Travelling with Children

Is a campervan holiday suitable for the family?

A campervan holiday can be great fun for the whole family, as long as you choose a vehicle with enough seats, beds and child-seat fittings.

In a 6-berth motorhome, the seat belts in the main cabin are around the dining table, so the children can face each other. It's a great spot for board games, and the kids can entertain themselves while you drive.

If your kids have always wanted a bunk bed, they'll love the motorhome's loft sleeping area above the driver's cabin. They can climb up the ladder to their own private hideaway.

Before you decide to travel

• Choose a vehicle that is suitable and the right size for your family.
• Do you want running water and a shower and toilet in your campervan?
• If you're travelling somewhere hot or humid, a cabin with air-conditioning is recommended. If it's cold, a cabin with heating is recommended.
• Have you booked or considered which holiday parks and powered sites you may use?
• Is your holiday park close to shops?

On the day of vehicle collection

If your rental company offers it, we suggest you check in online before your pick-up day. It saves time at the branch when you collect the campervan. When you pick up or drop off your campervan, keep your kids in a safe area or inside the branch while vehicles are moving in and out of the depot.

If anyone gets travel sick, the forward-facing seats may be more comfortable for them.

Travel is easier if you pack the kids' bags so they can reach their things without taking off their seat belts while the vehicle is moving. Pack water bottles, snacks and other items together with their electronic devices.

What do I need to consider when travelling with the family?

• Pack a power board so you can charge everyone's electronic devices, yours and the kids'. Do you need a child seat, or will you bring your own?
• Do you need to hire a stroller or pram? Hire for Baby can help, and delivers items to your location.
• Would extra furniture or accessories to use outside your campervan, such as chairs, tables or awnings, make your trip more comfortable?
• Is your holiday park kid-friendly, with plenty of activities?
• When you take a driving break on the way to your destination, find a park with a playground so the kids can burn off some energy.
• When you park, look for a spot out of the sun to keep the vehicle and your family cool.
• Under the law in each Australian state and territory, all passengers must wear a seat belt while travelling in a vehicle. While the campervan is moving, every passenger must be seated, only in a seat with a seat belt, and wearing it fastened. Parents are responsible for children under the age of 16. Police may issue fines and licence demerit points if these rules aren't followed.

Which child seat is suitable for us?

The right seat depends on your child's age and size, and on the rules of the state or territory you're travelling in. Our child seat hire guide explains how to request baby, child and booster seats, and which campervans can fit them.

Not every campervan can take a child seat. Smaller campervans generally can't fit them, and 4- and 6-berth vehicles have a limited number of anchor points, so check before you book.

Entertainment ideas when packing

Here are a few things you might pack to keep the kids busy:

• DVDs – Your motorhome may come with a flat-screen DVD player, so bring your favourite movies.
• Games – Board games are great for a rainy day.
• Cards – A deck of cards can come in handy for kids and adults.
• Devices – Phones and iPads, plus their chargers.
• Camera – Capture those special travel moments with your camera.
• Toys – Pack your kids' favourite toys and teddy bears.
• Colouring books – Pack their pencils and colouring books to keep them busy.
• Child seat – Are you bringing your own, or do you need to hire one?
• Beach towels – Your vehicle will come with towels, but it's a good idea to bring extras. Many holiday parks have swimming pools or water parks for the kids to have fun in.
• Scooters – Fold up scooters can be a great way for the kids to cruise around the holiday park grounds.
• Books – Bring your favourite story-time books.
• First aid kit – Bring a small first-aid kit to patch up any bumps or scratches.
• Interactive map – Let the kids be your navigator.

Next steps

• Child seat hire: requesting seats and which vehicles can fit them
• Features to consider when choosing a campervan: seats, beds and anchor points
• What to pack for your campervan holiday: packing for the family

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.