Australia is a bucket-list destination for travelers from across the world. While many people are drawn to the big cities or a particular section of the country, most travelers want to see as much of the nation as possible during their time away. It’s not just overseas travelers, though. More and more Australians are discovering just how much beauty they have in their backyard. You can see everything the world has to offer in Australia and there is no better way to take in the sites then RV Camping around Australia in comfort. Naturally we get you don’t like the camping tents, hot mornings and putting-up and packing-down your 2 man camping tent for you and your partner. That is why you have choose the house on wheels!
Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that the best way to explore Australia is on a road trip in an RV. We couldn’t agree more! There is something pretty special about packing up the RV, rounding up your family and getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime. But with so much space to explore, it can be tricky to know where to start – or what to consider before heading away! To help make the most of your time travelling Australia in an RV, the team at Murphy’s Creek Escape has put together our top five tips.
5 RV Camping Tips for Travelling Australia
1. Make the most of the Wind
Australia’s coastline is 13,800km and it is very popular with tourists and nomads wanting to drive around the country. When you consider extra diversions and weekend stop-offs such as Tasmania, Alice Springs or Uluru, this distance can very easily and quickly double. However, we understand that no RV Camping Trip is meant to be over in a few days. So make sure to consider having a specific fuel budget! Because… That’s a lot of petrol, right? Well, when you take into account the winds that can reach speeds of up to 60km/hr if you are travelling through the Southern End of Australia, fuel usage jumps even more. Not to mention any extra luggage that you might be hauling around the country.
To keep your fuel costs low, the best way to travel the country is on an anti-clockwise route. We suggest starting in Melbourne or Sydney in spring or summer, before heading north and following the sun before winter sets in. This will give you strong and constant winds behind you, and will also mean you benefit at the bottom of Australia from the west to east winds across the 1,400km Nullarbor Plain on the way home. Make sure stop in for some artesian bore baths while camping in Cunnamulla at Charlotte Plains (as Featured on Farmer Wants a Wife) for a refreshing dip and farm stay experience in regional Australia.
2. Follow Highway One
Highway One follows much of the Australian coast, ranging from six-lane highways to single-lane roads. The entire route is sealed, except for a short section of the Roper Highway in the Northern Territory. Fuel can be found approximately every 350km along the way, except for between North-Western Australia between Broome and Port Headland – where it’s just a little more than 400km.
Following Highway One will ensure you’re taking the quickest and easiest route between destinations, and that you’re much less likely to be caught without petrol. There are also plenty of rest areas along the way, as well as RV campsites for people to stay overnight or for more extended stays. You are best to always plan a week ahead to ensure availability for where you are going. Also if you ever get in engine or RV problems there will be someone coming along not to shortly after if you stick to the main Highways.
3. Be aware of the Distance
Plenty of travelers from overseas get caught out by the distances between different destinations across Australia. Few other countries in the world have such long distances between towns, so it’s an easy mistake to make! This is a particular issue along Western Australia’s coastline, and the 1,400km Nullarbor Plain.
We encourage anyone travelling the country, whether they’re an Australian or an international, to do their research before heading off. When you do reach a remote town, it may only have a single, very basic place to stay. If feasible, it’s always a great idea to try and book ahead of time (at least one day in advanced!) so that you’re guaranteed somewhere to stay after a long day of driving. This is also important when it comes to planning for petrol and other supplies because no one wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere, without anyway of getting home!
4. Go outside of Peak Season
Australia is a popular place for travelers! It’s easy to see why too. The east coast and particularly Queensland is especially crowded during Christmas and Easter. If you’re travelling without kids on a flexible time frame, we suggest looking into the school term dates before booking your trip. Most coastal camp groups book out months in advanced for these peak periods, so it can be much more challenging to find suitable accommodation. If you are looking to travel during the school holidays, you’re bound to meet plenty of new faces along the way!
It’s also a great idea to check out the dates of significant events in each state or town. Plenty of smaller locations around the country host their own agricultural shows, car or horse race meetings and music festivals. Depending on your interests, you can work your travel schedule into or around these events.
5. Plan for all Seasons
Australia is known by people from around the world for its glorious sun-drenched days and beach weather. But the truth is that the country’s climate actually varies hugely from north to south, and from summer to winter.
The southern parts of the country are typically quite comfortable during the summer, but the climate can drop to 0 – 15 degrees during the winter. Places such as Melbourne and Adelaide are also known for hosting four different seasons in one day. Many days, residents can wake up to a grey and overcast sky but be bathing in the sun at the beach by lunchtime before battling a hailstorm after dinner. Outback Australia is also super-hot during the day, with temperatures dipping below zero at night-time. With so much variance, you must plan for all seasons. Even if you’re only planning on being away for a short period, we suggest bringing clothes for all climates.
Another factor to consider is the wet and dry season. The northern section of the country experiences its wet season typically from November to March, with some risk of cyclones and impassable roads due to creek or river flooding during this time. Never cross watercourses in these locations during this time unless you are experienced and confident; they are safe. You might be surprised how deep and strong flowing these water bodies can be!
6. The bonus tip – Visit Murphy’s Creek Escape
No trip around Australia is complete without a weekend camping stop or overnight stay at Murphy’s Creek Escape near Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley in South East Queensland. Our friendly team is so excited to meet you and hear all about your RV adventures!