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How to plan the perfect Australian campervan holiday
A trip to Australia is often the adventure of a lifetime, the reward for years of saving and an unforgettable experience when properly planned. But before you book your flights, map out your itinerary, or rent your campervan, plenty of questions will come up. DetourNZ - OZ is here to guide you step-by-step to turn that dream into reality.
Preparation Before you arrive
VISA
It is essential to obtain a tourist visa to enter Australian territory. Unless you have a New Zealand passport, you must apply for your visa before arriving in the country. Note that there are several types of visas. The three most commonly used for tourism are:
- The "e-visa - 651" which allows you to enter and exit the country as many times as you wish for a period of 12 months.
- The "ETA - 601" which allows you to enter and exit the country as many times as you wish for a period of 12 months. The conditions for obtaining this visa are different from those for the 651.
The "Tourist Visa - 600" which allows you to stay in Australia for a maximum of 3, 6, or 12 months.
You can find all the information here: VISA OPTIONS
DRIVING LICENCE
To rent a vehicle in Australia, you must have an International Driving Permit along with your home country's driver's license if your driving licence is not in English. You can obtain this from your local government authority. If your driving licence is not in English and the delays to get an international one is not feasable, please let us know and we can provide an official translation
What to see in Australia? Where to go in Australia?
Australia is a huge continent (roughly 14 times the size of France). It's rare for travelers to decide to visit everything in one go, preferring instead to follow an itinerary tailored to their interests.
This country is made up of six states, each quite distinct from the other, each with its own unique tourist attractions. The choice of itinerary is therefore based on the states and the tourist attractions.
Here's a link to our itineraries, we offer classic itineraries for each of these regions.
New South Wales
New South Wales, with Sydney as its main city, is often the arrival and departure point for travelers. This state, twice the size of France, boasts a superb coast, rainforests, and numerous bays. Inland from Sydney, the Hunter Valley vineyards are a favorite among wine lovers. Similarly, the "Blue Mountains" are a magnificent tourist site not to be missed.
The best time to visit New South Wales is summer, between December and March. If you go outside this period, don't worry; the sun shines almost all year round.
Queensland
Queensland is a very popular region for travelers, as it's never cold there, and there's an enormous amount to see and do. As with most states, activity is concentrated on the coast. You won't miss Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Cairns, and the many small coastal towns. You'll find activities focused on the sea, water sports, and aquatic activities. The Great Barrier Reef is the prime example. Another major site is Daintree National Park, a lush rainforest that will undoubtedly dazzle you. For families, also plan a day or two to visit the theme parks of SeaWorld, MovieWorld, and DreamWorld.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is Australia's most arid and wild state. It's also the least populated, with 200,000 inhabitants spread over an area three times the size of France. It could have been named the "Red State" due to the predominant color of the region and its very hot temperatures. The desert occupies a significant part of the state and is home to the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock). This state contrasts between the desert in the south and the oases in the northern part, such as Kakadu National Park, making this part of Australia a popular stop for visitors wishing to experience the true Australian Outback. This state also has the unique feature of being home to saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. You can take superb boat trips to encounter crocodiles in Kakadu.
Western Australia
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, representing one-third of the continent. This part of Australia is currently experiencing rapid economic growth due to its tourism, but mainly thanks to its mining activity. It is indeed one of the most active regions in the world for minerals. Western Australia is responsible for 15% to 20% of the world's production of aluminum, industrial diamonds, iron, and nickel.
The main city of this state is Perth, known as the "City of Light." Western Australia can be divided into two parts. The southern part is mainly known for its wines, but also for its surf beaches. The northern part, covering 400,000 sq km, is unique due to its many wild animals, such as kangaroos and dolphins, and its peculiar landscapes formed by caves, gorges, and canyons millions of years old. A stay in Western Australia will allow you to discover the real Australia and its Outback.
South Australia
South Australia is the driest state in Australia; it rarely rains there. The climate is Mediterranean. Ideal for wine lovers, you'll find the best vintages in Australia here. Adelaide is the capital of this state. Also called the "City of Churches," Adelaide is known for its gastronomy and parks. You cannot go to South Australia without visiting Kangaroo Island (30% of the island is protected), where you can admire birds and other animals in the wild.
Victoria
Victoria is the smallest state in Australia, but it encompasses some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. The Great Ocean Road, along the coast, has been voted one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This route is ideal for traveling with your campervan. The main city in Victoria is Melbourne. Considered the fashion and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is the second largest city in the country after Sydney.
How Long to visit Australia?
Visiting Australia takes time!
Indeed, the country is very large and a year is ideal for seeing everything.
However who has 12 months holiday? So it's essential to choose wisely based on the length of your vacation.
Generally, we recommend a minimum of two weeks in Australia, here are some examples of itinerary that you can do in 2 weeks or less: Sydney-Melbourne, Sydney-Brisbane, Western Australia.
We invite you to consult our itineraries page to determine the ideal length of your vacation.
