Explore the East Coast of Australia: Campervan Rental Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling the East Coast of Australia in a Campervan

Travelling the East Coast of Australia is a bucket-list adventure for many and the best way to do it? In a campervan. From golden beaches and tropical rainforests to vibrant cities and chilled surf towns, a road trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

But before you hit the open road, there are a few things you’ll need to know to make your East Coast campervan journey unforgettable.

Why Travel East Coast Australia by Campervan?

The East Coast route stretches over 2,500 km from Cairns to Sydney and is packed with incredible stops. You’ll find:

The Great Barrier Reef
Whitsunday Islands
K’gari (Fraser Island)
Noosa
Byron Bay
Gold Coast
Sydney Harbour

Travelling in a campervan means you can:

Save on accommodation (your bed comes with you!)
Stop where you like and embrace spontaneity
Experience van life culture alongside other travellers
Have flexibility to adjust your route as you go

Choosing the Right Campervan

Not all campervans are the same — and the good news is that with Dundee Adventure Travel, you can compare all the leading brands in one place. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or premium comfort, we’ve got you covered.

Some of the most popular campervan and motorhome brands we work with include:

Apollo – Reliable, modern vans with a range of sizes.
Cheapa Campa – Budget-friendly, perfect for backpackers.
Maui – Premium motorhomes with extra comfort and space.
Britz – Great for families and groups with flexible options.
Jucy – Fun, compact campers ideal for short trips.
Travellers Autobarn – Popular with backpackers for affordability.
Spaceships – Compact and fuel-efficient campervans.

When choosing, think about:

Size & comfort – Solo, couple, or group? Bigger vans = more comfort, but trickier parking.
Facilities – Do you want just the basics (bed + cooker) or extras like fridge, shower, and toilet?
Fuel efficiency – Diesel vans usually save money on long trips.
One-way rentals – Many brands offer Cairns → Sydney or reverse routes.

💡 Pro tip: Dundee Adventure Travel helps you compare prices across all these brands instantly, so you can pick the one that best fits your budget, travel style, and route

👉 to find the right van for your East Coast road trip here “Find My Campervan”

How Long Should You Allow?

The full East Coast drive takes time – don’t underestimate it!

2–3 weeks: Fast-paced, hitting the highlights.
4–6 weeks: A comfortable pace, mixing popular stops with hidden gems.
6+ weeks: Time to really slow down and dive deep into local life.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s a rough breakdown for a Cairns to Sydney road trip:

Campervan hire: $35/day (budget) up to $200+/day (luxury)
Fuel: Around $600–$900 total (approx. $2/litre fuel price)
Campsites: Free options exist, but expect $20–$50/night for powered sites
Food: Supermarket shopping saves heaps compared to eating out
Tours & activities: Reef trips, Fraser Island tours or sailing adventures – budget extra for these must-dos

Wild Camping & Overnight Stops

So, can you just park anywhere and sleep? Sometimes but not everywhere. Many councils fine travellers for illegal camping. Best options:

Roadside rest areas – Usually fine for one night.
National Parks – Scenic campgrounds with small fees.
Free/low-cost campsites – Use apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate to find them.
Holiday parks – A safe bet if you need showers, power, or laundry.

💡 Tip: If it feels sketchy, move on. With a campervan, you always have options.

Pre-Booking Campsites

This is a big one. In busy seasons, campsites sell out fast. Don’t assume you can “rock up” everywhere.

When to Pre-Book

December–February: Aussie summer holidays
June–August: European backpacker season
Long weekends & public holidays: Locals also hit the road

Where to Pre-Book

These hotspots almost always require advance booking:

Cairns & Port Douglas
Whitsundays (Airlie Beach)
K’gari (Fraser Island) – plus permits for camping & driving
Noosa & Sunshine Coast
Byron Bay
Sydney surrounds (e.g. Blue Mountains)

Mix it up – secure key stops, then leave some nights open for flexibility.

What About Overnight Tours?

You’ll probably book multi-day trips like sailing the Whitsundays or camping on K’gari. So what happens to your campervan?

Tour car parks – Most operators have safe lots where you can leave your camper.
Hostels & caravan parks – Stay a night before departure and leave your camper parked while on tour.
Built-in storage – Some tours (like Fraser tag-alongs) include parking in the package.

💡 Always take valuables with you or lock them securely.

Safety, Theft & Security

Australia is safe, but common-sense goes a long way:

Always lock your camper (even at petrol stations).
Avoid leaving valuables visible.
Park in well-lit areas or near other travellers.
Consider insurance excess reduction – it’s worth it for peace of mind.
Drive carefully at night – kangaroos are a real hazard.

💡 Trust your gut. If a spot feels dodgy, find another.

Everyone knows Byron and the Whitsundays, but these lesser-known stops are worth it:

Mission Beach (QLD): Skydive onto the beach, rainforest hikes.
Agnes Water & 1770 (QLD): The last surf beach heading north.
Yamba (NSW): Byron vibes without the crowds.
Ebor Falls & Waterfall Way (NSW): Stunning inland waterfalls.
Port Stephens (NSW): Sand dunes, dolphins, epic hikes.

Booking Tours Along the Way

A campervan gives you flexibility – but don’t miss out on iconic East Coast tours. Popular ones book up fast, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

Some must-do experiences:

Whitsundays – sailing, snorkelling & Whitehaven Beach.
K’gari (Fraser Island) – 4WD adventures & camping.
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef – snorkelling & diving.
Noosa – Everglades, surf lessons & 4WD safaris.
Byron Bay – surf, kayak with dolphins, live music.
Sydney – harbour cruises, Bondi surf, Blue Mountains.

💡 When you book your campervan with Dundee Adventure Travel, you also get our VIP Service:

Priority access to popular East Coast tours
Exclusive discounts & deals
Personalised itinerary planning so tours match your road trip route
24/7 WhatsApp support before & during your adventure

Final Road Trip Tips

Pack light – space is limited.
Download offline maps & playlists.
Keep snacks and water handy.
Plan your route, but leave room for detours.
Pre-book hotspots, but stay spontaneous where you can.

Ready to Hit the Road?

An East Coast Australia campervan road trip isn’t just a holiday — it’s a rite of passage. From tropical islands to surf towns, coral reefs to coastal cities, the freedom of van life gives you the ultimate adventure.

👉 Compare today and let Dundee Adventure Travel help you plan a road trip you’ll never forget.