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Thinking about traveling around Australia in a campervan?
Our main piece of advice would be: do it! We’ve enjoyed so many incredible road trips around Australia, but we also know all too well how daunting the planning process can be. We’ve been there!
What kind of vehicle do I need?
How much is this going to cost?
What type of insurance should I get?
Which campervan rental companies can I trust?
When should I go, and how far in advance do I need to book?
We’ve asked ourselves all of these questions – and more! But after lots of incredible Aussie road trips, we’re experts on the subject now. In this blog, we’re going to cover all of the need-to-know info to get you ready for a truly epic road trip!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: You can save money by using this special discount code that will get you 5% off if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Different Types of Campervans in Australia
There are three main types of vehicles you can rent for a road trip in Australia: a camp car, a campervan, or a motorhome.
Honestly, there are pros and cons to each. The right option for you depends on your budget, how many people you’re traveling with, whether you want to freedom camp, and how confident you feel driving a big vehicle!
Camp Car (1 – 2 people)
Price range per day (AUD)
- Peak season (Dec – Feb): $80 – $155
- Low season (June – Aug): $50 – $70
A “camp car” is exactly what it sounds like – a car or small van with a fold-out bed. Camp cars are the easiest type of camper to drive, and they’re the cheapest, too.
Camp cars are a good option for solo travelers and couples making short trips across Australia. If you’re going to be spending most of your nights at holiday parks, this could be a great option for you.
Since camp cars have a small living space, they’re more difficult to live in for longer periods of time. Trust me, the lack of space and storage can grow wearing on longer trips!
Camp cars don’t have portable toilets, either. To be fair, we never use those anyway, but this does mean that they are not self-contained certified, which might prevent you from using certain campsites.
In short, camp cars are great for short trips to less remote areas. But if you want to go deep into the bush and freedom camp for weeks on end, you’ll need to level up your campervan.
As for renting a camp car, JUCY is our go-to provider. The Crib is an affordable choice and they don’t sneak in hidden costs, unlike some companies! Plus, with depots all over Australia, you get a lot of flexibility with your itinerary.
Better still, we have an exclusive discount code with JUCY! If you type in DTRAVEL25 at checkout, you’ll get 5% off. You can browse their available campervans here.
Campervan (1 to 4 people)
Price range per day (AUD)
- Peak season (Dec – Feb): $130 – $270
- Low season (June – Aug): $105 – $210
For a lot of people, campervans are the goldilocks of rentals! They’ve got more living space than a camp car, but are still a lot easier to drive and park than a full-on motorhome. And price-wise, they’re right in the middle, too.
Campervans are ideal for groups of up to 4 people, although we’ve also rented campervans as a couple. The extra space and comfort are definitely worth it on longer trips!
With that being said, campervans still involve fold-away beds and tables, and you can’t really walk around in them. They usually only have a portable toilet, and you can only stand up in bigger campervans that have high roofs. And of course, you’ll need to pay extra for the privilege!
Campervans can be self-contained, but not all of them are, so do check this if you want to go freedom camping. Self-contained vans do cost more but they save you money on campsite fees and allow you to camp almost anywhere, so it may well be worth it.
Motorhome (up to 6 people)
Price range per day (AUD)
- Peak season (Dec – Feb): $310 – $500+
- Low season (June – Aug): $200 – $400+
If you’re more of a glamper than a camper or want to do a lot of freedom camping, then consider renting a motorhome. These vehicles are designed to be lived in long-term, so they’re way more comfortable than camp cars and campervans.
Motorhomes are self-contained, so you can camp pretty much wherever you want, and they have fixed bathrooms, lots of storage, and space to actually walk around. The dream!
However, motorhomes are also large to drive, awkward to park, and they’re pretty pricey. I’m not just talking about vehicle rental, either. You’ll spend a ton on fuel!
And while motorhomes do give you the freedom to camp in a ton of different places, there are also places where you can’t take motorhomes, because they’re just too big! Do consider your route before you commit, although if you’ve got the budget for a motorhome and comfort is your top priority, then it’s definitely the best choice.
Star RV has some of the most budget-friendly motorhomes out there (with no sneaky hidden costs). They’re spacious, but a bit more modest than other options, which means they’re easier to drive and easier on your wallet. You can check out our blog on what we learned from renting a motorhome in Australia here for all the details!
We have a discount code for Star RV! You can browse their availability here and then enter our exclusive code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to secure 5% off. It’s important to note that no discounts or promotions will be applied for pickups from December 16, 2024 to January 19, 2025. But for the entire rest of the year, the discount is yours!
