Traveling in the Australian peak season

If you are an overseas visitor travelling between Christmas and the end of January, you will run into considerable ‘traffic’ because of the Australian summer school holidays. This is the peak season in Australia. The most popular campsites are those located on or close to the water (whether by the ocean, lake or river) and the most beautifully situated campsites are usually fully booked. It becomes virtually impossible to go camping for a single night because most campings require a minimum stay of three nights or more.

If you do happen to land a spot for 1 night, the odds are you'll be given an unpowered site; a spot without access to electricity. Now, this doesn't have to be a major problem, because most campervans and motorhomes are equipped with a second battery and solar panel, so the fridge and interior lighting continue to work at all times. If you already know where you would like to stay overnight, you may wish to consider booking a number of campsites before you travel. This increases your chances of securing a pitch, especially during busy periods when popular campsites can fill up quickly.

It's good to know that despite our lengthy and multiple travel experiences in Australia, we cannot offer you suitable advice which campsites are best to stay at during the peak season. We often get asked this question. In our experience, campgrounds away from the coast often have a spot left if you make a timely appearance. Especially if you travel in the high season (or during the Easter holidays), the later you arrive at a campground in a popular region, the smaller the odds of getting a spot because in the late afternoon many other competing travelers/campers will be out hunting for a spot as well.

Another disadvantage of traveling in the listed periods are the prices. Camping accommodation is more expensive than in other months, the same applies to all sorts of attractions and sights along the way. It appears that many travellers are not aware of the high prices and the many tourist crowds. It is remarkable that many intend on traveling in the peak season, but at the same time convey to us that they would like to do so at the lowest price possible. A nearly impossible combination in the months of December and January. If your travel budget is limited, we highly recommend that you go traveling outside of the peak season. Most 4WD camper suppliers charge lower fees in February and March, this is the low season for 4WD camper hire. In addition; May and June are the low season when it comes to 2WD campers.

Do you want to travel through Australia in December and January? Then keep in mind that early in the year prices for campervans and motorhomes can be set pretty high, given how many travelers who book their flights after ticket prices get released also book their desired camper.

In short, if you are flexible when it comes to dates, if your budget is limited and you don't feel like being hindered by large tourist crowds, it is best to just travel outside of the months of December and January.