22 RV-Friendly Towns To Visit In Australia

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Australia is by far one of the best countries in the world to travel in an RV.

Australia’s vast landscape – traversing tropical rainforests, the arid red outback, and pristine golden coastlines – is the perfect terrain to take advantage of the onboard facilities available when travelling in a motorhome.

Taking a road trip in a campervan is a great solution to all the usual hassles of long-distance road trips. No more packing and unpacking the car, having to rush to find the closest toilet or paying premiums for outback roadhouse meals (unless you want to, of course). Having a motorhome means always having facilities like a kitchen, bathroom, and bed, transforming a rigid long road trip into a relaxing holiday retreat. Best of all, motorhomes provide the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Freedom camping rules in Australia vary from state to state, so it’s important to know which towns are ‘RV-friendly’ and convenient for you to stay in on your road trip to keep your holiday as carefree as possible. That is why we have created this list of 22 campervan-friendly towns to visit in Australia.

Every campervan-friendly town on this list has an approved campervan parking area, access to freshwater, a dump station, and great activities to do in the area. That way you have a good idea of the kinds of places you can stay when you’re ready to explore Australia and all the beauty on offer.

Contents:

  • Campervan-friendly towns in Queensland
  • Campervan-friendly towns in New South Wales
  • Campervan-friendly towns in Victoria
  • Campervan-friendly towns in Tasmania
  • Campervan-friendly towns in South Australia
  • Campervan-friendly towns in Western Australia

Campervan-friendly towns in Queensland

Charleville

Tucked away in the southwest of Queensland, Charleville is home to one of Australia’s most special creatures, the bilby. These nocturnal mammals are on the endangered list, making it a rare and special moment to spot one. Stop by the Charleville Bilby Experience for a cuddle with these special animals.

  • Location: In the Shire of Murweh, Queensland.
  • Caravan park: Charleville Caravan Park.
  • Parking: Short-term parking is available at all fishing spots along the Warrego and Ward rivers. Casual parking is available on the streets just outside of the town centre.
  • Access to freshwater: Graham Andrews Parkland, Sturt Street.
  • Access to a dump point: On Qantas Drive.
  • Things to do: Charleville Bilby Experience.

Longreach

This town’s claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Australia's national airline, Qantas. Here you can see the Qantas Founder Museum, among other attractions like the heritage-listed eucalyptus tree Burke and Wills Dig Tree.

  • Location: In the Longreach Region of Queensland.
  • Caravan park: Longreach Tourist Park.
  • Parking: Short term parking at Apex Riverside Park. Casual parking between Pelican and Bustardtreets.
  • Access to freshwater: Corner of Sandpiper and Kite streets.
  • Access to a dump point: Corner of Sandpiper and Kite streets.
  • Things to do: See the Qantas Founder Museum, Stockman Hall of Fame, Burke and Wills Dig Tree.

Cooktown

Cooktown is a historic coastal town on the Cape York Peninsula. This town is best known for its page in the history books as the town where Captain James Cook beached his ship for repairs. It is also the gateway to the unspoiled land of Cape York Peninsula. 

  • Location: In the Shire of Cook in Queensland, Australia. 
  • Caravan park: Cooktown Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Short-term parking at the Cooktown RV Area for up to 3 nights. Casual parking is available on the corner of Adelaide and Walker streets. 
  • Access to freshwater: Corner Adelaide and Walker streets. 
  • Access to a dump point: Corner Hope and Chace streets. 
  • Things to do: Parking up your campervan to go and do a 4WD tour makes for an exciting day out. 

Bundaberg

Bundaberg is best known as the southern entrance to the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and for its rum distilleries. This is a great hub to explore the sun-drenched beaches of the coast or explore the unparalleled beauty of the coral ecosystems.

  • Location: On the coast of Queensland.
  • Caravan park: BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park. 
  • Parking: CMCA RV Park Bundaberg for up to 14 nights. 
  • Access to freshwater: CMCA RV Park Bundaberg.
  • Access to a dump point: CMCA RV Park Bundaberg.
  • Things to do: Bundaberg is known for its rum, so the Bundaberg Rum Distillery is worth a visit (Always drink responsibly).

Campervan-friendly towns in New South Wales

Rosedale

This beachside settlement is located on the south coast of NSW, just south of Batemans Bay. This is the perfect little town to explore the beauty of the surrounding coast.

  • Location: 184 kilometres east of Melbourne in New South Wales.
  • Caravan park: Rosedale Caravan Park - Call 03 519 2202.
  • Parking: Long-term parking at Holey Plains State Park. Short-term parking at Willow Park for a donation. Casual parking on Lyons Street. 
  • Access to freshwater: At Willow Park.
  • Access to a dump point: At the Rosedale Bowls Club.
  • Things to do: Learn history at the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum. 

Broken Hill

As Australia’s oldest mining town, this outback city is rich in colonial history dating back to the 1880s. Broken Hill also has a colourful art scene scattered across numerous galleries and through the desert at the Sculptures in the Living Desert. You can also stop by the Palace Hotel to be transported into the Australian classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Oberon

On the western fringe of the Greater Blue Mountains, Oberon is the perfect little mountain retreat. This is an ideal place to go horse riding and hiking, with breath-taking views overlooking the Tablelands.

