Planning a campervan adventure across Australia? A one way campervan hire in Australia gives you the freedom to explore more of the country without needing to return your vehicle to the same location.
Instead of completing a loop route, you can pick up your campervan in one city, travel across Australia and drop it off somewhere completely different.
Popular routes such as Sydney to Cairns, Melbourne to Adelaide, Brisbane to Cairns and Perth to Broome are perfect for one way campervan trips. They allow you to spend more time exploring incredible destinations and less time driving back over roads you’ve already travelled.
However, one way campervan rentals work slightly differently from standard return hires. In this guide, we’ll explain how one way campervan hire works, what fees to expect and how to find the best option for your Australian road trip.
What Is One Way Campervan Hire?
A one way campervan hire means you:
- Pick up your campervan in one location
- Travel your chosen route
- Return your campervan at a different location
For example:
Sydney → Cairns
You collect your campervan in Sydney, explore Australia’s East Coast and return your vehicle in Cairns.
This option is popular among travellers who want to experience longer routes without spending extra time driving back to their starting point.
A one way campervan rental is especially useful for:
Bucket-list routes across the country
Long-distance road trips
Travellers with limited time
Exploring multiple regions of Australia
Popular One Way Campervan Routes in Australia
Australia is a huge country, which makes one way campervan travel a convenient way to experience different landscapes, climates and destinations.
Here are some of the most popular one way campervan routes in Australia.
Sydney to Cairns Campervan Hire
One of Australia’s most famous road trips, the Sydney to Cairns route takes you along the spectacular East Coast.
Highlights include:
- Byron Bay
- Gold Coast
- Brisbane
- K’gari (Fraser Island)
- Airlie Beach
- The Whitsundays
- Magnetic Island
- The Great Barrier Reef
This route is ideal for travellers who want a mix of beaches, wildlife, national parks and coastal towns. For a detailed breakdown of this route, check out our Sydney to Cairns road trip guide, including the best stops, travel times and things to do along the way.
Melbourne to Adelaide Campervan Hire
A scenic southern Australia adventure featuring some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
Highlights include:
- Great Ocean Road
- Twelve Apostles
- Grampians National Park
- Limestone Coast
- South Australian wine regions
This route is perfect for travellers who enjoy dramatic coastlines, nature and shorter driving distances.
Brisbane to Cairns Campervan Hire
A tropical Queensland road trip filled with beaches, islands and marine life.
Highlights include:
- Sunshine Coast
- Noosa
- Bundaberg
- Airlie Beach
- Whitsundays
- Great Barrier Reef
This route is a popular choice for backpackers travelling Australia’s East Coast.
Perth to Broome Campervan Hire
A Western Australia adventure through some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular landscapes.
Highlights include:
- Pinnacles Desert
- Kalbarri National Park
- Shark Bay
- Coral Coast
- Ningaloo Reef
- Karijini National Park
This route is perfect for travellers looking for incredible beaches, national parks and untouched landscapes.
How Much Does One Way Campervan Hire Cost in Australia?
The cost of a one way campervan rental in Australia depends on several factors, including:
- Campervan type
- Travel season
- Rental duration
- Pickup location
- Drop-off location
- Vehicle availability
- One way relocation fees
The daily rental rate is usually similar to a standard campervan hire. However, additional fees may apply because rental companies need to manage their vehicle fleet between different locations.
What Is a One Way Campervan Fee?
A one way fee is an additional charge that may apply when you return your campervan to a different location from where you picked it up.
Rental companies charge this fee because vehicles may need to be relocated between branches after your trip.
The cost depends on:
- Distance between pickup and drop-off locations
- Popularity of the route
- Vehicle availability
- Time of year
Some popular routes may have lower fees because rental companies already need vehicles moved between locations. Other routes may be more expensive depending on demand.
Is One Way Campervan Hire More Expensive?
Often, yes. A one way campervan rental can cost more than a return hire because of relocation costs.
However, it can still be the better-value option depending on your travel plans.
A return campervan trip may mean:
- Extra fuel costs
- Additional driving days
- Repeating parts of your route
- Less time exploring
With a one way campervan hire, you can:
- Visit more destinations
- Create a more efficient route
- Spend more time experiencing Australia
- Avoid unnecessary backtracking
The best option depends on your budget, travel style and how much time you have available.
One Way vs Return Campervan Hire
One Way Campervan Hire
Best for:
- Long-distance road trips
- Travellers with limited time
- Exploring multiple regions
Advantages:
✓ More flexibility
✓ No need to drive back
✓ More time to explore
✓ Perfect for iconic Australian road trips
Disadvantages:
✗ Possible one way fee
✗ Some routes may have fewer vehicle options
Return Campervan Hire
Best for:
- Shorter trips
- Travellers on a budget
- Exploring one region
Advantages:
✓ Usually cheaper
✓ No relocation fee
✓ More vehicle availability
Disadvantages:
✗ Requires returning to the same location
✗ May involve extra driving
How to Save Money on One Way Campervan Hire in Australia
Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Campervan prices can change depending on demand, availability and season. If your dates are flexible, you may find better deals.
Travel During Shoulder or Low Season
Travelling outside peak periods can often mean:
- Lower rental prices
- More vehicle availability
- Less crowded destinations
Compare Different Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
Small changes to your route can sometimes make a big difference in price.
For example, compare:
- Sydney → Cairns
- Brisbane → Cairns
Or:
- Melbourne → Adelaide
- Melbourne return
Book Early
Popular one way campervan routes can sell out quickly, especially during:
- Australian summer
- School holidays
- Christmas and New Year periods
Booking earlier gives you access to more vehicle choices and better availability.
Relocation Deals and One Way Campervan Specials
Sometimes campervan operators offer relocation deals when they need vehicles moved between locations.
These offers may include:
- Reduced daily rental rates
- Lower one way fees
- Special prices on selected routes
Availability depends on:
- Vehicle location
- Operator requirements
- Travel dates
Because offers change regularly, it’s worth checking current availability before planning your route. Shoot us a message and we can let you know the best deals.
Find Your One Way Campervan Hire with Australian Backpackers
Finding the right one way campervan hire in Australia can be confusing because prices, availability and fees vary between rental companies.
At Australian Backpackers, we help travellers compare campervan options from trusted rental brands in one place.
Our team can help you:
- Compare different campervan options
- Find a vehicle that suits your route
- Check current deals and promotions
- Understand one way fees
- Choose between one way and return hire
Whether you’re planning an East Coast adventure, a coastal road trip or a journey through Australia’s remote landscapes, we’ll help you find the right campervan for your adventure.
Contact our team via WhatsApp, email or phone and we’ll help you plan your perfect Australian road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one way campervan hire more expensive?
Usually, yes. One way campervan rentals may include a relocation fee because the rental company needs to move the vehicle between locations. However, they can still save money by reducing unnecessary driving and fuel costs.
What are the most popular one way campervan routes in Australia?
The most popular routes include Sydney to Cairns, Brisbane to Cairns, Melbourne to Adelaide and Perth to Broome.
Is return campervan hire cheaper than one way?
Generally, yes. Returning your campervan to the same location usually avoids relocation fees.
Can I pick up a campervan in one city and drop it off in another?
Yes. Many campervan rental companies offer one way rentals between major Australian cities, depending on vehicle availability.
How early should I book a one way campervan?
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular routes and peak travel periods. This gives you more vehicle choices and a better chance of finding the right campervan.
