Thinking about hitting the road with the little tackers in tow? You’re not alone. More and more Aussie families are choosing van life camping as a way to slow down, reconnect, and show their kids the best backyard in the world—Australia.
Whether you're taking a term off school, embracing full-time travel, or just going on a family road trip, vanlife with kids is totally doable (and deeply rewarding). But it definitely comes with its own unique ups and downs. Here’s what Aussie parents should know before making the leap.
🏕️ Why Van Life Camping Works for Families
- Less screen time, more green time. From red dirt tracks to rainforest hikes, your kids will swap tablets for tree climbing.
- Quality family time. Without the distractions of city life, you’ll actually have time to connect over campfires and shared adventures.
- Hands-on learning. Nature becomes the classroom. Your kids will learn geography, science, and life skills on the fly.
🚐 Choosing the Right Campervan for the Family
When you’re travelling with kids, space and layout are key. You don’t need a huge motorhome, but you do want:
- Sleeping space for everyone (bunks or fold-outs work great)
- Safe, legal seating with seatbelts
- Storage for toys, clothes, and snacks
- A shade setup (awning or pop-top) for outdoor play
Aussie tip: A separate outdoor kitchen setup can save your sanity when cooking while the kids run around.
📚 Schooling on the Road
Yes, kids can learn on the go. Some families choose distance education, others go full homeschool. It depends on how long you’re travelling and your child’s needs. Many parents blend a bit of both and use real-world experiences as teaching tools.
Useful learning moments on the road include:
- Budgeting at markets
- Geography from maps and routes
- Science at the beach, bush, or national parks
- History through cultural stops and museums
🧺 Keeping Routines (Sort Of)
Routine helps kids feel grounded, even when your house has wheels. Stick to basics like:
- Meal and bed times
- Morning rituals (a walk, breakfast together)
- Quiet time or “rest hour” after lunch
But don’t stress when it all goes out the window for a few days. That’s part of the adventure too.
👨👩👦 Top Tips for Vanlife with Kids
- Pack light, pack smart. Prioritise multi-use clothes and compact toys.
- Involve the kids. Let them help with setting up camp or choosing the next stop.
- Choose kid-friendly camps. Look for places with space to roam, toilets, and maybe even a playground.
- Have a rainy day backup. Card games, drawing kits, and audiobooks are your best mates.
- Go with the flow. Travelling with kids takes patience, but the memories are worth it.
💬 Final Thoughts
Van life camping with kids is wild, messy, and absolutely unforgettable. You’ll have tantrums in petrol stations, sand in the bed, and probably forget your favourite toy at some point. But you’ll also have belly laughs under starlit skies, roadside dance parties, and a bond that only grows stronger.
So pack the snacks, plan loosely, and embrace the adventure—because vanlife with kids in Australia might just be the best decision you make.