Australia’s best national parks for an epic campervan road trip

There’s something special about waking up just metres from a trailhead, coffee in hand, as the bush slowly comes to life around you. No check-out lines, no traffic – just you, your campervan, and the freedom to roll straight from campsite to walking track. That’s the magic of exploring Australia’s national parks by campervan. 

With a campervan, everything’s within reach – your gear, your barbecue, even your bed – making it easy to explore deeper and stay longer. It also keeps things flexible (and budget-friendly), letting you pick the pace and park up in some seriously impressive spots, including remote campgrounds you’d miss with a car and hotel setup. 

In this guide, we’re exploring Australia’s most unforgettable national parks – the ones worth planning a road trip around. Whether you’re chasing outback hikes, rainforest trails, or coastal lookouts, this 2025 guide will help you build a campervan itinerary that ticks all the boxes. 

 

Planning basics: passes, permits, and park etiquette

Before you hit the road, a little planning goes a long way. Australia's national parks are some of the most rewarding places to explore by campervan, but each state and territory has its own rules when it comes to access, camping, and road safety. Here's what to know before you roll in. 

• Park passes vary by state – Most national parks require a pass, which could be a day, holiday, or annual pass depending on how long you’re staying. Fees help support conservation and park upkeep. Check directly with each state or territory’s national park authority for up-to-date info, or use their apps for bookings and updates. 

• Stick to designated camping areas – Overnight stays are only allowed in official campgrounds or holiday parks. Free camping is rare in national parks, and it’s important to book early during peak months, especially in popular spots across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.  

We recommend plugging in at a powered campsite every second night or so – alternating between a national park and a nearby holiday park is a good way to stay comfortable, recharge your batteries (literally and figuratively), and access showers, laundry and other essentials. 

READ MORE: Check out our helpful guide to motorhome basics for beginners  

• Safety first – Always travel with plenty of water and fuel. Distances can be deceptive, especially in remote areas like the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Watch for wildlife around dawn and dusk, and check for road closures, heat warnings, and bushfire alerts before setting off. 

• Respect the land and communities – Many parks hold deep cultural significance. Follow any guidance around sacred sites, and avoid climbing or entering areas that are restricted. Take a moment to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land you’re travelling through. 

• Leave no trace – Rubbish, grey water, and even biodegradable soap can impact fragile ecosystems. Use dump stations, stick to formed tracks, and don’t feed or approach wildlife – even if the kangaroos come close. 

• Know your vehicle – A standard 2WD campervan is perfect for most national parks with sealed roads. But if you're heading into more remote areas – like parts of the Red Centre, Gibb River Road, or Cape York – a 4WD camper is essential. Always check road conditions before you go. 

 

When to explore Australia’s national parks

Australia’s national parks are open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on where you’re headed. From tropical downpours in the north to alpine snow in the south, timing can make a big difference to your experience – and your access to key tracks and campgrounds. 

Top End (NT) 

• Best time: May to October, during the dry season 

• Expect cooler mornings, open walking tracks, and easier access to waterfalls like those in Litchfield and Kakadu 

• The build-up (October–December) and wet season (January–March) can bring intense heat, storms, and road closures 

WA North (Kimberley/Pilbara) 

• Best time: April to October 

• This region comes alive during the dry, with clear skies and passable roads through the Bungle Bungles and Karijini 

• The wet season (November–March) can cause flash flooding, track closures, and extreme heat 

Southern states (VIC / SA / NSW / TAS) 

• Best time: Late spring to autumn 

• Comfortable temps for hiking, swimming, and exploring coastlines or inland trails 

• Winter brings snow to Kosciuszko National Park, and quiet forest walks elsewhere 

• Nights can be cold in the high country, so pack accordingly 

Tip: School holidays mean busy campgrounds and booked-out sites. Consider travelling in shoulder seasons (April–May or September–early November) for more flexibility and fewer crowds. If you’re planning to visit one of Australia’s dark-sky parks, aim for a new moon for the clearest skies. 

 

What to pack for park to park living

Campervan travel makes it easy to stay mobile, but when you’re moving between remote national parks, it pays to be prepared. Some gear will come with your campervan hire, but there are a few extras that can make the road feel a whole lot smoother. 

• Start with the essentials – Offline maps or a paper atlas are useful when signal drops out. Pack headlamps or torches, plenty of drinking water, insect repellent, sun protection, a first-aid kit (included in your campervan hire), and a couple of quick-dry towels. 

