Why you should travel in a campervan with your partner
Travelling with your partner in a campervan is the perfect chance to immerse yourselves in the beauty of Australia while spending quality time together. One of the biggest advantages of a campervan hire is the freedom to craft your own travel itinerary, whether it’s spontaneous detours to hidden gems or revisiting special places from your past. Travelling in a campervan also offers many chances for couples to try out great date ideas they may not ordinarily have access to in their hometown—be that romantic dinners under the stars or fun and competitive activities like laser tag.
A motorhome also offers the perfect balance of privacy and comfort. Whether you’re parked near one of Australia’s scenic splendours or exploring a remote beach, you have all the comforts of home with you while you adventure. Plus, the freedom to cook meals together, stargaze without distractions, and enjoy uninterrupted conversation away from the hustle of daily life is unmatched.
For couples seeking to reconnect, a motorhome trip is the perfect combination of couples' activities and quiet moments. Whether you’re newly dating or a married couple looking for ideas for travelling as a couple, there’s no better way to build that intimacy than with a road trip together.
TOP TIP: Want to add a little luxury to your trip? Check out our guide to luxury campervan travel in Australia.
How to have a memorable date night in a motorhome – our top tips
Planning a date night in a campervan is all about creating the right atmosphere and combining beautiful surroundings with thoughtful details. Whether it’s setting up a cosy dinner for two or stargazing under the vast Australian sky, the key is to make the night feel special and personal. In this section, we’ll explore our best tips for making your motorhome date night an unforgettable experience—from choosing the perfect spot to setting the mood with lighting and music. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Choose a scenic spot to park
The location you choose for your date night camping in a camper sets the tone for the entire evening. Aim for a place with a breathtaking view—think golden sunsets over a lake or a hidden spot nestled in the mountains where the stars are at their brightest.
If you're on the coast, a secluded beach could be your best bet, offering the soothing sound of waves as your backdrop. Timing your arrival just before sunset can add an extra touch of romance, allowing you to settle in as the sky changes colours.
Beyond just the view, consider spots that offer some seclusion for privacy and quietness. Sites with minimal light pollution make for incredible stargazing later in the evening. If you're on a road trip exploring Australia, you can easily find plenty of scenic locations by checking out Australia’s scenic splendours, which provide countless picturesque settings perfect for a romantic date night.
2. Set the mood with lighting and music
Once you’ve found your perfect location, it’s time to create the right atmosphere inside your campervan. Like any date night, setting the right mood is crucial for a romantic date night in a motorhome. But decorating your motorhome to create a romantic ambience doesn’t have to be complicated. Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood, so think about bringing along soft, warm lights. Battery-operated fairy lights or LED candles can turn your motorhome into a cosy retreat.
Music is another key element—whether it’s your favourite playlist or a curated list of romantic tunes, playing music softly in the background can set the tone for a relaxed evening. Try to mix in songs that are special to both of you or go for mellow instrumental tracks that enhance the quiet moments.
Next, think about comfort. Bring along some cozy blankets and plush pillows to make your seating area more inviting. A soft, warm blanket is perfect for cuddling up under the stars or while watching a movie.
If you really want to go all out, consider the little details that can enhance the romantic atmosphere. Fresh flowers in a small vase can add a touch of natural beauty and a pleasant fragrance. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can also help create a relaxing and romantic environment. Choose scents that you both love, like lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood.
3. Prepare a romantic dinner together
Cooking together in a campervan can feel like hosting a private dinner party, turning an ordinary meal into a fun and intimate bonding experience (not to mention being a perfect solution for cheap date ideas on the road). The simplicity of the camper’s kitchen doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavour or presentation. In fact, preparing a romantic dinner inside your motorhome can be an adventure in itself! Opt for a simple yet elegant menu—think gourmet picnic-style food like a charcuterie board filled with local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fresh bread.
You can easily grab ingredients from Australian farmer's markets, which will add a local and personal touch to your meal. Alternatively, you can also opt for a one-pot meal like a hearty stew or a pasta dish with a rich, homemade sauce—especially when paired with a glass of wine.
If the weather allows, you can even set up a small table outside your campervan to enjoy the meal under the stars. Don’t forget to pack a bottle of your favourite wine or craft beer to toast to the night—a perfect way to cap off your dinner and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Don’t forget the drinks! A bottle of your favourite wine or a couple of craft beers can elevate your meal. If you’re not into alcohol, consider making a batch of a special non-alcoholic cocktail or bringing along some high-quality coffee or tea. The key is to choose items that you both love and that add a touch of luxury to your evening.
4. Stargazing
After dinner, it’s time to head outside and take in the magic of the night sky. Stargazing is one of the most romantic and peaceful ways to end a date night camping. With minimal light pollution in remote areas, the stars are brighter, and the sky stretches out endlessly above you. Bring a cosy blanket, lie down together, and let this become the backdrop for your evening. If you’re lucky, you might catch a shooting star or two.
For an even better stargazing experience, consider planning your trip around some of Australia’s best stargazing spots, such as the Outback or national parks, where the light pollution is low and the views are unmatched. There’s something magical about lying under the stars in silence, just the two of you, with the vastness of the sky above. If you’re into photography, capturing the stars can also be a memorable keepsake from your road trip.
