Best Operators for Gold Coast Campervan Hire
Apollo
Apollo is one of Australia’s largest campervan rental brands and a strong choice for Gold Coast trips. Their Queensland fleet covers 2 to 6 berth vehicles, with both standard campervans and larger motorhomes available. Apollo’s Brisbane depot is well-staffed and has good one-way links to Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Worth considering for families or groups who want a newer fleet with solid 24/7 roadside support.
Britz
Britz is part of the THL group and positions itself as a mid-range option with genuine 4WD capability alongside its van fleet. If you are planning a detour into the Gold Coast Hinterland, Springbrook National Park, or Lamington National Park, Britz’s 4WD campers are worth a look. Their Brisbane depot at 733 Nudgee Rd, Eagle Farm shares facilities with Maui and Mighty, so pickup is straightforward. Fleet vehicles are typically one to two years old.
Maui
Maui is THL’s premium brand, targeting travellers who want more space and better fit-out than a standard campervan. Their motorhomes tend to be newer and better equipped, and prices reflect that. A good fit for couples or small families who will spend multiple nights in the vehicle and want a comfortable bathroom and kitchen setup.
Camperman
Camperman operates from the Gold Coast itself and markets itself specifically on price, with toll costs, roadside assistance, and insurance included in their daily rate. This makes comparison straightforward as there are fewer add-ons at checkout. Good for budget-conscious travellers who want a Gold Coast-based pickup rather than flying into Brisbane.
Cruisin Motorhomes
Cruisin operates a Fiat Ducato-based fleet and has a Brisbane depot at 47 French St, Eagle Farm, around 8 km from BNE. Their 2 to 6 berth range suits longer east coast trips, and their vehicles are well regarded for kitchen and bathroom fit-out.
Spaceships
Spaceships lean toward the budget and younger traveller market, with compact 2-berth units built from converted MPVs. They are easier to park in Gold Coast’s busy coastal suburbs and cheaper to run on fuel than larger motorhomes. Less kitchen space than a full campervan, but fine for two people doing a surf trip between Byron Bay and Noosa.
Star RV
Star RV is JUCY’s premium motorhome brand. Note that the JUCY Gold Coast branch at McLean Street, Coolangatta closed in October 2025. Star RV vehicles can still be picked up via Brisbane, and their self-contained 2, 4, and 6 berth Polaris motorhomes are worth considering if you want a higher-specification vehicle.
Campervan Hire Prices on the Gold Coast (AUD, 2026)
Prices below are indicative daily rates in AUD for travel in 2026. Actual rates vary by operator, exact travel dates, and how far in advance you book. These figures reflect off-peak to peak ranges.
| Vehicle type | Low season (Jun-Aug) | Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) | Peak (Dec-Jan, school hols) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget 2-berth van | AUD $60-90/day | AUD $90-130/day | AUD $130-180/day |
| Standard hi-top 2-berth | AUD $90-120/day | AUD $110-150/day | AUD $150-220/day |
| Family 4-berth motorhome | AUD $120-160/day | AUD $150-200/day | AUD $200-300/day |
| Premium 6-berth motorhome | AUD $160-220/day | AUD $200-280/day | AUD $260-400/day |
All prices are in AUD. Fuel, park fees, and optional insurance excess reduction are on top of the hire rate unless specifically included (Camperman bundles these in). One-way fees between Brisbane and Gold Coast are typically free or low with major brands; longer one-way routes (Brisbane to Cairns, Gold Coast to Sydney) carry a fee that varies by operator and season.
Road Trip Routes from the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s best campervan bases because it sits almost exactly in the middle of south-east Queensland’s coastal highlights. Short routes in any direction land on interesting terrain.
Route 1: Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Distance: 100 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours direct | Recommended stay: 2-4 nights
This is the most popular short route from the Gold Coast. Head south on the Pacific Motorway (M1) across the NSW border, passing through Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, before dropping into Byron Bay. Detour inland from Tweed Heads to visit Wollumbin (Mount Warning) National Park, where the Lyrebird Track through subtropical rainforest is accessible and rewarding. Note that the Wollumbin summit track remains closed until at least mid-2027 out of respect for the Bundjalung People; the national park and lower trails are open. Ballina, about 30 km north of Byron, makes a good lunch stop and has quiet beaches well off the tourist trail. Byron Bay has several caravan parks, though peak season (Christmas and school holidays) requires booking well in advance.
