Planning A Campervan Holiday
Australia has a wide range of climate zones because of its large size, from tropical in the far north to temperate in the south and arid in the interior. This means that some parts of the country do have prolonged hot or dry periods, especially inland and in deserts, while others (especially coastal areas) have milder conditions.
You can log on to the Bureau of Meteorology website to get more accurate weather predictions to plan your campervan trip.
☀️ Temperatures
- Northern Australia (tropical) is generally warm to hot for most of the year.
- Southern states (temperate zones) have cooler winters and warmer summers.
- Winters in the south can include frost and noticeably cooler conditions not seen in the tropical north. Australian Bureau of Statistics
🌦️ Rainfall
- Australia is the second-driest continent, after Antarctica.
- About 80% of Australia’s land area receives less than 600 mm of rain per year.
- Across the whole country, averaged over all regions, the mean annual rainfall is around ~419 mm.
🌸 Seasons
Australia’s diverse climate offers a wide range of experiences, making it a year-round destination for motorhome enthusiasts. Understanding the seasons is crucial for planning your adventure to ensure you’re travelling at the optimal time for your chosen destination. Here’s a guide to Australia’s seasons and the best times to embark on your motorhome journey!
- Summer: December to February
- Autumn: March to May
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
🚐 Popular places to visit during campervan holidays in Australia
You’ll find plenty of inspiration thanks to our Detailed Itineraries, our Blog Articles, and our Instagram Page!
To name a few, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart are iconic! Most of these places are either subtropical or temperate which means that they make excellent holiday destinations.
Read our favourite Summer Destinations in Australia!
Check our top Spring Destinations in Australia!
If you have any questions, feel free to read all our FAQs or call our friendly team on 1300 664 485.
Whether you intend to be on the road for a week or a month, packing for a road trip requires at least a little planning! To make sure you won’t forget your iPad charging on your bedside table or proper footwear for all the incredible hikes you’ve been dreaming of… here is our Campervan Essentials Checklist (download or read below).
GENERAL – Pre-Travel Checklist
| Passport (international travellers) | Let your bank know that you will be travelling (international fees etc) | Cards and cash |
| Driver’s license and/or international driver’s permit | Book your travel tickets including plane, train, bus, airport transfers | Make a list of the valuable items you’re taking |
| Travel insurance details – leave one copy of your policy at home | Automate your bills while you’re away | Leave a detailed itinerary with someone at home |
GENERAL – Before You Go
- Weather forecast/average temperature
- Currency exchange rate
- School holiday period
- Download useful apps (like CamperMate)
CAMPERVAN ESSENTIALS
Your motorhome will have all the essentials as kitchen cookware, cutlery, all your bed linen with sheet, pillows, doonas, bath towels etc… Check out what’s included with your rental here!
Bringing a few entertaining items along will bring so much value to your holiday! There’s something so lovely about playing a board game when on holiday with the family or watching a new movie together in the evening. So, don’t forget to pack:
| Pack everything in a soft bag, rather than a suitcase (it will be easier to move around in the motorhome) | Favourite electronics/phone, Ipad, camera | Portable battery power bank |
| Maps and Guidebooks/GPS (if applicable) | Charging cables | Books, board games, playing cards |
| Torch with new set of batteries (you can buy more at the supermarket) | Streaming device (Apple tv, Amazon stick etc) | Sporting items (football, frisbee etc) |
TOILETERIES
Toiletries are essential for keeping comfortable on the road, and if you’re trying to make the most of your campervan’s storage space, they can be purchased in compact travel bottles.
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | Soap, shampoo & conditioner | Comb/hairbrush | Moisturiser |
| Sunscreen | Deodorant | Razor and shaving cream | Cosmetics |
| Lip balm | First aid kit | Mosquito repellent | Wet wipes |
CLOTHING
Regardless of the season, you should always pack a variety of different clothing options for your campervan holiday. From chilly Tasmania to tropical Queensland, temperatures may vary in different parts of Australia, calling for a versatile wardrobe. For more information on Australia’s seasons and the kind of weather, you may encounter during your trip, see our Weather and Climate page.
