Planning on renting a campervan in Australia? It’s a great way to see the country. Here are my tips for hiring the right one and for making the most of your trip.
One of the best ways to see Australia is on a road trip – and you can make the trip even better by renting a campervan.
Imagine driving along the country’s stunning coastlines or the red, dusty Outback, stopping wherever and whenever you fancy, maybe even taking an afternoon nap at a lovely lookout – all while having everything you need right there in your mobile home. This is why I love taking campervan trips – the freedom, adventure and convenience.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family or a couple looking for adventure, a foreigner visiting Australia for the first time or an Aussie planning a road trip close to home, renting a campervan in Australia makes a whole lot of sense.
Having done a few campervan trips around various parts of Australia, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your campervan adventure!
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
How to choose a campervan
Types of campervans
From basic models for the budget-conscious to luxury motorhomes for those who want all the bells and whistles, there are several types of campervans to choose from:
- Basic campervans – Ideal for solo travellers or couples. These come with a bed/seating area, small kitchenette and a small amount of storage space. These are the types of campervans we’ve hired, as it’s just my husband and I!
- Family-sized campervans – Perfect for groups or families. These have more space, better amenities and sometimes even bathrooms.
- Luxury motorhomes – For those who want more space. These come with larger kitchens, a bathroom and maybe even a TV.
A basic campervan rental might cost around $70 to $100 per day during off-peak seasons, whereas a luxury motorhome could range from $200 to $300 per day. Factor in additional costs such as fuel, which can range from $1.75 to $2 per litre, depending on the region – we’ve paid over $3 a litre in more remote places!
Most campervan pick-up points are near airports or industrial areas, so include a taxi or rideshare to the location in your budgeting.
Here are some of the things you should consider when figuring out what type of campervan is right for you:
- How many people are travelling?
- What’s your travel style – are you all about the basics or do you want some luxury? Do you need a bathroom on board or are you happy to use bathrooms at caravan parks (or responsibly go to the toilet at free camps!)? How big of a cooking space do you need?
- How long will your trip be? Travelling in a small space for months on end can get tiresome for some.
- Are you planning on going into more remote areas, which might require a 4WD? For example, if you’re planning to explore the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region, you’ll need a 4WD campervan because of the rugged terrain and river crossings.
- Do you need to drop off the van in a different location from where you picked it up? That will usually come with an added fee.
Booking a campervan in Australia
Booking a campervan is usually very straightforward and easy to do online.
Research campervan rental companies
Your first thing to do is find a reputable company to rent from. If your goal is to find cheap campervan rentals in Australia then read the fine print and reviews very carefully – cheap doesn’t always mean reliable!
I like using an aggregator like Motorhome Republic to see all the major rental brands in one place. I can compare prices and read reviews of each company online (so important!!). They have campervans from all the big-name companies like Travellers Autobarn, Britz, Mighty and Apollo.
Obviously, price is a big part of the decision-making process. Unless I’m locked into specific dates because they’re bookended by flights, for example, I play around with the dates to see if changing them reduces the price a little.
I also compare on different sites and if I find it cheaper on one site, I may email or call the other company directly to see if they’ll price match. Motorhome Republic will even beat the price by $150 if you find it cheaper elsewhere.
How to save money when renting a campervan
Campervan rentals in Australia can add up. Here are some tips to keep costs down:
- Travel during off-peak seasons – prices are obviously going to jump during school holidays and during the summer (for eastern states) and winter (for the north of the country). If you can travel outside of the peak seasons you’ll save some dollars.
- Book well in advance – if you can, plan months ahead. Not only will this save money but you’ll likely have more campervans to choose from. Aim to book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak travel times like Christmas and Easter.
- Sign up for mailing lists to get discount codes – every campervan hire company has sales from time to time, so sign up to the mailing lists for their special offers. Just remember to unsubscribe once you’ve booked!
- Consider a campervan transfer – if you can be flexible with your time and the length of your trip, then companies like Transfercar regularly need help relocating cars and campervans between their various branches. This means that you can sometimes rent campervans for $1 a day, sometimes with petrol included! The downside is that they need the campervan delivered within a certain timeframe, so you need to be very flexible.
What about insurance?
Things can happen on the road – kangaroos, car accidents or even a break-in. It’s important to have insurance when renting a campervan, but it can be expensive. Here are some ways to save on campervan insurance:
- Don’t pay for insurance you don’t need – most campervan rental companies offer different levels of insurance coverage. If you’re a careful driver or plan to stick to well-maintained roads, you may not need the highest level of coverage.
