The Best Off Road Caravan Destinations in Australia
Australia is a haven for caravan enthusiasts. The country is teeming with unexplored natural destinations that would be ideal for an off road caravanning adventure. Lucky for you, this guide offers a list of the best off road caravan destinations in Australia you must add to your bucket list this year. This ‘bucket list’ is not for the weekend warrior or those looking for a quick escape. Most of these destinations require effort and planning, but it’s guaranteed they’re well worth the effort.
Top 8 Off Road Caravan Destinations in Australia
Where to go next for your next off road caravan trip in Australia? Worry no more! Here is the ultimate list of the best off road caravan destinations so you can start planning your next road trip.
Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Victoria)
Victoria is a state well-known as a mecca for caravanning enthusiasts, especially 4WD caravans. This area is teeming with options for campsites, especially Talbotville, an abandoned gold mining town. It is located west of Dargo and is accessible only to off road vehicles and caravans.
The town is not existent anymore, which means the site is open to explorers. Instead, find a camping site near the beautiful Crooked River. Even when it’s popular with 4WD caravans, there is plenty of space to camp. Basic facilities are available, such as a fire pit and drop toilets.
Cape York (Queensland)
Cape York is another one of the must-visit off road destinations in Australia, particularly in Queensland. Several areas on the track leading to the campsite can prove challenging, especially those littered with corrugations and bulldust.
But once you get through them, you’ll be greeted by a lovely campsite at the Rinyirru National Park. If you care to journey farther, you will find more beautiful grounds at Bathurst Head and Marrett River.
Another fabulous off road caravan destination in Cape York is the Iron Range. It is a rainforest delight that is accessible via a heavy dirt road. You’ll cross a few rivers and make your way through dense rainforests.
Abercrombie River National Park (New South Wales)
Abercrombie River National Park is home to one of the most diverse selections of campgrounds in New South Wales. Therefore, it is a popular destination for 4WD caravan enthusiasts. The national park is approximately three and a half hours away from Sydney, which means it is secluded and remote.
Nonetheless, you will find four campgrounds in the national park, each with unique offerings. The Beach is one of the best campgrounds available since it is secluded with a trail that leads to a sandy beach. If you want to venture farther, you can find a secret swimming hole.
Pilbara (Western Australia)
Another gem that off road caravan enthusiasts often overlook is Pilbara. Most caravanning enthusiasts who come to the state opt to visit Kimberley or Northwest Cape instead. However, Pilbara is the ideal destination for adventure travellers because it offers campsites flocked by rocky ranges and trickling streams. It is also less crowded than Western Australia’s two previously mentioned caravan destinations.
One of the areas you should check out is Newman. This area features many natural attractions, such as the Eagle Rock Pool, Punda Art Site, the Hickman Meteorite Crater, and the Weeli Wolli Spring. Unfortunately, reaching these areas is challenging since they are filled with eroded and narrow tracks, with some sections short and steep.
It’s also a good idea to check directly with the specific sites you intend to visit before going to ensure that the tracks are open.
Mount Augustus (Western Australia)
Another off road caravan destination in Western Australia that’s worth your investment is Mount Augustus. It is one of the must-visit destinations on this list because it is home to the world’s most enormous rock.
Surprisingly, Mount Augustus is less famous even when it is twice the size of Uluru. Nonetheless, a visit to Mount Augustus will be worth it because there are spacious and beautiful campsites within the Tourist Park. You can even choose from various campsites ranging from powered and unpowered ones. In addition, the park offers toilet and hot shower facilities for your convenience.
Flinders Ranges (South Australia)
Make your way down to South Australia and onto Flinders Ranges for an exhilarating caravan adventure with your 4WD. The Central Flinders area features the Bunyeroo Gorge and Brachina Gorge. There is also a beautiful campsite nearby, or you can keep driving towards the Aroona Valley. The Ikara-Flinders Range National Park has more campsites that you can check out.
Camping with your caravan in this area will make you feel truly at one with nature. Bluffs and peaks will surround you. The various campsites in Flinders Ranges vary in the difficulty of access and the facilities available. Therefore, it’s best to research each campsite before you arrive, so you know what to expect.
1770 (Queensland)
The town of 1770 is located between Bundaberg and Rockhampton on the coast of Queensland. It is an idyllic location that offers plenty of wildlife, fishing, and diving. Two caravan parks in 1770 are perfect for those who enjoy fishing and boating. One of these parks gives you access to Bustard Bay, and the other is only a short walk to a surf beach.
Corner Country (QLD, NSW, and SA)
Corner Country is aptly named because it is located within the cross-section of three Australian states: Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. This region is a popular destination for off road caravan enthusiasts because it immerses you in the full outback experience.
Embark on your Corner Country caravan journey from Broken Hill and make your way to Silverton. You will hit the red dirt as you make your way north. This area is filled with many sheep and cattle farms. You can also make a stop at the Sturt National Park or keep driving north toward Innamincka, where you can enjoy the gorgeous views of Cooper Creek.
While only a few dare to traverse this part of Australia, those who do will be rewarded with spectacularly natural views. You will also find remote historic towns where there is only one pub and a store. It’s quite an adventure that will fill your desire for exploration until you head on to your next journey!