1. Camper Van Interior – Van Steading

This amazing van owned by @vansteading is one of the most unique camper van interior conversions that we’ve ever seen. The beautifully curved closet is so eye-catching and softens the feel of the van by taking away the natural square shape of the van. The inspiration for this intriguing feature comes from that of old sheep wagon and this, combined with all of the rustic wood certainly does give this tiny home an olde-worlde vibe. 

Another unique feature that we love in this camper van interior is the salvaged fireplace grate beneath the bed that acts as a speaker cover. This old grate looks like an intricate wood carving and we love the way the curve mimics the curve of the closet, pulling the two elements together. 

Aside from these two gorgeous areas of the interior, the rest of the van is just as stunning but also practical with everything you would need for life on the road. We love the open feel of the kitchen with many dry food items on display in hanging jars and the way the soft lighting bounces off of the glass. And, finally, the comfortable looking chairs with pull out table make a great space for working while on the road. 

2. This Moving House

It is difficult to guess that this amazing camper van interior by @thismovinghouse is actually inside a sprinter van. The spacious feel and delicate curvature between the walls and the roof lend themselves more to a swanky boat cabin than to a van. This nautical theme is continued further through the use of a porthole window in one of the kids sleeping pods. 

The two kids sleeping pods make amazing use of the limited space available within a van, making enough space to easily accommodate two adults and two kids. These pods are not only fun for the little ones, giving them their own little den to decorate but also great for parents who can have some much-needed space in the evenings. When it’s time for the adults to go to bed they can stretch out too on a full double bed, heaven. 

We love the country style kitchen in this van, with a Belfast sink and a copper tap. It’s simplistic but stylish design pulls the whole design of this camper van interior together. The wooden countertops and accents in the kitchen cabinetry can be seen reflected in the steps (that double as storage units!) and the entrance ways to the kids sleeping pods. We love everything to do with this van and how each element works well with the next. 

3. Camper Van Interior – Mavis The Airstream

This airstream by @mavistheairstream looks like something straight out of an interior design magazine with its white curved walls and contrasting, dark wooden flooring. Traveling, accompanied by this amazing camper van interior would be like living in a dream. I mean, imagine having a full-sized sofa in your camper! That is a little slice of heaven right there. Opposite the sofa is a handcrafted retro-style cabinet to hold the TV and ever important sound system. This cupboard is both functional and funky. 

We love the open feel of this interior space, with the whitewashed walls and ceiling allowing light to flood in and fill the space from the many windows. Soft tones of the natural wooden cabinetry and chairs add a second element to the white space, standing out against the walls. Finally, the vintage rug on the floor adds a splash of earthy colour to the otherwise neutral tones running throughout the airstream. 

In this camper van interior, we especially love the deck that runs the full width of the airstream, along the back wall. This desk takes full advantage of the large windows and would be the perfect spot to view your ever-changing scenery and do some creating. Working from this desk would be a pleasure, not a chore. We are simply in love with this interior, where are the keys?!

4. Vincent Vanlife

This amazing camper van interior by @vincentvanlife has the best of both worlds with a white open kitchen complemented by a wooden bedroom area and cabinetry, giving the feel of a cabin on wheels. We love this clear divide between the two spaces, made even more apparent by the cupboard that acts as a part wall. The cupboard looks as though it creates a cosy den, perfect for sleeping in.

The funky drawers below the bed add a pop of colour to this bright space as the bold pattern pulls your eye in. We love how such a beautiful feature has been made out of an essential piece of storage. This cool geometric pattern painted on the drawers can be seen reflected in a painted stripe running through the kitchen area. This symmetry allows these two separate spaces to work together. 

We love the vintage dresser used in the kitchen area, its dark wood really stands out against the white of the walls. The drawers in this dresser would be super useful too, giving smaller compartments for storage compared to a regular cupboard. The epic spic rack hanging on the cupboard wall is perfect for those who love cooking and creates a focal point, that is practical too. We love everything about this camper van interior, it would make the perfect adventure mobile!

5. Camper Van Interior – Big Little Life

This beautiful boho bus created by @big_little_life_ looks like the interior of an apartment in downtown New York, not a bus. As well as being ultra-cool, this bus looks practical and roomier enough to house everything you could possibly need and want, including a large TV for a good old movie night. Statement pieces, such as the oversized black lamp and retro patterned rug stand out and add character to this quirky interior.

