Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Australia are no longer confined by limited charging options or range anxiety—especially when it comes to hitting the open road. As more accommodations embrace sustainability and add EV charging stations, planning an EV-friendly road trip has never been easier or more enjoyable.
In this guide, we explore how to find EV-friendly accommodations across Australia, tips for planning your itinerary, and the best regions for EV travel, so you can journey sustainably and comfortably.
Table of Contents
- What Are EV-Friendly Accommodations?
- Why Choose EV-Friendly Stays for Your Road Trip?
- How to Find EV Charging Accommodations in Australia
- Top Regions in Australia for EV Road Trips
- Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Road Trip
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Meta Description
What Are EV-Friendly Accommodations?
EV-friendly accommodations are hotels, motels, lodges, and Airbnb-style stays that offer electric vehicle charging infrastructure—most commonly EV chargers (Type 2, CCS, or Tesla destination chargers)—on-site or nearby.
These properties cater to eco-conscious travellers by:
- Offering Level 2 or Level 3 charging stations
- Partnering with networks like Chargefox, Evie, and Tesla
- Promoting sustainability through solar power, water conservation, and waste reduction
In Australia, the rise in EV adoption has prompted many hospitality providers to add EV charging to attract this growing demographic.
Why Choose EV-Friendly Stays for Your Road Trip?
Travelling with an EV brings several unique considerations. Here’s why choosing EV-friendly accommodations makes a big difference:
✅ Convenience: Recharge overnight while you sleep—wake up with a full battery.
✅ Route Efficiency: Avoid detours to public charging stations.
✅ Environmental Impact: Support businesses that align with eco-friendly values.
✅ Peace of Mind: Less worry about range anxiety on longer drives.
According to the Electric Vehicle Council, Australia now has over 5,000 public charging stations—but charging at your accommodation simplifies travel logistics and saves time.
How to Find EV Charging Accommodations in Australia
Finding suitable EV-friendly stays doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are the best ways to locate them:
1. Use EV Mapping Platforms
- 🔌 PlugShare: Filter hotels with EV charging.
- 🔋 Chargefox App: Lists accommodation partners.
- 🚗 Tesla Destination Charging Map: Great for Tesla owners.
2. Booking Platforms with EV Filters
- Booking.com: Offers a filter for “EV Charging Station”.
- Airbnb: Some hosts mention EV chargers in their listings.
- Wotif & Expedia: Increasingly tagging properties with EV amenities.
3. Contact the Property Directly
Always confirm:
- Type of charger available (Type 2, CCS, Tesla)
- Cost (some offer free charging, others charge per kWh or flat fee)
- Whether a booking is required for charger use
📋 Tip: Keep a portable EV charger in your boot, just in case accommodation only offers standard 240V outlets.
Top Regions in Australia for EV Road Trips
Australia’s charging network is expanding rapidly—especially in tourism-heavy regions. Here are four EV-friendly road trip areas:
NSW & The Blue Mountains
- Popular for weekend escapes from Sydney.
- Many boutique B&Bs and eco-lodges offer charging stations.
- Key stops: Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath
- Recommended accommodation: Lilianfels Resort & Spa (Tesla & Type 2 chargers)
Victoria’s Great Ocean Road
- One of Australia’s most iconic drives—now EV-accessible.
- Frequent charging stops in Torquay, Lorne, and Apollo Bay.
- Look for accommodations like: The Sands Torquay (Chargefox partnership)
Queensland’s Scenic Rim & Sunshine Coast
- Home to hinterland retreats and beachfront resorts.
- Scenic Rim Council has invested in regional EV charging.
- Suggested stay: Spicers Hidden Vale (Level 2 charger available)
Tasmania’s Wilderness Routes
- Hobart to Cradle Mountain is now EV-travel-ready.
- Tasmania boasts the highest EV ownership per capita.
- Unique stays: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (Tesla destination charger)
🛣️ Bonus: The “Electric Super Highway” in Queensland stretches from Coolangatta to Cairns with ultra-rapid charging stations every 150km.
Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Road Trip
Here’s how to make the most of your electric road journey:
🚘 Plan Charging Stops: Use apps like PlugShare or ABRP (A Better Route Planner)
🏨 Book EV-Friendly Accommodations in Advance: Chargers may be limited
🔋 Monitor Charging Speeds: Faster chargers help you stay on schedule
🌱 Reduce Carbon Footprint Further: Pack reusable items, avoid single-use plastics
📦 Carry a Backup Charger: A Type 2 portable charger can be a lifesaver in rural areas
💡 Don’t forget to check for off-peak electricity rates at some hotels—it can save you money.
FAQs
1. Do all EV-friendly accommodations offer free charging?
Not always. Some include it as a guest amenity, while others charge a flat rate or per kWh. Always check in advance.
2. What kind of EV charger do I need for my road trip in Australia?
Most public and private chargers use Type 2 connectors. Tesla drivers can use Tesla-specific chargers and many universal ones with an adapter.
3. Can I use a regular power outlet to charge my EV at a hotel?
Technically yes, but it’s very slow (~10 km per hour of charging). Only use this method in emergencies.
4. Are rural accommodations in Australia EV-friendly?
Rural areas are catching up, but not all offer charging yet. Plan ahead and carry a backup charging solution.
5. Is the Tesla Supercharger network available to non-Tesla EVs in Australia?
As of 2025, many Supercharger sites have opened to non-Tesla vehicles with CCS2 compatibility, but always check availability and access requirements.
Conclusion
EV-friendly accommodations in Australia are making sustainable travel more accessible than ever. Whether you’re exploring the coastline, venturing into the outback, or visiting regional towns, there are more options than ever to charge your car—and your spirit—overnight.
So next time you’re planning a road trip, don’t just think about the destination. Choose accommodations that support the journey towards a greener, cleaner future.
🌱 Ready to hit the road? Start planning your EV road trip with our recommended charging stays today!
Meta Description
Discover the best EV-friendly accommodations in Australia for your electric road trip. Plan sustainable travel with hotel EV chargers, tips, and top regions.