Travelling Australia with kids in an RV isn’t just a holiday—it’s a lifestyle shift that creates unforgettable memories, fosters family connection, and opens up a world of learning on the road. Whether you’re planning a school holiday escape along the East Coast or a year-long lap around the country, RV travel offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure that’s especially rewarding for families.
No flights to catch, no hotel check-ins, no constant unpacking—just the open road, flexible schedules, and your very own mobile home. For kids, it’s a chance to explore beaches, bushlands, deserts, and cities with wide eyes and curious minds. For parents, it’s an opportunity to simplify life, spend quality time together, and nurture resilience, creativity, and independence in their children.
But it’s not all smooth driving. Travelling with kids also comes with challenges—boredom, mess, tantrums, and sleep disruptions, to name a few. That’s where preparation, routines, and the right RV setup make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your Aussie RV family adventure safe, enjoyable, and enriching—from choosing the right rig to managing meals, sleep, learning, and fun.
Why RV Travel Works So Well for Families
RV travel offers a level of flexibility, simplicity, and connection that’s hard to replicate with any other form of family travel in Australia. For parents with young children, it eliminates many of the stress points of traditional holidays—no airports, no constant packing and unpacking, and no rigid schedules that conflict with nap times or meal routines.
Freedom to Go at Your Family’s Pace
Unlike hotel stays or package tours, an RV lets you set your own rhythm. Want to stay longer at a beautiful beach where the kids are happy? You can. Need to stop early because someone’s having a meltdown? No problem. This kind of freedom is invaluable for families with toddlers or young school-aged kids who need flexibility.
Cost Savings Over Time
Although RV hire or purchase has upfront costs, it can save thousands over time on accommodation, eating out, and transport. With your own kitchen, you can prepare healthy meals for fussy eaters, and camping fees are often a fraction of hotel prices—especially when using free or low-cost campsites.
Quality Family Time in Nature
Travelling by RV naturally pulls families outdoors—whether it’s morning walks through national parks, swimming at quiet beaches, or stargazing around a campfire. The shared experiences help build stronger bonds, and the simple lifestyle encourages conversation, creativity, and connection.
Built-in Learning Opportunities for Kids
From identifying native birds to understanding weather patterns or learning about Indigenous culture, RV travel is a living classroom. Even basic tasks like budgeting, route planning, or helping with setup teach valuable life skills in a hands-on way that kids rarely forget.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Family
Selecting the right RV can make or break your trip—especially when kids are involved. You’ll need a setup that’s safe, spacious, and functional, without overcomplicating your journey. The right choice depends on your family size, travel style, and comfort preferences.
Motorhome vs Caravan vs Camper Trailer
Each RV type has pros and cons for families:
Motorhome: All-in-one vehicles with living and driving space combined. Easier for frequent stops (you don’t need to exit the vehicle), but can be more expensive and harder to navigate in towns. Great for families who want convenience and are moving often.
Caravan: A separate towable unit. You unhitch at camp and use your car for day trips—ideal for families wanting to explore towns, parks, or beaches without packing up. Offers good space and comfort.
Camper Trailer: More compact and affordable but requires setup at each stop. Better for adventurous families who want to go off-road or keep things simple.
How Many Berths and What Layout Works for Kids?
Consider a minimum of 4–6 berth RV for a family with two or more children. Look for:
Permanent bunks (so you don’t have to set up beds every night)
Slide-out sections for extra space
U-shaped dinette for meals and games
A separate seating or play space for kids on rainy days
Avoid layouts where the only dining table converts to a bed—it can become frustrating in a family setting.
Do You Need a Bathroom Onboard?
With young children, having a toilet and shower onboard is a major convenience—especially for night-time needs or when free camping. However, if you’re staying in caravan parks, an external setup or shared facilities may suffice.
For babies or toddlers, an indoor toilet and sink can make all the difference during long drives or wet weather.
