Road tripping through Australia by car or campervan: how does it work, why should you do it, and are you insured?

What is a road trip through Australia?

• It is cruising the Australian roads by car or campervan, experiencing adventure, freedom and new decisions every day. 
• It's the best/easiest way to explore cities, national parks, beaches, and the outback.
• Australia is vast and has a unique infrastructure with wide roads between cities, but also miles of unpaved roads in remote areas.
• Not every road trip is the same. Travel style, budget, visa, and time all influence the choices and way of traveling.
• For example, you can choose between a rental car (with or without a rooftop tent), a rental campervan, a relocation vehicle, hitchhiking, or buying your own transportation.
• Each region also offers a different kind of road trip. The east coast is sociable, accessible, and full of backpackers, traffic, good roads, and campsites.
• The west coast is rugged, empty, and spectacular. There are few tourists, vast distances, and abundant wildlife, but also less roadside assistance and fewer freecamps. Many places in the north and west are only accessible by 4x4.
• The outback and the Red Centre are intense, impressive, and isolated. Landscapes are unique and there's a wealth of ancient culture to be found, but the conditions are harsh.
• Tasmania is compact, green, and almost has a European feel, albeit with different trees. Distances are short, hikes are fantastic, but the weather is unpredictable, and the ferry is necessary to get there with your own car.

Why travel through Australia by car or campervan?

• Freedom and flexibility: having your own vehicle offers the opportunity to choose your own route, adjust your pace, and change plans.
• Access to nature: many places are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport.
• Save on accommodation: traveling with a campervan or car with a rooftop tent/built-in bed often means free accommodation or stays at (inexpensive) campsites. Renting is a bit pricey, but it also saves money!
• Combine multiple destinations: from beach to city to nature - everything is possible in one trip, and you can drive as long as you like.

What types of road trips are possible in Australia?

• Renting a car or campervan
  • For whom: short to medium-length trips and first-time visitors to Australia.
  • Pros: Quick and easy to arrange, insurance is usually included, and there are no maintenance worries.
  • Cons: It's expensive for long trips, rules are often strict, and the excess is often high.
  • Tip: Read the fine print about gravel roads, beaches, and national parks. "No" really means no, as any damage there is often your own responsibility.
• Relocation road trips (car or campervan)
  • What is it? Rental companies are required to relocate vehicles (e.g., Cairns → Brisbane) and sometimes offer them for $1–$10 per day. For whom: Flexible, adventurous, budget travelers who don't mind driving long distances in a day.
  • Pros: Dirt cheap, often includes basic insurance, and ideal for covering long distances.
  • Cons: A tight schedule, limited route choices, and sometimes no time to "wander around."
  • Tip: Sometimes you'll get a fuel budget or ferry fares included, but always ask.
• Build/buy your own car or campervan (Working Holiday classic)
  • For whom: Working Holiday travelers, longer stays, or handy people who love adventure and aren't afraid of a bit of paperwork.
  • Pros: Cheaper in the long run, complete freedom, and the possibility of resale.
  • Cons: Hassle with registration, insurance, and maintenance, risk of hidden defects, and a time investment.
  • Tip: Every backpacker sells their car as "perfect condition," but it's still wise to invest a few dollars in a mechanical inspection, check the vehicle's registration (condition + expiration date) and history (PPSR/VIN).
• Hitchhiking
  • For whom: For adventurous, sociable, and flexible souls who are also environmentally conscious.
  • Pros: Free, meeting locals, and surprisingly reliable on some routes.
  • Cons: It's not permitted everywhere, unpredictable, and not ideal in extreme heat or remote areas.
  • Tip: Hitchhiking works best in Tasmania, the east coast, and in surf and backpacker areas.

What do you need to travel through Australia with a car or campervan?

• Driver's license: Your Dutch/Belgian driver's license is usually sufficient, but taking an International Driving Permit (IDP/IRB) with you for an official English translation is highly recommended.
• For larger campervans, you may need a higher-quality driver's license (size C1 or C). Check the rental conditions and your driver's license beforehand.
• Be aware of Australian regulations: driving on the left, seatbelts required, special rules for children and child seats.
• So always carry with you: driver's license and international driving permit, passport, rental agreement, and insurance information.

