A young mum’s guide to caravanning with kids: 10 essentials you mustn't forget!

Heading on a family caravanning adventure these school holidays? Before you pack even one toy, discover the 10 essential items & tips that savvy mums swear by for a stress-free getaway!

When done right, family caravan holidays can be filled with precious memories your little one's will cherish forever.

Julia Jacque recently hit the road with a group of families - and a caravan full of babies, toddlers and snacks - and these are the game-changing things she packed/did which made sure her Camplify travels were filled with fun, laughter & carefree moment among friends. 

1. Click & collect your groceries

A few days before we left, we did a big grocery order and set the pickup location to the store nearest to the caravan park. Once the van was set up - and the kids were happily exploring - one of us ducked out to grab the order. You could also pick it up on the way, just make sure the carpark is easy to access with your van in tow!

Pre-ordering groceries with Click-and-collect (at a grocery store near your campsite) is a seamless way to stock up with food for your trip.

2. Invite the grandparents!

Don’t forget to extend the invite. The grandparents were absolute lifesavers—helping when we were nap trapped, playing with the kids, and soaking up the joys of caravan park life. They loved being part of the adventure, and we loved having the extra hands and experience.

Trestle tables will have your kids running to their seats when dinner is served!

3. Portable bouncers for the babies

We had two newborns in our group and packed two portable baby bouncers. The babies sat side by side—safe, snug, and chilled—which gave us adults the gift of free arms for a while. Feeding, chatting, or just soaking up the sun was so much easier with this simple setup.

4. A playpen for the little explorers

I can’t claim this one, but our besties found the perfect caravanning hack for their newly crawling bub, the Kmart foldable pet playpen was a game-changer. It gave him a safe space to explore on the mat, an area for baby friendly toys and gave them a moment to breathe without chasing him down every two minutes.

5. A kid-sized trestle table

This was a quiet hero of the trip. The kids had their own little space to eat, snack, draw, and hang out. No more fighting for room at the grown-up table, and we could set it up anywhere—from under the awning to down by the camp kitchen.

6. Secret craft kits for rainy days

Weather can be unpredictable - so you’ll thank yourselves when you’ve got craft supplies up your sleeve. We packed a few secret kits—stickers, paints, play dough, colouring—and only pulled them out when the skies turned grey. If you’re camping with friends, set up little "craft stations" at each van and let the kids rotate through for a mini art crawl!

7. Soft packing cubes

Packing cubes aren’t just for suitcase pros—they’re a van-life essential. We used soft ones to sort clothes, baby gear, and toys. Unpacking was a breeze, and re-packing was even quicker. Highly recommend for keeping the van tidy (or at least less chaotic).

8. Wash Wild Camp Wash

This multi-use Wash Wild Camp Wash was perfect for the van life. We used it for dishes, grubby hands, and even post-beach feet. It’s gentle, eco-friendly, and kind to kids and the planet.

9. Themed pool party with floats

We surprised the kids with a little themed pool party, complete with inflatables. They had a ball helping us blow them up, and the excitement of walking to the pool all together made it feel like a real event. Simple, low-effort magic. 

Pool time is more fun when it involves inflatable animals.

10. A coffee machine & Gabrielle beans

Let’s be honest—when you're up with the sun (and the kids), a solid coffee setup is essential. We brought our machine along and brewed up the beans from Gabrielle Coffee each morning. The perfect way to start the day in the van park. Total parent fuel. The YETI keep cups keep the coffee nice and hot too.

Bonus tip: Bring a film camera – let the nostalgia roll!

There’s something special about capturing moments on film, and this trip we packed a 35mm Co. camera to do just that. The best part? We still don’t have the photos developed—and the anticipation is half the fun! We loved watching the kids living out a nostalgic 90s childhood dream —posing for photos, winding the film, and knowing they’d have to wait to see the memories.  

Caravanning with little ones doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with a few smart additions to your packing list, it can be pure magic. So grab your coffee, load up the playpen, and hit the road with Camplify this Easter. Happy travels!

Hire a caravan, campervan or motorhome for your next family adventure

With Camplify, the great Australian dream of hitting the road for carefree family camping adventures is made accessible to all. Find thousands of caravans, campervans & motorhomes available to hire from locals in your area. From cozy 3-berth campervans ideal for young families - to spacious 4, 5, and 6-berth caravans for larger groups - we have the right fit perfect for your clan. Plus, with a wide range of pet-friendly options, every member of your family can join the adventure. Start planning your unforgettable family road trip with Camplify today!