Australia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives, making it the perfect destination to take the family on a road trip.
With its wide open roads, beautiful beaches, and endless opportunities for adventure, family travel has never been so much fun.
Using a rental vehicle enables families to drive at their own pace, stopping at child-friendly attractions, beautiful picnic areas, and safe swimming beaches along the way.
Planning a family coastal road trip in Australia includes determining the optimal starting point. If you’re flying into the Northern Territory, you can begin your adventure with rental cars at Darwin airport and head south down the coast.
No matter where you start, there are activities along both routes that are suitable for families with members of any age.
From the legendary Great Ocean Road to the tropical paradises of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, these journeys are filled with child-friendly attractions, wildlife, and lifelong memories.
Let’s explore some of Australia’s top beach road trips for families and why they need to be on your bucket list.
1. The Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
Why It’s Great for Families?
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous drives that offers a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and safe beaches for family-friendly activities.
The 243-km route extends from Torquay to Allansford and snakes past idyllic seaside towns and nature reserves where kids can run free.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Twelve Apostles – Kids will have fun attempting to pick out these towering limestone stacks off the coast.
- Bells Beach – A great spot for older kids to learn how to surf or spend a day at the beach.
- Otway National Park – Take the family on a walk through the treetops or take a night walk to see glow worms.
- Loch Ard Gorge – A secluded beach that is perfect for telling the story of the famous shipwreck.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for good weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for beach activities, but it could be crowded.
2. Pacific Coast Drive (Sydney to Brisbane)
Why It’s Great for Families
This 900 km Sydney to Brisbane drive is packed with child-friendly beaches, nature reserves, and interactive attractions.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Port Stephens – Go on dolphin-watching cruises and dune safaris.
- Byron Bay – Relax on child-friendly beaches and visit the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse.
- Coffs Harbour – A must-visit is the Big Banana theme park for some family fun.
- Gold Coast – Kids will love the theme parks, including Sea World and Movie World.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather and fewer people. Summer is great for theme park visits but could be busy.
3. The Great Eastern Drive (Tasmania)
Why It’s Great for Families
This 176 km east coast drive in Tasmania is filled with wildlife spotting, sheltered beaches, and spectacular scenery, making it a great trip for families.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Wineglass Bay – Lovely white-sand beach with easy family-friendly walking.
- Bay of Fires – Explore the unique orange-coloured rocks and protected beaches.
- Maria Island – Kids will love spotting wombats and wallabies up close.
- Bicheno Blowhole – Watch seawater soar into the air for a natural spectacle that’s fun to witness.
Best Time to Visit
December to February is excellent for warm Tasmanian weather. Autumn has excellent scenery without the tourists.
4. Coral Coast Drive (Perth to Exmouth)
Why It’s so Good for Families
There are marine life experiences, stunning coastal scenery, and plenty of child-friendly attractions in this 1,200 km Western Australian drive.
Family-Friendly Highlights
Pinnacles Desert – Kids will love strolling through the eerie limestone stacks.
- Shark Bay – Visit Monkey Mia to encounter wild dolphins up close.
- Ningaloo Reef – Families can snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish.
- Kalbarri National Park – Perfect for easy walks and rugged coastline scenery.
Best Time to Visit
April to October is best for family holidays, avoiding the extreme summer heat.
5. The Grand Pacific Drive (Sydney to Jervis Bay)
Why It’s Great for Families
At a distance of just 140 km, the short road trip is ideal for families that yearn for a coastal getaway without spending hours and hours driving.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Sea Cliff Bridge – Sturdy and picturesque walkway over the ocean.
- Wollongong’s Beaches – Great beaches for swimming and building sandcastles.
- Kiama Blowhole – This natural attraction that’s entertaining and will leave kids amazed.
- Jervis Bay – Visit Hyams Beach with very white sand.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer are perfect for swimming, and winter offers whale-watching tours.
6. Eyre Peninsula Coastal Drive (South Australia)
Why It’s Great for Families
This 700 km drive is perfect for nature-loving families who wish to explore rugged coastline landscapes and enjoy fresh seafood.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Coffin Bay – Enjoy fresh oysters and safe swimming beaches.
- Port Lincoln – Visit wildlife parks and take a boat tour to see sea lions.
- Murphy’s Haystacks – Kids will enjoy clambering over the strange rock formations.
- Whalers Way – A hidden coastal gem with stunning cliffs and sea caves.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn and spring are mild, but summer is best for swimming and beach outings.
7. The Great Barrier Reef Drive (Cairns to Cape Tribulation)
Why It’s Great for Families
The 140 km tropical drive is action-packed, from rainforest treks to snorkelling trips.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Palm Cove – A peaceful, family-friendly beach with gentle waters.
- Port Douglas – Take a reef trip or to a wildlife park.
- Mossman Gorge – Safe swimming holes with plenty of rainforest backdrop.
- Cape Tribulation – The unusual spot where rainforest and reef intersect.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the dry season, less humid and great snorkelling.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s coastal road trips offer fantastic experiences for families, from exploring golden beaches to spotting wildlife and the outdoors. Whether you embark on a quick scenic drive or a trip of several days, car hire gives your family the liberty to explore in comfort and at your own pace.
So pack in the kids, plan the stops, and hit the road for a lifetime of memories along Australia’s beautiful coastline!