Archive for the ‘Interesting Locations to visit’ Category

For your next camper van hire in Australia, consider bringing or purchasing a double 12v adaptor to make your life a little easier on the road.  For those not familiar with what we mean, there is a plug that you can put in your 12 volt socket (cigarette lighter), which gives you two sockets. 

Having two sockets available in your camper van hire, will provide much more flexibility.  If you are bringing your own GPS car navigation unit, or hiring one, you’ll need a 12 volt plug available.  These days people are also wanting to charge their phones, cameras and the like, which means having an extra plug available can take away the stress of having to keep switching plugs.  You can even get a triple adaptor if you prefer.  The cost of a double adapter varies, but generally you can pick one up from about AU$6 in auto supply stores.

While most camper van hire in Australia will have 240 volt plugs in the main living area, which can be used to charge appliances, this will not work unless you are plugged into 240 volts in a camping ground for example.  For those of you that are interested in freedom camping (free or low cost camping which is often unpowered but can be in stunning locations) you may find the need to charge appliances through the 12 volt system if you have the necessary connections to do so. 

For those that are planning on freedom camping with your camper van hire, you may also consider purchasing an inverter.  This means you can plug in your phone/camera for example into the inverter (240 volt plug), and the inverter then plugs into the 12 volt system.  These inverters come in a range of ‘watts’, so seek advice as to the correct wattage for your intended use – for example you’ll need a higher wattage inverter to charge your laptop than your phone.  This is a great option to charge your appliances while you are driving.

For families, we also have a Motorhome which provides a DVD player in the rear seats (dual cab), for extra entertainment while travelling.  While many children do enjoy watching where they are going in a camper van hire, sometimes it can be good to have this option as a treat.  This DVD player does plug into the 12 volt system, so you may find a double adaptor is handy with this style of vehicle if you also want to charge appliances and use a GPS car navigation unit.

With a little planning you can make life easy on the road in your camper hire and still enjoy all the benefits of modern travel, while relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings!

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Camper van hire in Australia – travelling for the first time

We are lucky enough to speak with all sorts of travellers and potential travellers.  Some have taken a camper van hire in Australia with us several times already and know exactly what they want, some own their own motorhome in their country of residence, and then there are others who’ve never set foot in a motorhome or camper before in their life.   This post is for you.

What is a berth?

Starting with the basics, camper van hire in Australia is often referred to as a ‘two berth’ or ‘four berth’ for example.  This means the number of people that can travel and sleep in the vehicle.  It does not necessarily mean the number of beds, as generally they are doubles.  This means if you are not travelling as a couple, careful consideration will need to be made in choosing the right vehicle.  We do have camper van hire in Australia which have single beds (two berth), or perhaps you’ll need to look at a larger motorhome to ensure there is the appropriate number of beds.

If you are travelling with babies or small children, they will still need to be included in the maximum number of people travelling, as a six berth vehicle for example, has a maximum number of six seatbelts – even though they small child may sleep with the parents and not need their own bed.

Toilet and Shower

You have a choice when looking at camper van hire in Australia whether you would like to have an on board toilet and shower.  If you are planning on freedom camping (free or low cost camping), then this would be necessary as generally you’d need to be self contained.  If you are planning on spending every night in a commercial camp ground and stopping in parks etc during the day that have facilities, then you may not see the benefit in paying extra to have your own on board toilet/shower.  With camper van hire in Australia, usually the toilet/shower is in the same space and is pretty simple to use.  You’ll have a complete run down when you pick up the vehicle on how to empty the toilet/waste water and to work it.

Cooking Facilities

Most of the camper van hire in Australia we hire have an on board microwave (which works when plugged into 240 volts in a camp ground), and a gas stove.  Some of the larger motorhomes also have an oven or grill which is handy. 

If your motorhome has an on board toilet/shower you will have hot and cold pressurised water to the kitchen sink.  For the hi top vans, which you can stand inside but don’t have a toilet/shower on board, they only have cold water to the kitchen sink – sometimes it has a hand pump, others have an electric pump.  Either way, the water can easily be heated on the gas stove to wash the dishes.

4WD Campers and the small ‘regular height campers’ do not have a microwave on board, but several do have cold water to the kitchen sink.  All have some kind of cooking facilities – either a gas cooker or meth cooker.

They all come with cooking equipment, plates and cutlery.  By being able to cook in your vehicle you will be able to enjoy local produce and save money by not eating out. 

