Campervan Hacks for Surviving the Summer Heat on the road

There’s no better way to experience Australia than by travelling in a campervan and getting the chance to explore the very best the country has to offer. Summer in Australia runs from December to February, bringing some of the warmest weather of the year. And while it’s one of the most popular seasons to hit the road, it can quickly become hot and uncomfortable if you’re not prepared. To help you stay cool and enjoy every moment, here are our top campervan hacks for surviving the summer heat on the road.

 

Image: GoCheap 2 Berth Tamar Campervan in the summer sun

 

Beating the Summer Heat with GoCheap Campervans

Road trips are made even easier when you travel with GoCheap Campervans, giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your summer getaway exactly how you want, at your own pace. Our campervans come fully equipped with everything you need, making them your home away from home. Experience some of Australia’s best summer destinations without the hassle of crowded hotels or busy tourist hotspots. With a campervan, you can create your own adventure! Discover hidden gems, explore off-the-beaten-paths, and see even more of Australia’s natural beauty. Additionally, most of our campervans come with air conditioning to help you beat the heat and stay comfortable throughout your journey.

 

Image: Summer day on your road trip adventure

 

Pack Smart

When travelling on the road during summer, it’s important to pack smart and be prepared for your journey. Summer can get extremely warm in Australia, so make sure you have the right clothes and items on hand. Since you’ll want to utilise every bit of space in your campervan, try to pack light and since it’s summer, there’s no need for bulky layers. The best way to keep cool is by choosing light, breathable clothing, especially on those hot summer days.

Bring swimwear, hats, thongs, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of summer-ready clothing to help beat the heat and stay prepared. For travellers who want to make the most of Australia’s beaches, pack picnic blankets, thermal water bottles, surfboards and extra towels if you plan on spending lots of time in the water. You can also hire additional accessories with us to make your trip even easier, such as ice coolers, fans, outdoor seating, and baby boosters/seats.

 

Image: Packing for your summer getaway

 

Ventilate your Campervan

Having good airflow is the key to ensuring your campervan stays cool on those hot sunny days. Make sure to leave your windows open, and use cross-ventilation—keeping windows open on opposite sides of the van will help create a natural breeze that flows through, pushing warm air out and pulling cooler air in. During hot weather, use the campervans window covers to block out direct sunlight and prevent unnecessary heat buildup.

 

Image: Opening your campervan for ventilation and airflow 

 

Keeping Cool

• Stay Hydrated: It is vital to keep regularly drinking water to combat the heat. Stock your fridge with water and refreshments so you always have a cool drink on hand when needed. Staying hydrated during the hot summer days is not only great for your health but also helps keep you comfortable throughout the day.
• Cook Outside:Your campervan comes fully equipped with everything you need for cooking on the road. If you do cook inside, keep your windows or doors open to help things stay cooler. But to truly make the most of those long summer days, fresh air and stunning views, take your cooking outdoors. Most campsites come with BBQ equipment and shared cooking facilities, giving you the option to enjoy meals in the open air. Firing up the grill not only makes for delicious camping meals—it adds to the whole outdoor experience.
• Nighttime Showers: Try to have a cool shower before going to bed. Our 2 Berth Tamar Campervan, 4 Berth Henty Campervan and 6 Berth Derwent Campervan all come with an onboard separate toilet and shower complete with running hot and cold water. Taking a cold shower before turning in for the night will help lower your body temperature and make it easier to drift off to sleep, even on a warm evening.
• Sun Protection: Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats and sunglasses to help tackle the heat and reduce your chances of heatstroke or sunburn. The sun in Australia can get very strong, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

 

Image: Enjoying your meal outdoors to keep cool

 

Plan Ahead

The best part of travelling on the road is the freedom and flexibility that campervan life provides. But during peak seasons like summer, popular places and activities can get booked out early and become crowded. Try to roughly plan your road trip ahead by deciding which destinations you’d like to tackle on your holiday. For short-term planning, schedule your activities during the cooler parts of the day so that when the midday heat hits, you’re avoiding the extreme temperatures and staying cool inside or in the water.

Booking campsites ahead of time is also a good idea, as during busy travel periods they can be reserved weeks or even months in advance. Another smart way to beat the heat when planning ahead is choosing coastal stops or high-elevation areas, as these locations naturally stay cooler and offer a refreshing break from the summer sun.

Check out itineraries to help you prepare for your road trip!

 

Image: 6 Berth Derwent Campervan by the beach during summer

 

Parking Strategically

When you’re travelling on the road in a campervan, a common question that will come up is where to park? Finding parking spots that are shaded and facing away from the sun will make a huge difference in preventing your campervan from feeling too warm and stuffy. Location is everything when it comes to keeping your van cool. During the day, always aim for shaded areas by avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll be able to keep the interior noticeably cooler. If you’re travelling along the coast, try to park close to the beach so you have easy access to the water for quick, refreshing dips.

And to avoid restless, overheated nights, stick to higher elevations, temperatures tend to drop more dramatically at night, giving you a much-needed break from the heat. Parking near bodies of water is also a bonus, offering both cooling swims and natural coastal breezes that help ventilate your campervan.

Check out our blog Tips For Parking A Campervan In Australia for more information!

 

Image: GoCheap 2 Berth Hi Top Campervan parked under the shade

 

Time To Plan Your Summer Road Trip Adventure!

Summer on the road is all about sunshine, salty air and spontaneous adventures and with the right hacks, the heat doesn’t have to slow you down. From packing tips and cool-down tricks to choosing coastal routes, staying comfortable is easy when you know the right hacks. Travelling with a campervan gives you the freedom to chase the best views, find hidden gems and turn every summer day into a memory worth keeping. Your perfect summer escape awaits!

Here are some cooler summer destinations to add to your bucket list:

• Hobart, TAS
• Liawenee, TAS
• Yarra Ranges, VIC
• Greater Geelong, VIC
• Blue Mountains, NSW

 

Image: GoCheap 2 Berth Tamar Campervan on a summer road trip

 

Some other Blogs you might be interested in:

Summer Road Tripping in Australia with a Campervan

Australia’s Top 10 Beaches You Can’t Miss

Best Beaches in Australia for Surfing: A Campervan Traveller’s Dream

Australia on a Budget: Seasonal Road Trip Guide for Thrifty Travelers

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!