Top 10 Tips for Travelling Australia in a Campervan

You may have heard about the quintessential van life dream, where all you have to worry about are chasing the best sunsets and finding the perfect wave. And, believe it or not, the East Coast of Australia is unparalleled when it comes to making your idyllic road trip dreams a reality. 

So, fill up the tank, blast your favourite playlist and hit the road with these tried and tested must-dos that will make your Aussie van life road trip a total breeze! 

1.  First thing’s first, hire your van! 

Welcome to Australia, your road trip is just around the corner! And, your first step to embarking on the road trip of a lifetime is to hire your van. Let us get you the best deal on both some reliable wheels and a tidy little home as you tailor an inclusive itinerary plan. Whether you’re after a long, winding road trip down the idyllic whole East Coast over a month, or simply want a beachy experience from Brisbane to Byron Bay, we’ve got the right van for you. Remember to check the license requirements for the state you plan to drive in and read our international traveller’s handbook for everything you need to know before coming to Australia! 

2.  Keep it light

One of the golden secrets to successfully van living is to keep it light! Take only what you need, and not the kitchen sink. In short, don’t overpack. We’ll set you up with a van equipped with all of the bedding, living and cooking gear you need to make a home on the road. So, all you need to bring along is yourself and the basics! Check out our what to bring list for your next East Coast Tours to make packing your bags a breeze!

3.  Use the van kitchen 

If you’re looking to save money on the road, our biggest tip is to use the van kitchen! A simple piece of advice, I know, but it’s super effective as you keep those dollars in the wallet and the yummy dinners a cooking! Hit the local farmers' markets or supermarket, stock up on fresh fruit, veggies and canned goods (great to keep in the van) and enjoy cooking by the beach! Did somebody say curry in the car park? Another quick van tip is to always carry at least 20 litres of water in the van for drinking and cooking so you’re prepared for anything.

4.  Stick to the coast! 

A great van tip, especially for those chasing beach days, stick to the coastline and surround yourself with stunning coastal vistas! With plenty of charming, backpacker-friendly coastal towns along the way, enjoy friendly company, pristine beaches, great surf, long brunches and waking up to tropical paradise… every day! Not to mention, there are generally a lot more public toilets, showers and free camping facilities when you stick to the coast. Another quick thing to remember, try and avoid unsealed roads and always keep at least half a tank of fuel in the van to avoid any stressful situations! 

5.  Make a plan

While the joy of road tripping lies a lot in the ease and flexibility of not needing a plan, it’s always good to know a general direction and have a rough idea of start and end dates! So, once you figure out if you’re driving north or south, get in touch so we can help you plan the rest. With our flexible itineraries, you can book an excellent selection of open-dated, local tours to adorn your Aussie road trip with! Your adventure, your way is guaranteed on this East Coast trip of a lifetime!

6.  Prepare for the worst 

Before you roll your eyes and say, “yeah I know Dad”, it’s not bad advice when it comes to traversing Australia in a vehicle. Indeed, you should prepare for the worst when you’re travelling in a van! While your van often comes with standard insurance, you may want to think of the worst and how much accidents could cost. From a stone to the windscreen or a potential call-out in the middle of nowhere, make sure you look into what you’re covered for, what you’re not covered for, and what kind of cover you need.

7.  Drive slow and see more! 

Here on the East Coast, it’s about both the journey and destination so roll the windows down, breathe in the salty air and take it slow! With coastal drives bordering rolling waves and golden sands, it’s nearly impossible to stop at every beautiful spot along the way. And our advice… do it! You will never regret that stunning lookout walk, beachside chill-out session or hidden gem discovery. Not to mention, taking it slow and really seeing the sights means you use less fuel, saving you both dollars and stress! 

8.  Know where you can camp

While your Instagram may be brimming with shots of van-lifers sleeping on the beach or by a waterfall, the reality of spending nights in a van requires a little more tact. In Australia, it is generally illegal and/or discouraged to sleep in your car when you're not in a designated free or paid camping area. While some states, like Queensland and South Australia, are stricter on these rules, it does vary according to local Council regulations. A lot of the time beach, park and nature reserve areas will have “no camping” signs, so you should definitely steer clear of these spots, as the fines can be hefty. We strongly recommend the WikiCamps app, which maps out the best free, low-cost and deluxe campsites and hostels along your route! Read our guide to free van camping to make the most of your time in Australia on a budget.

9.  Watch out for the wildlife

If you came here to see the Aussie wildlife, you won’t be disappointed! From kangaroos to possums to echidnas to wombats, the East Coast is home to plenty of our curious furry friends. So, when you’re hurtling down the highway at 100km/h, just be mindful that you’re not the only mammal on the road. Avoid driving at night if you can, and be cautious between dawn and dusk. Not only is visibility the worst during these times, it’s also when the native Aussie wildlife is quite active! Always read the road signage and slow down! 

10.  Don’t forget to take photos!

Whether you’re a photographer pro, have brought along your mum’s old film camera or are chasing the influencer content for your #vanlife holiday, don’t forget to snap some shots. The country, ocean, rainforests and island panoramas are one of a kind down here on the East Coast, and you’ll absolutely want to give your loved ones a slideshow presentation when you get home (willing or not)! And, if you’re posting to social media, don’t forget to tag us on @eastcoasttours so we can see how you’ve done the East Coast.

Ready to start the journey but don't know how to start? Let our team of locals help! 

From the van, to the experiences, all the way down to the handbook, we can design the perfect itinerary for your East Coast getaway... without the price tag.

Get in touch with our live chat or call us today!