All motorhomes and most campers also have an electric fridge which works on the ancillary (spare) battery or switches across to 240 volts when plugged into a camp ground.

Where are you going?

This is an important question to ask yourself.  If you are planning to travel on 4WD tracks or dirt roads, then you will need to consider a 4WD camper for your trip.  We do have some hi top campervans and smaller campers which are allowed to go unlimited distances on unsealed roads (not 4WD tracks) which are popular with some of our clients looking to explore a little off the beaten track.  Have a chat with us for more information on this.

Check with us or online that you are travelling to your preferred destination at a time of the year which won’t lead to disappointment. 

For example, travelling around Darwin in January is the middle of the wet season. 

• It is very humid and some roads are closed because of the wet.  Some people prefer to travel then as less people around and they get to see the countryside in a different light to many, however for most, they prefer to travel when more roads are open and the weather conditions are a little more favourable.

Time of the year?

Weather conditions to vary across Australia as it is a large country.  Many of our camper van hire in Australia have air conditioning/heating in the living area of the vehicle.  This works when plugged into 240 volts in a camp ground.  Pretty much all of our vehicles have air conditioning/heating in the driving cab for use while travelling.

That’s a few things to think about when first looking at camper van hire in Australia.  We’d suggest as a starting point making contact with us when you are ready for information.  Based on what you’re looking for, we’ll send you some vehicle options with rates and floor plans as a great start in helping you understand the options available.  From there, making a choice will be easy as you’ll have all the information and an understanding of the benefits of each vehicle.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

There’s also information for those who are wanting to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

If you are interested in campervan  hire we can help with quotes and information, or if you’d like to read more travel stories about campervan hire Australia, you may enjoy our article about the Queensland outback.

Even though the Nullarbor is sealed all the way, it is still an epic road trip.  If one of your goals is to travel more of Australia, you most likely have this on your ‘to do’ list.

There are a number of ways to experience the Nullarbor; however using one of the many campervans for hire is best because of the freedom and comforts offered.  Some people living in Australia choose to buy, although using campervans for hire are becoming popular as some find they have spent a ‘small fortune’ on a vehicle which doesn’t meet their needs.  Campervans for hire also offers one way travel which is a great way to utilise the time available.  Caravan rentals are also another option, however not so popular for those flying in from another country as a rental car is also required.

• For families, you may be interested in this article on Motorhome Hire Australia and travelling with Children

Adelaide is an excellent starting point for this adventure, perhaps enjoying the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills.  We have many campervans for hire from here, or you may prefer starting in Melbourne.  Perth is also a great starting point where we also have campervans for hire and travel towards the east, rather than the west.

From Adelaide you’re heading north to Port Augusta, before you start to see your first taste of the vastness of Australia. For lovers of seafood, and if time permits you’ll want to explore the Eyre Peninsula.  If time is precious, Ceduna will be the place to stop to have your fill of oysters – it’s the oyster capital of Australia after all!

Time your visit across the Nullarbor between May to October to enjoy the Southern Right Whales which frequent the Great Australian Bite.  These great mammals are often at the base of the spectacular Banda Cliffs at this time. 

At many vantage points, you’ll see where the stunning turquoise ocean meets the dramatic coastline on the SA side of the Nullarbor.  There are also locations to park self contained campervans for the evening.  Perfect for enjoying the sunset and changing colours of the landscape. 

The West Australian side of the Nullarbor offers the longest straight in Australia at 146km, however the changing scenery will ensure you won’t get bored.

For golf fanatics, you could play the 18 hole (par 72) Nullarbor Links course. It’s said to be the ‘worlds longest golf course’ and is situated along 1,365 kilometres of the Eyre Highway which passes through the Nullarbor Plain.  We have campervans for hire that have enough room to store your golf clubs if need be.

There are plenty of options as you leave the Nullarbor and head towards Perth. Timing your visit from July to November should have you amazed by the wildflowers regardless of whether you travel the picturesque coastal route or the more direct route via Kalgoorlie. Perth also has many campervans for hire or they can be returned here.

For more information on campervans for hire in Australia, or guided campervan tours contact Gallivanting Oz at http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au or email info@gallivantingoz.com.au.

Campervan Hire in Australia is perfect to explore the outback of Queensland.