  • Location: In the Central Tablelands Region of New South Wales. 
  • Caravan park: Jenolan Holiday Park. 
  • Parking: Short and long-term parking at the Reef Reserve camping area. Casual parking on Ross Street.
  • Access to freshwater: At the Oberon Visitor Information Centre. 
  • Access to a dump point: Corner Albion and North Streets. 
  • Things to do: Check out the Jenolan Caves. They’re stunning!

Wauchope

Sitting within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area, Wauchope is a quaint town with many hidden gems to explore. While here, tour the logging themed museum and ride the steam train at Timbertown, see ‘Old Bottlebutt’ the giant red bloodwood tree, as well as the Bago Maze and Winery. 

  • Location: Mid North Coast area of New South Wales. 
  • Caravan park: Timbertown Campground. 
  • Parking:  Short-term parking across the road from Andrews Park for up to 24 hours. Casual parking at Andrews Park.
  • Access to freshwater: Wauchope Showground. 
  • Access to a dump point: Wauchope Showground. 
  • Things to do: Visit Timbertown (depicting a sawmilling village in the colonial era) and Bago Maze and Winery. 

Mathoura 

Mathoura is a small town in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales. This is the perfect place to explore the beauty of the wetlands of Murray Valley National Park. 

  • Location: Southern New South Wales.
  • Caravan park: Murraybank Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Short and long-term parking at Mathoura Bowling Club on Moama Street. Casual parking corner of Livingstone and Morris Streets. 
  • Access to freshwater: Across the road from Mathoura Bowling Club.
  • Access to a dump point: Mathoura Bowling Club.
  • Things to do: Explore the stunning red gums and wetlands of Murray Valley National Park. 

 

Campervan-friendly towns in Victoria 

Beechworth

This little historical town is located in the northeast of Victoria and is best known for its growth in the gold rush days. Wander down to Beechworth Gorge to admire the smooth granite waterfalls.

  • Location: In the northeast of Victoria.
  • Parking: Long and short-term stay at Lake Sambell Caravan Park for $5 per person per night. Casual parking on Williams Street. 
  • Access to freshwater: Lake Sambell Caravan Park.
  • Access to a dump point: At the Lake Sambell Caravan Park for $5.
  • Things to do: See the Beechworth Gorge. 

Echuca

This little town is located across the river from the town of Moama, bordering the Murray River. There is so much to do in this little riverside town from exploring the National Holden Museum to cruising along the Murray River in a paddle steamer.

  • Location: Northern Victoria.
  • Parking: Rotary Park Echuca. Stay up to 48 hours for $10 per night.
  • Access to freshwater: Rotary Park Echuca - donations appreciated.
  • Access to a dump point: Rotary Park Echuca - donations appreciated.
  • Things to do: Cruise along the Murray River on a paddle steamer.

Lake Bolac

This lakeside town is located between Dunkeld and Ballarat. Best known for its 9-hole golf course and water sports, it's the perfect active adventure retreat.

  • Location: In the Western District region of Victoria.
  • Caravan park: Lake Bolac Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Short and long-term parking at Lake Bolac Foreshore Picnic Point Camping Area. Casual parking at the Lake Bolac Information Centre. 
  • Access to freshwater: Lake Bolac Foreshore Picnic Point Camping Area.
  • Access to a dump point: Glenelg Highway by the police station. 
  • Things to do: Lake Bolac is great for a picnic or water sports. Check out the nine-hole golf course if you’d prefer not to get wet. 

Campervan-friendly towns in Tasmania 

Deloraine

Deloraine is a charming historical town on the Meander River in central-north Tasmania. Come here to see Liffey Falls and Yarns Artwork in Silk. 

  • Location: In the central north part of Tasmania. 
  • Caravan park: Deloraine Apex Caravan Park by calling 03 6362 2673.
  • Parking: Short-term parking at the motorhome rest area on Racecourse Drive. Casual parking on River Road. 
  • Access to freshwater: The Motorhome Rest Area on Racecourse Drive.
  • Access to a dump point: The Motorhome Rest Area on Racecourse Drive.
  • Things to do: Liffey Falls are a must-see in the area. Stunning!

Derby

What was once a small mining town has since transformed into a mecca for Australian mountain biking. Come here to enjoy the thrill of the extensive trail network, or simply to relax and unwind at the Floating Sauna overlooking the lake (the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere). 

  • Location: In the northeast of Tasmania. 
  • Caravan park: There are two major free camping spots in town with paid shower facilities (a self-contained area located near the fire station).
  • Parking: Short-term parking near the fire station.
  • Access to freshwater: Freshwater is available at the free campsite. 
  • Access to a dump point: Not available in town.
  • Things to do: Mountain biking on the Blue Derby trails, hiking, Floating Sauna on Lake Derby.

Campervan-friendly towns in South Australia

Elliston

Located on the rugged scenic coastline of Waterloo Bay, northwest of Port Lincoln. Elliston is best known for its fishing, swimming, surfing and bushwalking. 

