So, you’ve snagged yourself a Wicked Camper, bed in the back, and a playlist to keep you going for days. That’s the dream. But if you’re hitting the road, whether it’s a Great Ocean Road campervan hire, an East Coast Australia road trip, or a dusty outback 4WD camper rental, you’ve got one job: don’t screw up the scenery.
Here’s how to travel wicked and eco-friendly.
1. Pack Smart (Less Junk, More Fun)
You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe for a Sydney to Cairns campervan hire. Minimalism is the new black.
- Refillable water bottles > crates of plastic ones.
- Food containers you can re-use (bonus: leftover pizza travels well).
- A sarong, seriously. It’s your towel, picnic rug, curtain, or toga for that Byron Bay drum circle.
Light load = better fuel economy = more $$$ for beers.
Check out the full range of budget campervans for hire in Australia.
2. Cook Without Burning Down the Outback
Your Wicked van comes with a stove, so skip the wild campfires. Nobody wants to be “that backpacker” who sets half of Queensland ablaze. If you do want to have a campfire for some extra warmth, always check the local fire bans!
Reusable plates and cutlery > single-use junk. We pack all our campers with the kitchen stuff you need for your trip. That’s eco-friendly camping 101. Plus, eating pasta straight from a pot by the beach at Airlie or the Whitsundays? Chef’s kiss.
Want tips on what to cook? Check out our Cheap Camp Cooking Recipes.
3. Keep Campsites Clean (Leave No Trace)
Australia’s national parks, free camps and backroad hideouts are next-level, but they stay that way only if we don’t trash them.
- Bin everything (yes, even your “compostable” coffee cup).
- Use eco-soap in rivers and creeks.
- Don’t leave your love notes carved into Uluru’s cousin (or anywhere really).
4. Drive Smart, Save Cash
Road trips = petrol money. Petrol money = less beer money. See the problem?
- Take it easy, no Bathurst racing. Smooth driving = cheaper fuel.
- Plan your routes to avoid unnecessary detours: Cairns to Darwin, Brisbane to Sydney, Perth to Broome… less backtracking means more hammock time.
That’s how you win at sustainable travel in Australia.
5. Eat Local, Be a Legend
Forget Macca’s. Stop at farm gates, country bakeries and dodgy pubs with neon beer signs. Every dollar you spend in a small town keeps the road trip dream alive for locals and travellers alike.
If you’re doing a Great Ocean Road campervan trip, make it a sport to try every fish & chips shop you drive by.
6. Don’t Be a Wildlife Menace
Rule of eco-travel: kangaroos don’t want your Doritos, cockatoos don’t need your Pringles, and dingoes will happily take your whole esky if you’re dumb enough to leave it open. Respect the wildlife: admire, photo, move on.
7. Outback = Respect the Land
Thinking of an outback 4WD camper rental? Wicked’s got you covered with rooftop tents and awesome 4x4 vehicles, but remember:
- Stay on marked tracks.
- Camp only in permitted spots.
- Don’t dig up half the desert to bury your instant noodles. Take your trash back to civilization.
The red dirt is sacred, treat it that way.
Final Word: Wicked & Wild Without the Wreckage
Australia is made for backpacker road trips, from surf breaks on the East Coast to rugged outback tracks in the NT. Wicked Campers gives you the ride, the gear, and the vibe. You bring the questionable playlists and the bad dance moves.
Travel light. Camp smart. Respect the land. And remember: the only thing you should leave behind is tyre tracks, dodgy tan lines, and maybe that one sandal you’ll never find again.
Ready to hit the road? Book your Wicked campervan hire in Australia today.
Wicked Campervan Hire FAQ: Eco-Friendly Road Trips in Australia
Is camping in Australia eco-friendly?
It can be, if you’re not a muppet. Camping in Australia is all about respecting nature: use designated campsites, clean up after yourself, and don’t feed kangaroos your leftover kebab. With a Wicked Camper, you’ve already got cooking gear and storage onboard, which makes eco-friendly camping easy.
Can you hire campervans on the Great Ocean Road?
How do I make my road trip more sustainable?
Easy:
- Reuse water bottles and containers.
- Cook with the stove in your Wicked van (not open fires).
- Drive steady to save fuel.
- Spend your dollars at local markets and country bakeries.
That’s sustainable travel in Australia without killing the vibe.
Can I do freedom camping in a Wicked Camper?
Yep! One of the best things about backpacker road trips in Australia is finding free camps. Wicked vans are self-contained with beds, cooking gear, and storage — perfect for budget travellers. Just make sure the spot is legal, safe, and you leave it cleaner than you found it. Use apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate to find free camps.
