Where To Stay

Types of campervan accommodation in Australia

If you’re flying into Australia to kick start your road trip, we find that a lot of people like to stay in a hotel close to the branch they pick up from on their first night. Particularly after a long flight, you’ll be able to start your campervan holiday refreshed and won't be driving while you are tired or jet-lagged. Once you are in your campervan, there are plenty of different options for where to stay in your campervan. 

Holiday parks

There is a thriving camping culture throughout the country that is welcoming and well-organised. As such, there are plenty of campsites and holiday parks throughout Australia to choose from. Holiday parks are a great option as they are safe, have great facilities, and are run by staff that are a wealth of information on what to do in the local area. Some of the top holiday parks to stay at, include:

• Discovery Parks Holiday Parks – This is Australia's largest network of holiday parks and a trusted partner of their G’DAY Rewards programme. To book, contact the Discovery Park or Top Park directly via the thl Roadtrip App.

• BIG4 Holiday Park –  This is the premier Australian holiday parks and campground group. They have 170-holiday parks located throughout the country, each offering a complete range of affordable self-catering holiday accommodation and camping facilities. For people travelling in a Britz campervan, powered campervan sites are most suitable. Situated in idyllic spots where you can relax or make new friends with fellow travellers, BIG4 owners and operators always offer a friendly welcome and are local experts, so they can assist you with any local information you require. Additionally, each BIG4 Holiday Park has on-site management, 24/7.

Top tip: In peak season, it’s always worth pre-booking as sites fill up pretty quickly. 

Holiday park facilities

Holiday park facilities will vary from place to place, but generally, you can expect a selection of powered or unpowered sites, sturdy ground to park on, and amenity blocks with showers, toilets and running water. Other facilities may include:

• Laundry facilities

• TV areas

• Dumpsite

• Internet connection

• Hire gear (like bikes, surfboards and so on) 

Holiday park fees

Park fees can fluctuate depending on the time of the year and location. However, overall you can expect to pay around $25-$85 AUD. You can also expect to pay extra for things like laundry use and any gear hire. Be sure to check these before booking to see what amenities you will have available to you during your stay. 

 

 

National parks

Staying at an Australian National Park while travelling in a campervan in Australia can offer several benefits that make it a great option for travellers. Firstly, national parks are often situated in some of the most scenic locations in Australia, with easy access to beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders. This proximity to nature can make for a unique and immersive travel experience. Some of the top reasons to stay at a national park, include:

• Close to nature and attractions – National parks often have a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and other attractions nearby, making it easy to spend the day exploring the park and then head back to your campervan for a comfortable night's sleep. 

• Cost-effective – Staying at a national park can also be a cost-effective option, as national park campgrounds are often more affordable than private caravan parks or hotels. This can be especially helpful for budget-conscious travellers. 

• Eco-friendly –  many national parks implement sustainable practices and offer opportunities for travellers to learn about local conservation efforts. 

Overall, staying at a national park while travelling in a campervan in Australia can offer a range of benefits that make for a memorable and enjoyable travel experience. There are plenty of national parks all over the country - each has its own rules depending on the state, so be sure to check the local websites for more information before visiting:

• Queensland

• Northern Territory

• Western Australia

• South Australia

• Victoria 

• Tasmania

• ACT  

• New South Wales 

National park facilities

When staying at a national park, you can usually expect basic toilets, rubbish bins, and picnic tables. While not guaranteed, some may also have other facilities, including:

• Showers

• Cooking facilities

• Barbeques

• Tap water (which you may need to boil before drinking)

• Fire pits

National park fees

National park fees vary in cost, but you can expect to pay approximately $10 to $60 per night depending on location and facilities available. You can easily book these online or directly at the campsite, where there will often be a box to drop an envelope of cash into with your vehicle details. 

Top tip: You can also get multi passes to save money (see the national park website for the state for prices). 

 

 

State park campsites

A state park is a protected area of land managed by the state government that is set aside for conservation and recreation. These parks are typically located in areas of natural beauty, such as forests, beaches, mountains, or lakes, and are often home to unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage sites. Staying at a state park while travelling in a campervan in Australia can offer several benefits, including:

• Plenty of camping options – State parks often have a range of camping options available, from basic campsites with minimal facilities to more luxurious options with power, water, and other amenities. This can make it easy to find a camping spot that suits your needs and preferences. 

• Affordable – Staying at a state park can be an affordable option, as many parks offer low-cost or free camping options for self-contained vehicles like campervans. 

• Usually no need to book far in advance 

• Good for those not sticking to a set itinerary

You can find these by asking at local information centres or by searching on the thl Roadtrip app.  

State park campsite facilities

When camping at a state park, you can usually expect the simple facilities, including:

• Toilets

• Rubbish bins 

State park campsite fees

Some are free, others can cost around $10-$15 per person per night on average. 

 

 

Freedom camping sites

Freedom camping refers to camping in a location that is not designated as an official campground or caravan park. This could include roadside rest areas, public lands, or other locations where camping is not explicitly prohibited. While freedom camping may not offer the same amenities or services as traditional campgrounds, it can offer several benefits for travellers in a campervan in Australia, including:

• Cost savings – Since freedom camping locations are often free or low-cost, travellers can save money on their trip and allocate their funds towards other expenses.

• Allows for more adventure and spontaneity – Free camps give travellers the opportunity to discover new and off-the-beaten-path locations that they wouldn't have found otherwise.

• Less crowded – Free camps are usually located a little further from main towns and attractions and are typically less busy or crowded than traditional campgrounds or caravan parks. This can offer a more peaceful and secluded camping experience, with fewer distractions and a greater connection to nature. 

• A more flexible option – While many of these free campgrounds will have some rules to abide by, there operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This means you don’t have to book in advance and have a little more freedom to choose to stay in an area for as long or as little as you like (campground restrictions permitting). 

Freedom camping facilities

Free camps usually don’t have many, if any, facilities. Some may have basic facilities like a toilet, but overall you should anticipate there being none, and instead come prepared with enough water and food and other supplies to sustain yourself while at camp. 

Top tip: You can use thl Roadtrip app to find freedom camping sites and check to see what amenities and facilities are available. 

Freedom camping fees

Freedom camping spots are, as the name suggests, usually free to use. While using these sites, be sure to abide by general rules, such as only parking in approved freedom camping spots – otherwise, you could end up paying for your campsite with a fine. 

For more information on free camping, check out our guide to everything you need to know about freedom camping. 

 

Make your next trip away easier with the thl Road trip app

So whether you want to stay near the seaside, countryside, rainforest or wineries, there are accommodation options to suit every travel itinerary. To help find the closest campsites to you while on the road and to plan ahead, make your next trip away easier and download the thl Roadtrip app. Download on iTunes, or Google Play.