A coastal campervan adventure
After what has been a big year for us all, many Tasmanians are looking forward to getting out and exploring their own backyards.
With holiday plans no longer on hold, my brother Jack, his dog Cocoa and I booked a road trip with our member rewards partner, Apollo. Offering pet-friendly campervan hire and a member discount, they were the obvious choice for our adventure up the east coast!
For our road trip, we chose the light, economical and easy-to-handle Endeavour Camper. From making our booking to picking up the campervan, the whole process was seamless. The friendly team at Apollo (Cambridge) had it ready to go when we arrived and showed us all the facilities on board. The Endeavour really does have all the comforts of home (…including the kitchen sink!), along with two beds, a dining table, stove top and a microwave. With a full tank of petrol and a playlist of our favourite road-trip tunes, we eagerly set off on our long-awaited getaway.
Our first stop was Raspins Beach at Orford – a popular rest stop for locals and tourists alike. It was a calm afternoon, so we parked the campervan alongside the sandy shore to enjoy a bite to eat and a game of fetch (much to Cocoa’s delight). As we’d bought fresh produce for the trip, it was a great opportunity to unpack and make ourselves at home. With a fridge/freezer, cutlery, pots and pans on board, we didn’t have to skimp on any of our favourite meals and loved tucking into fresh salad rolls and delicious tomatoey pasta.
As we made our way to Swansea, Jack and I took turns driving the camper. Being an automatic and only requiring a normal license, it meant we could share the journey over the four days. As someone who was new to campervanning, I instantly felt comfortable, safe and at ease on the road.
The best thing about a campervan is the flexibility and freedom it gives you.
You can stop anywhere, anytime. And with so many amazing spots to choose from on the east coast, we did just that. We detoured to Boltons Beach off the Tasman Highway – a beautiful stretch of coastline neither of us had explored before. Cocoa was excited as it meant more playtime, and for us, it was a chance to stretch our legs. As the Endeavour is pet-friendly, we didn’t need to worry about Cocoa getting wet or sandy, so after exploring the beach, she happily climbed into the camper and snoozed her way to Swan Reach at Dolphin Sands, our rest stop for the night.
We met up with my Mum and stepdad who’d brought their own camper. With no need to pitch a tent, we were relaxing with our feet up in no time. And with two chairs and an outdoor table included in our hire, we all sat outside to enjoy the evening under the stars. When it came time to call it a night, setting up our beds was no-fuss with all linen, pillows and blankets included, too. That night, Cocoa put dibs on the top bunk!
We set off early the next morning in a convoy to Coles Bay, one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. We found a sheltered cove outside Freycinet National Park boasting uninterrupted views of the Hazards mountain range and within walking distance to the local shops. Picking up a delicious spread from the bakery, Jack and I boiled the kettle and enjoyed breakfast by the sea. The Endeavour has a side door for convenient access, which made it easy to move about the cabin, prepare and pack away breakfast and use the space simultaneously.
From there, we headed north to Bicheno where we made the spontaneous decision to camp at Little Beach Conservation Area – a free campsite near St Mary’s. It rained heavily for most of the night, but with a roof over our heads and a cosy space to settle in, we were right at home in the comfort of the Endeavour.
There’s so much to do and see on the east coast. On our way home we stopped at a few of our favourite spots including Kate’s Berry Farm and Spiky Bridge (Swansea), the Blowhole and the Gulch (Bicheno) and the Fish Van (Triabunna). Being in the Endeavour meant we had the freedom to simply close the doors, start the engine and visit multiple places in one day. We loved the flexibility of being able to create our own adventure.
Whilst we didn’t stay at any caravan parks or campgrounds on our trip, they were easy to find using the ApolloConnect app. It tells you everything you need to know, including how to use the facilities on board and serves as a great pocket guide wherever you go. The Endeavour also includes an electric hook-up, 240V and 12V sockets (perfect at powered sites), a 31L freshwater tank and towels, so you have all the extras on hand to make life on the road both comfortable and hassle free.
Apollo makes holidaying around Tassie safe, fun and affordable. We had a great time exploring our own backyard and taking in the east coast. Whether you’re travelling with friends or heading away with the family, Apollo has the vehicle to suit your needs and budget. Plus, you can bring your four-legged friends along for the ride, too!