Family holiday review: Australia in a camper van

“With two very lively children, Nancy, 7, and Henry, 5, and my wife Jane, 40, and I not being the types to sit still on a beach for long ourselves, the idea of touring in a camper van really appealed. Especially somewhere famed for the open road like Australia.

"Travelling such a distance by plane (nearly 24 hours) with young children was quite challenging. Online check in and pre-booked seats as well as in-flight entertainment (and very friendly Quantas cabin crew) made the journey go as smoothly as possible. Once we arrived in Cairns, picking up the motor home was easier than expected. The vehicle was surprisingly easy to drive, and the roads were generally quiet, so we were able to take our time and enjoy the amazing coastal scenery. It was an instant hit with the kids, too. So much roomier than a car and you don’t have to pack everything up when you want to move on. Cooking and sleeping all in one big driveable holiday home was pure escapism. And it felt really free not being tied in to hotel meal times and schedules.

"On a campervan holiday you park the van at a campsite when you’re not visiting the beach or a town or city. Most have a pool, electricity and water hook up, showers, loos, communal barbecue facilities and a basic shop. If you’re prepared to spend a bit more, about £40 a night, you’ll find laundry facilities, internet access, and reception with local tourist information.