Australia is a land of iconic road trips, rugged coastlines, ancient rainforests, and jaw-dropping outback adventures. But for those of us who are out there enjoying a road trip holiday and gallivanting across this beautiful country in a motorhome hire, we believe it’s important to tread lightly, take only photos and leave only footprints. Sustainable travel is becoming a responsibility we feel we should all share and contribute to, to help protect our landscapes, wildlife, and communities for future generations.
So, whether you’re cruising in a campervan up the East Coast or heading off-grid exploring the Red Centre, here are 10 sustainable travel hacks to help you roam Australia with purpose, passion, and a smaller environmental footprint.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Campgrounds
The first step toward sustainable travel is choosing where you stay. Look out for eco-certified campgrounds and off-grid stays. Australia has some great options that blend comfort with conscious living. It’s not as bad as it may sound – think composting toilets, greywater systems, and rainwater showers!
Apps like YouCamp or Hipcamp can help you discover unique, environmentally aware stays in regional areas. Theres a bonus to this style of camping too! You’ll more often than not find yourself closer to nature and further from the crowds.
2. Pack Light and Pack Smart
Did you know that less weight equals better fuel efficiency? This is an opportunity to be a minimalist when it comes to packing – opt for multi-purpose items and reusable gear. That means ditching single-use plastics and bringing your own (where possible):
- Reusable water bottle – for obvious reasons!
- Reusable shopping bags – ditch the plastic single use shopping bags
- Microfiber Towels – while your motorhome will have towels included in your hire, you could consider bringing your own microfiber towel. These are lightweight, fast-drying, and take up a fraction of the space of regular towels – ideal for beach days or shower stops.
- Compact laundry kit – A small eco-friendly laundry detergent bar or biodegradable liquid makes doing a quick wash on the road a breeze.
Packing smart not only reduces waste but also saves you time and stress when you’re on the move.
3. Take it slow!
Australia’s vast, and it’s tempting to cram in as much as you can – but slowing down the pace of travel is where the magic (and sustainability) is! Rather than hopping from city to city, pick one region and explore it in-depth. Take the backroads, visit the smaller towns, stay a little longer.
Not only will you reduce your emissions, but you’ll also support local communities and uncover hidden gems most tourists miss.
4. Drive Smart to Save Fuel and Emissions
Not many electric or hybrid vehicles currently available in the motorhome hire industry but the way you drive can still make a big difference. Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the road. Here’s how to do it:
- Avoid harsh acceleration and braking – smooth driving helps conserve fuel.
- Stick to the speed limit – driving at consistent speeds uses less energy.
- Limit idling time – switch off the engine when you’re parked or waiting.
- Plan your route ahead of time to avoid unnecessary backtracking or long detours.
Not only do these habits help cut emissions, but they also save you money on fuel — a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
5. Support Local & Ethical Businesses
From Indigenous-owned tour operators to farm gate stalls and handmade souvenirs, your travel dollars can do a lot of good. Seek out businesses that champion sustainability and ethical practices. It might be a wildlife sanctuary that focuses on rehabilitation, or a vineyard that uses regenerative farming methods.
6. Leave No Trace, Literally
It might sound obvious, but leaving a site cleaner than you found it is one of the golden rules of sustainable travel. Always pack out what you pack in, dispose of waste responsibly (including greywater), and try to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Respect signs, stay on designated tracks, and resist the urge to collect “souvenirs” from natural spaces. Nature looks best when it’s left untouched!
7. Choose Refillable Toiletries Where You Can
When you’re travelling in a motorhome, every bit of space counts – and so does what you rinse down the drain. Choosing refillable or travel-sized toiletry containers is a simple way to cut down on plastic waste and make your packing more efficient.
Go for gentle, biodegradable products where possible, especially if you’re washing up near natural waterways or using outdoor showers. Many travellers find that refilling their favourite shampoo, soap, and sunscreen into small reusable bottles is a great way to stay organised and reduce single-use plastic on the road.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine — just a few swaps can make a positive difference without any fuss.
8. Eat Low Waste & Local
One of the simplest green travel ideas is to be mindful of what you eat. Hit up farmers markets or local co-ops instead of supermarkets where possible. Choose seasonal, locally grown produce which helps cut down excessive packaging.
When you are cooking in your motorhome hire, plan meals ahead to reduce food waste. Leftovers? Pack them up and take them with you – they’ll come in handy for your next stop.
9. Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Even with the best intentions, travel comes with a carbon cost. One way to balance that out is to offset your emissions. Plenty of organisations offer trusted carbon offset programs where your contribution goes towards reforestation, renewable energy, or conservation projects.
At Gallivanting Oz, we’re proud to partner with the Australian Koala Foundation to support the protection of koalas and their natural habitat. By choosing to travel with us you are supporting initiatives like this and you’re helping ensure that iconic Aussie wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
10. Educate & Inspire Others
Sustainable travel is about more than what you do – it’s also about what you share. You will meet so many amazing people on your journey and its great to share ideas. Whether you’re posting on social media or chatting with other travellers, spread the word about eco-friendly experiences and businesses!
You never know, your enthusiasm could inspire someone else to think differently about how they travel – and that ripple effect is powerful.
Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making thoughtful choices that add up to a making big difference. Here in Australia, we’re lucky to be surrounded by awe-inspiring nature, vibrant communities, and a deep cultural history – and we feel here at Gallivanting Oz, it’s our job to protect that.
So next time you hit the road, whether it’s a quick week away or the big lap of Oz, keep these eco travel tips in your back pocket. Embrace the journey, travel slow, and make your adventures count!
Reach out to us if you are keen to hit the road and don’t forget we have our Motorhome Plus guides. These will help with your planning and save you many hours of research and planning and make the most out of your trip on the road.
