The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Caravan Road Trip Around Australia
Australia is built for road trips. From coastal highways to desert tracks, every corner of this vast country offers something unique — and the best way to experience it all is by caravan. But great adventures start with great planning. Whether you’re mapping out a few weeks or a full lap around the country, having the right tools makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your Aussie caravan road trip and the best websites and apps to help you get there.
📍 Where to Go: Iconic Road Trip Routes
Australia is home to some of the world’s most scenic and adventurous road trips. Here are a few popular routes to consider:
- The Big Lap – This is the holy grail for caravaners: a full loop of the country via Highway 1. It spans over 14,500km and takes months to complete, perfect if you’re in it for the long haul.
- The Great Ocean Road (VIC) – A short but stunning route packed with sea cliffs, rainforest, and iconic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles.
- The Savannah Way (QLD to WA) – Stretching from Cairns to Broome, this outback trail crosses three states and is ideal for 4wd adventurers.
- The Coral Coast (WA) – Explore white beaches, vibrant reefs, and remote towns along the coast from Perth to Exmouth.
- Tasmania’s East Coast – A more compact trip with coastal beauty, historic towns, and excellent food and wine.
- The Red Centre Way (NT) – Travel through the heart of the outback, including Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and the awe-inspiring Uluru.
🌐 Best Road Trip Planning Websites
1. ExplorOz
🔗 www.exploroz.com
This long-running site is packed with resources for serious road trippers. ExplorOz offers detailed route suggestions, topographic maps, blogs from fellow travellers, and a Members’ section for those seeking deeper advice or offline functionality. It’s especially useful for those heading into remote or lesser-known areas and want to plan around fuel stops, campgrounds, and terrain.
2. Australia.com – Road Trip Itineraries
🔗https://www.australia.com/en/trips-and-itineraries/trip-planner.html
As the official tourism site for Australia, this resource is filled with beautiful imagery, themed road trips, and helpful guides. Whether you’re planning a food and wine getaway, an outback drive, or a coastal escape, you’ll find suggested routes by region, duration, and interest. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure where to go or want to build an itinerary around iconic Aussie experiences.
3. All Around Oz
🔗 www.allaroundoz.com.au
This site is run by full-time caravanners who know their stuff. They share free downloadable planning templates, including checklists and budget sheets, plus in-depth guides for travelling with kids, pets, or off-grid. Their blog is loaded with real-life travel stories, giving you a genuine glimpse into what to expect on the road.
4. Hema Maps
🔗 www.hemamaps.com
A go-to for off-road and remote area navigation, Hema Maps is more than just printed charts. Their digital maps and Hema Explorer app provide access to 4wd tracks, campsites, service stations, and more. It’s ideal if you’re heading off the beaten path and want reliable, detailed mapping with offline capabilities.
📱 Must-Have Apps for Road Trip Planning
- Campedia
Australia’s modern camping directory built for vanlifers, caravaners and road trippers. Campedia helps you find campsites, holiday parks, dump points and pet-friendly locations across the country. It’s fast, easy to use, and packed with real user reviews and helpful filters. A top choice for anyone planning their Aussie getaway with comfort and convenience in mind.
2. WikiCamps Australia
🔗 wikicamps.com.au
The ultimate app for finding campgrounds, caravan parks, dump stations, and day-use areas. It’s community-powered, so you’ll find honest reviews, photos, and updates from other travellers. One of its best features is the offline mode, essential when you’re out of reception. You can also use it to plan your route day by day, making it a favourite among seasoned vanlifers.
3. CamperMate
🔗 campermate.com.au
More than just a campsite finder, CamperMate includes public toilets, fuel stations, free Wi-Fi spots, and helpful traveller alerts (like road closures or severe weather). The interface is clean and intuitive, and it works great both for upfront planning and on-the-go updates. Bonus: You’ll find exclusive discounts from tourism operators within the app.
4. Roadtrippers
🔗 roadtrippers.com
Roadtrippers helps you build a visual map of your route and discover attractions, scenic detours, and quirky stops along the way. While the Australian database isn’t quite as large as in the US, it’s growing fast, and it’s great for those who want to mix classic sights with offbeat finds.
5. Google My Maps
🔗 mymaps.google.com
A more DIY-style tool, Google My Maps lets you create a custom map with saved locations, like campsites, cafes, landmarks, and service stations. It’s ideal for visualising your trip and sharing it with friends or family. You can even organise stops by colour or day.
🧭 Bonus Tips for Planning Like a Pro
- Time it right – Australia’s seasons vary dramatically. Winter is best for the north; summer is better for the southern states.
- Start with a rough plan – Leave room for spontaneity, but having a loose framework helps with booking accommodation and budgeting.
- Join online communities – Facebook groups like “Caravanning Australia” are great for route suggestions and up-to-date road condition reports.
- Print your plans – Tech can fail. It’s smart to carry printed maps or itinerary sheets, especially if travelling off-grid.
🚐 Before You Go: Prioritise Comfort on the Road
No matter where you’re headed, make your caravan feel like home. At Dreamer RV, we help you sleep better on the road with our luxury caravan mattress toppers and protectors, designed for comfort, support, and breathability.🛏️ Browse the full range here to make every stop the perfect place to rest.
