FOR time immemorial, the notion of a campervan holiday has seldom been associated with luxury. Traditionally regarded as a home on wheels, the practical convenience of a campervan has largely appealed to those with a penchant for adventure, willing to embrace the great outdoors. In the wake of the pandemic, however, there has been a growing appreciation for the accessibility and flexibility that van travel provides.
Nowhere does this concept hold truer than in Western Australia. Covering the entire western third of the country, this vast state is dominated by the arid Outback, with the majority of its population concentrated in the fertile southwest. Here, lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and coastlines teeming with wildlife offer a breathtaking voyage of discovery. It is an incredibly diverse and expansive region that demands unhurried exploration—something often curtailed by rigid itineraries, hotel check-in and check-out constraints, or simply the lack of awareness of hidden gems.
Star RV, a rapidly expanding van rental company, has embraced this evolving approach to travel. With seven branches across Australia, it offers a convenient solution for those seeking a more flexible and enriching experience, allowing for vehicle collection and drop-off in different states. Star RV Australia provides two vehicle options: a two-person Fiat Ducato and a six-person Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The latter, which was our choice for this journey, provided an exceptional level of space and comfort.
Equipped with three double beds, a fully fitted kitchen with a standing height fridge and freezer, a stand-up shower, a separate toilet with a sink, a dining table with sofa seating, and ample storage, it offered a level of accommodation that exceeded many traditional hotel rooms. Additional benefits, including roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, and excess reduction cover—complete with two camping chairs and a table—enhanced the experience further.
Star RV DRAFT
The opportunity to wake up to uninterrupted ocean views from the comfort of the vehicle was incomparable, as was the ability to travel seamlessly from one location to the next, pausing at points of interest on a whim. The simple pleasure of stepping out of the van to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, coffee in hand, while breakfast sizzled in the kitchen, epitomised the essence of a truly immersive travel experience.
The journey commenced with the collection of the vehicle from Star RV’s Perth branch, conveniently located a short drive from the airport. The first destination was the Margaret River region, with an overnight stop at Dunsborough Lakes before an early morning swim at Quindalup Beach. Travelling as two people in a six-person van offered significant advantages, notably the ability to keep the beds permanently assembled and the ease of organisation afforded by the extensive storage space.
The route continued through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park towards Yallingup Beach, where surfers and watersports enthusiasts embraced the powerful waves. Further south, Hamelin Bay provided an opportunity to observe manta rays gliding through the shallows, their movements captivating passersby who paused to admire them.
Augusta, our next overnight location, presented a serene setting for an evening by the river, where visitors enjoyed a glass of wine while watching kayakers navigate the waters, accompanied by the occasional sighting of dolphins. The following morning, a visit to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marked the most south-westerly point of the Australian mainland, where the meeting of the Southern and Indian Oceans creates a dramatic and mesmerising spectacle.
Western Australia with Star RV DRAFT
An overnight stay at Jarvis Estate, the only winery in the Margaret River region to permit camping among its vineyards, provided a further highlight of the journey. The same day included a visit to CBCo Brewing, an independent, family-run establishment, where a sunset toast marked the conclusion of an unforgettable journey through the region.
With the vehicle’s battery fully charged and the water supply replenished, it was possible to enjoy the nature based camping and an evening under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of the surrounding wildlife and a newfound appreciation for the estate’s exceptional port wine.
An early departure the next morning led to the Injidup Natural Spa, a striking rock pool with crystal-clear waters, where waves cascade over the surrounding formations in a mesmerising display. Despite the vehicle’s considerable length, parking in Western Australia proved to be straightforward, with many locations designed to accommodate larger vehicles.
The journey north continued towards Coogee Beach before a ferry crossing to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve renowned for its quokka population. Cycling through the island’s diverse landscape and discovering secluded beaches provided a fitting conclusion to the journey, encapsulating the unique sense of freedom that defines travel in Western Australia.
By the end of the trip, only two fuel refills and a single water replenishment had been necessary, and at no point had there been a need to call upon the 24-hour assistance service. The inclusion of comprehensive insurance offered further reassurance, ensuring a stress-free experience. A final convenience was Star RV’s flexible drop-off system, which allowed for an out-of-hours return of the vehicle—an ideal arrangement ahead of an early morning flight back to London.
Western Australia, with its rugged coastline, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife, provided an extraordinary setting for a campervan journey. And with Star RV, we discovered a new way to experience the open road—without compromising on comfort or luxury.
by Lily Rimmer