What should I pack for a campervan holiday in Australia?

If you are wondering “What should I pack for a campervan holiday?”, the good news is that it is much closer to packing for a hotel stay with a kitchen than packing for a traditional camping trip. In an Apollo campervan or motorhome, many of the big essentials are already sorted for you, including bedding, bath towels and kitchen equipment. That means your focus can stay on clothing, toiletries, food, tech and a few personal comfort items.

It also pays to keep things simple. Storage space is designed for road trip living, and you will want room for groceries, everyday items and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.  
 
This guide covers a practical campervan packing list, what Apollo already provides, how much storage space you can expect, seasonal packing ideas, and what to buy after departure rather than before.

Handy downloadable resources:

• What’s included in your Apollo campervan hire
• What to pack for your Australian campervan road trip

The Golden Rule of Campervan Packing

The smartest rule for first-time campervan travel is to pack lighter than you think you need. Campervan storage is spread across cupboards, under-seat compartments, wardrobes and, in some models, external lockers.

A soft duffle bag (along with some packing cubes) is usually one of the easiest luggage options for campervan travel because it can be folded away once you’ve unpacked. Soft bags are much easier to fit into campervan storage than hard-shell suitcases, and they help keep the living area tidy. This is one of the most useful campervan packing tips for a smoother trip from day one.

Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed, matched and layered, rather than separate outfits for every day. Apollo provides more than many travellers expect, so there is no need to overpack. Leave some spare room for groceries, drinking water, laundry and anything you buy on the road. It will make setup easier and life on board far more comfortable.

What to Pack for an Apollo Campervan Holiday

Your campervan holiday checklist will look a little different depending on your route, the season and the Apollo vehicle you book. A compact Hitop (built for 2 people), for example, has different storage and facilities from a Euro Deluxe (built for 6 people). As a general guide, this motorhome packing checklist covers the essentials most travellers will actually use.

Here’s an overview on what to pack:

• Clothes and shoes
• Food, drinking water and snacks
• Bathroom essentials and medication
• Tech and entertainment
• Bonus extra comfort items like a sleep mask and ear plugs

Clothes

Pack lightweight everyday clothing that you can wear across different settings, from beach towns to national parks to overnight stops at holiday parks. Include T-shirts, shorts or casual pants, underwear, socks and sleepwear. Walking shoes are important for sightseeing and short hikes, while thongs or sandals are handy for campground showers, beach stops and relaxed afternoons. If your route includes the coast, add swimwear, a hat and sunglasses.

Layers matter more than heavy, single-purpose clothing. Even in warmer months, evenings can cool down quickly, especially inland or in southern regions. A fleece or jumper and a waterproof jacket will cover most changing conditions. Australian weather can vary significantly between regions and seasons, so it is always worth checking the forecast for every major stop on your route, not just your departure city.

For longer trips, pack enough clothes for several days at a time and plan to use holiday park or campground laundry facilities along the way. That approach saves space and keeps your Australia road trip packing list practical.

Kitchen and Food

One of the biggest things you do not need to worry about is kitchen equipment. Apollo campervans already include cookware, crockery and utensils, along with the everyday items needed for simple meals on the road. That means your focus should be on the food and drink you actually want to consume, not on bringing pots, pans or cutlery from home.

For food and drinks, it helps to bring reusable water bottles, snacks for driving days, tea, coffee, favourite condiments, a few pantry staples for the first day or two, lunch containers and reusable shopping bags. It is also a good idea to keep easy meals on hand for your first night, especially if you are arriving later in the day or just want a simple start.

Try not to buy food for the whole trip before you leave. The better option is to stop at a supermarket after pickup once you have seen your actual fridge and cupboard space. Buy fresh food as you travel rather than stocking the campervan upfront. It keeps ingredients fresher, reduces waste and leaves more room for day-to-day essentials. Also remember to carry safe drinking water separately, rather than relying on the onboard water tank for drinking or food preparation.

Bathroom Essentials

Your bathroom bag should cover all of your personal basics. Pack toiletries, a toothbrush and toothpaste, hair products, sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medications, personal hygiene items and any first aid essentials you prefer to have on hand. Even though some basic supplies are included in the vehicle, your own health and comfort items should always travel with you.

Apollo supplies bath towels, so you can save valuable packing space. That is one less bulky item to fit into your bag and one more reason this campervan packing list can stay relatively light.

