A Guide to Australian Road Trips With Kids

Road trips are a classic Australian holiday. The country is built for long drives, with coastal highways, mountain passes and outback routes linking towns and national parks. Travelling with children adds a layer of planning, but it also makes the journey more rewarding. This guide covers the practical side of family road trips, from packing to keeping everyone entertained.

Plan the Route Around Your Family

The first rule of travelling with kids is to be realistic about distance. Young children rarely enjoy eight-hour driving days, and adults rarely enjoy the consequences. Aim for shorter legs with frequent stops, and build in time for play, meals and toilet breaks. A rough guide is to plan no more than two to three hours between longer breaks, depending on the age of your children.

Choose destinations with something for everyone. Coastal towns offer beaches and parks, while inland regions offer wildlife, geology and history. If you are heading somewhere remote, check road conditions, fuel availability and mobile coverage in advance. Some travellers combine a road trip with a stop in a major city; if you are considering a longer stay, a guide to factors to consider when renting a working space shows how location and access shape a stay, and the same logic applies to choosing accommodation.

Prepare the Vehicle

Before you leave, check tyres, fluids, brakes and lights. If your vehicle is due for a service, do it before the trip rather than after. Carry a spare tyre, jack, basic tools, jumper leads and a first aid kit. If you are travelling long distances, consider whether your current car suits the journey; a guide to what type of wheels suit 4x4 cars is useful if you are weighing up a more capable vehicle for rough roads.

Inside the car, organisation is everything. Use seat-back organisers, bins for rubbish and a cooler within reach. Keep water bottles filled and snacks accessible but not within reach of very young children, who should not eat while the vehicle is moving if there is a choking risk.

Pack Smart, Not Heavy

It is easy to overpack for a family trip. Start with the essentials: clothing for the climate, sun protection, hats, sturdy shoes, toiletries, medications and any comfort items children rely on. Bring layers, because Australian weather can change quickly, especially in the south and in alpine areas.

For entertainment, pack a mix of options: books, audiobooks, music, travel games and a few small toys. Screens are useful for long stretches, but variety prevents boredom. Download content before you leave, because coverage is patchy outside towns. If you are travelling with a child who uses specific gear, such as a pram or a nursery item, check it fits your vehicle and accommodation before you go; even everyday products like a padded nursery rug can make temporary accommodation feel more like home for a toddler.

Safety on the Road

Safety starts with restraints. Use the correct child seat or booster for each child's age and size, and have them fitted and checked properly. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seatbelt, and children should sit in the back where possible. Take breaks to avoid driver fatigue, share the driving if you can, and avoid driving at dawn and dusk when wildlife is active.

Plan for emergencies. Carry water, food, a torch, a charged phone and a power bank. If you are heading remote, consider a satellite communication device. Tell someone your route and expected arrival times, and check in when you can.

Keeping Everyone Happy

Routine helps children feel secure, even on holiday. Try to keep meal and bedtimes roughly consistent, and build in downtime rather than filling every hour. Involve children in planning by letting them choose an activity or a stop each day. Praise good behaviour and be flexible when plans change, because they will.

Finally, embrace the pace of family travel. You will see less than you might alone, but the memories are often better. A slower trip with happy travellers beats a rushed one every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours a day should we drive with young children?

Many families aim for four to six hours of total driving, broken into shorter legs with regular stops. Younger children often need more frequent breaks, so plan generously.

What should we pack for a family road trip?

Focus on clothing for the climate, sun protection, medications, snacks, water, entertainment and a first aid kit. Pack layers and avoid overloading, since space is limited.

How do we keep kids entertained in the car?

Mix activities: audiobooks, music, books, travel games and limited screen time. Rotate options to keep them fresh, and involve children in choosing stops along the way.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a day should we drive with young children?

Many families aim for four to six hours of total driving, broken into shorter legs with regular stops. Younger children often need more frequent breaks, so plan generously.

What should we pack for a family road trip?

Focus on clothing for the climate, sun protection, medications, snacks, water, entertainment and a first aid kit. Pack layers and avoid overloading, since space is limited.

How do we keep kids entertained in the car?

Mix activities: audiobooks, music, books, travel games and limited screen time. Rotate options to keep them fresh, and involve children in choosing stops along the way.