How and where to sleep on a 4×4 road trip in Australia? This is the first question I asked myself when preparing my trip to the Australian lands. Because no, I couldn’t see myself traveling in this immense country any other way than in an itinerant way . The road trip in Australia makes us all dream, it’s the perfect country to embark on this great nomadic adventure !
On the other hand, for me, sleep is very important. Indeed, I need to sleep well when traveling, especially when we go for a long time. In the summer of 2018, we experienced 4×4 with tent as a family for 5 weeks in Australia . Previously, I gave you very detailed feedback on this mode of travel. However, I wanted to give more details on the places to sleep in Australia in general. In road trip mode, camping is the most suitable. But you should know that there are different ways to camp in Australia .
Road Trip in Australia: Where to Spend the Night in a 4×4?
– The different types of camping in Australia for sleeping:
Here are the different types of campsites where you can spend the night in Australia , ranked from free to the most expensive.
1 – Wild camping in Australia for one night
Wild camping in Australia is practiced on very long tracks , away from the edges of the road to avoid eating red dust and to be a little less visible to everyone. Be careful not to join an Aboriginal camp if you are following a track that leaves the main artery. It is better not to disturb them. In fact, free or wild camping is a bit of an emergency solution on a track that is too long for example. In order not to drive at night and not to take the risk of having an accident with nocturnal animals.
2 – Camp area or rest area for the night only
Rest areas are rare near national parks. They are really the last resort because they are very close to the road and absolutely not pleasant in terms of privacy and landscape. Sometimes a sign prohibits camping … In case of emergency at nightfall, staying discreet without taking over the place with a camping table and chairs can help.
3 – Campsite for 1 or 2 nights
Free campground or basic campsite, sometimes with a water point, a barbecue, and toilets. In my opinion, this is the best option for sleeping close to national parks while still having a certain level of security and relative comfort for essentials.
4- RoadHouse: basic camping without the entertainment
The roadhouse is the most common on Australian roads . It’s a bit like our roadhouse, but more stylish. There is at least one Roadhouse per town, it’s often a convenience store that doubles as a bar and campsite . There is at least one sanitary block for toilets, showers and laundry. A barbecue and plancha can also be added . This is basic camping , the essentials are there to avoid falling into wild camping. Often the pub adjacent to the service station has a setting straight out of a movie. Atmosphere and authenticity guaranteed !
My favorite roadhouses: the Daly Waters Pub between Darwin and Alice Springs, the Kulgera Pub Roadhouse on the Stuart Highway NT, the Pink Roadhouse on the Oodnadatta Track, the Birdsville Pub in Birdsville itself and my personal favorite the Mungerannie Hotel on the Birdsville Track.
5 – Australian camping from 1 to several nights
This is the classic campsite found in large, famous parks like Kings Canyon or Uluru . It has the same advantages as the roadhouse, plus kitchen areas with sinks and dining tables , children’s play areas , and even a swimming pool . There is also a restaurant and sometimes evening entertainment .
Australian Visa: Why We Always Choose to Apply Online
Before setting foot in Australia, a visa is essential. And let’s not kid ourselves: applying online is life-changing. Less stress, zero paperwork, and a real time saver. We use a reliable platform to do everything from home, and it’s usually completed in 5 minutes. So you can focus on your itinerary rather than the paperwork.
Camping in Australia: how to do it, where to sleep on a 4×4 road trip?
– Free campsites where you can stay in Australia
Where to stay for free on a 4×4 road trip in Australia? Free camping in Australia is mainly practiced on long, isolated tracks. Some campsites offer to pay any amount you want, such as in Litchfield Park or Kakadu. A slip that serves as an envelope is provided to backpackers at the entrance to the campsite.
– What is the camping budget in Northern Australia and the Red Centre?
The cost of camping overnight varies depending on whether you are in a national park or near a city.
In general, on the road between Darwin and Cairns, we got away with an average of 30 AUS dollars per night (18 euros) for a 4×4 pitch with a roof tent . We didn’t specify the 2nd tent because we didn’t systematically open it. It often happened that we put a hammock between 2 trees instead. Much faster and appreciated on milder nights.
Some national parks require entrance fees , such as Uluru Kata Tjuta (AUD 25 for 3 days) and Kakadu (AUD 40 for 2 weeks), so consider this when choosing your camping method.
In my article Preparing for your road trip in Australia I give you a list of the best apps to have while traveling on the roads. You will find what you need to search for campsites and other places to sleep in a van or 4×4 .
– How do you sleep in a 4×4 roof tent?
The tent is actually a large bed, 130 cm on each side and more than 2 m long. In fact, a foam mattress of about 7 cm covers the entire floor surface. Also, it fits 2 people very well and you can even put some personal belongings on the sides or at the feet. On each side, there is an opening to the outside in 2 parts: a mosquito net and a blackout canvas . The parts of the tent where the metal tubes supporting the whole thing pass are not airtight . This is why you will understand that the tent is far from being waterproof to the cold and humidity outside.
4×4 Rooftop Tent Review
This is a very pleasant piece of equipment for summer or even spring temperatures . In winter, add a warm down jacket , a hat and technical merino wool underwear such as Icebreaker or Quechua .
The comfort is very pleasant, you only feel a slight movement if someone moves around in the car or rummages in the trunk. Don’t worry, the tent is durable and you quickly get used to the part in the void. Besides, inside the tent, you don’t notice it. And then it’s a real pleasure to observe nature and the animals from the tent still installed in a cozy duvet. Don’t forget to bring a small inflatable cushion.
It’s also important to know that the days are short in Australia in July and August. I repeat, but don’t overlook the sharp drop in temperatures between day and night, especially in the Red Centre.
To know my more detailed personal opinion on the 4×4 roof tent, I invite you to read my article Organize a 4×4 road trip .
Still hesitating about going on a road trip and tent in Australia? Check out my article on the wonderful landscapes I encountered during my 1-month family trip to the heart of the Australian Outback . And I also refer you to my technical tips and my best 4×4 travel advice : more than 30 tips you absolutely must know.
These tips for where to stay on a 4×4 road trip in Australia will help you on your next trip to the Australian Outback, so don’t forget to pin me on Pinterest!
