Travelling in a Campervan Sustainably in Australia

What is Sustainable Travel?

Alright, before we hit the gas and chase those horizons, let's take a moment to unpack the suitcase of sustainable travel and tourism. In short, sustainable travel is the delicate balance of soaking in the world's beauty while ensuring it remains pristine for others to enjoy. We're talking about making savvy decisions: choosing the environmental green light over the polluting red and being conscious of our footprint – both carbon footprints and those from our presence in these wild spaces. Whether it's limiting emissions, reducing waste, being judicious in power consumption in your motorhome, or being accountable for every piece of trash, ensuring it finds its way to proper disposal or recycling – sustainable travel is all about championing the health of our planet during our adventures. It's a journey of respect for nature, communities, and the timeless landscapes we're privileged to explore. 

 

Why You Should Plan a Sustainable Campervan Trip

From the ancient rainforests of Queensland to the mesmerising coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef, every corner of Australia’s vast continent is home to intricate ecosystems begging to be explored. Yet, with each passing year, these natural wonders face threats from the explosion of human activity and tourism. But don’t fear. That’s where sustainable travel comes in. By planning a sustainable Australia road trip full of sustainable travel experiences and implementing eco-friendly campervan hacks, you can do your part to help reduce these threats, including:

• Protect ecosystems: By planning a sustainable campervan hire road trip, you aren't just exploring Australia; you're taking a step to protect it. This ensures that these picturesque landscapes and remote campervan sites remain unspoiled for future generations. 

• Respect Australia’s ancient cultures: When you choose to travel sustainably in your campervan or motorhome, you're showing respect for the ancient cultures that have flourished on this land for thousands of years.

• Support the locals: Things like supporting locally-run businesses during your Australia road trip not only help you to get an authentic taste of Australia but also uplift the local community, ensuring your campervan road trip benefits ripple through the economy. 

• Reduce emissions: A well-planned road trip itinerary in a campervan can be more environmentally friendly than one might think. By planning your trip, you can avoid any unnecessary back and forth. Plus, by travelling in a single vehicle, families can reduce the number of emissions typically associated with multiple vehicles, leading to a more efficient and eco-friendly travel itinerary.

 

How to Travel Sustainably in a Campervan

Okay, now for the good (or should we say the green travel) stuff. From planning your route to reduce emissions to conserving energy with outdoor solar lights, there are plenty of ways to help reduce your environmental impact when travelling in a campervan (oh, and enhance your overall road trip experience while you’re at it!) Here are some of the best eco-friendly, green travel tips to ensure a sustainable travel campervan hire adventure. 

 

Plan Your Route

Navigating the vast expanse of Australia? It's not just about plotting points on a map, folks. Plotting your Australia road trip route with a touch of foresight is a game-changer – both for your pocket and the planet. See, being meticulous with your travel itinerary doesn't just save you on petrol pennies; it curbs those sneaky emissions too. Think of it as eco-travel with a dash of good sense. And let's face it, while there's romance in a random road detour, who really wants the unscheduled scenic route to Nowhereville? 

Embrace the best of both worlds: the allure of discovery without the blunders of blind wandering in your campervan. Sure, the wind-in-your-hair, follow-the-sun approach has its moments, but a savvy travel itinerary? That's your backstage pass to Australia's best-kept secrets. If you're looking for a nudge in the right direction, seasoned campervan travellers have left breadcrumbs in the form of tried and tested travel itineraries – pure gold, right? If you are looking for inspiration or wanting to leverage the experience of our team of campervan specialists, check out our extensive list of Australia road trip itineraries. 

 

Switch Off When You Can

Australia's vast landscapes and natural attractions provide an escape from the digital world, making an Australia road trip the perfect excuse to disconnect and recharge - both yourself and your devices. Besides, with kangaroos hopping and stars twinkling outside your campervan, who needs the blue light of devices? But hey, if you must indulge in some creature digital comforts, here are a few tips to consider integrating into your Australia road trip: 

• Pack your powerbanks: For those who love the great outdoors (which is probably everyone on a campervan road trip), Australia offers countless opportunities to embrace solar-powered, eco-friendly products. These are the perfect way to harness Australia's abundant sunshine without draining your campervan's battery. If you are travelling locally and have a solar-powered power bank, be sure to bring it along!

