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Australia is one of the world’s great campervan destinations — vast and sparsely populated, with an extensive campground network and left-hand driving (the same as home for many Asian visitors, though an adjustment for others). The Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, a full Tasmania circuit, and the Red Centre each offer a distinct experience; whichever you choose delivers the purest form of Australian road travel.
Three Classic Routes Compared
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| Route | Days | Distance | Best Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Ocean Road | 4–7 days | ~1,000 km | Year-round (safer in winter) | Beginner |
| Tasmania Circuit | 10–14 days | ~3,000 km | November–April | Intermediate |
| Red Centre (Uluru → Alice Springs) | 7–10 days | ~2,800 km | April–October | Advanced |
Great Ocean Road
Australia’s most famous drive, from Melbourne to Allansford — roughly 1,000 km via the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other iconic landmarks.
Campervan rental: Pick up and drop off in Melbourne. A basic 2–4 person van runs A$120–180/day; peak season (December–February) prices rise 30–50%. QEEQ supports Chinese-language searches for Australian campervans — look for packages that include full insurance.
Campground options:
- Great Ocean Road Holiday Parks are well-equipped (power, hot showers) — around A$40–80/night
- Victoria’s BIG4 chain is consistently good quality and bookable online in advance
- Free basic campgrounds near Port Campbell are available but have no power hookups
Top stops:
- Twelve Apostles: Best at sunset; quietest in the early morning
- Loch Ard Gorge: Five-minute walk, dramatic cliffs, crashing surf
- Otway National Park: Temperate rainforest hikes; wild koala sightings
Tasmania Circuit
Tasmania is Australia’s “little New Zealand” — intact wilderness, good roads, and a natural depth that rewards a longer itinerary.
Best season: November–April (summer). Days are long (still light at 9 p.m.), roads are snow-free. Winter (June–August) sees some highland roads close — not recommended.
Suggested loop: Hobart → Wineglass Bay → Bay of Fires → Cradle Mountain → Launceston → Tasman Peninsula → Hobart. About 10 days for the full circuit.
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s soul — the six-day Overland Track is one of Australia’s most celebrated multi-day hikes. Even a 1–2 hour day walk delivers the same sense of scale and silence.
Wineglass Bay: Inside Freycinet National Park; a 40-minute hike down from the lookout reaches the beach. Parking is tight in peak season — arrive before 8 a.m.
Campground bookings: Tasmania’s paid campgrounds (Holiday Parks and DOC sites) fill up weeks ahead in summer. Book 2–3 months out. Backcountry bush camping is permitted in some national parks at no cost, though facilities are minimal.
AutoEurope has strong rental car inventory in Australia, including one-way options (pick up in Hobart, drop off in Launceston) with no extra charge — ideal for the Tasmania circuit.
Red Centre
The Red Centre — Uluru to Alice Springs — is the heartland of Australia’s Indigenous culture and the most challenging self-drive route.
Why it’s hard: ~2,800 km total; petrol stations are sparse (fill up every time you see one); 300+ km of the route has no mobile signal; unsealed road shoulders. A 4WD vehicle or purpose-built 4WD campervan is mandatory. Standard 2WD campervans cannot do this route.
Must-visit:
- Uluru: The shifting colors at sunset are extraordinary; camping overnight here is a must
- Kata Tjuta: Rawer than Uluru — the Valley of the Winds hike takes about 4 hours
- Kings Canyon: A 6 km loop through red rock walls and a lush hidden oasis in Watarrka National Park
Rental advice: Britz and Maui are the main 4WD campervan operators in Australia; daily rates run A$200–350. Pack spare tyres and a roof-mounted reserve fuel tank — there are no rescue services on this route.
Driving Notes
Left-side driving: The most critical safety point. Australia is right-hand drive; spend 10 minutes practicing in an empty car park before hitting the highway. Pay extra attention when turning — it’s the most common mistake.
Road shoulders: Australian road shoulders are often narrow, particularly on the Great Ocean Road and in Tasmania. Park only in designated hardened bays.
Wildlife: Kangaroos are most active at dusk and at night. Hitting one at speed can cause serious vehicle damage and injury. Avoid night driving where possible; if an animal crosses, brake rather than swerve.
Speed limits: Highways 110 km/h; open roads 100 km/h; towns 60 km/h; school zones 40 km/h (watch for amber flashing lights).
Campground Booking Platforms
- CamperMate: App with map view and user reviews
- Caravan and Camping Australia: Comprehensive campground search
- Parks Australia website: For national park campsite bookings
- BIG4: Holiday park chain; consistently reliable; early-bird discounts available
Budget Reference (Great Ocean Road, 7 Days, Two People)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Campervan rental (7 days) | A$1,400–2,000 |
| Campgrounds (7 nights) | A$350–500 |
| Entry fees/activities | A$150–250 |
| Fuel | A$200–300 |
| Groceries (self-catering) | A$300–400 |
| Total | A$2,400–3,500 (~¥11,000–16,000) |
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