Port Lincoln 

Port Lincoln is the southernmost point of the Eyre Peninsula. While it is best known for its seafood and fishing industry, it is also home to a flourishing cafe and restaurant scene and is the gateway to Lincoln National Park. 

  • Location: On the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
  • Caravan park: Port Lincoln Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Long- and short-term stay at Billy Lights Point Boar Ramp for $10 per night. Casual parking on Washington Street.
  • Access to freshwater: Windsor Ave.
  • Access to a dump point: Windsor Ave.
  • Things to do: If you’re a thrill-seeker, why not have a go at shark cage diving! Eek!

Streaky Bay

Streaky Bay is located on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula and is home to 360km of picturesque coastline. This town is the perfect place to explore the coastal scenery, taste the fresh local seafood, and take in the views as you enjoy the area’s scenic coastal drives. 

  • Location: On the western side of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
  • Caravan park: Islands Caravan Park.
  • Parking: Short-term stay available at Streaky Bay RV Site for $10 per person for up to 48 hours. Casual parking on Alfred Terrace. 
  • Access to freshwater: Streaky Bay Lions Park.
  • Access to a dump point: Streaky Bay Lions Park.
  • Things to do: Walk along the boardwalk to see the whistling rocks and blowholes.

Mount Gambier

Mt. Gambier is located in the southeast corner of South Australia. Known for its limestone and volcanic landscape, it’s a great place to explore the natural wonders of this region including The Sinkhole and Blue Lake.

  • Location: In the southeastern corner of South Australia. 
  • Caravan park: Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Short and long-term park at Mount Cambier Showgrounds for $10 per night. Casual parking all across town. 
  • Access to freshwater: Frew Park.
  • Access to a dump point: Frew Park.
  • Things to do: See the Umpherston Sinkhole. It’s unique and showcases a range of different plant life. 

Coober Pedy

This little opal mining town is located just off the Stuart Highway in the north of South Australia. Known as the ‘opal capital of the world’, it is a great place to learn about the history of mining opals and purchase your own precious stone. You can also try your hand at ‘Noodling’ (otherwise known as fossicking) in public areas where you can sift through rock to find opal fragments discarded by miners. 

  • Location: Northern South Australia on the Stuart Highway. 
  • Parking: Long and short-term stay at  Old Timers Mine and Museum. 
  • Access to freshwater: Next to the council on Hutchison Street at a cost. 
  • Access to a dump point: Next to the council on Hutchison Street at a cost. 
  • Things to do: Learn about life underground by visiting Faye’s Underground Home and try ‘Noodling’ for opals in the public noodling areas.

Campervan-friendly towns in Western Australia

Port Hedland

Port Hedlund is the second largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is known for its salt piles and large ships. If there is a full moon while you’re visiting be sure to check out the 'Staircase to the Moon'. This is an optical illusion that occurs when exposed tidal flats reflect the moon to make it look like there is a staircase leading to the rising full moon. 

  • Location: The Pilbara region of Western Australia. 
  • Caravan park: Discovery Parks Port Hedland.
  • Parking: Short term stays for up to 72 hours free at Port Hedland Turf Club. Casual parking is at the corner of Wedge and Richardson Streets.
  • Access to freshwater: Port Hedland Turf Club. 
  • Access to a dump point: Port Hedland Turf Club. 
  • Things to do:  See the 'Staircase to the Moon'.

Dongara 

Often referred to as the ‘rock lobster capital of Australia’, Dongara is located 300+km northwest of Perth. Located at the mouth of the Irwin River, it is the perfect place for bird watching. 

  • Location: Western Australia on the Brand Highway.
  • Caravan park: Big4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park
  • Parking: Short-term parking at Dongara Town Oval for $10 per night. Casual parking at Moreton Terrace.
  • Access to freshwater: Port Denison Foreshore.
  • Access to a dump point: Dongara Town Oval.
  • Things to do: Go birdwatching along the Irwin Heritage River Trail. 

Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie is located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia and is the ultimate destination of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. It is best known for the ‘Super Pit’ which was Australia’s largest open-cut gold mine for many years. 

  • Location: In the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. 
  • Caravan park: Kalgoorlie Caravan Park. 
  • Parking: Short-term parking at Centennial Park for up to 25 hours. Casual parking on Cassidy Street.
  • Access to freshwater: Hamilton Street. 
  • Access to a dump point: Forrest Street.
  • Things to do: Try your luck at gold panning at Hannans North Tourist Mine. 

Start your Australian motorhome adventure with Apollo RV Super Centre

Now that you have a solid plan and some great preparation tips, it could be time to think about buying a campervan with Apollo RV Super Centre.

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And if you’ve got questions about which motorhome is best for you, just ask our Apollo RV Super Centre motorhome experts. They can show you through our range of new motorhomes and Apollo RV Super Centre ex-rental campervans for sale.

After talking with one of our team, buying an RV feels a lot less overwhelming and you’ll feel more confident about making the right choice. Contact us via phone or email or pop into one of our nationwide Apollo RV Super Centre dealerships.

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