How to Hire a Campervan in Australia: A Step-by-Step Booking Guide

Step 1: Decide on your route and dates

Start with where you want to go and how long you have. That tells you where to pick up, where to drop off and whether a one way hire makes sense.

• A week suits one region, like the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania.
• Two to three weeks suits a long coastal route, like Sydney to Cairns.
• Check the season. The south is best in the warmer months and the tropical north in the dry season.

Step 2: Choose the right type of vehicle

The main types are:

• Lowtop campervans: simple, affordable and easy to drive, usually sleeping two to four
• Hightop campervans: room to stand up and cook inside
• Motorhomes: a toilet, shower and more space for families or groups
• 4WD campers: for outback and unsealed roads, often with a rooftop tent

Think about how many people are travelling, whether you want a toilet and shower on board, and whether you'll be on dirt roads.

Step 3: Compare prices across suppliers

Prices for the same type of van can vary a lot between companies and dates. Comparing several suppliers at once is the quickest way to find a good deal, and it's exactly what Australian Backpackers does. We compare campervans and motorhomes from 40+ suppliers across Australia and New Zealand.

When you compare, look at the total price, not just the daily rate:

• The daily rate for your dates
• Any one way fee
• The cost of reducing your insurance excess
• Extras you want, like camping chairs, a second driver or a child seat

Step 4: Understand insurance, excess and bond

Basic insurance is included, but it comes with an excess you'd pay if the van is damaged. Most companies offer excess reduction for a daily fee. You'll also pay a bond, usually held on a credit card, when you pick up.

Step 5: Check driver requirements

• A full, current driver licence for every driver
• An International Driving Permit or English translation if your licence isn't in English
• The minimum age, often 21 and sometimes higher for larger motorhomes
• A credit card in the main driver's name

Step 6: Book early and look for discounts

Campervans sell out in school holidays and over Christmas, so book early for peak times. Australian Backpackers also has a few ways to save:

• Early bird discount: 5% off when you book 60 days or more before pick-up
• Long hire discount: 10% off the daily rate for hires of 21 days or more
• Price beat guarantee: find a lower price for the same vehicle and dates and we'll beat it

Common mistakes to avoid

• Comparing daily rates without the one way fee and insurance included
• Booking a standard campervan for a trip on unsealed roads, which usually isn't allowed
• Forgetting to add every driver to the agreement
• Not leaving enough credit on your card for the bond and late toll charges
• Planning long driving days with no time to stop
• Leaving it too late to book in school holidays

Step 7: Pick-up day

Allow an hour or so at the depot. Staff will check your licence, take the bond and show you around the van.

• Walk around the van and photograph any existing damage, including the roof if you can.
• Ask how to use the gas, water, power and toilet if there is one.
• Check the fuel type and how full the tank is.
• Save the roadside assistance number in your phone.

Step 8: Drop-off

Return the van on time, with the fuel at the level you picked it up at and the water and toilet tanks emptied if asked. Late returns and dirty vans can mean extra fees. Your bond is usually released within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions