The 7 greatest Australian road trips.

By JO ABI

Why travel overseas when there’s so much to do right here in Australia? We live in an amazing country filled with stunning landmarks, so the great Australian road trip is a rite of passage for most Aussie families.

But where to begin?

There are so many great options when it comes to possible road trips that it can be hard to decide on just one. So we’ve sorted through the best and most family-friendly trips for you.

And remember that no matter what happens during that trip – the fighting, the squabbling, the spilled drinks – you’ll only remember the good times.

Cameras ready…

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Kwell Kids. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words. 

1. New South Wales: The Blue Mountains.

No matter where you travel in New South Wales, it’s just a matter of time before you spot a glimpse of the Blue Mountains and your children start asking questions. Why are they blue? Can we go there? Are they really big? Why do they look so small?

Taking a road trip to the Blue Mountains and exploring landmarks that the children have heard about in school, like the Great Dividing Range, is life changing. What stunning views. What iconic locations. Places you have only ever heard about and you’ll soon be standing there with your children feeling…awe.

The beauty of the Blue Mountains (well, besides the obvious) is that there are plenty of stops you can make with your children to use the bathroom and grab food and drinks. But you’ll still witness stunning natural beauty such as Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters and Jenolan Caves.

Plan your trip to the Blue Mountains at http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au.

2. ACT: Canberra to Lake George.

There is a lake near the ACT that goes through such radical changes that it’s difficult to comprehend, and there’s nothing like watching your children’s faces as you explain that Lake George used to be full and then empty and how exactly that occurs.

Lake George is located 40 kilometres north-east of Canberra and is a perfect family road trip option. Tell your kids that the lake is more than a million years old. Explain that it is completely cut off, with no attachment to any other body of water. It’s just…there. Tell them that during the Ice Age, the lake was much bigger and deeper.

Plan your road trip to Lake George at www.driveaustralia.com.au.

3. Victoria: The 12 Apostles.

The Great Ocean Road is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful sites you will ever see. It is home to so many iconic locations, the most famous of which is the 12 Apostles.

Your kids will be stunned to hear that the 12 Apostles are made up entirely of limestone. Watch them count them, then count them again. Yes children, only eight remain.

The 12 Apostles are disintegrating and that’s what makes a road trip to visit them so incredibly special. And just before one of your kids pipes up and says, “I’m bored”, “I’m hungry” or “I’m tired”, tell them to watch carefully because a wave could come and topple another one of them over, as has happened before.

Plan your road trip to the 12 Apostles at http://visit12apostles.com.au.

4. South Australia: The Adelaide Hills.

No matter how old your children are, there is no way they don’t want to see a giant rocking horse. Even if they roll their eyes and pretend to be uninterested, trust me, their eyes will pop when they see it and frantic selfie-taking will soon follow. It’s called The Toy Factory: The Big Rocking Horse and there is an animal park there.

The giant rocking horse is just one of the incredible destinations located in the Adelaide Hills. There is beautiful food on offer, amazing walks and stunning views.

Oh, and a chocolate factory called Melba’s. I still dream about their strawberry fudge chocolate. It’s not a fully functioning factory – it is referred to as a “working tourist factory” which means they have a few machines producing chocolates, lots of free samples and a store where you can stock up.

Plan your trip through the Adelaide Hills at http://www.southaustralia.com.

5. Western Australia: Family Fun Trail.

The WA Family Fun Trail is one of the best family road trips you’ll ever take. And while Family Fun Trail isn’t the coolest name in the world (maybe change the name to Family Adrenalin Adventure Trail for older kids), it has something for every age.

You’ll find beaches, bushwalking and boating – perfect activities to stretch your legs after being stuck in the car for so long. If your kids are still moaning and groaning a bit, just mention sand boarding. Yep, hop on a board and slide away. They’ll be happily exhausted and then they will forgive you when you drag them to a winery.

Plan your trip to the WA Family Fun Trail at http://www.driveaustralia.com.au.

6. Northern Territory.

Tired of your children complaining that they are hot? Show them what hot really feels like with a road trip through the Northern Territory. But it’s not just rugged terrain and dessert tracks. Think waterfalls. Think Litchfield National Park. Think Uluru!

Children naturally understand spirituality from birth but it seems to be drummed out of them over time by too much logic and too many activities. There isn’t one person on this earth, kids included, who won’t be touched by the wonder that is Uluru. Hiring a motor home is a good idea for a Northern Territory road trip. You’ll need all the air con and cold water you can get.

Plan your trip through the Northern Territory at http://www.territorydiscoveries.com.

7. Queensland.

Sure, you can plan your Queensland holiday around flashy theme parks. Or, you can show your children a different side to Queensland by taking an incredibly family road trip to destinations where they’ll be able to PAN FOR GOLD.

My son has been bugging me to do this forever. He has a little plastic panning contraption that he uses at our local beach to pan for shells and pebbles and things and each time he does that he always asks, “Mum, when can we pan for gold?”

The coolest part of this road trip is that you actually get to drive on a road called Route 66 (technically it’s called Highway 66 but whatever…) which will mean nothing to your children but everything to your retro self. Sing it sister! Plus it runs along the Tropic of Capricorn which your children will find endlessly fascinating once you explain exactly what that is and that it will take you to destinations such as the Blackdown Tableland where you’ll get to see a plateau in real life.

Plan your theme-park-free Queensland road trip at http://www.traveller.com.au.

Introducing new Kwells® Kids travel sickness prevention. To prevent motion sickness Kids Kwells® should be taken 30 minutes before travelling or at onset of nausea. Tablets may be sucked, chewed or swallowed and are suitable for use for children aged 2-12 years old. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.