Australia was made for road trips. From dramatic coastal drives to rainforest highways and quiet countryside routes, there are endless places to explore by car. For many families, hitting the road is one of the best ways to see the country while spending quality time together.
The best family road trips combine beautiful scenery with easy stops, fun attractions, and manageable driving distances. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, there are plenty of Australia road trips that are perfect for travelling with kids.
Here are some of the best routes across the country that offer adventure, flexibility, and memorable experiences for the whole family.
Not every road trip route is ideal when travelling with children. The best family drives tend to have a few key features that make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
First, shorter driving legs help keep everyone happy. Routes that offer regular towns, rest stops, and attractions allow families to break up the drive without feeling rushed. Easy access to food, toilets, playgrounds, and petrol stations also makes travelling far less stressful.
Second, kid-friendly activities along the way can turn the journey into part of the adventure. Wildlife parks, beaches, short walking trails, and scenic lookouts all give kids a chance to stretch their legs and explore.
Finally, safety and comfort are important. Choosing well-maintained roads and planning ahead for long stretches between stops helps make family road trips more relaxed and enjoyable.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic Australia road trips, and it is also a fantastic choice for families.
Stretching along Victoria’s stunning coastline, this drive offers incredible ocean views, charming seaside towns, and plenty of places to stop and explore. Families can start in Torquay, the gateway to the route, before heading through Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay.
Kids will love spotting koalas in the trees along the Kennett River section, while the beaches around Lorne provide perfect places for a break. Further along the route, the famous Twelve Apostles offer an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Short walking tracks in the Great Otway National Park also make it easy for families to enjoy nature without committing to long hikes.
Learn more about the route at Tourism Australia.
If you are looking for a relaxed coastal drive, the journey from Sydney along Grand Pacific Drive is ideal for families.
The adventure begins just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the world. From there, the road hugs the coastline and crosses the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, one of Australia’s most photographed stretches of highway.
Popular stops include Kiama, famous for its blowhole, and the crystal-clear beaches of Jervis Bay. These destinations offer plenty of family-friendly activities, from swimming and picnicking to coastal walks and wildlife spotting.
The route works well as a weekend escape or as part of a longer coastal holiday.
More details about things to do on Grand Pacific Drive can be found here.
For families travelling in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast offers a road trip that blends beaches, wildlife, and rainforest landscapes.
Starting near Brisbane, this route takes travellers through coastal towns such as Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Noosa. These destinations are known for their relaxed atmosphere, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of cafés and parks.
A major highlight for children is Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin. The zoo is one of the region’s most popular attractions and offers interactive wildlife experiences.
Families can also explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland, including the scenic towns of Maleny and Montville, which offer beautiful views and nature walks.
You can discover more Sunshine Coast travel ideas here.
For families looking for a tropical adventure, the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Port Douglas is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country.
The route stretches for around 140 kilometres and winds between rainforest-covered mountains and the Coral Sea. Despite its dramatic scenery, the drive is relatively short, making it manageable for families with children.
Along the way, families can stop at beaches, lookouts, and small coastal towns. Port Douglas itself is a popular holiday destination with easy access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
These natural attractions offer unique experiences such as reef snorkelling tours, wildlife spotting, and rainforest boardwalks.
Find more information about the Great Barrier Reef drive here.
Western Australia is known for its vast landscapes, and the road trip from Perth to Esperance is one of the most rewarding drives for families who enjoy nature and outdoor adventures.
The route passes through Albany and several national parks before reaching the stunning beaches of Esperance. Along the way, families can explore coastal cliffs, historic towns, and beautiful picnic spots.
Esperance itself is famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise water. One of the highlights is Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, where kangaroos are often seen relaxing on the beach.
The journey is longer than some coastal drives, but the scenery and wide open spaces make it a memorable adventure for families travelling with older children.
More information on Western Australia road trips can be found here.
Tasmania is perfect for family road trips thanks to its compact size and diverse scenery. One of the best routes is the Great Eastern Drive, which follows Tasmania’s stunning east coast.
The drive includes beautiful beaches, national parks, and charming coastal towns. Families can explore the white sands of the Bay of Fires, visit the dramatic landscapes of Freycinet National Park, or enjoy seafood in small fishing villages.
Because the distances between towns are relatively short, this route is particularly suited to families travelling with younger children.
You can explore the Great Eastern Drive here.
Every family travels differently, so choosing the right road trip depends on a few key factors.
Families with toddlers often benefit from shorter coastal drives with frequent stops, while older children may enjoy longer adventures that include national parks and outdoor activities.
It is also important to consider how many hours you want to spend in the car each day. Building in rest days, beach stops, or local attractions can help break up longer journeys and keep kids engaged throughout the trip.
Planning your route in advance also allows you to research accommodation, activities, and rest stops along the way.
A little preparation can make a big difference when travelling with children.
Plan realistic driving times and schedule regular breaks so everyone can stretch their legs. Packing snacks, water, and entertainment can also help keep kids happy during longer stretches of driving.
Sun protection is another important factor on Australian road trips, particularly during summer. Keeping the car cooler and reducing glare can make the journey more comfortable for passengers in the back seat.
Many families also prepare offline maps and basic travel supplies in case they pass through remote areas with limited reception.
Before heading off, it is helpful to pack a few road trip essentials.
Families often bring a mix of practical and comfort items, including snacks, water bottles, travel games, spare clothes, and a first aid kit. Entertainment such as audiobooks, playlists, or colouring books can also help keep kids occupied.
Sun protection inside the car can make a noticeable difference on longer drives. Products such as custom car window shades can help reduce heat and glare while keeping passengers more comfortable during bright Australian road trips.
@snapshades Protect your passenger princess from harmful UV rays, heat, light and glare with Snap Shades. ☀️ #snapshades #carsunshade #passengerprincess #passenger #sunprotection #roadtrip #travellingwithkids #fyp ♬ original sound - S N A P S H A D E S
Australia offers an incredible range of road trip adventures for families. From the dramatic coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the tropical beauty of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, there are countless destinations waiting to be explored.
The best family road trips are not just about the destination. They are about the memories made along the way, the unexpected stops, and the moments shared together on the road.
With a little planning and the right route, your next Australia road trip could become one of your family’s favourite travel experiences.
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