Campervan Road Trips Australia: Autumn
Australia’s shoulder season between March and May is one of the most pleasant times to hit the road in a rented campervan. The summer heat has faded in the south, the landscapes are still lush, and you’ll dodge peak summer crowds while enjoying mild days and cool nights. Whether you’re chasing dramatic coastlines, epic mountain scenery or crisp autumn colours inland, these three routes make perfect autumn escapes. Unless you have to travel over Easter, avoid that time and things will be quiet and cheaper.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Overview
There’s a reason this route is often at the top of Aussie road trip lists: the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Stretching roughly 240 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, it hugs Victoria’s rugged southern coast, with unforgettable views of the Southern Ocean, towering limestone stacks like the Twelve Apostles and forested hinterlands to explore.
Why Autumn Works
March to May brings mild weather to this part of Victoria. Days are great for hiking clifftop trails, warming up with a café latte in seaside towns like Lorne or Apollo Bay, or spotting the first whales beginning their migration past the Shipwreck Coast. The peak crowds of summer have dwindled, giving you plenty of space to stretch your legs.
The 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road are a stunning addition to an Easter Road trip. Image Credit: Visit Victoria, John Burnett
Must-Stop Spots
12 Apostles and The Grotto – iconic coastal scenery with easy access from campervan parks nearby.
Otway Rainforest – snag a forest walk and cooler shade.
Anglesea and Torquay – classic surf towns to launch your drive.
Camping & Stay Options
BIG4 Lorne Holiday Park – beachfront sites with good facilities.
Apollo Bay Holiday Park – perfect base for exploring Great Otway National Park.
For more information:
Visit Victoria’s official Great Ocean Road guide – https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/great-ocean-road
2. Blue Mountains to Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Overview
A classic autumn inland adventure combines the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Blue Mountains with the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley. Snap your windows down as you leave Sydney and take the scenic route west through World Heritage wilderness before winding through wine country.
Why Autumn Works
This time of year highlights soft golden light and cooler air — perfect for bushwalking in the Blue Mountains’ eucalyptus-scented air and for a glass of local Semillon as the leaves turn in Hunter Valley. Visitor numbers are lower than summer, and days are long enough to enjoy waterfall walks and cellar door tastings.
Hunter Gardens - Image Credit - Destination NSW
Must-Stop Spots
Echo Point and the Three Sisters – classic viewpoints over the Jamison Valley.
Scenic World – experience the rainforest from skyway and cable car.
Hunter Valley cellar doors – enjoy autumn vintages and local produce.
Camping site Ideas
Katoomba Falls Tourist Park – great access to trails and viewpoints.
Hunter Valley Holiday Park – tree-lined sites close to vineyards.
For more information:
Visit NSW road trips and drives section – https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/drives-and-road-trips
3. Adelaide Hills & Barossa Valley, South Australia
Overview
If you love food and wine with your road trip, this loop from Adelaide into the Adelaide Hills and onwards to Barossa Valley is rich with autumn colours and harvest-season charm. Think boutique wineries, quaint German-inspired villages, and landscapes turning gold and russet.
Why Autumn Works
Late March into April is harvest time across South Australia’s premier wine regions, so you’ll find cellar doors buzzing and local food festivals in full swing. Daytime temperatures are cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring rolling vineyards on bike or foot.
Yalumba Winery - Image Credit- S. Richardson.
Must-Stop Spots
Stirling and Hahndorf – timber-lined streets and cosy cafés.
Barossa wineries like Seppeltsfield and Penfolds – tasting rooms that feel more like lounges.
Mount Lofty Ranges lookouts – great for sunrise views after a relaxed night in your campervan.
Camping & Holiday Parks
BIG4 Adelaide Shores Holiday Park – handy base near the city.
Barossa Valley Tourist Park – ideal for wine lovers wanting to stay inside the region.
For more information:
Tourism Australia’s autumn road trip inspiration – https://www.australia.com/en/trips-and-itineraries/best-road-trips-australia.html
Planning Tips for March–May Campervan Trips
Weather & Road Conditions
Autumn generally brings comfortable conditions right across southern and inland Australia — less humidity than summer and fewer extremes. It’s prime explorer season for those who love both coastal and alpine landscapes.
Campervan Advice
Choose a rental from DriveNow for flexibility and comfort. A 2WD campervan handles all the sealed road routes beautifully, and that time of year you can take a larger vehicle on quieter roads and get a great rate.
Packing Essentials
Bring layers for cool nights, hiking shoes for bushwalks, and a good road playlist. Autumn is ideal for outdoor dinners at holiday parks, so don’t forget picnic gear.
Related blog posts for other areas:
How to do a road-trip on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula
New Zealand shoulder period is also a great time for a NZ trip
See related Blog post: NZ Winter Road Trips - North Island and South Island