If you’re like many other fellow travellers, you might be wondering what the outback in Australia is really like and can this be explored in a campervan hire or motorhome rental.   There are a few stories about the outback doing the rounds which include things like ’there are no sealed roads’, and ‘the need to take spare containers of fuel’. The great news is that there are plenty of places to explore in the outback where there are sealed roads and enough fuel stops so that you won’t have to worry. It’s the perfect place to travel if you are planning on campervan hire in Australia.

Share in this campervan adventure, which will give you some ideas of where to travel in your campervan hire Australia.  If you are thinking of other travelling routes with campervans for hire, enjoy other informative articles like the one on the Nullarbor Plains or for top tips for travelling Australia with motorhomes for hire.

Leaving the bright lights of Brisbane behind, we headed west towards Roma in our campervan hire, which incidentally has the largest saleyards in Australia. Tuesday and Thursdays are the days to see all the action, however there were still plenty of cattle and trucks coming and going on the other days as well. This trip was all about exploring and staying in some truly beautiful locations. By that I don’t mean five star accommodations, but our campervan with five star views! There are plenty of freedom camps throughout the outback – free or low cost camping. The great thing about these is that most allow campfires, which are perfect for cooking dinner and of course meeting fellow travellers around. We found all of these freedom camps to be perfectly safe.

After a particularly good evening around a campfire just outside of Roma we were greeted with the sign ‘welcome to the outback’. It officially starts 50 km west of Roma, and definitely a sealed road!

We started to see all the ‘icons’ of the outback in Australia as we travelled along in our Campervan hire.  Road trains, long straight roads, the odd farm house and most importantly beautiful scenery were all on offer. The Savannah plains also provided plenty of sightings of wildlife like emus, eagles, kangaroos, wallabies and brolgas (a type of crane).

The first sighting of a road train can be quite daunting for the unprepared traveller. Road trains are an essential part of the outback, a way to move cargo across the long straight roads easily.  If you are planning campervan hire Australia, have a chat to us about information concerning road trains for peace of mind travel.

Our journey took us through Longreach, well known for the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum on our way to Mt Isa. Longreach is definitely a worthwhile stop over in your campervan hire travelling in Australia.

While the entire drive through the outback is stunning, there was one particular stretch that had everything you could ever ask for. The stretch of road I am talking about is between Winton and Mt Isa, via Middleton and Boulia. The more popular journey is via McKinlay and the Walkabout Creek Hotel, however I found the Boulia route to be far more picturesque. The road is sealed, so perfect if you are hiring a campervan or motorhome. It’s a little quieter too, which means a much greater chance of seeing wildlife.

We stopped so many times to take photographs on what seemed like every corner. Emus were at the edge of the road to give us a nod as we passed by. Eagles enjoyed their tucker on the road edges. Kangaroos posed for photographs before dashing off into the bush.

People often think of the outback as flat dry grass, but that’s not really true, which you will discover as you travel in your campervan hire in Australia.  In this area, the dirt was a brilliant red colour and there were plenty of Spinifex grasses. However along this stretch of road we came across Mesa’s, or ‘jump ups’ as they are known. These are flat topped hills that rise out of the flat land. Around sunrise and sunset the colours of the landscape are really too beautiful for words.

A worthy stop along this route is the Middleton Hotel, which was once a staging post for the old Cobb and Co coaches. The publicans Les and Val will definitely make you feel welcome and share a yarn or two. They serve food and cold beers, which is perfect after a day of wildlife spotting. Across the road from the pub was a great place to freedom camp with your motorhome or campervan – it’s known as the ‘Hilton Hotel’. A little joke by Les, but he welcomes anyone to stop for the night. We had an excellent night at the Middleton Hotel chatting with the locals. Apparently it is no big deal for a landowner to have a million odd acres – nearly fell of my stool when he said that!

We really enjoyed this outback trip and getting amongst the locals who are only too happy to share tales of their own adventures. Being able to have a camp fire nearly every evening while travelling through the outback also made for some tasty tucker. While the roasts were excellent, I enjoyed the pizza we made in the camp oven. Did I mention we made the base as well? 

These days there is really nothing stopping anyone from having their own adventure in the Australian outback and campervan hire or motorhome rental is the perfect way to do it. Enjoy either on your own, or join us on a campervan tour to many locations in Australia.

Have a read of our blog post about caravan rentals for more information on this topic.  The article of campervan hire cairns and locations to explore nearby will also be of interest to you.  If you are concerned about ‘roughing it’ our article on campervan rental and how you really don’t need to rough it, will assist in your comfort for this type of holiday.

