Touring: Why It’s the Aussie Way to See the Country
There’s something uniquely Australian about packing up the 4WD or hitching on the camper and heading off into the great unknown. We call it touring — and while the rest of the world might know it as overlanding, here in Australia, touring is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle, a rite of passage, and for many, the ultimate way to explore this vast country.
What Exactly Is Touring?
In simple terms, touring is travelling across Australia in a self-sufficient setup — usually a four-wheel drive, decked out with the right gear and accessories to go off grid for days, weeks, or even months at a time.
While four wheel driving or 4WDing is often about the thrill of tackling rough terrain and challenging tracks, touring goes beyond that. It’s about the journey, the scenery, and the freedom that comes with being completely self-reliant.
You’re not just heading out for a weekend at the local track — you’re exploring Australia’s hidden gems, those remote locations that most people will never see. It’s a mix of adventure, camping, and travel all rolled into one.
Touring vs Overlanding
Around the world, people use the term overlanding to describe long-distance, self-reliant travel. But here in Australia, we call it touring — and for good reason.
Australia’s landscape demands a unique kind of travel. Our distances are vast, our weather unpredictable, and the terrain can shift from sandy beaches to rocky ranges in a single day. Touring has evolved to suit this environment — it’s our own brand of adventure.
When you’re touring in Australia, you’re not just driving — you’re surviving off grid. You’re relying on your 4WD setup, your camping gear, your food and water storage, and your ability to fix things when they break (because let’s be honest, something always does).
Overlanding might have its roots in Africa or the Americas, but touring is unmistakably Aussie. It’s about remote outback roads, red dust, and sunsets that seem to set the whole sky on fire.
Lake Nuga Nuga, Arcadia Valley QLD
Self-Sufficiency: The Heart of Touring
One of the defining features of touring is being self-sufficient. When you head out touring, you can’t just rely on the nearest servo or shop — sometimes, they’re hundreds of kilometres away.
That’s why every serious tourer knows the importance of the right accessories. From long-range fuel tanks and dual battery systems to rooftop tents, recovery gear, and portable fridges — your setup can make or break the trip.
Touring means being ready for anything. You might be setting up camp in the snow topped mountains of the Victorian High Country or tackling deep river crossing in the Cape. It’s that sense of freedom — of being able to go anywhere, anytime — that keeps so many Aussies hooked.
Carinya Station (Lightning Ridge, NSW)
Why Touring Has Become So Popular
Touring has always been part of Aussie culture, but its popularity has exploded since COVID. When international travel came to a halt, people started looking for new ways to explore their own backyard — and what a backyard we have.
Families, couples, and solo travellers all jumped behind the wheel, discovering the beauty of travelling off grid and escaping the chaos of everyday life.
Touring offered something that traditional holidays couldn’t — freedom, flexibility, and the ability to truly disconnect. There’s no airport rush, no check-in lines, just the open road and a sense of adventure.
Australia’s Most Iconic Touring Destinations
If you’re planning to hit the road, Australia is packed with incredible destinations and offroad playgrounds. Here are a few that every 4WDer dreams of ticking off their bucket list:
Cape York, QLD – The holy grail of Australian touring. The journey to the Tip isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Don’t forget to attempt the Old Telegraph Track. Expect deep river crossings, rough tracks, and unforgettable scenery.
Victorian High Country, VIC – Famous for its steep climbs, alpine views, and river crossings, the High Country is a paradise for anyone who loves real offroad touring. It’s the perfect mix of challenge and beauty.
Fraser Island (K’gari), QLD – The world’s largest sand island and a 4WD paradise. Cruise down 75 Mile Beach, camp beneath the stars, and explore freshwater lakes — just don’t forget to drop your tyre pressures!
The Simpson Desert, SA/NT/QLD – For those who crave true isolation, the Simpson offers a touring experience like no other. Crossing hundreds of sand dunes and camping in complete silence is the definition of off grid travel.
The Big Lap – The ultimate Aussie adventure — a full lap around Australia. It’s the dream for many travellers, taking months (or even years) to complete. Doing the lap means you get to see every side of this incredible country, from coastal towns to remote outback roadhouses.
Awinya Creek, Fraser Island (K'Gari)
The Spirit of Touring
There’s something about touring that gets under your skin. It’s not just the destinations — it’s the people you meet along the way, the campfire yarns, the quiet mornings with a coffee in hand as the sun comes up over the bush.
Touring brings together everything we love about the Aussie lifestyle: freedom, adventure, and the great outdoors. It’s about switching off the phone, leaving the city behind, and finding places that few others ever see.
You might get bogged, have a mechanical breakdown, or have to cook dinner in the dark — but those are the moments you’ll remember forever. Touring is about embracing the challenge and enjoying the journey, no matter where it takes you.
Tour Hard. Camp Easy.
Before you head off on your next adventure, make sure your setup is ready to go. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a cross-country journey, having the right gear makes all the difference.
At Envious Touring Solutions, we’re passionate about helping Aussies tour hard and camp easy. We supply a range of accessories for roof tops, four wheel drives, and camping — everything you need to make your next trip comfortable, capable, and ready for anything.
So, pack your camping gear, load up the 4WD, and hit the road. Adventure’s waiting — and it’s only a tank of fuel away.