Essential Tips for Campervanning in Australia: Your Complete Guide

Planning a campervan adventure across Australia's vast landscapes? Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or an international traveler embarking on the journey of a lifetime, here's everything you need to know about campervanning in the Land Down Under.

Planning Your Route

Best Times to Travel

• Northern Australia: May to October (dry season) offers comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall
  • Darwin temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C
  • Low humidity and clear skies perfect for outdoor activities
• Southern Australia: December to February (summer) provides warm weather ideal for coastal drives
  • Melbourne and Sydney temperatures between 16°C to 26°C
  • Extended daylight hours for longer driving times
• Tasmania: December to March delivers the most stable weather conditions
  • Temperatures between 12°C to 24°C
  • Minimal rainfall and optimal hiking conditions

Popular Routes

• East Coast: Sydney to Cairns (2,400 km) - Perfect for beach lovers and coastal views
  • Visit Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and the Whitsundays
  • Plan for a minimum of 14 days (check out our detailed Sydney to Cairns guide)
• Red Centre: Adelaide to Darwin via Uluru (3,000 km) - Experience the true Outback
  • Key stops include Coober Pedy and Katherine Gorge
  • Allow 2-3 weeks for the full experience
• Southwest Coast: Perth to Esperance (1,200 km) - Discover pristine beaches and forests
  • Visit Margaret River and Wave Rock
  • Ideal 10-day journey (see our west coast trip ideas)

Check out our other Travel Ideas and Guides for more inspiration and route ideas.

Essential Preparation

Safety Equipment

Australia is vast country. If traveling into remote areas, consider additional safety precautions:

• First aid kit
• Emergency beacon (EPIRB)
• Extra fuel containers (20L minimum)
• Basic spare parts
• Emergency water supplies (10L per person)
• Satellite phone

Camping Tips

Finding Campsites

• Download apps like WikiCamps or Campersmate
• Book popular sites during peak season (especially coastal areas)
• Always check if permits are required
• Look for free camps (explore our free camping guide)

Power Management

If your vehicle has solar panels, park in the sun or ensure you run your engine regularly to avoid depleting energy. Consider limiting device charging to driving hours to limit drain on the battery.

Road Safety

Driving Tips

• Plan around sunrise and sunset to avoid wildlife
  • Dawn and dusk are peak animal activity times
  • Most accidents occur between 5pm and 7am
• Maintain slower speeds on unsealed roads
  • Maximum 80km/h recommended on gravel
  • Reduce speed in wet conditions
• Check road conditions before travel (view our safe driving guide)
• Keep minimum 3-day food and water supply

Distance Planning

• Limit driving to 200-400km per day
• Plan fuel stops - stations can be 400km apart
• Schedule regular breaks every 2 hours
• Allow extra time for photo stops and exploration
• Build in rest days every 3-4 days of travel

Cost Considerations

Expenses

Obviously, expensese will vary greatly depending on your travel style and route. Here are some general costs to consider:

• Fuel: $1.60 - $2.00 AUD per liter
  • Higher in remote areas
  • Plan for 15-20L/100km consumption
• Campgrounds: $0-50 AUD per night
• National Parks: $8-15 per night
• Food: $30-60 AUD per person per day
• Activities: $50-100 AUD per day

Money-Saving Tips

• Cook your own meals
• Use free camping sites where possible (check our top free camps guide)
• Travel during shoulder season
• Buy groceries in major towns
• Use fuel price comparison apps

Continue reading about why vanlife might be perfect for your next adventure