When it’s cold outside, but you can’t resist the urge to explore, don’t be discouraged. Campervans are the best way to run rampant outdoors with all the comforts of your very own home – especially if you’re exploring with the whole family!

Before you embark on your winter escape, here are a few tips for packing up your home away from home.

Don’t forget your:

• Mini blankets - great for keeping cozy on long walks, or hanging out at viewpoints.
• Waterproof picnic rug - there isn’t always a park bench at the perfect lunch spot and in the winter months the grass can get a little damp.
• Thermal flask - to keep your soup or tea/coffee hot on day trips away from your campervan.
• Hot water bottle - who doesn’t love an excuse to sleep with one of these?
• Thermals, scarves and beanies - your best friends. They will keep you warm and ensure you don’t shy away from any activity.

So whether you are embarking on a self-drive journey east, west, north or south, we have put together a list of our favourite winter destinations that will satisfy all your travelling needs.

Phillip Island, Victoria

Across the San Remo Bridge, you’ll find locals and Melbournians escaping the city. Less than two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island boasts attractions for the whole family. There is a giant maze, mini golf, wildlife parks, scenic coastal walks, and some of the country’s most famous surf beaches. If you head down on the weekend you can catch the Churchill Island farmers’ market and stock up your campervan with local farmers’ yummy fresh produce. We also recommend the Island’s famous Penguin Parade as one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. Each night at sunset, little penguins return ashore after a day of fishing, and you get to see them up close. Make sure to get to Summerland Beach extra early to snag the best seats in the house.

Indian Ocean Drive, Western Australia

The Indian Ocean drive in Western Australia is particularly beautiful in winter. From Perth through Geraldton, Exmouth, and Shark Bay, you’ll discover white beaches and great fishing hot spots. Meet local producers that have everything from fresh crayfish to tropical fruits. The beauty of WA, aside from its breathtaking scenery, is that when the temperature drops it isn’t as cold as the rest of Australia.

North Queensland

North Queensland is the perfect self-drive destination during the winter as its dry season is between May and October. The Savannah Way is a great route for the adventurous, taking holidaymakers from Cairns to Karumba. On this route there are options to drive off-road or on sealed roads. The area boasts a range of activities including bird watching, hiking and open water fishing. If you’re not too keen to brave the southern winter this year then Queensland is the perfect destination for you.

Mt Kosciuszko, Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

In one of the country’s most famous national parks, Mt Kosciuszko is the highest point in Australia. 2,228 metres above sea level, the mountain is a guaranteed spectacle whether you go in the summer or snowy winter. Boasting beautiful rainforests, waterfalls and surrounding rivers, this region features some of the greatest landscapes our country has to offer. If you’re looking for the ultimate winter getaway, head to Thredbo and try your hand at skiing or snowboarding. This skiing village is famous for its chair lift that gives you a view of the mountain like no other.

If you ask us, the best way to treat a travel bug is to give it everything it wants! So whether you have decided to head north, east west or south, remember, pack your cozy winter kit and over-indulge in your winter drive.

Happy wandering!

Category: Features
Written: Mon 01 Jul 2013
Printed: July, 2013
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