Hellfire Bay, Esperance, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
The best family road trips in Australia
Pack up the car – and the kids – for a road trip they’ll never forget.
With wild dolphins and white-sand beaches, this New South Wales road trip is as picturesque as they come. All ages will no doubt be mesmerised as you curl your way down the South Coast from Sydney, but frequent stops at beach towns make this a great road trip with toddlers in tow. Little ones can spot kangaroos grazing near the beach and eat their fill of local fudge and ice cream.
One of Australia’s most picturesque road trips, a drive through Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers nature and wildlife in abundance. Think walk-through aviaries, vast wildlife parks and easy walks to waterfalls. The kids will love climbing in shallow rock pools, spotting koalas in the treetops and trying their luck at surfing, while parents will appreciate the region’s relaxed feel.
In Victoria, the Grampians National Park is a natural playground for all ages. It’s not just beautiful hikes and dazzling waterfalls on offer here; families can explore the waterways by kayak, play with dingoes and even rock climb along tall cliffs from the safety of a harness. With so much adventure and wildlife to discover, this is the perfect road trip for young families.
With its jaw-dropping scenery and aquatic activities, the route from Perth to Esperance is perfect for school-aged kids and teens alike. There’s nothing like splashing around in Esperance’s aqua waters, but beyond the beaches, you’ll find grand national parks and quirky attractions – like a full-size replica of Stonehenge. Plus, your kids will never forget sharing a sandy stretch of coastline with sunbathing kangaroos.
The perfect combination of city and country, a trip from Adelaide to the rugged Eyre Peninsula is a true adventure for families. The childhood memories on offer are second to none. Imagine playful sea lions swimming around your snorkel, or descending in a cage to admire great white sharks in their natural habitat. When you’re not coming face to face with wildlife, take it easy with fish and chips on the beach and days spent exploring the outback.
Ready to take the road less travelled? Perfect for adventurous families, a trip through Tasmania’s west offers the chance to unplug from smartphones and lose yourself in the region’s epic nature. Hike through Cradle Mountain National Park, have a blast on a white water rafting trip and marvel at misty waterfalls. You likely won’t have Wi-Fi for Instagram, but you’ll have plenty of incredible photos for your personal collection.
Wild crocodiles, freshwater swimming holes and spear throwing lessons – it’s enough to keep even the most active families entertained. A road trip through Kakadu National Park is ideal for older kids and teens who can enjoy the full array of Kakadu activities. This national park boasts an enticing mix of ancient culture and breathtaking billabongs just begging to be explored. Easy access from Darwin makes this a dream family holiday.
