Best van travel destinations in Oceania
Best van travel destinations in Oceania
Secluded beachside parking points and rural country lane networks in Oceania
Australia's east coast has built one of the world's most established van-life circuits, with backpacker infrastructure stretching along its entire length. New Zealand's South Island offers a more compact, equally scenic alternative built around mountains rather than coastline.
The destinations on this list range from long coastal routes with extensive campsite and backpacker infrastructure to shorter alpine loops that pack considerable scenic variety into a smaller area. Both suit a wide range of trip lengths.
Booking campsites ahead during the busiest summer season matters considerably, when both routes see their heaviest demand. Most loops take two to three weeks to complete comfortably. Packing for both coastal humidity and cooler alpine evenings also matters considerably. Most stops along the way offer basic facilities.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in Australia
Western Australia
Sunset dunes and crystal coastlines
English explorer William Dampier named Shark Bay in 1699 after the many sharks he saw there. Today the bay has a World Heritage listing and dolphins that come to the shore at Monkey Mia. Farther north, Ningaloo Reef has coral close to the beach. Sealed highways link these stops along the coast.
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry carries vans across Bass Strait from the mainland to Devonport. Freycinet and Cradle Mountain are each within a few hours of Launceston. Pink granite peaks rise behind the white sand of Wineglass Bay. Many small towns have low cost camp spots.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
Waves crash against the limestone stacks at the Twelve Apostles. The road runs about 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford. Wild koalas sit in the gum trees at Kennett River. Rainforest in the Otway Ranges has waterfalls and a treetop walk. Holiday parks in Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell welcome vans.
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