Getting there

May is the cheapest time for air fares to Australia and when you're there, cut costs and add to the fun by renting a campervan.

Travelling by campervan Down Under not only spells the freedom to travel where you want when you want, but also saves families having to find and pay for a hotel at the end of each day, making holidays on the far side of the world surprisingly affordable. Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) arranges tailor-made holidays to Australia using two to six berth, award-winning KEA campervans that now come with TV, DVD and even a computer - great for downloading images from your camera while on the road (remember to take a spare drive to store them as you can't bring the computer home!).

As well as having exceptionally large, comfortable beds, each vehicle is fitted with a proper hot and cold pressured shower and toilet, air conditioning and a fully-equipped kitchen with fridge and microwave. Drive the Great Ocean Road beyond Melbourne, one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, and explore the gorgeous beaches, or make the 800-mile journey from Melbourne to Sydney, another stunning route passing beaches, national parks, pristine lakes and historic towns. Budget about £256 per person for ten nights' hire.