We love the bold use of contrasting colour in the bus/camper can interior, with bright organic, red and turquoise all competing for centre stage. This eclectic mix of colour inside the bus works, thanks to the plain white walls and ceiling running through the bus allowing light to fill the space. The use of different colours also works to divide the space into clear areas, warm colours running through the living area where the kitchen comprises of a cooler turquoise. 

We also love the use of live plants to decorate the bus’s interior, adding to the boho vibe by bringing the outside in. But the outside is never far away with large windows lining every window, allowing you to marvel at the ever-changing view from the comfort of your own home. This boho bus is a beautiful piece of design and would be a pleasure to travel in. 

6. Roaming With Rob

Number six on our best camper van interior list is one for those looking for inspiration for a smaller van build. This beautiful small van belonging to @roamingwithrob all fits inside a little minivan and yet he’s still found space for all of the essentials. This is thanks, in part, to the slide-out kitchen that double counter space available. This also keeps cooking as an outdoor activity, keeping the inside of the van tidy and clutter free. 

This pullout kitchen also allows the van to have a minimalistic interior, as the burner is hidden away, keeping all countertops in the van smooth and multi-functional. We love this minimalistic feel with the same wood being used for all aspects of the van, be it ceiling or cabinetry. This dark stained wooden sheeting gives the van a homely feel by creating a warm space.

The only pop of colour inside this van belongs to the brightly patterned cushion covers. This colour brightens up the interior space and stands out against the dark wood. These cushions convert to become a huge bed, taking up most of the space within the van and allowing you to spread out for a great nights sleep. This cool van would be the perfect companion for any camping trip.

7. Camper Van Interior – Wanderland Vans

This gorgeous camper van interior by @wanderlandvans really stands out from the crowd thanks to its beautiful design and use of colour. Its design is simple but the camper still has everything you need- a bed, kitchen, table and plenty of storage. We love the large, fixed bed at the back of the van, gone are the day that you need to make up the bed every time you want to lie down. This super simple idea also allows for plenty of storage for any adventure gear beneath the bed. 

We love how the blue soft furnishings on the bed tie nicely with the blue stained wooden cupboard below the sink. This continuation in colour theme ties together the two areas within the camper van. Apart from these splashes of blue we really like the white and wooden theme running through the interior spaces. The white makes the space light and airy, allowing light to reflect off the surfaces and the wood gives the van a rustic vibe. 

The mismatched use of materials within the camper also gives the van a rustic feel, as though it has been made from recycled bits and pieces. We like this impression of giving new life to old pieces and turning them into something beautiful and functional. The stunning van would make a relaxed space for anyone to chill out in. 

8. Who Knows Where Next

Next up on our best camper van interior list is this amazing creation by @whoknowswherenext with some amazing solutions to living small. We especially love this flip-down table, that doubles as the door of a cupboard. This is a great way of getting in a table and chairs without compromising on space. It is also super stylish and looks good in the up and the down position. 

The contrasting colours between the rusty orange of the cushion covers and the deep green accenting the kitchen cupboards really make this van’s interior pop. These colours, coupled with the metal drawer handles give the van a retro 70s vibe, making it feel super cool. We also love the deep wood that makes up the cabinetry, this dark stain really works thanks to the white ceiling and panoramic windows that allow light to flood the small space. 

Finally, we love the L-shaped seating area. This design is such a great design choice for smaller vans. It allows you to have a large seating area and space to move around in the day but converts into a huge bed for a comfortable night’s sleep. This van is so cool and would be perfect for any long road trip. 

9. Camper Van Interior – Camper Van Craftsman

This beautiful camper van interior by @campervancraftsman looks so spacious and elegant that we just had to include it on our list. The open plan layout of this camper allows light to flow through the entire length of the van, from the back doors, the skylight and the amazing window running the length of the kitchen. This large window would allow you to view the ever changing horizon while you cook dinner. 

Something else that we love about this van is the oven! The space to have an oven in a van is such an amazing feature- you don’t realise how much you use an oven until you live without one. This oven, combined with the hob, sink, and fridge means that in this van you have a complete kitchen to play with. No meal is out of sight! On top of the full kitchen, this van boasts a great space to eat at, with two fixed seats and a movable table. 

Our favourite element of this van, however, is the unique curved partition, partially separating the bed area that features a beautiful handmade stained glass window. It is small, personal details like these that really make a house a home and make a van conversion stand out from the crowd. I would be proud to call this skilfully crafted van home.  

10. Jacob Witzling

Last but certainly not least on our best camper van interior list is this beautiful truck cabin by @jacobwitzling. Now I know what your thinking, this doesn’t look like your average camper van and that’s because it isn’t. This fully wooden cabin was built on the back of a truck and is completely handmade from scratch. 

