ARE WE THERE YET? FIVE FAMILY ROAD TRIPS WORTH THE WHINGING
Are we there yet?” Four words guaranteed to test even the most relaxed parent's patience.
Add “I’m bored”, arguments over snacks and complaints about the playlist, and that dream family road trip can quickly become a test of endurance.
But Australia offers plenty of destinations with enough wildlife, adventure, and chocolate to keep the kids happy and the parents sane.
Families took 6.9 million domestic overnight trips in the March 2026 quarter, according to Tourism Research Australia, proving we're still prepared to brave the back seat for a holiday.
Ben Whitmore, CMO of East Coast Car Rentals, says parents shouldn't put too much pressure on themselves to plan the perfect escape.
“Parents put so much pressure on themselves to plan the perfect family holiday that they can forget the point is to simply spend time together.
The best trips aren’t necessarily the ones packed with activities; they’re the ones that give everyone enough to do, while leaving room to slow down, switch off and enjoy being together.”
Here are five destinations worth putting on the itinerary.
1. Barossa Valley, Road Trip South Australia
Wine country with kids? Absolutely.
The Barossa Valley offers chocolate-making experiences at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company,
farmers' markets, countryside drives and picnics at the Barossa Sculpture Park. Just make sure the chocolate stop comes before anyone starts complaining.
2. Atherton Tablelands, Queensland
A couple of hours inland from Cairns, the Tablelands offer waterfalls, rainforest, and unusual attractions.
Visit Millaa Millaa Falls, explore the Crystal Caves in Atherton or head to Mareeba for a hot-air balloon flight. That last one requires an early start, but the views are worth it.
3. Phillip Island, Victoria
The famous Penguin Parade is a must for wildlife-loving kids, while Maru Koala and Animal Park offers more animal encounters.
Add coastal walks, beaches and stargazing, and there is little excuse for anyone to declare they're bored.
4. Bruny Island, Tasmania
Bruny Island combines spectacular coastal scenery with local produce and plenty of opportunities to explore.
The Neck offers sweeping ocean views, while the Truganini Lookout's 300 steps might help tire out energetic youngsters. Oysters and other local treats provide a tasty reward afterwards.
5. Port Stephens, New South Wales
With beaches, resident bottlenose dolphins and enormous sand dunes, Port Stephens is an easy choice for an action-packed family break.
Try sandboarding on the dunes, spend the day by the water or take a dolphin-watching cruise. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the scenery is worth the trip.
And if the kids still ask, “Are we there yet?” after all that, you'll have a good holiday story to tell.
