The best Australian road trips to take with kids

Family road trips are one of the best ways to experience Australia together. From outback sunsets to beach swims and wildlife encounters, travelling by caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or campervan gives you freedom, flexibility and plenty of chances to make memories along the way.

At Let’s Go Caravan Insurance, we see families hit the road in all kinds of setups – bought, borrowed or hired. Whatever you drive, the magic is the same: time together, shared adventures and the ability to tailor each day to your kids’ energy and interests.

Here’s how to get the most out of a family road trip, plus some of the best kid-friendly routes around Australia.

Why road trips work so well with kids

1. They’re cost-flexible
   Accommodation can be a big expense for families. Travelling with your own home-on-wheels means you can mix and match:

• Caravan parks with pools and kids’ clubs
• National park campgrounds
• Low-cost community and council sites

Having a kitchen on board also helps you save on dining out and cater for fussy eaters or dietary needs.

2. You can travel at your own pace
   With kids, plans change – someone’s tired, the weather turns, or you discover an amazing playground you didn’t know existed. Road trips let you adjust:

• Shorter driving days
• Extra nights at favourite stops
• Detours to child-friendly attractions

3. It’s built-in family time
   Long drives become:

• Time for car games and audiobooks
• Chats about what you’ve seen
• Shared ‘wow’ moments – wildlife by the road, big storms, starry skies

It’s the kind of uninterrupted time together that’s hard to find in everyday life.

What to pack for a family road trip

Space is always at a premium, so focus on things that make life easier and keep kids happy.

Entertainment & comfort

• Books, tablets, headphones
• Travel games, cards, colouring-in
• Favourite soft toys or comfort items
• Small sports gear (footy, frisbee, snorkels)

Everyday essentials

• Car seats/boosters that meet Australian standards
• Pram or stroller (if your youngest still uses one)
• A few familiar items from home to help kids settle (blankets, night lights, white noise machine)

Outdoor gear

• Sturdy walking shoes and thongs
• Hats, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Swimwear and beach towels
• Light rain jackets and warm layers for changeable weather

Snacks & food basics

• Non-perishables (muesli bars, crackers, nuts, dried fruit where age-appropriate)
• A few ‘treats’ for long days
• Reusable water bottles for everyone

Health & safety

• Well-stocked first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relief, antihistamines, saline, tweezers, thermometer)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Any regular medications
• Insect repellent and bite cream

Before you go, it’s also worth checking your insurance for things like:

• Emergency accommodation cover
• Towing and recovery
• Contents cover for items like tablets, cameras and sporting gear

Best Australian road trips to take with kids

Australia is huge, so it helps to start with manageable, kid-friendly routes. Here are some favourites that combine reasonable driving distances with plenty to do for families.

1. Adelaide to Port Lincoln (SA)

Why families love it:
Mild weather, easy driving and a mix of city fun, wildlife and coastal adventures.

Highlights with kids:

• Adelaide:
  
  • The Beachouse at Glenelg (rides, games, waterslides)
  • Adelaide Zoo and the Adelaide Botanic Garden
  • (Museum of Discovery) for science-loving kids
  • Central Market tastings and treats
• On the way to the Eyre Peninsula:
  
  • Stop in Port Augusta as a gateway to the Flinders Ranges
  • Ride the heritage Pichi Richi Railway through the ranges for a steam-train experience.
    

• Port Lincoln & Eyre Peninsula:
  
  • Beach days, coastal walks and wildlife cruises
  • Nearby national parks with family friendly hikes and sheltered bays

There are plenty of caravan parks with playgrounds and pools, plus low-cost camping options as you get further from the city.

2. Darwin to Alice Springs (NT)

Why families love it:
This is the classic Top End and Red Centre road trip – crocodiles, hot springs, ancient landscapes and star-filled skies.

Best time to travel:
Generally between April and October, when conditions are drier and more comfortable for kids.

Highlights with kids:

• Darwin & surrounds:
  
  • Cool off at the Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon
    
  • Crocosaurus Cove or other wildlife parks (check ages and safety requirements for close-up experiences)
• On the Stuart Highway:
  • Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks (guided tours, walks suited to families)
  • Katherine Hot Springs for a gentle soak
  • Roadside stops with space to run and picnic
• Closer to Alice Springs:
  
  • Karlu Karlu / Devil’s Marbles (short walks and photo ops)
  • Alice Springs Desert Park or kangaroo sanctuaries with evening tours

Important:
Distances are long and services can be far apart. Carry extra water, check road conditions and make sure your setup is suitable for any unsealed detours you plan.

3. Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast (QLD)

Why families love it:
Short driving distances, big variety, and perfect for younger kids or first-time road trippers.

Highlights with kids:

• Brisbane:
  • Wheel of Brisbane at South Bank
  • Queensland Museum and nearby cultural precinct
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for close encounters
• Along the Sunshine Coast:
  • Kings Beach and other patrolled beaches
  • Australia Zoo at Beerwah
  • Amaze World (hedge mazes, mini golf, nature play)
    

You can base yourself at one family friendly caravan park and explore on day trips, or move between a couple of coastal towns for variety.

4. Sydney to Melbourne (NSW & VIC)

Why families love it:
Two iconic cities connected by spectacular coastlines, charming towns and plenty of family stops.

Most families either:

• Follow the coastal route via Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Narooma, Eden and Lakes Entrance, or
• Take a more inland route via Canberra, Albury and the High Country.

Coastal highlights with kids:

• Taronga Zoo and ferry rides in Sydney
• Beaches and rockpools along the South Coast
• Whale-watching in season (check local operators)
• Lakes Entrance for safe swimming spots and boat hire

Melbourne & surrounds:

• Royal Botanic Gardens and urban parks
• Child-focused museums like the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) in Geelong and Melbourne suburbs
  
• Family friendly caravan parks around the Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island if you extend your trip

5. Perth to Margaret River & beyond (WA)

Why families love it:
Beach stops, wildlife encounters, caves, forests and brilliant food for the grown-ups.

Family highlights:

• Perth & Fremantle:
  • Kings Park playgrounds with city views
  • Fremantle markets and maritime museums
• Down the coast:
  • Busselton Jetty and underwater observatory
  • Dunsborough and Yallingup for sheltered beaches and surf spots
  • Margaret River region with caves, mazes, animal farms and bike trails

It’s easy to build this into a one-week loop, or take longer and continue towards the Southern Forests, Denmark and Albany.

Safety tips before you hit the road

Wherever you go, a little extra preparation goes a long way:

• Check your vehicle and van:
  • Tyres (including the spare)
  • Brakes, lights, bearings
  • Towing setup and weight limits
• Plan your driving days:
  • Factor in regular breaks
  • Avoid long stretches during the hottest part of the day with young kids
  • Have a backup stop in case little travellers run out of steam
• Know your cover:
  • Confirm your caravan or camper is insured for the way you’ll use it
  • Check what’s covered for storms, hail, theft and accidental damage
  • Review your excess and roadside assistance options

Final word: Memories that last a lifetime

The best family road trips aren’t always the longest or the most expensive – they’re the ones where you slow down, stay flexible and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

With some smart planning, the right gear and cover that suits your setup, you can explore Australia’s best family road trips with confidence, knowing your home-on-wheels is protected while you focus on the fun.