• Use the sun's power: For travellers from afar, it might not be possible to pack these larger eco-friendly gadgets. But that shouldn’t stop you from decking out your campervan sites with outdoor solar lights, investing in solar torches, or basking in the coolness of a solar fan while you're at it! Many of these can be found at a local hardware store or Bunnings. 

• Power down your devices: If you can’t source these items (understandably), one of the best sustainable travel tips is powering down devices when they're not in active use. This simple habit not only saves battery but also reduces the frequency of charging, leading to decreased power consumption. Every bit helps in our collective race towards sustainable travel.  

 

Pack Reusable and Practical Items in the Campervan

Picture this: You’re out in the stunning wilderness of Australia, embracing your inner eco-warrior, and then you are forced to use that dreaded plastic fork that comes with your lunch. Bit of a mood killer, right? To avoid any eco-faux pas moments, embrace the mantra: ‘less is more’. And by that, we mean less single-use trash and more eco-friendly products, packaging and smart swag! 

Luckily, all of our Britz campers come fitted with cutlery, plates and kitchen essentials so you won’t be caught off guard. Here are a few additional eco-friendly products to consider packing for your Australia road trip:

• A reusable water bottle: This is the ultimate eco-friendly travel hack to ensure you never have to buy a single-use water bottle again. 

• Fabric shopping bags: These are perfect for shopping and double as a bag to pack out rubbish on a hike (and best of all, they can fit in the tiniest of campervan corners!)

• Containers: A match made in heaven for left-overs on an Australia road trip

• Coffee cups and straws: If you enjoy a coffee or smoothie with your breakfast, these are a no-brainer to help reduce your carbon footprint!

• Quick-drying microfibre towels: Not only do they take up minimal space, but they also love a good sunbath (No more wrestling with damp, soggy towels after that dip in the ocean)

• Lightweight clothing: This isn't just breezy for the scorching Aussie sun, it's also a space-saver in your luggage. Plus, it allows for quicker drying under the Australian sun, sparing you from using energy-guzzling laundry dryers.

So, as you get ready for your Australia road trip adventure, think about choosing items that pull double duty: serving you while saving the planet. After all, why have excess baggage when you can travel light, keep your campervan weight down and save on fuel and emissions while you’re at it? For a full list of things to pack, check out our guide to what to pack for your campervan adventure. 

 

Support Local Businesses

Alright, adventure seekers, let’s talk souvenirs. One of the most rewarding aspects of travelling in a camper across Australia is the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures and economies. When you opt to support local businesses, you're not just making an economic choice; you're making an eco-friendly one. Purchasing local products reduces the emissions of international shipping, making your travel footprint considerably smaller. Now, while that quirky, ‘Made Somewhere Far Away’ fridge magnet from that super touristy inner city souvenir shop might seem tempting, let’s pivot to authentic Aussie souvenirs and green travel experiences:

• Buy farm-fresh: Steer your camper into the heart of the country's vibrant farmers markets. Here, veggies aren't just fresh—they're often picked that morning. Dive into lively conversations with local producers about their sustainable packaging and growing practices. A double win! You walk away with scrumptious produce and a bit of local lore.

• Grab hand-made souvenirs: Instead of generic souvenirs, seek out those handcrafted items that tell a story – a tangible memory of your sustainable Australia road trip. From hand-carved boomerangs to delicate pottery, there are plenty of locally-made wonders waiting to find a home with you.

• Eat local: As you cruise from town to town in your camper, cherish the taste of locally-made delicacies from cafes and shops. 