Sydney - Cairns
The Sydney to Cairns road trip is THE classic Australian campervan or motorhome itinerary. You’ll need between 3 to 4 weeks to cover the 2,500 kilometers. Sydney to Cairns: The Detailed Guide
Sydney - Brisbane
Discover the beauty of the Australian East Coast on a 2 weeks motorhome road trip from Sydney to Brisbane. This journey offers the perfect blend of adventure and freedom for families and friends. 1000km of pure bliss. Sydney - Brisbane: The detailed guide
Sydney - Melbourne
900 km of breathtaking scenery, including a stretch of the famous Great Ocean Road. Set off to discover New South Wales and Victoria behind the wheel of your rental campervan. Sydney to Melbourne: The Detailed Guide
Melbourne - Adelaide
Experience Australia’s most legendary coastal drive on an unforgettable motorhome adventure from Melbourne to Adelaide. Take the wheel and cruise the world-famous Great Ocean Road, home to the majestic Twelve Apostles, before heading inland to explore the rugged peaks and ancient heritage of the Grampians. Melbourne - Adelaide: The detailed guide
Adelaide - Darwin
Traverse Australia from south to north on a legendary 3,000 km road trip through the heart of the Outback. From the red sands of the Red Centre to the tropical waterfalls of the Top End, this is the ultimate cross-continental adventure.
Perth - Darwin
Cruise along the Indian Ocean before venturing into the wild frontiers of the Kimberley on an epic 4,000 km road trip. From the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef to majestic red-dirt gorges, this is the ultimate coastal and Outback adventure.
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What is the best season to travel to Australia?
The best season to travel depends on your chosen route. In general, the weather is always great somewhere in Australia. The key is to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We advise against traveling:
- In the North during the rainy season (December to February)
- In the South in winter (June to August), unless you're a skier
- In the Center during peak summer (December to February) due to extreme heat
To travel Australia end-to-end, the recommended season is spring (September to November).
What to do in Australia?
Australia is a vast playground that will give you the opportunity to indulge all your passions.
Between hiking in the many national parks, beautiful white sand beaches for relaxing or surfing, you'll discover unique flora and fauna and a colorful marine environment. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Perth are also must-see cities to visit.
The great red continent will amaze you with the beauty of its landscapes and the friendliness of its people.
Take a look at our selection of must-do activities in Australia.
More generally, here are the must-see not to be missed during a trip to Australia:
- The city of Sydney
- The Blue Mountains
- The city of Melbourne
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Uluru (Red Centre)
- Daindree Forest (North of Cairns)
- Tasmania
- Whitsundays Island
- Kakadu National park
- Kangaroo Island
- Barossa Valley
- Great Ocean Road
- Byron Bay
- West Coast (Perth)
What transportation to use in Australia?
Australia is a huge country, so it's quite difficult to travel the entire country with a single means of transportation. If you want to visit several regions, it's wise to use several means of transportation.
For example, if you want to travel from Sydney to Brisbane but also visit Uluru in the Red Centre, in this case, traveling from the east coast to the centre would be done with an internal flight.
Another example: if you travel from Sydney to Melbourne or Adelaide to Melbourne, and then want to visit Tasmania, it's entirely possible to travel to Tasmania by ferry.
I'll give you several popular means of transportation for traveling across the country.
AIRPLANE
This means of transportation allows you to cover long distances quickly. Most major cities are served by one of the following airlines:
JetStar - Low-cost airline Virgin Australia - Airline Quantas - Compagnie Nationale
BUS:
The cheapest mode of transportation to travel the country, but beware of long journey times.
The Greyhound bus company serves approximately 200 destinations across Australia.
TRAIN:
Train is a popular way to travel between cities. The Australian rail network is very developed between Cairns and Adelaide. There is then a single line between Adelaide and Perth, and Adelaide and Darwin. There are also tourist lines such as the Ghan (Adelaide / Darwin), the Indian Pacific (Sydney / Perth), and the Great Southern (Brisbane / Adelaide).
CAMPERVAN AND MOTORHOME HIRE
Traveling by campervan or campervan in Australia offers a lot of freedom. There are depots across the country, and it's perfectly possible to pick up your campervan in one city and return it elsewhere. There are also campervans and vans for 1 to 6 people to suit all budgets. Visit our vehicle page for more information on licenses, how to choose your vehicle, and more.
Why Choose DetourNZ-OZ for your holidays?
We are specialists in campervan and motorme holidays in Oceania, with expertise in both Australia and New Zealand. Our partners have been carefully selected to ensure every service meets your expectations. We offer the best campervans and vans at the best prices, and we use our extensive experience to help you plan your perfect trip.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN VIDEOS
How to prepare your itinerary in Australia or New Zealand?
Our presentation video
Hear from Our Happy Travelers
Experience the Wonders of Australia with Our Expert Guidance
Let Us Craft Your Dream Trip Down Under
Local support
Our team is based locally in Australia and New Zealand, ready to assist you at every step of your journey.
Your personal travel expert
All our agents have extensively traveled the country in campervans, both with and without kids. They love sharing their real-life experience and insider tips.
With you from start to finish
We assist you before you leave (itinerary, activities, campsites) and remain available on-site during your road trip to ensure your peace of mind.



