Caravan Essentials & Packing Checklist For Your Next Trip

Prepping for an upcoming caravan road trip can be a challenge, especially when you’re planning and packing ahead. Whether you’re a novice caravanner or an experienced traveller, a caravan checklist will ensure you are safe and prepared so you can relax and enjoy your amazing adventures!

Things to consider:

Everyone has their own definition of "caravan essentials," but choosing items to enhance your comfort and overall experience is the key. Factors to consider include:

• Whether you'll be near civilization or out in a remote area (which may require you to be more self-sufficient). 
• How long you'll be away (the longer the trip, the more essentials you'll likely need). 
• How much space is available in your caravan (look into space-saving tips if you haven't already). 
• How frequently you'll be caravanning (whether it's for only a few days or weeks at a time). 
• How durable you want your items to be (and whether they’ll need to last for years to come).

The must-haves:

Certain items are important must-haves while you’re on the road. Make sure you pack: 

• A valid driver’s license and insurance that’s up to date and suitable for towing your caravan. 
• Any vital medication, a Medicare card, and health insurance card, if applicable. 
• A First Aid kit that’s specific to your needs, including if you are travelling with children. 
• Essential documents, including both vehicles’ service records and registration and insurance details. 
• Roadside assistance card, if applicable. 
• Phone and other device chargers. 
• Spare keys (yes, it happens!).

For safety:

Camping comes with its share of risks, so to keep you and your family safe, be sure to include the following items on your caravan checklist: 

• A fire extinguisher. Every portable fire extinguisher is given a classification (class) and rating according to its ability to control and suppress a fire. Most modern caravans are manufactured and sold with a portable fire extinguisher, which is a legal requirement. However, you should check that it’s suitable for your travelling needs. 
• A fire alarm. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends you have a fire blanket and at least one working photoelectric smoke alarm inside your caravan. 
• Communication devices. These are essential for reaching help when there’s no phone reception. Whether you experience a breakdown, need roadside assistance, or face an injury or accident requiring emergency services like an ambulance, police, or fire brigade, these tools are crucial. Options include a satellite phone (providing coverage throughout Australia), a UHF radio (for long-range communication and vehicle-to-vehicle contact), and an EPIRB (a beacon that sends a signal to Marine Rescue, used solely for life-threatening emergencies).

For maintenance and repairs:

It's vital to ensure you have all the essentials before setting off on your next adventure. This caravan packing checklist includes items you’ll need for general setup and maintenance. 

• Wheel chocks 
• A fully stocked tool kit
• Power leads and extension cords 
• Spare tyres for your vehicle and your van 
• A jack weighted to lift your car and caravan if you need to change a tyre 
• A tyre pressure kit, a tyre repair kit, and a portable 12-volt inflation unit 
• A coupling lock 
• Wheel ramps to get tyre traction if you're on uneven ground 
• Spare oil including engine oil, gearbox transmission oil, extra brake fluid, and radiator coolant 
• Towing mirrors 
• Jumper leads 
• Duct tape 
• Manuals for your caravan and tow vehicle
• Extra gas and water for longer trips
• An air compressor or manual pump to inflate tyres, water toys, and airbeds

Caravan packing list - The basics

These depend on lots of variables, including who is travelling, where you’re going, and what will elevate your trip in terms of comfort and enjoyment. Some we recommend you add to your caravan essentials list are: 

• A camping table that’s sturdy, stable, weather-resistant, easily transportable (e.g., foldable), and provides ample room for whoever is travelling. Adjustable legs can also help level the surface on uneven ground. 
• Camping chairs that are comfy, portable, and durable, and added features like cup pockets and reclining functions will amp up their popularity factor. 
• An outdoor shelter that can provide extra space and shelter. 
• Power leads to power campsite lights and other electronic devices. 
• Toilet paper, plus a shovel, in case toilet facilities are unavailable at the campsite. 
• Baby wipes and sanitiser to reduce germs and serve as a handy alternative to a shower if you need it. 
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and mozzie coils to protect against sunburn, mozzies, and restless nights. 
• Cleaning supplies, including washing-up liquid, a bucket, brush, and tea towels for basic cleaning. 
• A broom, dustpan, brush, and cleaning cloths to help keep your caravan and campsite tidy. 
• Laundry items, including washing powder/liquid, a laundry bag, clothesline, and pegs. 
• A hose for washing your vehicle and sports gear, filling buckets, and cleaning your feet. 
• Lighting, which can include lanterns, LED lights, torches, and headlamps. 
• Sports equipment for surfing, swimming, fishing, biking, paddling, etc., with appropriate racks for transport.