Safety Features to Prioritise
Certified anchor points for car seats or boosters
Enclosed bunk beds with safety rails or guards
Slip-resistant flooring
Secure internal storage to avoid items shifting during transit
Always check the RV’s compliance with Australian safety standards if hiring or buying.
Planning a Kid-Friendly Itinerary
When travelling with children in an RV, the best itineraries aren’t the longest—they’re the ones that balance adventure with downtime, driving with discovery, and excitement with comfort. Australia is full of family-friendly routes, but careful planning is key to keeping everyone happy and well-rested.
Ideal Trip Lengths by Age Group
Babies & toddlers (0–3 years): Stick to shorter trips (1–2 weeks) or build in more rest days if travelling longer. Avoid long daily drives—aim for 2–3 hours max between stops.
Young kids (4–8 years): 2–4 week trips work well, with regular changes of scenery. Plan for parks, animals, and activities every few days.
Older kids (9+ years): These travellers can handle longer road trips (up to a few months), especially if involved in the planning and given their own space to unwind.
Balance Drive Time and Play Time
One of the biggest mistakes family RVers make is over-packing the schedule. For every day of driving, build in:
Morning or evening playtime at a playground or beach
At least one “no-drive” day every 3–4 days
Frequent toilet, snack, and stretch breaks—ideally every 1.5 to 2 hours
Apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate can help find great places to stop that offer more than just a roadside toilet.
Must-Visit Aussie Destinations for Kids
Here are some highlights that never fail to wow young travellers:
Dubbo – Taronga Western Plains Zoo (NSW)
Sunshine Coast – Australia Zoo, beaches, and playgrounds (QLD)
Phillip Island – Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Reserve (VIC)
Darwin to Kakadu – Crocodile spotting and Indigenous culture (NT)
Great Ocean Road – Wildlife parks and scenic stops (VIC)
Aim for destinations with interactive experiences, wildlife, and open space to run around.
Avoiding Burnout and Overstimulation
Keep your itinerary flexible—skip or shorten activities if kids seem tired or overstimulated. Sometimes the best memories come from a spontaneous stop at a quiet beach or a lazy afternoon playing in a campground creek.
Also, involve kids in daily choices—even picking snacks or the next park helps them feel invested and calmer during transitions.
Keeping Kids Safe on the Road
When your RV becomes your family’s home, vehicle, and playground all in one, safety must be a top priority. From seatbelts to sunburn, travelling in Australia requires proactive planning and child-specific precautions to keep little ones protected throughout the journey.
Car Seat and Booster Requirements in RVs
Australian law requires children:
Under 6 months to be in a rear-facing seat
6 months to 4 years in a forward or rear-facing seat
4 to 7 years in a forward-facing seat or booster (depending on height)
Not all RVs are equipped with certified anchor points or seatbelts for every seat—this is crucial when hiring or buying. Ensure:
The seats where children will travel are ADR-approved
You’re not placing car seats on side-facing or rear-facing bench seats (illegal)
Seatbelts are fitted securely, not just lap belts
Check with your hire company and verify in writing before pickup.
Childproofing Inside the RV
Just like at home, RVs need to be childproofed to prevent injuries during travel and downtime:
Use cupboard locks and corner protectors
Secure loose items like kettles, books, or gear that could fly during sudden stops
Keep cleaning products, medications, and tools in locked compartments
Install window guards or mosquito screens, especially for night ventilation
Also consider soft floor mats or rugs to protect little ones from slips or bruises in tight spaces.
Sun, Heat, and Insect Safety
Australia’s sun can be harsh, and RVs can heat up quickly—especially in summer or remote areas.
Use blackout blinds or window reflectors during the day
Never leave children in a parked RV without ventilation or supervision
Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, use UV-blocking hats, and wear long sleeves when outdoors
Insect-wise:
Pack repellents suitable for children (DEET-free for younger kids)
Use mosquito nets or screens on windows
Be aware of tick-prone areas, especially in bushland or long grass
Emergency Planning and First Aid
Before leaving:
Build a comprehensive first aid kit (include children’s meds, antihistamines, wound cream, and oral rehydration sachets)
Teach older kids basic safety rules: what to do if they get lost, how to exit the RV in an emergency, when to dial 000
Store emergency contacts and allergy information both physically (printouts) and digitally (on phones)
A little planning goes a long way in ensuring that your RV adventure is not only fun—but safe from start to finish.