Are your friends always telling you about their latest holiday?  They sound so good, but you won’t join them as it involves camping.  That was before you found out about campervan rental. 

We have lots of information about campervan hire or motorhome rental on our website, or speak to us for a campervan hire or motorhome rental quote today.

Share in a first time campervan rental experience.  

No longer are stories of dinners cooked in the camp fire while sharing a nice bottle of red only something imagined, now we know about campervan rental.  And talk of a night sky so clear, you can see why it is called the Milky Way has me there, without ‘roughing it’. 

Recently we had our first campervan rental experience, which saw us heading away for a couple of weeks to explore the outback of Queensland. 

Staying on the ground really did not appeal, but we really wanted to be a part of this adventure.  Campervan rental was something we’d spoken about, but when our friends asked us to join them on their adventure, it was time to make it a reality.

We chose a campervan rental with a toilet and shower on board, to make life that little bit easier.  To my surprise it was set up like an apartment, with wheels.

The day finally arrived and it was time to leave Brisbane for our two week adventure with our campervan rental.  We’d only been as far as Roma before so it wasn’t long before we were experiencing new places.  I was really surprised by the scenery – it wasn’t just openness, but plenty of towns, some rolling hills, trees, and the many icons of the outback.  We were pretty excited by the road trains and enjoyed chatting with the locals in the towns.

The wildlife was also spectacular.  There were kangaroos sharing our camps, and sometimes even a kookaburra would have a laugh at us.  The odd emu gave us a nod and eagles flew over head or sat perched in a tree awaiting their next meal.  My favourite though were the Brolga’s – these cranes have fantastic dances and were happy to put on a show for us tourists with our campervan rental.

Looking back though, the most memorable part of the trip, apart from the journey itself, was the locations where we stayed in our campervan rental.  We camped mostly in bush camps, near a river, on farmland or sometimes just in designated bush areas.  In the evenings we looked forward to a camp fire, that our friends would have going in no time.  Most days we’d be parked up early and enjoy ‘happy hour’ which generally was a fair bit longer than an hour! 

We were so happy we joined our friends on this ‘camping’ holiday, even if we were doing it in style with a camper hire.  It was excellent that we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds by taking a campervan hire – something we’ll definitely do again!

For more information to consider before you rent a camper van Australia, either speak to us, or you may like to read our FREE campervan and motorhome hire travel guide, which you can download here!  Let us know if you’d also like our Gallivanting Around tips, full of information and inspiration to make your own adventure a reality. 

There’s plenty more articles to read about campervan hire Australia, if you’d like inspiration of where you can travel.

We’re often asked about the things there are to explore when considering campervan hire from Cairns.

The answer is there are plenty of activities, many of them free or low cost to do in a campervan if you hire in Cairns.  Speak to us for hire options and travel ideas.

Having your own campervan complete with kitchen and bed means you can have an adventure, whatever your time frame from Cairns.  Generally there is no need to book campgrounds, rather have an idea of the direction you’d like to travel and stay for a while in the places you love.  This also gives you the flexibility to move on a little more quickly if the weather turns.

If beaches are your thing, then heading south to Mission Beach would be an excellent option to travel with your campervan hire.  This takes a couple of hours, depending which way you head to Mission Beach.  Either head down the highway, or take your time with one of the many scenic routes out to the coast and wind your way along stunning beaches.

A personal favourite for us, is Bingle Bay which is about 7km north of Mission Beach.  There is a council run campground there, and was $15 per night at the time we visited.  There are toilets and a hot shower right next to a stunning beach.  This is a small campground, however Mission Beach is only 7km away, so if it is full, it’s only a short drive to many camping options.  It is really only suitable for ‘smaller rigs’, however all campervans we hire will be fine at this location.

The reason we liked this beach is that you park your campervan right next to the beach – back it in, and open up the back door for an amazing view – for only $15.  Unbelievable!  There is even a free gas bbq which is useful.

We enjoyed this campground so much; we ended up staying an extra day than planned.  Bingle Bay is a great beach to explore or relax beside.  Any worries you had before arriving will seem a million miles away.

Mission Beach itself is definitely worth exploring too.  Having a supermarket, many eateries and bike hire make it popular with fellow campervanners.  The council is in the process of making a bike path connect north and south Mission Beach which will be a pleasant ride.  There are also several parks nearby which are perfect to stretch the legs and enjoy nature.  Some offer fairly decent walks, or there are shorter tracks.  The local information centre can provide a map and suggestions depending on your timeframe and interests.

