Campervan Road Trip Packing List Australia
Nothing kills road-trip vibes faster than realising you forgot your charger, your swimmers.. or worse, your coffee.
Before you start cramming your entire home into a van, here’s the good news: most Wicked Campers already come with the essentials sorted. Depending on your campervan, you’ll usually have a mattress, cutlery, cooking utensils and other camping gear. Just check what’s included with your specific van when you book, then use this list to cover everything else you’ll want to pack.
Here’s the ultimate packing list to survive your Australian road trip so you can focus on chasing beaches, waterfalls and all the hidden gems.
The Non-Negotiables
If you overlook these, you’re already setting yourself up for trouble.
- Driver’s Licence (obviously)
- Bank card and a bit of cash (some remote stores love to say: “EFTPOS is down, mate”)
- Phone and charger
- Offline Maps
- Travel Insurance (if you have it)
- Water bottle
- SPF 50+ Sunscreen (the Australian sun doesn’t muck around)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
Clothes and Footwear
You won’t care about outfit variety when you’re chasing beaches and hikes, but you will care about space.
- Thongs (flip-flops): a must for the beach runs and communal campsite showers
- Sturdy boots / Runners (for hiking)
- Swimmers
- Warm jumper / Thermal layer (especially if you are heading south or inland. The weather can change pretty quickly)
- Rain Jacket
- Light breathable clothing
- Sleepwear suitable to the weather
Pro tip: If you are travelling during colder months, pack a beanie and thick socks to survive the cold. A hot water bottle to cuddle at night also goes a long way when traveling solo!
Aussie Survival and Health
- Bug spray (Heavy Duty)
- First Aid Kit: bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, prescription medicines
- Water (at least 3-4 litres per person per day)
- Emergency snacks
- Phone charging cable for the van
- Reusable toiletries and dental kit
If you’re packing prescription meds, toss the script in as well so you’re covered for refills on the road.
Van Life and Camping Living
The things you don’t think about until you really need them.
- Power bank
- Torch or Headlamp
- Quick-dry towel (unless you’re aiming for that signature “moist cabin” aroma).
- Clothesline and pegs
- Duct tape (because somehow it fixes everything)
- Sleeping essentials
- Basic toolkit for minor repairs
- Hand sanitiser
Kitchen Essentials
What’s included in your campervan kitchen can vary, so check what comes with your vehicle before you hit the road. If you're travelling in a budget campervan with limited kitchen gear, you may need to bring a few extra essentials.
- Tea, coffee or your drink of choice
- Easy meals
- Drinking water
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Paper towels or reusable cloths
- Dishwashing liquid
- Rubbish bags
- Zip-Lock bags or reusable food containers for leftovers
- Basic veggies and fruits that will survive the heat, even in an ice cooler (eg. bananas, carrots, celery, apples, etc)
Before You Hit The Road
Five minutes now can save hours later.
- ✔ Check tyre pressures
- ✔ Fill the fuel tank
- ✔ Download offline maps
- ✔ Charge your devices
- ✔ Stock the fridge
- ✔ Check the weather
- ✔ Know where you're camping that first night
Queensland road safety authorities also recommend taking a break every two hours and avoiding marathon driving days. Your back (and everyone else on the road) will thank you!
Pack Light and Travel Freely
Don’t be that person who rocks up with half their bedroom only to realise Wicked already sorted most of the basics. Space in a van disappears quicker than a sausage roll at a servo, so only bring what you actually need. And if you forget something, Australia is full of servos, supermarkets, and random little shops that somehow sell everything. The whole point of van life is cruising, not overthinking, so chuck your gear in, fire up the playlist, and get wonderfully lost.
Do campervans come with cooking equipment?
Yep! All Wicked Campers, except for the Budget Mini Camper, come equipped with cooking gear, cutlery, crockery, and the essentials you'll need to whip up meals on the road. The exact inclusions vary between campervans, so it's always worth checking your vehicle's equipment list before you pack.
How much water should I bring?
Carry enough drinking water for each day of your trip, plus extra in case of delays. If you're travelling through remote areas, always take more than you think you'll need.
What's the one thing everyone forgets?
Phone chargers, power banks, insect repellent and rubbish bags are the usual suspects. Future you will be grateful if you remember them before leaving.