Establishing Routines While Travelling
When life is on wheels, routines can become your secret weapon. While the beauty of RV travel is flexibility, kids thrive on predictability—especially when they’re away from familiar surroundings. A loose but consistent routine helps reduce tantrums, improve sleep, and make the whole experience smoother for everyone.
Create a Flexible Daily Rhythm
Instead of a rigid schedule, build a daily rhythm that suits your family. For example:
Morning: Breakfast, pack up, and drive 1–2 hours
Late morning: Park at a fun stop—beach, playground, nature walk
Afternoon: Quiet time inside the RV (naps, books, screen time)
Evening: Outdoor play, dinner, and bedtime routine
This helps kids know what to expect—even when the location changes.
Keep Bedtime Routines Consistent
Sleep can be disrupted in a new environment, so recreate home routines as much as possible:
Use familiar pillows, blankets, or sleep toys
Follow the same bedtime rituals: bath, books, lullabies
Dim lights in the evening and limit screen time before bed
If your child naps, protect that time—even during travel days
If your RV doesn’t have separate sleeping areas, consider curtains or partitions to create quiet zones and encourage better rest.
Maintain Regular Meal Times
Eating at consistent times helps regulate energy, mood, and digestion—especially when exploring new places. Aim for:
Sit-down breakfasts and dinners
Healthy, portable snacks between stops
Involving kids in prepping and choosing meals (they’re more likely to eat it!)
Mealtime routines can double as grounding moments in an otherwise fluid day.
Include Learning and Quiet Time
Build in time each day for quiet, non-stimulating activities like:
Colouring or drawing
Puzzles or workbooks
Listening to audiobooks or soft music
These moments help kids recharge and give parents a breather too.
Entertainment and Activities for Kids in an RV
Long drives and rainy days are inevitable—but with the right mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment, RV travel can be as fun as it is enriching for kids. The key is variety, flexibility, and always having a few surprises up your sleeve.
On-the-Road Entertainment Essentials
Keep a small, rotating supply of low-mess activities on hand:
Travel-sized board games (Uno, Connect 4, Spot It)
Colouring books, sticker pads, or Water Wow books
Magnetic tiles or Lego sets in secure storage
Audiobooks and podcasts (great for winding down or long stretches)
Story cubes or flashcards for interactive storytelling
DIY scavenger hunts—have kids spot road signs, animals, or colours
Create a dedicated “travel activity box” and let each child choose one or two items before you hit the road.
Outdoor Fun at Stops and Campgrounds
Australia is full of natural playgrounds. Make time for:
Beach play (sandcastles, shells, safe shallow swims)
Bushwalks and nature trails
Scooter or bike rides around safe caravan parks
Campground games: Frisbee, cricket, chalk art, hide and seek
Let kids burn energy during each stop—especially before bedtime or after long drives.
Creative Activities Inside the RV
Even in tight quarters, creativity flourishes:
Art sessions with drawing kits or washable paints
Cooking together (make pancakes, fruit skewers, or campfire damper)
Roleplay or puppet shows using stuffed animals or finger puppets
Journaling for older kids—document the trip, sketch wildlife, or write postcards
Tablet Time: Using Screens Wisely
Screens can be a lifesaver—but balance is key. Download:
Educational apps (Khan Academy Kids, Reading Eggs, ABC Kids)
Movies or cartoons for rainy days
Offline games (Toca Boca, Minecraft, puzzle apps)
Set clear rules around screen use, like using devices only during afternoon quiet time or long drives. Combine tech time with non-digital play to keep kids engaged without overstimulation.
