10 recommandations for a road trip in Australia

Heading out on a campervan holiday in Australia is a new experience for many travelers. If you're looking for the ultimate freedom on the road, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are our 10 essential tips for a successful campervan trip.

1. Choose the Right Vehicle

Every campervan has a unique layout and set of features, so it's important to choose a vehicle that fits your specific needs. For example, if you plan to do a lot of remote camping, you'll want a vehicle with a large water tank, a water filter for drinking, and solar panels. If you're a couple who wants to avoid making and unmaking the bed every day, choose a 4-berth campervan with a fixed bed.

2. Understand What's Included (and What Isn't)

The rental price can be misleading. Some companies have hidden fees, such as extra taxes, additional driver fees, security bonds, or gas bottle refills. It's crucial to consider all these costs, as a campervan rental that seems cheaper at first might end up being much more expensive. Don't hesitate to ask our team for help with your cost comparison.

3. Do I Need Insurance, and Which One?

This is a very common question. If you want a stress-free holiday, the answer is YES, you need insurance. The question is, which option is best for you? You have three choices:

Your Credit Card Insurance: This option is often not possible because the rental vehicle may be larger than 3.5 tons or 8m³, which exceeds most credit card coverage limits. You'll need to check the specific terms and conditions with your bank.

Your Travel Insurance: Some comprehensive travel insurance policies cover your rental excess (deductible) in case of an accident. However, you will be charged the full excess amount by the rental company and will only be reimbursed by your insurance provider weeks later. This is an option only if you can afford to front a cost of AU$5,000 or more for a period of time.

The Rental Company's Insurance: Deciphering the different options can be difficult, and the most expensive policy isn't always the best. If the first two options don't work for you, you'll need to purchase this insurance. Our partners' insurance packages provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

4. What Should I Bring on My Campervan Trip?

Think of your campervan as a furnished apartment. The vehicles are fully equipped with everything you'll need, including standard kitchen items like cutlery, cooking utensils, dish towels, dish soap, pots, pans, a kettle, a coffee plunger, and more. You'll also have linens, blankets, towels, hangers, and laundry clips. This means you only need to pack your clothes and personal items.

To make packing easier, use a soft bag instead of a bulky hard suitcase, which will be difficult to store. Don't forget to bring your International Driving Permit (or a certified English translation). You should also pack a travel adapter, a flashlight, CDs for the road, a beach towel, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit with essentials like sunscreen, burn cream, and insect repellent.

5. Traditional Camping or Free Camping?

Traveling in a campervan offers unparalleled flexibility. You can choose to stay longer in one place or leave early, depending on your mood, the weather, and the people you meet. Here are your options for places to set up camp:

Traditional Campgrounds: These are private campgrounds where you pay a nightly fee for a site. Here, you can connect to power, empty your wastewater, and fill up on fresh water. The facilities and location vary depending on the campground's rating.

Free Camping: It's absolutely possible to free camp in Australia, but it's restricted in city centers and national parks. For national parks, you must use designated campsites. If you're ever in doubt about a spot, ask at a local i-site (tourist information center) or even politely knock on the door of a nearby house to ask for permission. You'll often get a friendly "yes." Always choose a flat, level spot to ensure a good night's sleep.

6. Driving a Campervan in Australia

While campervans are easy to drive and maneuver, remember that they are larger and heavier than a regular car. Here are a few tips to make driving easier:

• Driving is on the left, but the driver's position on the right side of the vehicle will help you feel more centered on the road.
• Be mindful of your vehicle's height, especially when parking under trees or canopies.
• The speed limit is a maximum of 100km/h in most states. Don't rush; enjoy the journey as part of your holiday.
• Be prepared for a strong gust of wind ("the slap") when a truck overtakes you.
• Don't be surprised if a vehicle overtakes you on the left on multi-lane roads.
• Focus on the road ahead, not the cars behind you.
• Allow vehicles behind you to pass only when you feel it is safe to do so.
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers. A campervan requires a longer braking and acceleration distance.
• Always maintain a safe following distance.
• Whenever possible, drive during the day to avoid unexpected surprises.

7. Driving and Parking in Cities

Driving a campervan is relatively easy once you get used to it. However, it can be more complicated in cities where there's more traffic and less space. We recommend avoiding parallel parking and opting for paid parking lots where you won't have to maneuver as much. Generally, you cannot free camp in cities; it's best to stay just outside major urban areas or at a city campground.

8. Use Designated Dump Stations

When using a campervan, it's essential to be responsible and use designated dump stations to empty your toilet and wastewater tanks. This is very important for the Australian environment. Dump stations are located in most Big 4 caravan parks and in main towns and villages.

9. Before Hitting the Road

Before you start your next adventure, always ensure that all interior and exterior items in the campervan are securely stored and won't move around. Lock all cupboards, interior doors, and the refrigerator door. Similarly, if you've been plugged into power, make sure the cable is disconnected and stored away. Double-check that the gas bottle is turned off. For a quieter ride, you can place a paper towel between your plates and glasses to prevent rattling!

10. Stay Off-Grid as Long as Possible

One of the greatest joys of a campervan holiday is being self-sufficient, sleeping wherever and whenever you want without worrying about your battery, fresh water, or wastewater levels. Here are a few tips to help you stay off-grid longer:

• Wake up early and go to bed early to use less electricity in the evening.
• Only turn on lights when necessary.
• Turn off the fridge at night if possible.
• Have one or two meals that you can cook without gas or electricity.
• To do dishes, fill the sink and use the same water for washing and rinsing (the "Australian way").
• For the truly adventurous, a shower every two days is enough!
• When you fill up on fresh water, don't forget to empty your wastewater tank at the same time, even if it's not completely full.
• Use public restrooms whenever possible.