Campervan Parking Rules Australia | Motorhome Republic

Ever dreamed of a road trip in the Land Down Under? Keen to roll around Australia in a trusty vehicle that combines transport and accommodation into one intrepid package?

You’re not alone! Hiring a campervan in Australia is a tried-and-true ticket to adventure. With so many miles of road—from highways to byways to Outback arterial routes—there’s no better way to traverse this vast and varied nation.

Motorhomes are an ideal option for travellers with a bit of wanderlust. There’s something for any type of nomad, with rentals covering a broad spectrum, from large RV-style motorhomes, 2-berth campervans and compact sleeper vans. However, if you plan to hit the roads in Oz, it helps to know how things work.

Knowing the rules of the road is crucial, of course—safe driving is vital to a smooth and enjoyable journey. But what happens when you’re done driving? Parking your motorhome or campervan in the right place and without incident is an essential aspect of a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Here are our top tips for motorhome and campervan parking in Australia. Read on to gain knowledge for a successful camping experience in this fantastic and fascinating country.

 

 

Parking rules and signage: Where can I park my campervan in Australia?

Here, we’re not talking about wild camping or overnight parking. Rather, we’re discussing the temporary motorhome parking rules and regulations. Similar to other vehicles, RVs, motorhomes and campers are restricted to specific travel areas determined by local authorities. Visiting friends who live in Australia? If you plan to park your campervan in front of their property, review the parking regulations set forth by the local council regarding residential areas.

If you’re stopping during the day to visit an attraction, do some shopping, or just wander around, you’ll need to know the RV, campervan and caravan parking laws and restrictions enforced by local governments.

Parking restrictions and regulations apply to all vehicles and will be regularly enforced, particularly in more built-up areas where parking is at a premium. Always check carefully to ensure you’re parking your RV, campervan or motorhome in a legal and safe location.

The following basic advice will guide you in your campervan parking endeavours in Australia:

• Parking signage in Australia is usually white with forest-green text indicating how long you can park and at what times. You may also see signs stating you can only park within a designated hour, e.g. 4 - 7 pm, MON - FRI, or face fines. You might also see a red and white ‘NO STOPPING’ sign or a ‘P’ with a line through it—these both indicate that you cannot park in those locations.

• The number before the ‘P’ is the time you can park for, expressed in hours. For example, ‘2P’ means you can park for two hours in that specific area. A 30-minute period would be indicated by ‘½P’ or ‘30 MINUTE PARKING’.

• If the sign says ‘TICKET’ or ‘METER’, you must pay for parking. Look for a parking meter! Payment may be taken in cash, with a card, or via an app, depending on the type of meter.

• You cannot park your campervan on the street where signs indicate a clearway, driveway, loading zone, bus zone, works zone or taxi zone.

• You should always park your campervan so that it faces in the same direction as other vehicles on that side of the road.

• Broken or continuous yellow lines beside the curb indicate that parking is illegal.

• Large vehicles, RVs and campervans can park on residential streets in most states if within size requirements.

Some parking rules, such as the distance you must leave between your parked vehicle and intersections, will depend on the state. To understand the motorhome, campervan or caravan parking rules in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria or other states, research where you can park your vehicle before you arrive and come prepared. Local councils and tourist centres can also provide information on locations to park your campervan and avoid fines.

The penalty for parking infringements is generally a fine. How much you will have to pay depends on the violation. That’s not something you want to work into your holiday budget, so park your campervan carefully!

 

 

Free camping: Where can I stay overnight without paying?

Fond of overnight camping? So, where can you park a campervan overnight in Australia without parking fees? Free camping is permitted throughout Australia, but there are restrictions. You can’t just park your campervan on the side of the road anywhere and spend the night. For any type of free camping, it’s a good idea to hire self-contained camping vehicles. A vehicle fully equipped with all the essentials onboard makes you less reliant on public facilities.

The local laws to free camp in Australia will vary from state to state and depend on the local councils, so look up the local government’s websites before you travel. Look for RV-friendly towns and places designated as free campsites so there’s no uncertainty.

If you’re staying a campsite with rubbish bins, place all acceptable garbage to protect the natural environment. If you have rubbish unsuitable for the bins provided (or if bins are absent), take it with you and appropriately dispose of it elsewhere.

Here are a few general pointers for overnight parking of campervans around Australia:

Look for rest areas

Rest areas located beside highways in Australia often allow free camping, like bush camps. If you can find quiet, scenic rest stops with public toilets available; you’ve hit the jackpot! It’s worth noting that you can generally only stay overnight for an evening at a time at public rest stops—no longer than 24 hours. Always look out for signs indicating camping is prohibited—in which case, you’ll have to move on, or you may encounter the local authorities.

