Campervan Operators in Australia
Event Campers works with a carefully selected group of trusted operators, covering everything from budget-friendly vans to premium self-contained motorhomes and rugged 4WD campers.
Apollo is one of Australia’s most established campervan hire companies, with a fleet covering campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers. The range includes the compact HiTop and Euro Mini for couples, the Euro Tourer and Euro Plus for small groups, and the Euro Quest, Euro Camper and Euro Deluxe motorhomes for a fully self-contained setup. Apollo has depots in all major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Alice Springs, and is supported by the thl Roadtrip app for on-road assistance.
Britz is a well-known name in Australian campervan hire, particularly popular with travellers wanting a reliable, well-equipped vehicle for longer road trips. Its 2WD range includes the HiTop for couples, the Voyager for families of up to four, and the Trailblazer for couples wanting an onboard ensuite, alongside a solid 4WD range built for Australian conditions. Britz has 10 locations across the country including Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and, like Apollo and Maui, is part of the THL group backed by 24/7 roadside support.
Maui is the premium end of the THL Australia fleet, offering high-specification motorhomes with a strong focus on comfort and finish. Because Apollo, Britz and Maui share the THL group, their depots often overlap or sit close together in the same city, so switching between brands at pickup, for example if your preferred size isn’t available, is common practice.
Spaceships offers a distinctive range of compact campervans popular with couples and younger travellers who want something more stylish and space-efficient than a traditional motorhome, self-contained with sleeping, cooking and storage built into the van body, and easy to drive and park in both urban and rural settings.
Travellers Autobarn is a long-standing favourite with backpackers and budget travellers, offering solid value for money and well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices, a practical choice for extended East Coast or cross-country trips on a budget.
Cruisin Motorhomes offers a well-maintained fleet covering two to six-berth options from multiple Australian cities, a solid mid-range choice for families and couples wanting a reliable, comfortable vehicle.
JUCY is one of the most recognisable campervan brands in Australia and New Zealand, known for its distinctive green-and-purple vehicles. The Australian fleet includes the two-berth Coaster, the four-berth Crib Plus and Condo, and the premium Star RV range including the Polaris 2, 4 and 6-berth motorhomes, with unlimited kilometres and flexible cancellation as standard.
Adventure Rentals specialises in 4WD campers and off-road capable vehicles for travellers exploring remote Australia, worth comparing if your itinerary includes the Kimberley, Cape York or the Gibb River Road.
Auto Sleepers offers late-model campervans and motorhomes from all major Australian cities, with vehicles carrying no large operator branding for travellers who prefer a more discreet, private feel on the road, and a reputation as a family-owned Australian company with a personal touch.
Camperman offers budget-friendly campervans and motorhomes suited to backpackers, solo travellers or couples looking for the most affordable entry point into Australian campervan hire, compact, easy to drive and set up for self-sufficient travel.
Star RV is the premium motorhome brand under the JUCY umbrella, with the Polaris range in two, four and six-berth configurations, offering full kitchen and bathroom facilities, quality bedding and modern amenities.
Go Cheap sits at the budget end of the market with no-frills, basic but functional campervans, a viable option for longer trips on a tight budget.
Lucky Rentals offers a casual, traveller-focused range popular with younger travellers and backpackers, covering basic to mid-range options for couples and small groups.
Red Sands Campers covers the main vehicle types suited to self-contained travel across the country, available from key Australian cities.
Vehicle Types Explained
Budget campervans (2-berth) are compact vans with a fold-out or fixed bed, basic cooking facilities and storage, the easiest to drive, most fuel-efficient and most affordable option, ideal for couples or solo travellers doing flexible road trips. Operators in this category include Spaceships, Travellers Autobarn, JUCY, Go Cheap, Lucky Rentals and Camperman.
HiTop campervans (2 to 4-berth) are full-size vans with a raised roof creating a permanent standing area, typically sleeping two adults in a fixed bed over the cab or at the rear, with a basic kitchen setup, fridge and storage, the most popular campervan type for couples in Australia.
Motorhomes (4 to 6-berth) are larger, fully self-contained vehicles with a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area, the best option for families, larger groups or travellers wanting a higher level of comfort. They’re slightly more challenging to drive than a campervan but are fully automatic and manageable on a standard car licence. Apollo, Britz, Maui, Star RV and Cruisin Motorhomes all offer well-specced motorhomes across the country.
