Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Pack Light But Prepare for All Weather

When planning a campervan trip along the Great Ocean Road, packing light is key for maneuverability and comfort in the compact space. However, the temperamental coastal weather demands preparation with versatile layers and wet weather gear. Savvy vanpackers recommend packing lightweight, quick-drying synthetics and packing cubes to condense your kit.

The key is finding multipurpose pieces that mix and match into different outfits. Focus on moisture-wicking merino wool baselayers in neutral colors that can be worn under warmer layers or on their own. A waterproof-breathable rain jacket and pants are essential outer layers for those frequent coastal showers. Look for Gore-Tex or other proprietary waterproof fabrics. A down jacket easily compresses into a stuff sack for chilly nights around the campfire.

For footwear, trail runners or hiking shoes strike the right balance for light day hikes while still supporting you on uneven trails. Sandals are nice for the beach and flip flops can be your camp shoes. A sun hat and beanie cover both sunny and cold weather. Don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray either!

When it comes to gear, look for versatility too. A camp chair that folds up small is much easier to pack than a bulky one. Collapsible containers help keep your kitchen organized. A small camp stove, camp mugs, and reusable utensils are easier to clean up than large pots and pans. A simple first aid kit, headlamp, and multi-tool cover all your bases.

Careful planning ensures you have what you need without going overboard. Make a checklist and lay out everything before packing. Be choosy about how many clothing items you bring—you can hand wash sinks along the way. Only pack one pair of shoes besides your hiking pair. Limit technology and entertainment to a camera, phone, and book. You won't miss the extras once you hit the open road!

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Research Campgrounds and Free Camping Spots Beforehand

One of the keys to an epic campervan adventure along Australia's Great Ocean Road is scoping out your overnight stays well in advance. With limited powered sites in coveted coastal campgrounds, planning is essential to secure a spot for the night. While some may enjoy the freedom of impromptu free camping, having a few backup options mapped out brings peace of mind for your first vanlife journey.

Avid campervanners recommend thoroughly researching your route's campground options before departure. The Great Ocean Road traverses over 150 miles of stunning shoreline, with campgrounds dotted along the way. The two largest are at Anglesea and Port Fairy, but smaller private holiday parks and national park sites also offer camping. Check online booking sites like Campspot and WikiCamps to explore availability for your dates. Reviews detail site quality, cleanliness and which ones fill up fastest.

Once you've identified some top choices, reserve any powered or unpowered sites online in advance if possible. For national park campgrounds, book through the Parks Victoria website. Keep in mind that peak season around the summer holidays fills up quickly. If booking last minute, have back up options and consider staying on weekdays to increase availability. Don't hold out hope for snagging a coveted oceanfront site without planning.

While designated campgrounds offer security, free camping allows flexibility on roadtrips. Again, research potential rest stops online and through apps like Wikicamps Australia beforehand. Confirm regulations, as many areas prohibit free camping. Stop to check with local visitor centers on your trip as well. Scouting free campsites during daylight makes for easier set up after dark.

"We learned the hard way that arriving late left us scrambling to find an available site,” says vanlife blogger Meg Atteberry. “Mapping out a few good options in each section of our Great Ocean Road journey brought way more peace of mind.”

Fellow Aussie vanlifer Ben Starr warns, “the coastline is too stunning not to stop spontaneously if you see an incredible spot, but have a few places in your back pocket just in case your spur of the moment site doesn’t pan out.”

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Map Out Key Stops Along the Coastal Route

The Great Ocean Road spans over 150 miles of breathtaking shoreline. With that much ground to cover, mapping out must-see destinations along the route is key. Vanlifers recommend identifying 5-10 bucket list stops to build your campervan itinerary around. This upfront planning ensures you make time for sites you’d regret missing, while maintaining flexibility.

Appreciating world-famous coastal icons like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge should be top priorities. However, experienced roadtrippers caution against an overly rigid agenda. “We made the mistake of booking campsites back-to-back with barely any wiggle room for spontaneous detours,” says vanlife blogger Meg Atteberry. Her tip is to leave a free day or two between bookings to account for those unplanned moments of wonder that pop up on any great adventure.

Fellow wanderluster Ben Starr explains, “it’s tempting to plan out every single stop, but then you miss the magic of pulling over when a stunning vista catches your eye.” His advice is to identify your top 3-5 must-see attractions, book accommodation nearby, and keep the rest flexible.

Scout out potential detours like waterfalls, lighthouses, or seaside towns in guidebooks or blogs, and note their locations. Says Atteberry, “when we had a few hours of free time, we could easily visit a cool pitstop we’d researched that was nearby.” Apps like wikiCamps allow you to search points of interest near your route, uncovering hidden gems.

Los Angeles-based travel blogger Amy Bailey took a different approach on her Great Ocean Road campervan trip. She mapped out daily sections of the drive based on mileage, plotting stops along each stretch. This kept her journey moving yet built in flexibility. “If we made good time, we had bonus options to add,” she explains. “If we got a late start, they could be cut.”

