This is a post by Laura, who decided to take the plunge in Australia and New Zealand and drive solo, with only a campervan for company. Go Laura!
When planning a cross-country journey on a budget, it’s tempting to choose to travel vast countries like Australia and New Zealand as part of an organised tour instead of going it alone. But is this the right decision?
The Problem
Companies such as the Naked Bus and Greyhound offer travellers reasonable fares, so many opt to leave the fate of a trip of a lifetime in the hands of others.
Now, I’m not going to disagree with the fact that the tickets are cheap (when bought in advance) but consider this: there’s no room for manoeuvre, no room to make on-the-spot changes and visit somewhere off the beaten track (i.e. recommended to you by another backpacker in your hostel).
Planning months in advance for the sake of a cheap ticket isn’t always the best option, and definitely won’t maximise your travel experience.
What I Did: Hire a Campervan!
I assumed that hiring a campervan and driving through a strange country at my own pace would be an expensive option. I was wrong.
Right at the beginning of my trip I found myself chatting to a young Welsh couple in a bar in Melbourne. They had travelled Australia some years before and were now combining a friend’s wedding with the opportunity to revisit their favourite places. When asked how they planned to cover such a vast area in a relatively short space of time, they told me they were driving.
My first thought? Expensive rental and fuel fees. I assumed that they must have a large amount of cash saved up for this, especially as they’d been buying the drinks all night.
Later on, the drinks turned out to be the compliments of a barman and the ability to drive across the country was down to the best money-saving tip I was likely to ever come across while travelling.
Golden Nugget of Travel Advice Coming Up…
Rental companies often offer relocation deals to people willing to drive their vehicles back to their original offices around the country.
A quick phone call to their office with details of roughly where I was headed saw me picking up a campervan and setting off down Great Ocean Road the next day.
Different companies offer different deals, but the ones I came across involved free or very low rental (between AUS $1-5 a day), or paid-for fuel and a discounted rental rate.
Was it Worth It?
The pros of travelling this way spoke for themselves within an hour of setting off. I pulled up into a golf course opposite the beach and a bunch of wild kangaroos came up to say hello!
Driving the Great Ocean Road is like driving through a postcard; each bend in the road gives a new view of turquoise waters on one side and dense forest on the other – something you’d miss out on without this independent option.
The real treat however, was the mornings. Though most people are advised to stay overnight on a campsite, pulling into a residential street and parking amongst other vehicles is just as safe and saves the hassle of turning up late at night.
The first time I did this I stepped out of the van in the morning and found myself speechless. The town I had stopped in the night before was badly lit and all I could see of my surroundings was a few houses and a concrete road. Now, in the bright sunshine, I found myself looking up at a collection of green mountains with a stunning lake resting at the bottom. I was in disbelief how I had no idea they were there the previous evening, but surprises like this came thick and fast in Australia.
There were tons of experiences like this during my trip and I know one thing for sure; if I’d gone with an organised tour group I would have missed most of them.
Travelling By Campervan: Pros and Cons
Here’s the second part of Laura’s guide to “campervanning”, which covers some of the trickier aspects of travelling solo, top tips for where to go, plus the highlights from her trip…
Go Your Own Way
Hiring a campervan allows you to set your own route. Fancy pulling into a rural vineyard or cheese factory? You can do that. On a tour bus? Not so much. Tour companies often only stop at major tourist attractions, but if it’s the real country you want to get to see then this is the only real option.
I found myself in beautiful destinations so remote they weren’t featured on maps, eating dinner with friendly locals who took me in for the night, and pulling over to see whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Travelling this way allows you to build those unique memories that make trips abroad something you will remember forever. Plus, you never have to worry about carrying your luggage!
One place in particular was very memorable. It was one of the few days where I had pre-arranged something and had to arrive by a certain time, covering a large distance. I was in an increasing hurry but at the same time couldn’t resist pulling over and satisfying my curiosity over what was below a viewing point on the side of the road.
What I found was a view that could have jumped out of a Disney movie. A crystal turquoise stream surrounded by green fields and snow-capped mountains confirmed that driving was the only way to see this part of the world
Sounds Perfect: What’s the Catch?
As for the downside of solo travel, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Driving is tiring. There will be times when you know you have to reach a point on the map but all you want to do is climb into the back and sleep. Take a driving buddy with you where you can – most hostels have notice boards where you can advertise for this sort of thing.
Facilities on board don’t cater for every need. Toilets, for instance. If a long road is ahead, plan well. Showers can also make a fun game of finding, but most hostels and campsites en route will allow you to use theirs for a small fee. Alternatively, if outdoor temperatures allow, take advantage of the free showers by most Australian beaches. A morning wash with a view is a great start to the day!
Make Sure You Don’t Miss
Australia and New Zealand really are some of the best backpacking destinations, here are some places you should miss on your camper van itinerary:
Hot water beach at Whitianga, New Zealand
Rent a spade from the cafe and dig yourself a pool amongst the many others that travel here to take part in the natural phenomenon.
Glow worm caves at Waitomo, New Zealand
For the adrenaline junkie Waitomo is a perfect stop-off for caving, climbing, abseiling and general outdoor exploring. The glow worm caves here were one of the best experiences I had in my three months away.
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
This is something it is sensible to plan ahead for. Good weather conditions are needed to climb the glacier, but the experience is worth it, much like a dip in the outdoor hot pools afterwards – perfect for a warm rest before heading on for the night.
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Here it is possible to enjoy horse riding along the beach, kayaking to spot the wild seals that reside in the area or just take part in one of the many treks that go through this stunning national park. This is an essential stop off on any New Zealand road trip itinerary.
White Island, Whakatane, New Zealand
While a trip to the volcanic island is pricey, the boat ride there with the opportunity to spot numerous pods of dolphins make it a day to remember for a long time, as will the smell from the sulphur rocks if you don’t wash your clothes soon afterwards.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
This small area is a perfect place to spend the night. There isn’t a whole lot to do here but the lake is a stunning one, and the nearby cafe does great breakfasts to send you on your way the next day.
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The town of Wanaka is beautiful in the summer. Fans of photography will appreciate the chance to see this at sunset too, while during the day the collection of sandwich shops and ice cream parlours make it a refreshing stop.
Anglesea Golf Club, Great Ocean Road, Australia
Make this your first stop heading from Melbourne and make friends with the wild kangaroos here while stocking up on driving supplies. This is a slightly off the beaten track destination worth visiting in Australia.
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia
This is a destination with a real ‘wow’ factor. The beach here is protected, and the apostles make it an unforgettable stop on the road.
Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Australia
Byron Bay is home to a lot of Australian tourists that have made this small town a must to visit. It has one of the East coast’s best beaches and a vibe around the place that makes you wish you could stay. If you are planning a trip or working holiday to Australia, you need to travel the east coast and visit Byron Bay.
If you’re thinking of hiring a campervan or looking for a relocation deal, here are some useful companies:
• Spaceship Rentals
• Jucy Rental
Have you ever hired a campervan on your travels? Would you recommend it? Have you got any tips for travelling around Australia and New Zealand to share? Feel free to comment below.
If you enjoyed reading Laura’s post, then check out this guide to overland travel or see how two other travellers got on driving a campervan around New Zealand’s North Island…
