Australia
Campervan Rental Australia Coastlines, Outback and Red Centre
Australia is built for campervan travel. Massive distances between cities, stunning coastline, free bush camping and a deeply ingrained road trip culture. Six major rental platforms compete here with everything from budget backpacker vans to luxury motorhomes.
Australian Camper Rental Platforms
Australia has more rental options than most countries. Fleet companies dominate, but peer-to-peer is growing fast.
| Platform | Type | Price Range (AUD) | Best For | Depots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo | Fleet | $100-$300/night | Largest fleet, widest range | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart |
| Britz | Fleet | $120-$350/night | Premium vehicles, strong service | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart |
| Jucy | Fleet | $80-$150/night | Budget backpackers, young travelers | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns |
| Maui | Fleet | $180-$400/night | Luxury motorhomes, families | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart |
| Camplify | Peer-to-peer | $80-$300/night | Unique vehicles, local owners | All major cities + regional areas |
| Spaceship | Fleet | $70-$130/night | Budget, relocation deals | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns |
All prices in AUD. 1 AUD ≈ 0.65 USD / 0.60 EUR. Peak season rates (Dec-Feb) are 30-50% higher.
Rent by City
Each city guide covers local platform availability, pricing and the best road trip routes from that starting point.
Top Australian Road Trips
Great Ocean Road
Melbourne to Warrnambool. 243 km of dramatic coastline. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the rainforest walks at Otway National Park. 2-4 days at a relaxed pace. One of the most photographed roads in the world. Tight turns in places — keep your vehicle under 7 meters for comfort.
Sydney to Brisbane Coast
900 km along the Pacific Highway and coast road. Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and the Hunter Valley. 5-7 days with stops. Free camping spots along the coast at designated rest areas. Best from March to May (autumn) for warm weather without the summer crowds.
Cairns to Cape Tribulation
Where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. 140 km north of Cairns. 2-3 days. Cable ferry crossing to reach Cape Tribulation. Crocodile warning signs are real. Some roads require 4WD in wet season (Nov-Apr). Dry season (May-Oct) is ideal. Noah Beach campground is right on the coral sea.
Adelaide to Uluru via Stuart Highway
1,500 km through the Red Centre. Coober Pedy underground town, outback roadhouses, Alice Springs and finally Uluru. Minimum 5-7 days. Fuel stops can be 200+ km apart — carry extra water and fuel. Road trains (trucks up to 53 meters long) share the road. Pull over and let them pass. April-September for comfortable temperatures.
Western Australia: Perth to Broome
2,200 km of remote coastline. Pinnacles Desert, Monkey Mia dolphins, Ningaloo Reef (better snorkeling than the Great Barrier Reef), Karijini National Park and Cable Beach. 2-3 weeks minimum. The most epic Australian road trip but requires serious planning. Fuel, water and distances are the real challenge.
Australia Rental Tips
Driving in Australia
- → Left-hand traffic. Drive on the left, overtake on the right. Takes 1-2 days to get comfortable. Roundabouts go clockwise. Practice in quiet streets first before hitting the highway.
- → Distances are massive. Sydney to Melbourne is 880 km (9 hours). Perth to Broome is 2,200 km. Budget far more driving time than you think. Rest every 2 hours — Australian drowsy driving campaigns exist for a reason.
- → Wildlife on the road. Kangaroos, wombats and emus are serious collision risks. Don't drive in the outback after dusk — that's when roos are most active. Rental insurance often excludes animal strike damage between dusk and dawn.
- → Speed cameras everywhere. Australia uses fixed, mobile and average-speed cameras extensively. Fines are heavy — $250-$900 AUD for moderate speeding. Stick to posted limits.
Camping Options
- → Free bush camping. Legal in many areas outside national parks. WikiCamps Australia app ($8 AUD) shows thousands of free camping spots. Some have toilets and fire pits — most don't. Leave no trace.
- → Holiday parks. Australia's version of private campgrounds. Full facilities — powered sites, hot showers, camp kitchens, BBQs. $30-$60 AUD/night for powered sites. Big4 and Discovery Parks are the major chains.
- → National park camping. Fees vary by state. NSW: $6-$38/person/night. Victoria: $18-$38/site/night. Queensland: $6.75/person/night. Book through each state's parks service website.
Budget Tips
- → Relocation deals. Companies need vehicles moved between cities. One-way rentals from Melbourne to Cairns or Sydney to Perth can cost $1-$5/day. Check imoova.com, transfercar.com.au and vroomvroomvroom.com.au for deals. You get 3-5 days to cover the distance.
- → Book in autumn/winter. March-August (outside school holidays) has the cheapest rates. June-July is peak for tropical North Queensland where it's dry and pleasant. Summer (Dec-Feb) is expensive everywhere.
- → Self-contained vehicles save on camping. Vans with toilet and shower can use free camping spots where non-self-contained vehicles are banned. The upfront cost is higher but you save $30-$60/night on holiday park fees.
Australia Campervan FAQ
How much does a campervan cost in Australia?
$80-$350 AUD/night depending on vehicle type. Budget vans from $80. Premium motorhomes from $200. A 2-week trip in a mid-range van costs $2,500-$4,000 AUD all-in including fuel and camping fees.
Which company is best?
Apollo for widest selection. Britz for quality. Jucy or Spaceship for budget. Camplify for peer-to-peer. Check relocation deals on imoova for the cheapest option.
Do I need a special license?
Standard car license works for most campervans. You need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English. Must be 21+ (18+ on some budget platforms).
Australia drives on the left?
Yes. Left-hand traffic with right-hand drive vehicles. Takes 1-2 days to adjust. Rental companies provide a brief orientation. Practice in quiet streets before highway driving.
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