Travelling with Kids While Working Around Australia

Travelling around Australia with kids can be an incredible way to see the country, spend quality time together and create memories that last a lifetime. But when you’re also trying to earn an income along the way, the lifestyle can require a little more planning.

The good news? Working and travelling with children is possible. In fact, regional and seasonal work can provide families with opportunities to slow down, experience different parts of Australia and enjoy a lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around the traditional Monday-to-Friday routine.

Whether you’re travelling in a caravan, campervan or simply moving between regional towns, here’s how to make working and travelling around Australia work for the whole family.

Choose Work That Fits Your Family

When you’re travelling with children, the job you choose needs to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Seasonal and short-term work can be particularly useful because it allows you to work for a set period before moving on to your next destination.

When considering a job, think about:

• How many hours you’ll need to work
• Whether the work is available during school hours
• Whether both parents need to work
• How far you’ll need to travel from your accommodation
• Whether accommodation is provided
• How long the position lasts
• Whether children can accompany you to the location
• What childcare or schooling arrangements you’ll need

If you’re travelling as a family, don’t automatically assume that both adults need to work full-time. Sometimes one parent working while the other looks after the children can provide a better balance.

Plan Your Travels Around Work Opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of seasonal work is that opportunities occur in different parts of Australia throughout the year.

Rather than deciding exactly where you want to travel and then looking for work when you arrive, consider doing it the other way around. Look at where work is available during the months you want to travel and build your route around those opportunities.

For example, your family might:

Work → explore → move to the next region → work → explore again

This can turn your Australian adventure into a series of mini adventures rather than constantly being on the move. It also means you’re not trying to find work at the last minute when the family budget starts getting tight.

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Routine

Kids can love the freedom of travelling, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need routine.

Constantly changing locations, sleeping in different places and adapting to new environments can become tiring, particularly for younger children.

Try to maintain some familiar routines wherever possible.

That might mean:

• Keeping regular meal times
• Having consistent bedtimes
• Giving children their own space and belongings
• Maintaining familiar morning or evening routines
• Having regular “no travel” days
• Keeping up with favourite activities
• Making time for schoolwork if required

You don’t need to recreate your home routine perfectly. A little consistency can go a long way.

Make Regional Towns Your Home Base

One of the best ways to combine work, travel and family life is to spend several weeks or months in one location rather than moving every few days. Regional towns can be fantastic places for families to establish a temporary home base.

Instead of constantly packing up the van, you can settle into an area, find work, meet local people and explore the surrounding region on your days off. This also gives children the opportunity to make friends and become familiar with their surroundings.

And when the job finishes, you can pack up and move on to the next adventure.

Research Schools and Education Options

If you’re travelling with school-aged children, education needs to be part of your planning.

Depending on your circumstances, options may include:

• Enrolling children in a local school temporarily
• Distance education
• Homeschooling
• Flexible learning arrangements
• Online learning

Requirements can vary between states and territories, so make sure you understand the relevant rules before you set off. If you’re planning to stay in a town for several months, contacting local schools before you arrive can help you understand what options are available.

For families travelling for shorter periods, maintaining schoolwork while travelling may be more practical.

The important thing is to find an arrangement that works for your children’s needs and your travel plans.

Make Work a Family Affair

Depending on the type of job, there may be opportunities for more than one family member to work.

Some farms, tourism businesses, caravan parks and hospitality businesses may employ couples or multiple members of the same family.

However, never assume that children can accompany you to a workplace. Workplaces have their own safety requirements and policies, and many environments aren’t suitable for young children.

Always discuss your family circumstances with an employer before accepting a position.

Be upfront about:

• Who will be working
• Your availability
• Your children’s ages
• Your accommodation needs
• How long you can commit
• Any specific family requirements

Honest communication from the beginning can help prevent problems later.

Budget for the Reality of Family Travel

Travelling around Australia can look inexpensive from the outside, but costs can add up quickly when you’re travelling with children.

Your budget needs to account for more than fuel and groceries.

