Years ago, my partner and I travelled from our remote home in the Northern Territory to Sydney and back in six weeks over the Christmas break. It was a great trip in a 20-year-old car with no air conditioning; just a tent, an esky and a bit of money. We had a ball.

When we set out this year to travel some of that road again, our circumstances had changed dramatically. Not only were we nearly 10 years older, but we now had a two-year-old in tow, a much better car and access to more money. However, it all seemed so much harder to leave and we faced the trip with a little trepidation. There was no need. Again, we had a ball.

Survival tips

A long haul road trip with kids can be a hoot! There are many options for entertaining kids in the car and at stops along the way. So, before you close your eyes and imagine the worst parts of travelling 3000kms with your kids strapped into the back seats, think about how it could be done with the relative comfort of all involved.

Before you go

• How far can your kids tolerate being in the car at one sitting? Two to three hours gives you 200-300 kms at a time. If you can do that twice in a day you have made good distance, if that is your goal for the day. During that time, boredom is a major factor so be sure to pack plenty of drinks in insulated containers, nutritious snacks and meals, and, most importantly, bribes. The occasional packet of sultanas, lolly, biscuit or small packet of chips can save many a parent's temper when used judiciously. Bear in mind that very chewy lollies can be very time consuming to finish!

• Make sure you have a variety of games and pastimes. Trivia questions and games about the local area are a great way to keep their minds active and distracted. Research the local area and keep their imaginations alive with conversations about the potential of lurking bushrangers or sheep rustlers and the like. If the kids start to get bored, you will be the one paying the price. You will also need a good variety of books, colouring- in materials, small toys (our youngster is a mad Thomas the Tank Engine fan), and large comfort toys such as teddy bears and dolls.

• Interactive CD and DVDs matched to children's books are growing in popularity as children's travelling accessories; the older children can use personal earphones. Whiling away the hours with the Wiggles or Thomas the Tank Engine and an activity book can help guarantee a good time.

• For the ultimate in surprises (or bribes depending on your point of view), keep a few small unseen wrapped toys ready as an immediate distraction to defuse those heated moments that can wait no longer.

Take regular breaks

• Plan your itinerary as best you can to take into account the needs of the kids. This means time flexibility so you can factor in unexpected stops. Toilets, trucks, trees, even lizards and sheep are an ideal way to get out of the car and stretch the legs for 10 minutes. Many road side stops now have playgrounds attached, or there's commonly one in the centre of most towns anyway where you and your older companions may want to enjoy a coffee or a treat at the local bakery.

Accommodation

• Try to pre-book accommodation so that at 4.00 pm you are not trying to find accommodation for the family at a reasonable price. Your options are a little more limited but the stress of looking for somewhere to sleep is greatly reduced. It may seem a little more expensive, but try to view it as coming in for a comfortable night's landing, not a bang and a crash that can also include the added complication of organising the evening meal.

• Arriving at your accommodation not only allows you time to unwind from the day's journey and prepare for the next one, but it allows the little ones time to burn off all the energy they have been saving and storing during the day. Allow time for the pool, swings and running, oh yes, lots and lots of running.

For the parent

• As a parent you need a few travelling accessories as well. Do not forget to take the wipes or the tissues. Cleaning ice-cream (or worse), from your clothes or the seat you are about to sit in can be fairly crucial to the comfort of the remainder of your trip.

• Always remember to swap driving responsibilities regularly to maintain the safety of your trip. For the average teenager or adult even, arriving in an ambulance is not a good look.

In the air

• All of these suggestions do not apply alone to car travel. Air travel is similar but with more restrictions on walking around. Flying, however, is generally shorter and easier to cope with — unless you are on a long-haul from London to Sydney. Therefore points of interest along the way are less of an option, but movies and books become more useful.

Do you have any tips to add to the list? Or horror stories to share?

Related video: How to do a great Aussie road trip