Route 2: Gold Coast to Brisbane and the Hinterland
Distance: 80-120 km depending on Hinterland detours | Drive time: 1.5-3 hours | Recommended stay: 2-3 nights
Head inland rather than along the coast and you reach a completely different landscape within an hour. Springbrook National Park, about 45 km from Surfers Paradise, has ancient Antarctic beech rainforest, waterfalls, and walking tracks. Lamington National Park, accessible from Canungra, sits on the Scenic Rim and covers some of the best subtropical rainforest in Queensland. The road up to Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat involves steep and narrow sections; check that your hire vehicle is suitable before committing. Brisbane is a 75 km drive north via the M1, with the city well set up for campervan visitors staying at Newmarket Gardens or Brisbane Gateway Resort.
Route 3: Gold Coast to Noosa via Brisbane
Distance: 230 km | Drive time: 3 hours direct | Recommended stay: 5-7 nights
This is the classic Queensland east coast segment. From the Gold Coast, head north through Brisbane, then take the Bruce Highway toward the Sunshine Coast. Stop at the Glass House Mountains (about 70 km north of Brisbane) for dramatic volcanic plugs and easy walks, then continue to Noosa Heads for surf, Noosa National Park, and the Everglades. The full Gold Coast to Noosa drive makes a satisfying 5-7 day loop that most major operators allow as a one-way return into Brisbane.
Route 4: Gold Coast to Cairns (Full East Coast)
Distance: 1,700 km | Drive time: 20 hours direct | Recommended duration: 14-21 days
The full east coast run is Australia’s most popular road trip. From the Gold Coast, head north through Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island (K’gari), Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, Townsville, Mission Beach, and Cairns. Most major operators allow one-way pickup in Brisbane or Gold Coast and return in Cairns (or vice versa). This trip suits a minimum of two weeks, with three weeks allowing comfortable pacing and island detours.
What is Included in a Gold Coast Campervan Hire
Standard inclusions vary by operator but typically cover: fridge/freezer, gas cooktop, bedding and linen, crockery and cutlery, a basic kitchen kit including a saucepan and frying pan, a folding table and chairs, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Some operators (Camperman in particular) include insurance excess and road tolls in their base rate. Others offer these as optional add-ons at pickup.
Items not included as standard across most operators: fuel, national park entry fees, campsite fees, ferry costs, and the optional daily excess reduction (which reduces your liability from typically AUD $3,000-5,000 down to AUD $0-500 depending on the tier you select).
Operators serving Queensland commonly include a Big 4 Holiday Park discount card, which cuts powered site fees across most commercial caravan parks.
When to Go: Seasonal Breakdown
Autumn (April to June): Comfortable 22-28 degrees days, low humidity, and lower prices than the summer peak. The Hinterland waterfalls flow well after summer rains. Humpback whales begin moving north past Burleigh Heads and Cape Byron from June. Good campground availability for most of this period except school holiday weeks in April.
Winter (June to August): The Gold Coast’s winter is mild by any standard: 18-23 degrees during the day, cooler nights around 10-15 degrees. Beaches are quieter, powered sites in the Hinterland and Byron Bay are up to 40% cheaper than summer, and the whale migration is at its peak. This is the best season on the cost-to-experience ratio and particularly suits the Hinterland routes.
Spring (September to November): Warm 22-28 degree days returning, blue skies, and the ocean warming back up for swimming. Prices climb in October and November as Queensland school holidays draw near. The Hinterland is still green and the waterfalls accessible, but book campgrounds earlier than in winter.
Summer (December to March): Hot, humid, and the most expensive time to hire. Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Broadbeach are busy, and campgrounds at popular spots along the Byron Bay corridor need to be booked months in advance for the Christmas and New Year period. Summer also brings short tropical afternoon thunderstorms and occasional cyclone-related weather systems that can affect the M1 and Pacific Highway briefly. If you are travelling over Christmas or the January school holidays, book at least 4-6 months ahead and expect to pay peak rates.
