The best kid-friendly road trip ideas this spring

Winter’s finally over, which let’s face it, is just about the best news we can give you. The only thing better is that with spring school holidays right around the corner, we’ve got the perfect kid-friendly holiday ideas for you. So book in your van, pull out those maps, and pack the family in the back for your next adventure.

New South Wales

If you’re hitting the road with kids, Scenic World Blue Mountains is the perfect stop to explore the ancient hinterland west of Sydney. Take the world’s steepest railway down to the Scenic Walkway at the bottom of the Jamison Valley, which is guaranteed to thrill even the tiniest adventurer. The raised path on the valley floor lets you wander through virtually untouched rainforest, as you look out for native lyre birds, eucalyptus trees, and the remnants of the former 19th century coal station. Scenic World also boasts the Cableway and Skyway, giving you unparalleled views across the UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby Katoomba has holiday parks, cosy cafes and lookouts to rival anywhere in the world.

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Western Australia

You might not think it, but Western Australia boasts some of the best spots in the country to see spring in all its resplendent glory. Australia’s biggest state offers plenty for lovers of the outdoors, and what better way to spend a week with the kids than by soaking up the wonders of the Granite Loop Wildflower Trail. Starting and finishing in Perth, Granite Loop covers a mammoth 843 kilometres through the wheatbelt of WA. Campsites are scattered throughout, so you can take as long or as little as you like as you explore the native orchids, gimlets and wattle that are springing into life. But don’t just keep your eyes out for the flowers; the local woodland is abundant in songbirds and unique rock formations. For a bit of history, keep the kids on the lookout for ‘gnamma’ holes, rockpools that were once the favoured water source for local Indigenous peoples.

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Victoria

Sure, Melbourne’s great. But don’t spend the school holidays cooped up in the city. For a memorable spring adventure, book a van from any of our trusted owners in Victoria and drive east to Gippsland, where rugged coastal plains meet mountains, lakes and endless horizons of bushland. Head to Walhalla, where the Victorian Goldfields Railway ambles along 17km of historic land in between the traditional gold mining towns of Maldon and Castlemaine. Kids under 3 ride free, and from a family carriage you can spend the day kangaroo-spotting amidst the lush Victorian hills. Spend the night stargazing at any of the campsites around Walhalla. How good. 👉 Find a van in Victoria

Queensland

The sunshine state has no shortage of hidden bays, tropical islands and natural wonders to explore year round. So before the summer sun scorches the outback, why not take the kids on a road trip they’ll never forget. The Australian Dinosaur Trail connects the rural towns of Winton, Richmond and Hughenden, which sit atop one of the world’s most important fossil deposits. The trail follows the well-worn route of fossil hunters who have put the region on the map, encompassing kid-friendly museums, guided tours, and the opportunity to learn how dinosaur bones are safely prepared; there’s something for everyone on this gargantuan trip. Visiting Richmond is a must, as the Kronosaurus Water Park is the perfect way to end a dusty, fun-filled day. Be warned: this trip may result in Jurassic Park being played on repeat. 👉 Find a van in Queensland

South Australia

Nothing excites kids more than getting up close and personal with some furry friends, and South Australian gem Monarto Safari Park isn’t just the biggest in Australia, but the biggest outside Africa. Only an hour outside of Adelaide, Monarto boasts cheetahs, lions, meerkats and rhinos among many other exotic animals, all of which are looked after in one of Australia’s largest conservation programs. Spend the day walking among the animals or driving around the 3,700 acre park, all while knowing you’re contributing to a sustainable project which uses natural flora, local materials, and maintains world-beating breeding programs for endangered species. It’s something the kids will love, and you’ll feel good about too. Pats on the back all round.

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Tasmania

Tassie may be Australia’s smallest state, but it punches well above its weight with a plethora of outdoor wonders to discover. If you’ve got kids in the van, it’s best to head to the beautiful east coast where you can soak up the best of what the island has to offer. Starting from Hobart or Launceston, head south to Wineglass Bay Beach, which is consistently voted one of the best in the world and it’s not hard to see why. After you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, take the kids exploring through Freycinet National Park, studded with easy 20-minute walks to lighthouses, beaches and discovery centres where they can learn about the local flora and fauna. The best parts of Tasmania are found on the open road however, and don’t be surprised if the drive is spent with noses squished against the glass.

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Northern Territory

The Top End is loaded with an endless supply of natural wonders that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet, and the wide open spaces are perfect for letting the little ones burn off their energy at campgrounds. While Uluru and Kakadu are must-sees, just 120 km south from Darwin lies Litchfield National Park, with stunning crystal-clear waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Campgrounds are spread all around the park, so you can explore at your leisure or make it a pit-stop on your way to the Red Centre. Nestled in the centre of the park is Buley Rockhole, which is sure to be a hit with the family as it comprises a number of natural pools varying in depth.

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ACT

Whether you’re just driving through, or looking to spend the holidays in the Australian Capital Territory, the tiny but mighty region is jam-packed with more kids activities than you could shake a kombi van at. From Questacon to Quizzic Alley, the National Arboretum to the National Zoo, Canberra and its surrounds has plenty to see. But we’re here for the great outdoors, and nowhere in the ACT will you find more to see and do than Stromlo Forest Park. With tracks and trails for walking, biking, scooting and horse riding, you can spend weeks here without seeing all the park has to offer. Every trail in Stromlo is graded to ability and age, and there’s even an enclosed ‘learn-to-ride’ section for toddlers.

👉 Find a van in the ACT

Don’t settle for the usual these school holidays. We certainly don’t. Wherever you are in Australia, there’s an abundance of outdoor fun to be had right across the country. Our fleet of vans are located in every state and territory, near and far from the major cities. What are you waiting for?