Ultimate Guide to Campervan Route Ideas in Australia

Australia was made for road trips. One day you can be following a coastal highway past surf beaches and sea cliffs, and a few days later you can be winding through rainforests, wine regions, or wide-open outback scenery. For travellers dreaming of the freedom that comes with campervan hire, the biggest challenge is often not where to go, but how to turn all those possibilities into a simple, workable plan.

That is where ready-made campervan ideas can help. Instead of starting from scratch, you can choose a route that suits your travel style, timeframe, and the kind of adventure you want. Below, you’ll find a selection of standout campervan routes across Australia, designed to make planning easier and show just how simple an unforgettable camper journey can be with Apollo.

Find Your Perfect Campervan Route

Not sure where to start? Use this guide to find the campervan route that best matches your travel style.

Compare Australia's Best Campervan Routes

Choosing the right campervan route depends on how much time you have, who you're travelling with and the kind of adventure you're chasing.

How to Choose the Right Campervan Route

Every traveller has a different idea of the perfect road trip. Before choosing your campervan route, consider these four questions.

How much time do you have?

One of the biggest myths about campervan travel is that you need a month to enjoy it.

In reality, some of Australia's most iconic campervan routes can be experienced in as little as five days, while longer holidays allow you to explore multiple regions at a slower pace.

As a guide:

• 3–5 days - Great Ocean Road, Grand Pacific Drive
• 5–7 days - Perth to Esperance,Adelaide to Clare Valley
• 7–10 days - Tasmania, Kakadu
• 10–14 days - Brisbane to Cairns

Choosing a realistic trip length means you'll spend less time driving and more time enjoying beaches, national parks, local cafés and unforgettable scenery.

What type of holiday are you looking for?

Think about what you want your road trip to feel like.

Are you looking to:

• Relax beside the beach?
• Explore national parks?
• Discover regional food and wine?
• Travel with young children?
• Tick iconic Australian landmarks off your bucket list?
• Disconnect somewhere remote?

Choosing a route based on your travel style makes planning much easier - and helps ensure everyone enjoys the journey.

When are you travelling?

Australia's climate changes dramatically from region to region.

Winter is ideal for tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory, while spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures across southern Australia. Summer is perfect for Tasmania, alpine regions and longer coastal adventures.

Travelling in the right season means you'll experience each destination at its best.

Why travel by campervan?

A campervan gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace without constantly checking into hotels or repacking your bags.

Instead, your accommodation travels with you.

Wake up beside the beach, enjoy breakfast overlooking the mountains or stay an extra night when you discover somewhere you love. With a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and the freedom to choose where your adventure takes you, campervan travel transforms the journey into part of the holiday.

Apollo Tip: For the most enjoyable road trip, aim to drive no more than 3-4 hours each day. This leaves plenty of time to stop at lookouts, cafés, walking trails and hidden gems you discover along the way.

Campervan route ideas for New South Wales

New South Wales is one of the easiest places to begin a campervan adventure, especially for travellers who want a scenic drive with plenty of iconic stops close together. A great first pick is the Grand Pacific Drive, a route that blends ocean views, national parks, beach towns, and easy overnight options in caravan parks Australia travellers already know and love.

This route works beautifully as a 6-day trip from Sydney. It is ideal if you want the feeling of a bigger escape without committing to a very long drive. The road itself is part of the appeal, with cliff-hugging bends, ocean lookouts, and relaxed coastal stops that suit both couples and families.

Route: 

• Sydney
• Royal National Park
• Sea Cliff Bridge
• Wollongong
• Kiama
• Jervis Bay
• Return to Sydney or continue south

Expect surf beaches, whale-watching opportunities in season, coastal walks, and laid-back places to camp. If you want to extend your New South Wales adventure, the state also connects naturally to bigger east coast routes, making it easy to continue north for an even longer Australia road trip itinerary.

Image: Destination NSW

Campervan itineraries for Queensland

Queensland is all about big skies, warm weather, and classic coastal adventure. If you are after one of the best campervan routes in the country, the Brisbane to Cairns journey along the Pacific Coast Way is a standout. This is the kind of Australia road trip itinerary that delivers variety at every stop, from beach towns and reef access to tropical islands and lush green hinterland.

Because the route covers around 1,800 kilometres, it suits travellers who have at least 8 to 14 days available. The beauty of this trip is that you can keep the pace flexible. Some travellers move quickly and focus on major highlights, while others turn it into a slower camper holiday with extra nights near the water.

