How Much Does Campervan Hire Cost in Australia?

Complete Guide Before You Book

Exploring Australia by campervan is one of the best ways to experience the country’s incredible landscapes, coastal roads and national parks. With your transport and accommodation combined, a campervan gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and create your own adventure.

However, before booking your campervan, one of the biggest questions travellers have is:

How much does campervan hire cost in Australia?

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of campervan, your travel dates, rental duration, pick-up location and the level of comfort you choose.

Prices can range from affordable budget campervans for backpackers to larger motorhomes with extra facilities for families and travellers wanting more space.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about campervan hire costs in Australia, including:

• Average campervan rental prices
• What is included in your booking
• Insurance options and excess
• Optional extras
• Additional fees to consider
• How to save money when hiring a campervan

Whether you’re planning a short coastal road trip or a longer Australian adventure, understanding the costs upfront will help you choose the right campervan for your budget.

If you’re new to campervan travel, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Campervans and Motorhomes to understand the different vehicle types before choosing your rental.

How Much Does Campervan Hire Cost in Australia?

Campervan hire prices in Australia vary depending on the vehicle type, season, availability and rental conditions.

As a general guide, average daily prices are:

These prices are a guide only and can change depending on demand, availability and the time of year.

For example, travelling during peak periods such as:

• Christmas and New Year
• Easter holidays
• Australian school holidays
• Summer months

will usually be more expensive than travelling during quieter seasons.

On the other hand, booking early, travelling outside peak periods and renting for longer durations can often help you find better campervan hire prices.

What Affects Campervan Rental Prices in Australia?

Several factors influence the total cost of hiring a campervan in Australia.

1. Campervan Type and Size

The biggest factor affecting your rental price is the type of vehicle you choose.

A smaller campervan is usually cheaper and more fuel-efficient, making it popular with backpackers and couples travelling on a budget.

Larger campervans and motorhomes cost more but provide additional comfort, including:

• More sleeping space
• Larger kitchen areas
• More storage
• Extra living space

2. Travel Season

Another important factor is when you travel.

Campervan demand is highest during Australian summer, school holidays and popular travel periods.

During these times:

• Rental prices can increase
• Popular vehicles sell out faster
• Campsites may become harder to find

Therefore, travelling in shoulder seasons such as autumn and spring can often offer better value while still providing great weather.

3. Rental Duration

The length of your trip can also affect the overall cost.

Many campervan companies offer discounted daily rates for longer rentals, meaning a three-week booking may have a lower daily price compared with a short weekend rental.

Longer trips can also help spread out fixed costs such as:

• Pick-up fees
• Preparation fees
• Insurance costs

4. Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location

Your travel route can also influence the final price.

Popular one-way routes such as:

• Sydney to Cairns
• Melbourne to Adelaide
• Perth to Broome

may include a one-way relocation fee depending on vehicle availability.

A return rental is often cheaper because the campervan is returned to the same location.

What Is Included in Campervan Hire?

Before comparing prices, it’s important to understand what is included in your campervan rental.

Although every operator is different, most campervan rentals include the essentials needed for your road trip.

Typical inclusions include:

✓ Kitchen equipment
✓ Pots, pans and cooking utensils
✓ Plates, bowls, cups and cutlery
✓ Bedding and linen
✓ Refrigerator
✓ Gas cooker
✓ Basic cleaning equipment
✓ Standard insurance
✓ 24-hour roadside assistance

Depending on the rental company and vehicle type, some bookings may also include:

• Unlimited kilometres
• Additional drivers
• Camping table and chairs
• Awning
• Airport transfers

However, inclusions vary between operators, so always check the vehicle details before booking.

The number of included items may also depend on the number of travellers listed on the booking.

Understanding Campervan Insurance in Australia

One of the most common questions travellers ask before booking is “What insurance is included with campervan hire in Australia?”

The good news is that all campervans booked through Australian Backpackers include the rental operator’s standard insurance. However, you’ll still need to choose one of the insurance options offered by the rental company before you collect your vehicle.

The insurance option you select determines:

• Your excess (the maximum amount you could be liable to pay if the vehicle is damaged)
• The security bond you’ll need to leave when collecting the campervan
• The level of protection included during your trip

Because every rental operator has different insurance policies, it’s important to compare your options before booking.

Standard Cover

Standard Cover is included in the base rental price, meaning there is no additional daily insurance fee.

However, it also comes with the highest excess. Depending on the rental operator, you’ll usually need to leave a security bond of between $3,000 and $7,500 when collecting your campervan.

If you’re responsible for damage to the vehicle during your rental, you may need to pay up to the excess amount outlined in your rental agreement.

For many budget-conscious travellers, Standard Cover is a suitable option, although it’s important to understand the financial risk if something goes wrong.

Excess Reduction Cover

Alternatively, most campervan operators offer Excess Reduction Cover for an additional daily fee.

This option reduces the amount you’ll be liable to pay if the campervan is damaged and usually lowers the required security bond as well.

The daily cost, remaining excess and inclusions vary between operators, so it’s always worth comparing the available options before making your decision.

Premium Cover

For travellers wanting extra peace of mind, many operators also offer Premium Cover.

Although this is usually the most expensive insurance option, it generally provides the lowest excess and the highest level of protection.

Depending on the rental company, Premium Cover may also include:

• Reduced or zero security bond
• Windscreen cover
• Tyre cover
• Roof and underbody protection
• Enhanced roadside assistance
• Cover for additional types of accidental damage

Because every rental company has different policies, we always recommend reviewing the insurance details for your chosen vehicle before confirming your booking.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your trip, our team is always happy to explain the differences and help you choose the right level of cover.

Optional Extras

In addition to your campervan hire, most rental companies offer a range of optional extras that can make your road trip more comfortable.

