I have on average driven up for work from Melbourne to Mildura twice a year for close to 12 years now with the family. I have also flown up a few times as well by myself. We are a family of 5, over the years we have carted bikes, baths, toys etc.thankfully they are older now, so the ipads keep them occupied. The drive on average takes approx. 6 hours. Taking the plane is certainly easier but once in Mildura having a car helps. We found as long as the kids have books, toys and things to do they cope. Depending on which way you go, the kids always looked forward to stopping in either Donald or Charlton where they had a good play at the local playground, whilst we also stopped for a feed.