Winter school holidays are the perfect time for an Australian family road trip — the kids are off, the landscapes are stunning, and you don’t need to brave the summer heat. But packing for a family road trip is a different challenge to packing for a solo or couple’s trip. Here’s how to do it without the chaos.
The Golden Rule: One Bag Per Person
The fastest way to turn a road trip into a headache is to have everyone’s stuff mixed up in shared bags. Give every family member their own bag, clearly labelled. Kids from about 5 years old can carry their own small daypack with their entertainment, snacks and favourite toy.
The Family Road Trip Packing List
For the Kids
- Warm layers (thermals, fleece, waterproof jacket)
- Comfortable shoes that work for walking and hiking
- Sleeping bag or travel pillow for car naps
- Entertainment: tablet, headphones, books, games
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle each
- Change of clothes for each day + 1 spare
For Parents
- All medications including kids’ paracetamol, antihistamines and any prescriptions
- First aid kit
- Charging cables, power bank, car charger
- Baby bag if travelling with an infant or toddler
The Secret Weapon: Compression Bags
Winter clothes for a family of 4 take up an enormous amount of space. PackEase™ Compression Bags compress thermals, jumpers and jeans to a fraction of their normal size. Pack one set per person and suddenly the boot has space for the pram, the boogie boards and the camping gear.
Baby and Toddler Essentials
If you’re travelling with little ones, the ComfyNest Baby Backpack is a game-changer. It has a built-in changing station, insulated bottle pocket and enough organisation to keep nappies, wipes, clothing changes and snacks all in the one place. One bag on your back, hands free for the kids.
Keeping Everyone Comfortable on Long Drives
Long drives with kids require the right setup. The NapMate™ Travel Pillow is great for older kids who can use it in the car seat. Keep medications organised in a Travel Pills Organizer so you can find exactly what you need without emptying your whole bag on the side of the highway.