful rock layers and dramatic vistas. Along the way, explore the Abandoned Mine Site and the Old Post Office Museum, which document the town’s mining history. Renting a 4WD is recommended for rougher backroads. Gas stations and rest stops are well-distributed, and most hotels offer complimentary parking and detailed route maps, ensuring a smooth journey.

The most photogenic spots in Ennis include the Mirror Bridge at Ennis Lake, a transparent walkway reflecting the sky and trees—ideal for dreamy morning shots. The Ennis Valley Lighthouse, with its white tower against rugged cliffs, creates striking silhouettes at sunset. The Rainbow Fields, blooming with vibrant poppies and daisies in spring, form a kaleidoscopic backdrop perfect for travel photos. Don’t miss the Graffiti Wall at Old Oak Pub, a colorful street art piece inspired by Australian nature. For aerial views, book a drone tour over Ennis Lake and the surrounding mountains, capturing sweeping landscapes that stand out on social media.

Ennis has a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasons. Spring (September–November) brings mild temperatures (12–20°C) and blossoming wildflowers—perfect for hiking and photography. Summer (December–February) is warm and dry (22–30°C), ideal for lake activities but requires sun protection. Autumn (March–May) features cool days and golden foliage, great for forest walks. Winter (June–August) is chilly (5–12°C), sometimes frosty, offering misty lake views and quiet solitude. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when weather is pleasant, crowds are light, and events like the Farm Festival take place. Plan ahead if attending seasonal cultural programs.

Families in Ennis can enjoy the Kids’ Paddle Boat Camp on Ennis Lake, with trained staff and safe kayaks for children. The Nature Explorer Camp in Ennis National Park offers interactive sessions on plant identification, insect habitats, and basic camping skills. Kids can also visit the Farm Animal Petting Zone, where they can feed goats, sheep, and chickens, and even try milking a cow. Weekly Family Story Nights at Old Oak Pub feature live storytelling with atmospheric lighting. Additionally, the Creative Hub hosts hands-on workshops in pottery, painting, and woodcraft—ideal for parents and children to create together. All activities come with safety gear and trained supervision.

Public transport in Ennis is limited. The main option is NSW Bus, offering daily service between Sydney and Ennis (approx. 4 hours), but with few departures. Within town, two circular bus lines cover the Lakeside District and Town Centre, though frequencies are low and routes don’t reach key sites like National Park or Gorge. Non-drivers are advised to book private transfers or guided tours, such as the full-day Ennis Nature Experience, which includes pickup, expert guides, and multi-site access. However, the town center is walkable and contains most essentials. For extended stays, renting a car is strongly recommended for flexibility and independence.