If your route includes beaches, tropical areas, bushland or the outback, sunscreen, a beach towel and insect repellent quickly become campervan essentials. It is also worth checking whether your chosen vehicle includes an onboard shower and toilet, as facilities vary between models. Larger motorhomes may include on board bathrooms, while some campervans rely more on campground amenities.

Sleep and Comfort

Apollo campervans include bedding and linen, so you do not need to pack sheets, doonas or duvets, or blankets. For most travellers, that removes the bulkiest items from the packing process straight away and makes it much easier to travel light.

Even so, many people sleep better with a familiar pillow. Bringing your own pillow is completely optional, but it can make a real difference on a longer trip or for travellers who are particular about comfort. Small extras like an eye mask, ear plugs or a favourite blanket can also be worth bringing if space allows.

Think of this part of your campervan holiday checklist as comfort rather than necessity. The essentials are already supplied, so you only need to add the personal touches that help you feel at home on the road if you want to.

Tech and Entertainment

Bring phone chargers, car charging cables, a power bank, camera gear, headphones and any smartwatch chargers you need. International travellers should also remember a power adaptor suited to Australian sockets. You can recharge your electronic devices inside the campervan when the campervan is plugged in at a powered campsite.

If you plan to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, pack the correct cable for your device – noting some Apollo campervans support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not all models. It is also smart to download maps, playlists, podcasts, movies, e-books and other entertainment before leaving built-up areas. Mobile reception can be limited in remote parts of Australia, and Apollo campervans do not include Wi-Fi – although some campgrounds may offer free Wi-Fi during your stay.

For first time campervan travel, one of the best habits is to prepare your digital tools before pickup. Downloaded navigation and offline entertainment can make long drives much easier and help you stay relaxed when coverage drops out. The thl Road Trip app is also handy for watching videos on how to use your campervan while on the road.

Campervan-Specific Extras

A few compact extras can make life on the road noticeably easier. Useful additions include a torch or headlamp, a picnic rug, a small daypack, reusable shopping bags, travel coffee cups, bin liners and a few simple travel games. None of these items are bulky, but they are very handy during everyday campervan travel.

A torch is especially useful when walking around at a campsite after dark or looking through storage compartments in low light. A small daypack is ideal for walks, beach stops and sightseeing, while reusable shopping bags make supermarket runs much easier.

If you want a more traditional outdoor setup, camping table and camping chairs are available through Apollo as optional add-ons for your hire. Also remember your practical essentials such as your physical driver’s licence, credit card, travel insurance details, medication and emergency contacts.

Summer Campervan Packing List

Summer in Australia usually calls for breathable fabrics, lighter layers and strong sun protection. If you are travelling in the tropical north, remember that summer can also overlap with wet season conditions, so a lightweight waterproof layer may still be important.

Category What to Pack Clothing T-shirts, shorts, lightweight layers, swimwear, sleepwear, waterproof jacket Sun Protection Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, long sleeved shirts Footwear Sandals, walking shoes Tech Chargers, power bank, iPad or e-reader Health Insect repellent, medications, toiletries Extras Reusable water bottle, picnic rug, beach towel, small day backpack

Summer packing tip: focus on breathable clothing and sun protection.

Winter Campervan Packing List

Winter packing in Australia depends heavily on where you are travelling. Northern destinations can still feel warm during the day, while southern regions, alpine areas, Tasmania and inland stops can become very cold, especially overnight. That is why layers are the most practical approach. It’s also worth noting that sun protection should still be a consideration during the winter months in Australia.

Winter packing tip: layers are more useful than bulky clothing.

What NOT to Bring

Many first-time travellers overpack simply because they do not realise how much is already included in an Apollo vehicle. In most cases, you can leave bulky household and camping basics at home and keep your packing focused on personal needs.

There is no need to bring bedding, sheets, standard pillows, blankets or a doona/duvet. You can also skip bath towels, pots and pans, plates, bowls, cutlery, cooking utensils and other basic kitchen equipment. Large hard-shell suitcases are best avoided too, as they are awkward to store and take up valuable living space.

Usually unnecessary items include excess clothing, multiple pairs of shoes, spare kitchen gadgets, large camping gear and too much food. Unless you have a very specific use for something, it is often better to leave it out. Packing lighter means more storage space, easier setup and a more comfortable journey.

If you would like outdoor furniture, treat camping table and camping chairs as optional Apollo extras rather than things you need to buy in advance.

