Wonderful nature, endless beaches, breathtaking wildlife and fascinating cities. If you had to sum up Australia in one short sentence, that would be our attempt. But it would not do justice to the smallest continent in the world to summarize it so briefly. Australia is wild, breathtaking, diverse and beautiful, so even a detailed description would probably only scratch the surface of this exciting country.

This amazing country is made to be explored by campervan and it’s definitely the best way to discover it. In this article we want to share with you our experiences from over 2 months campervan road trip along the coast of Australia from Cairns to Adelaide.

We started our Australia campervan road trip in Cairns and drove along the beautiful coast with stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and ended our adventure in Adelaide. You can do the same tour in the other direction, but our route usually leads to cheaper campervan rentals.

• Cairns – Brisbane Road Trip
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Brisbane – Sydney Road Trip
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Sydney – Melbourne Road Trip
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Melbourne – Adelaide Road Trip
• Adelaide Travel Guide

As beautiful as Australia is, it is a long way away for most people. From Los Angeles, for example, it is around a 14-hour flight, from Central Europe it can take 24 hours with the necessary stopover.

Despite the long journey, it doesn’t stop around 10 million visitors a year from visiting Down Under and seeing all the beauty with their own eyes and experiencing it with all their other senses.

As there is nothing in the world that does not exist, there are probably also people in this world who visit Australia from afar and focus only on the big cities such as Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide. As beautiful and exciting as these metropolises are, Australia is clearly much more than the big city life.

Airplane

Due to the size of Australia, flying within the country is a common means of transportation. The planes take off and land like local buses in other countries. During our stay, we often enjoyed the services of Qantas or their budget option Jetstar. Both were pleasant and we can recommend them from our experience.

Campervan

The most exciting and best way to discover Australia is to explore all the beauty of the country by campervan. No other way of traveling is better for exploring the most beautiful corners of the country and discovering wonderful waterfalls, remote towns and secluded beaches. But even here, not all campervans are the same. We would divide them into three different budget categories, although these can certainly blur into one another.

Low Budget Camping

Low budget camping looks something like this: ideally, you get a caravan car, take the seats down in the back and throw a mattress in. While you look for free camping sites and eat ready-made meals, you explore all the beautiful nature and beaches that Australia has to offer.

Middle Budget Camping

This is where we would count ourselves. A reasonably comfortable campervan without a lot of luxury is your means of transportation for the big adventure. You have a microwave, a small fridge, a stove and a tap already installed. The seating area converts into a bed, which can be converted back into a seating area if required (and desired). In our opinion, this is the best choice if you are on a budget but also want a little “luxury”. And believe us, the term “luxury” is very elastic when you live on the road.

High Budget Camping

We would probably all indulge ourselves if it wasn’t so relatively expensive. For the more affluent among us, there are correspondingly larger campervans (car built-in) and caravans (car trailers). Here you have the opportunity to experience the greatest possible luxury on the road, which camping offers. Be it a small toilet for on the road, your own shower or even a built-in washing machine. There are almost no limits to what you can afford on a loose budget. Not to mention much more space for you and your fellow travelers.

Probably the best comfort of a campervan is that you not only have a means of transportation on four wheels, but also your entire home. Now you just need to know where you’re going to stay for the day and where you’re going to spend the night.

There is an app for that.

A camping trip in Australia wouldn’t work so easily without probably the most important app called WikiCamps . Rarely have we been so happy to live in an age of smartphones and apps.

With WikiCamps you can filter all the places and find exactly what you need.

• Where can I stay and cook during the day?
• Where can I fill up the campervan’s water tank?
• Where can I take a hot/cold shower?
• Where can I stay overnight for free?
• Where can I spend a paid night and charge the battery?

All this accompanied by numerous photos, ratings and reviews from a large camping community make planning so much easier and more enjoyable.

Download QR-Code

‎WikiCamps Australia

Developer: WikiCamps pty ltd

Price: 6,99 €⁺

Download QR-Code

WikiCamps Australia

Developer: WikiCamps

Price: Free

Free vs. Paid Camping

Depending on how well equipped your campervan is and how often or if at all you need to recharge the electricity, you can decide every day whether you want to spend the night on a free or paid camping site. At the free ones you often only have one toilet, which is not necessarily clean, while at the paid ones you have a clean toilet and a warm shower.

To save money, we used a paid campsite every 3-4 days, also to recharge the batteries of the equipment and the campervan. On the days with free camping, we took a shower on the way and refilled the water tank, both of which you can also easily find in the app.

In principle, entering Australia is relatively straightforward for most travelers. But remember that an eVisa is required. To be on the safe side, we would recommend applying for the eVisa at least one week before departure.