Consider:

• Fuel: Travelling long distances can become one of your biggest expenses

• Food: Feeding a family on the road requires careful planning

• Accommodation: Even if you have a caravan or motorhome, you may need to pay for powered sites, caravan parks or other accommodation

• Activities: Entry fees, attractions and entertainment can quickly add up

• Vehicle maintenance: Long-distance travel puts additional kilometres on your vehicle

• Education: Depending on your schooling arrangements, there may be costs for resources, internet access or equipment

• Unexpected expenses: Keep an emergency buffer for vehicle repairs, medical expenses and other surprises

The income from seasonal work can help offset these costs, and having a clear budget makes it easier to decide how long you need to work before moving on.

Give Everyone a Say in the Adventure

Travelling as a family shouldn’t be all about the adults. Kids are much more likely to enjoy the experience when they feel like they’re part of the decision-making process. Let them have some input into where you go and what you do.

You could give each child opportunities to choose:

• A campsite
• A local attraction
• A swimming spot
• A hiking trail
• A meal
• A weekend activity
• Something they want to see along the way

You don’t have to let them plan the entire trip, but giving them some ownership can turn “We’re travelling again” into “Where are we going next?”

Make the Most of Your Days Off

Working while travelling means you won’t be sightseeing every day… and that’s okay! In fact, having work commitments can make your days off feel even more special. When you have a few days free, explore the area around you. Visit local markets, beaches, national parks, museums, wildlife attractions and historical sites. Ask locals what they recommend rather than relying solely on tourist guides.

You may discover that the best experiences are the ones you didn’t plan.

And remember that you don’t have to spend money to have an adventure. A picnic by a river, a bushwalk or an afternoon at the local swimming hole can create some of the best family memories.

Be Prepared for the Challenges

Let’s be realistic, travelling and working with kids isn’t always going to be easy. There will be arguments. Someone will get bored. Someone will probably ask, “Are we there yet?” approximately 47 times. Your vehicle might break down. The weather might ruin your plans. A job might not turn out exactly as expected.

Living in a confined space can also test everyone’s patience. The key is to expect some challenges rather than expecting everything to be perfect. Build flexibility into your plans and leave some breathing room between jobs and destinations.

Sometimes you need a quiet week at a caravan park more than you need another sightseeing adventure.

Get the Kids Involved in the Experience

One of the greatest benefits of travelling around Australia with children is the education that happens outside the classroom.

Your children can learn about Australia’s environment, agriculture, wildlife, history and different communities simply by travelling through the country.

If you’re working on a farm, they may see first-hand where food comes from. If you’re staying in a regional town, they can experience a different way of life. If you’re travelling through the Outback, they can see landscapes they’ve only previously seen in books or documentaries.

Encourage them to keep a travel journal, take photographs, collect postcards or document the places you’ve visited.

Years from now, those experiences may be some of their most treasured memories.

Find Family-Friendly Work Opportunities

The right job can make all the difference.

At Workabout Australia, we connect travellers with employers offering short-term, casual and seasonal work opportunities throughout regional and rural Australia.

For families, the key is to look beyond simply asking, “What jobs are available?”

Instead ask: “What job and location will work for our family?”

Consider the hours, location, duration, accommodation, nearby facilities and what your family wants to experience while you’re there. You may discover opportunities in agriculture, hospitality, tourism, accommodation, retail, maintenance and other industries.

Working and Travelling Can Be a Family Adventure

Travelling Australia with kids while working isn’t always the easiest way to travel, but it can be one of the most rewarding.

You get to experience places beyond the typical tourist destinations, meet people from different communities, earn money along the way and give your children the opportunity to experience Australia in a way that a traditional holiday simply can’t replicate.

The secret is flexibility. Don’t try to squeeze a traditional holiday into a working lifestyle. Instead, embrace the lifestyle for what it is.

Work for a while. Stay somewhere long enough to get to know it. Explore when you can. Move on when you’re ready.

And most importantly, remember that the goal isn’t to see everything.

It’s to experience it together.

Ready to Earn While You Travel?

If you’re travelling around Australia with your family and looking for flexible, short-term or seasonal work, check out the opportunities available through Workabout Australia.

You might just find your next job in the next place you’re planning to explore.

Work. Travel. Explore. Repeat.