Here's how to book your first campervan or motorhome road trip

There’s no better way to explore Australia than to hire a campervan or motorhome and take off on a grand self-drive adventure. Here are all your questions answered.

1. Do I want a campervan or motorhome?

2. Are there many motorhomes and campervans available to rent?

3. Is there a way to compare all the campervan and motorhome rental brands?

4. What should I budget for a campervan or motorhome rental?

5. What licence do I need to rent a a motorhome or campervan?

6. Is space an issue in a campervan or motorhome?

7. Where can I legally park a campervan or motorhome overnight?

8. Can I take my dog?

More tips and tricks…

Do I want to rent a campervan or motorhome?

Only you know what type of holiday you’ll enjoy, but don’t be blinkered by preconceived notions. Modern campervans are well organised and equipped, comfortable, convenient and easy to drive; most have automatic transmission. You have the pleasure of transport and accommodation in one package, the ability to save money by cooking, and the freedom of a self-driving road trip. Choose a motorhome for extra luxury, a campervan to suit your family size, or a 4WD campervan for adventurous travels in remote areas.

A motorhome can take you to remote parts of Australia like the drive between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

Are there many motorhomes and campervans available to rent?

Yes. In Australia, we’re lucky to have a wide range of choices from trusted brands such as Maui, Mighty and Britz, so you won’t have a problem finding something to suit your budget or particular travel style. You can also choose from two-, three-, four- and six-berth campervans and motorhomes, as well as 4WD models.

In Australia, we’re lucky to have a wide range of choices from trusted brands. (Image: Cate Gilchrist)

Is there a way to compare all campervan and motorhome brands?

Having so many options can be daunting, but you can compare with ease on the Drive Now website. It has access to all the leading rental providers, gives impartial and unbiased comparisons, and has a lowest price guarantee. You can also contact the reservation team to have all your questions answered. Once you’re ready to book, just enter your dates, choice of model and pickup point: it couldn’t be simpler.

Drive Now has access to all the leading rental providers, gives impartial and unbiased comparisons, and has a lowest price guarantee.

What should I budget for campervan or motorhome rental?

The cost of hire depends on the season, location, number of days and the size and model you’ve chosen. As an example, you can hire a basic camper for two from Sydney for a week in July for just $47 a day, a four-berth with toilet and shower from $135 a day, and a six-berth motorhome from $172 a day. Meanwhile in Cairns, a mid-range campervan for four costs around $209 a day in July, dropping to $173 in January and $149 in November.

Relocations are a great budget option if you’re flexible with time and can travel at short notice. Relocations start from $5 a day and companies sometimes supply fuel, but conditions apply.

Motorhome or campervan, both are your transport and accommodation in one easy package.

What licence do I need to drive a campervan or motorhome?

All you need is your standard, full Australian driving licence for a car. It must be current and valid for at least 12 months. You can also use an international licence, or an overseas licence providing it’s in English. The minimum age limit is generally 21, although some companies will rent certain vehicles to those over 18.

The cost of hire depends on the season, location, number of days and the size and model you’ve chosen. (Image: Filip Kulise)

Is space an issue in a campervan or motorhome?

If you haven’t been in a campervan or motorhome in recent times you’ll be surprised at their transformation. At the top end, expect a motorhome to have a full kitchen, generous living area, proper bathroom and large double beds. A six-berth motorhome isn’t a four-berth in disguise; it has three proper double beds.

Campervans are smaller but many have a complete kitchen and bathroom, and while 4WD campervans have more limited space, it’s common for them to feature external tent extensions.

A motorhome on the beach, you can’t get the family any closer to the beach.

Where can I legally park a campervan or motorhome overnight?

Australia has an abundance of holiday parks and other private campsites where you can stay overnight. You’ll benefit from access to power, wastewater disposal, laundry and recreational facilities, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travellers. A more basic, cheaper alternative is camping in national parks.

You can’t overnight anywhere you want, but there are thousands of free overnight areas in Australia, so check various apps or online. Some town councils, especially in outback areas, provide free overnight parking zones.

Australia has an abundance of holiday parks and other private campsites where you can stay overnight.

Can I take my dog?

Not all suppliers will allow pets to travel in their vehicles, but Mighty and Britz welcome them onboard. You just need to let them know at the time of your booking and pay an extra cleaning fee. You will need to consider where you are going with your furry friend, check your intended campgrounds will also welcome them.

If you’re bringing a pet, make sure to send a notification in advance and have it approved.

Tips & Tricks

How to save:

Rental rates are highest over Christmas, Easter, school holidays and peak tourism seasons in destinations such as Queensland. Travel outside those times for considerable savings. Whenever you go, booking early is the key to getting the right vehicle at the best price.

Booking early is the key to getting the right vehicle at the best price. (Image: Cate Gilchrist)

How to pack:

Motorhomes have lots of storage space and some rental branches will hold onto your empty suitcases so you can unpack right away. Otherwise, use soft bags that are more easily stored than suitcases. One particularly useful item to take is a power board to charge multiple appliances.

You’d be surprised at the amount of storage space. (Image: Mark Clinton)

Get cooking:

Expect your motorhome to come equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery, pots and pans, kettle, teapot, plates, bowls, cups and glasses. Easy-to-make meals that don’t require complicated preparation or lots of ingredients are best, and avoid pungent foods, as the smell will linger.

You’ll be surprised at how much motorhomes and campervans have transformed in recent years.

Be shipshape:

Do a quick check around before you set off to ensure storage doors are closed and surface areas are free of clutter, otherwise everything will end up on the floor at the first bend. Don’t forget to properly secure food inside the fridge to avoid spills.

To compare all the leading campervan and motorhome providers in one easy place, and for recommended itineraries and much more, visit Drive Now.