- Check if your credit card offers rental car insurance – some credit cards offer complimentary rental car insurance as long as you use that card to pay for the rental. Make sure to check the details and limitations before relying solely on this option. This is what I always do – pay for our campervan rental using a credit card that has insurance included as a benefit. Read the T&Cs to know exactly how you’re covered.
- Take out travel insurance – if you’re planning on traveling for an extended period of time, it may be worth looking into travel insurance. This can often cover rental car accidents and other unexpected incidents. This is a good idea whether you’re an Aussie travelling around the country or a foreigner. World Nomads is an Australian travel insurance company.
License requirements
Foreigners can use their international driver’s license in Australia – however, each state has a limit (usually 3 or 6 months) before you would then need to get a temporary local license (the rules depend on the type of visa you’re on).
If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need to carry an official translation or get an International Driver Permit.
Want to buy a campervan?
If you’re considering buying a campervan instead of renting – which can save you money if you’re travelling long-term – Gumtree is a great place to start your search. Also try the Cars4Backpackers or CaravanCampingSales website and Facebook groups.
Planning your route
As I said earlier, Australia is made for road tripping. But it’s a huge country, so you’ll need to take some time to plan. Here are some of the best Australian road trips.
East Coast Australia
Sydney to Brisbane
This route is perfect for beach lovers, taking you through some of Australia’s most famous coastal towns and national parks. Don’t miss Byron Bay for its laidback vibe and beautiful beaches.
- How many days: 10-14 days
- Highlights: Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa
- When to go: The best time to drive the East Coast is during Australia’s summer, which runs from December to March, so you can swim. But this is also the busiest time, so if you don’t mind a little cooler weather, aim for the months around summer, like November, February and March.
Great Barrier Reef
Starting from Cairns and heading south to Brisbane, this route gives you access to the world’s largest coral reef system. It’s a must-do if you’re into diving or snorkelling.
- How many days: 10+ days
- Highlights: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach
- When to go: May to October is considered the best time for diving and snorkelling due to clear water conditions. This is also when the weather is cooler and avoids the humidity and wet season of tropical north Queensland.
Tasmania
This small island state offers an intimate and unique driving experience, with its rugged coastline, national parks and historic towns.
- How many days: 7-10 days
- Highlights: Hobart, Port Arthur Historic Site, Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
- When to go: Tasmania is nicest during the summer months of December to February when the weather is warmest. However, if you’re looking for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, aim for the months around March to May or September to November.
Great Ocean Road
This iconic road trip is a must for anyone visiting Australia, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and famous rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles.
- How many days: 2-3 days
- Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park
- When to go: The best time to drive the Great Ocean Road is during Australia’s summer months from December to February when the weather is warmest and ideal for beach visits. However, if you’re after fewer crowds, aim for March to May or September to November. Winter (June to August) may bring unpredictable weather and rough seas.
West Coast Australia
Perth to Broome
This route from Perth to Broome takes you through some of Western Australia’s most stunning landscapes and beaches. It’s also a great way to see the famous Pinnacles Desert and Ningaloo Reef.
- How many days: 14-21 days
- Highlights: Perth, Pinnacles Desert, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef, Karijini National Park, Broome
- When to go: The best time to drive the Western Australia coast is from April to October.
Adelaide to Perth
This route offers a diverse mix of scenery, from wine regions and coastal towns to rugged outback landscapes and the famous Nullarbor Plain. Crossing the Nullarbor is a rite of passage for many Aussies.
- How many days: 10-14 days
- Highlights: Adelaide, Barossa Valley wine region, Great Australian Bight, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Margaret River wine region
- When to go: It’s best to complete this road trip during Australia’s autumn or spring months, between February to April or September to November. Avoid the peak of the summer heat.
Margaret River wine region
Located in Western Australia, the Margaret River region is known for its world-class wineries, gourmet food, and stunning natural landscapes.
- How many days: 3-4 days
- Highlights: Wine tasting at award-winning wineries, scenic drives through vineyards and forests, surfing and outdoor activities
- When to go: Margaret River is lovely any time of year, but the best time to visit is during the autumn or spring months between March to May or September to November. Avoid visiting during peak summer season (December to February) as it can be very hot and crowded.
Northern Territory and the Outback
Alice Springs to Uluru
The drive from Alice Springs to Uluru is a popular road trip in the heart of the Australian Outback.
- How many days: 5-7 days
- Highlights: The iconic Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon
- When to go: The ideal time to take this road trip is between May and September when temperatures are cooler. Summers in this region can reach extreme temperatures. April often sees flash flooding.
Top End of Australia
A road trip through the Top End of Australia is incredible. It’s a vast and diverse region in the northern part of the country, known for its rugged landscapes, rich Indigenous culture and abundant wildlife.
