Choosing a family caravan can feel a bit like choosing a new home. There is excitement, a bit of pressure, a lot of dreaming, and a long list of non-negotiables that the kids will ignore while arguing over which bunk is theirs.
As a caravan broker at Find My Van, we talk to families every day who want the same thing. More time together, more freedom on the road and a caravan that makes travel easier instead of turning every trip into a puzzle of bags, food, toys, and wet towels.
So, let’s chat through the features that actually matter when you are buying a family caravan. Not fancy marketing terms. Not the gimmicks. Just the things that make real families comfortable, safe, and happy on the road.
Layout matters more than anything else
If you get the layout right, everything else tends to fall into place.
Look for a layout that gives everyone their own space without making the caravan feel cramped.
Bunks are the obvious starting point.
Triple bunks are brilliant for bigger families or when you want a spare bed for visitors or friends’ kids. Double bunks work well if everyone sleeps sensibly, and you are not dealing with a child who kicks in their sleep like a startled horse.
The key is making sure the kids’ beds are away from the main living area. This gives you a bit of adult time once they are asleep and saves you from tiptoeing around like a burglar in your own van.
A north south Island bed is also worth considering for the grown-ups. You get easier access, and it makes the mornings a lot less awkward when someone climbs over the other person at 5am.
Storage is not optional with kids
Anyone who has travelled with children knows the toys, clothes, bikes, snacks and bits of nature they find on the ground somehow multiply.
Look for overhead cupboards that are sturdy and deep enough to hold what you actually bring.
A full tunnel boot is a lifesaver for chairs, hoses, mats and bulky gear.
Bunk storage is another big advantage, especially when each child can have their own space.
If a caravan has more storage than you think you need, that is a good sign. Families always fill it.
A good kitchen makes life easier
Whether you cook every night or only sometimes, the kitchen setup in a family van matters. Bench space is the most underrated feature. If there is nowhere to chop fruit or make sandwiches, you will feel it quickly.
A decent fridge is essential. Kids eat like they are training for a sport you did not sign them up for, so the bigger the fridge, the better.
If you can find a caravan with both internal and external cooking options, that is a bonus. Cooking outside keeps the inside clean and makes family nights more enjoyable.
The bathroom setup can make or break your trip
Families do better with a separate shower and toilet. It keeps the space practical and avoids the bathroom being tied up for too long when you are trying to get everyone ready for bed.
A washing machine can also be a great addition, especially for longer trips. It is not essential, but it saves a lot of hassle when you are away from holiday parks for a while.
Safety and weights matter even more for families
This is the part that does not get talked about enough.
You need a caravan that your vehicle can legally tow once it is loaded with kids, food, clothing, bedding and the twenty-seven items you said no to but packed anyway.
Check the Tare, ATM and expected payload.
Make sure your car’s towing capacity and tow ball download match the caravan.
If you are unsure, this is something Find My Van checks for families all the time, so you avoid buying something that becomes a frustration instead of freedom.
A sway control system, quality brakes, and good tyres are also essential when you have the most precious cargo on board.
The outdoor setup matters more than families realise
This is the part people often overlook, but it can transform your family experience.
A good awning creates an instant outside lounge room.
Shade for the kids.
Space for chairs and mats.
Somewhere to read, eat, relax or escape from the indoor chaos.
An annexe takes it to another level. It gives you a whole extra room outdoors that can be used as a playroom, storage zone, extra sleeping area or a drying area for wet towels and swimmers. When the weather turns, an annexe becomes a barrier between the outdoors and the inside mess. When the weather is perfect, it gives you a huge open air living space.
For families, the combination of an awning and annexe almost feels like doubling the size of your caravan. It’s one of the most underrated but most valuable features you can have.
Off grid features give families more freedom
Families often travel during school holidays when parks are busy and prices skyrocket. Off grid capacity gives you more options and saves money.
Solar panels, strong batteries, a decent inverter, a grey water tank and a good water capacity can turn almost any spot into a comfortable stay.
You do not need an enormous electrical setup unless you plan to live off grid for long periods, but a solid middle ground makes family travel much easier.
Air conditioning and heating are non-negotiable
Kids do not handle extreme heat or cold well, and neither do parents who have spent the day refereeing an argument about charger cords.
A good reverse cycle air conditioner, plus a heater like diesel or gas, will make your van far more comfortable across seasons.
Ask yourself how you want your trips to feel
This is the part families sometimes forget.
Do you want slow paced beach trips?
Are you planning big laps?
Do you imagine free camping in quiet spots or mostly staying in holiday parks?
Your travel style should guide your caravan choice.
No two families travel the same way, and there is no one perfect caravan for everyone.
The right family caravan is the one that makes life easier
The best family caravans are not always the newest or the most expensive. They are the ones that let you move around comfortably, store the chaos, sleep well and travel without stress.
If you ever need help choosing, Find My Van works with families across Australia to match them with caravans that suit their lifestyle, towing needs and budget. We take the guesswork out of it and help you avoid the expensive mistakes that are surprisingly common.
Your next family adventure begins with choosing a caravan that feels right, travels well and gives you space to enjoy each moment together.