Bailey’s key advice is to take note of opening and closing times for attractions like visitor centers. “We realized we had to rejig parts of our route to hit key spots when they were actually open,” she says. Scheduling loosely around operating hours prevents disappointment.

You’ll also want to account for photo-worthy spots to catch the iconic coastal scenery at sunrise or sunset on your route planning. Lorne and Apollo Bay offer prime vantage points, along with stops like Gibraltar Rock and London Bridge. Beyond the Twelve Apostles, keep an eye out for the Bay of Islands’ blue hued waters and Loch Ard Gorge’s shipwreck stories.

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Allow Plenty of Time for Scenic Detours

The captivating coastal scenery along the Great Ocean Road begs exploration beyond the major tourist attractions. Yet for many, sticking to a packed itinerary leaves little time to wander beyond the route’s famed icons. Savvy vanlifers warn against this temptation, stressing the importance of allowing flexibility for spur-of-the-moment scenic detours.

“We initially plotted out a rigid daily schedule hitting one scenic stop after another,” explains travel blogger Meg Atteberry. “While stunning, we missed the magic of venturing off the main road when a quiet bay or hidden waterfall lured us in.” She and adventure partner Ben Starr quickly realized a successful campervan journey requires following your whims down backroads when intrigue strikes.

Building unscheduled yet targeted free time into your Great Ocean Road travels expands possibilities for discovery. Look for gaps between campground bookings where you can meander without commitment. “Keep mornings or late afternoons wide open for impromptu stops,” suggests Atteberry. Hit the road by 6am to catch ethereal seascapes at dawn before the crowds.

Wandering a rugged coastal trail just because it looked intriguing led to an unexpected whale sighting for Atteberry and Starr. Pulling off onto empty sideroads revealed cascading falls plunging from coastal cliffs that weren’t noted on any tourist maps. Embrace a spontaneous sunset picnic when the views entice you.

Venture beyond the guidebook icons urges LA-based travel blogger Amy Bailey, who allotted two “detour days” in her Great Ocean Road itinerary. Using the flexible time, she stumbled upon secluded beaches ideal for surfing, kayaking in a quiet estuary, and watching kangaroos graze near the shoreline.

“Following our curiosity took us to hidden places we’d have never discovered otherwise,” she says. Driving slow with wandering eyes peeled, they often caught glimpses of fur seals sunbathing on rocks or exotic birds soaring above seaside bluffs.

“Some of our most memorable moments were during those unplanned stops,” recalls Bailey. Letting the landscape guide you instead of an itinerary reveals the coast’s quintessential charms. Traversing backroads grants opportunities to appreciate the journey versus racing between destinations.

Vanlifers emphasize staying receptive to possibilities when a striking viewpoint or quiet trail tempts you to pull over. “Don’t feel pressured to stick to the itinerary if something off the beaten path calls to your spirit of adventure,” encourages Atteberry. Plotting out some flexible time upfront provides peace of mind to follow your whims.

Roadtripper Peter Kent recommends looking at maps to identify nearby hiking tracks, falls, and photogenic lakes if spontaneity strikes. “We’d pull over for a short coastal walk rejuvenating us for the drive ahead,” he says. Carry a swimsuit and picnic blanket to seize moments for a refreshing dip or seaside nibble when the scenery inspires.

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Stock Up on Food at Local Markets and Stores

When you’re roadtripping in a campervan, replenishing your food supplies along the way is a necessity. Groceries can eat up your budget fast if you’re not strategic. Savvy vanlifers recommend shopping at local stores and markets when restocking on your Great Ocean Road journey. You’ll score fresh local flavors while stretching your dollar.

“We made the mistake of shopping at big supermarkets when we needed groceries,” says Ben Starr. “We ended up tossing a lot of unused ingredients when we left a place.” His tip? Get only what you’ll use within a few days at tiny roadside shops or farmers markets to avoid waste. You can even buy bread, cheese, and produce the day you plan to eat it.

Outdoor lovers Meg and Chris packed sandwiches and trail mix for lunches on the go. At dinner, they'd create campfire stews or pasta with ingredients from that day's market stop. “It felt good supporting small local producers,” Meg explains, “plus the fresh food was amazing after a day adventuring outside.”

Markets are great for snacks too. Stock up on just-picked berries, fruit, and nuts. You’ll pay a fraction of supermarket prices directly from growers. Bake muffins or energy bars with your haul to power those coastal hikes. When you need a break from camp cooking, grab fish and chips or meat pies from a small-town shop instead of a bland highway rest stop.

Thrifty traveler Amy Bailey recommends keeping an eye out for roadside farm stands advertising fresh eggs and veggies. "Scoring avocados for a toast-and-egg breakfast always started our day right," she says. Farmer's markets are also prime spots to pick up local honey, jams, and gourmet treats at a fraction of the price you'd pay in the city.

Beyond supporting local producers, shopping small has other advantages according to Tori Smith, a longtime campervan cook. “Turning our finds into meals each night gave a fun creative outlet on long trips,” she explains. “Like Chopped...with campground ingredients!”

