Travelling with Kids Australia | Family Travel Gear Guide | Travel Gear

By the Travel Gear Content Team. Updated 27 October 2026.

Quick answer: For family travel, choose light kids' luggage the child can manage, consider a ride-on suitcase for toddlers and long airport transits, pack a compact travel stroller for babies and young children, and bring comfort items for the flight. Check your airline's baggage and stroller rules before you fly. Shop kids' luggage.

Travelling with children is one of life's great adventures and one of its great logistical challenges. The right gear can turn a chaotic airport experience into a manageable one. This guide covers what Australian families need for travel with kids of all ages.

Kids' Luggage: What to Look For

Children's luggage should be light, durable and something your kids actually want to carry:

Weight: a light empty weight, because kids can't carry much.
Size: small enough for the overhead locker if it's carry-on. Check your airline's limits.
Durability: hard shell polycarbonate or ABS usually handles rough treatment better than soft shell.
Handle height: an adjustable telescoping handle sized for children.

Browse our full range of kids' luggage, including spinner suitcases in fun colours and designs.

Ride-On Luggage: The Airport Game-Changer

Ride-on suitcases let your child sit on the bag while you pull it through the terminal, which means fewer tired legs at the gate. Our kids' ride-on luggage range includes options for toddlers and young children. Check each product's size against your airline's carry-on limits, check the rider weight limit, and supervise children when they ride.

Travel Strollers: Compact Options for Flying Families

A full-size pram is impractical for air travel. Look for a stroller that folds compact and is light enough to carry. Key features:

A light weight (compare the weights on the product pages)
A one-hand fold
Recline for sleeping toddlers
A sun-protective canopy for outdoor destinations
Compact fold dimensions

Browse our stroller and pram accessories, and read our travel stroller guide.

Packing for Kids: Age-by-Age Guide

Babies (0–2 years)

Nappies (pack more than you think, because delays happen)
Formula or expressed milk in approved containers
A change of clothes for every flight segment, plus one extra
A favourite comfort toy or blanket
A baby carrier or compact pram. See our nappy bags

Toddlers (2–5 years)

Ride-on luggage they can manage themselves
Snacks, and more snacks
Headphones sized for kids
A small backpack with their own special items. See our kids' backpacks
A change of clothes in your carry-on

School Age (5–12 years)

Their own carry-on suitcase to look after
A tablet or device loaded with offline content
A kids' travel pillow and eye mask for long-haul flights
A small amount of local currency to feel involved

Handy Kids' Travel Accessories

Browse our kids' luggage, kids' backpacks and travel pillows, plus useful extras such as:

Luggage tags and ID holders
Water bottles and snack containers
Travel games and activity kits
Sun protection for outdoor destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can kids have their own carry-on luggage?

It depends on the airline and whether your child has their own seat. Infants travelling without a seat often have different allowances, so check your airline's policy. Practically, children from about age 4–5 can manage a small carry-on suitcase themselves.

Is ride-on luggage allowed on Australian airlines?

Often yes, if the bag meets your airline's carry-on size and weight limits. Always check the bag's dimensions against your airline's current limits before you fly.

What's the best travel stroller for long-haul flights?

Look for a light stroller with a compact fold. Many airlines let you gate-check a stroller so you can use it up to the aircraft door and collect it on arrival, but policies vary, so check with your airline.

Travelling with Kids: The Complete Australian Family Travel Gear Guide