Can you park a motorhome anywhere in Australia?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will discuss: Can you park a motorhome anywhere in Australia? We will explain where you can park a motorhome in Australia and discuss the possibility of wild camping.
Can you park a motorhome anywhere in Australia?
No, you cannot just park a motorhome anywhere in Australia. You must always comply with local parking regulations and see to park your motorhome only in the allowed places.
Australia is a country that is designed to be travelled by motorhome or van, so it has a large number of campsites and rest areas where you can spend one or several nights or simply a few hours.
However, you should know that you cannot park your motorhome overnight within city limits, on the side of the road or even in some rest areas. When you travel by motorhome, you often have to pay to park your vehicle overnight. The good news is that due to the popularity of this type of tour in Australia, caravan parks are available almost everywhere.
These places offer various amenities such as showers, cooking facilities, laundry facilities, and much more. In addition, in them, you can meet other travellers and share stories and anecdotes.
Camping in Australia is a wonderful way to get a closer look at this beautiful corner of the planet … which is quite big! The country’s natural attractions are your best letter of introduction, and you can get to know them all with your rental motorhome. Hit the roads during the day, and find a place to park at night.
It is also an inexpensive way to travel. Small motorhomes are relatively inexpensive to rent and use, giving you transportation and accommodation all in one. You can also keep camp costs to a minimum if you know what you are doing and where you are going.
Where to park a motorhome in Australia?
Privately owned vacation parks and motorhome sites are not expensive, but very well equipped, and are your best option if you prefer a little luxury on your camping vacation. The facilities and prices vary greatly from one to another.
The best ones have electrical outlets, a swimming pool, playground, laundry, internet, grills for a barbecue, and much more, and there are even shops in some of them.
Prices range from $ 20 to $ 50 per venue, per night, depending on whether you require electricity, the location of the site, and the number of people staying. Sometimes these private parks are best located in the small towns of Australia and are perfect if you need to do your laundry, cook or take a good shower.
Camps in National Parks: they are state-owned and more basic than private ones. They are also cheaper, with prices ranging from $ 5 to $ 20 per night. Some only offer a place to park, while others have drinking water and pit latrines, but you can even find flush toilets, barbecue pits, and a place to deposit garbage.
Visit each state’s National Park system website to find and reserve your camp – for example, this is the one in New South Wales. It is important to take the environment into account when staying in campsites in a National Park, and leave the site as you found it.
Other questions you may be interested in
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Wild camping in Australia
Wild and free camping is possible in many parts of the country, but you must take into account some points. Wild camping is for independent vehicles, so do not leave anything on the site, or have a negative impact on the environment.
Park in public places that allow free camping – some farmers don’t mind people spending the night there, but the only way to find out is to ask. Some camps allow only limited-time stays, so keep this in mind: Above all, be respectful. Do not leave your trash on-site, as wild camping is a privilege that people sometimes abuse, and it has caused many campgrounds to close.
There are many websites that will help you find a free camp, and you can also download apps as guides. Do your research before you leave so you don’t get caught.
Be careful with wild camping in Australia
People say that the nature of Australia is dangerous. While it is true that you have a good number of wild animals, these and insects should not pose a problem, as long as you take your precautions.
Do not leave out food that could attract wildlife, keep shops and doors closed, and be careful in inland rivers where crocodiles can live. Wear sturdy shoes when walking in brush or bushes, and make a lot of noise when moving – snakes and spiders don’t want to meet you either.
Another important issue when camping is the risk of fire. Check the rules about lighting bonfires if you spend the night at a National Park campground and free campgrounds.
In some places campfires are allowed, while in others they are strictly prohibited: some areas of Australia are very prone to fires, especially during the dry months, and it is important to follow the rules. In addition, it is illegal in National Parks to collect firewood for bonfires.
Equipment needed for an Australian motorhome holiday
Besides clothes and food, there are some important things to pack for your RV camping trip.
- Ropes and cords: they are versatile and practical, and can be used to dry clothes in the sun.
- Mobile with an Australian SIM card, in case of emergencies.
- Baby Wipes – Perfect for cleaning your hands and face.
- Insect spray – very important in Australia!
- Outdoor tables and chairs: so you can enjoy the fresh air and eat outside.
- Flashlights: a head flashlight, for night trips to the toilet.
- A first aid kit: it may be included in your rental motorhome (check with the supplier).
- Warm clothing: even in the summer you may need a pair of pants and a sweater.
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, to protect yourself from the Australian sun.
- A GPS: always very useful, and sometimes necessary to find the way.
If you are arriving on a flight to pick up your rental motorhome, you will need to bring a light suitcase due to weight restrictions on airlines. Check with the rental company to see if they offer any of these items with the vehicle – you can most likely get the GPS and outdoor furniture for a lesser charge. You can also buy items like bug spray, baby wipes, and string at department stores (like Kmart) and supermarkets.
Conclusions
Occupying most of Oceania, Australia is a prime destination for an unusual vacation out of the ordinary. This country fascinates many globetrotters because of its coastal cities with paradisiacal beaches, but also because of its wild and authentic national parks.
To explore the territory, the motorhome is the perfect vehicle to access hidden places without worrying about where to spend the night.
If you have any questions, comments or tips to share, please let us know!
FAQ on Can you park a motorhome anywhere in Australia?
Is it legal to live in a motorhome in Australia?
The Australian government doesn’t exactly prohibit living in a motorhome, yet, you are not allowed to park your caravan and live in it anywhere you want. Some areas have certain restrictions, and some local governments are more permissive than others.
Can I live in a motorhome on my own land in Australia?
You can live in a motorhome on your own land in Australia, but on a temporary basis only. Thus, you cannot live in a caravan on private property for more than 30 days a year, and you have to have the basic conditions for a living (sleeping place, toilet, kitchen facilities).
Where can I park an RV?
An RV is perfectly entitled to park in the parking spaces along the roadway. However, its size must allow it, it must not interfere with road traffic or pedestrians. However, due to its size, the motorhome cannot park everywhere.
Where to stop with a motorhome?
A motorhome can stop in town in a parking space and spend the night there. It does not matter whether the motorhome operators are on board or not, as long as they comply with the regulations.
References
- Everything You Need to Know About Free Camping in Australia …
- Street parking for campervans? – Australia Forum – Tripadvisor
- 5 RV Travel Tips for Australia – Things to Consider for a Camper Van …
