10 Things You Need to Know Before Your Campervan Holiday

At Britz, we aim to make your experience with hiring a campervan as simple as possible. Be sure to check out all the travel info we have available to ensure you are ready for the best holiday yet.

In this blog, we’ve put together 10 things you should know before picking up your campervan hire, including:

1. Pack soft bags for more space
2. Check whether you require an international licence
3. Allow time to get to know your campervan
4. Purchase our Liability Reduction Option for peace of mind
5. Shop for supplies after picking up your Britz camper
6. Don't drive too far on your first night
7. Plug in your camper on your first night
8. Don't underestimate drive times
9. Pre-book campground accommodations
10. Ask Britz, locals and travellers for advice

We’ve also got tips on:

Driving a campervan

How to holiday comfortably in a campervan

But first, a word on safety …

Stay safe when going on a campervan holiday in Australia

When travelling in a campervan, the most important thing is your safety. Here are some things to be aware of:

• If you are not from Australia, familiarise yourself with the road legislation.
• Always carry your driver's licence.
• Try to avoid driving at night, as there is a higher risk of hitting Australian wildlife. If you do encounter wildlife, don’t swerve if there’s any danger you could hit another car. Keep your campervan on the same line, slow down, and stop if possible. If you do hit a native animal, contact the wildlife authorities in the state you’re in if possible.
• Don’t just park up anywhere – plan your overnight stays in trusted campsites and holiday parks.
• Make sure you have Britz Australia’s customer care contact number on hand in case you have issues with your campervan and need roadside assistance.
• Carry a satellite phone if you’re travelling in remote places.
• Take weather and road conditions into account.

Let’s take a look at our top 10 tips to help you prepare for your Australian campervan holiday:

1. Pack soft bags for more space

Travelling by campervan means you can enjoy the benefits of having extra storage space. No more worries about trying to cram everything into the car!

To help maximise the extra space, it’s a good idea to pack your gear in soft luggage bags rather than hard cases. Duffle bags and backpacks are a good option. These are more practical and malleable for storing in a campervan.

Save even more room by using compression bags. These are a great way to reduce the room taken up by bulky items such as winter jackets.

To make the most of the storage in your campervan, remember to utilise every locker, cupboard, and hidden space such as under the seats and in the glove box.

For more helpful tips on packing, check out our handy blog with tips on what to bring on your Australian campervan holiday.

2. Check whether you require an international licence

If you’re visiting Australia from overseas, remember you must always carry a copy of your driver's licence in English. If you’re using an international permit, you must also carry your original driver's licence. If you have a foreign licence, please ensure:

• It is current
• It is appropriate for a full-size motor vehicle (with no restrictions)
• It is accompanied by an international driving permit
• ​You must have an accredited English translation if your licence is in a language other than English

If you are not from Australia, make sure you take the time to learn about the basic road rules.

3. Allow time to get to know your campervan

Driving a campervan is a bit different than driving a car. It may take a little time to feel familiar with the size, and where everything is. But don’t worry, take your time and practice some basic manoeuvres in a quiet car park if needed. Driving your Britz camper will soon be second nature.

Take time to ask questions when you pick up your Britz camper from your local Britz Australia branch. Our staff are there to help ensure your campervan holiday is fun, comfortable, and safe.

We also recommend downloading the thl Roadtrip app. This handy app is loaded with useful tips for preparing for your Australia campervan holiday including handy walk-through and how-to video guides about your campervan hire.

Tips for driving a campervan

Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable driving your campervan:

• Drive slower: When you're driving a campervan it’s important to drive slower than if you were in a smaller vehicle to compensate for the height and weight of the vehicle.
• Be courteous: Slow-driving campervans can cause frustration in other drivers which can lead to dangerous overtaking. Take advantage of slow lanes and safe areas to pull over and allow other vehicles to pass.
• Watch your height: Campervans can be double the height and length of a standard car. Keep an eye out for height indicator signs and overhanging branches and be careful when reversing near static objects.
• Reverse with care: Make use of mirrors and the reversing camera if you have one. It’s also a good idea to have a travel companion guide you when reversing.
• Watch for loose items: Ensure you’ve put away anything that might move or fall before you head off. Close and lock cupboards and storage lockers, and ensure your steps, awning, table, and hatches are retracted and secure.

