Australia Road Trip Tips: Campervan Travel Hacks You Actually Need

So, you're itching to hit the open road in Australia, huh? Buckle up, mate—here's your no-fluff, straight-shooting guide to conquering the Land Down Under in a campervan.

Plotting Your Epic Journey

Best Times to Roll:

• North (Darwin, Broome & Cairns): May–October. Dry season = fewer mozzies, more good times.
• South (Melbourne, Adelaide & Tassie): December–February. Sun's out, fun's out.
• Tasmania: December–March. Perfect for hiking and not freezing your bits off.
• East Coast (Sydney, Brisbane & Cairns): Peak season is December–March, but it’s a great idea to travel in Spring or Autumn to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the sun.
• West Coast (Perth & Exmouth): January–March is the perfect time. When traveling up you can stretch it till the dry season May–October. Whale Shark season is mid-May through September.

Top Routes to Blaze:

• Cairns to Sydney: 2,400 km of coastal bliss. Check out our itinerary.
• Adelaide to Darwin: 3,000 km through the Outback's heart. Check out our itinerary.
• Perth to Esperance: 1,200 km of beaches and forests. Check out our itinerary.

Gear Up

If you’re traveling remotely, don't leave without:

• A First aid kit
• An Emergency beacon (EPIRB)
• Extra fuel (20L minimum)
• Spare parts. Our 4WD’s all come with a spare tyre.
• 10L water per person
• Satellite phone

Australia's big, wild, and unforgiving. Don't be a numpty—be prepared.

Camping Like a Pro

Finding Your Spot

• Apps like WikiCamps or Campersmate are your best mates.
• Book ahead during peak times. We know you love to wing it, but popular spots will book out.
• Check for necessary permits in National Parks.
• Free camps? Hell yeah, but don't be a jerk—leave no trace.

Power Play:

• Got solar panels? Park in the sun.
• No solar? Run the engine to keep the juice flowing.
• Charge devices while driving to avoid draining the car battery.

Road Rules & Survival Tips

Drive Smart:

• Avoid driving between dusk and dawn—kangaroos don't look both ways.
• Unsealed roads? Keep it under 80 km/h.
• Wet roads? Slow down, hero.
• Check road conditions before you go.
• Always have a 3-day supply of food and water.

Distance Matters:

• Stick to 200–400 km per day. Make sure to check your booking to avoid getting charged for extra kilometres.
• Fuel stops can be 400 km apart—plan accordingly.
• Have a break every 2 hours. Great excuse to stop for an Aussie pie!
• Take rest days every 3–4 days. Don’t rush your roadie, enjoy and take it easy.

Budget Like a Boss

Expect to Spend:

• Fuel: $1.70–$2.9 per liter.
• Campgrounds: $0–$50 per night.
• National Parks: $8–$15 per night.
• Food: $20–$50 per person per day.
• Activities: $50–$100 per day.

Save Some Dollars:

• Cook your own meals. Check out our awesome cheap camping recipes.
• Use free campsites when possible.
• Travel during shoulder seasons, for example from April until October.
• Buy groceries in major towns. The small towns may look cute, but the prices aren’t!
• Use fuel price comparison apps.