What to pack for your camper holiday?

May 20, 2015

Campervan hire in Australia doesn't require a special drivers licence

Campervan hire in Australia doesn’t require a special drivers license

Your camper trip is getting close, but now you’re wondering what you should pack.  It can be daunting going to a new place and having new experiences.  Here’s a few ideas to think about.  We also have a suggested packing list for you to download which may be helpful too!

What sort of bag is best?

  • Bring your luggage in a lightweight sports bag or duffle type is great, as when emptied can be folded up and tucked away.  This particularly important if you are travelling in our two berth campers.  If you are only two people travelling in a four  – six berth motorhome, you will have more space for storage.
  • If you are picking up and returning to the same depot then you may be able to unpack you suitcase into your cupboards and leave at the depot for storage.

Documentation

  • Passports
  • Drivers Licence (the national drivers licence is in most cases sufficient; if your licence is not in English, you will require a certified translation or international driving permit)
  • Airline tickets
  • Travel Insurance details
  • Credit card provider details – remember to advise your credit card provider that you are travelling so they do not block your card when you put through a lot of international transactions
    • NOTE: Keep a copy of your important documents with a family member or friend at home, so they can fax a copy to you if you lose them.

Electronics

  • For our guests coming from NZ, there is no need for a special power adaptor to use NZ plugs in Australia.
  • An alarm watch – with alarm is good for early morning starts. Mobile phone – however, be aware of the roaming charges your mobile phone provider may charge.
  • Phone chargers
  • CDs to play while driving
  • Ipod/MP3, charger, speakers, headphones
  • DVDs
  • Camera, batteries, charger and a spare memory stick – you can’t take too many photos!
Motorhome Rental Australia

Motorhome Rental Australia

Clothes

You may experience a range of  temperature ranges on your trip. While it may not always be sunny or feel hot, the UV factor in Australia is extremely high.

If you are travelling in outback Queensland or around the Red Centre, please note while you should experience lovely day time temperatures, the nights will be chilly (1-5 degrees at night in winter).  This is still the best time to travel however as summer will bring very hot day time temps and risk of flooding.


Daywear

  • Light, long sleeve shirts and tops are essential for day outings (keeps the sun off)
  • Wide brimmed hat and Sunglasses
  • Water/windproof jacket
  • T-shirts/long sleeved shirts
  • Shorts /lightweight
  • Light jumper
  • Swimming gear and beach towels

Night time

  • Beanie/warm hat & scarf (depending where travelling)
  • Warm sweatshirt/tracksuit – even in summer, nights can be cold in some areas
  • Jeans/heavy trousers
  • Smart casual items for going out (dress pants, shirt)

Shoes

  • Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes
  • Slide on Jandals/Sandals
  • Rubber thongs – always come in handy when using public shower blocks
  • Some light weight shoes for evenings out

Medications

  • Please ensure you bring a letter from your medical practitioner for any prescription medicines along with any repeat prescriptions. While the same prescription cannot be used, it will make it easier for an Australian doctor to assist, should the need arise.
  • First Aid kit (bandages, travel sickness tablets, cold/flu tablets, aspirin, antihistamine, calamine lotion, antiseptic, scissors, tweezers, safety pins).  A first aid kit is provided in the majority of vehicles we hire, however there is a cost if you do ‘crack the seal’ on the kit.
  • Other medications that may come in handy when travelling (hopefully will not be required!)
    • -Antiseptic cream (very useful in case of a fly or mosquito bite)
    • -Paracetamol
    • -Imodium

Toiletries

  • Insect repellent – Tropical strength with DEET is advisable (depending where travelling)
  • UV sunscreen – Australian sun is harsh, so it is worth bringing some SPF30+ even for winter travel.
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Razors & Foam
  • Moisturiser
  • Comb/hairbrush
  • Hair dryer
  • Cosmetics
  • Sewing kit
  • Baby wipes (always useful in a camper)

Other essentials

Travelling in your Motorhome Hire in Outback Australia

Travelling in your Motorhome Hire in Outback Australia

  • Eco plastic bags – handy to store your dirty laundry, wet towels and rubbish.
  • Torch – very useful for late night reading, fridge raiding or if you prefer to use campground bathroom facilities rather than you campervan toilet.
  • Address book for postcards home.
  • Travel journal & pens
  • A good read – often campgrounds will have book exchanges in the games room or office. You can swap a book you’ve already finished reading
  • Playing cards and travel board games
  • DVDs – although you may be too tired after all your daily adventures!
  • We love to put our ‘smalls’ in mesh bags when travelling in a camper. This makes it easy to find our socks after a day of driving when items move around. You can probably find these at the $2 shop if you don’t have.

Food

Australian Quarantine laws are very strict, so it is best not to bring food into the country like fruit, vegetables, meat (even dried), dairy products or any nut, seeds or grains. Often these items, even if sealed in manufacturer packaging, are confiscated at the airport.

There will be ample opportunity to stock up and also buy food/drinks along the way.

  • Zip lock bags are handy to keep meal left overs fresh

Hopefully that gives you a few ideas to assist with packing for your motorhome holiday in Australia.  We’ve got a simple suggested packing list for you to download to get your started.

If you’re not sure on the weather or what there is to see and on your upcoming camper adventure, you may find some of our online videos useful on specific regions of Australia.  You will find videos on Darwin to Perth; Queensland; Melbourne to Sydney; Melbourne to Adelaide; or how about the stunning south west corner or WA leaving from Perth!  The Top End around Darwin may also assist.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning your motorhome holiday in Australia and not even sure where you’re going yet, you’ll want to get your hands on one of our free DVD’s that’s packed full of inspiration on where to go, plus answers lots of questions to assist in planning your holiday.  You can also ask us for a quote when you’re ready too!  We use a bunch of different suppliers to match the best vehicle to your needs – you don’t pay any extra for dealing with us, however you will benefit from our service, experience and greater variety of vehicle options.

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Speak to one of our friendly team about a motorhome hire or join us on one of our escorted motorhome tours. We look forward to chatting to you!