What Apollo Provides Versus What You Need to Bring

A simple way to approach your motorhome packing checklist is to separate supplied items from personal ones. Apollo provides bedding and linen, pillows, sheets, a doona/duvet, bath towels, cookware, crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, a kettle, a toaster, a tea towel and handy extras like a dustpan and brush - check out the full list here.

You should pack or buy your own clothing, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medication, safe drinking water, snacks, tea and coffee, condiments, reusable bottles, lunch containers, shopping bags and chargers. Optional extras might include your own pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, picnic rug and travel games.

Because inclusions and layouts can vary by vehicle and booking package, it is always worth checking your specific Apollo model before departure. That small step can help you avoid unnecessary packing and make better use of your available space.

How Much Storage Space Do I Have?

Storage space depends on which Apollo vehicle you book, but there is generally enough room for clothing, groceries and travel essentials if you pack selectively. Most vehicles use a mix of overhead cupboards, under-seat storage, wardrobes and, in some larger models, external lockers. Compact vehicles may have less spare space, while larger motorhomes can offer more flexibility for families or longer trips.

It helps to think in terms of smart storage rather than big luggage capacity. A soft duffle bag per person, packing cubes and a small daypack are usually much easier to manage than large suitcases. Remember that the campervan’s supplied bedding, kitchen kit and everyday food will also take up some of the available storage.

As a general rule, soft bags are easier to store than large hard-shell suitcases, and actual storage layouts may vary between vehicles. Packing light remains the easiest way to make the most of the space you have.

Do I Need to Buy Food and Camping Equipment Before Departure?

No, you do not need to buy food for your entire holiday before pickup. In fact, it is usually better not to. Since Apollo provides the kitchen equipment but not the food itself, most travellers are best off doing a supermarket shop after collecting the vehicle and seeing how much fridge and cupboard space they actually have.

A small first-day shop is often the ideal starting point. Pick up safe drinking water, breakfast basics, easy lunches, snacks, tea or coffee, fruit and a few pantry staples. Then keep topping up your food as you travel. It is simpler, keeps food fresh and leaves more room in the campervan.

The same idea applies to camping equipment. You usually do not need to buy big extras before departure. Camping chairs and a table are optional rather than essential, and Apollo offers them as add-ons. Many holiday parks also provide the facilities that reduce the need for excess gear, such as laundries, camp kitchens, Wi-Fi, and other shared amenities.

Campervan holiday checklist

Before departure, it helps to work through a simple campervan holiday checklist so nothing important gets left behind. Check off your documents, clothing, toiletries and health items, food and drink basics, technology, comfort items and any optional extras that suit your route and the season. This kind of last-minute review is one of the easiest campervan packing tips for a smoother start. It can help you pack lighter, avoid duplicates and make sure you only bring what you will actually use.

Download the Australia Campervan Packing Checklist and tick off everything you need before hitting the road.

Before Departure: Quick Checklist

• Travel documents, licence and payment cards
• Clothing and comfortable footwear
• Toiletries, medications, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Reusable water bottles
• Chargers, cables and a power bank
• Downloaded maps and entertainment
• Comfort items (own pillow, eye mask, ear plugs)
• Seasonal extras (swimwear, thermals, rain jacket, etc.)
• Optional add-ons (camping table and chairs) booked if required

Tip: Pack light and use soft bags where possible. Many essentials, including bedding, bath towels and kitchen equipment, are already provided in your campervan.

With the right campervan packing tips, preparing for your trip can feel simple rather than stressful. Pack light, choose soft luggage, focus on personal items and comfort extras, and let Apollo take care of many of the bigger essentials.

When you’re ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.

FAQs and quick answers

How much space do I have for packing? 

Storage varies between Apollo vehicle models, but there is generally enough room for clothing, groceries and travel essentials if you pack light. Soft bags are usually much easier to store than large hard-shell suitcases.

Do I need to bring bedding? 

No. Apollo campervans include bedding, pillows and linen, which helps you pack lighter from the start. Many travellers choose to bring their own pillow for extra comfort, but it is completely optional.

What about food for the whole trip? 

You do not need to buy food for your entire holiday before departure. Most travellers shop as they go, which keeps food fresh and leaves more storage room in the campervan.

Do campervans have washing machines?

Many travellers plan to use holiday park or caravan park laundry facilities during longer trips. Around Australia, these are commonly available and make it easy to wash clothes on the roa