The best family road trips in Australia

By Leah Dobihal

There’s nothing quite like a road trip to bring the family together. Quirky roadside stops, epic scenery passing outside the windows and incredible wildlife experiences – these are the memories that last a lifetime. So it’s time to grab your map and hit the road.

Here are some of Australia’s best road trips for families.

Sydney to the South Coast drive

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. Choose between oceanfront camping or quaint cottages for the perfect family getaway.

Explore the five-day itinerary

Sunshine Coast road trip

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 and spotting koalas in the treetops, and parents will appreciate the region’s relaxed feel.

Hit the road on the Sunshine Coast

Melbourne to the Grampians

Victoria’s Grampians National Park is a natural playground for all ages. But 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 to discover, this is the perfect road trip for young families.

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Perth to Esperance

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 beach with sunbathing kangaroos.

Explore an Esperance road trip

Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula

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, the whole family can take it easy with fish and chips on the beach and exploring the outback scenery.

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Tasmania’s wild west coast

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.

Plan your Tassie road trip

Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Jumping 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 and wetlands just begging to be explored. And with easy access from Darwin, it’s a dream family holiday.

Take your family to Kakadu