The great Australian road trip. Just the grown-ups, the car, the kids, and the wide-open road. There’s no rushing to catch flights or panicking about how you can’t possibly fit everything the family needs into one suitcase. Instead, travel at your own pace, admiring this great country of ours while spending quality time with each other. Easter is a great time to do it, and there’s no better way to experience it all than with a Family Road Trips Adventure in Australia, where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
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The Ultimate Family Road Trip Adventure in Australia
Australia’s vast landscapes offer countless opportunities for memorable family road trips. Whether you’re exploring coastal routes, rugged outback terrains, or lush rainforests, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Below, we’ve curated ten of the best road trips to embark on with your children, because after all, no holiday is great unless the experience can be shared. So fill up the tank and get going—some wonderful family memories are waiting to be made.
Below are ten of the best family-friendly road trips around the country journeys where the destination is just the beginning of the adventure.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Distance: 243 km
Recommended Duration: 3–5 days
Renowned as one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road stretches along Victoria’s rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles, iconic surf breaks, seaside villages, and waterfalls. Families can enjoy activities like surfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, or stretching their legs on the Great Ocean Walk. With numerous restaurants and accommodations along the way, it’s perfect for families needing frequent stops.
2. Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive
Distance: Approx. 1,000 km
Recommended Duration: 7–9 days
Swap the highway for the scenic coastal route between Sydney and Melbourne. This journey takes you through charming fishing villages, stunning rainforests, and beautiful beach towns like Jervis Bay, Ulladulla, Bega, Merimbula, and Lakes Entrance. It’s a longer drive but offers a richer experience, with opportunities for seafood feasts and activities like dolphin spotting in Jervis Bay.
3. Alice Springs and the Red Centre, Northern Territory
Distance: 1,135 km loop
Recommended Duration: 6–7 days
Embark on a journey through Australia’s heartland, exploring iconic landmarks like Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. This trip offers families a chance to learn about Aboriginal culture and witness the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Red Centre. Highlights include the Alice Springs Desert Park and the scenic Red Centre Way.
4. Devonport to Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Distance: Approx. 300 km
Recommended Duration: 2–4 days
Explore Tasmania’s diverse landscapes, from the agricultural lands of the north to the wilderness of Cradle Mountain. With cooler temperatures and a significant portion of the state listed as World Heritage, it’s an ideal destination for families seeking nature and adventure.
5. Fraser Island (K’gari), Queensland
Distance: Variable
Recommended Duration: 3–5 days
Experience the thrill of 4WD driving on the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island offers scenic drives through ancient rainforests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lakes like Lake McKenzie. Families should be cautious of dingos and always keep children within arm’s reach..
6. Perth to Broome, Western Australia
Distance: Approx. 2,600 km
Recommended Duration: 12–14 days
This coastal journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the vibrant city of Perth to the tropical paradise of Broome. Along the way, families can explore the Pinnacles Desert, snorkel at Ningaloo Reef, and interact with dolphins at Monkey Mia.
7. Darwin to Litchfield, Kakadu, and Nitmiluk National Parks
Distance: Approx. 550 km
Recommended Duration: 5–7 days
Discover the natural wonders of the Northern Territory by exploring its renowned national parks. From the waterfalls of Litchfield to the wetlands of Kakadu and the gorges of Nitmiluk, this trip offers families a mix of adventure and culture.
8. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain
Distance: Approx. 1,200 km
Recommended Duration: 4–6 days
Embark on an epic journey across the vast, treeless Nullarbor Plain. This remote drive offers unique sights like the Bunda Cliffs and opportunities to spot wildlife. Ensure you’re well-prepared with supplies and plan stops at roadhouses and campsites along the way.
9. Cairns to Cooktown, Queensland
Distance: Approx. 330 km
Recommended Duration: 2–4 days
Travel from the bustling city of Cairns to the historic town of Cooktown. Choose between the inland highway or the adventurous coastal Bloomfield Track, which takes you through World Heritage-listed rainforests and river crossings.
10. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
Distance: 339 km
Recommended Duration: 3–5 days
As Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, the Great Alpine Road offers families a journey through mountains, valleys, forests, and vineyards. Start in Wangaratta and wind your way to Gippsland, enjoying activities like fishing, cycling, or skiing (in season). Don’t miss the old-fashioned lolly shop in Bright—a treat for kids and adults alike!
Tips for a Smooth and Safe Family Road Trip
Planning is key to turning your dream road trip into a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential tips:
Safety First
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Make sure your car is serviced before departure
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Always use age-appropriate child car seats
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Check the weather and road conditions
Keep Kids Entertained
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Bring books, games, and music playlists
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Download audiobooks or kid-friendly podcasts
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Create a travel scavenger hunt
Smart Packing
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Snacks, water bottles, wipes, and a first-aid kit are essentials
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Bring a change of clothes for unexpected spills or weather changes
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Have a bag with entertainment items within arm’s reach
Be Flexible
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Allow extra time for unscheduled stops
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Let kids run around at roadside parks or beaches
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Don’t over-plan — some of the best moments are unplanned
Why Road Trips Are the Best Way to Travel With Kids
In a world of rushed flights, packed itineraries, and rigid schedules, road trips offer freedom. They allow families to travel at their own pace, stop when they want, and truly experience the changing landscape around them.
Road trips encourage:
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Learning through experience (geography, nature, culture)
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Building resilience and adaptability in children
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Creating unfiltered, uninterrupted quality time
Whether you’re a family of first-time travellers or seasoned explorers, something is enriching and grounding about being on the road together. Every rest stop, every detour, and every shared sunset becomes a part of your collective memory.
Conclusion
Australia is a road tripper’s paradise, and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than with your loved ones by your side. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Uluru, driving alongside the ocean on the Great Ocean Road, or exploring remote rainforests in Far North Queensland, these experiences bring families closer.
So don’t wait for the kids to be older or the budget to be bigger, map your route, load the car, and set off on your own Family Road Trips Adventure in Australia. The journey itself will be the reward, filled with laughter, lessons, and lifelong memories.
