As September starts to roll in and the warm summer sun makes its welcome return, now is the perfect time to start planning your next family road trip! There is no shortage of destinations to choose from along the Queensland coastline, but when you’re travelling with toddlers in tow, sometimes all you really need is a no-fuss local route.

It’s no secret, however, that long rides can be exhausting for tots—and by extension, for parents too. And travelling over greater distances can be a lot for a little one to wrap their head around. As such, planning a local road trip may not only be easier logistics-wise, but they are also usually shorter, which can provide some familiarity for your little ones. 

So whether you’re dusting off and preparing the caravan for a weekend away or filling the minivan’s boot with snacks for one afternoon, here are the top easy, local road trip routes for families travelling with toddlers in the Wide Bay area.

Noosa

Noosa cannot be recommended enough—it’s one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations for a reason! Plus, it’s only three hours from the NSW/QLD border or about 1.5 hours south of the Wide Bay area, making it an ideal road trip for families with toddlers. 

Since Noosa Heads has so many beaches to be explored, it also makes for a great spot to spend the weekend or a long public holiday. However Noosa’s idyllic weather and great surf make it a highly popular destination, so you’ll want to book your Noosa accommodation well in advance to secure your stay during peak travel periods.

On top of its glorious sunshine, Noosa is also famous for its restaurants, bars, and main strip filled with shops and ice cream spots (very important for the kiddos, of course). From Noosa, you can also easily drive to Mooloolaba for fish and chips on the beach, swing by Australia Zoo, and even go into the Hinterlands to explore Childers and Gin Gin. 

Whether exploring the outdoors, having a dip at the beach, or taking in the region’s vibrant coastal culture, Noosa can provide excitement and enrichment for the whole family, making it a great road trip destination for all ages.

Hervey Bay

Situated just 3.5 hours north of Brisbane and 1.5 hours from Wide Bay by car, the drive to Hervey Bay really is gorgeous, boasting stunning coastal views and taking you through some of QLD’s most iconic country towns. The scenery alone may be enough to keep your toddlers distracted through to this spot.

Hervey Bay is most famous for its incredible whale spotting opportunities from July to October on Fraser Island, which your toddlers will no doubt go crazy for. Woodgate Beach and Burrum Heads are also not too far, offering stellar spreads of beach and local fare to fill the day with – and Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is only an extra half-hour drive away, too!

Many visiting families like to camp out at Hervey Bay, thanks to the region’s abundance of coast and bush camping spots. Plus, there’s just so much to see and do here, that you’ll want to book your stay for at least a few days. So if you’re feeling it, you could even extend your road trip into a fun beachside camping adventure.

Mount Walsh National Park

If you want to mix things up one day and swap out the beach for the bush, then Mount Walsh National Park (past Biggenden), is only 2.5 hours away. You can immerse your kids in forest explorations for a half day and still be back home in time for dinner.

Mount Walsh offers walking tracks of various grades with many animal observation points. There is also a rock pool you can make your way to, where the kids can cool off and maybe even spot different marine species like scuttling crabs.

Taking small hikes, picnicking, and geocaching are some of the best outdoor school holiday activities you can do with your young ones – and Mount Walsh offers plenty of opportunities to do all these activities and much more. So if you want to keep the sand out of your shoes during your next road trip, consider driving inland and enjoying the bush scenery at this toddler-friendly stop.

Bundaberg

Furthest north on this list is Bundaberg, the quintessential Queensland country town with modern dressings. Bundaberg is a river town about 2.5 hours from Wide Bay and just minutes from the coast.

Stroll along the Burnett River and lose yourself in the lush botanical gardens, or weave your way through the local shops and cafes in the architecturally beautiful main street. There is also the famous Mon Repos Turtle Encounter that is perfect for toddlers! 

There is also the Alexandra Park Zoo and Baldwin Swamp not too far away from the town centre. Both of these family-friendly attractions offer even more outdoor animal adventures that are sure to be enriching for both kids and parents alike.

After long days of getting up close and personal with some marine life, families can also enjoy a delectable bite at any of Bundaberg’s many eateries before calling it a day in some low-cost accommodation or simply driving back home to beat the sunset. 

Travelling With Toddlers Made Easy With Local Road Trips!

The beauty of a local road trip is that you don’t have to venture too far from your home in Wide Bay to create lasting family memories. Whether you’re chasing beachside adventures in Noosa, watching whales in Hervey Bay, or exploring the natural charms of Bundaberg, these routes prove that travelling with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful. 

With the right planning, plenty of snacks, and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. So, pack the car, check your child's car seat, and hit the road. It’s time to make your next family road trip one to remember!