Austria is an ideal destination for Australian families seeking adventure and quality time. From the crystal-clear lakes of Salzkammergut to the fairytale castles of Lower Austria, there's something for everyone. Travelling by car lets you set your own pace—stopping for lakeside picnics, alpine toboggan runs, or a quick ice cream break whenever you like. In this guide, we offer four family-friendly itineraries, ranging from four to seven days, along with practical tips on planning, packing, safety, and the top attractions. Let’s begin your Austrian road trip adventure!
Before you start, plan each day’s route, attractions, and driving time. To keep younger travellers happy, try to limit daily drives to two or three hours. Many Australian families visit between May and September when the weather is warm and most mountain roads are snow-free. Decide whether you wish to focus on the lake district of Salzkammergut, the cultural treasures of Vienna and Lower Austria, the dramatic peaks around Innsbruck, or the high-alpine splendour of the Grossglockner road.
Selecting a suitable vehicle is crucial when travelling with children. You will need a car that comfortably accommodates five passengers, luggage, and strollers. A mid-sized SUV or estate car is often the best compromise between space and fuel economy. Before confirming your booking, check the safety rating of your chosen model—Austria’s mountain roads and motorways are best navigated with vehicles that offer strong crash protection and reliable handling.
Austrian law requires children under 14 or shorter than 150 cm to use an approved child seat. Most rental companies, including Finalrentals, offer these for an additional daily fee—it's best to reserve in advance. While manual cars are typically cheaper, an automatic transmission can be helpful on winding mountain roads. When choosing a vehicle, consider the fuel type; diesel engines are more economical on highways, while petrol vehicles offer quieter performance in towns.
To ensure a smooth journey, it's important to familiarize yourself with local driving regulations in Austria. Adhering to these rules will help you stay safe and avoid potential fines. Here's what you need to know:
Begin your Austrian adventure in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where baroque architecture and verdant gardens welcome visitors of all ages. After parking near the historic centre, take an evening stroll through the Mirabell Gardens, where children can run freely among ornate flowerbeds and Pegasus fountains. On your first morning, head to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the funicular railway; the short ride thrills little ones, and the castle’s ramparts afford panoramic views over the Salzach River. Don’t miss the Fortress Toy Museum, where centuries-old dolls and model carriages spark imaginations.
Drive south to Lake Wolfgangsee—only 45 minutes from Salzburg. The lakeside town of St Wolfgang offers paddle-boat rentals and gentle walking trails, perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic by the water. Treat the family to their famous sugared almonds or apricot strudel at traditional Konditorei cafés.
The following day, journey east to Obertraun and descend into the Dachstein Ice Caves. This subterranean wonderland features illuminated ice formations and a glazed viewing platform—children will feel they’re exploring a frozen fairy-tale castle.
Conclude this itinerary in Hallstatt, the UNESCO World Heritage Village whose wooden houses appear to float over the lake’s emerald surface. Rent a traditional rowing boat or join a short guided tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest, complete with slides cut into the rock for an exhilarating ride. From Hallstatt, it is a straightforward drive back to Salzburg to begin your next adventure or return home.
Austria’s capital, Vienna, combines imperial grandeur with vibrant green spaces—ideal for families seeking both culture and recreation. On arrival, park near Prater Park, where the Giant Ferris Wheel offers sweeping city views and the nearby Madame Tussauds wax museum entertains curious minds. A gentle cycle along the Danube Canal allows for stops at waterside cafés, or you may prefer a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic heart.
Day 2 is dedicated to Schönbrunn Palace, where the Children’s Museum invites youngsters to dress in period costumes and handle replica royal artefacts. After lunch, the adjacent Tiergarten Schönbrunn—the world’s oldest zoo—provides ample opportunity to spot pandas, giraffes, and sea lions. The compact layout ensures minimal walking between exhibits, so tired legs can return to the hotel for an afternoon rest.
Venture west to the Wachau Valley. In less than an hour, you can disembark at Krems and hire bicycles to ride the UNESCO-listed Danube cycle path towards Dürnstein. Along this scenic, largely traffic-free route, vine-clad slopes and ruined castles line the riverbanks. Stop for a leisurely lunch at a Heuriger wine tavern—many offer children’s menus and playgrounds.
The final day takes you to Melk Abbey, a hilltop complex of golden halls and baroque frescoes. Older children will marvel at the abbey library’s vaulted ceiling, while younger ones delight in the formal gardens and maze.
The Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck sits amid towering peaks, making it the perfect base for alpine exploration. Your first morning should be devoted to the Nordkette cable car, which ascends from the city centre to Seegrube in just 20 minutes. At the top, lookout platforms offer dramatic panoramas, and a short high-alpine trail is manageable even for little hikers. Later, the Alpine Zoo at the foot of the mountain specialises in native wildlife such as marmots, ibex, and golden eagles.
Drive 20 minutes east to Wattens, home of Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This sparkling attraction blends art, light installations, and interactive exhibits—children love the crystal-encrusted maze and giant kaleidoscope slide.
The third day takes you south into the Stubai Valley, where the Stubai Glacier remains accessible by cable car even in summer; an ice-channel walk through the glacier’s crevasses creates a mini adventure playground.
Head north to Achensee, Tyrol’s largest lake. The shore brims with cycle routes, paddle-boat stations, and gentle walks through flowered meadows. A ferry connects quaint villages, making it easy to break up the day. Then, travel west to the Seefeld Plateau, where you can hire sledge bobs in winter or enjoy Alpine playgrounds and summer toboggan runs in warmer months.
Finish your Tyrolean tour with an optional detour into Germany—Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze await across the border—before returning to Innsbruck for your onward journey.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road delivers in spades for families who relish dramatic scenery. Base yourselves in Zell am See beside the serene lake. On your first day, take the Schmittenhöhe cable car to access high-alpine trails and the thrilling summer toboggan run, which winds down through shady pine forests. Nearby, Kaprun boasts the High Mountain Reservoirs, where flat walking paths around glacial lakes provide spectacular photo opportunities without steep climbs.
The second day is devoted to the 48-kilometre Grossglockner High Alpine Road itself. This toll route rises to 2,504 metres and passes wildflower meadows, dramatic gorges, and glacier viewpoints. Children will enjoy spotting marmots along the roadside and posing at the Edelweißspitze overlook. Interpretive panels at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor centre explain the region’s geology and glaciation in simple terms.
On your final day, descend into the Carinthian village of Heiligenblut, where the church’s spire points skywards against a backdrop of the Pasterze Glacier. A short nature trail leads to viewing platforms where the glacier’s icy tongue can be admired. After lunch in village cafes serving hearty goulash and Kaiserschmarrn pancake, it’s a gentle drive back to Zell am See to conclude your high-alpine escapade.
For Austria’s changeable weather, pack in layers: T-shirts, warm mid-layers, and waterproof jackets. Bring sun protection—hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential at higher altitudes. Stock the car with healthy snacks, as rest stops may lack food options or seating. Entertainment like audiobooks, playlists, and travel games helps keep kids engaged. Carry a first-aid kit with essentials and any necessary medications. If travelling during or near winter, include a hi-vis vest, ice scraper, and small shovel.
Dial 112 for any emergency—police, fire, or ambulance. Check that your rental includes roadside assistance; if not, add it. Use proper child seats, buckle up, and follow speed limits. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, ensure your car has snow tyres; avoid alpine passes if not properly equipped. Save contact details for local “Tourist-Information” offices—they offer real-time updates on weather and road conditions.
Finalrentals makes securing the perfect family vehicle a breeze with a straightforward booking process. Our extensive fleet includes everything from compact five-seat hatchbacks to roomy station wagons and SUVs, all available with instant confirmation and transparent pricing. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with unlimited mileage, allowing you to adjust your route without worrying about additional charges. Child seats of all sizes can be added during booking to comply with Austrian safety regulations.
With a "full-to-full" fuel policy, you'll pick up your vehicle with a full tank and return it the same way, eliminating the risk of expensive refuelling fees. Plus, our 24/7 customer support ensures you're never alone if you need assistance during your journey. Insurance options such as Collision Damage Waiver and Super CDW (zero excess) are available, and with no hidden fees or cancellation charges, you can rest easy knowing everything is covered.
For more essential tips on renting a car in Austria, check out What to Know Before Renting a Car for the First Time in Austria.
Renting a car in Austria with Finalrentals offers the perfect opportunity for Australian families to enjoy a mix of scenic drives, kid-friendly attractions, and smooth roads. With careful planning, the right vehicle, and a balance of nature and culture, every leg of your trip—from Salzburg to the Grossglockner—can be unforgettable. Safe travels and happy road-tripping!
