Most outback caravanning happens on sealed roads, and that's where it works best. The Stuart Highway, the Matilda Way, the Great Northern Highway and the Barrier Highway link towns with caravan parks, fuel and supplies. Once you leave the bitumen, what you're towing matters as much as what's pulling it.
Sealed routes that suit caravans
- Adelaide to Darwin on the Stuart Highway, with side trips to Uluru on the sealed Lasseter Highway. See Adelaide to Darwin.
- The Matilda Way through outback Queensland. See Matilda Way.
- Perth to Darwin via the Great Northern Highway. See Perth to Darwin.
- The Great Inland Way and Sydney to Darwin routes. See Great Inland Way and Sydney to Darwin.
Unsealed tracks and towing
SA's Outback Road Warnings map and report are the official source for SA's outback tracks. Some sections carry restrictions like "4WD only, under 3 tonnes, no towing", and these are common after rain. Other sections are open with a caution, and towing is allowed with care. Similar restrictions are used in the NT and other states. Check the warnings on the morning you set off, and again on the way, because they change quickly.
| Track | Typical suitability (dry, recently graded) |
|---|---|
| Oodnadatta Track | Off-road vans and camper trailers with care; standard vans not recommended |
| Birdsville Track | Off-road camper trailers with care; standard vans not recommended |
| Strzelecki Track | Off-road trailers with care; heavy vehicle traffic |
| Gibb River Road | Off-road trailers and vans, with heavy wear; some side tracks unsuitable |
| Canning Stock Route, Simpson Desert | Generally not suitable for caravans |
This table is a general guide only and isn't official advice. Always follow the current official road warnings.
The tow vehicle and the load
Official towing guidance from SA and NSW stresses staying within your vehicle's rated towing capacity and GCM and the caravan's ATM, along with correctly attached safety chains and working brakes and lights. Heavy vans on unsealed roads strain suspension, wheel bearings and hitches. Weigh your rig fully loaded, including water and gear, rather than relying on brochure figures.
Driving tips
The SA Government's towing guidance advises using the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly to avoid sway, keeping to the hard road surface, slowing for bumpy roads and rail crossings, and planning more rest stops because towing is more tiring. Transport for NSW recommends weighing your rig and knowing the caravan's ATM and your vehicle's towing capacity and GCM. In the outback:
- Corrugations: drop your speed. High speed on corrugations is one of the main causes of broken vans and trailers.
- Dust: dust gets into everything. Seal vents and storage where possible, and turn your headlights on in dust.
- Road trains: these are very long, and they need a long distance to slow or stop. SA's towing guidance suggests pulling over regularly, where areas are provided, to let following vehicles overtake. See SA's heavy vehicle road-safety page.
- Tyre pressures: check them every morning and at every stop, following the manufacturer's advice for unsealed roads.
- Wildlife and livestock: avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night.
Water, power and waste
Many outback caravan parks have limited water, and some sites rely on bore water that may not be suitable for drinking. Carry drinking water. Solar and batteries are valuable for free camping. Use dump points for grey and black water, and never empty tanks into creeks or waterholes. See outback camping.
Bookings
Outback caravan parks fill up from about June to August, during school holidays and around big events like the Birdsville Races. Book ahead, and have a backup plan if you're delayed by a road closure.
Off-road vans versus on-road vans
Off-road caravans and camper trailers are generally built with stronger chassis, independent suspension, more ground clearance, better dust sealing and protected water tanks. Standard on-road caravans are designed for sealed roads and good gravel. Even off-road vans take a beating on long corrugated tracks, so drive slowly and inspect the hitch, wheel bearings and fittings at every stop. If you're unsure about a section, leave the van at a caravan park in a town and do the track as a day trip or a short trip without it.
Weather and timing
Most outback caravanning happens in the cooler months. Rain can close unsealed roads, and wet black soil can trap even a 4WD with a trailer. See outback weather by month.
Free camping and rest areas
Rest areas along the major outback highways often allow overnight stops, though rules vary by state and by site, so check the signs. Free camping in remote areas means being self-sufficient: carry enough water, power and food, take all rubbish out with you, and keep well clear of stock watering points. Fires may be banned during fire danger periods. Check the state fire authority before lighting one. In national parks, camp only in designated sites and book where required.
Before you go
Get the van serviced, including bearings, brakes and tyres. Check that the tow vehicle's suspension suits the load, and carry spare wheel bearings and a tyre for the van. Pack a basic tool kit and recovery gear, and leave your itinerary with someone. See the best vehicle for the outback guide.
Caravan parks in the outback
Outback caravan parks range from big parks with pools in towns like Alice Springs, Longreach and Broken Hill to a few powered sites behind a pub. Expect:
- Bore water that may not be drinkable
- Limited power in some places
- Dust
Many parks fill early in the cooler months, so book ahead, and ask about late arrivals if you're delayed. See outback accommodation and free camping rules by state.
Long-distance towing routes
Popular sealed caravan routes include:
- The Nullarbor crossing, with roadhouses and rest areas along the Eyre Highway
- The Matilda Way through outback Queensland
- The Stuart Highway from Adelaide to Darwin
On each route, allow shorter driving days than you would without a van, and plan your fuel stops around the extra consumption when towing.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is the Oodnadatta Track OK for caravans?
Only in good conditions, and only with an off-road van and a suitable tow vehicle. SA's Outback Road Warnings sometimes restrict sections to 4WD only, with no towing, especially after rain. Standard on-road caravans aren't built for its corrugations and stony sections. Check the current warnings before you set off.
Can you take a caravan to Uluru?
Yes. The Stuart and Lasseter highways to Yulara are sealed, and Yulara has a campground with powered sites. Book ahead in the cooler months.
Can you tow on the Gibb River Road?
People do tow off-road camper trailers and off-road caravans on the Gibb River Road, but it's hard on equipment because of corrugations, rocks and river crossings. Some side tracks, such as the road to Mitchell Falls, aren't recommended for trailers. Standard caravans are generally unsuitable.
What are the rules for towing a caravan in Australia?
Rules are set by each state and territory and by national vehicle standards. The basics are to stay within your vehicle's towing capacity and towbar rating, have working trailer lights and brakes where required, and use correctly attached safety chains. South Australia's and NSW's towing guidance cover these requirements.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Outback road warnings — Department for Infrastructure and Transport, South Australia
- Light vehicle towing and trailer regulations — Government of South Australia
- Caravans — Transport for NSW
- Sharing the road with heavy vehicles — Department for Infrastructure and Transport, South Australia
