There are any number of reasons why the popularity of campervan travel is on the rise.
The freedom to explore widely and at your own pace, the cosiness of your home on wheels, the ability to control your budget, and the endless possibilities for adventure make this a style of travel unlike any other. Which is why campervan holidays are one of the fastest growing segments of the domestic travel market.
Ready to make like a turtle and join the ‘van life’ movement? Here’s a beginner’s guide to campervanning in Australia.
1. Have a plan, but be flexible
While going where the wind takes you sounds fine in theory, you’ll get more out of your trip with a basic schedule in place. Compile a list of the destinations you definitely want to visit and work out roughly how to fit them into the time you have available. However, keep things fairly loose. There’s a sense of liberation that comes with being able to turn off the planned route when you want to. And you never know — that detour could lead you to one of those most memorable experiences of your holiday!
2. Choose amazing campsites
Yes, you have all the essentials you need inside your van, but where you park it will have a huge impact on your state of mind. Whether you prefer quiet and secluded spots, or more social settings (like caravan parks for example), it’s important to find campsites that suit your style. The point is, don’t just settle for just any spot to pull over for the night. Find a spot you love!
Tracking down great campsites is actually a relatively time-consuming exercise. Try and work a couple of nights ahead, so that you’re not forced to settle for something unsuitable at the last minute. There are heaps of apps that will help you narrow the search. Read online reviews from other campers and pay it forward by leaving useful reviews yourself. Your campervan rental company may also be able to give you recommendations.
3. Create a cosy and functional living space
To ensure a great experience on road, it’s crucial to make your campervan as comfortable and functional as possible. Invest in quality bedding, keep the space organised with clever storage solutions, and add touches like cushions, small pot plants, and fairy lights to personalise your home away from home. And don’t forget the importance of ventilation — open a window or roof vent at night to keep the inside of the van fresh and inviting.
4. Master the art of campervan cooking
One of the best parts of campervanning is being able to cook meals in your compact mobile kitchen. In addition to saving money on dining out, you can eat healthily and heartily, and enjoy the fruits of your labour alfresco. Plan your meals ahead of time, stock up on non-perishable ingredients, and invest in a few essential kitchen gadgets. It’s also a good idea to pre-prepare a few meals at home and freeze them for consumption during the trip. Slow cooked stews are a great option, as they’re easy to reheat and taste great after a big day of sightseeing. And don’t forget the marshmallows for evenings around the campfire!
5. Keep your van well maintained
Your campervan is your castle, so look after it! Ask for a thorough run-through of the onboard systems when you collect the vehicle. It will make any necessary troubleshooting down the track that little bit easier. Check the oil, coolant, and tire pressure regularly, and know the drill for changing a tyre. Additionally, keeping the exterior of your campervan clean will make the overall journey much more pleasant.
6. Embrace the great outdoors
A campervan holiday is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors, so don’t spend hours on end behind the wheel. Take every chance to stop and appreciate the landscape around you. Hit the beach, go bushwalking, cool off in crystal clear waterholes, and swim beneath glistening waterfalls. As evening falls, set time aside to sit and lose yourself in the starry sky. None of these activities will cost you a cent, and they’re likely to be among the most rewarding aspects of your trip.
7. Make friends and share stories
Another amazing part of campervanning is the opportunity to meet like-minded people as you travel. Fellow van lifers will be keen to swap stories and share feedback on campsites, and just saying ‘g’day’ to your neighbour for the night will often spark up a conversation. Be open, approachable, and amicable; you might pick up some useful tips or compelling advice.
8. Capture the memories
You’ll make lots of amazing memories during your trip and it’s worth capturing special moments to share with friends and family back home. Takes plenty of photos and post them to social media or publish them on a travel blog. Many campers also document their travels on video, and it’s even possible to earn money from your videos over time. And who knows, your images might just inspire someone else to join the van life revolution!
9. Practise ‘leave no trace’ principles
Every RV (recreational vehicle) traveller has a responsibility to protect the beautiful places they visit and minimise their impact on the environment. The ultimate aim should be to leave no trace of your visit. Take your rubbish with you (particularly in national parks — even if bins are provided), dispose of wastewater appropriately, recycle where possible, and ensure that campfires are properly extinguished. And if you cross paths with any wildlife — admire it, but don’t feed it.
10. Enjoy every moment
The key to having a great campervan holiday is to savour every moment of your time on the road. Take full advantage of the freedom that comes with exploring under your own steam, stop and sightsee often, and engage purposefully with the people you meet. Revel in the peaceful mornings and fun-filled evenings, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination itself.
This post was published thanks to Travellers Autobarn.
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Do you have any tips to add to our beginner’s guide to campervanning in Australia? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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