For many Australians, caravanning has become a way of life. Why stay home when you can take your home out on the road and see Australia’s vast wealth of fantastic sights and scenery up close and personal? Caravanning is a wonderful way to get to know the country, and there is certainly a lot to know, thousands of miles of roads crisscross the continent just waiting for you to cruise down them!
There is a wide variety of suitable vehicles available beyond the actual caravan itself, our new favourite is the hybrid camper that combines the best of two worlds, the caravan’s luxury and comfort with the durability of a rugged off-road camper trailer, which will open up your travel possibilities to a lot more wilderness terrain!
The main question people ask as they are about to set out on their first caravanning adventure, is “What should I take with me?” This might change depending on what areas you are headed to, and how long you intend to spend there, but there are some necessities that you will want to have on hand wherever you go!
Because your caravan has limited space, it’s important to bring only what you really need. One great trick is to look at everything you are thinking of bringing and ask yourself if there is a smaller version of it! For example, while you will want to have toothpaste with you, are you really going to go through a jumbo family-sized tube during your trip? The actual “travel size” tube might be a bit too tiny, so go for something that would last a week or two if you were at home. Small and tidy is your friend out on the road!
The following are what we think are the essential items and equipment you will need for caravan travel in Australia, bearing in mind that your mileage may vary!
Main Essentials – Emergency road kit, GPS, road maps, compass, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, drinking water hose, water pressure regulator, sewing kit, surge protector, extension chords, electrical adapters, torches.
Toiletries – Sun block cream, bug spray, environmentally friendly soap and shampoo, hair and tooth care items, environmentally friendly toilet paper, makeup, nail clippers.
Bedding & Clothing – Sheets, blankets, pillows, alarm clock, mosquito net, coat-hangers, clothing for warm days and cool nights, windbreaker jacket, swimsuit, rain gear, sun hat, sunglasses, underwear, socks, bath and beach towels,
Personal Items – Money (credit cards and cash, always have some cash on hand!), phone and charger, prescription eyewear, medications, extra batteries, a good book.
Kitchen Supplies – Bowls, plates, cups, drinking glasses, eating and cooking utensils, cutting board, dish soap, dish towels, paper towels, ziplock bags, can and bottle opener, corkscrew, water bottles.
Food & Drink– The hybrid camper has a refrigerator so you can bring along some perishables that you plan to consume. Stock rice, noodles, and enough drinks to last a few days. Don’t bring so much it goes unused, you will have plenty of chances to shop along the way! BBQ!
The fun stuff like a deck of cards or sporting gear all depends on your preferences, it’s up to you! Enjoy Australia your way!