Australia is one of the greatest road trip destinations on the planet — and European travellers know it. Whether you're escaping the winter, chasing the sun, or finally ticking off that bucket list trip, a campervan is the cheapest and most liberating way to do it.

Why Europeans Love Campervanning in Australia

No language barrier. Drive on the left (same as the UK). Massive open roads with almost no traffic. A working holiday visa that lets you stay and work for up to a year. And summer in December — just when Europe turns grey and freezing.

Australia has over 11,000 km of coastline, ancient deserts, tropical rainforests, and wine regions. You simply cannot see it from a hotel room or a tour bus. You need wheels and a bed. That's exactly what Wicked Campers Australia provides.

Best Time to Visit from Europe

Australia's seasons are the reverse of Europe's. The sweet spot for European travellers:

  • December – February (Australian Summer): Peak season. Beaches, festivals, and long days. Book months ahead — vans sell out.
  • March – May (Autumn): Quieter, cheaper, still warm. Excellent for the East Coast and the Red Centre.
  • June – August (Winter): Best for the tropical north (Darwin, Broome, Cairns). Avoid the south if you want beach weather.
  • September – November (Spring): Wildflowers in the west. Comfortable everywhere. Great shoulder season rates.

Classic Campervan Routes

East Coast: Sydney to Cairns

The most popular route for backpackers and first-time visitors. Pick up in Sydney, drop off in Cairns (or reverse). Allow at least 3–4 weeks to do it properly. Highlights: Byron Bay, Gold Coast, the Whitsundays, Mission Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Ocean Road: Melbourne Loop

One of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Pick up in Melbourne, drive west through the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Otway National Park. Perfect for a 5–10 day trip. Ideal for a short AU visit or a warm-up before a longer journey.

The Outback: Darwin to Adelaide

Not for the faint-hearted — but unforgettable. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kakadu National Park, Kings Canyon. Fuel up every chance you get. Long distances between towns. Pick up in Darwin or Alice Springs, drop in Adelaide.

Western Australia: Perth to Broome

Wild, remote, and stunning. Coral reefs at Ningaloo, pink lakes near Esperance, the Pinnacles Desert. Pick up in Perth. Best done May–September (avoid the wet season up north).

What Europeans Need to Know

  • Driving side: Left, same as the UK. EU/European licence valid for tourists (check state rules for stays over 3 months).
  • Distances: Massive. Darwin to Melbourne is 3,700 km. Plan realistic daily drives — 300–400 km max.
  • Fuel: Petrol stations in remote areas can be 200–300 km apart. Fill up whenever you can.
  • Wildlife: Watch for kangaroos at dawn and dusk. Never drive at night in outback areas.
  • Currency: AUD. Cards accepted almost everywhere, but carry cash in remote areas.

Visa & Entry for Europeans

Most European passport holders can apply for an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) online — free of charge, valid for multiple 3-month stays within a 12-month period.

Under 35? The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) lets you live and work in Australia for up to a year (extendable to 3 years with regional work). Many travellers fund their road trip by picking up work in farms, hospitality, or construction along the way.

Why Wicked Campers?

  • 11 depots across Australia — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Hobart, Broome, Exmouth.
  • One-way rentals — start in one city, finish in another. No deadheading back.
  • Unlimited kilometres — drive as far as you want, no hidden fees.
  • Price Beat Guarantee — find it cheaper, we'll beat it by 10%.
  • 4WD options — for true off-road Outback adventures.
Quick Facts
  • Capital: Canberra
  • Size: 7.7 million km² (same as USA)
  • Population: ~27 million
  • Drive side: Left
  • Currency: AUD
  • Time zones: 3 (varies by state)
  • Visa: eVisitor (free) or WHV
Also Planning NZ?

Many travellers combine Australia and New Zealand. We've got you covered there too.

NZ Campervan Guide →