5 Tips For A Campervan Trip In East Coast Australia

A journey down the Australian East Coast will be an incredible adventure if you enjoy campervan trips. An entire East Coast trip will take you from Queensland, through New South Wales, and to Victoria. Having some campervan tips handy will make your experience safer and more enjoyable. 

Here are some tips for a successful campervan trip in East Coast Australia: 

1. Ensure your camper van is roadworthy.
2. Plan your route thoroughly. 
3. Take advantage of camping towns. 
4. Be prepared for all weather conditions. 
5. Have emergency equipment and contacts handy. 

This article offers several tips for making your campervan trip safe and enjoyable. It considers how you can be safe and well prepared in the Australian camping context. 

1. Make Sure Your Campervan Is Roadworthy

Before even setting out for your trip, you should ensure your campervan is roadworthy. This ensures you stay safe while on the road and that you are covered by insurance and can be towed if you run into trouble. Towing companies will not tow a caravan if it is not roadworthy, which can be a significant problem if you find yourself in unsafe circumstances. 

Here’s how to make sure your caravan is roadworthy: 

• Check that all the tires have a tread depth of 1.6 mm (0.06 in) or more. 
• Check that the safety chains are in good condition. 
• Ensure that it has a registration or safety certificate if the registration has been inactive for more than three months. 
• Make sure that all appliances have Australian certifications of use. It is a good idea to have a folder with all your safety certifications easily accessible in your caravan. 

As well as making sure your camper van is roadworthy, you should do a full check on all appliances like fridges and stoves before starting your trip. 

2. Plan Your Route Thoroughly

Each Australian state has different regulations on where a camper van can and cannot park. Before you leave for your camping trip, you should map your route so you know you can park your camper van legally. 

Here are some tips for planning your route: 

• Choose all your destinations first. Look for smaller towns and campsites near significant destinations like Cairns, Byron Bay, Sydney, and Melbourne. This will allow you to enjoy the wilderness but also restock on essentials. 
• Look for campsites near these areas. Remember to look for campsites that align with the kind of trip you’re after. You can find a list of campsites on each State Government’s website. For instance, the Queensland Parks website allows you to search for camping areas by location, while Parks Victoria offers different options based on your camping preferences. 
• Look for water and food sources. As well as making sure there are campsites en route, mark out both food and water sources. These may be highway restaurants or natural water sources. Remember to mark these on a map so that you have a visual reference to follow. 

3. Take Advantage of Camping Towns

When planning your route, you should take note of camping towns and villages. In partnership with the Motorhome Club of Australia, these towns have set up parking lots catering to camper vans at low costs. Some of the benefits of these parking lots are that: 

• They are close to shops where you can restock and replenish your supplies. 
• They are close to dumping grounds that allow you to dispose of organic matter. 
• They are open all year round and allow you to park your camper van for extended periods. 

Make sure you reserve a spot in these camping tows well in advance, as they can get booked out quickly. 

4. Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions

Australia is notorious for having extreme temperatures. Even if you are camping in the fall or spring seasons, be prepared for extremely cold or warm days. Here’s how you can prepare your caravan to be equipped for all kinds of weather: 

• Make sure you have both cooling and heating devices on hand. This may include a refrigerator to cool drinks and medical supplies and a stove to keep water and other food hot. You may even have an electric blanket or install a mini fan. 
• Ensure you have equipment that will keep you connected. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology recommends that you find ways to stay connected with updated information on the weather. This may include installing a radio in your camper van and asking for weather warnings at all park entrances. 
• Have multiple energy sources. In states like Victoria, days may go by without access to much sun. If you are getting your energy from solar panels, it is essential to have an alternate energy source like a generator to power up your caravan. 

5. Have Emergency Equipment and Contacts Handy

You should ensure that your campervan is stocked with first aid equipment and information relevant to a trip along the Australian East Coast. Here is some specific equipment you should have: 

• First aid kit. A first aid kit is essential for every outdoor trip. When camping in Australia, you should pack crepe bandages, cold packs, a torch, and a glow stick along with your standard first aid kit equipment. You should also bring a reflective triangle and vest to wear, so you are visible when camping near the road. 
• Emergency numbers and protocols. Make sure you have a list of emergency services for every area you’re travelling in. You should also familiarize yourself with distress signals to draw attention to yourself if needed. 
• List of emergency contacts. Always make sure you have a list of emergency contacts on you. This should include family contacts and medical practitioners familiar with your history. If you have allergies or are at risk of anaphylaxis, it is also helpful to wear a bracelet identifying your condition with instructions for navigating it. 

When collating your emergency numbers and contacts list, make sure you have a physical copy and a digital one. 

Remember to share your route and itinerary with some friends and family beforehand so they can track you down in an emergency.