Campgrounds Near the Gold Coast
Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, Palm Beach QLD: Council-run park right on Tallebudgera Creek, one of the Gold Coast’s best swimming spots. Close to Burleigh Heads headland and the whale watching track. Very popular in summer and school holidays, book early.
Currumbin Waters Holiday Park, Currumbin: Riverside park on Currumbin Creek, 10 minutes from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Coolangatta Beach. Well-equipped with large powered sites.
Springbrook National Park campgrounds: National park camping in the Hinterland requires booking via the Queensland National Parks system. Green Mountains (O’Reilly’s area) has powered and unpowered sites; Lamington Blue Pool is also a popular base.
Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta (coastal strip): Several commercial parks operate between Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta along the coastal strip. These fill quickly in peak season; checking availability and booking directly is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
Where do campervans pick up on the Gold Coast?
Most major brands including Apollo, Britz, and Maui operate from Brisbane Airport, around 95 km north of the Gold Coast via the M1. Camperman has a Gold Coast-based depot closer to OOL Airport. The JUCY Gold Coast branch at McLean Street, Coolangatta closed in October 2025 and their nearest Queensland pickup is now Brisbane.
Can I fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and pick up a campervan?
Yes. Some operators including Camperman operate near OOL directly. Others operate from Brisbane (BNE), which is approximately one hour north on the M1. Many travellers fly into BNE, pick up a campervan, and drive south to the Gold Coast as their first stop, then return the vehicle in Brisbane at the end of the trip.
How much does campervan hire cost on the Gold Coast?
In 2026, expect to pay roughly AUD $60-90 per day for a budget 2-berth in low season, rising to AUD $130-180 per day in peak summer. Family-sized 4-berth motorhomes run AUD $120-160 per day off-peak and AUD $200-300 per day at Christmas. All prices in AUD; fuel and campsite fees are additional.
What is the cheapest time to hire a campervan on the Gold Coast?
Winter (June to August) is the cheapest season, with prices at commercial caravan parks also down 30-40% compared to summer. You get dry, sunny 18-23 degree days, quiet beaches, and peak humpback whale season as a bonus.
Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan in Australia?
A standard Australian car licence (or a valid overseas licence with an English-language translation or International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English) covers all campervan and motorhome classes that most hire companies rent. No special endorsement is needed for vehicles under 4.5 tonnes.
What is the minimum hire age for a campervan on the Gold Coast?
Most operators require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some brands have a minimum age of 18 but charge a young driver fee. Check the specific operator’s age policy when booking.
How far in advance should I book a Gold Coast campervan?
For travel in April, May, June, or September (shoulder seasons), 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient. For Christmas, New Year, January school holidays, or the October Queensland school holiday block, book 3-6 months ahead.
Can I do a one-way hire from the Gold Coast?
Yes. One-way hire between Gold Coast and Brisbane is very common and typically low-cost or free. Longer one-ways (Gold Coast to Cairns, Gold Coast to Sydney) are available with major operators but attract a one-way fee. Confirm the fee at the time of booking.
Is there a Britz depot on the Gold Coast?
Britz operates from Brisbane, not the Gold Coast city itself. Their Queensland depot is at 733 Nudgee Rd, Eagle Farm, about 6 km from Brisbane Airport (BNE) and around 95 km north of OOL. From Brisbane, the drive south to Surfers Paradise takes about one hour via the M1.
What are the best campervan routes from the Gold Coast?
The most popular are south to Byron Bay (100 km, 1.5 hours), inland through the Hinterland to Springbrook and Lamington National Parks (45-80 km), and north through Brisbane to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast (230 km). The full east coast run to Cairns (1,700 km) is better suited to a two to three week hire.
Book a Campervan for the Gold Coast
Use Event Campers to compare operators and prices for Gold Coast campervan hire. We work with Apollo, Britz, Maui, Camperman, Cruisin, Spaceships, and more, covering every budget from a compact 2-berth to a full family motorhome. Compare, book, and get on the road.