Over the years, Kev and I have tested all sorts of gear and caravan essentials while camping and travelling full-time around Australia. Some things didn’t cut it. But these 13 items? These are the ones we still use every single day.
They’ve earned their place in our setup because they make life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable—whether we’re off-grid, in a caravan park, or somewhere in between.
If you’re planning your Big Lap, setting up your caravan for weekend adventures, or just curious about what works out on the road, I hope this list helps take the guesswork out of what’s actually worth investing in.
1. Evakool Drawer Fridge – Best Car Drinks Fridge
We’ve tested plenty of gear over the years, but this fridge earns its keep every time we hit the road. Our Evakool drawer fridge sits neatly in the back of the 4WD and is one of the handiest bits of kit we’ve invested in.
When you’re doing long days on the road, having easy access to cold drinks, fresh snacks, or even lunch without digging through a cluttered esky is a real relief.
We chose the drawer fridge style because it’s so much more user-friendly on the move. You can slide it open with one hand, grab what you need, and be back in the car in seconds. No digging, no mess.
Ours runs off our dual battery system and hasn’t missed a beat—even in serious heat. It’s efficient, cools down bottles and cans quickly, and doesn’t draw too much power. Whether we’re stopping for lunch or doing an off-grid stay, this fridge is always working in the background.
Check out the latest price and details for the Evakool drawer fridge here
2. Sphere Washing Machine – Reliable Caravan Essentials That Makes Life On The Road Easy
Washing might not be exciting, but when you’re living on the road, it needs to be easy. We didn’t want to rely on caravan park machines or spend our days chasing laundromats, which is why we added a Sphere washing machine from all the washing machines to chose from to our setup from day one
It’s compact, quiet, and doesn’t chew through power or water. We can do small loads whenever it suits us—while having breakfast, packing up, or cooking dinner—and it just gets on with the job.
It fits well into our layout, handles our everyday washing needs, and lets us stick to our own routine, even when we’re camped out in the bush.
Get the specs and pricing for the Sphere 3.5kg Washing Machine here
3. Caravan Bedding – Because a Good Night’s Sleep Changes Everything
Our original caravan mattress wasn’t terrible, but after a few weeks on the road, we both knew we needed more comfort. A memory foam mattress topper was the perfect solution.
The DreamerRV mattress topper gave our bed the support and softness we were missing without replacing the whole mattress.
We also added caravan sheets designed especially for caravan beds and highly recommend them.
Now we sleep better, wake up without aches, and feel more rested for whatever the day brings. It’s an easy upgrade that made a big difference.
Check out the details—it’s made a huge difference to our comfort
4. Stratus Everyday Outdoor Chairs – Lightweight Recliner Camping Chairs
There’s nothing better than sitting down in a chair that supports your back. Our Stratus chairs strike that perfect balance between comfort and practicality. They’re lightweight but solid, easy to pack away, and have held up very well over time
They’re high enough to stand up from easily, and sturdy enough to feel secure on all kinds of surfaces—from gravel to soft grass.
We use them for meals, relaxing, and even for work when needed. A good outdoor camping chair makes a big difference when you’re using it every day.
Being reclinable, they are excellent for stargazing in the outback.
See why we wouldn’t travel without these
5. Stratus Outdoor Table – Compact, Sturdy, and Always in Use
Our Stratus table gets used constantly, for meals, prepping food, a spot to work on the laptop, or just a handy place for drinks and snacks. It folds down flat, is lightweight, sets up in seconds, and is rock solid once it’s in place.
It’s not too big, not too small,just the right size for daily life on the road.
It’s one of those items you don’t think much about until you realise you’re using it for nearly everything.
We’ve linked the exact one we use—have a look here
6. Clearview Towing Mirrors – Confidence and Visibility When It Counts
Towing a van takes practice, and having the right mirrors makes it easier. Towing mirrors are required by law.
Our Clearview towing mirrors give us a clear view down the side of the van and help with lane changes, reversing, and keeping an eye on traffic.
They’re solid, don’t wobble, and fold away neatly when we’re not towing. Once you’ve used them, it’s hard to imagine towing without them. They’ve made a big difference to our setup on the road—especially when we’re driving in unfamiliar places or navigating.
Tap here to see what makes it so popular with other caravanners too
7. EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Blanket – Quiet, Reliable Power Wherever We Go
One of the best things about travelling full-time is staying off-grid in beautiful, remote spots—and our EcoFlow solar blanket makes that possible. It’s light, folds up easily, and delivers plenty of power without any noise or fuss.