Tips to holiday comfortably in a campervan

Safety may come first, but being comfortable comes in a close second when you’re travelling by campervan! To help ensure you enjoy your Australian campervan holiday in total comfort, it pays to be aware of a few basics:

• Toilet care: If you’re planning on staying in campgrounds or holiday parks, you may not need to use the onboard toilet or bathroom facilities. But if you do choose to use them – don’t worry, managing the waste is easier than you think! Staff at your local Britz Australia branch will show you how to do this when you pick up your camper van hire, or you can take a look at our helpful online video.
• Fresh water: Keeping your freshwater tanks topped up is important. This is also a very easy process. Everything you need to top up your tank is included in your campervan hire – just make sure that you only use fresh water from a trusted, safe source.
• Power: You’ll also want to become familiar with how to plug in your campervan and use the power.
• Heating and cooling: Keeping warm in winter and cool in summer is key to your comfort as you travel. Take the time to check out our helpful videos on how to do this.

4. Purchase our Liability Reduction Option for peace of mind

Britz Australia’s liability options can add extra peace of mind to your campervan holiday and make it that little bit more stress-free and enjoyable.

We offer a range of options to suit – from basic standard liability to a more comprehensive inclusive pack.

5. Shop for supplies after picking up your campervan

Once you’ve picked up your campervan hire and you’re ready to roll, it’s a good idea to make a quick stop for some essential items. Each of Britz Australia’s branches is located near supermarkets and shops, so it’s worth taking the time to stock up on basics while you’re in the city. If you’re travelling to more remote areas or small towns, you may find prices are significantly higher.

Some items worth adding to your shopping list include:

• Coffee, tea, and other drinks
• Cooking staples such as salt, pepper, and oil
• Bread, butter, and spreads
• Your favourite breakfast items
• Extra toilet paper
• Some snacks for the road

You won’t need to worry about things like cutlery and cooking equipment, these are included in Britz campers.

6. Don't drive too far on your first night

Once you’ve picked up your campervan, you’ll be keen to hit the road and start exploring Australia! But bear in mind, day one of your road trip can be long and tiring, especially if you’ve been on an international flight.

We recommend planning your first night somewhere within a short driving distance of your campervan pick-up.

This gives you a good opportunity to stock up on supplies and enjoy a good night’s rest before continuing. It also means that you’re close to assistance if you run into any problems and need help.

Once you’re feeling well rested, stocked up, and comfortable with how your campervan works, you’ll feel ready to travel further afield.

7. Plug in your camper on your first night

We highly recommend you charge your campervan in a campground or holiday park on your first night. This will allow you to ensure all appliances are fully charged and working over the next 48 hours. This tip is even more important the further out (and longer) you drive.

8. Don't underestimate drive times

If you are new to driving a campervan, you won’t want to be driving – and trying to park – in the dark. Where possible, try setting off earlier in the morning to make the most of daylight driving time.

Take the time to plan your driving time accurately, including extra time for breaks and traffic. Good tools to help you do this include Google Maps or an online driving calculator.

If you’re looking to follow a pre-planned itinerary, all of our popular routes have drive times and distances included.

9. Pre-book campground accommodations

Before picking up your Britz campervan, be sure to book your overnight stays in campgrounds or holiday parks.

High peak seasons can get very busy with accommodation booked out well in advance. Even during off-peak seasons, you’ll want to book ahead instead of chancing it. Don’t forget that Britz customers get a great deal at BIG4 campgrounds with 10% off powered sites nationwide! And speaking of great deals, be sure to check in on our latest campervan rental deals!

10. Ask Britz, locals and travellers for advice

Britz staff members are always ready to answer any questions. Either pop into one of our local branches or contact us online.

Other travellers may also have some great advice based on their own personal experiences. Check out our traveller hub to keep up with stories, advice, reviews, and photos from fellow campers.

There are also plenty of groups on Facebook to join, which can be a great platform to gain tips and advice. You can even become a member of the CMCA - Australia’s largest RV club.

Don’t forget to chat with locals as you travel to get the scoop on the best places to explore and the tastiest places to eat.

Ready to jump in a campervan and start your road trip?

There you have our 10 must-know tips to help you prepare for your next Australia campervan holiday. You’re ready to pack your gear, book your accommodation, stock up on essentials, and enjoy your incredible road trip! Take the next step and book your campervan with Britz today. From the 2 Berth Britz Venturer to the 4 Berth Britz Voyager or 6 Berth Britz Frontier, Britz campers come in a range of sizes to suit every traveller and every budget.

Need a little inspiration on what to do and where to go? Check out our popular routes and top destinations in Australia.