How to Travel Australia as a Couple
Want to plan an Australia road trip with your significant other, but not quite sure how? My husband Nigel, and I love travelling together now (we are a well-oiled travelling machine), but I can say it took a little planning and practice the first few times.
Whether you’re newlyweds looking for ideas for a romantic trip for couples or seasoned travellers looking for tips for your upcoming Australia road trip, there is nothing quite like a romantic escape while exploring Australia. From the breathtaking coastal drives to the wild Outback, Australia is jam-packed with stunning destinations and activities that are perfect for spending some quality time together as a couple.
To help, I will share everything I wish I knew about traveling as a couple the first time we travelled together. In this guide I share my top tips for how to plan your adventure, navigate the roads, manage your budget, and, most importantly, make the most of your time together. I will also touch on how to pack smart, enjoy local food, and find those perfect moments to relax. By the end, you’ll be ready to set off on your romantic getaway in no time!
Why choose a campervan to travel Australia?
There’s something incredibly liberating about having your own little home on wheels. When you book a motorhome hire, you’re not tied down by hotel check-ins or fixed itineraries; you can go with the flow, which is exactly how we like to travel.
With a campervan, we could stop whenever we found a breathtaking view or wanted to explore a hidden gem we hadn’t planned on visiting. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it was about enjoying the journey together, making spontaneous decisions, and discovering the magic of Australia at our own pace. And with Apollo’s wide range of vehicles, from compact campervans to more spacious motorhomes, there’s something for every couple’s needs and budget.
We found that campervan travel also made our trip more cost-effective. When you consider the savings on hotels and eating out, it’s a pretty economical way to explore, especially if you’re looking to stretch your budget without sacrificing the experience. We also loved the simplicity of being able to book caravan parks in a campervan.
Plus, waking up to the sunrise over a secluded beach or cooking dinner under the stars in the Outback are the kinds of moments that make travelling with your partner so unforgettable. Those are the memories we cherish the most, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
So, if you’re considering an Australia road trip as a couple, I can’t recommend that you hire a campervan enough. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, giving you the flexibility to create your own path and enjoy each other’s company in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Planning your adventure
When it comes to travelling as a couple, planning your adventure is half the fun. It’s the time to dream, map out your journey, and align your interests to ensure you both get the most out of your Australia road trip.
Aligning interests
One of the keys to a successful Australia road trip as a couple is aligning your travel interests. Whether you’re both adrenaline junkies eager for adventure or you prefer a mix of relaxation by the infinity pool and a cultural fix at the local museum, it’s important to discuss and agree on what you both want out of the trip. For Nigel and me, this was a vital step.
We realized early on that while I, the nature lover, love exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, Nigel enjoys spending time taking in the local culture. Communication is crucial here. We found it helpful to sit down and list our must-see destinations and activities. This gave us a clear understanding of each other’s priorities, making it easier to plan a trip that kept us both happy.
Then, on the road, we made decisions by weighing our preferences against the time and energy we had each day. For example, if we spent a day hiking in a national park, we’d plan a more relaxed day at a beach or vineyard the next.
Another tip? Be flexible. Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Nigel and I learned to embrace the unexpected, which often led to some of our most memorable experiences. For instance, when a planned hike in the Blue Mountains was rained out, we decided to explore a local town instead, discovering charming cafes and unique shops we wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Choosing the right campervan
Choosing the right campervan is all about finding the perfect balance between size, comfort, and budget. Since it’s going to be your home on wheels for the duration of your trip, you want something that feels cozy but not cramped and functional without being over the top. For us, a mid-sized campervan struck that balance perfectly—enough room to move around comfortably but still compact enough to navigate Australia’s winding roads with ease.
When picking a campervan, we prioritized a few essential amenities. A comfortable bed was at the top of our list, as a good night’s sleep is crucial for enjoying long days of exploration. A well-equipped kitchen was also important since we love cooking our own meals, especially with fresh ingredients we picked up from local markets. Storage space was another consideration—we wanted to make sure we had enough room to store our gear without cluttering the living area.
Crafting a flexible itinerary
Creating a flexible Australia itinerary was one of the best things we did for our trip. We started with a rough plan, highlighting key destinations and unique places in Australia we didn’t want to miss—like driving along the iconic Great Ocean Road, snorkelling in the Whitsundays, and exploring the remote hinterlands of New South Wales. But we also made sure to leave plenty of room for spontaneity, which allowed us to take detours and discover hidden gems along the way.
One thing we learned quickly was the importance of balancing the day’s driving with stops in mind. On long driving days, we made it a point to plan stops every couple of hours, whether for bathroom breaks (mostly for me), a quick snack, or to stretch our legs and take in the views. These little breaks not only kept us refreshed but also added to the experience, as we often stumbled upon beautiful viewpoints or quaint towns that weren’t on our original route.
