A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore Australia and create lasting memories together. But long stretches on the road can test even the most patient young travellers.
Planning regular stops along the way helps break up the journey, giving kids the chance to stretch their legs, burn off energy and discover something new. From quirky roadside attractions to wildlife encounters and playgrounds with a view, here are some great kid-friendly stops across Australia to add to your next road trip.
For sweeping views across Canberra, make the short drive or walk up to Mount Ainslie Lookout. From the top, families can spot landmarks such as Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
It’s a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy some fresh air and introduce kids to the layout of Australia’s capital city.
For families with Harry Potter fans, Quizzic Alley is a magical stop. This themed store is packed with official Harry Potter merchandise and immersive displays where visitors can explore wizarding memorabilia, try interactive experiences and browse a huge collection of books, robes and collectibles.
The National Arboretum Canberra is home to one of the most imaginative playgrounds in the country. The Pod Playground features giant acorn cubbies, climbing nets, slides and swings set among the rolling hills of the Arboretum. There are also walking trails, picnic areas and a café overlooking Canberra.
In far western New South Wales, Broken Hill Camels offers families the chance to ride camels through the outback landscape. Short sunset rides are particularly popular and provide a unique way for kids to experience the region’s desert scenery.
Located just south of Ballina on the NSW North Coast, Macadamia Castle combines a wildlife park, miniature train ride and family-friendly activities including mini golf and playgrounds. Younger children especially enjoy meeting farm animals and exploring the interactive exhibits.
Kids fascinated by space travel will enjoy a stop at Moree Rocket Park, home to a colourful 14.9-metre rocket playground. Originally built in 1972, the rocket was restored and “relaunched” in 2009 and remains a favourite roadside attraction for families travelling through the region.
Located at Bullocky Point on Larrakia Country, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers fascinating exhibitions covering natural history, Aboriginal art and the story of Cyclone Tracy. Families will also find interactive displays and regular kids’ activities.
In the heart of Darwin city, Crocosaurus Cove offers an up-close look at some of Australia’s most famous reptiles. Visitors can watch crocodile feeding sessions, explore reptile exhibits and see the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles.
Adults seeking a bigger thrill can also try the famous Cage of Death, where participants are lowered into a crocodile enclosure inside a clear cage.
Just outside Alice Springs, The Kangaroo Sanctuary offers guided sunset tours through its wildlife reserve. Visitors can learn about kangaroo conservation and meet rescued joeys being cared for by the sanctuary team.
Note: tours must be booked in advance.
Find places to stay in the NT.
On the Fraser Coast, the city of Maryborough celebrates its connection to P. L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins. A bronze statue of the famous nanny stands on the corner of Kent and Richmond Streets, marking the author’s birthplace.
Each September the city hosts the Mary Poppins Festival, celebrating the beloved character with family-friendly events.
Western Queensland’s Australian Dinosaur Trail links the towns of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond, each home to remarkable dinosaur discoveries.
Highlights include:
Together these sites tell the story of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the region.
Families travelling through Far North Queensland can explore the remarkable Undara Lava Tubes, one of the longest lava tube systems in the world. Guided tours lead visitors through the underground formations created by a volcanic eruption around 190,000 years ago.
Find places to stay in Queensland.
One of Australia’s most unusual roadside attractions stands in the small town of Keith. The Land Rover on a Pole celebrates the development of the local irrigation scheme and has become a popular photo stop for travellers.
For families with energy to burn, Mega Adventure Adelaide offers a giant aerial playground known as SkyMate. Suspended high above the ground, the course includes obstacle challenges such as BMX bikes, picnic tables and floating eskies.
Visitors can also climb the SkyWalk viewing platform for views across the Adelaide coastline.
In the tiny outback town of Blinman, families can take a guided tour through the Blinman Underground Mine, exploring tunnels originally worked by Cornish miners in the 1860s. The tours bring the history of the Flinders Ranges mining era to life.
Located in southern Tasmania, Hastings Caves offer guided tours through a vast dolomite cave system filled with stalactites and underground chambers. After the cave tour, families can relax in the nearby thermal swimming pool surrounded by forest.
Train lovers will enjoy the Don River Railway, which offers heritage train rides along the Don River. Visitors can travel aboard vintage rail cars or steam locomotives on select operating days.
Find places to stay in Tasmania.
On Phillip Island, A Maze’N Things is packed with puzzles, illusions and interactive challenges. Kids can explore mazes, mini golf courses and the Magic Manor exhibit filled with optical illusions and playful surprises.
Travellers heading towards Mt Buller may spot the famous Gnomes Crossing sign before discovering the small gnome village hidden in the forest. It’s a fun roadside stop where families can search for the tiny gnome houses scattered through the bush.
In the Great Otway National Park, the Melba Gully Glow Worm Walk offers a magical nighttime experience. After dark, thousands of glow worms illuminate the forest along the short walking trail.
Find places to stay in Victoria.
Located about an hour south of Perth, Amaze Miniature Park features miniature model villages, railway displays and landscaped gardens. Kids can explore the hedge maze and themed gardens while parents relax in the peaceful surroundings.
The Pinnacles Desert is one of Western Australia’s most striking landscapes. Thousands of limestone formations rise from the desert floor, creating an other-worldly environment that kids will love exploring.
At Barrack Square in Perth, the Bell Tower houses historic bells from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields church. Visitors can learn about the ancient art of bell ringing and even try ringing the bells themselves.
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