A year through Australia with a roof tent - Ultimate Outback adventure

The land of red earth, endless expanses, and breathtaking coastlines attracts countless travelers every year. A road trip around Australia with your own vehicle and a reliable rooftop tent offers maximum freedom to explore this fascinating continent. The combination of a robust off-road vehicle and high-quality camping equipment enables unforgettable experiences off the beaten track. Pius and Marie also embarked on such an adventure, traveling the Australian continent for an entire year with their Toyota Landcruiser and the Tanami Light rooftop tent.

Pius and Marie share their experience with us: "Our trip in Australia started in Melbourne and then continued via Mildura, Peterborough, and Maree to Birdsville. From there, we ventured on an adventure through the Simpson Desert, which was a wonderful experience. We continued via Alice Springs through the various national parks to Darwin, then through the Kimberley region, via Broome, down the entire west coast, then along the entire south coast via Kangaroo Island back to Melbourne. On the east coast, we only made it as far as Sydney in our one year in Australia. There's still so much to explore and see there, and we hope to get the chance again someday. I hope you like the pictures; it was fantastic for us."

The perfect equipment for Australia's diverse landscapes

When planning an extended trip through Australia, choosing the right camping gear is crucial. Gordigear specializes in durable and climate-resistant roof tents for demanding expeditions . The Tanami Light 140cm used by Pius and Marie impresses with its robust construction and ease of use. This folding tent can be set up and taken down within minutes, saving a lot of time, especially when changing locations frequently. The elevated sleeping position protects against ground moisture, crawling insects, and small animals, which is a significant advantage in the Australian outback.

From Melbourne to the Simpson Desert - Overcoming challenges

The start of any Australian tour requires careful planning and preparation. The route from Melbourne via Mildura and Maree to Birdsville leads through increasingly remote areas with variable road conditions. Crossing the Simpson Desert, as Pius and Marie experienced it, requires off-road capabilities and a reliable vehicle. The Toyota Landcruiser proved to be the ideal companion. Its high ground clearance and robust construction handle even challenging sandy sections with ease.

When loading your vehicle with a roof tent, you must pay particular attention to the dynamic and static roof load. You can find the exact values ​​in the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Keep in mind that the weight of the installed roof rack also counts towards the total load. These factors are crucial for safe off-road travel.

The Red Center and the Tropical North

After the adventure in the Simpson Desert, their route led to Alice Springs, the gateway to Australia's Red Centre. The region is home to some of the country's most famous national parks, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. The extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night place special demands on camping equipment. The Tanami Light roof tent, with its breathable yet weatherproof material, offers optimal comfort in this changeable climate.

For even greater comfort during longer stays , car awnings with integrated sun protection would have been a useful addition. They create a shady lounge area, which is invaluable when temperatures exceed 40°C during the Australian summer. Especially in the northern Australian regions around Darwin, where Pius and Marie continued their journey, the climate is tropical, with high humidity and heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

The Kimberley Region and the West Coast - Experience remoteness

The Kimberley region in northwestern Australia is one of the last true wilderness areas on earth. The remote location, rugged landscape, and extreme weather conditions require top-notch equipment and thorough preparation. While traveling through this region, upgrading to a hard-shell tent would have offered additional benefits. In addition to increased comfort, hard-shell tents also offer improved aerodynamics while traveling, which positively impacts fuel consumption. They also allow for roof-loading for additional equipment such as solar panels or canisters.

The west coast of Australia, with its endless beaches and spectacular coral reefs, offers ideal conditions for extended camping trips. Here, adding an awning to your camping gear for protection from wind and sun would be especially valuable. This extension creates additional living space and makes life in the camp much easier.

The south coast and the end of the tour

The route along Australia's south coast leads through spectacular landscapes such as the Nullarbor Plain and the Great Australian Bight. Here, cool winds from the Southern Ocean alternate with intense sunlight. Camping equipment must withstand these changing conditions. The robust construction and high-quality workmanship of Gordigear products ensure reliable functionality even after months of use.

The detour to Kangaroo Island before returning to Melbourne is a worthy conclusion to such an expedition. The island boasts unique wildlife and spectacular coastal landscapes. A detour like this demonstrates the flexibility offered by traveling with a rooftop tent. Spontaneous route changes are possible at any time, as your accommodation is always with you.

• Plan your route carefully and check road conditions
• Make sure you have sufficient water and fuel reserves in the Outback
• Respect nature and the cultural characteristics of the indigenous population
• Regularly check your vehicle and camping equipment for functionality
• Adjust your travel speed to the conditions and plan sufficient buffer times

The adventure Australia awaits you

A road trip through Australia with your own vehicle and roof tent offers unlimited freedom and unforgettable experiences. With the right equipment and good preparation, even an adventure in the rugged outback will be a comfortable experience. At Gordigear, we support you with over 20 years of experience in selecting the perfect camping gear for your individual trip. Our durable products and worldwide spare parts guarantee give you the peace of mind that you'll be well-equipped even in the most remote regions of the world. Start planning your own Australian adventure now and experience the freedom of traveling with professional outdoor gear.