Australia is a country full of magnificent beaches, amazing unique animals, waterfalls, cliffs, rock formations. But also, what perhaps few people know, a country with wonderful waterfalls and forests. In addition, let’s not forget the great coffee and wonderful locals.

Australians are a very friendly nation, they love small talk! They will be happy to share with you places that only they know about, but also learn your story of where you are from and what places you plan to visit in their country. Thanks to these chats we learned about some wonderful places, which we would like to share with you.

In this post, however, we will focus on exploring Australia, in a campervan. This is one of the most popular means of transport chosen, not only by visitors, but also by locals. For visitors, however, organizing such a trip can be a bit difficult. Where to go and what to see?

We will share everything we learned during our two months travelling with our campervan around Australia and help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

Since it it is such a huge country, we have divided our adventure into several posts. With that it will be much easier for you to organize your unforgettable campervan road trip. It can be said that it will take you around 2 weeks from one big city to another, which will make your planning much more comfortable.

Check out all our Australia travel guides:

• Cairns to Brisbane Itinerary
• Brisbane to Sydney Itinerary
• Sydney to Melbourne Itinerary
• Melbourne to Adelaide Itinerary

Ahhh Australia! What a wonderful country! Thinking back about our trip we have in mind so many beautiful memories, animals we saw for the first time in our lives, cities like no other, wonderful beaches, high cliffs and great viewpoints. And these are just some of the attractions. Australia can not be described in a few sentences, it must be experienced.

Our trip to the land of kangaroos lasted two months, which is still not enough, and we already know that someday we will return to get to know this country even better. But for now we look through the photos and think back about, one of the coolest adventures in our lifes.

#1 Cairns

Considered an ideal destination for an active vacation, Cairns is famous for its various activities. From snorkeling and scuba diving to flying over the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose from the many activities that this city has to offer.

The choice of activities is huge, which can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors to Cairns or Australia in general. Therefore, if you can only afford one activity, choose diving or snorkeling. Both of these activities will allow you to see the amazing underwater world on the largest coral reef in the world for which Australia is known around the world.

If you are looking for less extreme entertainment in the morning or afternoon, visit Rusty’s Market, the local market is the perfect place for breakfast or buying fresh fruit.

And if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, visit The Lagoon, where you can lounge on the built beach or swim in the refreshing pool.

Be also sure to walk to the marina and admire amazing boats and some wild life or to grab something to eat in one of the restaurants.

#2 Millaa Millaa Falls

Located a few kilometers inside the land, the Millaa Millaa Falls is the perfect place for a quiet morning in the midst of nature. Several meters high waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and the easy access makes it beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The water from the waterfall flows into a large pool in which you can swim (always check the signs about possible dangers). Although the temperature in the pool is not the highest, on a hot day it can be a refreshing experience.

To have this place practically to yourself, come in the morning, as its get quite crowded around 11 AM.

Travel time: 1h 30min

#3 Mission Beach

Mission Beach, is an incredibly long and wide beach that can accommodate any number of tourists. Despite this, it is empty most of the time. Surrounded by palm trees, the beach is the perfect place to relax, go for a morning jog or walk the dog.

The sand on the beach is a bit of a yellow hue, which makes it resemble beaches in Costa Rica, such as those in Uvita.

At certain times of the year swimming may be prohibited due to the likely dangers, so be sure to check the warning signs before entering the water. There is also no lifeguard on site.

Travel time: 1h 20min

#4 Horseshoe Bay Beach

This beautiful beach is shaped like a horse’s shoe, hence the name. The cove on both sides is surrounded by huge stones, which add to the charm of this place. The sand underfoot is soft and its color is quite dark yellow.

On the right site (facing the beach), just in front of the beach is a path leading to the lookout point. The ascent to the point is easy and takes 5-10 minutes, while the views from the top are unforgettable and worth every effort.

Travel time: 5h 5min

#5 Airlie Beach / Whitsundays / Great Barier Reef

Airlie Beach is the most popular beach side in the area. Loved not only by tourists, but also by locals, it is an ideal place from where you can admire the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you do it from up close by snorkeling or diving, or from a height by going for a flight over the Great Barrier Reef, the experience in both cases will be unforgettable. And seeing the Great Barrier Reef is a must while in this part of the country.

If you decide to take a flight, be sure to use the services of GSL Whitsundays . The price of the flight is fair, the pilots and drivers are well trained, and the views from above on the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays are definitely unforgettable.

In addition, in Airlie Beach you can buy boat excursions to the amazing islands on Whitsunday with beautiful sandy beaches. This trip is an additional great attraction. The town itself, on the other hand, is very charming, full of restaurants with delicious meals, cafes with aromatic coffees, and numerous souvenir stores.

Travel time: 1h 5min

#6 Mackay

The charming town of Mackay is not one of the largest, and all its attractions lie within a dozen steps. The most interesting buildings, such as the Queensland National Bank Building, the Australian Hotel and the T.G Building are located at the main traffic circle, by Victoria and Wood Streets.

If you like street art, be sure to head to Fifth Lane, where you can admire the beautiful street paintings along the entire length of the street. On the main street there are several restaurants and cafes ideal for morning coffee or lunch.