• Add a few campsite comforts – Compact camp chairs (available as an add-on hire with your campervan), a soft cooler or esky, hiking poles (if you’re planning longer walks), and a microfibre cleaning kit can come in handy. A small powerboard is useful when you're at powered sites with limited outlets. 

• Tailor your gear to the parks – For dark-sky parks, a stargazing app or printed star chart can make night-time stops more rewarding. Heading to reef-adjacent parks like Cape Range? Bring basic snorkelling gear if you’ve got room. 

• Don’t forget the cables and hoses – Powered sites usually require specific connection points. Your Apollo campervan comes with all the right leads and hoses etc.  

• When it comes to food, pack sealed containers and store everything securely – it keeps your meals safe and helps prevent late-night visits from curious wildlife. 

 

Australia’s best national parks for campervan road trips

From tropical wetlands and ancient deserts to coastal headlands and alpine trails, Australia’s national parks offer some of the most memorable stops on the road. Travelling by campervan gives you front-row access to sunrise hikes, quiet nights, and a patch of wilderness that’s yours – even just for a night or two. 

Here’s a state-by-state look at the parks worth planning your route around. 

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park (NT) 

Overview: Widely considered Australia’s spiritual heart, this national park is more than a postcard icon – it’s a deeply significant cultural site and a place to slow down and connect. The towering red domes of Kata Tjuta and the changing hues of Uluru reveal their stories gradually, especially in the quiet hours around sunrise and sunset. 

Best time to visit: March to October brings cooler, more comfortable days for walking and sightseeing. Summer heat can be extreme, so it’s worth planning your trip around the shoulder or dry seasons if you can. 

Unmissable highlights: Walk the full Uluru Base Walk early in the morning for a surprisingly peaceful experience. The Valley of the Winds walk through Kata Tjuta is another must, offering wide desert views and unique geological formations. Don’t miss the official sunrise and sunset viewing areas, and check out ranger-guided talks to understand the cultural significance of the area. 

Campervan tips: Yulara is the main accommodation hub, offering powered and unpowered sites along with fuel, food, and amenities. Stick to sealed roads within the park and respect signage around sacred sites. Peak travel periods (especially school holidays) can fill quickly – book ahead for campsites and experiences like the Field of Light or guided walks. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Alice Springs or Yulara and follow the Red Centre Way, taking in Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges for a well-rounded desert loop. 

Kakadu National Park (NT)

Overview: Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a UNESCO-listed landscape of floodplains, stone escarpments, and seasonal wetlands. It’s also home to over 65,000 years of continuous Aboriginal culture, with some of the oldest rock art in the world on display. 

Best time to visit: The dry season (May to October) offers the widest access to waterfalls, walks, and cultural sites. If you’re comfortable with humidity, the late build-up (around October) brings dramatic skies and fewer crowds – though some roads may be closed. 

Unmissable highlights: Ubirr and Nourlangie are two of the most significant rock art galleries in the park, each offering different views into cultural storytelling and history. The Yellow Water Billabong cruise is a great way to spot crocs and birdlife. For swimmers and hikers, Maguk and Jim Jim Falls are well worth the trip – though access is seasonal, so check ahead. 

Campervan tips: A standard 2WD campervan will get you to most major sites, but some waterfalls and remote areas require 4WD or a guided tour. Facilities can be spread out, so travel with plenty of water and fuel. Book your campsites in advance, particularly during school holidays. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Begin in Darwin and create a loop that includes Litchfield National Park for a compact Top End itinerary with both big-ticket sights and swim-friendly stops. 

 

Litchfield National Park (NT) 

Overview: Just 90 minutes from Darwin, Litchfield packs a lot into a compact area. With accessible waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, and easy walks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a short campervan escape. It’s also one of the Top End’s most swim-friendly parks, with a range of designated waterholes ideal for cooling off. 

Best time to visit: The dry season (roughly May to October) is the safest window for swimming, as water levels are lower and risks from crocodiles are closely managed. Always check local signage and the NT Parks website for current conditions. 

Unmissable highlights: Make time for Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes – both popular for good reason. Wangi Falls is another favourite, offering a large plunge pool and short loop walk. The termite mounds near the entrance are worth a quick stop – their size and alignment are truly unique to this region. 

Campervan tips: Many travellers visit as a day trip from Darwin, but staying nearby lets you arrive early and enjoy the main sites before the car parks fill. If you’re swimming, bring reef shoes for slippery rocks, as well as plenty of water, snacks, and shade gear – there’s limited cover in exposed areas. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start in Darwin and explore Litchfield as a relaxed 2–3 day addition to a longer Kakadu or Top End itinerary. 