Route: 

• Brisbane
• Sunshine Coast
• Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast
• Capricorn Coast
• Airlie Beachand the Whitsundays
• Townsville
• Cairns

This route is packed with postcard scenery and plenty of places to stay, from full-service holiday parks to simple campgrounds. It is also a smart option for travellers wanting a mix of comfort and adventure, with easy access to reef tours, beaches, and family-friendly stops along the highway.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Best campervan routes in Victoria

When people picture a classic scenic drive in Australia, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is usually near the top of the list. It is one of the country’s most famous routes for good reason. In a relatively short distance, it delivers dramatic coastline, charming seaside towns, forested detours, and headline attractions that feel every bit as impressive in person as they do in photos.

You can see the highlights in just a few days, but allowing up to 7 days gives you more time to enjoy the region at a slower pace. This is an excellent road trip for travellers who want a compact but high-impact adventure, especially if your ideal route includes plenty of stops for walks, lookouts, and local food.

Route: 

• Melbourne
• Torquay
• Lorne
• Apollo Bay
• Otway region
• Twelve Apostles
• Port Campbell
• Warrnambool andTower Hill

There is a reason this route remains such a favourite for campervan trip ideas. You get a strong mix of road trip freedom and easy infrastructure, including well-placed caravan park Australia options, beachside stays, and camping spots near major attractions. If you have more time, you can always extend inland for a second stage through regional Victoria.

Campervan itinerary ideas for South Australia

South Australia offers a very different flavour of road trip. Here, the journey can swing from coastal cliffs and wine country to wild islands and wide-open plains. For a balanced route that feels both accessible and rewarding, the Southern Ocean Drive is a great choice. It suits travellers who want nature, food, and memorable scenery in one trip.

This route works well over about 10 days, beginning in Adelaide and linking the Fleurieu Peninsula, Limestone Coast, and Kangaroo Island. It is a wonderful option for travellers who enjoy slower-paced exploration, especially if your perfect destiination includes coastal walks, regional produce, and wildlife encounters.

Route:

• Adelaide
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• Coorong National Park
• Coonawarra
• Mount Gambier
• Kangaroo Island
• Return to Adelaide

For travellers seeking a bigger outback-style challenge, South Australia also opens the door to the Eyre Peninsula and Nullarbor. But if you want one route that balances comfort with adventure, the Southern Ocean Drive is easier to plan and perfect for a campervan holiday that still feels unforgettable.

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Travel ideas for campervans in Western Australia

Western Australia is made for travellers who love space, silence, and huge shifts in scenery. One of the best route ideas here is the drive from Perth to Esperance. It combines inland landmarks, rugged national parks, and some of the most dazzling beaches in the country. If your idea of a dream camper trip includes open roads and dramatic scenery, this is hard to beat.

The route is often done over 7 days, though more time is always welcome in WA. A major advantage of this trip is how quickly the landscape changes. You leave the city, cross wheatbelt country, pass unusual rock formations, and eventually reach bright white beaches and turquoise water that feel almost unreal.

Route:

• Perth
• Hyden and Wave Rock
• Fitzgerald River National Park
• Esperance
• Cape Le Grand National Park
• Lucky Bay

It is wise to plan fuel stops and overnight stays in advance on this route, especially outside peak towns. You may also find a mix of holiday parks, national park camping, and some free camping options depending on your vehicle setup and where you travel. For many people, this is the sort of campervan adventure that becomes a lifelong highlight.

Campervan route ideas for Tasmania

Tasmania is one of the most rewarding states to explore by camper because distances are manageable but the scenery feels incredibly varied. In a single loop, you can move from pink granite bays to alpine landscapes, rainforest, historic towns, and rugged west coast wilderness. For travellers wanting a route that feels complete, Circle Tasmania is an excellent choice.

This loop is often done in around 10 days and starts and finishes in Hobart. It is especially appealing for travellers who want a rich mix of short drives and big scenery, with enough flexibility to add walks, food stops, and extra nights along the way.

Route: 

• Hobart
• Freycinet National Park
• Bay of Fires
• Launceston
• Stanley
• Cradle Mountain
• Strahan
• Return to Hobart

Tasmania suits camper travel beautifully because it makes a compact road trip feel expansive. You can spend the morning by a beach, the afternoon in ancient forest, and the evening settled into a cosy camp surrounded by mountain air. It is a brilliant destination for first-timers and seasoned road trippers alike.