Kitchen & cooking essentials:

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their caravan (like it is at home). With the right equipment, you can enjoy delicious, easy-prep meals throughout your travels. 

• Pots and pans. Ideally, they all conveniently stack on top of each other for storage. 
• Cutlery and crockery, including cutlery, bowls, plates, and glasses. To save space, take one set for every person and wash up after each meal. Collapsible crockery and cookware are great options while melamine and plastics are virtually unbreakable. 
• Cooking utensils, including a ladle, a spatula, tongs, wooden spoons, a can opener, and a good set of knives. 
• Insulated water bottles that will keep drinks warm when it’s cold, and insulate them when it’s hot. 
• Depending on your caravan’s fit-out, you might want to consider a portable stove so you can cook outside. 
• Gas bottles to power the BBQ, stove etc. 
• A lighter and/or matches to start a fire or light the BBQ. 
• Paper towels for cleaning and to use as napkins.

Food & supplies:

Sometimes on the road, cooking up a feast will be easy. At other times, you’ll just want some long-life food items that will still result in a pretty decent meal at the end of a day. 

• Non-perishables. Stock up on basics like rice, pasta, canned foods, long-life milk, dried fruits, biscuits, muesli bars, cereal, instant noodles, condiments, cooking oil and spices. 
• Refrigerated items if you have a fridge, which include cheese, meat, dips, butter, eggs, meat, yoghurt, and fresh fruit and veggies. 
• Drinks like bottled water, soft drinks, tea bags, and instant coffee. 
• Spices and condiments. A well-stocked spice rack is a caravan chef’s secret weapon, bringing extra flavour to even the simplest meals. 
• Food storage containers. They’re invaluable for storing leftovers and preparing meals in advance. 
• Rubbish bag. Something that is sturdy and critter-proof!

Sleeping & bedding:

After a day of adventuring, good sleep is so amazing for recharging for the next day, and the next, and the next… 

• Bed linen. High-quality linen that fits your caravan’s bed. 
• Pillows: Invest in quality ones for a restful night’s sleep. 
• Sleeping bags: Year-round options are ideal. 
• Blankets: Warm, fluffy ones are no-brainers for chillier spots.

For summer:

Whether you're off to your favourite beach or plan on paddling in a bush-based river, a summer camping trip is truly iconic. To make the most of the warmer months on the road, here are some essentials to include: 

• Gazebo Double insulated cups 
• Portable ice machine 
• Misting system for awning 
• Water toys 
• Hammock 
• Shade tent 
• Eskies 
• Swimwear, rashies and hats 
• Towels (one each for swimming, one for showering) 
• Mossie coils and insect repellent 
• Battery-operated lanterns 
• Portable clothesline

For winter:

Winter temperatures in Australia vary, but in some spots, can drop below 0. Depending on where you’re headed, you’ll want to be as warm as toast to make the most of your travels. Some winter essentials we recommend include: 

• Firepit 
• An axe if you’ll be chopping wood 
• Thermals 
• Warm jacket, beanie, gloves and warm boots 
• Raincoat and rainwear 
• Spare tarps for emergency weather protection 
• Extra blankets and rugs 
• Hot water bottles and heat packs 
• Hot chocolate and marshmallows (you’ll thank us later)

For families:

Caravanning is a fantastic option for family holidays, but getting everyone in the crew ready for a big adventure can sometimes be a challenge—especially when you’ve got kidlets in tow. Here are some packing suggestions: 

• Wet wipes
• Non-spill cups
• Colouring books
• Board games/lego/toys
• Road trip games
• Night light
• iPad
• Torch
• Scooters/bikes
• Hat
• Suncream
• Portable bath (for the toddlers)
• Beach bucket and spade
• Picnic blanket

For off-road adventures:

Making sure you’ve packed everything you need is critical when going off-grid—not just for safety, but for an enjoyable trip. Items we highly recommend (some of which are useful for short tours as well) include:

• Additional portable solar panels
• Generator
• A portable BBQ
• A doorstep – when clearance is too high
• Solar panels
• Portable fridge
• Portable speakers
• Handheld GPS system
• Satellite phone 
• Pre-charged mobile phone power packs
• Additional tanks of water
• Jerry cans