What Are the Health and Safety Tips for Traveling with Children?
Traveling through the outback with kids is one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences you can give your family. I still remember the first time we loaded up the 4WD and took off into the red heart of Australia. The kids were wide-eyed with excitement as kangaroos bounded past and the vast desert unfolded outside their windows. But as magical as the outback is it also comes with challenges you have to be prepared for especially when little ones are involved.
Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about how to keep children safe happy and healthy during these remote adventures. If you’re planning a family trip into the Australian outback here are the essential health and safety tips I always follow and strongly recommend to others.
Keep Kids Hydrated At All Times
Outback travel can be hot dry and dehydrating. Kids often don’t realize how thirsty they are until it’s too late. We make it a rule to offer water every 30 to 60 minutes whether they ask for it or not.
Some helpful tricks we use:
Give each child their own fun water bottle with measurement markers
Freeze bottles the night before so they have cold water throughout the day
Flavor water lightly with fruit slices to encourage drinking
Avoid sugary drinks that actually dehydrate the body
We also pack electrolyte sachets just in case one of the kids gets a little overheated after a long walk or during midday sun.
Dress Them for the Environment
In the outback you’re dealing with intense sun strong winds and dust. Keeping children protected from the elements is crucial.
Here’s what I always pack:
Long sleeve lightweight shirts
Wide brim hats with a neck flap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Closed-toe shoes for walking around bushland
Bandanas or buffs to shield faces during windy drives
We also use child-safe sunscreen and reapply it often especially after swimming in natural springs or running around under the sun.
Shade and Rest Breaks Are a Must
Kids don’t have the same stamina as adults and the outback doesn’t forgive those who push too hard. I schedule frequent breaks into our itinerary whether the kids say they need them or not.
Every 90 minutes we stop for:
A short walk in the shade
A snack break under a tree or awning
Time to stretch legs and cool down
A check-in on mood and energy levels
Sometimes just pulling off the road and letting them run around near a roadhouse or rest area makes all the difference. It keeps spirits high and helps avoid meltdowns later in the day.
Create a Safe Sleeping Routine
Whether we’re camping glamping or staying in outback stations I try to make bedtime familiar and secure. A tired kid is a cranky kid and outback nights can be chilly loud and unfamiliar.
Our family’s nighttime essentials include:
A favorite stuffed animal or pillow
Sleep sacks or blankets from home
A white noise app on a phone to drown out outdoor sounds
Bug netting if camping
Nightlights or battery lamps for evening bathroom trips
A predictable bedtime routine even if it’s different from home makes all the difference in how rested they feel for the next day’s adventures.
Pack a Child-Friendly First Aid Kit
I cannot stress this enough. Outback travel means you’re often hours from the nearest clinic. So we carry a customized first aid kit that includes:
Child-safe pain relievers
Rehydration salts
Band-aids and antiseptic cream
Tweezers for splinters
Motion sickness tablets
Aloe vera gel for sunburn
Thermometer and any prescription meds
If your child has allergies asthma or specific health concerns be sure to double up on medications and store them in cool dry places. And don’t forget your Medicare card or travel insurance documents just in case.
Teach Basic Safety Rules in a Fun Way
We make it a family tradition to go over safety rules together like a game. Instead of scaring the kids we empower them to be explorers who know how to stay safe.
Our main rules are:
Never wander off alone
Always tell an adult where you're going
Don’t touch snakes insects or strange plants
Look where you walk and always wear shoes
Stay near the campsite unless with a grown-up
We turn these into call-and-response games songs or stories so they remember them easily.
Watch for Wildlife and Keep a Safe Distance
Spotting kangaroos emus or even dingoes is thrilling but wild animals are just that wild. I teach my kids to admire from afar and never approach.
Key tips:
Don’t feed animals ever
Keep food stored securely at night
Use binoculars for viewing
Teach the difference between safe and risky encounters
We also keep a whistle on each child’s backpack. It’s a simple tool that can help them signal us if they get lost or feel unsafe.
Keep Entertainment Handy for Downtime
There’s a lot of driving in the outback and boredom can creep in fast. I always have a backpack filled with:
Coloring books and pencils
Puzzle games and storybooks
Audiobooks or music playlists
A travel journal to record their favorite moments
It helps them stay engaged especially during long drives between landmarks or on days with less activity.
Plan for Emergencies
Before every trip I make sure my phone has coverage maps downloaded and I tell someone our travel plan including stops and expected return times.
Other emergency must-haves:
Offline GPS or a physical map
Satellite phone or emergency beacon if going off-grid
Printed emergency contacts and medical details
Basic car repair tools and spare tires
Extra fuel and water supplies
Knowing we’re prepared helps me relax and focus on enjoying the journey.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through the outback with kids is a balancing act between adventure and responsibility. But when you’re prepared it becomes a journey full of wonder laughter and priceless memories. From floating in hot springs to spotting wild camels from the car window these are the moments that shape a child’s understanding of the world and build lasting family bonds.
Sure there are challenges. Dusty feet late-night bathroom trips and endless snack requests. But there’s also the joy of watching your child climb their first red dune or seeing their eyes light up at an outback sunset.
So hydrate plan rest and stay safe. The outback is waiting and with the right prep you and your kids will thrive in its wide open beauty.
Explore Australia’s outback safely and meaningfully with Spirit Safaris. Let our expert guides show your family the wonders of remote landscapes culture and wildlife all while keeping comfort and safety top of mind.
Contact us: https://www.spiritsafaris.com/contact/
Book here: https://www.spiritsafaris.com/family_travel/
Phone: 1300 763 188 or +61 417 244 600
