Top 10 hacks for travelling Australia with kids

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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Here are our top 10 tips for keeping everyone in the family happy while travelling with kids from A to B.

Travelling with kids, whether they are toddlers or teens, doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, regardless of whether you’re on a road trip or travelling by plane, or train, you have an opportunity to create family holiday memories to treasure and have a relaxing break to boot if you plan ahead.

1. Play a few games

Travelling on a highway for hours on end with children can be lots of fun. Said no one ever. No, really. A road trip doesn’t need to drive you around the bend. But you do need to be organised.

Is the goal to limit your children’s screen time? Keep it old-school with a few rounds of 99 Bottles of Milk on the Wall. Or play memory games, such as I went to the market and what did I see?, with each member of the family adding something – a hat or a harpsichord – to the list of things to remember. Spotto is always a favourite as members of the family compete to add to their tally of yellow cars. If energy levels are low, tune in to podcasts and audiobooks too.

En Route to Halls Creek from Fitzroy Crossing, Kimberley
Think of something fun to ease boredom during your long and exhilarating road trip. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Ask your children to DJ

If you’re feeling harrowed ahead of your holiday, forget I Spy and fast-forward to Spotify . Start recruiting your kids to curate a playlist before you pull out of the driveway. It will keep them occupied while you try to pack.

Parents with younger children can tailor the playlist toward their own taste to avoid inflicting earworms for days. Rather than just defaulting to cheesy songs for children, try to introduce them to some of your favourite bands.  Blasting out songs you all like to listen to makes for a fun dynamic on a driving holiday.

overhead shot at Scarborough Beach Surf School, Scarborough
Spectacular sea views await you. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Plan to put on the brakes a lot

It’s important that you veer off the highway often so the family can stretch their legs. Find an attraction you want to visit and then drop a pin on the map to find nearby parks, playgrounds, or a safe spot to swim or surf.

One of my hottest tips is to pack a sturdy picnic blanket, such as these beauties from Miss Amara Rugs , which you can actually hose down after a gathering on the grass. You can also scope out family-friendly wineries such as Scarborough Wines, in the Hunter Valley, which has giant checkers and Jenga to keep the kids happy while you’re sipping and swishing.

Places like Treetops Adventure , which has 15 locations across the country, are also great places to press pause.

kids playing at a playground in Elizabeth Quay, Perth
Let your kids have fun for a while. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. All the gear and a few ideas

A hot tip when it comes to engineering a happy family holiday is to introduce your children to things you like doing. Think surfing, kayaking, bushwalking and skiing.

It’s a great idea to pack a Penny skateboard or scooter in your luggage to make it more fun for kids with little legs to go the distance, regardless of whether you’re travelling by car or plane.

go surfing at Scarborough Beach Surf School, Scarborough
Enrol your kids in safe and fun surfing lessons. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Packing a frisbee may also inspire children to get from A to B. Three points to get it to that tree. Two points to hit that sign. Bush walks can also be incentivised by the promise of a swim at the end.

Making kids in charge of their own Wheelie Bag is also a practical way to get them to help lug all your gear around bus, plane or train terminals. And if all gets too much, a SleepKeeper pillow carrier is a compact and comfy sleep aid.

sightseeing with family at Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island
Treat your family to a well-deserved beach getaway. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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5. Encourage them to keep a journal

It’s a great idea to encourage your children to write in their journals when you’re on the road. They might not always be motivated. But when they go back to read their diaries, it will be a great trip down memory lane. It’s a creative way for them to remember the best bits about a holiday and to get an insight into their younger selves.

It can also buy you some much-coveted hammock time when travelling with kids. Paste in relevant postcards or tickets to amusement parks, or gigs, which serve as visual reminders of all the fun you’ve had.

Speaking of fun, limit your time in art galleries or at music festivals to focus on your favourite exhibit or band. There will always be times things will go to hell in a handbasket, so be prepared to pull the pin and pivot.

a kid reading the Lonely Planet Kids The Travel Book
Introduce the wonders of travelling to your kid early on.

6. Fill your Esky with healthy snacks

The most relaxing way to spend a few weeks on the road with children is to have a stash of snacks on standby. Opt for a beautiful bento box from Majime Life which has lots of little compartments to keep them occupied with cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and sandwiches.

You can also make up a big batch of pasta alla Pomodoro and freeze it ahead of a road trip so it doubles as an ice pack for the day and then is defrosted by the time you arrive at your destination with hungry travellers in tow.

a healthy travel snack for kids
Pack healthy and delicious meals for your kids before travelling.

7. Reward good behaviour with an occasional treat

Research conducted by Holiday Inn recently found that 91 per cent of parents travelling with kids said if their child has a terrible holiday, they will too. The study also found that three-quarters of kids admit they are most happy when they enjoy foods such as pancakes and ice cream. Holiday Inn took the findings to heart, offering 24/7 free ice cream for all Holiday Inn Kids’ Critics (for a limited time only).

Of course, one of the best things about a family holiday is rewarding your children with an ice cream, pie, or fish and chips by the sea. Travel in style with beach chairs such as these retro-cool ones , and a posh picnic hamper to make an occasion of it.

kids eating ice cream along Mandurah seaside promenade
Two kids eating ice cream by the seaside promenade. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

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8. Have balls, books and surfboards

Demarcate the space between children in the back seat with a flexible fold-up bag of books. Regardless of their age, a huge pile of their favourite books is bound to keep them entertained. If you’ve done a lot of walking, swimming, skating or surfing, then you can also find a shady spot to kick back in the open air and read books together.

Having an ongoing UNO competition with a score sheet that lasts for the entire holiday is another low-fi way to keep everyone entertained. Nurture your children’s love of travel with books such as Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel Quiz Book  and Ultimate Travel Crosswords .

kayaking along Coral Bay
Father and son kayaking along the emerald blue waters of Coral Bay. (Image: ©Tourism Western Australia)

9. BYO chargers but limit screen time

It’s not a great idea to stick your kids in front of a device at every turn. It will alter their mood for the worse and that peace and quiet in the short term will adversely affect their behaviour over the course of the day. You don’t need to be Mary Poppins. Everything in moderation.

On that note, make sure you have enough portable chargers in case of emergencies – cancelled planes, traffic delays – but also engineer your day so that the most amount of fun is not found staring at a screen. Keep your kindles and iPads charged for a more hi-fi holiday. Check out this guide on how to pack a tech survival kit put together by Express VPN .

family having fun at Bullara Station Stay
Unplug your devices to stay connected with your loved ones. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. Book family-friendly accommodation

According to the latest research from Holiday Inn, more than half of Australian parents said they would consider changing their hotel accommodation when traveling with kids if their children were unhappy.

Given the findings, it makes sense to do your homework when it comes to choosing accommodation.

The brand is so heavily invested in the findings it is calling on kids to review its hotels as part of its Kids Critics program. In addition to ensuring the kids are happy, there are many hotels and resorts like the Holiday Inn that offers Kids Stay & Eat Free packages. We’re looking at you Hamilton Island.

forest cabin at Rottnest Island
Stay closer to nature as you bond with your family. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

    But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

    If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

    Where to eat

    Yarra Valley Dairy
    Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

    Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

    By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

    And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

    Things to do outdoors

    two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
    Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

    The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

    While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

    Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

    For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

    The arts and culture scene

    TarraWarra Museum of Art
    Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

    The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

    Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

    On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

    Stay at a local retreat

    Re’em yarra valley accommodation
    Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

    No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

    Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

    And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

    Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.