Planning a Caravan Trip Around NSW?
There’s no denying it, Aussies are blessed with a country with many scenic destinations.
From Brunswick Heads to Mount Kosciuszko, these landmarks provide stunning sights for locals and tourists alike.
And the best part? For people based around the NSW area, you don’t have to go on 10-hour long road trips to get from one place to another.
That said, you’ll still need to undergo some level of preparation. With fuel costs still high and the weather situation varying in different regions, going unprepared can turn a fun road trip to one filled with headaches.
To prevent that from happening, here’s all you need to know about driving a caravan around New South Wales.
Plan Your Route
With how expansive the land of Australia is, you’re doing yourself a great disservice if you forgo the vital preparation phase.
While each corner of bustling city centres in NSW bursting at the seams with things to do, one wrong turn in the outskirts could lead you heading deep into the barren Outback.
While exploring unventured territory is an adventure of its own, you don’t want to find yourself running out of gas with no station in sight.
Hence, the first step you should take is to plan the route. By planning a route going to and fro your destinations, you can give yourself some much-needed structure while exploring the region.
It doesn’t have to be too detailed—a rough list of towns, trails, and landmarks can be enough as a start.
Know Where To Park
As a country friendly to campers, there are many holiday parks, National Parks and camping grounds you may choose from while travelling around. Some are free, but most come at an affordable rate.
Each place has its own facilities and amenities, in case you need to deal with rubbish or do some chores unavailable with your current set of wheels.
That said, always research your intended location’s availability beforehand before you lock it in. You can’t stay overnight on certain camping grounds, and in the worst cases, you could be fined a hefty amount.
Bring Everything You Need
The beauty of driving a caravan or off road camper trailer around is the freedom of space you have. You’re no longer limited to a suitcase anymore, instead, you can bring as much of your belongings as you need, as long as they can fit inside your vehicle.
That said, it’s important to get all the necessities out of the way first. When road-tripping around NSW, be sure to have the following items on you to ensure a safe and stress-free trip.
- Groceries and cooking utensils
- First aid kit
- Toiletries
- Clothes and shoes
- Vehicle repair kit and spare tires
- Fuel and lubricants
- Camping items
- Bedding
- Satellite phone
- General tool kit
- Binoculars, maps, and cameras
- Phone charger
- Emergency money
By having all of the above, you will be able to stay for days without having to worry about running out of necessities.
Budget Accordingly
Planning a caravan trip is not always the most affordable thing to do in the world. It requires you to constantly fuel up, eat out, and visit places that may need a fee.
That said, it’s not impossible, especially if you’ve saved up enough money to keep food on the table. It’s also possible to calculate your costs beforehand and plan from there (while adding some extra leeway of course).
We’ll be simplifying greatly, but here are some tips. To begin, the cost of camping out for a night in a designated space is typically around $20. Multiply that figure by the length of your trip, and you’ve got lodging set out.
For fuel, the price is about 78 cents per kilometre in 2023. Also, account for toll fees as certain roads may require you to pay an amount. To solidify everything, we suggest that you plan your route plan and total accordingly.
As for food, keep it at a budget of $20 per person per day. You can eat healthily at that ballpark price, so don’t make any excuses!
Ensure Your Vehicle’s in Top Shape
If you plan to road trip for longer than a week or two, you’ll want your vehicle to be in working order. Performing routine maintenance before you hit the road is an essential step to make sure you won’t randomly get stranded kilometres away from civilisation.
Start with the basics first. If you don’t have a caravan, find used caravans and motorhomes for sale online. Once you’ve secured one, inspect it thoroughly.
Check for flats, replace old oil, and make sure the lights, windows, and windshields are still in good condition. Bring your caravan to a mechanic for further assessment and for any necessary repairs.
And of course, always practice precaution when driving on the road. Rest when you’re tired, and never drink and drive.
Top Destinations Around NSW
All that said, NSW has endless attractions to visit and activities to do. If you’re overwhelmed by the vastness of it all, here are a few good road-trip ideas to start that are within NSW:
- Hunter Valley
- Southern Highlands
- Central Coast
- Snowy Mountains
- The Murray
- Blue Mountains
- Byron Bay
- The Outback
Australia is a place full of adventure and rich with places to visit. You don’t have to be restricted to the list above to have a blast.
So above all, have fun with your trip!
