Road Trip Survival Guide: Travelling with Kids in Queensland

Heading off on holidays with the kids can feel like an adventure before you've even left the driveway.

Between packing the bags, loading the car, and keeping little ones entertained, it's easy for the journey to test your patience. But with a few clever games, some planning, and the right breaks along the way, a road trip with kids doesn't have to be stressful.

Whether you're heading up the Bruce Highway, winding through the hinterland, or cruising down the Gold Coast, here are some family-friendly tips to make the trip smoother.

Keep Boredom at Bay with Car Games

Number Plate Game: For younger kids, turn letters into silly sentences (BFR 801 becomes "Big Friendly Rhino") and, for older kids, challenge them to make the longest word possible using the letters in order. (BFR could become "Buffer").

Car Cricket: Allocate runs to different types of cars. Hatchbacks = 1 run, sedans = 2 runs, utes = 4, convertibles = 6. But if a red car drives past? You're out!

Car Wheel of Fortune: Stick names on tape around one of your tyres before you leave. At the next stop, whoever's name ends up closest to the top wins a prize.

Activity Boxes: Pack a personalised kit for each child with colouring sheets, pencils, stickers, and car bingo. They'll thank you when the tablet runs flat.

What Animal Am I? Pick an animal and let the others guess using only yes/no questions. Twenty guesses max. It's a great mix of fun and focus for the whole car.

Plan Active Rest Stops

Sitting still for hours is tough on kids (and adults). Every two hours, aim for a 15-minute break to stretch your legs and recharge.

Instead of just standing around, make it fun:

Run a quick relay race between trees.
Kick a footy in the park.
Do a scavenger hunt for roadside sights.

These little bursts of activity not only tire out restless passengers but keep you more alert behind the wheel. If you can, swap drivers every couple of hours, especially if you're tackling long stretches between stops.

Screen Time: Balance is Key

Tablets and smartphones are lifesavers on long drives, but it's worth balancing them out with other activities.

Devices are great for a stint, but too much can lead to "square eyes" and crankiness when the battery dies.

Mix it up with games, snacks, and breaks so you don't end up relying solely on tech.

Drive Smart and Stay Safe

Family trips aren't just about entertainment - safety has to come first. Before you hit the road, make sure you:

Get plenty of sleep the night before.
Watch your speed, especially in wet weather or areas with wildlife crossings.
Schedule breaks even if you feel fine. Fatigue sneaks up quickly on Queensland highways.

Check Your Car Before the Holiday

The best way to keep the kids happy on a road trip? Avoid a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. A quick service before you leave ensures your car is ready for the long haul.

At Motorama, our technicians look after more than 30,000 cars a year, so we know exactly what Queensland families need to stay safe on the road. Whether it's topping up fluids, checking tyres, or spotting hidden issues before they cause trouble, we'll give you peace of mind before your next getaway.

And when you're back from your adventure? We're here to help with any repairs or post-holiday servicing so you can get back to everyday life without a hitch.

Make the Journey Part of the Holiday

Travelling with kids doesn't have to be a chore. With a few fun games, smart planning, and the right breaks, the trip can be just as memorable as the destination.

So before you load the esky and pack the bags, drop by your local Motorama dealership for a pre-trip service. Then hit the road knowing your family - and your car - are ready for the adventure ahead.