Travel time: 1h 40min

#7 Rockhampton

Rockhampton, a slightly larger city presents itself with some beautiful buildings, some dating as far back as the 19th century.

While in town, be sure to take a stroll along the river on the walking paths and admire the buildings around you, such as Riverston Tea Rooms, Customs House, Former Post Office and Court District.

In addition to amazing buildings, Rockhampton’s streets are dotted with small stores and service outlets, all housed in low, charming buildings.

Travel time: 3h 45min

#8 Seventeen Seventy (1770) / Agnes Water

Seventeen Seventy (1770) is the place everyone talks about! No matter if they are other campers or the owner of the farm where you stayed. This place is considered the most beautiful in the area.

And no wonder, it’s a perfect place for swimming or admiring amazing sunsets. And the Mangrove trees growing on the beach, only add to the charm of the place.

From above the place also looks interesting, and all this is due to the sandy islands located a few meters from the shore.

Travel time: 2h 35min

#9 Elliott Heads / Woodgate

Another beautiful beach on this side of the country that you must visit. Especially if you like long walks on the soft sand and great views.

A slow walk will take you to a small cove with amazingly blue water where local dogs love to swim, and in stronger winds you can watch locals doing kite surfing.

From above, this place looks equally amazing, especially thanks to the sandy islands.

Travel time: 1h 50min

#10 Rainbow Beach

Being in this area, Rainbow Beach is a beach you absolutely must visit! It impresses not only with its length and width, but also with its wonderful, soft and white sand and stormy ocean.

The entrances to the beach are located slightly higher, so the views from there are unforgettable. And the colorful hills in the distance add to the charm of this place. The beach also looks great during sunset, with some blues and pinks on the sky.

Travel time: 2h 35min

#11 Noosa Heads

The perfect place to escape the big city does exist, it’s called Noosa Heads.

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Noosa River, the town looks like taken out of a picture. Filled with snow-white, elegant homes and hotels, it is a great place for an extended break.

The river is full of boats, and there is a path along the river which is leading from the beginning to the end of the marina. It is perfect for a walk or jog.

In a small park right next to it you will find designated places for picnics or barbecues. There are also small beaches where adults are relaxing on blankets and kids wading in the water.

In addition, Noosa Heads is known for its water sports and excellent, full of delicious dishes restaurants right on the banks of the river. And if you have time, make sure to explore the adjacent Noosa Natioal Park to admire even more beautiful nature.

Travel time: 1h 35min

– Noosa Heads Main Beach

Long and wide Noosa Beach is an ideal place for relaxation and water frenzy. Loved by both tourists and locals, the beach is besieged by sun-thirsty beachgoers. However, because the beach is so large, it is not crowded at all.

Yellow sand and clear, although cool water of Noosa Beach beach also attracts beginner surfers. The waves are not too high, so they are ideal for learning to surf.

There are restrooms on site and places where you can rent a surfboard if you want to try your hand at surfing. The whole area around the beach is rich in stores and restaurants.

#12 Kings Beach

The slightly smaller but equally beautiful Kings Beach, with its soft, yellow sand and clear water provides a slightly more intimate atmosphere, especially during the spring season.

Next to the beach is a small, green park where locals are happy to relax on the grass in the shade of the trees. You will also find bathrooms with showers, and barbecue areas.

Around the beach are located numerous restaurants and cafes, and several stores. There is also a swimming pool right on the beach, for those who prefer the calm surface of the pool water to the crashing ocean waves.

Travel time: 45min

#13 Glass House Mountains Lookout

For those craving great views of the hills, Glass House Mountains Lookout will be the perfect place for a short or longer stopover. Surrounded by greenery, the hills look stunning against the blue sky. And the lookout provided definitely makes it easier to observe the surroundings, especially the views from the observation tower are unforgettable.

The place is ideal for those not fond of long climbing to the lookout point, as the lookout can be easily approached by car. However, if you decide to take a short hike, there are several routes from the lookout, starting at 45 minutes one way. However, remember to have appropriate clothing, footwear and a supply of water.

Toilets and a barbecue area are located on site.

Travel time: 40min

#14 Brisbane

Enjoy some big city life in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Get a first glimpse of the metropolis from Mount Coot-Tha Lookout. In the city, enjoy a walk along Howard Smith Wharves and marvel at the view of the skyline as well as the legendary Story Bridge. For a little escape from the urban bustle, take a walk in the City Botanic Gardens. Go on a shopping spree in Queen Street Mall or enjoy the warm sunshine along Streets Beach. To round things off, immerse yourself in another world at the Rainforest Walk, right next to the Wheel of Brisbane.

Travel time: 1h

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.

Queensland is one of the warmest regions in Australia with a subtropical climate. Although it is warm here all year round, it is at its best between April and May. As a general rule, in addition to the recommended months, the two or three months before and after are also highly recommended in most cases. Keep in mind, however, that the weather in Australia is the reverse of the western hemisphere.

In order to visit all the places we recommended in this post without rushing, plan at least two weeks. Distances in Australia can be enormous, so check the map of places before you travel and reserve a few days.