Is taking a campervan holiday with kids a good idea?

Holiday time with the little ones is always tricky. Where shall we go? How do we make sure they’re not bored? Our budget is limited, so what’s the most cost-effective getaway? Well, that’s why a campervan holiday in Australia ticks so many boxes. If you haven’t considered a family motorhome vacation before, here’s an essential guide to why you most definitely should.

Even sleeping is exciting

The most significant advantage to travelling in an RV/motorhome/campervan (whatever you wish to call it) is that your accommodation is moving with you. You don’t have to worry about last-minute hotel room bookings or dumping on family and friends – simply park-up, unpack the beds and settle in for the night. Depending on what size vehicle you are renting, there’s often the option of the cab-over bed, located near the roof of the camper (also known as the Pirate Ship, Spaceship or even Princess Castle, always fun for the kids), or they can opt for ground level slumber. The beauty of this is they get to choose where and how they sleep, giving them flexibility and a greater feeling of independence.

TIP: Even if there are just four of you on the campervan holiday, perhaps consider going for a five- or six-berth option. It’s always good to have more space than you need, and if the young ones struggle to sleep at first you can always give them another option. Campervan rental suppliers often include a mesh that you can attach around the bed so that if they are sleeping above the driver’s cab, they will never fall out – allowing the older ones in the group to stay up later.

Things to do and see in a campervan – take advantage of Australia

Planning your Australian family motorhome holiday can involve everyone. From theme parks to forests, watersports to adventure playgrounds, wildlife to museums… you will struggle to pack everything in when campervanning with kids. But as you have a ‘Hotel on Wheels’ at your disposal, there’s the opportunity to cherry-pick a number of activities – that way, all of your crew get a say in where they wish to go. No matter where your itinerary is heading, the choices are endless. Here are just some ideas at the major centres:

• Sydney: Animal lovers can enjoy Sydney Wildlife World, the Aquarium or jump aboard the Zoo Express at Taronga Zoo. Open their educational eyes at the National Maritime Museum or Sydney Observatory at the Rocks, complete with 3D Space Theatre Productions.


• Melbourne: Built for family entertainment, the Eureka Skydeck 88 at Southbank is a must-see, with the glass cube getting the heart racing. Monkey Mania is an Indoor Children’s Play Centre, while Luna Park, St Kilda is one of the most iconic fun zones in the ‘Lucky Country’. Slightly off the beat track are the penguins of Phillip Island Nature Park and Collingwood Children’s Farm – but that’s why your Australian campervan hire is so handy.


• Brisbane: Depending on the age of your kids, the Ginger Factory has lasted 40 years for one reason – it’s brilliant, with some fantastic rides and attractions. Lamington National Park is perfect if the heat isn’t too much to bear, while the St Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mt Coot-tha combines mental stimulation with jaw-dropping displays. And of course there are the Gold Coast theme parks. How’s Wet’n’Wild, Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World just for starters!?


• Perth: With a culture that revolves around outdoor entertainment, Segway Tours are growing in popularity, along with Aussie Wanderer Tours and Safaris. Get out of the sun at Scitech – described as an educational and engaging science centre.

A journey like no other

Holiday travel in a car or plane is relatively one-dimensional. Space is at a premium and if a tantrum comes your way, they can be difficult to manage – but not in a campervan. Storage space allows you to pack various methods of entertainment to calm any restless little one, while the toilet is also right there so you don’t have to scramble through scrub to find a secluded tree or wait for an airborne lavatory to be available! You can also meet all of their dietary requirements. Most campers have a fridge and stove – so if you want to heat up some toddler grub it couldn’t be easier, or your darling’s preference for a very specific sandwich can easily be met. Also, if a healthy diet is a priority, the RV allows you to pack exactly what you need… those tantrums can easily be negotiated. Even the transformation of the campervan is a fun event. You pack away the seating, convert into beds then settle down for a movie night on your camper DVD. Seats swing round, there are hidden compartments everywhere and that sense of excitement and adventure really does appeal to younger ones.

Keeping everyone happy  

Children can be notoriously difficult to entertain. However, a motorhome delivers indoor and outdoor recreation. They can pack cards, board games… any of their favourites. What this means is that Dad can wander off with one of the kids to maybe the campsite or the woods and forest, while Mum can play with little Samantha if she doesn’t fancy a walk! It allows you all some space so you never feel claustrophobic.

Family holiday traditions on Aussie highways

Hitting the open road with Mum and Dad is a pastime dating back decades. It’s a wonderful opportunity for your precious ones to get in touch with nature and really understand what living in Australia is all about. No other destination is more outdoor-focused and a family camping holiday delivers that experience in spades.

Memories and choice

While other conventional holidays tend to be somewhat structured, an Australian RV family holiday gives you the ultimate in flexibility. Not only can the children map out their own personal itineraries, but you have total freedom to change your plans - all you require is petrol in the tank. Also, there are so many entertainment options and things to see and do, your kids will take away memories to last a lifetime.

Phil Wright is General Manager at Motorhome Republic. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience in the travel and tourism sector, his team provide a quality service to those interested in getting the best RV, Campervan or Motorhome deals worldwide.

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