Campervan Hire Handbook
Our Reservations team has put together this guide to help you with every step of your campervan rental holiday, from planning and comparing vehicles to booking and travelling.
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Australia is with the freedom and flexibility that a campervan or motorhome holiday offers. You set your own itinerary, stop where you want, when you want, and travel at your own pace with no ties to schedules or fixed timetables.
Today's campervans have evolved well beyond the basics. Modern vehicles offer European-styled kitchens, spacious living areas, large double beds and well-equipped bathrooms. They are also surprisingly easy to drive — power steering, automatic transmissions and modern design have taken the hard work out of travelling in a larger vehicle.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right vehicle to returning it at the end of your trip. Contact us if you have feedback or can't find the answers to your questions below.
Getting Started: How Campervan Hire Works
If you're new to campervan travel, the process is straightforward:
- Search and compare — Enter your travel dates and pickup/drop-off locations on DriveNow. We'll show you available vehicles from over 20 suppliers so you can compare features and prices side by side.
- Choose your vehicle — Select a campervan that fits your group size, budget and travel style. See Types of Campervans below for a guide to the main categories.
- Book — Complete your booking online. You'll typically pay a deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due closer to your pickup date. Consider adding insurance and excess reduction at this stage.
- Collect — Pick up your campervan from the supplier's depot. Staff will walk you through the vehicle, explain its features, and complete the rental agreement. You'll need your driver's licence and a credit card for the security bond.
- Travel — Hit the road. Stay at caravan parks, holiday parks, or free camps depending on your vehicle and preferences.
- Return — Drop off the vehicle at the agreed location, with a full tank of fuel and in the same condition you received it.
Types of Campervans
Campervans come in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Here are the main categories you'll find when searching on DriveNow. For a more detailed breakdown including photos, features and supplier comparisons, see our types of campervans available guide.
2-Berth Hitop Campervan
The most compact and affordable option. A high-roof van with a double bed, small kitchen (gas cooker, fridge, microwave) and water tank, but no bathroom. Easy to drive and park, making them a popular choice for couples on shorter trips or those who prefer to use campsite facilities. Available from suppliers including Apollo, Britz, Mighty and Mighty Lite.
2–3 Berth Campervan with Shower and Toilet
A step up from the hitop, these mid-size campervans include a self-contained bathroom with hot/cold shower and toilet. They offer a full kitchen setup and a comfortable double bed, giving couples or small groups the freedom to camp independently without relying on external facilities. Available from suppliers including Britz, Maui and Cruisin.
4-Berth Family Campervan
Designed for families or groups of four, these campervans typically have two double beds (one over the cab and one converted from the rear dinette), a full kitchen, and a bathroom with shower and toilet. They are around 7 metres long and offer a good balance of space and driveability. Available from suppliers including Apollo, Britz, Maui and Mighty.
6-Berth Motorhome
The largest option, sleeping up to six people across three double beds. These motorhomes offer the most living space, with a full kitchen (some with four-burner stoves), separate living and sleeping zones, and a well-equipped bathroom. At around 7.5 to 8 metres long, they require more confidence when driving and parking. Available from suppliers including Apollo, Britz, Maui and Mighty.
4WD Campervan
Built for off-road adventure, 4WD campervans are based on vehicles like the Toyota Landcruiser. They sleep two adults (sometimes more with roof or ground tents), with a pop-top roof, basic kitchen and external shower. They carry extra fuel and outback safety gear, making them ideal for exploring unsealed roads and remote areas where standard campervans cannot travel. Check road restrictions before planning your route. Available from suppliers including Apollo, Britz, Maui and Mighty.
When to Book
Peak season in Australia runs from December to February (summer school holidays), with Easter and the July school holidays also in high demand. Popular vehicles — particularly 4WD campervans and 6-berth motorhomes — can book out weeks or even months ahead during these periods.
Shoulder season (March–April and September–November) offers a good balance of pleasant weather and better availability, often at lower rates.
