Michelle - ExplorOz replied:

Hi Craig - sorry its taken me so long to reply, i"ve only just "found" this qn. I am planning to write up our Travelling with Kids article before Xmas but in particular answer to your qn about fire... tricky one. You can teach them prettyquickly about "hot" and "fire" but it doesn't mean accidents wont happen. I was also worried about the campfire when we recently went camping with Leah (then aged 8-9mths and crawling very fast). She was usually asleep by the time the fire was lit and it didn't pose a problem. I did however stick her in the portable cot frequently when the fire was on as her wind-down. Although technically this was like being "put to bed" she never complained so long as she was outside with us and could see the goings on. Guess each child will be different. One thing for sure, lots of people travel with young kids - you are NOT crazy, you will enjoy it immensely and so will they. Best wishes for a safe and happy journey!