Why a campervan is the best way to explore Australia
Australia is fantastic for first-time campervanners and seasoned pros alike. There’s plenty of space to explore, and lots of perfect spots to park your camper. It’s a safe and secure way to sleep soundly, whether you've parked up in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of a bustling big city.
It's easy to see why so many people choose to travel in a campervan in Australia. And why wouldn't they? Campervanning turns the journey into part of the adventure and a great way to meet like-minded travellers on the road or escape for some time by yourself. It offers you the chance to give free camping a go and enjoy some time where it's just you and nature. Who knows what wonderful experiences you'll have on the way!
Imagine how much you can see and do when travelling at a pace that suits you, to the places you're most looking forward to. Plus, how much will you value not having to pack and unpack a suitcase or backpack at every location you visit? You'll have everything you need at your fingertips, including a toilet and shower and an onboard fridge, it will be your home-away-from-home.
And maui Motorhomes makes it all so easy. With a quick and straightforward booking process and a range of premium vehicles to choose from, you'll have everything you need to get on the road in no time. You'll even find a handy app that makes road trips a breeze, with routes and maps, campsites and tips for making the most of your vehicle in one convenient spot. Simply pick up your camper from your local branch and hit the road on one of these amazing routes.
Nine awesome Campervan Routes in Australia
- Grand Pacific Drive - New South Wales
- Great Tropical Drive - Northern Queensland
- Sydney to Brisbane (or vice versa) Road Trip, NSW & Queensland \
- Great Southern Touring Route - Victoria
- Explorers Way - Alice Springs to Darwin - Northern Territory
- Perth to Shark Bay - Western Australia
- Island Adventure - Tasmania
- Darwin to Uluru - Northern Territory
- Perth to Broome - Western Australia
1. Grand Pacific Drive - New South Wales
The Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 km scenic drive along one of Australia's most stunning coastlines. Sure, you could easily do it over a long weekend, but why rush?
Pick up your maui motorhome from our Sydney branch and take 6 or 7 days to explore what this coastline has to offer. Experience lush rainforests, awe-inspiring coastlines, walking and cycling tracks through historic national parks and more. Don't forget to stop at the Sea Cliff Bridge in Wollongong and check out Kiama's coastal villages' wonderful food and wine. There is so much to enjoy along the way.
Looking for places to park up overnight? Consider Bulli Beach Tourist Park, Surf Beach Holiday Park, Wollongong City Tourist Parks or BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park as great options for some rest and relaxation. Don't forget to explore the thl Roadtrip App for even more suggestions.
The Grand Pacific can be part of an itinerary from Sydney to Melbourne or be included in a trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The choice is yours!
2. Great Tropical Drive- Northern Queensland
The Great Tropical Drive shows off everything quintessentially Australian, from palm-lined beaches to lush rainforests and rocky outback. What more could you ask for?
Spread out over 2000km; this drive is best enjoyed over two weeks or around 13 days. Don't have quite that much time available? No problem, you've got the freedom to do this route in over ten different configurations and pick and choose what appeals to you the most to cut down on driving days. Start and finish the route by collecting and returning your camper in Cairns.
You'll quickly see why the Great Tropical Drive is so popular when you realise how many of Australia's world-famous attractions you'll see! This route includes the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Hinchinbrook Island and the Undara Lava Tubes. You'll find plenty of other gems to explore along the way as you pass through Cairns, Port Douglas, Undara National Park, Cooktown and Townsville on your travels.
While on the road, don't miss sampling the local produce and wines, admiring some of the best views in the world and getting up close with some local wildlife. Plus, take some time out for a refreshing dip in the clear waters at a beach or two along the way.
Consider spending a night or two at one of the five Big4 Holiday Parks while you explore the Tropical North. You'll find comfortable powered sites in Cairns, Mission Beach and Port Douglas. While in Townsville, check out Discovery Parks.
Explore the whole Great Tropical Drive route and consider adding parts of the itinerary to the end of the Great Barrier Reef route, which finishes in Cairns.
3. The Pacific Coast, also known as the Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip, NSW & Queensland
Sydney and Brisbane are two of Australia's most popular destinations. With a beautiful coastline between them, why wouldn't you take ten blissful days to travel the roughly 1000km stretch of coastal highway and see what else awaits?
Along the way, you'll spot all sorts, from Palm Beach, where the popular TV series Summer Bay is set, to dolphin spotting opportunities, a koala hospital and all the happenings at Byron Bay.
You'll have lots of time to swim in the ocean, laze on the sand, explore walking or riding trails, hit a golf ball or two and maybe try a spot of yoga. Plus, Sydney and Brisbane both offer high street and boutique shopping galore! Make sure you stop at the famous Byron Bay lighthouse for sunrise, check out Tambourine Mountain, and get to know the wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
With plenty of great holiday parks along the coast, why not check out Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park in Sydney Halifax Holiday Park near Nelson Bay Melaleuca Caravan Park, in Port Macquarie, Broken Head Holiday Park at Byron Bay Beach and Gold Coast Holiday Park.
Get inspired with this ten-day itinerary that can be applied in both directions, from Brisbane to Sydney, or the other way, or check out the shorter seven-day version. If you've got time to spare and are heading to Sydney from Melbourne, consider carrying on the adventure up to Brisbane.
4. Great Southern Touring Route - Victoria
The southern coast and its surroundings are popular destinations year-round. Grab an extra-long five day weekend, or make it a full week, and take yourself on a loop journey starting and finishing in Melbourne. Starting from around 800km but easily extended to more, the Great Southern Touring Route is flexible and suits those who prefer relatively short and easy drives between stops.