Off-peak (May–August) is the quietest period in southern Australia, though it is actually peak season for tropical destinations like Darwin and Cairns, where the dry season brings ideal weather.
As a general rule, booking at least 4 to 8 weeks ahead is recommended for peak travel periods. For off-peak, you'll usually find good availability with shorter lead times, and some suppliers offer discounted relocation deals to reposition their fleets.
What Does Campervan Hire Cost?
Daily rates vary widely depending on the vehicle type, supplier, season and trip length. As a rough guide:
- Budget campervans (2-berth hitop, no bathroom) — from around $50–$80 per day
- Mid-range campervans (2–4 berth with bathroom) — from around $100–$180 per day
- Premium motorhomes (4–6 berth, full facilities) — from around $200–$350 per day
- 4WD campervans — from around $150–$250 per day
These are indicative starting rates. Prices are higher during peak season and lower during off-peak. Longer hire periods often attract better daily rates. Use DriveNow to compare current prices across suppliers for your specific dates and route.
On top of the daily hire rate, factor in fuel, caravan park or camping fees, food, insurance excess reduction (if purchased), and any optional extras like camping chairs or child seats.
Campervan Hire Suppliers
Australia is home to some of the world's leading campervan rental companies, offering vehicles from budget campervans through to luxurious motorhomes.
- Apollo
- Awesome Campers
- Britz
- Camperman
- Campervan Village
- Cruisin
- GoCheap
- JUCY
- Let's Go Motorhomes
- Maui
- Maui Elite
- Mighty Campervans
- Mighty Lite
- Spaceships
- Star RV
- Tasmania Campers
- Travellers Autobarn
Self-Drive Itineraries
Whether travelling by car or in a motorhome, this collection of self-drive itineraries submitted by staff and past passengers is a great way to plan your route.
- Melbourne down the Great Ocean Road to Port Fairy - 7 Day Itinerary
- Brisbane to Cairns - 10 Day Itinerary
- Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield Park - 7 Day Itinerary
- More Self-Drive Itineraries
Before You Book
- Age Restrictions
- Apps to Help With Your Planning and Travel
- Bedding, Personal and Vehicle Inclusions
- Best Times to Travel
- Booking During School Holidays
- Booking with Confidence
- Drivers Licences
- Equipment
- Features to Consider When Choosing a Campervan
- Groups Travelling Together
- Long Term Campervan Hire
- Luggage
- Mobility Restricted Speciality Vehicles
- Price Guarantee
- Road Restrictions
- Things to Consider Before You Book
- Types of Campervans Available
- Understanding Pricing
- What to Pack
Booking Your Campervan
The essential steps in making your campervan and motorhome booking, guiding you through the major things to take into account in selecting the vehicle that suits you best.
Managing Your Booking
Useful tips and steps for managing your motorhome rental booking, keeping everything on track before commencing your adventure on the road.
Picking Up Your Campervan
Collecting your campervan is the first real start of your campervan rental holiday, so this section will familiarise you with what's ahead to ensure a smooth start to your journey.
- Airport Pickup
- Charges at Pick-up
- Different Vehicle than Expected
- Late Pickups
- Online Check-In
- Required Documents for Pickup
- Suitable Times for Pick-Up
- Vehicle Inspection and Demonstration
During Your Trip
You're out experiencing that wonderful blend of adventure and convenience, so here in this section we're covering issues in advance so you're prepared and can max out on the 'chill'.
- Accidents
- Electrical Safety
- Ferries
- Heating and Cooling
- Overnight Parking
- Petrol
- Power Management
- Road Rules
- Safety Tips for Campervan Travel
- Tips for a Good Night's Sleep
- Toll Roads and Charges
- Travelling with Children
- Travelling with Pets
- Using Campervan Features
- Utility Failures
- Vehicle Breakdown
- Waste Management
- Water Management
- When Things Go Wrong
- Wildlife on the Road
Returning Your Campervan
Familiarise yourself with what's ahead for a straightforward, hassle-free return.
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