This area is also popular to spot cassowaries, so make sure you have your eyes open.  If you go into any of the state forests near Mission Beach, you’ll probably also see evidence of the cassowaries if you are not lucky enough to see one.

If you would like more information on visiting the Cairns area with Campervan Hire, please contact the team at Gallivanting Oz.  We’d be more than happy to help! Complete our simple info sheet so we can assist by suggesting the best campervan that will suit your needs and budget.  Pay no extra to beneft from our experience.

If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy reading about a first time user of a Campervan Rental and their travels in the Qld Outback.

Looking to hire a campervan in Tasmania? We can help with motorhome or campervan rental in Tassie.  Contact us for rates and helpful information when planning your holiday.

Tasmania by Campervan

We flew into Hobart, Tasmania excited that our next adventure was about to begin.  We’d heard so many great stories about travelling around the island; it was great that it was finally a reality.

First we had to collect the campervan that we’d hired.  That was painless, and it wasn’t long before we were on the road.  It’s always such a great feeling setting off on another campervan trip.

Tasmania, or Tas as its commonly referred to,  is set up perfectly for campervan travel, and of course campervan hire as the distances between destinations are not large and the scenery stunning – driving is an attraction in itself!  Lakes, mountains, beaches and mining sites interspersed with charming villages make up the typical landscape.

There was a certain English charm as we meandered through the villages.  The stone work which was completed by convict labour, reminded us of our previous travels in the UK.  There is a lot of culture and history just waiting to be explored as we arrive at each village.  Fresh produce and local crafts also feature heavily on our itinerary.

While the travelling itself was a highlight on this trip, two destinations in particular stand out as ‘must sees’; Strahan and Port Arthur.

Strahan, on the West Coast of Tasmania was where we boarded a boat cruise to explore the stunning ancient rainforest in Gordon Valley before spending time on Sarah Island.  Sarah Island was where we saw the ruins of an old convict settlement.  Our guides story, really made the place come alive. 

The other destination highlight for us was Port Arthur, on the southern coast.  Also a convict settlement, we visited an old prison which gives a wonderful insight into what life was like in those days.  The natural landscape of high cliffs, ocean and thick forest made it near impossible for anyone to consider escaping.  A stunning location steeped in history.

Travelling in our campervan was easy, as there is an array of camping grounds including plenty of freedom camps.  As we had a self contained campervan, we stayed in these bush camps and were beautiful locations.  Of course, Tasmania is also famous for its local produce and wines.  Sampling these was another highlight on this campervan holiday.

For campervan hire, motorhome hire or escorted campervan tours throughout Australia contact Gallivanting Oz http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au

Top Tips for travelling Australia with Motorhomes for Hire will be a useful read also, when planning your next adventure.

Exploring the Queensland Outback in a Motorhome Hire will most likely have you visiting Longreach.  One of the major attractions of Longreach is the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.  There are multi-media and photographic displays and documentaries that showcase the history and people of the region.

The centre is divided into 5 sections: Discovery; Pioneers; Outback Properties; Life in the Outback; Stock Workers and Library.  Allow at least two hours to spend time to explore the exhibits to learn what life was like, or remember what life was like.

If you hire a campervan or hire a motorhome and set out to explore the Queensland outback, you’ll most likely end up in Longreach.  The Qantas Founders Museum is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

There’s something for everyone here.  The museum tells the story of the very early beginnings of Qantas, and how this turned into an Australian icon.  Interactive displays and recordings also tell the story of what life was like in the outback at that time.  There’s the mechanics workshop to explore, including a replica of a Avro 504K  and DH61 aircraft.  For those with a little more time, consider the 747 Jumbo tour.  This is the only place in the only place in the world where you can tour a fully equipped and operational 747 jumbo jet.  The guided tour provides an informative insight into this amazing aircraft.

Recently we’ve discovered BOATING 4X4 CAMPING  who are suppliers of quality and affordable boating accessories, 4×4 accessories, camping equipment, fishing tackle and caravan/campervan accessories.   They are based in Bargara which is a beautiful place to visit.  Perfect location, with the bonus or being able to pop into their store  if you need any camping and fishing equipment for your campervan holiday.

Have a look at their website as they sell loads of brands, equipment and accessories – these can be delivered also.  Contact Robo if you can’t find what you’re looking for, as he’ll most likely be able to source it for you.

It’s very clear these guys are passionate about what they do so a great company to support  www.boating4×4camping.com.au