 

Dispose of Waste Correctly

While the scenic beauty of Australia might be the highlight of your campervan journey, it's crucial to ensure that we leave these places as pristine as we found them. Proper waste disposal is a non-negotiable aspect of eco-friendly travel. From separating recyclables to ensuring waste goes in the right bins, every small action helps keep Australia beautiful.

• Pack bin bags: When setting out in your camper, bring along dedicated bin bags to manage waste effectively. 

• Use the (onboard) loo: One of the biggest advantages of travelling in a campervan is always having a toilet nearby! One of the best ways to help the Aussie environment is to always use the onboard bathroom facilities or to use the restrooms provided (be that at a road stop or campervan sites.) This is not just about convenience; it's about preserving the environment and the wildlife that call this place home.

• Use dump sites: If you're wondering about larger waste disposal, especially for those extended road trips, you will usually find a dedicated rubbish and dump site available at many holiday parks and campervan sites. Disposing of this properly ensures that our waterways remain uncontaminated from black water tanks. Need help finding a site near you? Check out the thl Roadtrip App.

 

Watch Your Water Use

As you hit the roads of Australia in your trusty campervan, you will quickly become aware of how those liquid gold reserves aren’t infinite. A 30-minute shower might sound heavenly at home, but on the road, you need to ensure you save your precious H2O (and also avoid overfilling that grey water tank). Here are a few water-saving tips for sustainable travel in a campervan:

• Keep showers short: Consider taking shorter showers and ensure taps are tightly turned off after use. It's a dual win as this not only conserves water but also reduces the frequency of emptying the grey water tank.

• Go natural! (pools, that is): Take yourself for a natural splash! Dive into Australia’s best hidden waterfalls and natural pools dotted throughout the country. Not only is it a refreshing break, but it's a brilliant eco-friendly way to conserve water onboard your camper. 

• Load up the laundry: When laundry day looms, rather than doing a few small loads here and there, why not throw all your washing together at a laundromat. Besides, who wants to spend hours doing multiple loads during their Australia road trip when there’s so much exploring to do?

 

Respect the Environment

When it comes to eco-friendly, sustainable travel hacks, this one takes the cake. So, respect the environment and channel your inner David Attenborough as you wander through Australia’s vast landscapes. How? Well, let’s keep it simple and start with the following (optional to read the following in that commanding, deep voice we all know and love): 

• Adhere to signs: Those signs pointing to protected areas? They're there for a reason. Stick to the designated paths, and let's keep those habitats undisturbed.

• Be on birdwatch alert: Some of our beaches are VIP lounges for nesting birds. So, whip out those binoculars, but also tread lightly. 

• Admire from afar: We can't stress this enough: wildlife is to be admired from afar. Let's leave them to their natural routines without any surprise snacks (or attacks) from us.

• Sustainable packaging: Opt for eco-friendly products like washing liquids and cleaning products when travelling around Australia in a campervan hire. After all, what we use ultimately finds its way back to our surroundings. Trading in regular products for eco-friendly alternatives means our waterways stay chirpy and clear. So, when you’re stocking up on your Australia road trip supplies, think green (travel). Mother Nature will give you a virtual thumbs up for it. 

 

Ready to Book Your Sustainable Campervan Trip?

Well, road trippers, our journey through sustainable travel in a campervan is coming to a pit stop. From packing eco-friendly products like a pro to planning your route to a tee, we’ve covered some solid ground for sustainable travel practices. The take-home message? Travelling sustainably doesn't mean skimping on fun. In fact, it amplifies the experience tenfold for us, as well as generations to come. 

If the open Aussie roads are beckoning, and you're itching to answer the call with a green conscience, then buckle up! Britz campervans are ready to help you chart your very own Australia road trip. Bask in Australia's splendours, relish those starlit nights, and take pride in knowing you're doing your part to preserve its beauty with these tips for travelling in a campervan sustainably. So, what are you waiting for? Book your campervan online today with Britz or pop into your local Britz branch to set the wheels of your eco-journey in motion.