Where to pick up your motorhome
Melbourne is the pickup city, about 140 km and 1 hour 45 minutes north of the circuit via the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Freeway and Bass Highway to San Remo, then across the bridge onto the island. Full depot detail is in the Melbourne campervan hire guide.
| Pickup | Distance to circuit | Drive time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne (MEL) depots | About 140 to 165 km | About 1 hr 45 min | Main pickup city, widest choice |
| Melbourne CBD | About 140 km | About 1 hr 45 min | Convenient if arriving by train or flight |
| Stony Point ferry to Cowes | Ferry plus 15 min | Varies | Foot and vehicle ferry, books out on event weekend |
| Sydney | About 950 km | 9 to 10 hours | Fly and pick up in Melbourne instead |
Britz, Apollo and Maui are THL group brands sharing a parent company and frequently the same Melbourne depot, so if one shows no availability for the race weekend, check the others, since they draw from a shared fleet. Maui is the premium end, Apollo and Britz sit mid-range, and Mighty and Cheapa Campa are the budget brands from the same pool. JUCY runs independently with compact and mid-size campervans that are easy to position on the circuit campgrounds, and Indie Campers offers a newer fleet worth comparing.
Event traffic can add 30 to 60 minutes to the final stretch from San Remo to the circuit, especially Friday morning and Sunday evening, so collect the motorhome a day early to stock up and avoid the rush. The current brand list is on Our Suppliers, and Getting Started covers first-time bookings.
Motorhome hire prices
Late October is a peak spring hire period in Victoria, and the final-year MotoGP weekend adds to demand. All prices are in AUD.
| Vehicle type | Approximate daily rate (AUD) | Sleeps | Heating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact campervan (2-berth) | AUD 110 to 200 | 2 | Basic or optional |
| Mid-size campervan (2 to 3 berth) | AUD 150 to 260 | 2 to 3 | Usually |
| Family motorhome (4 to 6 berth) | AUD 200 to 350 | 4 to 6 | Onboard |
These are indicative ranges. Use the search widget on this page for live pricing on your dates. For Phillip Island specifically, prioritise a vehicle with proper onboard heating over size, since the cold coastal nights are the single biggest comfort factor here. A mid-size self-contained campervan with a heater and a bathroom handles the weekend well without being hard to position on a sloping campground site. For a group of four, splitting a 4 to 6-berth motorhome usually beats the limited island accommodation, which carries steep race-weekend premiums.
Book three to six months ahead. Motorhome availability from Melbourne depots drops sharply in the weeks before the event, and the final-year status means 2026 will move faster than usual.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix weekend
Racing runs across three days, Friday to Sunday, with practice, qualifying, sprint races and main races for MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE. Off-track entertainment keeps the atmosphere going after the last session each day.
Lukey’s Lawn is the entertainment hub, with race simulators, Airtime FMX and BMX stunt shows. Trackside Hill is the family-friendly general admission viewing area with strong race-day atmosphere. The Trackside Campground runs post-race entertainment each evening, and the Clubhouse at Lukey Heights is a licensed area overlooking MG Corner at Turn 10. In recent years a Homecoming Ride has led fans across the San Remo Bridge and around the circuit, typically on the Thursday evening.
Tickets are sold separately from campground bookings and have ranged from around AUD 50 for a single-day general admission Island Pass to about AUD 190 for a three-day adult pass, with grandstand seats higher again, based on recent pricing. Family passes are available. Confirm current pricing on the official site.
Where to camp at the circuit
Three on-circuit campgrounds sit near Southern Loop at Turn 2, within walking distance of the gates, with an accessible shuttle between the campgrounds and the circuit.
| Campground | Powered sites | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trackside | Yes, 4m x 9m | Closest to the action | Post-race entertainment on site, sells out first |
| Highside North | Yes, 10m x 7m | Elevated, near the circuit | Larger powered sites suit bigger motorhomes |
| Highside South | Varies | Near the circuit | Confirm powered availability at booking |
Powered sites at Trackside and Highside North sell out fast, and each powered site includes power for one setup. A per-person attendee fee applies on top of the campsite cost, so budget for both. Campgrounds are grass paddocks that turn muddy in rain, and some sites slope, so levelling blocks matter here more than at most events. Vehicle movement within the campgrounds is restricted, and moving after dark requires informing campground security for an escort, so plan to stay put once set up.
Our guide to freedom camping versus organised campgrounds covers the general trade-off, though at Phillip Island the on-circuit powered site is clearly the pick if you can get one.