We pair it with a portable battery and use it to charge our gear, run the fridge, and stay powered when we’re not driving. It even performs well on overcast days.
No need for a generator, no need to chase powered sites—it gives us the freedom to set up camp wherever we like and stay as long as we want, or we run out of water!
Have a closer look at the model we’re using here
8. Starlink – Reliable Internet Anywhere
Before we first hit the road, staying connected was one of our number one requirements. We knew pre-Starlink Lappers relied on mobile data and signal boosters, and it was patchy at best, especially in remote areas.
We can be camped in the middle of nowhere and still stream, video call, work online, do an interview for a podcast, or update the blog without stressing about signal. It’s fast, consistent, and works in all the places we love to stay, quiet, off-grid camps where mobile coverage often drops out completely.
We usually set it up on arrival, and it takes just a few minutes to connect. Once it’s locked on, we rarely think about it again it just works. It’s especially great if you’re working remotely, homeschooling, or simply want the freedom to travel without losing touch with family, friends, or work commitments.
It is an investment, and there’s the monthly subscription to factor in, but for us, the flexibility and peace of mind it offers makes it well worth it.
Find out if this could work for your setup too
9. CGear Multimat – Keeps the Outdoors Where It Belongs
The CGear mat is one of the first caravan accessories we roll out when we set up camp. It gives us a clean, stable space outside the van—and it’s excellent at keeping dirt, sand, and red dust from being tracked inside.
Sand falls through but doesn’t come back up, so it doesn’t build up or stick around. It dries quickly, is easy to hose off, and folds down flat for storage.
Whether we’re at the beach, in the bush, or in a dusty outback camp, this mat helps us keep our van clean without constantly sweeping.
Take a closer look at the CGear Mat sizes and prices here
10. Muk Mat – The Unsung Hero of a Clean Caravan
We team our Muk Mat with the CGear mat for a simple but really effective dirt-control system. The Muk Mat sits right at the van door and does a brilliant job of catching what doesn’t slip through the CGear mat.
It’s got dense, synthetic grass fibres that clean your shoes as you step—and it feels great underfoot.
We have a large Muk Mat outside and a small Muk Mat that fits in the stairwell of our van.
Both Muk Mats are used all day, every day, and we give them a shake or a rinse as needed. Two small caravanning essentials that saves a lot of cleaning inside.
See why so many caravanners swear by this one
11. Sizzler BBQ – Compact, Reliable, and Built for the Aussie Outdoors
This is our go-to cooking setup (we tried a few!). The Sizzler BBQ is compact enough to travel with easily, but big enough to cook for two (or more). We’ve used it for everything from bacon and eggs in the morning, to steaks, roasts, cakes and even toasted sandwiches.
It heats quickly, cooks evenly, and doesn’t chew through gas.
Cleanup is quick, and we can have it packed away again in minutes. If you love cooking outside, the Sizzler is a solid, reliable option that’s built for van life.
Browse the full details and see if it suits your setup
12. Collapsible Dish Drainer – Small, Simple, and Surprisingly Handy
This little item gets used at every meal. Our collapsible dish drainer folds down flat, takes up next to no space when we’re travelling, and makes washing up far less of a chore.
It holds all our dishes comfortably, drains quickly, and is easy to clean. It’s also sturdy, no sagging or tipping and doesn’t slide around.
You can use the draining mat by itself for smaller wash ups.
When you’re working with a small bench space, these kinds of simple tools really help keep everything running smoothly.
Learn more about the collapsible dish drainer or grab yours here
13. Joseph Joseph Washing Up Bowl – For Saving Water
In a caravan kitchen, every inch counts—which is why we love our Joseph Joseph washing up bowl. It’s one of those small, clever additions that makes doing the dishes far less fiddly in a tight space.
This plastic tub sits inside our existing sink and we use it to save water, as our original sink is deep. It’s sturdy but lightweight, has built-in handles for easy emptying, and comes with a plug so you can drain the water without tipping it out or lifting heavy loads. Handy when you’re off-grid or trying to conserve water.
We use ours for everything from washing up after dinner to soaking clothes or even carting wet items outside when we need to.
Take a peek—this one’s been worth every cent for us
Final Thoughts
Every item on this list is something we use every day. They’re not just convenient—they’ve become part of our rhythm on the road. They help us stay organised, comfortable, and independent—whether we’re in a caravan park or parked up in the middle of nowhere.
If you’re planning your own big lap, I hope this list helps you avoid the guesswork. And if you’ve already done your Big Lap or have a must-have item of your own, I’d love to know, what’s one piece of gear you wouldn’t travel without?
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!