New Years Resolutions: Why 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Explore Australia
There’s something about a new year that makes the open road feel even more inviting and 2026 might just be the best time ever to explore Australia by campervan. With travel trends shifting, costs rising in traditional tourism, and more people craving freedom over schedules, road trips is becoming the go-to way to experience Australia’s coastlines, cities, deserts and everything in between. If you’ve been dreaming about a campervan getaway, an Aussie road trip, or a slow-travel adventure, 2026 is your year. Here’s why and how GoCheap Campervans can make it all possible!
Image: New Years Resolution to Travel Australia
Why visit Australia?
As the new year begins, there’s no better way to start fresh than by travelling and in 2026, travel is evolving in all the right ways. Australia is more road-trip-ready than ever. With domestic tourism booming, states are investing in upgraded rest stops, holiday parks, scenic lookouts and improved driving infrastructure. The slow-travel movement is on the rise, and more travellers are seeking real, meaningful experiences instead of rushed holidays. Road trips offer exactly that: flexibility, freedom and the chance to explore Australia entirely at your own pace.
Australia truly has something for everyone from families, couples, groups of friends and even solo travellers. While the country is famous for its beaches, kangaroos and vast outback, there’s so much more beneath the surface. Offering world-class surfing and beach culture, the Great Barrier Reef, jaw-dropping landmarks, ancient rainforests, unique wildlife and endless natural beauty. Road tripping across Australia promises an unforgettable adventure where you’ll uncover not only the country’s breathtaking landscapes but also its deep, ancient history. It’s no surprise that researchers consistently rank Australia as one of the world’s best places to visit. There’s truly nowhere else like it!
Image: 2 Berth Tamar Campervan at the Beach
A Budget-Friendly Way to See More of Australia
One of the most affordable ways to experience Australia is by hiring a campervan. It’s budget-friendly, flexible and gives you the freedom to travel exactly how you want. With hotel prices rising (especially during peak seasons) and holiday surcharges quickly adding up, campervan travel has become one of the most cost-effective ways to explore the country. We break it all down in our blog Campervan vs Car + Hotel: What’s the Cheapest Way to Travel?
A campervan gives you:
- Your accommodation
- Your transport
- Your kitchen – fully equipped with everything you need
- Your storage
- Your Toilet and Shower (Excluding the 2 & 4 Berth Hi Top Campervans)
You’ll save on meals, avoid inflated hotel rates and enjoy the freedom of staying anywhere you choose. The timing, direction and itinerary are entirely up to you. Campervan travel lets you go with the flow adjusting your plans as you explore, discovering hidden gems and making spontaneous stops along the way. With GoCheap Campervans, budget travel meets comfort, giving you more freedom to spend on experiences, tours and unforgettable moments.
Image: Fully equipped GoCheap 4 Berth Henty campervan
What’s Happening in 2026 in Australia
From concerts and cultural festivals to major sporting events, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for tourism across Australia. Experience summer days, music festivals, food celebrations, whale-watching seasons, spring blooms and vibrant seasonal markets. With GoCheap Campervans, you get front-row access to it all giving you the independence to chase the events you love without stressing about sold-out accommodation or sky-high prices.
There’s something liberating about an exploring Australia on a road trip. The moment you turn the key, you’re on your way no crowds, no lines, no check-ins, no hotel chaos. Just the open road and the freedom to create your own adventure, exactly the way you want it. But during peak season and school holidays we do recommend booking campsites in advance to avoid missing out.
Keep an eye on Australia’s major events calendar so you’re always up to date!
Image: Road trip with your mates in a GoCheap 6 Berth Derwent Campervan
The Rise in Popularity of Road Trips
Social media has sparked a road-trip renaissance. Van life, scenic coastal drives, starry outback skies and ancient rainforests are dominating TikTok, Instagram and travel blogs. Travellers in 2026 want connection, freedom, nature, and meaningful experiences. A campervan gives you exactly that! The chance to unplug, explore and make memories in the most authentic way.
Image: Exploring Australia with GoCheap campervans
Smarter Travel
Planning a road trip has never been easier! In 2026, travellers benefit from:
- Apps for campsites, fuel, water points & road trip routes
- Offline maps & smart travel tools
- Improved van technology (solar, USB ports, LED lighting)
- Eco-friendly driving options
- Better connectivity in regional areas
Travelling by campervan in 2026 is easier and more seamless than ever thanks to technology and travel upgrades. Today’s road-trip apps help you plan scenic routes, find campsites, check fuel stops and track weather while instant online bookings make securing national park passes and holiday parks quick and stress-free. Our campervans also feature smarter conveniences like USB charging ports, solar power panels, and improved storage making life on the road more comfortable and accessible for every traveller. Combined with the convenience and affordability of GoCheap Campervans, 2026 is shaping up to be the most effortless year yet to hit the road!
Image: Travelling made easier with technology
Australia Has Never Been More Campervan-Friendly
- Major upgrades: New and refurbished holiday parks, improved campgrounds and safer rest areas make road tripping smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
- Better facilities: More dump points, water refill stations, long-stay parking zones and EV-friendly sites across cities and regional towns.
- Routes improved: Upgraded lookouts, clearer signage and better access along routes.
- Regional town support: Visitor centres offering maps, tips and dedicated amenities designed specifically for campervan travellers.
- Easier than ever to explore: Australia’s growing van-friendly infrastructure makes 2026 the perfect time to hit the road with GoCheap Campervans.
- Driving a campervan is easy: Our campervans are smooth, comfortable and simple to handle, making them ideal even for first-time travellers.
- Support local businesses: Every stop you make from bakeries to fuel stations, cafés, markets and small-town shops directly helps local communities thrive, especially in regional Australia.
- Choose your own room views: Wake up to beaches, mountains, forests or outback stars. With a campervan, the landscape becomes your bedroom window, and every morning brings a new backdrop.
- Embrace the community: Caravan parks and campgrounds are full of friendly travellers, families and seasoned road-trippers. It’s a warm, welcoming community where people swap stories, share tips and make instant connections.
Image: 4 Berth Hi Top Campervan parked at a holiday park
Why GoCheap Campervans Makes 2026 Even Better
GoCheap Campervans makes exploring Australia in 2026 even better by offering an affordable, comfortable and hassle-free way to experience the country’s most iconic destinations. With spacious, well-equipped campervans that include cosy bedding, kitchen essentials, plenty of storage and all the on-road comforts you need, GoCheap takes the stress out of travel so you can focus on the journey. Offering convenient locations, budget-friendly pricing and variety of vehicles, make road-tripping accessible for everyone.
Image: 6 Berth Derwent Campervan made for easy and comfortable road trips
Make 2026 Your Year of Campervan Adventure!
From rising travel trends to booming tourism, improving infrastructure and the growing desire for meaningful travel, 2026 is shaping up to be the perfect year to explore Australia by campervan. It’s freedom, affordability, comfort and unforgettable scenery all wrapped in one incredible experience. Pack your bags, plan your route and grab the keys to your next adventure. Australia is waiting!
Image: 2 Berth Tamar Campervan ready for your 2026 adventure
Some other blogs we think you might like:
A First-Timer’s Guide To Hiring A Campervan
Debunking the Campervan Myths: The Honest Truth About Campervan Adventures
5 Must-Know Tips Before Renting a Budget Campervan in Australia
Top 5 Scenic Budget-Friendly Road Trips in Australia
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!
