Travelling with a baby might seem daunting, but Australian families have unique advantages when it comes to domestic travel. From stunning coastal drives to outback adventures and visits to grandparents interstate, there's a whole continent to explore with your little one. With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, travel with a baby can be both manageable and rewarding. This guide covers everything from road trips to flights, helping you navigate the specific challenges and opportunities of travelling in Australia.
Road Trips with Your Baby
Australia's vast distances make road trips a quintessential part of family life. Whether it's the two-hour drive to visit relatives or an epic coastal road trip, travelling by car gives you flexibility and control that other transport options can't match.
Car Seat Safety
Your baby's car seat is the most important piece of travel equipment. In Australia, children must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their age until they are at least seven years old. For babies, this means a rear-facing restraint that meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754.
Children under six months must travel in a rear-facing child restraint. From six months to four years, children can use either a rear-facing or forward-facing restraint with an inbuilt harness. Having your car seat professionally fitted is highly recommended.
Timing Your Travel
The best time to drive with a young baby is often when they'd normally be sleeping. Many Australian parents swear by departing very early morning or timing drives around nap times. A sleeping baby makes for a peaceful journey, though be prepared—some babies wake when the car stops, making every traffic light an adventure.
Plan to stop every two hours at minimum. Babies shouldn't stay in car seats for extended periods—they need breaks to move, feed, and have nappy changes. For very long trips, consider breaking the journey with overnight stops.
Packing for Road Trips
Keep a nappy bag accessible in the back seat, not buried in the boot. Essential items to have within reach include:
- Nappies and wipes for the journey (more than you think you'll need)
- Change of clothes for baby and an extra top for you
- Muslins or burp cloths
- Bottles or breastfeeding supplies
- Snacks for older babies
- Shade covers for windows
- Entertainment toys attached so they can't be thrown
- First aid kit
Flying with Your Baby
Air travel with babies in Australia is generally straightforward, and domestic flights are short enough that even a challenging flight will be over relatively quickly. Australian airlines are typically accommodating of families with young children.
Booking Your Flight
When booking, call the airline directly to arrange a bassinet seat on longer flights if your baby is under the weight limit (usually around 10-11kg). These bulkhead seats offer extra legroom and a fold-down bassinet for sleeping. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar all offer infant fares for lap babies, though you'll need to book these over the phone rather than online.
- Babies under two can travel as "lap infants" for a reduced fare
- You can usually check a pram/stroller at the gate for free
- Car seats can be checked as luggage at no extra cost
- Request bassinet seats early—they book out quickly
- Allow extra time for security and boarding
Managing Take-off and Landing
The pressure changes during ascent and descent can cause ear discomfort for babies. Having them suck on a bottle, breast, dummy, or even a finger during these times helps equalize ear pressure. This is one situation where it's fine to bend your usual rules—if a bottle or breastfeed helps, use it.
Security and Airport Navigation
Australian airport security allows you to bring breast milk, formula, and baby food in quantities exceeding the usual liquids limit. You may be asked to taste liquids to verify them. Prams can be taken through security and often right to the gate, where they'll be checked and returned at arrival.
Consider using a baby carrier through the airport rather than a pram—it keeps your hands free and makes navigating crowds easier. You can always collect your pram at the gate.
What to Pack for Any Trip
Packing for travel with a baby requires balancing preparation with practicality. Over-packing creates its own problems, but being caught without essentials is stressful.
Clothing
Pack more outfits for baby than you think you'll need, especially for longer trips. Include layers regardless of destination—airports and planes can be cold, while Australian destinations can vary dramatically in temperature. Don't forget sleepwear, sun hats, and weather-appropriate gear.
Sleep Setup
Consider how your baby will sleep at your destination. Options include portable cots (most hotels and holiday rentals can provide them), travel bassinets, or bed-sharing arrangements that work for your family. Bringing familiar sleep associations—same sheet, white noise machine, lovey—can help baby settle in unfamiliar environments.
Feeding Supplies
If breastfeeding, pack nursing covers if you're more comfortable with them, though breastfeeding is protected by law everywhere in Australia. For bottle-feeding families, consider how you'll sterilise bottles—sterilising tablets or bags are lighter than electric sterilisers. If your baby is on solids, research whether your destination has accessible baby food or plan to bring supplies.
Managing Routine Disruption
Travel inevitably disrupts routines, and accepting this reality reduces stress significantly. Babies are often more adaptable than we give them credit for, especially when parents remain calm and flexible.
It typically takes babies a few days to adjust to new time zones or environments. Expect some sleep disruption and plan for a quieter first day or two at your destination rather than jam-packing the itinerary.
Try to maintain anchor points in your routine—perhaps the bedtime ritual stays consistent even if timing shifts. Familiar items like a sleep sack or white noise machine can help signal sleep time regardless of location.
Destination Considerations
Choosing baby-friendly destinations makes travel easier. Consider access to facilities like clean change rooms, shade, and quiet spaces for feeding and napping. Accommodation with laundry facilities is invaluable for longer trips.
In Australia, many attractions offer parent rooms, and most shopping centres have good facilities. The beach is wonderful for babies but requires careful sun protection and shade planning—Australian sun is intense. Many holiday parks are particularly well set up for families, with baby facilities and flexible accommodation options.
Health and Safety on the Road
Before travelling, ensure your baby's vaccinations are up to date. Pack a basic first aid kit including infant paracetamol, thermometer, saline drops, and any prescription medications. Know how to locate medical services at your destination—the Health Direct helpline (1800 022 222) can provide 24/7 health advice anywhere in Australia.
If travelling to regional or remote areas, plan for limited service availability and pack accordingly. Sun protection is essential throughout Australia—pack sunscreen suitable for your baby's age, sun hats, and UV-protective clothing.
Embracing Travel with Your Baby
While travelling with a baby requires more planning and flexibility than pre-baby travel, it also offers unique rewards. Experiencing new places through your baby's curious eyes, creating family memories, and proving to yourself that life continues even with a little one in tow are all valuable. Start with shorter, easier trips to build confidence, and gradually expand your adventures as you learn what works for your family.
The challenges of travel are temporary, but the memories—and the knowledge that you can do this—last a lifetime. Happy travels!
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