8 Mistakes Campervanners Make When Travelling From Darwin

8 Mistakes Campervanners Make When Travelling From Darwin

There’s something about getting out onto the open roads of Australia. With no fixed plans and a new view every morning, road tripping is an experience that really makes you feel alive, but it doesn’t mean you should be careless on your adventures. Even the most careful travellers can make some mistakes. Preparation goes a long way toward keeping your trip smooth and enjoyable. Here are ten common mistakes campervanners make, along with simple ways to avoid them and make every kilometre count.

1 - Not knowing campervan parking laws

In Australia, you can’t simply park off on the side of the road in any given area. You need either to park in a designated freedom camping area for campervans or to book into a campground that allows it. If you’re caught camping in a restricted area, you could end up with a hefty fine. Thankfully, most areas are fairly well marked, so you should be able to see whether or not you’re allowed to park there for the night.

2 - Relying only on solar power

This is one for those of you who plan on tackling a long trip that will take a few weeks to months. Don’t rely solely on solar power. While solar technology has come a long way, remember that the weather won’t always play by your rules, and this means you should anticipate that at least a few days of your trip may have cloudy conditions that could make it difficult for you to charge devices and panels.

Solar is highly dependent on the optimal sun exposure and clear skies, and, if you have a string of days with pretty much no sunlight, your batteries might run out of juice. What’s helpful in this case is to rig a system that charges the batteries when the vehicle is on the road. That way, you’re not only relying on one source of power.

3 - Not packing enough water

Lastly, we’ve seen this happen time and time again! Vanners hit the road with very little water, and they end up in remote areas that have stops few and far between. Now, remember, this water isn’t just for drinking. You may need to use it to shower, wash dishes, cook, and drink. So, make sure that you have enough water with you.

4 - Not securing items in your van before driving

You don’t want to pull off, and as you move, a bunch of plates or cutlery fall off the counter. When you’re driving, always secure loose items. You can do this by storing them in a locker, tying them down, or putting them somewhere that you know they won’t fall or move around on or in. There’s nothing more distracting than having stuff fall around in your van while you drive.

5 - Overpacking your van

Another mistake we often see campers make is overpacking! Remember that even though your campervan is bigger than the typical car, it’s not always huge, so you can’t take everything with you, just prioritise the necessities. All the extras will take up unnecessary space and make your vehicle heavier and feel more cramped, which could make the experience less enjoyable.

Pack the essentials like clothes for all possible weather conditions, outdoor gear, kitchen items, your vital tech, and anything else that you would definitely need. If you can live without it for a while, then chances are that you don’t need it.

6 - Neglecting maintenance

When you’re going to be on the road for a while, then looking after your campervan's maintenance is your responsibility, even if it's a rental. If you know you’re going to be tackling rough roads, you need to prepare for the chance that you may get a flat tyre. For this reason, keep a puncture kit with you in the vehicle and possibly get an electric compressor, too. Trust us, getting stuck in the outback with a flat tyre is no way to spend your holiday!

7 - Booking your campervan late

When you decide that you want to take a campervan trip around Australia, the first thing you should do is start looking for a campervan. A common mistake people make is trying to book a campervan too late. Unfortunately, they are left with either the ridiculously expensive options or nothing because they’ve all been booked up. Ideally, you should want to lock in your campervan rental at least a few months in advance so you know it’s available. This will also help you book the right one.

8 - Not having an emergency fund

As you travel around Australia, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a position where you have no money on hand. Always go into your roadtrip with the mindset that anything could happen and you need to be ready to pay. Imagine you’re in an accident and suddenly you need to pay a portion of your medical fees because your health insurance doesn’t cover the full amount.

It’s always wise to have an emergency fund that you can access whenever you need it. It doesn’t have to be a ton of money, but enough that if you do face a real emergency, you can dip into those funds and sort yourself out. Having this backup will just give you peace of mind while you’re out on your adventure.

Pick out the right campervan for your trip

The best way to avoid many of these common mistakes is to start with the right vehicle for your travel style. Consider the size of your group, the terrain you’ll cover, and how long you’ll be away. If you’re looking for a van, you can check out some campervan hire options in Darwin to find one that fits your needs. Choosing the right campervan helps you stay comfortable, safe, and ready for adventure.

Final thoughts

Travelling in a campervan is an unforgettable way to explore Australia, offering the freedom to go wherever the road leads. By planning ahead and learning from the experiences of others, you can avoid the most common mistakes and make the most of your journey. A little preparation, the right mindset, and a reliable van are all you need for a smooth and memorable road trip.