Australia: Van Life, Routes and Hidden Gems

This spot was a little off the beaten path, but it was totally worth the trip. We got up early to see the wild dolphins that come into the bay and feed them, and it was one of those experiences you don’t forget. The town itself is quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect spot to just relax and unwind. We found a nice little café for breakfast after our dolphin encounter, and it felt like the kind of place where you could easily spend a slow, easy day by the water.

We stopped at the Aileron Hotel and Roadhouse and were pleasantly surprised. The place offers free power at each campsite, and the bathrooms were super clean with great water pressure – a huge plus in the middle of nowhere! There’s even a washer and dryer, which was a welcome addition after a few days on the road. The standout feature has to be the massive Aboriginal statues that make for some amazing photos, especially around sunset.

This beach had a real community feel, which we loved, and is a surfer’s paradise in Coolangatta. Known for its world-class waves and stunning scenery, it’s perfect for all skill levels. The water’s so clear, and the waves are great. The best part? When we got hungry, there were a few great little spots nearby to grab a bite. It felt like the perfect mix of chill beach vibes without being too far from everything.

There are no words to describe this spectacular garden made of lights. We went in the evening after a full day exploring the city, and it felt like we’d stepped into another world. The queque is a little long and the place is a little busy, but the it ended up being one of the coolest spots in Brisbane. It was like walking through a magical forest, with all the lights twinkling around us.

We decided to try Alfonsino's after hearing great things about it and were excited for a nice Italian dinner. The atmosphere was warm, and we loved the open-air seating. We both ordered woodfired pizzas, and the flavor was really good. The pasta was the real winner—rich and delicious, with generous portions that left us satisfied. The service was friendly and quick, though we were a bit surprised that we had to go to the register to settle the bill, as the wait staff didn’t bring it to us. All in all, it was a pleasant meal. Still, if you’re looking for a casual spot with decent Italian food, it’s worth a visit!

This spot is a riverside Italian gem that we discovered after hearing some great recommendations, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The outdoor seating lets you soak in Brisbane’s river views, which are especially stunning at sunset. We kicked off with a shared antipasto, and the freshness of the ingredients really stood out. The pasta was handmade, and you could taste the authenticity in every bite—it reminded us of meals we’ve had in Italy.

Curtin Springs offers a simple but welcoming experience, perfect for those passing through on their way to Uluru. The free campground is a huge bonus, though the amenities are paid – $4 for a hot shower, which feels like a fair deal. The atmosphere is friendly, with the owners being quite hospitable. Just keep in mind that if you opt for a powered site, it's quite more expensive, and you still pay for the shower – so it’s more suited to those who are self-sufficient. Also, don’t miss out on some fuel, snacks, or a cold drink to support the place, especially since they offer this as a free camping spot. This image is by Banco de Imágenes Geológicas, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0, via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/banco_imagenes_geologicas/6272409725.

If you’re looking to surf on the Sunshine Coast, Kawana Beach is a fantastic choice. Known for its consistent waves, it’s a great spot for surfers of all levels. The long stretch of sandy beach provides plenty of space to catch some waves without feeling crowded. We spent the day here surfing and swimming and we ended our day watching the sunset here. Honestly, it was one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.

We had our eyes on this spectacular spot so we decided to visit it. We started with the famous Rim Walk, which kicks off with a steep climb up 500 steps, but it gets easier after that. The views are incredible, with breathtaking cliffs and rock formations that make it worth the effort. One of our favorite parts was reaching the Garden of Eden, a hidden waterhole that feels like an oasis in the middle of the canyon. Make sure to go early in the morning to avoid the heat and carry plenty of water because the temperatures can rise quickly. For a bit of variety, the Kings Creek Walk is an easier option and still offers great scenery.

We spent a few days exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, and let me tell you, it's a hidden gem! The place is packed with stunning gorges, like Simpson's Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge. We even took a dip in Ellery Creek Big Hole, which was refreshingly cool—just what you need on a hot day! I’d definitely recommend going early to beat the heat and make the most of it. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, the views from Mt. Sonder are absolutely worth the effort. Overall, it’s a great spot for a day trip or even a few days of adventure, with plenty of trails, wildlife, and gorgeous scenery to keep you busy. Pack plenty of water, though, and don’t forget your camera—it's one of those places you'll want to remember! This image is by kakitravel365, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0, via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/141909981@N05/27058256964/.

This spot is an oasis for wildlife with 52 hectares of plants from Australia and around the world. From it’s beautiful rainforest to its large variety of desert plants, we spent hours wandering through different sections. The tropical dome was a highlight, and we found plenty of quiet spots to just sit and take it all in. The staff was super nice and helpful. Totally recommend!

