There’s something magical about piling the kids into the car, strapping in the caravan, and setting off on a Queensland road trip. From the golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the rainforest wonder of the Daintree, travelling north is an adventure that’s equal parts exciting and unpredictable — especially with children in tow!
If you’re planning the great Aussie drive with your family, here are some tried-and-tested tips to keep everyone safe, happy, and a little more relaxed along the way.
1. Pack Light, Pack Smart
Queensland is hot, humid, and often sandy. Packing quick-dry clothes, towels, and swimmers will save you hours of frustration with soggy laundry that never quite dries in the humidity. Choose lightweight layers, thongs or sandals that can handle water and sand, and hats that actually stay on little heads. We love quick dry shorts and fishing shirts!
2. Cooking on the Go
Eating out every night is unrealistic (and expensive). A portable gas cooker is a lifesaver — easy to pull out for breakfast at a roadside stop or dinner at a campsite. Pre-cut veggies, pre-marinated meats, or simple meals like pasta and sausages keep things stress-free. You can go expensive and get the Jetboil like this one from Anaconda which will cost you around $200 or you can get one that is (in our opinion) just as good from Kmart, and it will cost you around $60. We have both and rate them highly!
3. Know Your Stops (and Apps)
Download WikiCamps, the ultimate road-trip app that helps you find campsites, toilets, water points, dump stations, and more. It’s especially handy in regional Queensland, where distances between towns can surprise you. Great if you need to do an overnight stop and looking for something on the way!
4. Bathroom Break Hacks
Toilet stops with kids are never predictable. Always keep toilet paper in the car, and for those emergencies in the middle of nowhere, a wide-mouthed bottle for little boys and a stash of nappies as backup (even for older kids) can be a game changer. If you’re towing, safe pull-over spots aren’t always easy to find, so having a backup plan reduces stress.
5. Mattress Protectors: A Quiet Hero
If you’ve got little ones who are still toilet training, mattress protectors are essential. The last thing you want is to be stuck trying to wash and dry sheets in Queensland’s sticky humidity. A protector means you can deal with midnight accidents quickly and easily — and everyone can get back to sleep without fuss. (Our favourites are from the midnight gang!)
6. Embrace the Mess
Queensland means sand, dirt, and red dust — and lots of it. You can try to fight it, or you can embrace it. Keep a broom or dustpan in the car or van for daily sweeps, but accept that sandy toes and muddy clothes are part of the fun.
7. Beat the Bugs
The mozzies up north don’t mess around. Pack a strong mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin, and keep an itch-relief cream or spray on hand for inevitable bites. Midges can be worse than mosquitoes in some areas, so long sleeves at dawn and dusk can help.
8. Safety First — Teach the Kids
Queensland’s natural beauty comes with some hazards. Take time to teach your children about dangerous animals — from jellyfish to snakes and cassowaries and especially crocs — and what to do if they encounter one. It’s not about scaring them, but about building confidence and awareness. Talk to the locals and understand where and what the dangers are.
9. Stay Alert at Roadside Stops
Not every roadside stop is family-friendly. Be cautious, especially in isolated areas. Don’t leave valuables visible in the car, and keep an eye out for anyone hanging around. It’s better to push on to a busier, safer stop than risk an uncomfortable situation.
10. First aid kit ALWAYS
You would be crazy to think you could go anywhere without one. From cuts and grazes, bites and stings to headaches and sandy eyes, it is an absolute must. Our go to is the Modulator soft pack. It doubles as a pillow when fishing or at the beach, is waterproof, hardy and has everything you need for the whole family. Ours gets used on repeat! We also took the Savitrek Emergency Blanket which doubled as extra warmth, a picnic rug and a reflector blanket when stopped at night. Absolute game changer!
Stay tuned for the best spots to go with your kids!