We've been chatting to our friends Nicola and Saxon from Rat and Dragon to find out more about what made their epic trip around Australia so amazing. Here's what they told us:
Where was the best view?
The coastal road between Cairns and Port Douglas is stunning. Take time to stop off at a viewpoint or two.
Best location for a picnic?
Woodburn between Byron Bay and Spot X (Arrawarra) is a great place to stop by the river (the pie shop is legendary!).
Where was your favourite place/town visited?
We loved the laid back surfer atmosphere at Spot X, and as backpackers tend to stay there longer, there is a real sense of community.
What was your favourite experience/activity?
There were many, but Kroombit Cattle Station really touched us. You can camp and we hope they open their farm stay experiences again soon.
Top highlights?
Mataranka Hot Springs, Uluru, Walkabout Adventures Port Douglas, Magnetic Island, Kroombit Cattle Station and the huge dinosaur fossils in Richmond (West QLD).
Best café for coffee?
Byron Bay is your best bet for decent coffee north of Sydney
Favourite pub/restaurant?
The Roadhouse at Threeways (NT) has great burgers (good cause it’s the only place for food within about 3 hours drive..!).
Did you have a favourite Holiday Park you stayed in and why?
Julia Creek (West QLD) was similar to other holiday parks but the people were LOVELY. They organize communal dinners twice a week and run a free shuttle bus from nearby wild camping spots to include the backpackers!
What would be your top tip for other campervan travellers?
Plan in an extra hour when driving, there are so many lovely little places to stop off at along the way. Take blankets for cold nights in the desert and plan to arrive well before sunset, so you don’t have to drive when kangaroos are active (and parks close earlier than you would expect!)
Can you share a recipe from something you cooked in the campervan?
Lamb chops with runner bean, cashew, pawpaw and caramelised red onion salad.
What is your greatest memory of the whole campervan holiday?
How vast Australia really is, and how varied its different landscapes are. It’s well worth taking the time to explore a smaller part of the country or take more time to drive further (i.e. don’t rush through many places in a too short amount of time).
