The outback of Queensland is stunning, and just waiting to be explored by campervans in Australia - the perfect location to start is Brisbane or Cairns. Recently we decided to rent a camper van in Australia, and explore the amazing outback and what an adventure we had.
The camper van we chose to rent in Australia was perfect for this trip, because it allowed the freedom of stopping when you’ve had enough driving for the day or simply would like to stop for lunch. Camper vans have an on board kitchen and with plenty of roadhouses and towns to stock up with provisions, we found it easy to eat healthily.
There are plenty of free or low cost camping grounds along the popular drive from Brisbane to Mt Isa and beyond to Cairns. Many allow camp fires which are perfect for cooking dinner on, or relaxing around at the end of the day. Wood can be brought or collected, however it is illegal to collect from a National Park. There are publications available which detail the location of these camping locations and they are pretty easy to spot near the end of the day as others stop for the evening.
We found plenty of other people on the road just like us, either with their own caravan or camper van, or in one they rented like us.
Rent a Camper Van Australia
While there was plenty of storage in the vehicles, we found bringing our clothes in soft bags to work well. Our clothes were easily put away in the cupboards and we rolled up the bags to store them. There are many different styles and sizes of camper vans to choose from to meet your budget and needs when looking to rent in Australia.
While the entire drive through the outback is picturesque, one particular stretch that had everything we could ask for. There are two ways to travel between Winton and Mt Isa. which is in Western Queensland. Travelling via McKinlay is most popular; however I found the journey via Boulia and Middleton to be far more interesting.
The road is sealed and less travelled, which means a greater chance of seeing wildlife. There were so many opportunities to take photographs of the animals. Emus were at the edge of the road to give us a nod as we passed by. Eagles enjoyed their tucker on the road edges while other birds put on a show for us. Kangaroos posed for photographs before dashing off into the bush.
People often think of the outback as flat dry grass, but that’s not really true. In this area, the dirt was a brilliant red colour and there were plenty of Spinifex grasses. However along this stretch of road we came across Mesa’s, or ‘jump ups’ as they areare also called. These are flat topped hills that rise out of the flat land. Around sunrise and sunset the colours of the landscape are really too beautiful for words.
A worthy stop along this route is the Middleton Hotel, once a staging post for the old Cobb and Co coaches. The publicans Les and Val will definitely make you feel welcome and share a yarn or two. They serve food and cold beers, which is perfect after a day of wildlife spotting. Across the road from the pub was a great place to freedom camp in the camper van you rent – it’s known as the ‘Hilton Hotel’. A little joke by Les, and he welcomes anyone to stop for the night. We had an excellent evening at the Middleton Hotel spending time with the locals. The stories they shared of their life in the outback was a real eye opener. Apparently it’s not unusual to own a million acres!
Allow around three weeks to explore the outback of Queensland in a camper van, however if you have the luxury of more time, this will ensure a relaxed holiday. The added benefit being that when you find that stunning location you can park up a little longer or explore some of the side roads which we enjoyed doing. If you have longer a round trip back to Brisbane would allow time to explore the stunning beaches of the east coast of Queensland. We did that and found it very difficult to leave! The beaches are amazing.
The outback of Queensland is a great location for an adventure and considering to rent a camper van in Australia is the perfect way to do it. For some who are really wanting to get off the beaten track, read more about 4WD Rental in Australia.
Looking for more information to get you started, you’ll enjoy this article – Camper Van Rental in Australia – Top Tips for an Easy Holiday
For more information on Campervan Hire Australia or Guided Campervan Tours in Australia contact www.gallivantingoz.com.au or info@gallivantingoz.com.au
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