FAST & RELIABLE SHIPPING TO AU & NZ! 🚚 DESPATCHED WITHIN 24HRS!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Kids’ Travel Gear in Australia

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Kids’ Travel Gear in Australia

Written by the Travel Gear team. Last updated: May 2026.

Choosing travel gear for kids is a different exercise to buying for adults. Durability, weight, ease of use, and the ability to survive a toddler's enthusiasm all matter as much as features and price. This guide covers every category of kids travel gear available in Australia, with practical advice on what to look for at each age and travel style.

Kids Luggage: Cabin Bags and Suitcases

The right kids luggage does two things: it fits airline cabin requirements, and it's light enough for a child to manage independently. Look for:

  • Hard shell construction — more durable than soft shell for kids who drag, drop, and sit on their bags
  • Spinner wheels — four wheels are far easier for kids to manoeuvre than two
  • Telescoping handle — adjustable to child height
  • Weight under 2kg empty — kids have lower strength and stamina than adults
  • Fun designs — a bag a child is excited about is a bag they'll actually carry

Browse our full range of kids luggage including cabin bags, character suitcases, and backpacks sized for children.

Kids Backpacks

A good kids travel backpack serves double duty: carry-on entertainment bag on the plane, and day pack at the destination. Key features:

  • Padded shoulder straps — essential for comfort over long distances
  • Chest clip — keeps the bag stable and reduces shoulder strain
  • Multiple compartments — separates snacks, entertainment, and clothing
  • Capacity 10–15L — right size for a day's worth of kids essentials without being overwhelming

Packing Cubes for Kids

Packing cubes are one of the most underrated family travel tools. Assign one cube per child per day, or one cube per category (tops, bottoms, pyjamas). Kids as young as 4–5 can learn to pack and unpack their own cube, building independence and reducing the morning chaos of finding clothes in a shared suitcase.

Travel Strollers

Even if your child has outgrown the stroller at home, a compact travel stroller earns its place on any trip involving significant walking. A full day of sightseeing in Rome or a theme park visit is a different proposition to a trip to the local shops. Look for:

  • Compact fold — must fit in overhead lockers or check-in without excess baggage fees
  • Weight under 6kg — you'll be lifting it more than you expect
  • Recline — essential for naps on the go
  • Sun canopy — critical for Australian and tropical destinations

Browse our range of travel strollers and family travel gear.

In-Flight Entertainment and Comfort

The items that make the biggest difference on long-haul flights with kids:

  • Kids headphones — sized for smaller heads, volume-limited for hearing safety
  • Neck pillow — kids-sized travel pillows prevent the head-drop that wakes them every 20 minutes
  • Tablet case — drop-proof, with a stand for hands-free viewing
  • Sticker books and activity pads — screen-free entertainment that works at any altitude
  • Snack containers — spill-proof, easy for kids to open independently

Health and Safety Essentials

  • Children's sunscreen SPF 50+ — especially important in tropical and high-altitude destinations
  • Insect repellent suitable for children
  • Children's pain relief and antihistamine
  • Reusable water bottles — one per child, collapsible for easy packing
  • ID wristbands with your contact number for young children in busy areas

Age-by-Age Buying Guide

Under 3: Focus on stroller quality, nappy bag organisation, and in-flight comfort items. Kids this age don't need their own luggage.

3–6: Introduce a small wheeled cabin bag (around 40cm) and a kids backpack for the plane. Keep it light — they'll tire quickly.

7–12: Full cabin-sized luggage they manage independently. A proper day pack for sightseeing. Start involving them in packing decisions.

13+: Adult-sized carry-on luggage. Full responsibility for their own packing list.

Related Guides
Back to top