Australia / Melbourne

Rent a Campervan in Melbourne Great Ocean Road Awaits

Melbourne is Australia's second-biggest rental market and the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. All major fleet companies operate here. Relocation deals heading north (Melbourne to Cairns) make this one of the cheapest places to start a long-haul Australian road trip.

Melbourne Rental Pricing

Platform Pricing (AUD) Notes
Apollo$95-$270/nightAirport area depot, widest selection
Britz$120-$330/nightPremium fleet, newer vehicles
Jucy$80-$135/nightBudget vans, good for short trips
Maui$190-$330/nightTop-tier motorhomes
Camplify$80-$260/nightPrivate owners, unique rigs
Spaceship$70-$115/nightCheapest fleet option
Great Ocean Road coastline near Melbourne Australia
Unsplash

Best Road Trips From Melbourne

Great Ocean Road

243 km from Torquay to Allansford. 2-4 days. Start in Torquay (surfing capital) and drive through Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The road is narrow and winding in sections — vehicles over 7.5 meters face restrictions. Torquay Foreshore and Kennett River holiday parks are top camping spots. The Apostles at sunset is unmissable. Continue to the Grampians for a 5-7 day combo trip.

Grampians National Park

260 km west. 2-4 days. Halls Gap is the base town. The Pinnacle hike has the best views in Victoria. MacKenzie Falls is a powerful year-round waterfall. Aboriginal rock art at Bunjil's Shelter. Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park has powered sites. Free camping at Borough Huts campground in the park. Spring wildflowers (September-October) are spectacular.

Wilsons Promontory

220 km southeast. 2-3 days. The southernmost point of mainland Australia. Tidal River campground is the only option inside the park — book months ahead for summer. Squeaky Beach, Whisky Bay and the Prom lighthouse walk are highlights. Limited to smaller vehicles on some internal roads. Autumn (March-May) is quieter with mild weather.

Phillip Island

140 km south. Day trip or 1-2 nights. The penguin parade at sunset is the main draw — little penguins waddle up the beach every evening. Churchill Island Heritage Farm, koala boardwalk and the Nobbies coastal walk. Phillip Island Caravan Park is right near the parade. Works as a warm-up trip before a bigger route.

Eucalyptus forest trail in Victoria Australia
Unsplash

Melbourne-Specific Tips

  • Relocation deals are the hack. Companies need vans moved from Melbourne to Cairns or Brisbane after winter. Check imoova.com and transfercar.com.au for $1-$5/day deals. You get 3-5 days for the drive and free (or nearly free) van hire. Catch: fixed route and tight timeline.
  • Melbourne weather is unpredictable. "Four seasons in one day" is a real thing. Pack layers even in summer. The Great Ocean Road is exposed and windy. Rain gear year-round.
  • Hook turns in the CBD. Melbourne has a unique right-turn-from-the-left-lane rule called a "hook turn." Sounds confusing because it is. Stick to the ring road when leaving the city in a campervan — don't drive through the CBD.
  • CityLink tolls. The CityLink and EastLink toll roads connect to the depots near the airport. Make sure your rental has an e-tag or you'll cop fines. Budget $5-$15 in tolls leaving Melbourne.