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Here's how Aussie families are doing the caravan life, without going all in.
At some point - usually during school drop-off, a packed lunch meltdown or the 9pm "why haven't I sat down yet?" moment - many parents have the same thought:
What if we just... left?
Life on the road. Kids barefoot. Lessons by the campfire. No schedules, no rush, no permission slips... Just family time, fresh air and freedom.
But then reality taps you on the shoulder:
- School
- Jobs
- Mortgage
- Routines
- Sanity
Here's the good news: you don't need to sell everything or commit to full-time caravanning to experience it. More and more Aussie families are choosing extended 1- to 3- month family road trips - long enough to truly live the caravan lifestyle, short enough to keep your home base (and your nerve).
Think of it as testing the dream without burning the bridges.
Why 1- to 3- month family road trips are the sweet spot
A few months on the road is long enough to stop feeling like a holiday... and start feeling like real life - just with better views.
For many families, this timeframe works especially well because:
- You keep your house (and your safety net)
- It fits neatly into school terms, long service leave or career breaks
- Kids settle into a rhythm instead of constant "are we there yet?"
- You can travel slowly (which is essential with children)
- Single trips are easier to plan than open-ended travel
Maybe you'll realise full-time caravan life is for you. Or perhaps you'll decide that one epic family caravan trip every year or two is your perfect balance. Either way, you'll have an adventure the family will talk about for years!
The honest side of caravanning with kids
Let's be real - travelling Australia with kids isn't always sunsets and smiling selfies.
Even families who love caravan life will tell you about:
- Rainy days in small spaces
- "I'm bored" moments five minutes after arriving
- Campsites that look better online than in real life
- The joy (and chaos) of schooling on the road
- The occasional "why did we think this was a good idea?" day
That's exactly why trying the lifestyle in a defined, shorter timeframe is so important. 1-3 months on a family road trip gives you a real taste of:
- How your kids cope with less routine
- Whether you enjoy slower travel
- What kind of campsites work best for your family
- How much space, structure and flexibility you actually need
No long-term commitment required.
Itinerary inspo: Family road trips in Australia
The secret to a successful family road trip? Loose plans.
You want options, not pressure.
Here are some family-friendly road trips in Australia that you can do in 1-3 months that work beautifully with kids.
Option 1: East Coast Family Favourites
Best for: first-timers, younger kids, easy access to facilities.
Rough route:
Brisbane → Northern NSW → Mid North Coast → Sydney surrounds → South Coast NSW
Why families love it:
Short driving days, great playgrounds, safe swimming beaches and plenty of caravan parks with pools and kids' clubs.
Stay longer in places like:
- Byron Bay hinterland
- Crescent Head
- Port Stephens
- Jervis Bay
This route is ideal if you're new to caravanning with kids and want comfort, familiarity and flexibility.
Option 2: Southern States Slow Travel
Best for: families with school-aged kids, food lovers, cooler climates.
Rough route:
Melbourne → Great Ocean Road → South Australia → Yorke Peninsula → Adelaide Hills
Why it works:
Short distances between stops and loads of educational experiences - wildlife, history, geography and food all rolled into one.
Family highlights:
- Twelve Apostles
- Grampians hikes
- Wildlife parks and coastal camps
- Farm stays and regional towns
Perfect for families wanting a relaxed pace with learning opportunities built in.
Option 3: The Top End (with older kids)
Best for: adventure-loving families and nature lovers.
Rough route:
Darwin → Litchfield → Kakadu → Katherine
Why families rave about it:
Swimming holes, waterfalls, Indigenous culture and unforgettable landscapes. You don't travel far - you just stay longer.
Important note:
Season matters here. Plan around the dry season and allow rest days.
And most importantly, beware of crocs and follow all warning signs in this area!
Option 4: Inland Australia (the Confidence Builder)
Best for: families who want fewer crowds and bigger skies.
Rough route:
QLD or NSW inland → Outback NSW → Flinders Ranges (SA)
Why it's special:
This style of trip builds resilience, independence and confidence - for parents and kids alike.
You'll learn quickly what works for your family... and what doesn't.
School, learning and "roadschooling" (the big question)
For many families, education is the biggest hurdle - and the biggest surprise.
A few months on a road trip lets you:
- Take kids out short-term (where appropriate)
- Trial distance education or flexible learning
- See how learning fits into daily travel
- Work out what structure your kids need
Many parents find that learning on the road becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the journey - without committing long-term.
Why this style of travel works so well for families
Extended family road trips give you:
- Deep family connection
- Time without rushing
- Space to reset routines
- Perspective on what really matters
- Memories that stick long after you're home
And when the trip ends, it doesn't feel like a loss. It feels like a pause before the next adventure.
Travel smart, travel confidently
Even domestic family trips can come with curveballs - sometimes plans have to change quickly with kids in tow. Planning ahead means you can focus on the fun - not the "what ifs".
Travel Insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting. Our plans may assist with cover* for family adventures and road trips to help you keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.
The bottom line
If you're dreaming of life on the road with kids, but aren't ready to pack up your entire life - you don't have to choose.
A 1- to 3- month family road trip lets you experience the freedom, the challenges and the joy of caravanning with kids, while still keeping your home base intact.
You might decide it's your future.
You might decide it's your favourite way to holiday.
Either way, your family will come home changed - in the best possible way.
*Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the PDS. Consider the PDS & TMD and if the product is right for you.