Australia is one of the countries everybody dreams of visiting one day. It is a perfect country for a family road trip. The three questions you need to think about and do your research before planning an Australia road trip are where to start, when to go, and what to see. When you have those questions figured out, you’re ready to start your family adventure. Since we usually have only a few weeks off a year, we couldn’t possibly visit the whole of Australia, but we need to make a choice of a few places. However, both the West and East Coast have their unique features, scenery, and landmarks, so how to decide? Take a look at the most popular road trip routes along both coasts, maybe it’ll help you decide.
Read more: 7 Must-Visit Places in Australia
Planning a trip with the family?
Best & Fun Vacation Ideas for Families
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Next Family Vacation Destination
Australia West Coast
The West Coast offers plenty of things to see and experience, starting from many beautiful cities, diverse and stunning natural views, odd wildlife, and breathtaking beaches.
What to see on the West Coast
One of the best West Coast Australia road trip itineraries starts in Perth. From there, your first short trip should definitely be to Rottnest Island, where the world’s happiest animal – the quokka lives. Your kids are going to love them! These cute little creatures won’t leave you indifferent either!
Up to the coast, the next interesting spot is Nambung National Park, with the beautiful sights of the Pinnacles. Other interesting sights include Kalbarri National Park with many colorful wildflowers and scenic sandstone cliffs. You can explore it with a canoe or by hiking.
There is also Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia with the opportunity to feed the dolphins and Francois Peron National Park with plenty to see. Coral Bay could be the next stop and afterward Ningaloo where you can enjoy diving with whale sharks, snorkeling with turtles or going boat riding to see humpback whales. These are just some of the things you mustn’t miss out on while on the West Coast.
Australia East Coast
East Coast Australia road trip itinerary and ultimate guide offer you plenty of possibilities for an active and unforgettable family holiday.
What to see on the East Coast
The usual starting point on the East Coast is Sydney. The next amusing stop up the coast is certainly Coffs Harbour with its famous Big Banana Fun Park. It’s the perfect start to your adventure.
If you and your family are into surfing, then Byron Bay is the right place for you. It offers some unique fun on the water. The Gold Coast provides tourists with beautiful sandy beaches while Springbrook National Park has amazing plunge pools, stunning waterfalls, and unusual rock formations.
The next city on the way is Brisbane and immediately following it are Noosa and Rainbow beach. Make sure to soak up some energy from the Sun here and to refresh in the cool ocean.
One of the top 10 things to do on Australia’s East Coast is to visit Fraser Island. There are plenty of natural sights to enjoy here and plenty of Australia’s native animals to observe.
Further north, there is Airlie Beach and the must-see Whitsunday island.
The next stop is Cairns where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park or Atherton’s waterfalls.
What to bring on the road trip
Since you can end up in quite remote parts of Australia where there’s no signal or internet, it’s essential to take some basic equipment. Top tips for the best family Australian road trip start with a detailed paper roadmap, in case you are out of an internet connection.
Also, a first aid kit and the knowledge of how to use it can come in handy.
Since the driving can be really long, make sure you have the proper tire repair kit as well as the tire air compressor.
A solar-powered charger can also be a practical and power inverter for Cigarette Lighter.
Of course, we don’t go on a road trip without a GPS system.
When traveling with babies or kids, it is essential to bring necessary things for them as well. Becalm Baby offers many kinds of teethers, toys, bibs, and other feeding essentials that will make your journey comfortable both for you and your little ones.
Final Thoughts!
The suggestions offered in the article are only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other things to explore as well. Based on your and your family preferences, you can choose either the West or the East Coast for a start. Whichever you select, you won’t be sorry. Follow the tips for a great family road trip in Australia, and we’re sure you’ll have the time of your life.
Pin this post!
***
Author's Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the company in question before planning your trip.
Guest Post Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and positions expressed in any guest posts featured on our site are those of the guest author alone and do not represent those of Wellington World Travels. The accuracy, completeness, and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.
Disclosure: Wellington World Travels uses affiliate links and paid advertisements. That means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Read more about our Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more details.
Comment Policy:
Comments are welcomed and encouraged on this site. However, comments may not contain advertisements, profanity, potentially libelous statements, language insensitive to other religions, or comments not relating to the topic. Please see our full comment policy for more details. We reserve the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to this site without notice.
Wow, that is beautiful. I doubt I will ever be able to travel there, but seeing this… I would love to be able to do so! Thank you for sharing.
Based on what I like I am sure
I will enjoy the west coast more!
Traveling to Australia will be fun with my family. My children love kangaroos. Australia is in our next bucket list.
With family scattered throughout Australia, this is an article to bookmark! The idea of taking a road trip while there, never crossed my mind. Great insight, thanks!!
I prefer road trips! This is indeed great info for people who are planning to visit Australia.
I like solo travel, but I believe when family travel is on the plate someday I will remember this.
OMG Maria! This seems to be an amazing place to visit no matter which coast you choose. Ugh! I think I would maybe have to make two trips, one each. Australia, as it is for many, is a dream trip. Hopefully soon! You have sparked a fire under my travel bug with this one.
Both coast are fascinating and interesting places to visit.. I believe I will be there someday.
I would absolutely love to visit any part of Australia. I used to have some friends in NSW but never got to go and visit them.
Australia is such a beautiful place. I’m still contemplating whether to go East or West (would love to explore both). I love the beach (Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef) but I also love wildlife (Perth).
Really nice informative blog, I am interested in seeing the natural landscapes of Australia. East coast of Sydney look really pretty.
Nice piece of information. I love road trips and I think both sides of Australia are worth to travel.
Hmmm. Seems like each coast has its own perks. Would love to visit both.
I would love to visit Australia, any coast would be fine.
Your article is absolutely bursting with information! I’d most definitely take the East Coast route if I’m ever in Australia.
– Laura // afinnontheloose
My plans of going to Australia just got more consolidation. Thanks for sharing this!
I definitely would, it so beautiful there with many things to see and do.
Such a great and informative article. thanks for sharing it looks stunning!
wow! love it! such a comprehensive and fun list of things to do in australia, even with kids! I would be too scared for the shark diving but the cute little quokkas are right up my alley.