One of the fun parts of an Australian road trip is planning where to stay each night for your epic #roomwithaview pics. And the good news is, when you rent a travel van, you’ve got plenty of great options of where to stay.
If you’re planning to plug in and use power in your campervan as you explore Australia, you’d be best suited to powered camping sites in campgrounds or holiday parks. On the other hand, if you’re keen to go off-grid, you may like to try out some of Australia’s great freedom camping spots.
It’s a good idea to decide on which campsites and campgrounds you’ll stay at when you’re planning your Australia road trip itinerary planner. To help you do just that, let’s take a closer look at some of these great options.
Freedom camping
Sometimes called wild camping or free camping, freedom camping is exactly that, free!
There are lots of beautiful freedom camping spots in Australia to choose from – from the rugged outback and bushlands to beautiful beaches and even some national parks. Take note, however, that you can’t park up just anywhere. You can only freedom camp in designated areas. Each state has its own free camping rules and regulations, so it pays to check these in advance.
Depending on where you are in Australia, you might be able to free camp on public land at no cost. Although often there will be a small overnight charge, usually managed with an on-site honesty box.
Remember, when you are freedom camping it is vital to leave each place how you found it. Take all waste and rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. Most freedom camping sites will have a dump station nearby. To help you locate these, along with everything else you need to find when travelling by campervan, it’s a great idea to download the free thl Roadtrip app.
Campgrounds
There are many great campgrounds and caravan parks in Australia. And depending on where your Australia road trip takes you, you’re sure to find plenty to choose from. Before booking your campsite, check out the park’s website and ensure it has everything you need and want.
Campgrounds are a natural extension of your camping experience. They generally offer a range of facilities such as bathrooms, shared laundries and kitchens, and activities for kids.
Many campgrounds are surrounded by fabulous views, are in great locations, and are home to welcoming locals keen to share their travel tips. Here are a few worth checking out:
Reconnect with nature in one of the most stunning locations in Australia. This beautiful campsite on 65 acres of bushland and 500 metres of beachfront has unpowered and powered campsites to choose from.
Enjoy the relaxed, beachfront atmosphere of this fabulous park in Byron Bay. The park has all the must-have facilities and is close to cafes, restaurants, and everything you need to enjoy an amazing stay.
This shady camping spot is surrounded by the stunning landscape of Kakadu National Park – a truly special spot! The campsite has a great range of facilities including an onsite petrol station and shop.
This great campground is a popular choice with families. Stay right on the beach and wake up to incredible views each day. The park features sheltered, flat and dry grass and paved sites available for all types of campervans.
Holiday parks and caravan parks
There are some fantastic holiday parks throughout Australia. We recommend staying at the BIG4 Holiday Park network or Discovery Parks and Top Parks. These holiday parks offer powered camping sites and excellent campsite facilities in some stunning locations nationwide. You can park up your campervan and not only enjoy maximum comfort, but you’ll also be able to chat with staff who are local experts. They can share advice on how to travel Australia, offer great travel tips, and help you make the most of your Australian road trip.
Discovery Parks and Top Parks
Discovery Parks and Top Parks is Australia's largest network of holiday parks. Both brands are owned by G’DAY Group Holdings. The network consists of 60-plus parks owned and operated by Discovery Parks, and 220-plus parks independently owned and licensed to the Top Parks brand. With that many parks around Australia, you’re sure to find one along your travel path.
As a trusted partner of their G’DAY Rewards programme, Mighty customers will receive a 10% discount (for up to $50) at over 270 Discovery Parks and Top Parks in the most sensational locations across the country. To book, contact Discovery Park or Top Park directly and show your Mighty keytag on arrival at your park of choice.
BIG4 Holiday Parks
BIG4 is Australia’s premier holiday park and campground group. They have 170 holiday parks located throughout the country, each offering a complete range of affordable self-catering holiday accommodation and camping facilities.
Each BIG4 park offers a unique experience. While the facilities may vary from park to park, the common aim of all BIG4 campsites is to ensure you have the comfort and convenience you need to really enjoy your Australian road trip. For those travelling in a Mighty motorhome, powered camping sites are most suitable.
Each holiday park is situated in an idyllic spot where you can relax or make new friends with fellow travellers. BIG4 owners and operators always offer a friendly welcome and are local experts so they can offer great travel tips to help you explore Australia.
Other accommodation tips
Now that you’ve got some good ideas on campgrounds and campsites to stay at on your Australian road trip, let’s take a look at some other helpful travel tips:
Don’t fly into Australia and start your camper holiday on the same day
If you’re flying into Australia from overseas for your campervan holiday, it’s a good idea to plan a rest day before your first day of driving.
We know that lots of people like to stay in a hotel or motel close to the Mighty branch they pick up from on their first night, particularly after a long flight. You’ll then be able to start your campervan holiday refreshed and won’t be driving while you are tired, or feeling jet lagged.
Download the thl Roadtrip app
Whether you’re looking for a freedom camping spot to set up for the night, or a great holiday park suitable for kids, the thl Roadtrip app can help you find it. You’ll find it helpful for a whole host of other useful things too, including:
Finding everything you need: The app displays your current GPS location and can help you find all your Australian road trip essentials. From petrol stations and free WiFi to supermarkets and dump stations – in fact, pretty much everything you need for a great campervan holiday!
Watch campervan videos: The thl Roadtrip app includes a full walk-through video of your campervan. You can see what it looks like and where to find everything you need. It’s a great way to learn a bit about your campervan before you pick it up.
Find your way without data or WiFi: No matter where you’re heading on your Australian road trip, the maps work offline. You don’t need a WiFi connection to use maps when you’re out of range, just download them first and you’re set!
Get feedback and tips from other travellers: There’s no better way to find out where to go and what to do and see than by word-of-mouth. The thl Roadtrip app is full of great tips from other campervan travellers. Very handy when you’re looking for somewhere good to eat or a great campground. And of course, you can leave your own feedback too.
Book in advance when you can
Peak seasons can get very busy at campgrounds and holiday parks, so it pays to book ahead. There’s nothing worse than missing out on a great campsite because you left it too late! Most parks and campsites have a website or app for you to book online.
Meet other travellers
Caravan parks, holiday parks, and freedom camping sites are great places to mix and mingle with other like-minded travellers. It’s a great opportunity to share travel tips, learn about hidden gems, and get advice on making the most of your campervan. Most motorhome and campervan travellers in Australia are part of a welcoming, friendly community so don’t be afraid to say hi!
How To Find & Book A Caravan Park In Australia
Want to learn more about how to travel Australia cheap and how to find and book a caravan park before you arrive in Australia? Look no further. We have put together this ultimate guide to finding a caravan park, including cost considerations, what to look for in a caravan park as well as a list of the most popular caravan parks in each state in Australia.
Ready to start?
We hope this blog has given you some great ideas on campgrounds and campsites to enjoy as you explore Australia. Planning and booking your campervan accommodation is all part of the fun – but just make sure you get in early so you don’t miss out!
Ready to take the first step and plan the ultimate campervan holiday? Get started now and book your Mighty campervan today. With 10 locations throughout Australia, you can pick up and drop off your pre-booked campervan from the branch that’s most convenient to you.
