There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road in a campervan – especially when that road winds through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re shaving waves along Australia’s coastline, exploring the rugged peaks of New Zealand, or crossing deserts and national parks in the USA, campervans give you total flexibility and a front-row seat to nature.
Today, we’re exploring some of the ultimate campervan road trips to take from three of the most exciting starting points in these amazing countries.
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Roadtripping Through Australia
When planning a road trip in Australia, there’s nowhere better to start than the dazzling harbour city of Sydney.
It’s the perfect place for campervan journeys through Australia’s east coast and beyond.
Hire a campervan from Sydney Airport and let the adventure begin!
Here are some road trips starting in Sydney that you won’t want to miss:
1. Sydney to Byron Bay (aka The Legendary Pacific Coast)
Hug the coastline through charming beach towns like Terrigal, Forster, Port Stephens, and Coffs Harbour on this 800 km Sydney road trip.
After 5 to 7 days of mooching along the golden shoreline, end in Byron Bay and immerse yourself in its surf and sunsets.
Don’t miss: Cape Byron Lighthouse walk, dolphin spotting, and the koala hospital in Port Macquarie.
2. Sydney to Melbourne (via the Coastal Route)
If you’re looking for a slower, scenic alternative to the inland highway, then taking the coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne is a clear winner.
Take your time through Kiama, Jervis Bay, Eden, Lakes Entrance, and Wilson‘s Promontory along this 1,000 km route.
There’s plenty to do to stretch this road trip out to as long as 10 days!
Don’t miss: Pebbly Beach (with friendly kangaroos on the sand!), Croajingolong National Park, and wine tasting in Gippsland.
3. Sydney to the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley
Are you in the mood for a short and sweet escape from the city?
Then let us introduce you to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley.
The 300 km loop will only take 2 to 4 days, but that’s plenty of time to hike the Blue Mountains, visit the Three Sisters, and sample world-class wines in Hunter Valley.
Don’t miss: Scenic World skyway, Glow Worm Tunnel, cheese tastings, and gorgeous hiking trails.
Roadtripping Through New Zealand
If you’re planning a road trip through New Zealand, there’s nowhere better to start than the country’s gateway to the South Island – Christchurch!
Here you’ll find jaw-dropping fjords, mountain passes, lakes, and other coastal gems.
Campervanning here feels like driving through a movie set, so find a Christchurch campervan for hire and get going!
Here are some gorgeous Kiwi roadtrips to check out:
1. Christchurch to Queenstown (via Lake Tekapo and Wanaka)
Drive through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters, then onwards to Mount Cook National Park, Twizel, and Wanaka before ending in the adventure capital – Queensland!
This 450 km trip will take upwards of 4 days, although you can extend it longer if that’s not enough…
Don’t miss: Stargazing in Tekapo, hiking the Hooker Valley Track, and jet boating in Queenstown.
2. Christchurch to the West Coast (Arthur’s Pass to Franz Josef)
Explore rainforest, coastlines, and two iconic glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef) along this 450 km West Coast road trip.
Spanning 4 to 6 days, you’ll cross the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass – one of NZ’s most dramatic drives.
Don’t miss: Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, glacier heli-hiking, and watching the coastal sunsets.
3. Christchurch to Kaikōura & Marlborough
New Zealand has no shortage of stunning coastal walks, and this northern option is one you won’t want to miss.
Slightly shorter at 3 to 5 days and 350 km, you’ll be able to stop in Kaikōura for whale watching and seal colonies before reaching the Marlborough wine region.
Don’t miss: A seafood lunch with a view, kayaking with dolphins, and local sauvignon blanc at one of the premium wineries.
Roadtripping Through America
America is known for its Hollywood glam and vibrant culture, so it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is one of the best starting points for some of America’s most iconic campervan routes.
Rent an RV in Los Angeles and set off along the Pacific coast today!
Here are some West Coast wonders to check out when departing from LA:
1. Los Angeles to San Francisco (Pacific Coast Highway)
Hug the cliffs of Big Sur, stop in Santa Barbara, and explore Monterey and Santa Cruz before hitting San Fran.
This 750 km drive is one of the most scenic adventures in the USA and incredibly popular; to make the most of it, consider stretching your trip out to a full week.
Don’t miss: McWay Falls, elephant seal spotting at San Simeon, and the sunset over Bixby Bridge.
2. Los Angeles to Las Vegas (via Death Valley)
You’ve got to visit Death Valley if you’re near LA, and this 430 km road trip is the perfect excuse for it!
Cross the Mojave Desert and detour into Death Valley National Park, which is surreal to say the least!
End with a bang in Vegas, or keep driving onwards to the Grand Canyon.
This shorter road trip will only take 3 to 5 days, but there are plenty of places to stop and stay for longer.
Don’t miss: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and stargazing during clear desert nights.
3. Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
There’s a reason why Yosemite National Park is such a popular tourist destination in the US, so driving from LA to this stunning California stop.
On the way, you’ll be able to explore granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, making it perfect for nature lovers.
At around 500 km, this road trip should take you around 5 days.
Don’t miss: Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and Mariposa Grove.
Start Your Road Trip Planning Today
Now that you’ve mapped out three potential road trips to three of the top tourist destinations in the world, all you have to do is decide which to embark on first!
A campervan or RV is the best way to keep costs low and keep you on track when traveling, without risk of delays or cancellations.
Hire a home on wheels and begin your journey today!
Reading this makes me want to pack up and hit the road immediately! There’s something magical about the open road and the freedom that comes with a campervan journey. I can’t get over the idea of waking up to the sound of waves on Australia’s coast or breathing in the crisp mountain air as you pass through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. And cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean beside you? Simply dreamy. Every stop sounds like an adventure waiting to happen. Who needs a fixed itinerary when you