When travelling as a couple, it’s also important to balance activities that cater to both partners' interests. For example, one day might be spent hiking or exploring a national park, while the next could be dedicated to lounging on a beach or visiting a local winery. This approach kept our itinerary exciting and varied, ensuring that we both felt fulfilled by the experiences.
Packing smart
Packing for two in a campervan requires some serious space management skills. Nigel and I quickly realized that the key to keeping things organized and accessible was using soft duffel bags instead of hard suitcases. Duffel bags are much easier to store in the limited space of a campervan, and they can be squeezed into tight spots, freeing up more room for living.
Choose versatile items
We also found that packing light but smart was essential. We focused on versatile clothing that could be layered for different weather conditions, and we brought only the essentials for toiletries and personal items. One tip that really helped was packing in small, collapsible bins or cubes, which kept our clothes and gear neatly separated and easy to find.
Bring a few home comforts
Another thing we didn’t initially think much about but quickly realized was important was bringing a few comforts from home—whether it’s your favourite pillow, a good book, or a playlist of your favourite music. These small touches made the campervan feel more like our space, helping us settle in and truly enjoy the experience of traveling together.
Cooking and dining on the road as a couple
One of the joys of travelling in a campervan is the ability to cook your own meals and enjoy them in some of the most beautiful settings Australia has to offer. Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast before hitting the road or savouring a romantic dinner under the stars, cooking and dining together on the road can be one of the highlights of your Australia road trip.
Meal planning
Meal planning on the road doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, we found that keeping things simple allowed us to enjoy our meals without too much fuss. One of our favourite go-to meals was a quick stir-fry—using fresh vegetables we picked up from local markets, some pre-cooked rice, and a protein like chicken or tofu. It’s easy to make in the compact kitchen of a campervan and perfect for a satisfying meal after a day of exploring.
For romantic dinners, Nigel loved making pasta dishes. With just a few ingredients—like fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil—he could create a delicious meal that felt special. Pairing it with a glass of wine we picked up at a vineyard earlier in the day made it even more memorable.
Breakfast was another opportunity to keep things simple but enjoyable. We often made breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, avocado, and a bit of cheese, all wrapped up in a tortilla. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those mornings when you want to get on the road quickly but still enjoy a good meal.
One tip we found useful was to prep ingredients ahead of time whenever possible. For example, chopping vegetables in advance or marinating meat the night before made cooking even easier. And don’t forget about snacks—having a stash of healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and granola bars kept us fuelled during long drives and hikes.
Try the local delicacies
One of the most exciting parts of our Australia road trip was discovering and sampling the local flavours. We made it a point to visit farmers’ markets, roadside stalls, and local grocers wherever we went.
Exploring regional foods together became a highlight of our trip. In the Barossa Valley, we couldn’t resist stocking up on locally produced cheeses and wines, which made for perfect picnic supplies as we toured the vineyards.
I also loved trying bush tucker, traditional Aboriginal foods that connect you to the land in a profound way. We tasted kangaroo, emu, and even wattleseed. These experiences not only enriched our journey but also gave us a deeper appreciation of Australia’s rich culinary heritage.
Navigating and driving
Driving through Australia is an adventure in itself, with its wide-open roads, diverse landscapes, and the occasional encounter with wildlife. Navigating these roads as a team requires good communication and planning, ensuring that both of you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. In this section, we’ll cover driving shifts, effective navigation strategies, and road safety tips to keep your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Driving shifts
Sharing the driving duties is essential on long road trips, and it’s something we took seriously from the start. We found that alternating driving every couple of hours kept us both fresh and allowed the other person to relax, enjoy the scenery, or even take a nap. On days when one of us was feeling more tired, the other would take over the driving without hesitation—it’s all about supporting each other and staying safe.
Before we set off each day, we’d discuss our route and decide who would drive which sections. This way, we both got to experience the parts of the drive that interested us most. For example, I loved driving along the winding roads of the Great Ocean Road, while Nigel preferred the long, straight stretches through the Outback.
Effective navigation was another key to our success. We relied on a combination of GPS, maps, and sometimes good old-fashioned road signs. Before leaving, we’d map out the major stops, including fuel stations, rest areas, and points of interest. This not only made the drive smoother but also ensured we didn’t miss anything important along the way.
Road safety
Australia’s roads are generally safe, but road safety is still paramount, especially when driving in remote areas or during long stretches. We made sure to always have a well-stocked first aid kit and an emergency roadside kit in the campervan. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic vehicle maintenance, like checking tire pressure and oil levels, to avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
Don't drive at night
Driving in Australia also means being mindful of wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals like kangaroos are most active. We learned to plan our driving time during the daylight hours and to keep an eye out for any movement along the side of the road, just in case. It’s also important to take regular breaks, both for safety and to avoid fatigue—especially on those long, empty roads in the Outback.
Let someone know your itinerary
We also always let someone know our itinerary, especially when heading into more remote areas. Keeping a charged phone and carrying a paper map as a backup also gave us peace of mind, just in case we lost signal or the GPS failed.