Karijini National Park (WA)

Overview: Located in the heart of the Pilbara, Karijini is all about dramatic geology. Its layered red gorges, natural amphitheatres, and permanent waterholes make for some of the most visually striking hikes in Western Australia. It’s remote, but absolutely worth the detour. 

Best time to visit: April to October is the most comfortable period, with cooler days for hiking and more reliable road conditions. The summer months (especially December to February) can be dangerously hot, and some access tracks may be closed after heavy rain. 

Unmissable highlights: Dales Gorge offers a rewarding descent to Fortescue Falls and the shaded Fern Pool – perfect after a hot morning walk. The view over Circular Pool is another must. Confident hikers can explore deeper sections like Hancock and Weano Gorges, where you’ll be clambering through narrow rock corridors and swimming through shaded pools. 

Campervan tips: Access roads inside the park are mostly unsealed and can be rough – expect corrugations and dust. Lower your tyre pressure where recommended, drive cautiously, and allow extra travel time between sites. For power and comfort, base yourself at the Karijini Eco Retreat or nearby Tom Price holiday parks. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Perth for a longer Coral Coast road trip, or link Karijini with Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef for a remote inland–coast combo. 

Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park (WA)

Overview: Remote, otherworldly, and unlike anywhere else in Australia, Purnululu is famous for its beehive-shaped sandstone domes striped in orange and black. Set deep in the Kimberley, this is a place that feels far removed from the everyday – echoing gorges, narrow chasms, and a sense of scale that’s hard to put into words. 

Best time to visit: Access is limited to the dry season, typically April to October. Outside this window, roads can become impassable due to flooding or storm damage, and most services shut down for the wet season. 

Unmissable highlights: Cathedral Gorge is the showstopper – a naturally formed amphitheatre with remarkable acoustics. Echidna Chasm, with its towering narrow walls and glowing afternoon light, is equally unmissable. For a different perspective, scenic flights from Kununurra or Warmun give you a full view of the park’s scale and layered geology. 

Campervan tips: The access track into the park is rough, and a high-clearance 4WD is often necessary. If you’re in a 2WD campervan, you can still explore the park by staying at a nearby base such as the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park and booking a guided 4WD transfer or flight. Fuel, food, and power are limited, so plan carefully and travel with plenty of water. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Broome or Kununurra are the key gateways. If your vehicle hire allows, you can include parts of the Gibb River Road for a true Kimberley circuit. 

Cape Le Grand National Park (WA)

Overview: Just outside Esperance, Cape Le Grand is home to some of Australia’s most recognisable coastal views – pure white beaches, aquamarine shallows, and kangaroos lazing on the sand. It’s one of the few places where you can climb a granite peak in the morning and swim in crystal-clear water by lunch. 

Best time to visit: Late spring through to autumn is ideal for beach days and coastal walks. Summer brings warmer water, but the shoulder seasons (especially March–April and October–November) can offer more space and less wind. 

Unmissable highlights: Lucky Bay is the headline act – and yes, the kangaroos really do lounge on the sand. Thistle Cove is another standout with fewer crowds and dramatic coastal rock formations. For views across the national park and coastline, hike up Frenchman Peak – it’s steep, but the payoff is worth it. 

Campervan tips: Campgrounds at Cape Le Grand are limited and book out quickly, so jump on booking release dates early. Beaches can be windy, so pack a windbreak, sand pegs for stability, and extra layers for evenings. There are no powered sites within the park, so consider a holiday park stay in Esperance before or after. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start in Perth and follow the south-west coast through Albany and Fitzgerald River, ending in Esperance for a well-rounded coastal loop. For more time off-grid, consider adding Cape Arid National Park. 

Kalbarri National Park (WA)

Overview: Kalbarri serves up two landscapes in one – inland gorges carved by the Murchison River and a stretch of dramatic coastal cliffs shaped by wind and sea. It’s a favourite on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, balancing outback colours with ocean views. 

Best time to visit: Between autumn and spring, the weather is cooler and ideal for walking. Visit during wildflower season (typically late winter to early spring) to see the region burst into colour. 

Unmissable highlights: Nature’s Window and Z-Bend are two of the most photographed spots in the inland section, while the Kalbarri Skywalk offers sweeping views over the gorge from above. On the coast, check out Island Rock and Natural Bridge – especially at sunset when the cliffs light up. 

