Family caravanning has exploded in Australia since 2020 — and for good reason. It offers flexibility, affordability compared to flights and hotels, and an opportunity for genuine quality time that a beach resort simply can't replicate. But travelling with children in a caravan is a different sport from solo or couples travel. It requires thoughtful planning, the right layout, and a few honest expectations about what the road actually looks like with kids.
This guide is for parents considering their first family caravan trip — or those who've tried it once and want to do it better.
Choosing the Right Layout for a Family
Layout is everything when you're travelling with children. The wrong layout means interrupted sleep, no adult space, and a trip that ends early. The right layout creates genuine zones — areas for kids to sleep and play, and space for adults to decompress after the kids are down.
The Bunk Bed Layout
For families with two or more children, a rear bunk configuration is the most practical solution. Kids get their own dedicated sleeping area, separate from the adult bedroom at the front. This separation is the single most important feature for travelling families — without it, an 8 PM kids' bedtime means an 8 PM adults' bedtime too.
Fixed Island Queen vs Drop-Down Beds
Fixed beds are more convenient daily — you don't have to make and unmake beds over a table each night. Drop-down beds create more usable living space during the day. For short trips, the drop-down is fine. For longer trips with kids, the fixed island queen creates a proper master bedroom that maintains some sense of normality.
Kid-Proofing Your Caravan Setup
Children interact with caravans differently from adults. Before your first trip, walk through your van specifically looking at it through a child's perspective:
• Cabinet latches: standard caravan latches are not childproof. Replace with magnetic or push-button latches
• Sharp corners: fit corner protectors on table corners and bench edges
• The gas system: make sure stovetop knobs are not easily accessible to young children
• Steps: outdoor caravan steps can be slippery — add grip tape or purchase step covers
• TV placement: roof-mounted or wall-mounted TVs work better with kids than freestanding sets
Keeping Kids Entertained on the Road
Let's be honest: 'Are we there yet?' is coming, no matter how much you prepare. But there are strategies that genuinely help:
Before You Leave
Involve kids in trip planning from the start. Let them choose one activity or destination per week. When children have ownership of the trip, they're more invested in the journey. A trip journal or photo project gives them something creative to focus on.
On the Road
Audiobooks and podcasts designed for children have transformed long drives for Australian families. The Storynory podcast, kids' audiobooks on Audible, and age-appropriate podcasts like 'But Why?' keep kids engaged for hours without screen time.
• Limit screens to the second half of driving days, not the first — it preserves engagement for longer
• Colouring books and craft packs tailored to what you're passing through
• Observation games: wildlife spotting, cloud shapes, state number plates
• A small backpack each child packs themselves with their own chosen activities — ownership matters
Schooling on the Road: Distance Education
Many Australian families now travel long-term with school-age children. Distance education through state government providers has become significantly more streamlined since 2020, with online delivery platforms making curriculum delivery much more practical from a caravan.
In Queensland, the School of Distance Education (SQDE) and in NSW, Aurora College are well-regarded providers. Registration requirements vary by state. If you're planning to travel long-term with school-age children, register early — processing can take several weeks.
💡 Practical Tip: Designate a specific 'school time' each morning — even 2–3 hours of focused learning maintains progress and creates routine that helps children settle into caravan life.
Best Family-Friendly Destinations in Australia
While the whole country is accessible by caravan, some destinations are particularly well set up for families:
• Airlie Beach, QLD: easy Whitsunday access, excellent caravan parks, beach lifestyle
• Exmouth, WA: Ningaloo Reef, whale shark snorkelling, family caravan parks
• Margaret River, WA: beaches, caves, farm stays, and the Busselton Jetty
• Bright, VIC: mountain biking, river swimming, alpine scenery — spectacular in autumn
• Coober Pedy, SA: the underground town that fascinates children like nowhere else
• Mission Beach, QLD: cassowary spotting, clear water, cassowary-themed everything
Hike RV Family Models
Hike RV's family-focused layouts are designed specifically around the realities of travelling with children — separate sleeping zones, clever storage for toys and school materials, and outdoor living areas that give everyone breathing space. Our team will walk you through which model works for your specific family size and travel style.
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Travelling with kids? Visit our Campbellfield showroom to explore Hike RV's family layouts — and bring the children along. The more they're involved in choosing, the better the trip.