This area is the best to go when you want to chill by the river but still be right in the heart of the city. First off, there’s Streets Beach, which is a man-made beach in the middle of the city. You can swim in the lagoon or just chill on the sand—perfect for a hot day. The parklands are awesome for a picnic or just a stroll. There are beautiful gardens, sculptures, and plenty of spots to relax. For a bit of culture, hit up the Queensland Art Gallery or the Queensland Museum. They’ve got cool exhibits that are totally worth a visit. And if you’re hungry, the place is full of cafes and restaurants. River Quay has some great spots with amazing views.

This spot is part of Belongil beach at Byron Bay and is a good place for surfing. It’s named after the shipwreck of the Wollongbar that sunk in 1922, and you can see it peeking out of the water just offshore. We loved how raw and wild this spot felt, especially with the waves crashing over the wreck. We went there for snorkeling and we would definitely go again.

We enjoyed our stay at Discovery Parks. As soon as we arrived, we felt secure with the fully fenced and gated access, which was a big relief since we’d heard about some of the challenges in the area. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay, always ready with a smile and any assistance we needed. The caravan park is well-equipped with everything you could possibly need. We loved the multiple pools, especially the heated one, which made a great way to relax after exploring. The camp kitchen was spotless and had everything we needed, making meal prep super easy. Plus, they even had pancakes on Sunday mornings, which were delicious. We couldn’t believe how close it was to central Alice Springs, just a short drive, and having the brewery across the road was a fun bonus for our evenings.

This beach totally surprised us. We stumbled on it while exploring and ended up loving how chill it was. It’s perfect if you’re into paddleboarding or just want to hang by the water without the big crowds. We brought a picnic, found a shady spot, and just relaxed for hours. It’s got this super local vibe that makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. There are plenty of amenities nearby, including cafes, shops, and picnic areas. The best part: it’s the perfect spot to park your van and spend a comfortable night!

This place has that classic outback vibe with an atmosphere that's truly one-of-a-kind. We originally planned to stay just one night but ended up extending our stay because it was so much fun. The staff was super friendly, the cold beer hit the spot, and the food was surprisingly good. Caravan park was great, with clean amenities, power, water hookups, and shady spots that made it perfect for a comfortable night. And the entertainment? Seriously, you have to see it to believe it! It’s one of those iconic stops and we highly recommend making the detour. This image is by Stuart Hamilton, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0, via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuandgravy/121007604.

Honestly, Surfers Paradise blew us away. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and city energy. We spent the morning hitting the waves, and by the afternoon, we were grabbing ice cream and walking along the esplanade. At night, the whole place lights up, and you can find tons of places to eat, drink, and just soak up the atmosphere. It’s one of those spots you could come back to again and again and never get bored.

This spot, Australia’s UFO capital and originally a World War II market garden, has evolved into a quirky holiday park with a fun alien theme. It’s an interesting break on the highway, but keep in mind that the facilities are a bit outdated, so we’d suggest making it a quick stop instead of an overnight stay.

We heard so many good things about this cool spot on the Gold Coast, and we knew we had to check it out. It’s basically this lively outdoor street market where you can try food from all over the world. The best part is the atmosphere—live music, buzzing crowd, and so many delicious food options. We grabbed some dumplings and tacos, and they were both amazing! There’s also a bar, so we got a couple of drinks. If you’re a foodie or just love live music, it’s a must-do.

This spot was absolutely mind-blowing! We got there early in the morning to beat the heat and took on the full 10km walk around the base. The views were stunning, and seeing how the light changed the colors of the rock was unreal. Make sure you pack plenty of water and wear a fly net – trust us, the flies are no joke out here. It’s incredible to think about how this place has been so important to the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. If you’ve got time, a helicopter or small plane ride from the local airport gives you a whole new perspective. It’s one of those bucket-list spots you’ll never forget!

This town is a gem for those who love the outdoors, especially if they’re into fishing. If you happen to be around in the dry season, you might catch one of the epic week-long fishing competitions. Camping by the river is a great experience. Beyond fishing, the region offers much more: there are hot springs to soak in, stunning gorges to explore, and peaceful walking trails that give you a real feel of the Northern Territory’s beauty. Stephen Michael Barnett, CC BY 2.0 <https:// creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0 >, via Wikimedia Commons

Buderim Forest Park is one of those hidden gems that feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The walk through the forest is super peaceful, with beautiful greenery all around and the sound of the waterfall in the distance. It’s a pretty easy walk, so you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. When we reached the falls, it was just stunning—cascading water, natural rock pools, and hardly any crowds.