The beauty of a loop trip like this is that you can head in either direction, and there are plenty of side adventures you could take to extend your trip! We recommend adding a stop in Warrnambool to your journey to maximise your time on the Great Ocean Road.
From day 1, you'll get to enjoy Melbourne's art and hospitality scenes before getting back to nature with rolling countrysides, forests and a beach or two. Enjoy exploring Victoria's heritage, including the history surrounding the gold rush at Ballarat. You'll no doubt want to stop and marvel at the grandeur of the Grampians mountain range and National Park and grab a photo or two of the iconic Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell on the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
On your travels, you'll find plenty of Big4 Holiday parks, including two in Ballarat. You'll find plenty of options near the Grampians National Park, including Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. The Great Ocean Road Tourist Park is available in Port Campbell.
Explore the full Great Southern Touring Route itinerary for intel on all the best stops along the way.
5. Explorers Way - Alice Springs to Darwin - Northern Territory
Ready to see the Australian outback? Spend a week or more travelling 1600 km across the red sands as you head north from Alice Springs to Darwin (or south in the opposite direction!).
It might seem like there isn't a whole lot to do in the desert wilderness, but you'll be surprised at everything you can enjoy along the way. Kick-off your trip with a day or two in Australia's most famous outback town, Alice Springs. Then, get ready to get out and chase some waterfalls at Litchfield National Park, relax in local hot pools, kayak on the Katherine River, visit the surprising "Pink Panther Hotel" pub or the Daly Waters pub, and explore Australia's answer to Area 51.
The Stuart Highway is a popular and well-trodden route, with plenty of reasonable holiday park options, including Heritage Caravan Park in Alice Springs, Banyan Farm in Daly and Big4 Holiday parks near Darwin and Katherine.
Plan your trip using this Explorers Way itinerary, or if Alice Springs isn't of interest, consider a shorter loop starting and ending Darwin, or extend your trip and go from Darwin to Uluru - more details below!
6. Perth to Shark Bay, Western Australia
Spend somewhere between a week and ten days wending your way up 2000km of the stunning Western Australian coast. Start your journey in Perth, the sunshine capital and arrive in Australia's westernmost point, Shark Bay, where you'll be able to explore the World Heritage Area on your doorstep and visit the world-famous Monkey Mia.
Collect your camper in Perth and make your way North. Before arriving at your final destination, you'll pass through Cervantes and the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park and the photo-famous Pink Lake, on the way to the trendy coastal city of Geraldton, where you can sample local rock lobster.
With plenty of options for overnight stays, check out Perth Big4 Midland Park, Kalbarri Anchorage Park, Shark Bay Caravan Park as solid options.
Check out the Western Australian driving route, and consider extending your trip further north to Exmouth with the Perth to Exmouth route.
7. Island Adventure, Tasmania
Are you interested in venturing to a slightly more remote part of Australia? Spend a week exploring everything Tasmania has to offer, with a six-day loop starting and ending in Hobart.
Explore spectacular wilderness areas, historic and scenic sights, and sample all the local produce you can get your hands on while you cruise around Tasmania.
Check out the historic ruins at Port Arthur, try rafting the Franklin River, meet thousands of seahorses on the way to Launceston, and indulge in some locally produced chocolate and beer along the way.
With plenty of Holiday parks across Tasmania, check out G'day parks, Big4 Holiday Parks and NRMA Parks & resorts as great options on this route.
Check out the six-day Hobart to Hobart Tasmania route. You might like to add it as an extra to a Melbourne-based trip or as a welcome respite from the outback heat on a Northern Territories trip!
8. Darwin to Uluru, Northern Territory
If the Stuart Highway wasn't enough (see number 5 on this list!), go further and reach awe-inspiring Ularu in around ten days. Travel the 2600 km south from Darwin and watch as the landscape changes from lush townships to the dry red sands of the outback as you head towards the centre of Australia.
Get ready to marvel at Uluru, the spiritual heart of Australia. It's as magic at sunrise as it is at sunset and is stunning during the day too. You'll find lots of walks to enjoy and might even consider trying a spot of free camping along the way.
If free camping isn't your style, check out spots at Ayers Rock Campground, Tennant Creek Caravan Park and the Big4 Holiday parks near Darwin and Katherine.
Check out the weather information when you book this trip, as it can get uncomfortably hot around these parts. April to October will be the most suitable time for a trip.
Check out this family's route from Darwin to Uluru for inspiration. Also, check out the Explorers way trip from Darwin to Alice Springs for some additional ideas.
9. Perth to Broome, Western Australia
Starting in the sunshine capital, give yourself a week or even two to make the most of this trip from Perth in the West to Broome in the North. This is a great winter trip, as Perth is cooling down, and you can escape to the winterless North.
This route spans over 3000km, following the Indian Ocean Drive north from Perth. You can explore coastal towns, go for refreshing swims, admire the Pinnacles Desert, explore the Kalbarri National Park and spot dolphins at Shark Bay! Don't forget to visit Rottnest Island and get a photo with some Quokkas.
Park up along the way at Perth Big4 Midland Park, Kalbarri Anchorage Park, Shark Bay Caravan Park and Broome Holiday Park in Kimberley.
Get started on the road to Broome with this trip from Perth to Exmouth.
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Plan your Australian Road Trip with maui
Are you feeling inspired yet? Australia offers up so much for visitors who want to travel by campervan. With plenty of options to drive between popular destinations and the opportunity to take a small break, or an extended one, the only thing you have to do now is find the route that suits you best and start planning! Need some more ideas? Check out these popular self-drive routes in Australia.