What to Pack for Your Campervan Holiday

Before You Book

Your campervan usually comes with the basics, such as bedding and kitchen equipment. Here's what to bring yourself, whether you're travelling as a couple, with children or with the family pet.

What is included with the campervan?

Many campervans and motorhomes have a toilet and shower, reverse cycle central-cabin air-conditioning and heating, hot and cold water, a fridge and freezer, a microwave, and an entertainment screen or TV. Depending on the campervan you choose, it may be more basic and not have all of these.

Your campervan usually comes with bedding (sheets, doonas/duvets or blankets, pillows, and pillowcases), towels and kitchen equipment (cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and cooking appliances). Some rental companies provide outdoor chairs and a picnic table. Our guide to bedding, personal and vehicle inclusions lists what's usually supplied, so check what's included with your vehicle before you pack.

Documents and Money

Driver's licence for every driver. If a licence isn't in English, also bring an accredited English translation or an International Driving Permit. The rental company must see both at pick-up.
Passport (for international travellers)
Money: credit cards, bank or debit card and some Australian cash
Travel insurance: leave one copy of your policy at home and take one copy with you

Knowing the weather, the season and what temperatures you can expect

When you pack clothing, think about the season and your destination. Australia has many different regions and climates, from tropical areas with wet and dry seasons to temperate regions with more pronounced summers and winters. Even in summer, evenings may be cool, so pack for them too. Our guide to the best time to travel gives typical temperatures for each state.

Clothing and footwear
Swimming gear and a beach towel
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals or slip-on footwear, handy for campground bathrooms
Sunhat and sunglasses
Warm jacket and beanie

Electronics

Mobile phone and charger
Camera and charger, and a spare memory card
Laptop and power cord
Electrical adaptors, if your devices aren't Australian
A power board, so you can charge everyone's devices
A few cables, such as USB-C, Lightning and AUX
A watch with an alarm

What should I bring from home?

For your comfort, pack your condiments, oils, sugar, tea and coffee, daily medications, toiletries and a first aid kit.

For the outdoors, pack sunscreen and lip balm, sun hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, a torch or headtorch, thin quick-drying beach towels, a refillable water bottle and a day pack. Add boogie boards or fishing rods and tackle if you'll use them. Australia's UV rays can be very harsh, so don't skimp on sun protection.

Eco plastic bags are handy for dirty laundry, wet towels and rubbish, and zip lock bags keep meal leftovers fresh.

If you forget something, Australia has plenty of shops where you can buy it, such as Bunnings, Anaconda or BCF.

Travelling with Children

If you need to hire a stroller or pram, Hire for Baby can arrange delivery to your holiday park. If you're travelling with kids, bring DVDs (if your vehicle has a player), games, a deck of cards and toys.

For tips on packing for and planning a campervan holiday with kids, and information about child car seats, read our Travelling with Children page.

Can I travel with my family pet?

Some rental companies accept pets, comfort pets and service animals, including Apollo, Britz, JUCY, Mighty and Star RV. Check the rental company's pet conditions and fees for your vehicle before you book.

When you pick up or drop off your campervan, keep your pet secure on a lead outside the branch building, and make sure an adult supervises it at all times.

For information on what to pack for your pet and other suggestions, see our Travelling with Pets page.

Do you have any tips for day 1 in our campervan?

Place an online supermarket order the night before you pick up your campervan, and arrange to collect the shopping afterwards. You'll save time and hassle, and you'll be set for the first couple of days of your holiday. Just remember to leave enough time for the campervan pick-up.

Expert Tip

Pack your gear in soft luggage bags. They're much easier to store in your campervan than hard suitcases. Our luggage guide explains why.

Next steps

Required documents for pick-up: what each driver must show
Equipment: items you can hire with the van
Apps to help with your planning and travel: apps for life on the road

Part of Before You Book in the Campervan Hire Handbook.