We love the interesting shapes and angles this design has created with the roof jutting in and then out again over the bed. And what a cosy looking bed, made complete with the twinkling fairy lights. Being able to sleep up above the cab area of the truck opens up so much space down below for the living area. By creating a loft this truck cabin essentially has two separate rooms while still keeping space to move about. 

The use of reclaimed wood gives this camper a really rustic vibe, making the space feel warm and homely. By using recycled wood the truck cabin has various wooden tones running through it, complimenting and working with each other to create an interesting and unique space. This camper is super inspiring and would be a great place to spend a camping trip.

Final Thoughts…

We absolutely love every camper on this list, they are all unique and make us want to start our next conversion! Hopefully, this list has given you some great camper van interior inspiration for your next build too. Show us what design you end up creating by joining the Van Clan over on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Life on the road can be pretty addictive – so much so that you may begin to consider transitioning to living as a full-time nomad. And for those with the freedom retirement offers, this possibility can very easily become a reality.

Every year, more and more Australians are joining the ‘grey nomad’ movement and it’s easy to see why. Grey nomads are retirees that travel independently for an extended period of time, usually in a motorhome, caravan, or some other recreational vehicle. But while this lifestyle might seem appealing, the logistics can sometimes be overwhelming.

Managing your finances is among the biggest issues. Still, a nomadic lifestyle is truly attainable for most: it’s simply a matter of adjusting your living habits accordingly to make the most of what you have.

To help you on your way to a life on the road, here are our top ten ways to save money as a full-time nomad in Australia.

1. Minimise debt

It’s hard to enjoy freedom on the road if you’re financially tied to something. Wherever your debt comes from, try to minimise it or eliminate it completely before you go.

Even if you have no debt, you’ll do best with a cash surplus for financial security. So plan ahead and start putting money aside whenever you can – the more you save now, the longer you can enjoy being a nomad.

2. Learn new skills and DIY where you can

Every time you take your van into the shop to have something looked at, there’ll be a hefty price to pay. Often tweaks and tune-ups are all that is necessary, so you’re able to save quite a bit of cash if you learn how to maintain your tow vehicle / RV yourself.

Internet blogs, forums, and YouTube channels can all take you step-by-step through a project. Do make sure you know when you’re out of your league though. Whenever you’re unsure about a repair or maintenance task, take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop. Just fill them in on what you’ve already worked on so they don’t waste their time and your money.

3. Minimalist living

Remember, you’re not on vacation anymore; you’re travelling full-time so live like it. Stop buying souvenirs and getting fancy cocktails nightly. Learn to live with the absolute essentials and consider selling or donating your household items.

Do you really need a storage unit filled with furniture you’re not using anymore? Let go of materialistic ties and you’ll feel lighter and happier in general. Save the money for experiences and additional gear you might need for adventure!

4. Find the free stuff

Whether you need a shower or a place to dump your black and grey water, there are free facilities available to citizens who look for them. It takes time, but head to a local library for free internet and start researching the facilities you will need.

You can also look up free activities to take advantage of, for example, search ‘free things to do in Perth’ and you’ll be inspired by the range of choices.

Often museums or botanical gardens offer free admission days – in some states, you can even enjoy an outdoor cinema in the summer. Just make sure you’re informed before you show up.

5. Cook at home

As tempting as it can be to eat out every night, it can take a huge bite out of your savings.

Head to the grocery store and buy seasonal and local goods; take advantage of what’s on sale and stock up on canned and dry food. Look up new recipes to inspire cooking with lentils, barley, quinoa and other staples that are much cheaper when you cook from scratch. Not only economical, cooking your own meals is often healthier as well.

Always keep quick sandwich supplies on board so at lunchtime you’re not tempted to give into fast food.

6. Free camp

Also known as freedom camping, free camping, and boondocking, this essentially means finding a place in nature where you can legally camp for free.

There are generally minimal facilities at free campsites so it’s important you go with a full water tank, empty grey water tank, and plenty of power in the bank. Investing in solar panels might be a bit costly at first, but it will save you in the long run. If you’re not sure which solar panels are best for your rig, check out our Road Travelers’ Guide to Solar Power.

Also, without tied to parks for power hookups, you can get out and enjoy the Australia you set out to explore in the first place. GoSeeAustralia is an invaluable resource for anyone travelling in Australia, offering an enormous directory of both free and paid campsites located across the country.

