ROAD TRIP IDEAS FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

ROAD TRIP IDEAS FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Depending on who you ask, there are more than 150 “big” things, so school holidays are the perfect time to pack up your 4WD and head off on a road trip to introduce your kids to the much-loved Aussie tradition of sightseeing your way around the “Big Things” liberally placed across the country.  

What – The Big Prawn at Ballina NSW

Ballina has a BIG Prawn in honour of its world-renowned prawning industry. Initially built in 1989, it had a hard life and faced demolition in 2010. In 2013 it reopened after Bunnings stepped in and helped to fund a refurb. 

While you are there – Eat seafood and 4×4 

Get your photo for the gram and then head across the road and take your pick from local seafood; with your full tummy, head down to Camp Drewe Road, where 4WD vehicles can access Seven Mile Beach and Lennox Head to drive on. 

Gear to get you there – MaxPro Floor Liners

Whether driving a Next-Gen Ranger or a late model, RAV 4 sand is no match for our floor mats. Either is the kids’ food crumbs. With a vehicle-specific engineered fit, take them out, brush (or hose) them off, and they are ready to protect for another day or another road trip

What – The Rocking Horse at Gumeracha SA

The perfect place for a school holiday road trip with not only a giant rocking horse but also Australia’s largest wooden toy factory and wildlife park. The horse doesn’t rock, but you can climb it and see the view from the rocker, saddle, and horse’s head.

While you are there – Local Produce Tasting. 

Gumeracha is also home to Applewood Distillery and Unico Zelo Winery. 

Adelaide Hills is home to over sixty cellar doors and artisan produce, making it the perfect place to base yourself and discover the region. The kids are bound to love picking strawberries or tasting chocolate. 

Gear to get you there – Clearview Next Gen Towing Mirrors 

Just 20 minutes out of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is the perfect place to hook up the van to the Hilux and head up. If you like to caravan, adding a set of towing mirrors means that you are ready to go, and the Next Gen’s smaller footprint looks excellent when driving daily. 

What – The Big Barramundi – Normanton QLD

The Big Barramundi in Normanton is celebrating the epic fishing found in the Norman River. You also get a two-for-one big thing in Normanton with a statue honoring Krys – The Savannah King, the largest crocodile ever shot. 

While you are there – Fishing 

Situated about 6.5 hours north of Mt Isa and located off the Gulf of Carpentaria, it makes a perfect fishing holiday destination with the blue skies and sunny days of the winter dry season. Not just limited to barramundi; there is also a considerable population of salmon in the river. 

Gear to get you there – Darche Camping Chair. 

If you are going to spend a “few” hours by the river fishing, you want to be comfortable. Darche has a range of camping chairs to suit every bank fishing captain. We recommend getting one with armrests and a padded back that is high enough to support your neck for maximum comfort. 

What – The Big Stubby – Larrimah NT

A standard Darwin Stubby is already enormous. The one parked out the front of Larrimah Hotel is ginormous. Located about 180k out of Katherine and with accommodation on-site and the famous Larrimah Hotel hospitality, it makes the perfect overnight stop.   

While you are there – Roadtriping 

Driving the NT is different from a typical road trip. Every day delivers something different. One of our favourite stops between Katherine and Larrimah is Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs in Elsey National Park. 

Gear to get you there – Hema Navigator

On and off-road, the Hema HX-2 GPS Navigator will have your back. 

Perfect for trips that take you more off the beaten track, the HX-2 has both road and track navigation as well as over 100,000 locations that you may need in your travels, such as bush camping, fuel, or wineries 😉   

What – The Big Crocodile Head – Broome WA

There are a few big crocs around Australia. One that combines activity and a photo op is at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal refuge in Broome. Step in through the head of a giant saltwater crocodile as you enter the park. 

While you are there – Sand Driving 

Beach driving is one of our favourite off-road drives, and some argue it doesn’t get better than Cable Beach. Easy to access, miles of beach and epic sunsets make it one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. If that looks too busy for your liking, try Gantheaume Beach.

Gear to get you there – Maxliner Australia Venture Canopy

When tackling a big drive, a canopy adds practicality you don’t get with an open tray or hard lid. Our Maxliner Venture Canopy is packed with features that make it a practical and secure travel option, including large side access windows and keyless entry.