Last updated: May 2026
Planning a family adventure can be super exciting, but let's be honest — travelling with kids comes with its own set of challenges. Cue: the need for a travel-friendly stroller! Whether you're zooming through airports or exploring Australia's great outdoors, having the right pram can save you a whole lot of stress. Buckle up as we dive into our top picks and tips!
This guide covers travel strollers specifically. For broader family travel gear advice, also read our ultimate guide to choosing the right luggage and bags and our guide to keeping healthy when travelling (which covers kids' health on the road too).
What Makes a Stroller Travel-Friendly?
Not all strollers are created equal when it comes to travel. A travel-friendly stroller needs to tick several boxes that a standard pram doesn't:
Lightweight Design
Every kilogram counts when you're navigating airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets. Look for strollers under 6kg for maximum portability. Pair a lightweight stroller with lightweight luggage to keep your total load manageable.
Compact Folding
A stroller that folds down small enough to fit in an overhead bin or the boot of a small hire car is a game-changer. One-handed fold mechanisms are particularly useful when you're holding a child with the other hand.
Durability
Travel puts more stress on a stroller than everyday use. Look for reinforced frames, quality wheel bearings, and robust fabric that can handle being checked as luggage.
Best Travel Strollers for Australian Families
When choosing a travel stroller, consider these key categories:
Umbrella Strollers
The classic travel stroller. Lightweight, folds to a slim profile, and easy to carry. Best for children who can sit upright independently (typically 6 months+).
Compact Fold Strollers
More feature-rich than umbrella strollers, with better recline and suspension. Slightly heavier but still airline-friendly. Ideal for longer trips where comfort matters.
All-Terrain Travel Strollers
For families who want to explore beyond city streets — beaches, national parks, and uneven terrain. Heavier but worth it for adventure-focused families.
What to Look for When Buying
- Weight: Under 6kg for true portability; under 9kg for a good balance of features and weight.
- Fold size: Check it fits in your airline's overhead bin or meets checked luggage dimensions.
- Recline: Full recline is essential for infants; partial recline is fine for toddlers.
- Canopy coverage: Australia's sun is intense — look for UPF 50+ canopy coverage.
- Storage basket: You'll need somewhere to put your packing cubes and day bag essentials.
Pro Tips for Flying with a Stroller
- Gate-check your stroller so you have it right up to the plane door and again on arrival.
- Use a stroller travel bag to protect it from damage in the hold.
- Attach a luggage tag with your contact details in case it gets separated.
- Check your airline's specific stroller policy before you fly — rules vary significantly.
Pro Tips for Public Transport with a Stroller
- Practice the fold/unfold before your trip so you can do it quickly under pressure.
- Keep a small travel bag of essentials (nappies, snacks, wipes) accessible without opening the main luggage.
- In busy cities, consider a baby carrier as a backup for crowded trains and buses.
Conclusion
The right travel stroller makes family adventures significantly more enjoyable. Prioritise lightweight construction, compact folding, and durability, and you'll have a pram that keeps up with your family's adventures.
Browse our full travel baby and infant portacots and travel essentials collections for everything you need for family travel.
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