Travel ideas for campervans in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is where Australia's landscapes become truly unforgettable. If you're looking for an adventure filled with ancient landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and incredible wildlife, the drive from Darwin through Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield National Parks is one of the best campervan route ideas in the country. It's the perfect choice for travellers wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the Top End while enjoying the freedom to explore at their own pace.

This route is best enjoyed over 7 to 10 days and is ideal during the dry season from May to September. Along the way, you'll discover dramatic escarpments, crystal-clear swimming holes, Aboriginal rock art sites and some of Australia's most iconic national parks. With manageable driving distances between major destinations, it's easy to balance sightseeing with time to relax and enjoy the journey.

Route:

• Darwin
• Kakadu National Park
• Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park)
• Litchfield National Park
• Return to Darwin

Planning ahead is recommended, particularly when travelling during the popular dry season, as campgrounds can book out well in advance. You'll find a mix of holiday parks, national park campgrounds and designated camping areas throughout the route, making it easy to enjoy the flexibility of travelling by campervan. For many travellers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that showcases the very best of Australia's Top End.

How to choose between campervan trip ideas in Australia

The right route depends on what kind of journey you want. If you are after easy driving and classic coastal scenery, New South Wales and Victoria are strong choices. If tropical weather, reef access, and beach towns sound appealing, Queensland is a natural fit. For remote beauty and long-haul road tripping, Western Australia and South Australia deliver a bigger sense of scale, while Tasmania offers compact variety with minimal backtracking.

It also helps to think practically. Consider how many days you have, how much daily driving feels comfortable, and whether you prefer powered sites in established holiday parks or a mix that includes campgrounds and free camping where permitted. A good itinerary leaves room for detours, weather changes, and those spontaneous stops that often become the highlight of the whole trip.

A great campervan road trip can be as short as 5 to 7 days or as long as several weeks. For many iconic Australian routes, around 7 to 14 days gives you time to enjoy the journey without rushing, although some classic drives can also be done in a shorter window.

One of the easiest ways to keep planning simple is to start with an Apollo route and build from there. That way, your campervan hire, key destinations, and likely overnight stops already have a clear structure, leaving you free to focus on the fun parts of the journey.

FAQs and quick answers

How do I choose the right campervan route? 
Pick a route based on your available time, driving confidence, and interests such as beaches, wildlife, wine regions, or outback scenery. Short coastal routes are often easiest for first-timers, while longer routes suit travellers with more time.

How many days do I need for a campervan road trip? 
A great campervan road trip can be as short as 5 to 7 days or as long as several weeks. For many iconic Australian routes, around 7 to 14 days is a good guide, though some can be enjoyed in less time.

What's the best campervan route for first-timers? 
The Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria are both excellent for first-timers. They are scenic, well-serviced, and easy to navigate with plenty of caravan parks Australia travellers can use along the way.

How do I plan a campervan road trip with kids? 
Choose shorter driving days, book family-friendly parks, and include stops with beaches, playgrounds, walks, or wildlife. Keeping a flexible schedule makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Where can I stay overnight in a campervan? 
You can stay in holiday parks, campgrounds, national park sites, and some designated free camping areas where allowed. A caravan park Australia stop is often the easiest option for powered sites, amenities, and family facilities.

Do I need to book campsites in advance? 
Yes, it is a smart idea in peak seasons, school holidays, and popular coastal destinations. Booking ahead gives you more choice and helps avoid last-minute stress.

What's the best time of year for a campervan road trip? 
It depends on the region. Spring and autumn are great in many southern states, while the dry season in winter is often best for tropical north Queensland.

How far should I drive each day in a campervan? 
This depends on the route, road conditions, and your travel style. Aim for a pace that leaves enough time for stops, walks, meals, and safe arrival at camp before dark. We recommending aiming to drive for a maximum of 3-4 hours per day, and never drive during dawn, dusk or the evening as this is when wildlife are most active.

What makes a good campervan itinerary? 
A good itinerary balances driving time with sightseeing, includes realistic overnight stops, and leaves room for spontaneous detours. The best routes combine practicality with a genuine sense of adventure.

Can I plan a campervan road trip on a budget? 
Yes, absolutely. Cooking in your camper, mixing paid parks with free camping where appropriate, and travelling outside peak periods can make a big difference to your costs.

Feeling inspired to plan your next adventure? Whether you want a short scenic drive, a coastal highway escape, or a longer Australia road trip itinerary, Apollo makes it easy to get moving. 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.