- How many days: 5-7 days
- Highlights: Darwin, Kakadu National Park, swimming in natural waterholes in Litchfield National Park, spotting crocodiles on a river cruise
- When to go: The best time to visit the Top End is during the dry season from May to October. During the wet season (November to April), roads may become flooded or inaccessible due to heavy rains.
Adelaide to Darwin
One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Explorer’s Way from Adelaide to Darwin spans over 3,000 kilometres “up the guts” of Australia.
- How many days: 10-14 days
- Highlights: Adelaide, underground opal mines in Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon, Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park, Darwin
- When to go: The best time to drive from Adelaide to Darwin is between May and September when temperatures are cooler so you can get outdoors. November to April is the wet season, which means lots of rain and potential flooding.
Where to stay
One of the best things about having a campervan is that you can be flexible with your accommodation. But where should you stay and how do you book? There are several options.
Free campsites
Australia is littered with free campsites, which is perfect for budget travellers. These campsites range from roadside stops to sites in stunning locations (beachfront, for example).
On the downside, they won’t have power and toilet facilities may be basic (or non-existent).
The best place to find free camps is on WikiCamps. This app costs $7.99 to download and has reviews of each campsite as well as maps. We used this app extensively on our half-lap of Australia.
Caravan parks
When you need to access power or want a shower, then a caravan park is the best option. You can wash your clothes and use the camp kitchens, and some caravan parks even have swimming pools, entertainment nights and playgrounds and jumping castles for kids.
Caravan parks are across the entire country, in big cities, small towns and even are the town itself. WikiCamps also lists caravan parks as well.
Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 a night in caravan parks. In peak season, you might even pay upward of $75 a night in popular places.
National park campgrounds
Many national parks in Australia have campgrounds, which means you can stay overnight in super scenic spots. Most have basic toilets (many non-flushing) and maybe even shower facilities.
Check each state’s national parks website for information and booking details. Campsites cost anywhere from $10 per person per night.
What to pack
Carefully read the campervan rental agreement to find out what’s included in your rental. Generally, bedding, cutlery, plates and bowls, and some cooking equipment will be included. Check for other things like chairs, towels and a fire extinguisher.
You can pay to have several things added on to your booking – just check that you couldn’t buy these more cheaply or even borrow them from someone.
Here’s what you’ll need for your campervan trip:
- Cooking supplies – Pots, pans, utensils and a portable stove
- Bedding – Sheets, blankets and pillows (though many rentals include this)
- Outdoor gear – Camping chairs and a foldable table
- Safety equipment – First aid kit, extra batteries, paper map and a torch. I also recommend a portable jump starter kit
- Fun things – A pool noodle or inflatable (for all the incredible waterholes and swimming spots), solar-powered fairy lights to pretty up your campervan!
On the road tips for campervan hire in Australia
Driving in Australia
If you’re visiting Australia from overseas, here are some things to know before you start driving in Australia:
- Road rules – We drive on the left side of the road here!
- Speed limits – Generally 50 km/h in residential areas, 60 km/h in cities and 100 km/h on highways. Speed limit signs are placed regularly in major areas.
- Wildlife – Watch out for kangaroos, emus, wallabies, wombats and all kinds of wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk. In fact, I encourage you NOT to drive around dawn or dusk and avoid driving at night.
- Roadside assistance – Consider buying roadside assistance if it isn’t included in your rental package.
- Remote driving – If you’re travelling in remote parts of the country like the Outback, fuel stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart. Always carry extra fuel and ample water – at least 5 litres per person per day.
- Breakdowns – Know who to call and have a basic toolkit handy – this SHOULD be included by your rental company.
- Managing long drives – Australia is a big country – take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. On major highways there are usually plenty of rest stops (just don’t stop in the ones specifically for truck drivers!).
- Visitor centres: Local visitor information centres are in most towns and are incredibly helpful for tips on things to do, accommodation and other local tips.
Wrap up: Renting a campervan in Australia
Renting a campervan in Australia is so freeing and adventurous. With thousands of kilometres of roads to explore, it’s the best way to see the country. This guide has offered tips for finding the right campervan, saving money and planning your route. Now, it’s up to you – get out there and hit the road!
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Are you planning on renting a campervan in Australia? What else would you like to know?
Related posts
Before you go… you might like these Australian road trip articles:
- Best Australian road trips for your bucket list
- Epic Adelaide to Darwin road trip
- How to travel from Darwin to Broome
- How to plan a Perth to Broome road trip
- The ultimate Great Ocean Road road trip itinerary
- The ultimate guide to crossing the Nullarbor
AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
- Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator. There’s something for everyone.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses because the sun is hot!
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