Campervan tips: Base yourself in Kalbarri town, where holiday parks offer powered sites, hot showers, and walking access to cafes and shops. From there, day trip into the park. Wildlife is active at dawn and dusk, so take care when driving – emus and kangaroos are often roadside. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start in Perth and follow the Coral Coast north, stopping at Kalbarri on the way to Shark Bay, Coral Bay, or Ningaloo Reef. 

 

Daintree National Park (QLD)

Overview: Daintree National Park is home to the world’s oldest rainforest, where dense canopies, mangrove forests, and cassowary calls replace the usual rhythms of a campervan trip. It's where the Wet Tropics meet the Great Barrier Reef, and every turn feels like a shift in tempo. 

Best time to visit: The dry season (May to October) is the most comfortable time to travel, with easier driving conditions, lower humidity, and clearer skies for exploring the rainforest and beaches. 

Unmissable highlights: Wander the boardwalks at Mossman Gorge for a gentle intro to the forest, or head north to Cape Tribulation where palm-fringed sand meets coral sea. Guided night walks are a great way to experience the rainforest in a different light – literally – with the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. 

Campervan tips: The road north of the Daintree River ferry is sealed but can be narrow and winding – check conditions before you go. Book rainforest holiday parks with powered sites in advance, especially in the dry season. Bring insect repellent and long layers for evenings – the mozzies don’t take time off. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Pick up in Cairns or Port Douglas and create a loop that includes the Atherton Tablelands, Mission Beach, and possibly a stop at the southern reef islands. 

Carnarvon National Park (QLD)

Overview: Tucked inland between the coast and Queensland’s outback, Carnarvon National Park is known for its kilometre-deep gorge, sandstone cliffs, and lush side canyons. Towering amphitheatres, ancient rock art, and shaded fern gullies make it one of the state’s standout walking destinations. 

Best time to visit: Autumn through spring offers the most comfortable weather for hiking, with cooler mornings and fewer storms. Summer can bring high temperatures and heavy rain, which can impact access. 

Unmissable highlights: The Main Gorge Track is the park’s headline hike, with offshoots leading to the Moss Garden, the Amphitheatre, and Ward’s Canyon. For early risers, the climb to Boolimba Bluff rewards with sweeping views at sunrise and a good cardio start to the day. 

Campervan tips: Facilities are limited once you reach the park, so travel self-sufficiently. Carry extra water, fuel, and food, and pre-book your site at the visitor area or a nearby holiday park. Walks are best started early to avoid heat and enjoy quieter trails. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Brisbane or Rockhampton and build Carnarvon into a broader route through the Queensland outback, or swing east to link with the Capricorn Coast. 

Lamington National Park (QLD)

Overview: Perched in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington is part of the Gondwana Rainforests – a World Heritage-listed area of ancient flora, tumbling waterfalls, and ridgeline views. Its cooler altitude and well-maintained trails make it a year-round favourite for bushwalkers and bird lovers. 

Best time to visit: Lamington is walkable all year, but winter offers crisp mornings and clear views. If you’re visiting after rainfall, expect flowing creeks, fresh growth, and a more atmospheric experience on the forest tracks. 

Unmissable highlights: The Toolona Creek Circuit delivers a series of waterfalls and mossy gullies, while the lookouts around O’Reilly’s provide panoramic views over the ranges. Guided glow worm walks after dark are a highlight for families or anyone chasing something different. 

Campervan tips: The access roads are narrow and winding, so take your time and avoid late arrivals – particularly in poor weather. Weekends and public holidays book out quickly, so plan well in advance if you’re hoping for a powered site in the area. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start in Brisbane or the Gold Coast and loop Lamington in with Springbrook National Park or Tamborine Mountain for a compact hinterland itinerary. 

Blue Mountains National Park (NSW)

Overview: Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is where dramatic sandstone cliffs drop into rainforest-lined valleys, and heritage villages serve up cosy cafés and art-filled stops between walks. It's a great short escape with a mix of natural and cultural appeal. 

Best time to visit: The park is a year-round destination. Winter brings crisp, clear mornings and fewer crowds, while summer tends to stay cooler on the plateau, making it ideal for hiking and canyon walks. 

Unmissable highlights: The Three Sisters lookout is iconic, but don’t stop there. Wentworth Falls offers a variety of trail lengths and views, and the Grand Canyon Walk is a loop worth the effort – think fern-lined gullies and shady creek crossings. For panoramic valley views, head to Govetts Leap. 