What should you keep in mind when driving through Australia?

• Road quality: Main roads between cities are well-maintained, but in the interior, the outback, or towards hiking trails, the roads are sometimes unpaved. Sometimes a 2WD or AWD is still manageable, but a 4WD is often more convenient.
• The rainy season and bushfires: During the rainy season, many roads become impassable or difficult to drive, especially in the north. Bushfires can also block roads.
• For campervans: Pay attention to height restrictions, double tire pressure regulations on dirt roads, designated parking areas, or camping regulations for campervans.
• Camping: Finding "freecamps" isn't easy everywhere. Some states have many (such as Tasmania), while others have far fewer (such as Western Australia).
• Remote access: Planning for fuel, water, and food is essential in remote areas. An extra jerry can and water tank can prevent major problems, and even save your life.
• Extra costs: Many rental companies charge young driver fees if you are under ~25 years old. A campervan/car can often be picked up in one location and returned elsewhere, but this may incur additional costs.
• Rules: Some rental conditions prohibit driving on unpaved roads with standard 2WD vehicles or on beaches like Fraser Island.
• Safe driving: Australia is large and sometimes empty. Fatigue and long, monotonous distances can put you to sleep. There are also many animals on the road at sunrise and sunset. Kangaroos cause significant damage, and insurance certainly doesn't always cover this completely.

Checklist for a road trip through Australia.

• Before departure
  • Check your insurance: what is covered, what is the excess?
  • Ask about roadside assistance and 24/7 support options.
  • Download apps from rental companies (some offer routes, fuel stations, and campsites). Walkabout
• On the Road
  • Fill up on fuel and water whenever you get the chance. In the outback, it can be hours before your next stop.
  • Be aware of road trains (long trucks) - stay calm and maintain extra distance.
  • Make sure you know how to drive a 4x4. It's very different from driving a regular car.
• In Cities
  • Electronic tolls are common around major cities. Make sure you pay your toll within the specified timeframe to avoid fines.

What about insurance for a road trip through Australia?

• Australia has a few important terms:
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• Compulsory Third Party (CTP): Legally required insurance that covers personal injury (to others). For rental cars, this is usually included in the car registration/rental price.
•  
• Third Party Property / Liability: Coverage for damage to someone else's car or property. This is often arranged through the rental company but is technically different from the mandatory CTP. For private cars, there are various providers.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This waiver limits your liability for damage to the rented vehicle. Pay attention to the excess (the amount you have to pay in case of damage).
• Theft & Loss Cover: This can cover theft and loss of the vehicle, usually included in rental coverage.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Optional coverage for medical expenses in the event of an accident.
• Excess: This is the deductible you have to pay in case of damage, which can range from hundreds to thousands of AUD. Consider excess reduction options.

How can you insure yourself during your road trip through Australia?

• If you buy a car locally, there are several companies offering car insurance. They all have their own packages, so it's important to check them carefully.
• For example, if you're traveling through multiple states, insurance that covers that is essential. Many insurance policies only cover their own state.
• In addition to car insurance, it's also important to insure yourself against accidents. If you're staying in Australia for an extended period, especially on a Working Holiday visa, as a digital nomad, or traveling freely, insurance policies are different than for a short holiday.
• Having sufficient and appropriate insurance is essential if you're traveling, working, or staying in Australia, as standard government or travel insurance policies don't always provide sufficient coverage.
• It's important to be insured for:
  • Medical and emergency coverage during long stays and road trips, for example.
  • Coverage for activities and work that standard travel insurance policies often lack.
  • Some visas (such as Working Holiday visas) explicitly require valid insurance that meets certain conditions. An English-language declaration of cover is useful to include with your visa application or during checks.
  • Read more about insuring yourself for a holiday, stay, or road trip in Australia.