Things to Consider Before Renting a Campervan in Australia
How hot is it going to be?
It’s no secret that it gets pretty hot in the land down under – especially during summer! You can expect to be pretty toasty at night, although of course, it does vary a lot according to where you are. For example, the temperature tends to drop more around the South Coast at night, whereas the North is much hotter during the summer.
Of course, you’ll be able to blast the A/C while the engine is on, but you can’t keep it on all night. More luxurious motorhomes have air conditioning in the main cab as well as the driver’s cab, but it’s not standard, and you’ll usually need to be plugged in at a holiday park.
If you’re worried about overheating, a camp car is probably not the way to go. There’s less space, which means there’s less airflow and more body heat! A campervan should be a bit better, and you’ll have more space for a portable fan. A motorhome is probably your best bet, though, as they’re much more spacious and you can get one with air-con.
Do you want a toilet or shower?
Most campervans don’t have fixed toilets, let alone showers. Some have portable chemical toilets, which can be stored in cupboards or under beds, but we never use these if we can help it. However, you need a portable toilet for your vehicle to be considered “self-contained”, so they do have their advantages!
If you want a fixed bathroom, you’re going to have to look at the more luxurious end of the campervan spectrum. And if you want a fixed shower, you’ll definitely need to rent a motorhome.
Do bear in mind that getting a motorhome with a bathroom means that you’ll have to deal with a few extra responsibilities, like filling the tank and disposing of waste and gray water. However, it’s a real life-saver if you’re going to be freedom camping rather than using holiday parks for days at a time!
What size of campervan are you comfortable driving?
It’s important to choose a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving. If you’re not a confident driver, then getting a huge motorhome isn’t a great idea, as these are heavy and more difficult to maneuver. Camp cars and campervans are a lot easier to drive, especially if you’re going to be exploring areas with lots of winding coastal roads or hills.
Do you need a self-contained certified vehicle?
A self-contained certified vehicle is a vehicle that’s able to manage all waste, including trash, water, and toilet waste. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a separate, fixed bathroom – sometimes, a portable toilet is all that’s needed to get a vehicle certified.
Self-contained certified vehicles have to display a sticker and adhere to certain guidelines. Companies will indicate on the vehicle listing page whether or not it’s self-contained, but if in doubt, ask!
Unlike in New Zealand, you don’t have to have a self-contained certified vehicle to freedom camp in Australia. However, some campsites, particularly budget campsites or sites in more remote areas, do require this. So having a self-contained certified camper gives you a lot more choice and can make life much easier. But if you plan on staying at holiday parks in popular areas, then I wouldn’t worry about getting a self-contained certified vehicle.
If you plan on spending most of your nights at holiday parks in popular areas with lots of facilities, I wouldn’t worry about getting a self-contained certified vehicle.
The Best Campervan/Motorhome Rental Companies in Australia
Star RV
Star RV is one of the biggest motorhome rental companies out there – and the most budget-friendly. We’ve had good experiences renting with them, and their van-style motorhomes are way easier to drive than a typical motorhome! So if you want a motorhome but are nervous about the actual driving, this is a great choice.
Other pros of renting with Star RV include:
- Lots of pickup and drop-off locations
- Plenty of choice
- Competitive prices
- Great service
- Pet-friendly
- We get discounts! Use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to score 5% off
Star RV is a big, trustworthy brand and we will definitely use them again. They’ve got 3 different types of motorhomes available, which also helps to simplify the selection process!
You can search Star RV’s selection of motorhomes here!
JUCY
Ever seen pictures of those bright green and purple campervans all over Australia and New Zealand?
Yup, that’s JUCY!
We’ve used this company so many times and they’re our top choice for campervan rental, although they do have affordable motorhomes, too. We like them because:
- They have a huge inventory, so you don’t need to book as far in advance
- Pickup and drop-off locations all over Australia
- Cheaper than other companies, and they don’t sneak in hidden fees!
- Lots of different rental choices, so it’s easy to find a vehicle that suits you
- They offer lots of deals and promotions, including our exclusive discount with the code DTRAVEL25!
- Excellent customer service
- All of their vehicles are automatic and super easy to drive
JUCY is a great choice if you want a camp car, campervan, or smaller motorhome. We have really enjoyed road-tripping in their vehicles! Don’t forget to use our code to secure your discount.
You can browse their range of campervans and use the promo code here!
Wicked Campers
Wicked Campers is an international brand. They’re known for their brightly painted campervans, and you can even rent a mystery machine. This brand is geared towards backpackers on a budget.
