In this blog post, we will discuss: What do I need for caravanning in Australia? We will tell you what are the most essential things to bring when caravanning in Australia. wE will also give you 10 practical tips for having the best experience while travelling with your caravan!

What do I need for caravanning in Australia?

Going caravanning in Australia is a new experience for the majority of travellers, so you certainly have many questions about what you may need.

Here is our list of necessary things for caravanning in Australia:

Sleeping essentials: Pillowcases, bed sheets, blankets, sleeping bags;
Cooking essentials: cutlery, ready-to-use sauces, bottled water, condiments, canned food, fresh food.
Clothing and personal hygiene products: don’t forget a hiking backpack or sleeping bag;
First Aid Kit: the essentials & mosquitoes and insect repellents;
Outdoor essentials: Barbecue, deck chairs, outdoor picnic chairs and table;
Other essentials: a toolbox, replacement lamps, safety triangle, battery-powered torch, fire extinguisher, key for the gas cylinder, tire pressure gauge, etc.

Where to park a caravan in Australia?

Australia is a country very prepared for the world of vans and caravans. Many people choose this option to tour the country, especially Australians themselves, so the whole country is well prepared for it. However, you should know that in most states it is completely forbidden to camp freely. That is, it is only allowed to spend the night in the duly indicated areas.

Here we leave you some of the most common options that you can find to sleep when travelling Australia by van or caravan:

Free public camping or service areas – They are areas where it is allowed to sleep in the van or caravan, or even in the car, completely free of charge. Some of these campsites have a limit of stay (24 or 48 hours normally) and a maximum limit of places.

“RV Friendly” Villages – There are several “RV friendly” towns across Australia. Normally you will find the sign that indicates it at the entrance and exit of the town. These are towns in which they have enabled an area determined to let people who travel by van or caravan sleep for free.

Public paid campsites – Also called “campgrounds”. They are public but you have to pay, usually between 10 and 15 dollars per vehicle (2 people).

Private campsites – They are like public campsites but privately owned, which makes them a bit more expensive. The quality and quantity of the facilities can vary greatly. Prices usually start at $ 15-20.

Caravan Parks – These are fully equipped private campsites. Usually, the owners live right there. They usually offer all kinds of facilities, from hot showers to swimming pools or mini-golf.

In the caravan parks, you are guaranteed a hot shower, plugs to charge your devices, a power outlet for your van (powered site) if you need it, an equipped kitchen, etc. Prices for caravan parks usually start at $ 20-25 (for an unpowered site).

10 practical tips for caravanning in Australia

Here you will find 10 practical tips for a successful motorhome trip.

Choose the right vehicle. – Each motorhome has a very specific layout and equipment, so according to your needs, it is important to choose your vehicle well.

What does and does not include the rental price. – Each rental company offers different services. Indeed, some rental companies have hidden costs such as certain taxes, additional costs for an additional driver, deposits, filling the gas cylinder, etc.

Do I need insurance and if so which one? – This question comes up very often. If you want a carefree holiday the answer is YES you need insurance, but now which one is best?

Insurance for your payment card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.). This option is usually not possible, as the rented vehicle is often more than 3.5T or more than 8m3. It’s up to you to check with your bank what the insurance conditions are.

Your complimentary travel insurance. Some insurances cover, in addition to standard elements (repatriation, illness, etc.), the excess in the event of an accident.

The insurance of the motorhome rental company. Deciphering the different options is sometimes quite difficult, and the more expensive is not necessarily the best.

What should I take with me on a motorhome trip to Australia? You will find all the equipment of a standard kitchen, such as cutlery, kitchen utensils, tea towels, dishwashing liquid, corkscrew, colander, water glasses, wine glasses, saucepans, kettle, French press, grill bread, …

Traditional camping? Wild camping? There are several camping options in Australia:

The first and most famous is traditional camping. You pay per night for a location for your vehicle and for travellers. In these campsites, you can connect to a terminal and recharge the battery of your motorhome, empty your wastewater and fill the freshwater tank.

The second is wild camping. It is quite possible to go wild camping in the country, excluding the centre of towns and national parks: to camp in these, you must go to the campsites provided for this purpose.

Driving a motorhome in Australia. – Even though motorhomes are easy to manoeuvre and drive, it should always be remembered that you are not in a vehicle of similar size and weight to a passenger car. Here are some tips to make driving around the country easier.

Driving is on the left, but the driver is always “in the middle of the road”
Always keep the height of your vehicle in mind, especially when parking under trees or shelters.
The speed limit is 100km / h maximum depending on the country. Avoid rushing anyway, and enjoy the beauties of the great continent, the road is an integral part of your stay.
Be careful when a heavyweight passes you, the “slap” is much more felt in a motorhome.
Don’t be surprised if a vehicle overtakes you on the left on multi-lane roads.
Watch what is happening on the road ahead, not who is following you behind.
Allow vehicles behind you to pass only if you deem the manoeuvre safe.
Anticipate the actions of other vehicles. The braking and acceleration distance in a motorhome is longer.
Respect and extend the safety distances.
Ride during the day if possible to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Driving and parking in town – Driving the motorhome is relatively easy, you will get used to it very quickly. In the city, on the other hand, it can get more complicated as there are more people and less space.

We, therefore, advise you not to make slots in the city, and to favour paid locations where you will not have to manoeuvre too much. Generally, you will not be able to camp in the cities, it is better to leave the big cities slightly or go to the campsites in the city.

Final advice for caravanning in Australia

The advantage of going on vacation in a caravan in Australia is to be as independent as possible, to be able to sleep where you want and when you want without thinking about the level of the battery, the fresh water tank and the sewage tank.

The Australian government doesn’t exactly prohibit living in a caravan, 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.

Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions on travelling with a caravan in Australia? Let us know!

FAQ on What do I need for caravanning Australia?

How to prepare well for going camping?

To prepare well for going camping follow these tips:

Identify your camping mode. Before any research, take stock.
Choose your campsite.
Reserve your location.
Equip yourself well.
Test your equipment.
Watch the weather forecast.
Load your backpack well.
Plan your meals.

What accessory do you need in a motorhome?

If you are travelling with a large vehicle (motorhome or caravan), consider taking the essentials with you, such as a water hose, tool kit, a propane gas cylinder or even an electric cable.

How to start in a motorhome?

To start travelling in a motorhome, follow these simple tips:

Learn to manage the resources well.
Pack the right accessories.
Anticipate the nocturnal stages.
Measure your vehicle.
Secure things well.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

References

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What do I need for caravanning in Australia? (9+ tips)