7. Seasonal work

Whether you’re retired or not, having a bit of cash flowing in is never a bad idea. Also, it helps connect you with other people enjoying a similar nomadic lifestyle.

Whether it’s farm work or working at a holiday park, there are a variety of job opportunities for full-time nomads including plenty of part time work so you can still enjoy your free time.

Another perk of seasonal work is it’s often accompanied with a free power hook up as long as you’re there.

8.Make use of cheap offers

Just because you’re watching your spending doesn’t mean you don’t get to enjoy fun activities! Head to matinee movies, go to a local sporting match as opposed to the national team and seek out happy hours at pubs.

Don’t forget to get your free Seniors Card if you’re over 60. The benefits vary from state to state but, generally speaking, a Seniors Card entitles you to discounts on everything from public transport to restaurants.

9. Drive economically

First, plan a route that minimises backtracking. Then, if you’re pulling a big rig, consider the route with fewer hills. Try and avoid driving on particularly windy days and stay at a consistent speed (often around 90kph for motorhomes).

All these little tricks can help you drastically reduce your petrol usage and keep one of your biggest financial costs on the road down. Don’t forget to get a credit card or petrol card that offers free rewards or discounts on fuel fill-ups.

10. Relax and live free

To live life as a nomad is to take the normal life you had at home on the road. Take days off to relax and take time to do laundry, cleaning, and cook leisurely. Walk places, play card games, or simply read a book outdoors. Don’t feel as if you need to constantly be sightseeing and spending money to have an experience.

The most authentic experiences come from the land itself, so relax on the beach, go on a hike, take a nice bike ride, picnic in a park, and breathe in the fresh air. The best things in life truly are free.

Campervans

are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to see Australia as they have a bed, mini-kitchen and living area all combined, ready to go and undercover. However, their downside is that they do limit drivers to sealed roads only. This can make getting away from the crowds to some of Australia’s more unusual destinations hard.

However, if you’re keen to get off the beaten track and travel more independently, perhaps to reach some of the country’s more unique spots, then fear not!  Here are 7 unusual places to visit in Australia that you can easily explore with your campervan.

1. Cooktown

If you’re looking for the perfect remote experience from your Australian road trip, then you must make a serious effort to explore Cooktown, which is located in the famous Cape York region of Queensland.

This town is one of the best places to visit in Australia for history and nature lovers, especially those who enjoy exploring the marine heritage and beautiful beaches.

With sealed roads all the way, Cooktown is an awesomely far-flung destination you can still explore without a 4wd. And, with plenty of caravan parks that allow visitors to spend a few precious nights here, it’s a perfect destination to visit with a campervan.

If you are planning on heading to Cooktown, then there are some great walks to enjoy there, as well as an amazing view from the lighthouse and one of the best museums in Australia.

For more ideas, check out my list of the 10 best and cheap things to do in Cooktown, or read about our time there in Week 7 of our Budget Road Trip around Australia.

2. Agnes Water

The little town of Agnes Water in Queensland is definitely one of the best places to visit in Australia with a campervan!

With stunning beaches, great surf and a small community, it is the perfect, relaxed road trip stopover, where you can easily kick back for a few days … or weeks!

The nearby, and rather strangely named, enclave of 1770, is also worth a visit. This is where Captain Cook first stepped foot on Queensland soil and the town is named after the year in which this took place.

Whilst the towns of Agnes Water and 1770 are on the tourist map, they are hardly major destinations – as such, do expect some other tourists, but don’t expect crowds. That is, apart from the last weekend in May when the towns celebrate the landing of Captain Cook with a great festival. Things can get pretty busy then!

There are a ton of campsites to spend the night at in the Agnes Water / 1770 area, including Agnes Water Caravan Park, right on the beach, and the brilliant Workman’s Beach Camp Ground, which costs only $7 AUD p/person a night – bargain!

Check out Week 2 of Great Budget Road Trip Around Australia when we visited Agnes Water / 1770 to find out what we enjoyed doing there.

3. Port Macquarie

If you are someone who loves the sun, sea, and sand, then Port Macquarie in New South Wales, is one of the best places to visit in Australia for you!

This quieter city between Brisbane and Sydney makes the perfect road trip stopover between these larger destinations and is a much more relaxed place along the popular east coast route.

Once at Port Macquarie, you can enjoy dolphin watching, sunbaking, swimming and even try your hand at the most iconic Australian sport – surfing.

I completed my second-year farm work near Port Macquire and absolutely loved the place, so it does come highly recommended!