5. End the night with a movie or board game
As the night winds down, cosy up inside your campervan for a relaxed or playful end to your date night. Whether you’re both film buffs or love a bit of healthy competition, there’s no shortage of ways to make the evening fun. Watch a movie on your tablet or laptop—perhaps something romantic to fit the mood—or bring along your favourite board game or deck of cards for a little lighthearted rivalry.
When planning, think about activities that you both enjoy and that encourage interaction and connection. Board and card games are perfect for this setting—they’re easy to pack and can provide hours of fun. Games like Scrabble, Uno, or a deck of cards for a few rounds of poker can spark friendly competition and lots of laughter.
For a more interactive experience, consider bringing along a portable speaker for a mini dance party or a karaoke session. Singing and dancing together can be a great way to let loose and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re into puzzles, a portable escape room game can be a fun and challenging activity that requires teamwork and communication.
If you prefer a quieter wind-down, you can read a book or enjoy a nightcap together before settling in for the night. The key is to relax and enjoy each other’s company in the snugness of your camper.
Other date ideas on a road trip
Beyond the novelty of a date night in a motorhome, a motorhome road trip offers endless possibilities for romantic moments and memorable couples' activities. Whether it’s a simple picnic, an impromptu visit to a local vineyard, or heading to the local arcade to play laser tag, these activities can make your journey even more special. Here are a few more fun date ideas to try while on the road:
Picnic at a scenic overlook
There’s something timeless about a picnic with a view. Along your road trip, seek out scenic overlooks where you can pull over, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a meal together while soaking in the landscape. Fill your picnic basket with fresh treats from Australia’s best farmers markets, pack a few of your favourite snacks, and don’t forget a cosy blanket to sit on. The views will take care of the rest!
Sunrise hike
There’s something magical about starting your day with a sunrise hike, especially when you’re travelling in a campervan and have the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Australia offers a wealth of hiking trails, from coastal paths to national parks. Whether it’s the Glass House Mountains in Queensland or the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, a sunrise hike is a simple yet impactful way to reconnect with both nature and each other.
Choose a trail that isn’t too strenuous but rewards you with a breathtaking view once you reach the top. As the sun rises, casting golden light over the landscape, the experience feels almost cinematic—a moment of serenity that you can share with your partner.
TOP TIP: Bring a thermos of coffee or tea to enjoy at the summit. Sipping a warm drink while watching the sunrise will make the experience even more memorable. Be sure to pack layers, as the early morning can be chilly, especially if you’re hiking at a higher elevation.
Explore a local vineyard or brewery
As you plan your travel itinerary, be on the lookout for local vineyards or craft breweries along your route. Australia is renowned for its wine regions, and taking a detour to explore a vineyard can add a layer of indulgence to your road trip. Whether you’re in the famous Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, or Margaret River, many vineyards offer tastings, tours, and even gourmet lunches, allowing you and your partner to discover new flavours together.
If wine isn’t your thing, Australia’s craft beer scene is equally exciting. Visiting a local brewery is a fantastic way to try unique, locally brewed beers while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. Plus, many of these locations have picturesque settings, perfect for a romantic stroll or picnic after your tasting (for picnic ideas, check out the top picnic food ideas for motorhome travel).
TOP TIP: Consider a hot air balloon ride as a romantic and adventurous date idea to complement your adventure through the local vineyards or breweries.
Take a couples’ photography challenge
Whether you’re snapping shots of Australia’s stunning landscapes or capturing candid moments with your partner, photography is a fun way to document your road trip. Set a challenge between the two of you—maybe it’s taking the best couple photos of the day, or perhaps it’s about creatively capturing the unique places you visit.
Not only does this challenge create beautiful keepsakes from your trip, but it also encourages you both to engage with your surroundings in a more meaningful way. Plus, these moments are perfect for sharing with family and friends so they can experience the beauty of your journey through your eyes.
Visit a hot spring
There’s something incredibly romantic about soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by nature. Hot springs offer the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring, and the experience can be both rejuvenating and intimate.
Australia boasts some amazing hot springs, such as those in Victoria and New South Wales, which offer stunning natural surroundings and a chance to completely disconnect. For an unforgettable experience, check out the 8 best hot springs and pools in Australia. Soaking together in the warmth of a hot spring is a perfect way to cap off a day of adventure, offering a sense of tranquillity and togetherness that’s hard to beat.
Stop by a museum or gallery
If you and your significant other love a little culture, then a trip to a local museum or gallery can be a great way to enjoy a date night together. For more ideas on galleries to visit on your upcoming road trip, check out our list of the best Australian museums and galleries to visit on your road trip.
Tick off a bucket list experience together
There is really nothing quite like one-in-a-lifetime experiences that bring you closer to your loved one. Why not try ticking off an Australian bucket list travel experience on your next date during your campervan adventure? Whether you choose to watch the sunrise light up Uluru in vibrant red hues or swim with the whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, there is no shortage of incredible things to check out when travelling with your partner.
Ready to have the best date night ever?
Ready to start planning your next date night on wheels? You can easily book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any maui branch across Australia. There’s no better way to explore the country with your partner. So, why wait? Get ready for the ultimate date night adventure!