Big wheels keep on turnin' in Paris, Auckland and Ipswich: deals & kids' gigs, September 1, 2013

The Workshop Rail Museum in Ipswich, Qld

Right. Instead of leading with a lovely pool shot or something pleasingly ethnic (think old Indian man or a Vietnamese cyclist), I'm appealing to the trainspotters amongst you. Specifically, trainspotters in Ipswich. With kids. That's Ipswich, Australia. I know you're out there. If I lost you at trains, never fear, shack up in style on North Stradbroke Island or go five-star glam in Auckland or hit the moveable feast that is Paris, staying in your own apartment.

KIDS

Build your own railway empire, get behind the wheel of the big engine or just let off steam at the award-winning Workshop Rail Museum in Ipswich, 40km from Brisbane. For more big, loud fun, take a ride on the monthly Steam Train Sundays and roar through Brisbane’s main drag on a steam train. Open daily. General entry costs $20 adults, $11.30 kids 3-15 years, families $59, theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.

GO NOW: NEW ZEALAND

Stay four nights at the five-star Langham Auckland and save 20 per cent and get free wifi until September 13. Score the ‘Linger Longer for Less’ offer at Langham hotels including London and Sydney. Auckland costs from $149 a night. +64 (9) 379 5132, langhamhotels.com.

The pool shot we had to have: North Stradbroke Island, Qld

GO SOONER: QUEENSLAND

Wrap up winter with three nights on family-friendly North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane. Stay in a self-contained beach shack amongst the dunes with return vehicle transfer, midday check-out, a meat tray for the barbie and wi-fi until September 18. From $600, (07) 3415 0000, allurestradbroke.com.au.

GO LATER: PARIS

Enjoy la vie simple with family holidays in Paris: this kid-friendly two-bedroom apartment in the Marais is ideal for discovering the city by foot. Sleeps four or five and includes breakfast. Usually $415 a night, from $355 a night until 31 January, 2014. petiteparis.com.au.

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun-Herald newspaper