The city also offers you with some of the most beautiful sunrise views over the ocean. With great cafes, lovely promenade strolls and a friendly community, Port Macquarie is one of those wonderfully different places to visit in Australia with a campervan.

4. Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Tucked away in Queensland’s Central Highlands, this remote national park is certainly one of the most unusual places to visit in Australia with your campervan, and perfect if you want a bit of adventure!

Filled with amazing hikes, swimming holes, and wildlife, Carnarvon Gorge is a lush, tropical paradise in an otherwise dry and semi-arid area of Australia.

Coming to this national park with a campervan is a great idea, as the only accommodation provided here is either in campgrounds or rustic cabins. Take your pick from a range of 3 accommodations on offer and then settle in for a few days to truly relish the stunning part of the country.

Top picks including getting up early to complete the dawn walk to Bulimba Bluff and cooling down in the afternoon with a swim in the rock pool.

Just make sure to time your visit here well – the middle of summer can be scorching hot and very wet, while the middle of winter can get very cold!

Check out Week 1 of Great Budget Road Trip Around Australia to read about our adventures in Carnarvon Gorge National Park.

5. Broome

Over on the west coast, the tropical town of Broome is definitely one of the most unusual, but incredible places to visit in Australia with your campervan.

High up in the Kimberley region of the state, this remote town is a pretty long way from anything else, which means it’s a heck of a long road trip to get here. However, make the effort and you’re likely to be rewarded by discovering your new favourite place in Australia!

Famous for its epic sunsets, incredible beaches, and whale-watching opportunities, life is really all about the great outdoors in Broome. And what outdoors! The colours of this Outback town are hard to believe, as red cliffs, meets white sand, meets a bright blue ocean!

Temperatures are high throughout the year in Broome, but the best time to visit is during the winter months of May – October when you can still swim in the sea without the risk of deadly box jellyfish! You’ve also got less chance of experiencing a cyclone at this time of year, which is an added bonus!

From Cable Beach to Town Beach, it’s all about relaxing in Broome, so trust me when I say, there are few places to visit in Australia where you’ll enjoy doing nothing more!

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, formerly known as Katherine Gorge National Park, is located in the Northern Territory of Australia and is definitely one of the more unique places to visit in Australia with your campervan.

When it comes to wildlife, this park incorporates a wide range of wallabies, snakes, and crocodiles. It is also home to a sacred aboriginal site and a powerful spiritual location for these traditional owners.

Driving to Nitmiluk National Park via campervan is an awesome road trip, as this park is very much located within Outback Australia. Red dirt, picture-perfect blue skies and many of the icon Australian sights, such as termite mounds and country pubs, will greet you along the way.

Once there you can enjoy kayaking, hiking and even scenic helicopter flights, which give you a great birds-eye view of this breathtaking gorge. Nearby Edith Falls is also well worth checking out for a night or two.

Check out Week 10 of Great Budget Road Trip Around Australia to see what we got up to at Nitmiluk National Park.

7. Daintree Rainforest

Located on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most amazing rainforests on the entire planet.

Offering some amazing and unique natural attractions, such as Mossman Gorge, this magical place also boasts a rich cultural heritage passed down by the traditional owners who have lived here for tens of thousands of years.

Located north of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is remote and requires a ferry crossing to access it. But, as the road is fully sealed the whole way along, it is one of those perfectly unique places to visit in Australia with a campervan.

Once at the Daintree, you can explore unique plants, trees, butterflies, bats, frogs, and birds, take guided tours from local elders or explore yourself via signed walking trails.

There’s a wide range of places to sleep overnight in your campervan near the Daintree too. Which is why I voted it one of the top destinations for your North Queensland holidays.

My personal favourite is the nearby town of Port Douglas which has a number of caravan parks, but also local backpacker hostels that provide facilities too. Cape Tribulation, north of the Daintree, is also a stunning spot to spend the night.

Wherever you decide to stay, you should definitely spend a number of days exploring this beautiful rainforest and its surrounds.

Nothing is better than jumping in your car and hitting the road in search of an adventure, but what if your home was your car, essentially making every day an adventure. From a 1966 GMC Commuter Greyhound, that’s been converted into a home fit for a king, to a 90-seat double decker turned mobile chateau, bus-to-mobile-home conversions are more popular than ever. Here is just a taste of some of the coolest conversions out there, each of which will make you want to buy a bus and hit the open road.

