Road tripping in Australia is a thrilling experience, especially when shared with family or your furry friends. But long drives with children or pets require extra preparation, awareness, and comfort to ensure everyone's safety and happiness along the way.

Safe & Smart Travel Tips for Family Road Trips in Australia

Whether you're cruising from Perth to Margaret River or exploring the outback, here are key things to keep in mind when driving with kids or pets in Australia.

1. Ensure Proper Child Restraints

Australian law requires age-appropriate car seats for children:

• 0–6 months: Rear-facing infant seat
• 6 months–4 years: Rear or forward-facing with a harness
• 4–7 years: Booster seat with seatbelt
• Always make sure your rental car is equipped or bring your own child seat. Many cars on Accura Cars offer booster seat options upon request.

2. Pet Travel Safety Matters

If you're bringing a dog or cat:

• Use a pet seatbelt harness or secure crate
• Keep them in the back seat
• Never let pets hang out the window or roam freely
• Avoid leaving pets in parked cars — even briefly

Check car rental listings on Accura Cars to ensure pet-friendly vehicles.

3. Pack Smart for the Drive

• Snacks & water: For both kids and pets
• Toys, books or tablets: For entertainment
• Blankets or favorite items: To keep kids or animals comfortable
• Cleaning supplies: Wipes, tissues, poop bags, etc.

Organization is key to a calm and mess-free ride.

4. Plan Frequent Stops

Australia’s distances can be long. Stop every 1.5–2 hours for:

• Bathroom breaks
• Stretching legs
• Letting pets relieve themselves
• Refreshing snacks or meals

Great rest stops can be found on most highways — just use Google Maps or local signage.

5. Use Navigation & Safety Apps

Helpful apps when driving in Australia:

• Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic
• Pet First Aid Australia
• NRMA or RAC WA for roadside support
• Also, check weather conditions during wet seasons.

6. Choose the Right Vehicle

When traveling with kids or pets, comfort and space matter:

• Opt for a spacious SUV or a car with good air conditioning and safety features
• Accura Cars offers family-friendly and pet-friendly rentals at affordable rates from local owners — giving you more flexibility and peace of mind

7. Keep Everyone Entertained

Happy passengers = stress-free driving:

• Create playlists or audiobooks
• Let kids pick music or games
• If pets are anxious, calming sprays or familiar blankets can help

Quick Checklist Before You Hit the Road:

• Car seat installed correctly
• Pet secured
• Snacks, water, toys packed
• Route planned with stops
• Emergency contacts and insurance ready
• Car rental confirmed with Accura Cars

Why Use Accura Cars for Family Travel?

Accura Cars is a trusted platform in Perth that connects renters with local car owners. Whether you need a pet-friendly SUV or a vehicle with child seat support, we make it easy and affordable to find the perfect match.

👉 Rent out your own car or book a family-ready vehicle today at accuracars.com.au