4WD campervans are essential for tackling remote or unsealed roads. The Kimberley, Cape York Peninsula, the Gibb River Road, outback South Australia and much of the Northern Territory require a 4WD to access safely. Apollo, Britz and Adventure Rentals offer 4WD campers built for Australian off-road conditions.
Campervan Hire Prices in Australia (AUD)
Prices vary by season, vehicle type and operator.
| Vehicle type | Off-peak (Apr-Sep) | Peak (Dec-Jan, Easter) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget campervan / compact HiTop | AUD 50-80/day | AUD 120-200/day |
| Mid-range campervan / small motorhome | AUD 80-150/day | AUD 150-260/day |
| Premium motorhome (Maui, Star RV) | AUD 150-300/day | AUD 250-400/day |
| 4WD campervan | AUD 120-250/day | AUD 180-320/day |
These are indicative ranges. Use the search widget on this page for live pricing across operators for your specific dates. Most Australian operators include unlimited kilometres as standard, a significant advantage over many international markets, so confirm this is included when comparing quotes. Budget for campsite fees on top of the daily rate (typically AUD 30 to 55 a night at powered holiday park sites, free to AUD 15 at national park campgrounds), fuel, and any convenience packs or insurance upgrades not bundled into the base rate.
Best Australian Road Trips by Campervan
| Route | Distance | Recommended duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Cairns (East Coast) | About 2,800 km | 3-5 weeks | Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Whitsundays |
| Melbourne to Adelaide (Great Ocean Road) | About 900 km | 10-14 days | Twelve Apostles, Grampians; strong shoulder season route |
| Darwin to Adelaide (Red Centre) | Full transcontinental route | 3-4 weeks | Litchfield, Uluru, Kings Canyon; 4WD recommended for some sections |
| Perth to Broome (Coral Coast to the Kimberley) | Long-distance WA route | 4-6 weeks | Ningaloo Reef, Kimberley; 4WD needed for the Gibb River Road |
| Tasmania (Hobart loop) | Compact island circuit | 2 weeks to a month | Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires; Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne |
| Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges | Manageable outback loop | 10-14 days | Wilpena Pound, Arkaroola, Lake Eyre |
East Coast Australia: Sydney to Cairns. The most popular campervan route in the country, running the Pacific and Bruce Highways through the Hunter Valley wine region, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, the Whitsundays and Townsville, before reaching Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Ocean Road and Victoria: Melbourne to Adelaide. One of Australia’s most scenic drives, running from Torquay to Warrnambool past the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, then inland through Grampians National Park to Adelaide, at its best in spring and autumn.
Red Centre and Northern Territory: Darwin to Adelaide. Starting from Darwin, the route passes through Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), then Tennant Creek and Devils Marbles before reaching Alice Springs, from where the Red Centre offers Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, continuing south through Coober Pedy to Adelaide.
Western Australia: Perth to Broome via the Coral Coast. From Perth, head north through the Pinnacles Desert, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Carnarvon and Ningaloo Reef before reaching Exmouth and continuing through the Pilbara into the Kimberley, where a 4WD camper is necessary for the Gibb River Road.
Tasmania: Hobart loop. Compact enough to circuit in two weeks but rewarding enough for a month, taking in Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires and Port Arthur, reached via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport.
South Australia: Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges and outback. From Adelaide, head north through the Clare Valley and Barossa Valley wine regions into the Flinders Ranges, where Wilpena Pound, Arkaroola and Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) are the outback highlights, a ten to fourteen-day trip from Adelaide.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Campervan in Australia?
Australia’s climate varies significantly by region, so timing matters. Summer (December to February) suits Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania, but should be avoided in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland during the wet season, when flooding can close roads and some national parks.
Autumn (March to May) is excellent across most of the country, with warm weather, lower prices and fewer crowds at campgrounds, one of the best windows for the East Coast and Western Australia.
Winter (June to August) is peak season for the Northern Territory, the Kimberley and northern Queensland, when conditions are dry, temperatures comfortable and the national parks at their best, so book well ahead for Darwin, Broome and Cairns.
Spring (September to November) brings wildflowers to Western Australia, comfortable temperatures across most of the country, and a gradual increase in demand heading toward the summer peak, a strong window for a South Australian or Western Australian trip.
For all travel, book well ahead of peak school holiday periods (December-January, Easter and July school holidays), when operators can sell out months in advance and prices rise significantly.
Campgrounds and Overnight Parking in Australia
Holiday parks are the most popular overnight option, offering powered sites, bathroom facilities, camp kitchens, Wi-Fi and laundry at most locations. BIG4 Holiday Parks and G’day Parks (formerly Top Tourist Parks) are two of the largest networks, covering most of the country with consistent facilities and member discounts.