Budgeting
Budgeting is a crucial part of any Australia road trip, especially when travelling as a couple. With some careful planning, you can manage your finances effectively while still enjoying all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Managing finances
One of the first things we did when planning our trip was to set a budget for each major expense—fuel, food, accommodation, and activities. Nigel and I have split expenses and so we used a shared app to track our spending in real time, which helped us stay on top of our finances and make adjustments as needed. Splitting costs was straightforward; we either alternated who paid for things or used the app to keep track of shared expenses, settling up at the end of the trip.
Take advantage of budget campsites
To save money, we took advantage of free camping spots whenever possible. Australia has an abundance of free or low-cost campsites, especially in national parks and rural areas, which not only helped us stay within budget but also gave us some of the best experiences—like waking up to a sunrise in the middle of nowhere with no one else around. Just be sure to practice responsible campervanning and leave it better than you found it!
Cook your own meals
DIY meals were another big money-saver. By cooking most of our meals in the campervan using the apartment-style kitchen equipment, we significantly reduced our food costs. Plus, it allowed us to eat healthier and enjoy meals tailored to our tastes. On special occasions, we treated ourselves to a nice dinner out, but for the most part, we found that cooking on the road was both economical and fun.
Spend money on bucket list experiences
Finally, we made sure to prioritize our spending on the experiences that mattered most to us, like visiting unique destinations or taking part in activities that we couldn’t do anywhere else. By being mindful of our budget and finding creative ways to save, we were able to make the most of our trip without breaking the bank.
Making the most of your time together
In this section, we’ll explore how to make the most of your time together in your campervan hire, from engaging in memorable experiences to finding moments of relaxation and capturing your journey in a way that you’ll cherish forever.
Memorable outdoor experiences
Australia is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and as a couple, you’ll find countless activities that will bring you closer together.
Outdoor activities
There are so many great outdoor adventures in Australia. One of our favourite experiences was hiking through the lush rainforests of Daintree National Park. Other must-try outdoor activities in Australia include:
That is just scratching the surface! For more ideas, check out the full guide to exploring Australia.
Check out local festivals
Australia’s festivals are also not to be missed—from the multicultural celebrations in Sydney to the quirky, art-filled streets of Melbourne. These events offer a glimpse into the diverse culture of the country and provide plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable memories together.
Explore Australia's less known regions
If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, consider exploring Australia’s lesser-known gems. For instance, the ancient rock art of Kakadu National Park offers a fascinating insight into the world’s oldest living cultures and is far less travelled to than the city of Sydney.
Relaxation
While adventure and exploration are key parts of any Australia itinerary, it’s just as important to find time to relax and unwind when travelling with a partner. We found that balancing our days with moments of calm made our journey more enjoyable and allowed us to reconnect amidst the excitement.
Go on a spa retreat
Australia is dotted with serene spots perfect for relaxation. One such gem we stumbled on was soaking in the natural hot springs of Mornington Peninsula. Treating ourselves to spa treatments is not something we typically do in our day-to-day life, so it was a really nice treat and something I would highly recommend for romantic trips for couples.
Go phone-free
Staying connected as a couple while on the road can sometimes be challenging, especially with the constant lure of technology. We made it a point to unplug from our devices regularly, whether it was during dinner or while watching the sunset together. It’s amazing how much more connected you feel when you focus on the simple moments—like stargazing from your campervan or sharing a cup of coffee as the morning mist rolls in.
Capturing the journey
Documenting your Australia road trip is a wonderful way to relive the experience and share it with others. Photography became a big part of our journey, and we found that taking time to capture the beauty around us also helped us to slow down and appreciate it more deeply. Whether you’re using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the key is to be intentional about your shots. We focused on capturing candid moments—like the laughter shared over a campfire or the look of awe on each other’s faces when we saw something truly spectacular.
Journal in a travel diary
In addition to photos, keeping a travel journal was another way we preserved our memories. Each night, we’d jot down our thoughts, the places we visited, and the small details that made the day special. This journal became a treasured keepsake, filled with stories that we’ll look back on for years to come.
Share with friends
If you’re into social media, sharing your journey online can be fun, too. We found that posting our favourite photos and little snippets of our adventure not only allowed us to keep friends and family updated but also connected us with other travellers who were on similar journeys. Just remember to balance documenting your trip with living it—you don’t want to miss out on the experience by focusing too much on the perfect shot.
Rent a motorhome or campervan with Apollo
By now, you’re probably eager to start planning your own Australia road trip as a couple, and there’s no better way to do it than with a reliable and comfortable campervan from Apollo.
You can easily book your Apollo camper online, and with locations all across Australia, you can pick up your vehicle from any Apollo branch and hit the road with ease. Whether you’re looking for a cozy campervan for two or something more spacious, Apollo has the perfect vehicle to suit your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Your Australian road trip adventure awaits!