You can apply for it for free via the government website, but this can be a little complicated as it often gets “overloaded” and you will be asked to try again at a later date.

We can recommend the iVisa service. The application process is very simple and straightforward, and once you have completed everything, the iVisa staff will take care of everything. Depending on how quickly you need your visa, you can choose different options, which vary in price.

Coverage in Australia is one of those things. Even with the best mobile network, you will unfortunately not have reception everywhere. This is especially true in areas that are somewhat removed from civilization.

If you only want to stay in cities, you can take advantage of the offers from Optus and Vodafone. In most cases, you will certainly have reception outside of these. However, as you will often be outside of urban areas in your campervan, Telstra is a must!

Telstra covers most of the inhabited area in Australia, which means that you will most often have reception even in remote areas. Of course, there may be times when you won’t have coverage with Australia’s most widespread network, but in these cases you probably wouldn’t be any better off with other providers.

In comparison to some other countries like Brazil or Mexico, where people worry about their own safety because of the local criminality, you hear all the time how unsafe Australia is.
Here the concerns are only different because people are afraid of all the dangerous and poisonous animals.

When we announced that we were going to Australia, our close ones were more afraid for us than when we said we were going to Latin America.

Snakes, aligators, sharks, jellyfish, ants and spiders!

Well, Australia’s image is not accidental. The most poisonous animals in the world live here! However, you have to keep the whole thing in perspective. During our more than 3 months in Australia, we never had an encounter with any dangerous animal and we were in the most remote locations in Australia.

When it comes to the question of when is the best time to travel to Australia, you first have to answer the question of which areas of Australia you want to visit. The weather conditions depend not only on the time of year, but also on the area you are traveling to.

In Australia, everything is down under (below the equator). So are the seasons compared to the USA or Europe, it’s the other way around so to speak. Perhaps the following overview will help you make a comparison:

• September – November: Spring
• December – February: Summer
• March – May: Fall
• June – August: Winter

Even though a large part of Australia (18%) is desert and it can get as hot as 50°C in this area, the rest of Australia is not always perfectly sunny.

Australia has several weather zones, depending on which area you are in and what time of year it is, it can be pleasant in different ways.

Basically, Queensland is the sunshine state, where the sun shines the most and even in the Australian winter it is pleasantly warm. The further down you go, the cooler it gets. It is not without reason that Melbourne is said to have three different seasons in one day.

Western Australia, for example, is colder than the east. You can expect much more wind and biting winters here. We would recommend traveling here mainly in summer, preferably around February.

Credits: Wikipedia

Equatorial

Down under in Australia, parts of the north and northeast coast have an equatorial climate vibe going on. Picture this: endless summer with a side of heavy rain showers. It’s hot and humid year-round, with temperatures staying pretty consistent. Forget about seasons like winter or fall—here, it’s just perpetual warmth and moisture. These areas are home to some amazing tropical rainforests and wildlife. So, if you’re up for constant sunshine and the occasional downpour, Australia’s equatorial spots might just be your paradise!

Tropical

Up in the northern regions, especially around the Top End and parts of Queensland, it’s like living in a perpetual summer vacation. You’ve got your sunshine, your warmth, and your occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures stay pretty warm year-round, and there’s a distinct wet and dry season. During the wet season, you can expect some serious rain, but that just keeps everything lush and green. It’s the perfect setting for exploring tropical landscapes and enjoying outdoor adventures. So, if you’re all about that tropical vibe, Australia’s northern regions have got you covered!

Subtropical

In areas like southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, it’s like a mix of tropical and temperate vibes. You’ve got your warm summers, but they’re not as scorching as in the tropics, and your mild winters with cooler temperatures but rarely any frost. There’s a bit more variation in seasons here compared to the tropics, with distinct summer and winter seasons. You might get some occasional rainfall, but it’s not as heavy or consistent as in the tropics. Overall, it’s a pretty comfortable climate, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. So, if you’re looking for a happy medium between tropical heat and temperate coolness, Australia’s subtropical regions might just be your sweet spot!

Desert

When we’re talking about the Aussie Outback, we’re talking about some serious desert vibes. Think wide-open spaces, scorching temperatures, and not a whole lot of rain. Places like the iconic Australian Outback in central Australia or the Western Australian desert regions are where you’ll find this extreme climate. Summers are blisteringly hot, with temperatures soaring well above 40°C (104°F), while winters can get pretty chilly at night, despite warm daytime temperatures. Rainfall is sparse and unpredictable, often leading to drought conditions. But despite the harsh conditions, these deserts are home to some unique flora and fauna that have adapted to survive in this challenging environment. So, if you’re up for an adventure in the land of red sands and endless horizons, Australia’s desert regions are waiting for you!

