Guide to Planning Your Camper Adventure Across Australia

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Australia on a road trip through its diverse and wild landscapes.

While Australia’s National Highway 1 may not hold the legendary status of America’s Route 66, taking a journey around the map—filled with endless surf beaches, koala-filled forests, vibrant red deserts, and breathtaking starry nights—will be unforgettable. If time is tight, exploring either the east or west coast, or even a specific region, offers just as much excitement.

Although there's a wealth of information from fellow travelers, here are some essential tips to keep in mind before embarking on your motorhome journey in Australia.

For a brief getaway, concentrate on a single area

With only a few weeks to spare, you’ll want to focus on one specific region. If your goal is to immerse yourself in nature with less time driving, targeting a smaller area is ideal.

For a blend of beaches, mountains, and waterfalls, head to northern NSW (including Byron Bay) and southern Queensland, which boasts stunning coastlines and the lush Scenic Rim. If you prefer less traveled roads, explore the coastline southwest of Perth near Margaret River and venture inland to the ancient forests of Pemberton. Tasmania is also very navigable in two weeks, offering mountains, beaches, and delectable local produce throughout.

Arriving in Darwin will lead you to some of Australia's most breathtaking landscapes around Litchfield, Kakadu, and further down to Uluru. From Adelaide, you can choose to explore the coast, wineries, and wetlands to the south, or journey into the ancient heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges through the Clare Valley's vineyards.

The scenic routes between Melbourne and Sydney through southern NSW are lengthy and winding, with less varied geography, yet the temperate weather and numerous family-friendly towns with excellent camping spots make it worthwhile. Starting your camper journey in Cairns opens up the lush Atherton Tablelands and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, which is cared for by its traditional custodians, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people (discover more on a Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge) and the Great Barrier Reef.

However, this is merely a snapshot of options. With extra time, you can combine several itineraries and embark on extended trips—like from Adelaide to Darwin or from Sydney to Cairns via Byron Bay.

Plan for at least three months to complete a 'lap of the map'

Some adventurers aim to travel around all of Australia, and you’ll find numerous blogs where people share their insights for undertaking this journey in durations ranging from six weeks to a year.

Three months is a sensible minimum for this journey. It allows for spontaneous detours and extended stays at places that captivate you, while also helping you manage costs (the longer you’re traveling, the higher your expenses, and prolonged use increases the risk of mechanical issues that could strain your budget).

The optimal period for a camper trip in Australia is from May to October.

If you're planning a trip lasting only 12 weeks, the best time to go is during Australia’s cooler months (May to October). In the northern regions, you'll enjoy the dry season (many roads become impassable at other times of the year). Meanwhile, southern NSW and Victoria will be cool (even cold, with possible snow in the Great Dividing Range), which means campsites and caravan parks will be less crowded.

It's best to steer clear of December and January. These months coincide with school holidays, resulting in crowded campgrounds filled with families on summer vacations. Plus, you'll have to deal with sweltering temperatures where your legs stick to the car seat and the steering wheel feels scorching hot (this discomfort can occur anytime from November to March).

If you're traveling on a working holiday visa, you'll have the flexibility to stop and seize job opportunities as they come your way—or if you're on a self-funded gap year and can afford a longer journey in your campervan—you'll be experiencing all seasons. Just be cautious not to visit the north outside the dry season.

Investing in a camper can be a financially savvy choice.

Some travelers opt to pool their savings to buy a vehicle for their unforgettable campervan journey across Australia. This can be a cost-effective strategy if you select the right vehicle and maintain it well, allowing you to sell it at the end of your trip (keeping in mind some depreciation due to added mileage). Besides the purchase price of the van, you’ll need to consider other expenses such as registration (“rego”), insurance, a roadworthiness certificate (RWC), repairs for resale, and equipping the vehicle with extras like a campfire oven, outdoor shower, bikes, or canoes.

Rental companies provide a wide variety of motor homes and vans.

Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle from a reliable hire service. Alongside international brands like Avis, be sure to check out Australia/NZ-specific options such as Apollo, Maui, and Britz.

You’ll find a wide selection of vehicles, whether you're seeking a luxury motor home/RV or a simple van setup with a roof-top tent. Consider the age and mileage of the vehicles when comparing rental companies. More budget-friendly brands, often aimed at backpackers, typically feature older models. For instance, vehicles from Cheapa Campa are generally four years or older.

Everyone planning to drive must be present at the vehicle pickup with their driver's license, a credit card (not a debit card), and a security deposit to cover any potential damages. One of the major perks of renting from a company is the option for a one-way trip: you can travel from Melbourne to Cairns or Perth to Broome without needing to backtrack.

Peer-to-peer campervan rentals tend to be well-equipped.

Similar to AirBnB for accommodations, the Australian service Camplify (also available in the UK and Spain) allows campervan owners to rent directly to travelers. Prices are generally lower, and the vans are well-suited for off-grid camping. Many include solar panels and reliable batteries for powering devices like fridges and even satellite internet, ensuring you stay connected even in remote areas.

When making a booking, you have the option to add extra insurance that lowers your out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident. However, there are a couple of downsides: you must return the camper to its original location, and owners can decline your rental request based on your age or planned itinerary, which may lead to potential discrimination. Luckily, there are plenty of campers available, so you’ll have plenty of choices.

Be honest about your needs for space and comfort.

Have a conversation with your travel group about the type of camper that fits your budget. Remember to think about how you’ll cope without showers, a camp kitchen, or onboard toilets: budgeting for campsites with facilities is essential, and if you're on a longer trip, you'll need to plan for laundry stops as well. Additionally, ensure you have a strategy for waste disposal and secure storage to prevent local wildlife from rummaging through your supplies.

Living in close quarters can be tricky, especially if someone in your group struggles to keep things tidy. Long drives, heat, and discomfort can add up. Consider whether an RV vacation suits your needs before committing to buying or renting a motor home for an extended journey. Not every day will offer you a chance to nap with an ocean view, and some days will require long stretches on the road—Australia is vast.

Ensure you have breakdown cover and download helpful apps before you set off.

In addition to having comprehensive travel insurance for your vehicle and belongings, consider joining a road users' association like the RACV or NMRA for roadside assistance if you experience a breakdown.

There are some fantastic apps to assist you while traveling. Download them and use them whenever you have data, as many areas in Australia lack mobile reception.

• Wikicamps is great for finding free or budget-friendly campsites.
• CamperMate offers both free and paid campsite options along with necessary facilities.
• Hipcamp guides you to private properties where you can camp for a fee in peaceful locations.
• Fuel Map Australia helps you locate the nearest gas stations (although fuel prices can be unpredictable).
• The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app is essential for local weather forecasts and alerts.

Whether you’re embarking on an adventure solo, with friends, or taking your family on a memorable bucket-list journey, it’s time to start planning.