Nothing compares to the feeling of going on a road trip for vacation. If the open road is beckoning, three of the best countries for roadtripping are Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. These destinations can cater to anyone looking for an epic campervan adventure! But if you visit them, what are some routes you don’t want to miss? We’ve chosen three iconic road trips that promise an unforgettable experience, so pack your bags, book your camper, and let’s hit the road!
Australia: Brisbane to Sydney
If an Australian road trip adventure is what you’re after, then you can’t miss out on one of the most scenic coastal drives Down Under: the route from Brisbane to Sydney. This is a journey that stretches roughly 1000 km along the Pacific Highway.
With golden beaches, charming coastal towns, and national parks galore, this drive perfectly captures Australia’s relaxed seaside spirit. We’d suggest that you plan to spend seven to ten days soaking up every moment this route has to offer.
Here’s what you can expect from this trip:
Start in Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, where you can pick up your campervan, and enjoy the South Bank’s cafes and river views
Drive south to the Gold Coast, where you can surf at Burleigh Heads or stroll through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Continue to Byron Bay, famous for its bohemian vibes, lighthouse walks, and stunning beaches
Stop by Coffs Harbour to visit the Big Banana or simply to relax
Detour into Port Macquarie for some surreal dolphin watching experiences
Next, spend a day in Newcastle, enjoying the art and more wonderful beaches
Finally, arrive in Sydney, where you can enjoy the stunning harbour, city life, and beaches
From all the laid-back surf towns to the city life in Brisbane or Sydney, you’ll get a taste of what the Pacific Coast offers. As soon as you start planning your trip, look at the campervan rental options in Brisbane so you can find the perfect option for your journey.
We suggest booking your van as early as possible so you get your choice van and so that it will be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
New Zealand: Auckland to Wellington
If you want to see the best of New Zealand’s North Island, a road trip from Auckland to Wellington is the perfect way. The drive is about 650 km and takes around 8 to 10 hours, but it’s best to spread it out over a few days so that you can enjoy all the towns, nature, and attractions along the way.
Here is a simple and practical plan to make the most of your journey from Auckland to Wellington:
Start in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and climb Mount Eden for panoramic views or just chill by the waterfront
Head south to Matamata, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
Next up is Rotorua, where you can enjoy the natural mud pools and geysers
Stop at Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, and do not miss the Huka Falls
Check out Tongariro National Park for some of NZ’s best hikes!
The Rangitīkei region is also a great stop, with tons of countryside adventures like river rafting, hiking, and more
End your journey in Wellington, the nation’s capital, known for its creative energy, coffee culture, and stunning waterfront
New Zealand is one country that is virtually unrivalled when it comes to its natural beauty! The Auckland to Wellington road trip is the best way to experience New Zealand and capture some core memories as you cruise south.
Experience California at its best with a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the famous Pacific Coast Highway. This journey is around 434 miles (700km), and has loads to see and do along the way.
We recommend that it’s best to do this route over five to seven days to make the most of it. Along the way, you’ll see picturesque seaside cliffs, quaint coastal towns, and some of the most iconic beaches on the Pacific coast!
Here’s a breakdown of what your trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles could look like:
Start in San Francisco, exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and colourful Victorian homes
Continue to Monterey for the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium
Take your time along Big Sur, where rugged cliffs meet the ocean, stopping often to admire the views
Stay overnight in San Luis Obispo or nearby Pismo Beach, where you can experience the relaxed Californian vibe at its best
Next up, check out Santa Barbara, which is known for its exquisite Spanish architecture and beaches lined with palm trees
Finally, finish off your trip in LA, with its perfect beaches and Hollywood a chip and a put away.
There will be so much to do on this California road trip, from the redwood forests to the small, unique coastal towns.
Now that you have the routes, all that is left is to plan your escape. Whether it is Australia’s golden beaches, New Zealand’s volcanic wonders, or California’s ocean views, each road trip offers its own unforgettable magic.
Choose a campervan to keep things flexible and budget-friendly, then map out your must-see stops. Adventure is waiting; all you need to do is turn the key.
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Expertise: road trips, full-time travel, motorhoming, Europe travel, overlanding and writing itineraries. Likes: living in a box, wine and croissants!
Bio: Izzy has been a travel writer since 2019 covering everything from gap years to travelling in Morocco, Turkey and the Caucasus in a motorhome. Izzy is the author of Selling Up to Live in a Motorhome and along with hubbie Phil, enjoys helping others to live their dreams through The Gap Decaders. Visit our about page.
