4 week Australia trip

[rem91]

Hi all!

We are looking to travel to Australia for 4/5 weeks next Christmas into January 2025. This is the only time we are able to do this trip due to my partners work. Our LO will be 2 years 4 months.

Are we crazy for thinking this is a good idea?! 😂 if anyone has done a trip similar or with a similar age, I would love to hear how it went.

Thank you! x

It’s a bit like a difficult birth, the memory fades. I did say ‘never again’ as my DD screamed for about 5 hours. Her ears were killing her and I couldn’t do anything. Then she vomited. Carry clean clothes for both of you. The stomach bug whilst away wasn’t great either, but we were with family. The night she poo’d on the bouncy castle in a pub, could have been anywhere! We at least didn’t end up blue lighted to hospital like we did another year (stopping at the cash point to pay!!).

I’m sure it will be fine, but just think of the worst things that can go wrong and plan accordingly. Then, when it’s not that bad, you’ll be pleased. We’ve travelled a lot and my DD was an easy child, but shit (no pun intended) happens. If you’re relaxed and resourceful, it’ll be great.

The flight will be long but I reckon worth it.

I'd concentrate on the East coast and maybe Tasmania

I would break up the journeys there and back, just to make them more bearable for you with a small DC. I can't imagine doing 21 hours straight through with a toddler. TBH, the age she will be was the worst age for travel IMO. From when they start walking to around 4 is challenging, because they want to get up and walk around, play, bother other passengers, then cry and occasionally scream and they don't respond to you shushing them! But people with family to visit do it and survive, so I'm sure you will too. But I'd stop at least once for a couple of nights each way to give you all a break and ease you into the brutal time difference.

Australia is pretty child friendly tbh (I live in Sydney). As to the journey, well nobody does that flight going yay unless you are in the pointy end, you will get through it. At that age your child will have their own seat which helps massively. Personally I would try and do a stopover in Singapore, my kids love Singapore, first time we went our youngest was 3. My top tip would be not to underestimate distances between places, if you want to move around flying will probably be your best option. Also research weather carefully, I could never do NT that time of year because I would hate the humidity. Sydney in Summer is fab, so many free outdoor things to do. January is the best month.