Grasland

In the eastern interior and some areas of Western Australia, you’ll find grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. This type of climate is characterized by vast plains covered with grasses and scattered trees. Summers can get pretty hot, but not as scorching as in the desert regions, while winters are generally mild. Rainfall tends to be moderate, with most of it falling during the summer months. Unlike the desert, the grasslands see more consistent vegetation thanks to this more regular rainfall. These areas are also home to a variety of wildlife, from kangaroos to emus and a myriad of bird species. So, if you’re keen on wide-open spaces and the serenity of endless grassy plains, Australia’s grasslands might just be calling your name!

Temperate

In the southern parts of Australia, particularly in regions like Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of New South Wales and South Australia, you’ll find a temperate climate that’s more familiar to many people. Temperatures here are milder compared to the tropical north or the scorching desert regions. Summers are warm to hot but not excessively so, while winters can be cool to mild, with occasional frost in some areas. You’ll experience distinct seasons, with colorful foliage in autumn and occasional snowfall in higher elevations during winter.

Rainfall in these regions is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, although some areas might experience slightly drier summers or wetter winters. This balanced climate supports a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to fertile farmland and picturesque coastal areas. These regions are also known for their diverse wildlife and offer plenty of outdoor activities year-round, from hiking and camping to wine tasting and beach trips.

So, if you’re looking for a climate that offers a bit of everything – mild temperatures, distinct seasons, and diverse landscapes – Australia’s temperate regions might just be the perfect fit for you!

As described in the weather section, it all depends on which season and which area of Australia you are traveling to.

In Western Australia, even in the height of winter (February), it can be very windy and fresh, while on the same day in Cairns, for example, you can enjoy the best summer weather and unpack your swimming trunks or bikini.

However, there are things you should definitely pack for your campervan trip in Australia, no matter which region(s) you are planning to travel to.

Clothes

Regardless of what time of year you travel, the weather in Australia is very diverse.

It’s always hot in Australia is a myth!

If you’re visiting Down Under around summer, remember to take a rain jacket and a couple of sweaters and comfy sweatpants. Especially at night it can get very chilly in the campervan (sometimes close to 0° celsius). You’ll be glad you packed something warm.

Of course, you shouldn’t overdo it and pack too much. Just keep in mind that you will be traveling through different climate zones during your road trip in Australia, swimming, hiking and visiting cities. Be prepared for as many situations as possible and it’s best to take clothes with you that can be easily combined with others.

Tech

• Camera, GoPro, drone to capture the most beautiful places.
• Charging adapter, charging cable and power banks, because the best technology is nothing without power.
• Tripod, for beautiful long-term shots or couple photos.
• Vlog camera and microphone to capture the best time of your life.
• Universal adapters so you can charge in Australia and everywhere else.
• Extra batteries for all devices, because outlets are not available everywhere.
• Memory cards for cameras, you can never have enough of them.
• Laptop/tablet to sort and edit pictures and videos on the go.
• Headphones to tune out the world around you and be in the moment.

Travel Essentials

• Cosmetics: Everything you need to feel even more beautiful than you already are.
• Medicine: Everything you need and some vitamins for on the go.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, creams, contact lenses and glasses, because the flight will be forever long.
• Entertainment: Book, magazine, laptop, for entertainment in addition to the on-board entertainment.
• Reusable bottle: To fill up your water for free after the security check and save some money.
• Sleeping gear: Sleeping mask, earplugs, neck pillow: To be able to relax properly.

Documents

• Valid passport: Must be valid for more than 6 months beyond your travel period.
• Australia Visa: You will need this in most cases.
• Boarding pass: So that they let you on the plane at all.

Did you know that Australia is one of the highest meat consumers per capita? Only the USA and Hong Kong have a higher meat consumption.

As convinced vegetarians, we can’t approve of that at all! Nevertheless, there is also a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan alternatives in Australia. Be it in restaurants or in large grocery stores such as Woolworths.

As we traveled Australia by campervan, we ate in very few restaurants except probably every Betty’s Burgers.

However, Australia has some famous grocery stores. The biggest ones are Woolworths, Coles & Aldi. In terms of price, Aldi is certainly one of the cheaper choices, although unfortunately you can’t always find everything you’re looking for. Coles and Woolworths have a wider range. We felt at home in Woolworths and always went there whenever possible to stock up on delicious food.

In smaller towns you can also often find IGA or Foodland. Both of these tend to be alternatives to the big grocery stores and can often be found in out-of-the-way places. Unfortunately, they are often a little more expensive as they are in more remote locations.

How much does it cost to travel Australia in a campervan? This question cannot be answered so easily, as it is somewhat more complex. That’s why we have dedicated an entire (coming soon) article to this specific topic.