It’s shaping up to be a very busy Summer for van-life travel. According to a study by Camplify 30% of Australians are looking to hit the road this summer to explore national parks, while 33% are keen to explore the many stunning beaches Australia has to offer. In 2020, 14 million Australian caravan and camper trips were completed, representing a 9% increase on the previous year, and 62% of holidaymakers now say they are even more likely to take a caravan or camping trip in the future.
According to campsite and caravan park comparison site Aircamp, many popular summer holiday destinations are being booked up fast for the Australian summer. While finding a last-minute camping spot may be tricky, there are still some holiday options for those in the know.
If you are yet to lock in your summer travel plans Campervan, caravan and motorhome hiring platform Camplify has you covered. It has pulled together a set of insider-recommended places to enjoy a van-life holiday, where you can still find a spot to stay with some elbow room during peak season, and help you avoid the crowds if you stretch your summer travels into Jan/Feb 2022. The last minute holiday hack is swapping well known for nearby insider locations.
New South Wales – Instead of Terrigal head to Patonga on the Coast
While Terrigal can be a hub of activity in the warmer months and is an icon along the Central Coast, Patonga, the most southerly beach on the Central Coast, is more understated and provides tranquility and stillness. One of the dominant features of this coastal town is the substantial unmodified flora and fauna reserves, providing an aesthetic backdrop to the waterways. Warrah Lookout is the most popular vantage point overlooking Patonga with a vast ocean view.
Travel in Daisy La Grande, a spacious and functional caravan, or explore in Irene, a stunning converted caravan with beautifully designed interior or Vance the East Coast Voyager, a fitted out campervan which includes everything you need for off-grid travelling with the added bonus of being pet-friendly.
Victoria – Instead of coastal Great Ocean Road, veer inland to Forrest
Driving down the Great Ocean Road is a bucket list item for many, however it’s stopping spots can get extremely busy during the summer months with campsite spots far and few between. Consider making your way inland to Forrest and discover the bustling village, known commonly as the gateway to The Otways. One of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations, tourists can bike ride or walk against the striking landscape and amongst the stunning rainforest, bushland and fern gullies.
Take your trip in the Gypsy the Van, a van that has been kitted out with a family in mind for a fun camping experience. Hire Verde’ the Viscount for your trip to Forrest as the caravan has been lovingly renovated for a perfect off-grid trip. Take your family await in I Love Lucy, a self contained caravan that comfortably sleeps six.
South Australia – Instead of Yorke Peninsula head inland to the Flinders Ranges
The landscape of Flinders Ranges is believed to be more than 600 million years old. The rugged, worn peaks and mammoth gorges form some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the country. If it is not on the bucket list, it should be due to its rich Aboriginal history, jaw-dropping mountain ranges and the blanket of stars that appear at nightfall. There is much to learn and explore while taking in the stunning scenery.
Built to go anywhere, Cruiser Camper has full off-grid capabilities and can take you to the most scenic of places. The Great Escape is light and easy to tow and has everything you need for a trip away and some comforts of home, including reverse cycle-air conditioning. For something a bit different, GOGOWILD1 allows you to go anywhere and has an easy set up with a roof top tent to look at the stars.
Tasmania – Instead of Hobart head North to Coles Bay
Sitting beneath stunning, sheer pink granite mountains, overlooking the crystal clear water of Oyster bay, Coles Bay is a perfect secluded spot on the coast. The uncrowded beaches offer the ideal location for kayaking, swimming and boating. Explore famed Freycinet National Park and take in the spectacular view of Wineglass Bay, rated one of the best beaches in the word.
Bill has been lovingly renovated to make you not want your trip to end, perfect for couples travelling around Tasmania. Pepperberry offers fancy features and facilities including a functioning kitchen and bathroom, allowing you to travel in style. Seabird Camper is small and light to drive, spacious and modern meaning you can travel around the Island with ease.
Queensland – Instead of K’Gari (AKA Fraser Island) head to Moreton Island
For those looking to make memories by experiencing an abundance of activities, Moreton Island has it all. Snorkel the 15 sunken shipwrecks amongst colour fish and marine life or try out extreme sandboarding. Travellers can also enjoy the ultimate road free experience in a 4WD on the Island or hike up Mount Tempest to take in the 160-degree views of the Island.
The Journey is equipped for both powered and non powered sites and will comfortably accommodate a family of four. Little Gem is perfect for a relaxing getaway and has been beautifully renovated to include all the important stuff for glamping. The Voyager has all you will need, once it’s set up, it creates a large living area but it only takes 30 minutes to set up and once packed down it’s an easy towable size.
Western Australia – Instead of Purnululu National Park head to Karijini National Park
Offering spectacular rugged scenery, ancient geological formations, a variety of arid-land ecosystems and a range of recreational experiences, Karijini National Park covers 627,422 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range, making it Western Australia’s second largest national park. Massive mountains and escarpments rise out of the flat valleys. The high plateau is dissected by breathtaking gorges, and stony, tree-lined watercourses wind their way over the dusty plain.
Outdoor Explorer is a home on wheels and can comfortably sleep five inside, perfect for a family, it has all the home comforts you will need. The Desert King is the ultimate camper for a weekend getaway, it’s well-equipped and easy to set up. Stoney the Hybrid is a self-contained expander with outdoor cooking and living facilities
Camplify understands your travel plans may need to change, and it offers a ‘Change of Mind’ cancellation option as well as an ’Extenuating Circumstances’ policy.