They may seem cheaper than JUCY at first, but JUCY is more up-front about all of the extra costs, whereas Wicked Campers doesn’t display other compulsory fees until checkout. They end up being very similarly priced, and personally, I don’t find that their vans are as nice as Jucy’s. However, they’re popular because:
- Their brightly colored vans do look pretty cool – they’ve even got a Scooby Doo-style mystery machine
- Low prices
- Big, global brand
- Regular flash sales
- They offer discounts in exchange for posting photos of their vans on social media
Check all of the options for Wicked Campers here!
Cheapa Campa
As I’m sure you can guess from the name, Cheapa Campa is a budget-friendly rental company, aimed at families. They have depots in most major cities, and their vehicles all have air-con, which is perfect if you’re traveling during summer worried about getting too hot at night.
Pros of this company include:
- They waive the one-way travel fee if your trip lasts for more than 10 days
- A range of campervans and motorhomes
- They have 4WD campervans, perfect for off-road camping adventures
- Comes with a handy app full of how-to videos, travel tips, and support
Browse Chepa Campa’s inventory and book your campervan here.
Apollo Campervans
Apollo is a big global company that operates all over the world, including in New Zealand, the US, and Europe, as well as here in Australia. They offer basic but affordable campervans and motorhomes – don’t expect a palace on wheels.
Personally, I do prefer to rent with JUCY or Star RV, as I’ve had better experiences with them and their vehicles are nicer. However, Apollo does appeal to travelers because:
- They offer lots of specials and discounts
- Many types of campervans and motorhomes are available
- Large fleet, so you can book close to the date of travel
Check availability and book with Apollo here.
How far in advance do I need to book a campervan?
I would recommend booking 3-6 months in advance if you’re going to be traveling during the busy season, which is from December to February. For mid-December and January, I’d definitely err on the side of 6 months, because this is a really popular time to take a road trip around Australia.
You’ll usually get a better price and benefit from more choices by booking in advance. However, in the quieter seasons, you can get away with booking a little closer to the date of travel if you go with companies like Star RV or Jucy. But I would still recommend securing your vehicle a couple of weeks in advance – after all, it’s going to be your home!
Related Read: Once you get your campervan, it’s time to hit the road! Check out our 1-day Great Ocean Road itinerary here – this is the prettiest drive in the entire country!
What does it cost to hire a campervan in Australia?
If you’re looking at a camp car, you can rent one for as little as $50 AUD per day during the low season, or $80 USD during peak season. However, we would also strongly recommend getting good insurance coverage, which you can arrange through rental companies like JUCY at the click of a button. This costs an extra $30 to $45 AUD per day, but it’s definitely worth it.
Meanwhile, you’re looking at between $105 and $210 AUD for a campervan during low season, or $130 to $270 AUD during peak season. This price will vary according to how large the van is, how many people it sleeps, and whether or not it’s self-contained. And for insurance, expect to pay $40 to $60 AUD per day for full coverage.
Of course, motorhomes are the most expensive as they’re the biggest and most luxurious options! It’s possible to score a bargain during the winter at around $200 to $400 AUD per day, but during the summer prices start at $310 AUD and can go upwards of $500 AUD! Insurance will be around $50 AUD per day.
What time of year is best for renting a campervan in Australia?
I would recommend avoiding the peak season if you can!
December and January are incredibly busy, as this is when schools are on holiday and everyone’s traveling! Rental prices are more expensive, attractions are busier, and you’ll need to book way in advance. February can also be incredibly hot, so I would avoid this month, too.
Personally, I love to do road trips in October and November, or March and April. These months are really the sweet spot, as they allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best weather. It’s nice and warm, but it doesn’t get unbearably hot.
What kind of driver’s license is required to rent a campervan in Australia?
To rent a campervan or motorhome in Australia, you will need a full driver’s license in English, and you also have to be at least 18 years old. If your license isn’t in English, then you will need to arrange an international driving permit. You will need to show this when you pick up the vehicle.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Finding a great campervan is essential to making your Australia road trip memorable! There’s always a balance between comfort and budget, and luckily there are a lot of options to suit all travelers. Once you figure out your budget and needs for a campervan, you can book using any of the companies we recommended on this blog, and I know you’ll have a great trip!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other Australian blogs. As an Aussie native myself, I have a few resources to help you plan just exactly where you’ll be taking that campervan! Here are a few articles to get you started:
How to Spend 5 Days in Perth, Australia
How to Get from Darwin to Litchfield National Park: A 1-Day Itinerary