Campervan tips: Parking fills quickly at popular sites, particularly on weekends and holidays. Aim to arrive early, then reward yourself with brunch in nearby Katoomba or Leura. For campervan-friendly bases, holiday parks in Katoomba or Blackheath offer powered sites and easy access to services. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Sydney for a relaxed two to three-day getaway, or include the Blue Mountains as part of a longer New South Wales circuit through the Central West or South Coast. 

Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)

Overview: Kosciuszko is home to Australia’s highest peak and a landscape that shifts dramatically with the seasons – alpine trails and wildflowers in summer, snow-covered slopes and backcountry huts in winter. It’s a park that rewards walkers, skiers, and road-trippers alike. 

Best time to visit: December to March is ideal for hiking, with cooler high-altitude temps and clear trail conditions. In winter, the region transforms into snow country, but you’ll need to prepare for icy roads, chains, and potential access closures. 

Unmissable highlights: Hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko via the Thredbo chairlift or from Charlotte Pass for a full-day alpine walk. Visit historic huts scattered through the landscape, and if timing allows, explore the Yarrangobilly Caves with a guided tour. 

Campervan tips: Even in summer, nights are cold – pack thermals and bedding layers. Weather changes fast at altitude, so check road and trail updates daily. Fuel and food stops are limited in more remote sections, so top up before entering the park. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Canberra or Sydney and include Kosciuszko in a Snowy Mountains road trip, then loop back via the Sapphire Coast or inland New South Wales for a diverse circuit. 

Wilsons Promontory National Park (VIC) 

Overview: Known affectionately as “the Prom,” this southernmost tip of mainland Australia is a mix of granite mountains, protected bays, coastal bush, and wildlife at every turn. It’s the kind of place where you can spot a wombat on the trail, hike to a windswept summit, and swim at a squeaky-clean beach – all in one day. 

Best time to visit: Late spring through autumn offers the best mix of walking conditions and swimming weather. Winter is much quieter and has its own appeal, but temperatures can be brisk and walking tracks can be exposed. 

Unmissable highlights: Squeaky Beach is as fun as it sounds – with soft white quartz sand and crystal-clear water. The walk up Mount Oberon offers panoramic coastal views, especially around sunset. For a shorter loop, the Lilly Pilly–Norman Bay circuit takes you through a mix of forest and beach landscapes. 

Campervan tips: The Tidal River campground is the main base inside the park and books out quickly – sometimes months in advance during peak seasons. If you miss out, look at nearby holiday parks in Fish Creek or Yanakie. Conditions can change quickly here, so bring layers and prepare for wind even in summer. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Melbourne is your launch point. Wilsons Prom pairs well with the Gippsland Lakes region or a coastal route through Inverloch and Phillip Island. 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park (VIC) 

Overview: Gariwerd (the traditional name for the Grampians) is a rugged mountain range known for its sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, seasonal waterfalls, and a significant concentration of Aboriginal rock art. It’s one of Victoria’s most popular inland parks – and for good reason. 

Best time to visit: Spring is ideal for wildflowers and mild walking weather, while autumn brings cool, stable days and golden light over the peaks. Summer can be hot, and some tracks may close during high fire danger days. 

Unmissable highlights: Catch sunrise or sunset from Boroka or Reed Lookouts, visit the powerful Mackenzie Falls, and walk to the Pinnacle for expansive valley views. The Brambuk Cultural Centre near Halls Gap is a great starting point for understanding the cultural significance of the region. 

Campervan tips: Halls Gap has several campervan-friendly holiday parks with powered sites, showers, and walking access to town and trailheads. Wildlife is active around dusk – take it slow on the roads and keep an eye out for kangaroos crossing. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Melbourne and loop through the Grampians via the “Grampians Way,” then connect to the Great Ocean Road for a varied inland–coastal itinerary. 

Great Otway National Park (VIC) 

Overview: Stretching along the inland side of the Great Ocean Road, Great Otway National Park blends cool-temperate rainforest, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and hidden glow-worm gullies. It's a park where the scenery shifts dramatically from lush undergrowth to wild surf beaches – often within a single drive. 

Best time to visit: The park is open year-round, but it’s especially lush and atmospheric after rain. Summer is popular, but spring and autumn often bring quieter trails and less coastal wind. 

Unmissable highlights: Hopetoun Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region, especially early in the day. The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk offers a short, easy loop through ancient ferns and towering trees. For coastal views and a touch of history, head to Cape Otway Lightstation. After dark, venture to Melba Gully for a chance to spot glow worms lighting up the forest floor. 

