Spending the night in a vintage van, bus or authentic Airstream is a memorable experience, especially when they come perched in some prime hinterland and beachside locations, so we've found seven awesome converted vehicles that you can stay in around Brisbane without needing to buy a fixer-upper for yourself, or a car with a towbar.
Get a taste of that caravan life in these vintage caravans and retro buses you can stay in within a few hours of Brisbane.
Frankie Rose
Gold Coast To Byron Bay
This pastel yellow vintage caravan can be setting up anywhere between Gold Coast and Byron Bay, and even the hinterland—just choose your favourite campsite and you’ll find it waiting for you when you arrive, complete with deck chairs outside. Inside is as cute as the outside, with wicker cupboards, a tiled table and wooden kitchen bench. There’s an outdoor shower but no toilet, so just make sure your chosen campsite has amenities. Book your stay here.
Vintage Van On 12 Acres
Pumpenbil, New South Wales
Escape to this lovingly restored van (affectionately named Stevie) in the Tweed hinterland, with breathtaking views of the Border Ranges, McPherson Ranges and Mount Warning, friendly birds and wallabies, and an incredible hot tub to soak in. The van’s features include a comfy bed, air-con, en suite, basic kitchen including Nespresso machine, and barbecue you can fire up on your private deck. You can even opt to have breakfast, afternoon nibbles, or dinner made using fresh local fare by a personal chef. Book your stay here.
Airstream Glamping
Eight Mile Plains
Thought you had to give up fun travel experiences like glamping and van life when you had kids? Think again. As well as luxury cabins, Brisbane Holiday Village has several luxury Airstream caravans that you can book, which we’re sure you’ll find as novel as the kids will. Sleeping up to two adults and two children, each Airstream is complete with a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom, as well as a BBQ and bar area, a 75-inch LED smart TV, and outdoor entertaining area for maximum enjoyment. Plus, there’s a children’s lagoon, 350m bike track and playground when you need to get them out of the caravan for a while. Check it out and book here.
Home Away From Home
Byron Bay
This cosy little caravan roams all over Byron Bay, and can be setting up in caravan parks, camp sites and even a friend’s backyard with 10km of the northern NSW beach town. With just enough room for a comfy bed fitted with luxe linen inside, you’ll spend most of your stay outside on the vintage rugs and furniture provided, taking advantage of the outdoor movie screen. Book your stay here.
The Duchess
Sunshine Coast To Northern NSW
Old school charm meets modern comforts in this retro blue caravan, which can be dropped anywhere you choose between the Sunshine Coast and Northern NSW—perfect for the van life enthusiasts who unfortunately find themselves without a towbar. Even with a comfortable queen bed and two bunk beds, there’s still room for a plush table and a small kitchen area kitted with an airfryer and slow cooker. Make sure you get it dropped somewhere with a bathroom though, as this caravan doesn’t have its own. Book your stay here.
School Bus In The Forest
Valla, New South Wales
This eclectic accommodation on the edge of the forest is truly unique, offering an 11.2-metre space with a king bed, sunken outdoor bath, and functional indoor/outdoor kitchen (complete with eggs and herbs from the garden from your friendly hosts). You can expect to spot a huge array of birds, wallabies, lizards, and even fireflies around the bus and Valla Beach, with its stunning natural rockpool, is just a six-minute drive away. Book your stay here.
The Byron Bus
Ewingsdale, New South Wales
All aboard the bus! This awesome accommodation offers proximity to Byron Bay as well as relaxing touches like a hot tub, fire pit and sweeping hinterland views. There’s a double bed and two bunks so you can sleep up to four, plus the hosts will rent you tents if you’re bringing a few more friends. Creature comforts include air-con, a smart TV, a full kitchen on board and continental breaky, making the bus a great option if you’re hitting a festival in the area, but keen to come back to some peace and quiet. Book a stay here.
Peachy Pink Caravan
Castaways Beach, Queensland
Enjoy the serenity only ten minutes from Noosa in this adorable vintage caravan. You’ll be a two-minute walk from the stunning Castaways Beach, perched on the edge of the national park, so you can expect some friendly visitors in the form of birds, kangaroos, frogs and more. There’s a small kitchen set-up, but you’re in a prime location to explore the awesome dining scene in Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Noosa. Book a stay here.
Blue Bus With Forest Boardwalk
Springbrook, Queensland
Down a meandering wooden path through the forest and ferns, this 1979 Leyland bus awaits, complete with a double bed, bunk beds, full bathroom and kitchenette. Follow the boardwalk further into the bush to find your private deck for chilling out, dining, or yoga, or take a short drive to the stunning Twin Falls Circuit and Purling Brook Falls bushwalks. The original driver’s seat and controls are still in place, should you feel like living out a childhood fantasy… Book a stay here.
If you'd prefer to have a bit of space, check out these beach pads with room for your whole crew instead.
Image credits: Airbnb
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