National park campgrounds offer a more immersive experience, often in spectacular locations inside or adjacent to the park. Facilities vary from basic (pit toilet and fireplace) to well-equipped (flushing toilets, cold showers, powered sites). Book through the relevant state parks system well ahead for popular locations during peak season, for example Parks Victoria, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, NT Parks, SA National Parks or WA’s Explore Parks.
Free camping is legal in many parts of Australia on crown land, roadsides, rest areas and designated free camping sites. WikiCamps Australia and CamperMate list thousands of free camping locations with user reviews, facilities information and GPS coordinates.
Overnight parking in city areas is generally not permitted, so plan to be in a campground or holiday park each night rather than relying on street parking.
Driving a Campervan in Australia
A standard driver’s licence from your home country is sufficient. If your licence isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your original licence, and no special licence is required to drive a standard campervan or motorhome on a passenger licence. Most operators require drivers to be at least 21, with some setting the minimum at 25 for certain vehicle classes and applying additional fees for drivers under 25, so confirm this at the time of booking.
Australia drives on the left. Speed limits are typically 110 km/h on freeways, 100 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas unless signed otherwise, seatbelts are compulsory, mobile phone use while driving is prohibited, and random breath testing is conducted nationwide, with a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 percent for full licence holders.
Outback roads vary significantly in condition, and many remote-area roads are unsealed and require a 4WD. Check road conditions before any outback route, particularly after rain, through your state motoring body, NRMA in NSW, RACQ in Queensland, RAC in WA, RACV in Victoria, or RAA in South Australia.
Fuel is sold in litres and is generally more expensive in remote and outback areas, so fill up whenever you can and carry spare fuel on extended outback routes. Wildlife on Australian roads is a real hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos, wombats and other animals are most active, so avoid driving between dusk and dawn where possible in rural and outback areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in Australia?
No. A standard car licence from your home country is sufficient, with an International Driving Permit required if your licence isn’t in English.
What is the minimum age for campervan hire in Australia?
Most operators require drivers to be at least 21, with some setting the minimum at 25 for certain vehicle types. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
Are unlimited kilometres included in Australian campervan hire?
Most operators include unlimited kilometres as standard. Confirm this at the time of booking, since inclusions vary.
Can I do a one-way campervan hire in Australia?
Yes. Most operators offer one-way hire between their depot cities, with fees that vary by route and season. Popular one-way routes include Sydney to Cairns, Melbourne to Adelaide, and Darwin to Alice Springs.
What is the best campervan for a family in Australia?
Can I take a campervan on a 4WD track in Australia?
Standard 2WD campervans aren’t suitable for unsealed or remote tracks. If your itinerary includes the Kimberley, Cape York or similar areas, book a 4WD camper from Apollo, Britz or Adventure Rentals.
Is free camping legal in Australia?
Yes, in many areas. Crown land, designated rest areas and specific free camping sites permit overnight stays. Use WikiCamps Australia or CamperMate to find legal free camping near your route.
When should I book my campervan hire in Australia?
Book as early as possible, particularly for summer (December-January), Easter, and winter in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Peak periods can sell out months in advance, with prices rising closer to travel dates.
Can I take my pet in a campervan in Australia?
Some operators allow pets, but this varies, so check with your chosen operator at booking. Many holiday parks and campgrounds are pet-friendly, but national park campgrounds generally don’t permit dogs on trails.
What is included in Australian campervan hire?
Standard inclusions vary by operator but typically cover unlimited kilometres, basic kitchen equipment (plates, cutlery, pots), a fridge, and bedding and linen on mid-range and premium vehicles. Budget vehicles may charge for bedding and linen packs, so confirm inclusions with your operator before booking.
Book Your Australian Campervan Hire
Whether you’re planning a two-week East Coast adventure, a month-long western loop, a Kimberley 4WD expedition, or a Tasmanian wilderness circuit, Event Campers compares Apollo, Britz, Maui, Spaceships, Travellers Autobarn, Cruisin Motorhomes, JUCY, Adventure Rentals, Auto Sleepers, Camperman, Star RV, Go Cheap, Lucky Rentals and Red Sands Campers.
Use the search widget above to check live availability and pricing for your travel dates. Planning a specific city or region first? See our guides to Campervan Hire Perth, or browse the full Australia destinations hub and our New Zealand, Canada and USA guides for the rest of the world.