Campervan tips: The weather here can shift quickly, so pack warm layers and wet-weather gear no matter the season. Alternate your national park walks with nights at one of the many Great Ocean Road holiday parks – they’ll give you access to power, hot showers, and a base for exploring both inland and coastal tracks. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start in Melbourne and follow the Great Ocean Road westward, finishing at the Twelve Apostles or looping inland via the Grampians. 

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (SA)

Overview: One of South Australia’s most iconic outback destinations, the Flinders Ranges are rich in geological history, cultural significance, and vast, open-country views. Folded ranges, ochre gorges, and star-filled skies make this a striking contrast to coastal or rainforest parks – and a rewarding destination for travellers ready to go remote. 

Best time to visit: Autumn to spring offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies. Summer is intensely hot, and many travellers avoid this period due to safety concerns and potential road closures. 

Unmissable highlights: The natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound is the centrepiece, with multiple lookouts and walking tracks. The scenic drives through Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges are known for their layered rock formations and fossil-rich terrain. Join a guided tour with Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners to explore the region’s cultural sites and Dreaming stories. 

Campervan tips: Some of the most rewarding drives in the park require a high-clearance vehicle – always check your hire agreement and road conditions before venturing off sealed roads. Stick to authorised routes, especially after rain, and travel with extra fuel and water. Holiday parks in nearby towns like Hawker or Rawnsley Park Station offer powered sites and essential amenities. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Begin in Adelaide and create an outback loop that includes the Clare Valley, Barossa, and Flinders Ranges – a great way to balance remote travel with wine country and heritage towns. 

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (TAS)

Overview: One of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations, Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is a place of glacier-carved peaks, button grass plains, and mirrored alpine lakes. Elevated boardwalks thread through ancient rainforest and open heathland, where wombats and wallabies are commonly seen right on the track. 

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the best combination of clear trails and mild weather, though temperatures can still dip. Winter brings a different experience altogether, with snow-dusted peaks and moody skies – just be prepared for cold nights and possible road closures. 

Unmissable highlights: The Dove Lake Circuit is a relatively easy loop with big payoffs – mountain views, reflective water, and varied terrain. More experienced hikers can tackle the climb to Marion’s Lookout for panoramic alpine views. At dusk, wildlife spotting around the lodge areas often includes wombats, pademelons, and even echidnas. 

Campervan tips: Visitor numbers are capped during peak periods, so pre-book your park shuttle passes and walking time slots where required. Nights are cold year-round, even in summer, so bring insulated layers, a warm sleeping setup, and a good thermos for early morning starts. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Hobart or Launceston and create a loop that includes Cradle Mountain, Strahan on the wild West Coast, and possibly the Tarkine region for a more remote extension. 

Freycinet National Park (TAS)

Overview: Tasmania’s east coast showpiece, Freycinet is all about contrast – pink granite mountains, curved white beaches, and water so clear it barely looks real. Compact and easy to navigate, the park combines short walks with big views, and enough variety to keep a few days feeling full. 

Best time to visit: Summer is the most popular time for beach days and swimming, though spring and autumn also offer great conditions without the peak season crowds. Winter brings clear skies and quiet trails – a good option if you prefer solitude. 

Unmissable highlights: Wineglass Bay Lookout is the must-do walk, but extending your route to include the full Hazards Beach circuit offers a deeper look at the peninsula. Cape Tourville’s short loop delivers excellent coastal views, and Honeymoon Bay is a calm spot for a swim or a picnic. 

Campervan tips: Campsites near Coles Bay and inside the park fill up quickly in high season, so book early. If sites are full, nearby holiday parks provide powered sites, showers, and an easy base for day trips into the park. Stock up on groceries in advance – local supplies can be limited and pricey. 

Pickup city / loop idea: Start from Hobart and follow an east coast loop through Freycinet, Bicheno, and the Bay of Fires, returning via the Midlands for a mix of coast, history, and rural towns. 

 

Ready to explore Australia’s national parks by campervan?

Australia’s national parks were made for slow mornings, golden hour views, and the freedom to take your base with you – from rainforest tracks to coastal headlands and outback ranges. This guide has covered the essentials: when to go, how to camp legally and comfortably, and which standout parks to include on your route. 

Before you set off, map out your rough itinerary, check for any park pass requirements or access alerts, and book ahead for popular campgrounds – especially during school holidays and long weekends. 

You can book your Apollo campervan online and pick it up from one of our branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, Cairns or Alice Springs. Then it’s just you, the open road, and a national park adventure waiting around the next bend.