Campervan 101
Considering taking to the open road with a campervan or motorhome? Don’t know where to start? Unsure of whether #VanLife is for you? We have you covered with our introduction to travelling by campervan and motorhome. Travelling via campervan is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to explore Australia. You set your own pace and are not tied into pre-booked accommodation or travel itineraries. Campervan travel is a unique mix of adventure and comfort.
Booking Campsites
Even though campervans offer a unique amount of flexibility it is still advisable to pre-book some of your campsites and have an idea of where you are going to rest for the evening. We recommend booking into a paid campsite every second night to give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries (both yours and your campervan), refill your water and empty the campervans water cassettes.
Campsites in Australia can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays and the peak summer months, so pre-booking these sites guarantees that you will have space to plug in and relax after a day of exploring.
Get to know your campervan
When you collect your campervan a member of our team will give you a quick tour of the vehicle and the amenities that are included. Take this time to get to know your vehicle. Learn how to use the kitchen, bathroom, waste systems and electrical features so that you will feel confident throughout your adventure. Our team are happy to help you and answer any questions that you may have.
When you first get behind the wheel, take the time to check the mirrors, adjust your seat and make sure that you are comfortable and ready to hit the road. Taking this time at the beginning of your trip will allow you to feel more confident and safer for the remainder of your journey.
Plan your driving hours
Driving in Australia can be an interesting experience, especially when you are entering more regional areas. Not only can long drives be tiring, but it also increases your risk of having an accident. By planning your drives in advance, you can keep your drive time to a reasonable length and take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
We recommend also keeping your driving to daylight hours. Driving after dark in Australia can be dangerous, especially when wildlife such as wombats and kangaroos become more active after dusk. Even though these furry critters are adorable, they can pose a risk to you and your motorhome.
Packing and Unpacking
The fantastic thing about travelling via campervan is that you only need unpack once, your accommodation travels with you. You take your home on the road. A GoCheap campervan comes equipped with everything you need, including bedding, towels and kitchen essentials. So, you are all set to begin your adventure. So you don’t need to pack everything into your luggage, especially as all of our campervans include the kitchen sink!
Know your roads and route
Knowing what routes you plan to take can make travelling via campervan easier. Sticking to sealed roads ensures the safety for you, your passengers and your campervan. Unsealed roads can hide a lot of risks, especially when it comes to loose rocks and debris. The last thing you want on your adventure is a cracked windscreen! That is why travelling on unsealed roads is prohibited with our campervans – so planning ahead to avoid unsealed roads is a must.
If you are unsure what constitutes an unsealed road, our parent company fantastic article on knowing the differences between sealed and unsealed roads: What’s the Differences Between Sealed and Unsealed Roads?
Now that you up to date with all things campervan, you can begin planning you next adventure.
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