YETIBUS

Kyle VolkamanThis converted school bus is called the “Yetibus.” The 1986 vehicle runs purely on vegetable oil, helping to reduce greenhouse emissions and curb climate change. The interior offers approximately 200 square feet of floor space and includes a kitchen, bedroom, living room, and bathroom. The ultra-efficient wood stove is just a plus.

EXPEDITION HAPPINESS

Expedition Happiness

A couple of years ago, a German couple decided to ditch their life in Berlin, travel to the United States, and convert this 40-foot school bus into an epic home on wheels, one that could shuttle them from Alaska to Mexico. They filmed everything they did — from installing solar panels to building furniture — to create Expedition Happiness, a documentary now viewable on Netflix.

DAN THE ADVENTURE BUS

Jax Austin

Equipped with 320-watt solar panels and an astroturf-lined rooftop, this 30-seater school bus was converted into a home fit for a 49-state adventure. The interior features LED lighting and reclaimed wood, the latter of which adorns the floor, countertop, and various storage compartments. Even the toilet, which sits within a cargo trunk, carries a vintage aesthetic.

THE EMERALD GYPSY

Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts

After several years of work, this bus was renovated into a retro-styled mobile home, one that sports a rooftop deck, a double bed, and a knotty pine-lined interior that makes it feel like you’re sleeping in a log cabin instead of a school bus from the late-1940s.

1950 BEDFORD OB BUS

Walter Bell

A classic motor enthusiast spent more than 3,500 hours and $250,000 to restore this 1959 Bedford OB Bus. They also added a diesel engine and rear air suspension, allowing this bus to go up to 90 miles per hour. Inside you’ll find a bedroom, full bath and shower, and seating for up to five people. The added sunroof, central heating, and a 27-inch iMac simply round out the list of modern amenities.

THE BIG GREEN BUS

The Big Green Bus

This 1982 West Midlands Metro Bus once hauled students to school and had more than 689,00 miles on it. These days, it sits in the Sussex countryside, where you can rent it out for a long weekend in the woods. As far as lodging goes, the double-decker features three bedrooms and sleeps six, and includes a full kitchen, a wood stove, and plenty of books to go around. Now, if only a two-night stay wasn’t around $470…

1990 THOMAS SCHOOL BUS

Do it Yourself RV

A paltry 192 square feet of floor space isn’t much to work with, but the owner of this Chevrolet-Thomas school bus transformed his vehicle into a livable home after purchasing it from the state of North Carolina in 2013. They extended the roof to add 8 feet of headroom and outfitted the bus with a fridge, freezer, double-basin sink, and the kind of cabinetry you’d expect to find in something a bit more modern.

THE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS

Teeny Tiny Living

This school bus seemingly has more in common with a small apartment than your typical commuter vehicle, which is likely why it once housed a family of four, three dogs, and two cats. The interior features a sizable skylight, not to mention a fridge, a washer and dryer, a propane range, a compost toilet, a shower, and two electric heaters that flank the couch.

ISRAELI LONG PUBLIC BUS

Inhabitat

The designers of this renovation decided to shape the interior of the bus around its original layout, taking structural facets such as the interior wheel arches and existing windows into consideration. The before and after photos are astonishing, though, they probably should be given the conversion cost around $300,000. The salvaged bus now includes diner-styled seating, a rear bedroom, bathroom, storage throughout, a full kitchen, and air conditioning, which is crucial given some regions of Israel can top 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

1959 CHEVROLET VIKING SHORT BUS

Winkelman

It may look small, but this converted 1959 Chevrolet Viking Short Bus is designed to comfortably ferry 12 passengers and a driver to a destination of their own choosing. The two sofas located in the center of the bus fold down to create two twin beds or can be pushed together to create a single queen. Other amenities — namely plumbing and power — provide passengers on this Moroccan-styled conversion everything they need to be self-sufficient while on the road.

BY TRACY MORRIS | OCTOBER 9, 2018 | This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Read our Disclosure.

Without a doubt, Australia is one of the most amazing countries to explore. Full of natural wonders, unique wildlife and dazzling beaches.

There is so much to see and do, and what better way to go travelling around Australia and explore this famous sunburnt country, than cruising at your own pace towing a caravan.

This is exactly what we do!

Our family of four has been driving around Australia and living in our home on wheels for over nine months and love the freedom and adventure that this lifestyle presents.close

6 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING AROUND AUSTRALIA WITH A CARAVAN

1. How will you roll?

The best foundation for a safe and successful adventure is ensuring you have a reliable, comfortable, well-serviced tow vehicle and caravan/camper trailer.

There are so many set-up options available to road trip Australia, and ultimately it’s a matter of finding the right combination that suits you and your family.