 

 

Check the rules for national parks

If you aren't authorised to park on private property, national parks are the most economical choice to stay overnight in your campervan. Some of Australia’s national parks allow you to free camp, while others charge a small fee—which is excellent value for travellers and helps to maintain these beautiful spaces. If you’re happy to mix free and low-cost campsites, staying the night at national parks around Australia is the way to go. And, of course, parks are ideal for campers who love the great outdoors and want to experience Australia’s incredible flora and fauna. Imagine waking up to wallabies on your doorstep!

Bookings for overnight parking in national parks may be required, even for free campgrounds in Australia. Look at each state’s national park websites to get the most up-to-date information for camper parking and plan your trip.

Download some apps

Apps can help you find free (or paid) sites for camping vehicles in Australia. The following motorhome, RV and campervan parking apps are popular and well-rated:

CamperMate

CamperMate ensures you have everything you need while travelling around Australia and New Zealand in your campervan. Enjoy a wealth of camping and RV-related information and numerous tips from other travellers.

WikiCamps

WikiCamps holds the most extensive collection of park options. Search for campgrounds, caravan parks, public and private parks and backpacker hostels. Explore places of interest, dump stations, tourist centres, water taps, toilets, showers and other essential facilities in various camping locations across Australia.

 

 

Travellers Autobarn App

The official Travellers Autobarn app provides easy access to facilities like dump stations, wi-fi, petrol stations, supermarkets, information centres and activities around the country.

New South Wales National Parks App

If you’re visiting NSW, this app displays all the essential information for exploring Australia's finest national parks, such as the Blue Mountains, Kosciuszko and Sydney Harbour. Access and download maps and park options, and find nearby camping sites, activities and attractions.

Some apps are available for free, while for others, you pay a small fee. Having a reliable app to research where you can park and save a lot of money on camping fees in Australia is generally well worth the cost.

For more detailed information on free camping in Australia, check out our guide!

 

 

Types of paid campsite: Where else can I park my campervan for the night?

Australia offers a wide array of paid campsite options, giving you plenty of choices to park your campervan for the night. Campervan parking areas generally need to be booked in advance, particularly during peak travel periods throughout Australia.

Some low-cost campsites are equipped with minimal amenities, with no showers and only a long drop toilet (latrine). It's worth noting that private parks are generally more expensive and are often fully decked out with playgrounds, pools, kitchens and more. Find places to stay that suit your travel style. We’ve described a few different types of places below so you know what to expect and look for as you plan for your Australia camping experience.

National park, state forest, and similar campgrounds

Campsites at national parks and state forests are perfect for intrepid and adventurous tourists and travellers looking for a safe spot to legally park their motorhomes, RVs or campervans for the night. Usually bookable online, national parks and state forests often feature minimal amenities but are quite scenic and close to Australia's best outdoor recreation. Some may have hot showers while others don’t even have flushing toilets—so check the details and find the motorhome sites that work for your sensibilities.

 

 

Scraping the side of your campervan or damaging another car is a good way to put a damper on your holiday. To avoid that, check out our practical parking tips!

• Always be aware of the size of your campervan. It may take a few days to become accustomed, so be extra cautious as you acclimatise.

• If you’re in a city, you may want to park your campervan in a parking building. Make sure you memorise the height of your vehicle and compare it against the signs which indicate the maximum height allowed.

• Avoid parking on mud or wet grass. You might regret it when the time comes to move on! It’s hard to judge how soft the ground is visually, and it’s very easy to get stuck in a heavy vehicle like a motorhome.

• Consider how easy it will be to get out of a space you have maneuvered into—particularly if you will have to do so in reverse.

• Be courteous and park at the back of a supermarket or shopping centre parking lot where it is less crowded. This is particularly important in big vehicles that occupy more than one space.

• Employ a campervan parking wingman! If you are travelling with someone else, you can agree on some hand signals and have them get out of the vehicle to guide your campervan into a tight spot.

• If you park overnight in an unmarked location, make sure you’re not parked on a slope. Even a slight incline will become noticeable once you lie down to sleep.

• Safety first! When leaving your motorhome parked and unattended, you should always lock up—no matter the location or the length of time you’ll be gone. Your belongings and the rental supplier’s things are in there. Dealing with the admin of a police report is not the kind of camping experience you want for your road trip in Australia.

 

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Now you know how and where you can and cannot park in Australia; it’s time for some motorhome exploring! The experts at Motorhome Republic can help you to find a motorhome or campervan hire at competitive prices. We also have some great itinerary ideas to get the creative travel juices flowing. If you have any questions about how to choose the best places in the country to explore in your camper, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or WeChat!