| Water/wind-proof raincoat | Socks & underwear | Shoes/hiking boots | Sunglasses |
| Warm jacket & Thermals | Pyjamas | Thongs/slides | Beanie & Hat |
| T-shirts & Shorts | Swimwear & Beach towels | Light durable footwear | Casual evening wear |
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS
Our motorhomes come with all the essential cookware you could want to make delicious meals every day. Think of what you’d like to eat and make while travelling and purchase the essential ingredients before your trip. Some good basics to always have with you are:
| Bread | Salt & Pepper & Condiment | Butter/Margarine |
| Pasta & Rice | Milk | Spread like vegemite or peanut butter |
| Snacks | Oil | Pantry staples: corn, lentils, beans, pasta sauce, tinned fish… |
KIDS’ TRAVEL ESSENTIAL
Travelling in a motorhome offers families a unique blend of freedom, comfort, and convenience. You can explore at your own pace, keep familiar routines, and create unforgettable experiences without constantly packing and unpacking. Here are some essentials to bring along:
| Travel pillow or blanket | Soft toy or comfort buddy | Portable night-light or fairy lights | First aid kit with kids’ essentials |
| Activity books, colouring sets | Favourite treats | Reusable snack boxes and drink bottles | Baby wipes and sanitiser |
| Outdoor toys – frisbee, ball, kites, bubble wands | Floaties, and beach toys |
Spare clothes and plastic bags for messy adventures |
Casual evening wear |
Check out our complete guide about travelling with kids!
If you have any questions, feel free to read all our FAQs or call our friendly team on 1300 664 485.
With so many options to choose from, deciding where to stay on your campervan holiday is half the fun! Check out our favourite caravan parks near our branches!
Caravan Parks
Caravan parks, also known as tourist parks or holiday parks, are widespread across Australia; you can find one in just about any part of the country. Comfortable and convenient, they usually include facilities such as toilets, showers, camp kitchens, BBQ areas, laundries, game rooms, children’s playgrounds and dump points.
Site fees in Australia vary between each caravan park, locations and period of the year. The booking process is relatively simple; when you arrive at a caravan park with your campervan or motorhome, you can book either a powered or non-powered site, depending on availability and your own personal preferences. We recommend plugging your vehicle every second night to ensure full battery charge (and to be able to use all the great feature in the motorhome such as the AC/heating system, power points and microwave).
We recommend pre-booking your site well in advance, either online or over the phone. This is especially important if your trip coincides with school holidays or any long weekends. By booking accommodation ahead of time, you can stay in your first choice of caravan park at each of your planned stopovers.
In Australia, there are three major chains of caravan parks as well as a myriad of independent operators. For more information regarding caravan parks and their locations, get in touch with one of these major chains:
- BIG4 Holiday Parks – www.big4.com.au
- Discovery Holiday Parks – www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au
- Family Parks – www.familyparks.com.au
Once you’ve got your accommodation sorted, our Travel Info ang Blog pages feature plenty of helpful tips to help you plan a self-driven adventure in Australia.
Image: Port Douglas Caravan Park
These blogs could help you plan your road trip:
10 Top Caravan Parks To Stay On Your Hobart To Brisbane Relocation
5 of the Best Campsites and Holiday Parks Near Sydney
Guide to the Best Caravan Parks in Perth, WA
6 Of The Best Holiday Parks in Brisbane
National Parks & Reserves
Regardless of your age or fitness levels, there are many ways to access and enjoy the natural beauty of one of over 500 national parks in Australia. Special protections apply to national parks due to their unspoilt landscapes and diverse plants and wildlife. Tourists can visit these special places and enjoy learning about Australia’s unique environment, heritage and culture.
Camping options are available in most of Australia’s national parks. Some sites are powered, although it’s not uncommon for remote bushland areas to have limited or no facilities. Basic camping ground facilities usually include toilets, showers, BBQ areas, power and tap water.
Whether you’re visiting during the day or staying overnight, some national parks charge an entry fee (generally those with high volumes of visitors) to raise funds for maintaining roads, facilities and other kinds of infrastructure projects. This money may also be put towards conserving threatened species and their natural habitats. Passes and permits vary and may include vehicle entry passes, camping fees, or annual passes. It’s your responsibility to obtain the correct permit for your intended stay.
We recommend pre-purchasing your pass and permit well in advance, too. For more information about Australia’s National Parks and purchasing passes and permits in different states and territories, visit the following websites:
- Queensland – www.derm.qld.gov.au
- New South Wales – www.environment.nsw.gov.au
- Victoria – parks.vic.gov.au
- Tasmania – www.parks.tas.gov.au
- South Australia – www.environment.sa.gov.au
- Northern Territory – www.nretas.nt.gov.au
- Western Australia – www.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Clarification about Free Camping
Free camping means that you can stay overnight in a spot, free of charge (like in some public areas, rest areas or some national parks).
Free camping in Australia is permitted, but only in designated spots, not just anywhere. Look for signs (“Free camping”, “Overnight Camping”…) and respect them, only camp where it is permitted or you could be subject to fines.
Use resources like WikiCamps or CamperMate to find great spots and check local rules.
Want to learn more? Read our comprehensive guide about Free Camping in Australia.
If you have any questions, feel free to read all our FAQs or call our friendly team on 1300 664 485.