Before you pack up your home, take the time to do your research. You may want to consider your travel plans, your budget and the kind of lifestyle you wish to enjoy whilst on the road.

We found that with each caravan or camper trailer option, there is always an element of compromise, so make sure you prioritise what’s most important to you.Our Choice:

As we have young children (aged 2 and 5 yrs), we wanted the option/luxury of being able to pull up to our destination and just ‘step in’.

Our beds are made and we have a full kitchen and en-suite with a shower and toilet.

We just love our little home and it works wonderfully for us.

The compromise for this, however, is that we are towing an 8.5 metre, 3 tonne, box on wheels as we travel Australia…and that uses lots of fuel.

We are also limited as to where we can tow our home.

As we like to explore remote ‘off-road’ locations as we drive across Australia, we also decided to travel with a tent onboard which works great for our mini adventures away from our caravan.

You can see a tour of our caravan here or our tent set-up here.

Top Tip:

A great place to see all the different caravan/camper trailer models available and chat to the experts is at your local caravan and camping show.

2. Safety First – Weights, Towing and Regulations

I don’t want to sound like a ‘stick in the mud’ but the process of travelling around Australia in a caravan is not something to take lightly.

There are strict rules in place for caravanning to ensure you are travelling safely.

When driving in Australia, there are regulations on how heavy your caravan can be as well as the type of vehicle you can tow it with.

Add in the concentration and skill needed for towing something so large and you have a whole heap of safety factors to consider. You need to take the time to ensure you are well educated on this.

In preparation for your trip make sure you do not overload your caravan with too much ‘stuff’ and you could even take a caravan towing course.

3. Direction of Travel

Whether you turn left or right out of your driveway usually depends on the seasons you plan to travel, how long your trip will be and where you will leave from.

The northern section of Australia has a more tropical climate which is hot and humid in the summer with a wet season, and quite warm and dry in the winter, while the southern parts are cooler – with mild summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters.

If you’re doing the big lap of Australia, ultimately you want to be up North in winter like the Northern Territory and Queensland, and South for summer exploring places like the Great Ocean Road.

4. First Aid and Emergency Survival

If you are planning on exploring remote areas and travelling Australia with kids like us, you will want to invest in some safety equipment.

We carry a satellite phone that allows us to make emergency calls anywhere in Australia.

Another option is travelling with an emergency tracking device called an EPIRB or PLB (these small phone sized devices send out an SOS signal to emergency services who will track your signal and come to your rescue).

Installing a UHF radio to your vehicle is also a good idea, especially when driving around Australia and visiting remote areas and if you are into off-road adventures and 4WDriving, a winch and/or a vehicle recovery kit is also a good idea.

Spare jerry cans for extra fuel may be necessary, as well as an offline GPS navigation system.

For our day to day travels, we also carry two First Aid Kits.

One larger kit stores our ‘must have’ medical items including panadol and medicines etc. and a smaller kit that we ALWAYS carry on us, especially when hiking, includes simple first aid band-aids, snake bandages, swiss army knife and a space blanket.

5. Camping vs Glamping

As we travel we stay in a combination of National Parks, free camps and established caravan parks.

Once you start your Australian road trip adventures, you will get a feel for what suits you best.

Many people take advantage of the facilities offered in caravan parks like connecting up to power, using the washing machine, charging batteries and filling up with water.

Caravan parks usually have play parks, jumping pillows and pools that can entertain the kids but many parks charge an extra fee per child so if you have a few mini adventurers this can start to add up.

If you think you will stay in a few of these caravan parks as you travel you could join a loyalty program which gives you a 10% discount each time you stay.

But, if you are like us, once you get a taste for remote camping away, from all the crowds and out in nature, you will no doubt embrace as many off-grid camping opportunities as you can.

This leads us to point 5…

5. Embracing Solar Power

As full-time nomads living and working on the road, the wonderful science of solar power plays a huge part in how we live on our road trip around Australia.

Solar Power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity. It has been used as an easy, cost-effective alternative power source for years.

Most modern caravans have a solar power set-up installed that helps run simple 12v items like your caravan lights, without being hooked into power.

You may want to invest in a few more solar panels or even a solar blanket and an inverter that will allow you to generate more power for things like charging your camera batteries, your laptop/computer and all those other nifty 12-volt camping gadgets that we all love to use.

We explain all about Solar Power with a ‘non-techy’ explanation in a blog post here and have also created a video you can watch here.

