Working And Travelling Across Australia In A Campervan: Do's & Don’ts

Annemarie Fischer

October 22nd, 2024

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7 minute read

Hey, fellow wanderers! I’m Annemarie, a digital nomad from Germany who has lived all over the world! If you’ve followed my last adventure (My 10-Day Cairns Van Trip as a Digital Nomad), you know that I’ve been soaking up all the wonder that comes with van living in Australia. At the moment, my life looks like road trips, remote work, and discovering the beauty of Australia's East Coast. And now, as my Aussie van life chapter comes to a close, I thought I would share with you all of the lessons I have learnt along the way!

Australia is the perfect place for hitting the road and working from wherever you park for the night. But trust me, it’s not all sunsets and kangaroos. There are a few things you need to know to make your experience smooth and stress-free. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of working and travelling across this massive, beautiful country!

DO: Plan Your Trip Ahead

Now, I’m someone who loves spontaneity, and a lot of the time it works in my favour. But let me tell you; Australia is huge. And when you’re tackling huge distances, you can end up quite remote, with no phone signal, and needing to hop on a work call (true story).

Australia is vast and can be quite scarce in places, which is why a bit of forward planning is a must. It's all about balance though. You don't need to plan out every single little detail, but at least have a loose plan of where you’re heading so you don’t end up running low on fuel, food, or Wi-Fi. Australia’s remote areas can feel like the middle of nowhere (because they kind of are), so having a rough route in mind is key.

• Tip: It's a great idea to always have a few essentials in your van like enough food for a few days, 5L of water and, if you're going really remote like the Outback, it doesn't hurt to have a jerry can of safely-secured fuel on hand.

DON'T: Rely on making decisions on the fly

Especially when it comes to essentials like fuel, water and food. I nearly got stranded once because I misjudged the distance between towns... never again!

A quick stop to plan my next few days on the road!

DO: Download Offline Maps

Whether you’re an Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone kind of person, you’ll quickly find that your signal isn’t always as loyal as your trusty campervan. That’s why downloading offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me is a total game-changer.

• Tip: Telstra does currently have the best coverage across Australia, so if you're hitting the road remotely, this is your best bet! And, if you're tackling big distances, I really recommend making sure you have data plan rather than just relying on WiFi so you can access the internet when you do have signal (check out our guide to getting an eSIM).

DON'T: Assume you will always have mobile signal

There are some stretches of road where you’ll lose signal for hours, and you often don't realise until you're even further into the middle of nowhere! So, make sure you’re prepared with downloaded maps, physical maps, and of course, downloaded songs and podcasts to make the long drives bearable!

This free campsite in Babinda Boulders was amazing, but had no signal! Often the most brilliant hidden gems aren't so connected, so be prepared for these out-of-the-way spots!

DO: Carry Plenty of Water

Australia can be scorching hot, and long stretches without services are common. You don’t want to be caught without enough water, especially when you’re a long way from the nearest town.

• Tip: My go-to move is stocking up on big 10-litre bottles from Woolworths to stay hydrated and have clean water to cook with whenever I need it.

DON'T: Underestimate just how thirsty this country can make you

Heat exhaustion is real! Keep that sunscreen on, wear a hat and take it easy on you and your van during the hottest parts of the day. Summer is of course the hottest time to visit Australia, but frankly, all seasons can have extreme temperatures, so listen to your body and stay cool!

DO: Respect Campsite Rules

I’ve stayed at everything from free campsites to paid ones, and the CamperMate app has been my best friend for finding spots. Free campsites are awesome but don’t risk wild camping where it’s not allowed. Australia has some strict rules and some hefty fines to match! Wherever you stay, remember to keep it clean and be respectful to the land and fellow campers. 

Don’t: Camp where you're not allowed to

Some areas are protected or private property, and you’ll get more than just a slap on the wrist if you’re caught, so don't go rogue and wild camp just anywhere.

Check out our guide on How To Camp For Free In Your Van for more handy van tips!

Camping with some friends where fires were permitted. In Australia there are sometimes fire bans so always be prepared and check before having a campfire.

DO: Pack for All Weather

Full disclosure: I may have misjudged the weather a few times on my trip and found myself freezing during some nights, especially down south. Australia’s weather can change in the blink of an eye. You’ll get tropical rain in the north, chilly nights in the south, and sometimes all four seasons in one day wherever you are! So be sure to pack for whatever nature throws at you.

• Tip: Be prepared with the East Coast ultimate packing list, and check the forecast for your planned destinations before you zip up that backpack!

DON'T: Assume it’s always going to be sunny and warm.

I know, Australia = beaches. But in reality, Australia is huge, and has diverse climates depending on what time of year it is and where you are. It can get down to negative temperatures in some parts of Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, the West Coast and Central Australia. 

DO: Be Mindful of Wildlife

Australia’s wildlife is straight-up magical. From the iconic kangaroos to the cheeky kookaburras, it’s a dream for animal lovers. But the roads are not where you want to encounter these beautiful animals. Driving at dawn or dusk can put you right in the path of hopping kangaroos, and that’s not a collision you want! My first-ever roo sighting was, unfortunately, a dead one on the side of the road. Wildlife accidents happen often, and they can cause serious damage.

• Tip: Read more about driving safely with Australian wildlife in our Driving Handbook For Visitors.

Don’t: Drive at night

Or if you absolutely need to, make sure to be extra cautious. That’s when all the nocturnal critters come out to play (and jump in front of your van), so slow down, use your high beams and be prepared to safely handle any sudden interactions with wildlife.

Kangaroos and wallabies are super cute in sanctuaries and even in the wild, but you don't want to see them anywhere near the road on your road trip! Slow down and stay alert.

Overview

In summary, Australia is the ultimate playground for campervan adventures, but it pays to be prepared! A little planning goes a long way: plot your route, download those offline maps, and stock up on water and food. Follow the rules at campsites, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and don’t forget to pack for all weather. By staying smart and respectful, you’ll have the time of your life exploring Australia’s breathtaking beauty by van!

For more stories from the road, check out my first blog post where I share the ups and downs of my 10-day Cairns van trip as a digital nomad. Catch you on the road, fellow nomads!

Ready to hit the road Down Under but don't know where to start?

Check out our iconic East Coast itineraries, where all of your stops and experiences are planned out for you, or chat with a local travel agent for personalised travel recommendations!