Life on the road in Australia is definitely beautiful and usually fun, but it’s not without its challenges. Some towns are better set up than others for RVs. Knowing which destinations have good facilities, wide roads, service centres, and pretty spots to park can make all the difference to an extended road trip.
Stanley, Tasmania
Stanley is a picturesque, RV-friendly town which makes a good base for exploring the north west of Tasmania. Famous for The Nut, a 143-metre flat-topped volcanic plug that sits majestically behind the town, the RV park at the golf club is right near the beach and the beach walking track. The Big4 Tassie Getaway Parks Stanley has more facilities with the added bonus of the Little Penguins waddling past on their nightly return to their burrows. It’s a short walk into town from either location.There’s also a good supermarket with a pre-paid petrol station out the front, and the Stanley Hotel has comforting pub food. For special occasions, book into Hurseys, an award-winning seafood restaurant with water views.
Beechworth, Victoria
Historic courthouses, ghost tours, scenic drives, cycling trails, beautiful bushwalks and fine food are all waiting in this well-preserved gold rush town in the Victorian high country. The well-maintained roads around Beechworth lead to the historic town centre, the famous Beechworth Bakery and local vineyards and breweries.
Beechworth has wide streets and accessible parking, so it’s easy to navigate your RV. It has many well-equipped RV-friendly campgrounds with large powered and unpowered sites and potable water. Lake Sambell Caravan Park caters directly to RV travellers with lovely sites alongside Spring Creek.
Broome, Western Australia
On every traveller’s wishlist, the Cable Beach sunset is majestic and visiting Gantheaume Point with its redder than red rocks and blue sky is a must-do. Book a camel ride for an unforgettable experience on the beach, or simply enjoy being outside and watching the colourful spectacle give way to the staircase to the moon over Roebuck Bay as you relax with a drink.
Visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm or discover the pearl diving history at the Pearl Luggers museum in Chinatown.
Broome’s infrastructure was purpose-built for road trippers. There are plenty of places to stay with an RV, fuel stops, mechanical and tyre services, supermarkets and water refills in abundance. Friendly locals will make you want to settle in for weeks.
Hahndorf, South Australia
For an Australian experience with a German twist, visit Hahndorf. First settled by immigrants in 1838, you can still find traditional German cuisine like salted pretzels, apple strudels, sausage and beer and echoes of Germanic culture in this picturesque town near Adelaide, especially if you’re in town for Oktoberfest or the Christmas Markets.
The roads around the Adelaide Hills are in good condition, sufficiently wide and RV-friendly. Don’t miss the drive to the Mt Lofty summit for stunning panoramic views of the region. Designated motorhome and van parking is available, and the historic town is walkable from these points.
Check out the architecture and dream about life in a little German village. The Discovery Park Hahndorf has powered drive-through sites for those who don’t like reverse parking, a pool, camp kitchen and other facilities that make it an easy place to stay, and Adelaide’s CBD is only a 20-minute drive away.
Darwin, Northern Territory
As a gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular national parks, and one of the northernmost towns (apart from Cape York) in the country, Darwin sees a lot of RV traffic. It’s a tranquil destination for RV travellers wanting to see Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park, Berry Springs and the Top End.
Darwin’s infrastructure welcomes road trippers with fuel stations for large rigs, mechanics and tyre services, supermarkets and motorhome-friendly areas. While in town, take a Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, visit the NT Museum and Art Gallery or go fishing off Stokes Hill Wharf in town. If fishing’s not for you, dine at Crustaceans, one of the wharf’s lovely seafood restaurants, or simply enjoy the sunset while feasting and shopping at the Mindil Beach Market.
All the van parks are about 10 kilometres out of the city centre. Check out the Darwin Free Spirit Resort, which has a bar and bistro, bouncy pillow, kids’ facilities and a large lagoon pool, perfect for those hot days.
Woombye Sunshine Coast, Queensland
More than just the home of the Big Pineapple, Woombye on the Sunshine Coast has great options for those travelling in an RV.
Either camp within the two-hectares of lush forest at Rainforest Holiday Village, or opt for a powered site at a coastal country farmstay holiday park Sixty6 Acres, with a restaurant and bar and seven heated magnesium plunge pools to enjoy.
Enjoy a tasting at world-class Woombye Cheese or a tipple at Sunshine & Sons Distillery, keep the kids happy at Wildlife HQ, Amaze World and Tree Top Challenge. Plus, the beach is only 15 minutes away.
Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
This iconic outback mining town in northern NSW is a famous stop on most inland touring routes and has plenty of parks and campgrounds that are fantastic for RVs. Fuel and supplies are easy to find, and there is access to mechanical services if needed.
Spend some time soaking in the hot bore baths, fossick for black opals, immerse yourself in Australiana at the Beer Can house, visit a gemstone museum or go underground to the art gallery. Locals are welcoming, and the parks have powered sites, water refill stations, dump points and space for those with big rigs. RV travellers have easy access to the attractions via mostly sealed roads. For a true outback vibe, stay on a 1,800-hectare property at Lorne Holiday Station where you can even go fossicking or catch yabbies in the onsite dam.