6. Handy Apps

As much as you may want to disconnect from the distractions of technology, mobiles and TV while out exploring in nature they do come in very handy at times.

There have been some great mobile apps created that can help you with your adVANture.

The main app we use in Australia is called WikiCamps. It’s the ultimate camping companion with many elements operating offline so you don’t have to worry about phone reception or WIFI once it’s installed.

It has a great map function and lists all campsites from free camps to National Parks and caravan parks.

It also includes all the features at each of those locations, for example, if there are water taps, toilets and bins, etc.

With comments, ratings and photos from other users, it is our go-to app for travelling Australia and for a small fee it is well worth the $$$.

Depending on your hobbies, other mobile apps you may like could include Stargazing – which tells you all the constellations in the sky, or bird watching, or even geocaching.

Fuel finder and gas finder apps are also popular too.

We find Facebook is a great resource for planning your travels as there are some great caravan and camping groups that you can join, allowing you to tap into the experienced travelling community who always love to share their tips.

It is safe to say there are many elements you will need to consider for life on the road.

With a bit of research and pre-planning, you’ll be on the road in no time experiencing an unforgettable adventure!!

See you out there, and be sure to give us a wave!

by Andrew Kennedy

What’s your preference, caravan or a free campsite?

I’ve never been sure why we call it free camping. Guess it’s a term we use when we are ‘free’ from a 240v power supply in a caravan park.

Sure, there are some top spots around where we can camp or take an overnight rest, and not pay a cent, but generally, we have camped in national parks or private properties that allow campers entry. For this, we pay for the privilege and I don’t mind doing that.

There are roads or tracks to be maintained, long drops to be checked and cleaned and there is always a few folks to clean up after, those that don’t play by the rules and leave sites a tad untidy. Councils also vary in attitude, some welcome campers and some don’t. Those that do, must consider it great tourism and economic boost for their communities.

We have to get supplies, replace a few camping kit bits and pieces, maybe get a good pub feed or visit the famous country bakery or local attractions. To those councils, thank you for keeping Australia On Track, you will always get our support and I’m sure that of the general caravanning and camping public.

Free Campsites

As mentioned earlier, some private property owners are opening up to earn a bit of extra income. Depending on what facilities they have (or don’t have) this fee can vary, but it is generally cheaper than van parks with a lot more room to camp and relax. YouCamp… www.youcamp.com is a good source for these as is WikiCamps.

We have a favorite in the Flinders, Mount Little Station. Kate and Chris Blackmore have a terrific setup and on the last visit, we paid $10 per person, per night. The camp kitchen is well set up, the showers and toilets clean, and the scenery magnificent. It’s 16km north of Hawker, details, and reviews on WikiCamps.

Caravan parks

Now let’s look at caravan parks, some owners or caravan chains are upgrading facilities with more cabins, jumping cushions, very modern camp kitchens, and piping hot showers and don’t forget increases in rates, taxes and insurance. Prices are rising, and they will be passed onto caravanners, we can’t expect them to remain the way they were twenty years ago.

Stay with me here, and feel free to jump onto our Facebook page and comment.

We have a choice!

Let’s look at other forms of holidays, compared to a caravan park. Take a more expensive overseas or interstate trip with the family.

Cost of accommodation and food in resorts, compare that to what we can get cheaper in a park and at the local store and cook ourselves in relaxed surroundings.

You can spend quality family time in a van park, you can’t get that stuck in a motel room, kids riding bikes, fishing, reading a book and wait for it … talking.

A caravan park might raise its prices (let’s hope not a lot), but you’re going to get better facilities and have a great time with your family. If you don’t like the rise you can always go camping, find a ‘free’ camp spot, national park or private property, there are always options and it’s usually only for a few relatively cheap weeks a year.

Oh, there are lots of parks that keep it simple and costs down, might be a bit out of the bigger ‘tourist’ towns, but well worth searching for.

A quick look at park costs, nothing official here, just my estimate.

We recently paid about $25 a night at Clayton Bay in SA, but let’s take an average of $40 a night in a caravan park, multiply this by 7 equals $280 a week, multiply that x 52 weeks equals $14,560 a year. Sure you’re are not paying directly for water, electricity, council rates, etc. but a lot of travelers that are permanently or regularly on the road can’t afford this, so cheaper alternatives must be found.

I just hope councils and caravan parks look at the big picture and support all travelers … together. Caravan park or free camp… there is room and need for both… your thoughts?

Written by Andrew Kennedy, Similar content that Andrew wrote can be found on Snowys and RView Blogs.