What to bring and useful van features
Phillip Island in October is known for cold, wind and sudden rain, so pack for all four seasons and prioritise warmth and waterproofing. Warm layers and thermals, because the nights are bitterly cold by the coast and a motorhome heater is essential. A waterproof jacket and gumboots, since the grass campgrounds turn to mud. A beanie, gloves and a windproof jacket for the exposed grandstands.
Levelling blocks and chocks for the sloping sites. Refillable water bottles, since campground tap water is not always potable, so fill up in Cowes. Ear protection for the track sessions, especially MotoGP qualifying and races. A head torch for the campground after dark. Camp chairs and a windbreak for shelter in the coastal wind. Spare toilet roll, since facilities run low over the weekend. And USB charging plus a power bank to keep devices topped up across long days at the track. Our guide to keeping a campervan cool is less relevant here than the heating advice, but useful if a warm spell arrives.
Suggested timeline
Wednesday. Collect the motorhome in Melbourne, stock up on food, water, warm layers and wet-weather gear, and drive south, staying at a local caravan park or free camp if the circuit campgrounds are not yet open.
Thursday. Campgrounds are expected to open around midday. Arrive early for the best position within your allocated site, set up, and collect your campground wristband. The Homecoming Ride across San Remo Bridge typically runs Thursday evening.
Friday. Racing day one, practice and qualifying for all classes. Walk from your campground to the gates with your event ticket and campground wristband, and visit Lukey’s Lawn between sessions.
Saturday. Sprint race day, a highlight since sprints were introduced in 2023. Return to the motorhome for lunch and a warm drink between sessions, with evening entertainment at the Trackside Campground.
Sunday. Main race day, with the MotoGP feature race closing the schedule. Soak up the atmosphere at Trackside Hill, and start packing non-essentials after the last race.
Monday. Departure. Campgrounds must be cleared by midday, so pack up, clean the site, and allow extra time for post-event traffic on the Bass Highway and across the San Remo Bridge before returning the motorhome to Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
When is MotoGP at Phillip Island in 2026?
The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix runs 23 to 25 October, three racing days from Friday to Sunday. It is scheduled to be the final MotoGP at Phillip Island, so expect strong demand.
Where should I pick up a motorhome for Phillip Island?
Melbourne, either the CBD or Airport depots, about 1 hour 45 minutes north via the Monash Freeway and Bass Highway. Collect a day early to stock up and avoid event-day traffic.
How far in advance should I book my motorhome?
Three to six months, and earlier for 2026 given the final-year status. Availability from Melbourne depots drops sharply in the weeks before the event, especially for larger vehicles with heating and bathrooms.
Are powered sites available at the campgrounds?
Yes, at Trackside and Highside North, and they sell out fast. Each includes power for one setup, and a per-person attendee fee applies on top of the campsite cost.
What is the weather like at Phillip Island in October?
Unpredictable and often cold. Expect roughly 10 to 18C, strong Bass Strait winds and a real chance of rain. A motorhome with heating is far more comfortable than a tent, so pack thermals, waterproofs and a beanie.
Can I leave the campground and come back during the event?
Vehicle movement within the campgrounds is restricted, and moving after dark needs a security escort, so plan to stay on site. A free Grand Prix Shuttle runs between Cowes and the circuit for supply runs.
Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome?
No. A standard Australian car licence covers all rental motorhomes under 4.5 tonnes. International visitors need a valid licence in English or an International Driving Permit.
How much does motorhome hire cost for Phillip Island?
Indicative AUD rates: compact campervans AUD 110 to 200 per day, mid-size AUD 150 to 260, and family motorhomes AUD 200 to 350, higher over the race weekend. Prioritise onboard heating over size for this event.
Is there a ferry to Phillip Island?
Yes, a ferry runs from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula to Cowes, about 15 minutes’ drive from the circuit. Book well ahead for race weekend, as it fills up.
When do campground tickets go on sale?
Typically to the general public in late May, with powered and larger sites selling out quickly. Register interest on the official MotoGP Australia website to be notified.
Plan your Phillip Island MotoGP trip
Compare motorhomes and campervans from Britz, Apollo, Maui and JUCY at Melbourne depots. Use the search widget above for live AUD pricing on the 23 to 25 October weekend, prioritise onboard heating, and book early given this is the final MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Planning the wider trip? See the Melbourne campervan hire guide for depots and routes, plus the Australia hub. Other south-eastern events pairing with a Melbourne pickup include the Deni Ute Muster, Rainbow Spirit Festival in regional Victoria, Strawberry Fields, and Bathurst 1000 across the border in NSW, with the full list on the events index. Questions about documentation are in the FAQs, or contact the team.