Available add-ons vary between operators but commonly include:

• Camping chairs
• Camping table
• GPS
• Child seats
• Booster seats
• Additional drivers
• Snow chains (seasonal)
• Portable fan or heater
• Extra bedding or towels

While these extras can improve your experience, only choose the items you’ll actually use, as they can increase the total cost of your campervan hire.

Are There Any Additional Costs?

Besides the daily rental price, there are a few additional costs you should consider when budgeting for your campervan trip.

Depending on your booking, these may include:

• One-way rental fees
• Insurance upgrades
• Young driver surcharge
• Additional driver fees
• Optional extras
• Fuel
• Toll road charges
• Cleaning fees (if the campervan isn’t returned in the required condition)
• Late return fees

Before confirming your booking, it’s always worth checking what’s included in the quoted price and whether any additional charges may apply.

One-Way vs Return Campervan Hire

When planning your Australian road trip, you’ll also need to decide whether you want a one-way or return campervan rental.

A one-way campervan hire allows you to collect your vehicle in one city and return it to another. This is ideal for popular road trips such as:

• Sydney to Cairns
• Melbourne to Adelaide
• Perth to Broome
• Darwin to Alice Springs

Because the rental company often needs to relocate the vehicle afterwards, some operators charge a one-way fee.

A return rental, where you collect and return the campervan to the same branch, is often the more affordable option.

However, depending on the season and vehicle availability, one-way rentals can sometimes be offered at discounted relocation rates.

💡 Planning an East Coast adventure? Check out our Complete Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Guide for route ideas and travel tips.

How to Save Money on Campervan Hire in Australia

Hiring a campervan doesn’t have to break the budget. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce your overall travel costs.

Book early

Campervan prices generally increase as availability decreases, especially during school holidays and peak travel seasons.

Travel during the shoulder season

Spring and autumn often offer lower rental prices, pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer months.

Compare multiple rental brands

Instead of booking directly with one operator, comparing several trusted brands makes it easier to find the best vehicle and price for your trip.

Hire for longer

Many rental companies offer lower daily rates for longer bookings, making extended road trips better value.

Mix free camping with holiday parks

Alternating between free campsites and holiday parks can significantly reduce accommodation costs throughout your trip.

💡 Read more: Free Camping Australia Guide

Why Book Your Campervan Through Australian Backpackers?

With so many campervan rental companies in Australia, comparing prices, vehicle types and insurance options can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s where Australian Backpackers can help.

We compare campervans from a wide range of trusted rental brands, making it easy to find the right vehicle for your travel style, budget and itinerary—all in one place.

Because we work directly with Australia’s leading campervan operators, we can often offer competitive rates that are lower than booking directly. We can also check for any current specials, relocation deals or promotional discounts that may be available for your travel dates.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, our team can help you compare:

• Campervan types
• Rental prices
• Vehicle features
• Insurance options
• What’s included
• Optional extras

If you’re unsure which campervan is right for your trip, simply contact our team via WhatsApp, email or phone. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best option for your Australian road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Hire Costs in Australia

How much does campervan hire cost in Australia?

The cost of hiring a campervan in Australia depends on the type of vehicle, travel season, rental duration and availability.

As a general guide:

• Low-top campervans: $50–$150+ per day
• Hi-top campervans: $90–$220+ per day
• 4-berth campervans: $120–$350+ per day
• Motorhomes: $180–$550+ per day

Booking early and travelling outside peak seasons can often help you secure lower campervan hire prices.

Is insurance included with campervan hire?

Yes. Standard insurance is included with all campervan rentals booked through Australian Backpackers.

However, you’ll still need to choose one of the insurance options offered by the rental company before collecting your vehicle. Depending on the level of cover you select, your excess and security bond may be reduced.

Because insurance policies vary between operators, it’s always worth reviewing the available options before confirming your booking.

Are kitchen equipment and bedding included?

In most cases, yes.

Most campervan rentals include kitchen equipment, cooking utensils, bedding and other essential items needed for your road trip.

However, inclusions vary between operators and vehicle types, so always check what’s included before booking.

Can I add an additional driver?

Yes. Most campervan operators allow additional drivers.

Some companies include extra drivers free of charge, while others charge a daily fee. The exact policy depends on the rental operator.

Are there any hidden costs?

Most campervan rental companies clearly outline their fees during the booking process.

However, depending on your booking, additional costs may include:

• One-way rental fees
• Insurance upgrades
• Young driver surcharges
• Optional extras
• Toll road charges
• Fuel
• Cleaning fees
• Late return fees

Reading the rental terms before confirming your booking will help you avoid any unexpected costs.

Is it cheaper to hire a campervan or stay in hotels?

For many travellers, especially couples and groups, hiring a campervan can be a more cost-effective way to explore Australia.

Because your transport and accommodation are combined into one, you can also save money by cooking your own meals and staying at free or low-cost campsites along the way.

When is the cheapest time to hire a campervan in Australia?

Generally, the cheapest time to hire a campervan is during the shoulder seasons, such as spring and autumn, when demand is lower than during the Christmas holidays and peak summer months.

Booking several months in advance can also help you secure better prices and more vehicle availability.

Final Thoughts

Understanding campervan hire costs in Australia makes it much easier to plan your road trip and avoid unexpected expenses.

While the daily rental price is an important factor, it’s also worth considering what’s included, your insurance options, additional fees and the type of campervan that best suits your adventure.

By comparing different campervan brands, booking early and travelling during quieter periods, you can often save money while still enjoying an unforgettable Australian road trip.

At Australian Backpackers, we make it easy to compare campervans from trusted rental companies across Australia. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an East Coast road trip or a lap around the country, we’ll help you find the right campervan at a competitive price.

Ready to start your adventure?

Compare campervans from Australia’s leading rental brands and book with confidence.