Food and Mealtime Tips for Families
Feeding kids while on the road can feel overwhelming—but with a bit of planning, RV travel actually makes family meals simpler, cheaper, and healthier than dining out or relying on takeaways. Your onboard kitchen gives you flexibility, comfort, and the chance to involve the kids in the process.
Easy, Nutritious Meals Kids Will Actually Eat
Stick with simple recipes that use few ingredients, cook quickly, and can be made in one pot or pan. Some kid-approved RV meals include:
Taco bowls with rice, beans, and veggies
Mini pizzas using wraps or pita bread
Pasta with tomato sauce, tuna, or cheese
Stir-fried rice or noodles with scrambled egg and frozen veg
Omelettes or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed dinner
Keep a base pantry of long-life staples (rice, pasta, oats, canned beans) and add fresh items as you go.
Smart Snack Ideas for the Road
Snacks help fill in gaps during long drives or when meals are delayed. Stock up on:
Sliced fruit and veggie sticks
Cheese cubes or string cheese
Rice cakes with nut butter (or seed butter for allergy-safe option)
Trail mix (for older kids)
Homemade muffins or bliss balls
Pack snacks in individual containers so kids can help themselves and reduce mess.
Get the Kids Involved
Children are more likely to eat food they help prepare. Even toddlers can:
Wash fruit
Tear lettuce
Choose toppings for wraps or pizza
Stir pancake batter
Older kids can take turns cooking breakfast or planning meals for the day. It’s a great way to teach life skills and make meals more interactive.
Handling Fussy Eaters on the Road
Stick to familiar foods and introduce new ones gradually. Keep at least one “safe” food available (e.g., bread, cheese, yoghurt) so kids always have something to eat.
Eating outdoors often helps fussy eaters feel more relaxed. Try picnic lunches or letting them eat on a camp blanket.
Homeschooling and Educational Opportunities
One of the greatest benefits of RV travel with kids is the chance to turn the whole country into a classroom. Whether you’re officially homeschooling or simply want to support your child’s learning while on the road, Australia offers endless educational opportunities across landscapes, cultures, history, and science.
Learning Through Real-World Experience
Every destination offers teachable moments:
Visit national parks to learn about geology, ecosystems, and wildlife
Explore museums, galleries, and science centres in cities and regional towns
Attend Indigenous cultural tours to introduce history, storytelling, and connection to Country
Talk to locals, read plaques, and take photos of signs and wildlife—turn sightseeing into inquiry
Even daily RV tasks like trip planning, cooking, budgeting, or map reading build math, literacy, and life skills.
Homeschooling Resources on the Road
For families registered as homeschoolers or travelling long-term, there are plenty of mobile-friendly tools:
Workbooks and printable packs for each grade level
Educational apps like Reading Eggs, Prodigy, MathSeeds, and Khan Academy Kids
Australian Curriculum alignment resources via state education departments
Online tutors or remote learning portals (especially for high school students)
Set aside an hour or two most weekdays for “road school” and build learning into daily routines.
Blending Structure with Flexibility
Unlike classroom learning, RV education can be more flexible:
Let kids follow their interests—whether that’s dinosaurs, stars, or shipwrecks
Alternate between structured workbook time and free exploration
Use journals or drawing to reflect on the day’s experiences
The goal isn’t to replicate school—it’s to make learning meaningful and tied to the world around them.
Track Progress Without Stress
Use a simple learning journal, blog, or scrapbook to track what your child is doing. Include:
Notes about places visited
Drawings, maps, or photos
Lists of animals seen, books read, or skills learned
This not only keeps parents organised—it’s a wonderful keepsake to look back on.
Connecting with Other Travelling Families
One of the most rewarding aspects of RV travel in Australia is the vibrant community of fellow travellers—especially families. Meeting others on the road provides kids with playmates, parents with camaraderie, and everyone with a sense of shared adventure.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds and Caravan Parks
Many holiday parks across Australia cater specifically to families with:
Playgrounds, pools, jumping pillows, and game rooms
School holiday programs and kids’ clubs
Pet-friendly sites for families travelling with animals
Ensuite and large powered sites for bigger RVs or extra privacy
Look for trusted chains like BIG4 Holiday Parks, Discovery Parks, and NRMA Parks & Resorts, which often have excellent facilities and consistent quality.
