It’s easy to take showering for granted before travelling full-time. But whether it’s a hot summer day at 45°C or not, there’s going to be a point you’ll need to shower while travelling Australia. And if you’re staying at free campsites, or other budget facilities there may not be the best ability to shower anytime.
Another few things that may not be possible anymore is relaxing in the shower, or taking time getting dressed afterwards. I’m rarely able to do these living on the road because many free showers are on timers. And there’s usually a lineup of people ready to give me the death glare if I take too long.
WikiCamps Australia app is a good starting point to find showers while travelling—among other things. The filters allow a resourceful way to sort through spots with showers and view feedback/comments.
In the summer taking a shower is much easier with the heat. So if there’s no showers around, head over to nearly any beach for a free cold shower. However, most beach side showers aren’t meant to use soap and shampoo as they run off into the ocean and could affect sea life.
In other seasons when it’s cooler, there’s plenty of places to shower warm, some free or for a low cost. If you need anything more than a rinse off, check out this list for where to shower while travelling Australia.
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Campgrounds and Caravan Parks
Staying overnight at campgrounds and caravan parks—usually—have great facilities. But if you’re set on staying at free campgrounds, there’s another way to handle this. Take advantage of paid campgrounds by asking if they offer shower usage for a price.
Many campgrounds do this, but it may take some effort for calling around. Prices can range from A$2-$5 a person. I find independently-owned campsites seem to do this more, and please keep it clean for the rest of us. Or some showers are coin operated, so have some coins on you.
BYO Shower
When there’s no other option and you’re somewhere secluded, using your own shower is best. It’s easy to find and purchase affordable portable showers. Generally there’s a hose attached with a spray nozzle and the bag fills about 20 L for a few quick showers. The nozzle can be turned on and off throughout the shower. I’ll often use this for washing dishes if I have leftover water.
Shower bags are normally black so they can heat up in the sun, it’s easy to stick on a table or I prefer on top of a vehicle’s roof. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot as this can happen with extreme temperatures.
Take your BYO shower to another level by purchasing a cigarette light plug shower head for better pressure. And, get ahold of a pop up screen to shower anywhere more discretely.
Rest Stops
A lot of the Australian population and overseas travellers spend weeks to months out of year travelling the country. For this many towns and organizations have integrated public showers into rest stops. This gives all travellers an opportunity to rest and refresh, while encouraging people to visit the area.
A few up the Eastcoast are in Tiaro, Noosa Civic and Home Hill, all in Queensland. Most were on timers, but not all. Either way when showering in a public space, it’s always appreciated to be quick. Whether other people are waiting or not. Show appreciation by spending money in the town or area to support the use of these facilities.
Beach Showers
While many showers by the ocean are cold, there are hot showers scattered about. Many seem to be with ocean pools, such as in Newcastle. And, most of which are communal showers, but at least they’re free!
Some surf clubs as well have warm showers, but it’s never a guarantee. Check in with local tourist centres for more information, or on Wikicamps.
Service Stations
Many service stations are creating more amenities for the travelling population—surely to increase customers. This means there’s a steady amount of paid showers available throughout long road trips.
Just make sure to ask if the showers are cold water. There’s some service stations charging premium price for cold water. Even with free cold showers another few kilometres down the road. Just make sure if there are free showers to support the business however possible. Such as by giving a positive online review, or buying something.
Gyms and Recreation Centers
If there’s no other options for taking a shower, head over to a gym or a recreation center. Depending on the facilities the price could be similar to paying for a shower alone at some rest areas. The difference of showering at a gym or recreation center is the access to gym, pool or spa facilities.
This isn’t the best choice for someone in a rush. But, if you’re in need of getting out of your vehicle for a while it could be the best choice.
For a few road trip itineraries, check out the Great Ocean Road, Victoria inland, and Melbourne to Sydney inland route and the coastal route.