Improvising dishes based on your market haul also adds variety on extended journeys when meal fatigue hits. And you’ll reduce plastic waste by buying food without packaging. Bring reusable shopping totes to carry your goods in style.

As for saving money, don’t overlook grocery specials and imperfect produce. “Funny shaped veggies taste the same but go for half the price,” notes Chris. You can also cook up market meat specials for tacos or stir-fries. Taking advantage of discounted items makes room in your budget for little luxuries like a bottle of local red with dinner when you feel like splurging.

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Bring Your Own Bedding and Cooking Gear

When embarking on a campervan adventure along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, experienced roadtrippers emphasize bringing your own bedding and cooking gear. While some rental companies offer bedding bundles, they come at an additional cost. Vanlifers recommend packing your own essentials both to save money and control quality.

“We made the mistake of renting bedding our first trip and couldn’t wait to toss the lumpy, cheap pillows and musty-smelling blankets after a couple nights,” says travel blogger Meg. She suggests bringing your own pillow, sheet, and warm layers to cocoon in after long days exploring coastal trails. A lightweight down or synthetic comforter easily stuffs into a storage bag, retaining warmth without loads of bulk. In the compact camper space, premium comfort items feel especially luxurious.

Cooking gear falls into the "worth splurging on" category according to roadtripper Chris Kent. "We invested in a Jetboil backpacking stove, good knives, and solid pots and pans. It made meal prep way easier and enjoyable over months on the road," he explains. High-quality items also better withstand heavy use abroad the bumpy roads.

Kent recommends collapsible containers to keep kitchen items organized in the confined camper interior. Metal cups and flatware hold up better long-term than disposable options that waste money. Portable multi-tool gadgets save packing space with bottle openers, corkscrews, and mini utensils all in one.

Don't forget small extras advises Amy Bailey, who stashed a cutting board, kitchen knife, can opener, matches, and grill tongs in her campervan. “Having our own gear made cooking feel more like home wherever we happened to be parked for the night,” she says. It also saves money over time since you’re not relying on basic rental supplies or eating out.

When possible, look for multipurpose items fitting your mobile lifestyle. Carrie Smith used one pot for boiling water, preparing pasta, and simmering soups. Her lightweight frying pan doubled as a griddle. And she got creative converting a plastic box into a sink for washing dishes.

Kent opted for a cot over a noisy, bulky air mattress. “It took up minimal space while still giving a good night's sleep after 16-hour driving days," he says. A soft comforter and cozy fleece blanket kept him warm inside the simple sleeping setup.

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Consider Renting a 4WD for Access to Rugged Areas

The captivating shoreline vistas accessible only via rugged 4WD tracks tempt many Great Ocean Road explorers off the beaten path. However, subjecting your campervan rental to corrugated backroads and creek crossings can spell disaster. The prudent compromise? Consider renting a 4WD for day excursions granting access to remote beaches, towering sea cliffs and deserted trails.

“We made the painful mistake of driving our camper down a narrow trail to what we thought was a secluded beach,” recalls traveler Meg. “Two blown tires and hours waiting for a tow taught us to reserve 4WD models for accessing isolated areas.”

Fellow roadtripper Amy Bailey took the safer route. “For an affordable $100 a day, we rented a rugged Jeep Wrangler to venture onto gnarlier terrain along the coast that our campervan just wasn’t designed for,” she explains. The 4WD allowed them to bounce down rutted tracks to deserted wind-whipped beaches without fear of breakdowns.

Sticking to paved or well-graded gravel roads in your campervan and renting a 4WD for off-road adventure means you get the best of both worlds. During his Great Ocean Road trip, Chris Kent booked a 4WD for two days. “It opened up the breathtaking 4WD-only route along Cape Otway where we'd have missed ancient rainforests and sheer cliff outlooks in our campervan,” he says.

Consider both your route and season when deciding whether to splurge on a 4WD rental. If you’re traveling during Australia’s winter, know that heavy rains can cause deteriorated road conditions. “Had we done our trip during stormier winter months, we definitely would have rented a Jeep for more rainforest hikes,” advises Bailey.

While modern campervans often come equipped with 4WD, vanlifer Torsten Jacobi warns relying on this can still leave you stuck. “4WD helps you power out of mud or up steep slopes, but doesn’t prevent you from bottoming out on rutted trails,” he cautions. Protecting your home on wheels makes renting a more rugged ride worth the splurge.

Booking a 4WD rental also brings freedom to linger off main highways. Says Bailey, “we could take our time on gnarly trails without worrying about missing campground check-in.” Plus, trails prohibited to longer vehicles open options for experienced 4WDers. Just be sure to educate yourself on responsible off-road driving before heading into Australia’s wilderness.

Securing a rental 4WD does require planning. Kohler warns that remote rental outlets book up months ahead in peak season. Consider booking your rugged ride even before locking in campervan reservations. And don’t forget to purchase extra insurance when venturing off-road.

Take the Great Ocean Road Less Traveled: Planning an Epic Australian Campervan Adventure - Make a Flexible Itinerary to Adapt to Unexpected Delights

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