For a quieter or more budget-friendly option, council-run caravan parks and showgrounds can also be family gems—especially in rural towns.
Join Online RV Family Communities
There are dozens of Facebook groups, apps, and forums where travelling families connect, share tips, and even organise meetups. Some popular groups include:
“Travelling Australia With Kids (TAWK)”
“Families on the Road Australia”
“Full Time Families Australia”
Apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate also include user reviews and tips that can help you find other families nearby.
How to Make Friends on the Road
Encourage kids to visit playgrounds, game areas, or join campground activities
Start simple conversations with other parents while cooking, setting up, or during walks
Share a meal, plan a daytrip together, or exchange homeschooling ideas
Stay a little longer at campsites where your kids have made strong connections
Even one new friendship can transform a stopover into a highlight of your trip.
Letting Kids Socialise Naturally
Kids are often more adaptable than adults and can bond quickly over shared games, pets, or bikes. Give them space to interact at their own pace—and be open to spontaneous playdates and park friendships.
If you’re travelling long-term, building these relationships can help prevent loneliness and give kids a sense of community beyond the immediate family.
Managing the Tough Days
Even the most magical family RV adventures come with rough patches—meltdowns, messes, bad weather, or pure exhaustion. Knowing how to manage the hard days makes all the difference in keeping your journey enjoyable and sustainable.
Lower Your Expectations, Raise Your Flexibility
Not every day will be picture-perfect—and that’s okay. Some days, all you’ll do is drive, find food, and keep everyone calm. Accept that you might:
Skip a major attraction due to a sick child
Deal with muddy shoes in the RV or a burst packet of rice
Call it a day by 3pm and let everyone rest
Give yourself grace, adjust plans, and don’t be afraid to say, “Let’s try again tomorrow.”
Weather-Proof Your Plans
Rainy days, scorching heat, or windstorms can disrupt even the best itineraries. Always have a backup list of:
Indoor attractions (aquariums, museums, indoor play centres)
Cozy indoor games, movies, or reading time in the RV
Simple crafts or baking to keep the kids occupied
Apps like BOM Weather and Windy help you plan smarter around weather conditions.
Self-Care for Parents
Don’t forget—you need breaks too. Swap driving or bedtime duties with your partner. Take a walk alone. Listen to your favourite podcast. Even 20 minutes of solo time can recharge your patience and mindset.
If you’re solo parenting, connect with others online or in campgrounds, and plan low-effort days where rest is the main goal.
Let Go of Perfection
The goal of RV travel with kids isn’t to have a flawless trip—it’s to build resilience, connection, and memories. Often, the moments you think were a disaster become the funniest stories later.
Be real with your family, laugh when you can, cry if you need to, and keep moving forward—every tough moment is just a small part of a bigger, beautiful adventure.
Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos, Cherish the Journey
Travelling Australia with kids in an RV is an experience like no other. It’s not just a holiday—it’s a chapter of life filled with lessons, laughter, and connection. The road will offer breathtaking views, unexpected challenges, and moments of pure joy that no theme park or hotel could ever replicate.
You’ll teach your kids how to pitch in, solve problems, adapt to new surroundings, and appreciate nature. You’ll spend more time together than you ever thought possible—sometimes exhaustingly so—but in ways that create deep bonds and shared memories that will last a lifetime.
The trick to successful RV travel with kids isn’t perfection—it’s preparation, flexibility, and perspective. Accept the mess, welcome the unpredictability, and let go of rigid expectations. With a little planning and a whole lot of love, you can create a family journey that shapes your children’s worldview and fills your hearts with stories to tell for years to come.
So pack the essentials, buckle up the little ones, and hit the road—the adventure of a lifetime is waiting right outside your door.
