Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that feel close enough to be simple, yet far enough to feel like a proper escape.
For Nicky and Ben - a car-free family living in inner-city Brisbane - that was a three-day camping trip to Wivenhoe Dam, with their toddler Charlie in tow. To make it happen, they kept things stress-free by hiring a KINTO rental car—no car ownership required, just the freedom of wheels when they needed them.
The family opted for a Toyota C-HR Hybrid Medium SUV which was a perfect size for all their camping equipment, a squirmy toddler and plenty of snacks. Picking up the car from a secure carpark in South Brisbane was simple and with a quick swipe of the app, they were ready to get on the road. Nicky was impressed with how fuel efficient the Hybrid model was to drive, while Ben enjoyed the extra leg room that the Medium SUV provided. It was the perfect choice for their camping trip!
Why Wivenhoe Dam?
Located just over an hour from Brisbane, Wivenhoe Dam is a hidden gem for families. The sprawling lake, quiet bushland, and well-equipped campgrounds make it an easy choice for camping with kids. There’s space to run, flat paths for little legs, and enough nature to keep everyone entertained without feeling overwhelming.
Day One: Setting Up and Settling In
After picking up their KINTO rental, they loaded up the car seat, tent, snacks, and tons of toddler toys. The drive was short enough that they only made one quick stop for petrol, and rolled into camp just before lunch.
Setting up camp with a toddler is a team sport: Ben set up the tent, and Nicky kept Charlie busy with sticks, rocks, and a makeshift "kitchen" in the dirt. Once everything was in place, they wandered down to the water’s edge for a picnic.
Afternoons at Wivenhoe are perfect for exploring, Charlie loved spotting birds, chasing ants, and wandering around in the mud. The campground itself had plenty of safe, open space for him to run around and lots of trees for shade during the heat of the day.
As the sun set, they fired up the camp stove for an easy dinner. Nothing tastes better than pasta eaten under the stars. Bedtime was a bit of an adventure (lots of flashlight games and “one more story”), but eventually, everyone drifted off to the sound of cicadas.
Day Two: Exploring and Slowing Down
Nicky, Charlie and Ben woke to cool, fresh air and the sound of birds. Coffee never tastes as good as it does on a campsite. After breakfast, they went for a toddler-paced bushwalk, slow and full of “treasure hunts” for leaves and rocks.
Midday was relaxed: snacks in the shade, ball games on the grass, and even a short afternoon nap on the picnic rug. Later, they moved their camp chairs to the water’s edge and watched Charlie make mud pies and bury his cars in the mud.
Dinner was a simple BBQ of sausages, salad and sourdough, followed by marshmallows roasted over the fire pit. Bedtime was easier—by night two, Charlie had embraced the camping routine.
Day Three: Adventure and Farewell
By the third morning, the family had found their rhythm. They started with damper cooked over the campfire—a trip highlight! After breakfast, they slowly started packing up. Packing with a toddler always takes longer than expected, but with plenty of snacks and a toy or two, it went smoothly enough.
On the way home, they stopped at the Fernvale Bakery (a must for road-trippers) before returning their KINTO rental. No stress, no ongoing car costs—just a simple return and done.
The KINTO Difference
The best part of the trip? They didn’t have to worry about car ownership logistics. With KINTO car rental in Brisbane, booking a car was as simple as opening the app. Nicky and Ben picked the car size they needed, collected it nearby, and just like that, were road trip-ready. For a family that usually lives car-free, it gave them the freedom to escape the city without the ongoing costs of a car they’d rarely use.
Final Thoughts
Camping with a toddler is never going to be effortless—but at Wivenhoe Dam, it was a great first experience. With safe spaces to explore, a short drive from Brisbane, and the convenience of a KINTO rental car, it was the kind of trip that reminded Nicky, Ben (and Charlie!) how much joy there is in slowing down and seeing the world through little eyes.
Want to plan your own camping trip?
See how easy it is to rent a car with KINTO here: A Step by Step Guide To Picking Up Your KINTO Car Rental
Curious to follow more of Nicky, Ben and Charlie’s adventures? Check out @charliehateshiscarseat on Instagram.
