There's nothing quite like a family road trip across Australia's stunning landscapes. From the coastal beauty of the Great Ocean Road to the rugged majesty of the Outback, our country offers adventures that create lifelong memories. However, the same vast distances and diverse conditions that make Australian road trips special also present unique safety challenges that every family should prepare for.
As a mother of three and former ANCAP consultant, I've logged countless kilometres with children in the car. This guide distills years of professional expertise and personal experience into practical advice that will help keep your family safe on the road.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Preparation
Your SUV is your family's mobile sanctuary on a road trip, and ensuring it's in optimal condition is the foundation of travel safety. Begin your preparation at least a week before departure to allow time to address any issues discovered.
Essential Pre-Trip Checks
- Tyres: Check pressure (including the spare) and inspect for wear, cracks, or embedded objects. Ensure tread depth exceeds 3mm for long-distance travel
- Fluids: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid should all be at proper levels
- Brakes: Listen for unusual noises and note any pulling or vibration during braking
- Lights: Test all external lights, including indicators, brake lights, and hazard lights
- Wipers: Replace if they streak or leave areas uncleared
- Battery: Have it tested if it's more than three years old or if you've noticed slow cranking
Book a professional service 2-3 weeks before a major road trip. This provides time to order parts and complete repairs without rushing before your departure date.
Child Restraint Safety
Child restraints are your most important safety equipment for family travel. Australian law requires children to use appropriate restraints until they're at least seven years old, but best practice extends proper restraint use well beyond this minimum.
Age-Appropriate Restraints
- Birth to 6 months: Rear-facing infant capsule or convertible car seat
- 6 months to 4 years: Rear-facing as long as possible, then forward-facing with harness
- 4 to 7 years: Forward-facing seat with harness, then booster seat
- 7+ years: Booster seat until adult seatbelt fits correctly (typically around 145cm tall)
Never allow children to ride with the seatbelt behind their back or under their arm. In a crash, this can cause severe spinal injuries. If a child consistently slips the belt, they need a different restraint type.
Before departure, verify that all child restraints are correctly installed. Look for movement—a properly installed seat should move no more than 2.5cm at the belt path. If you're unsure about installation, many councils and motoring organisations offer free checking services.
Managing Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a factor in approximately 20% of fatal crashes in Australia. On long road trips, the monotony of highway driving, combined with disrupted sleep patterns and holiday excitement, creates conditions where fatigue risk is elevated.
Recognising Fatigue Warning Signs
- Difficulty keeping eyes open or focused
- Head nodding or trouble holding head up
- Yawning repeatedly
- Wandering or disconnected thoughts
- Missing signs or exits
- Drifting in the lane
- Difficulty remembering the last few kilometres
The only effective countermeasure for fatigue is sleep. Caffeine and opening windows provide only temporary relief and can mask how tired you actually are. Plan your journey with regular rest stops—at least every two hours or 200 kilometres—and share driving responsibilities where possible.
- Get a full night's sleep before departure
- Avoid driving during your normal sleep hours (midnight to 6am)
- Take a 15-20 minute power nap if you feel drowsy
- Plan overnight stops for journeys over 8 hours
- Let passengers know to speak up if they notice signs of driver fatigue
Emergency Preparedness
Remote Australian roads require self-sufficiency. Mobile coverage can be patchy or non-existent, and distances between services are often substantial. Preparing for emergencies isn't pessimistic—it's practical.
Essential Emergency Kit
- Water: Minimum 4 litres per person, plus extra for the vehicle
- First aid kit: Including prescription medications
- Non-perishable food: Enough for 24-48 hours
- Torch and spare batteries: LED headlamps are ideal
- Basic tools: Including jumper leads and tyre repair kit
- Communication device: Satellite communicator or EPIRB for remote travel
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and shade equipment
- Warm clothing: Desert nights can be surprisingly cold
Safe Driving Practices
SUVs offer excellent visibility and capability, but their higher centre of gravity requires adapted driving techniques, particularly when loaded with holiday gear and passengers.
SUV-Specific Considerations
- Reduce speed in corners: Loaded SUVs have higher rollover risk than sedans
- Increase following distance: Extra weight means longer stopping distances
- Distribute weight low: Heavy items should be in the cargo area floor, not on roof racks
- Check tyre pressures: Adjust for load according to your owner's manual
Kangaroos and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk. Reduce speed during these periods and be especially vigilant near water sources. If an animal appears, brake firmly but avoid swerving, which can cause loss of control.
Keeping Children Safe and Engaged
Restless children can distract drivers, creating safety hazards. Plan activities and breaks that keep young passengers content without requiring driver attention.
Audiobooks, downloaded movies, and travel games can occupy children for hours. Schedule regular activity stops where children can burn energy—a playground break every 2-3 hours makes the journey more pleasant for everyone and reduces backseat conflicts.
Conclusion
A safe family road trip requires planning, preparation, and ongoing vigilance. By ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained, your children are properly restrained, and you're prepared for emergencies, you create the conditions for a journey that's memorable for all the right reasons.
Remember, the goal isn't just to reach your destination—it's to create wonderful family memories along the way while ensuring everyone arrives safely. Take the time to prepare properly, drive sensibly, and enjoy the incredible landscapes that make Australian road trips so special.