There are no toll booths on Australian motorways. Cameras read your number plate as you drive under a gantry, and the toll is charged later. In a hire campervan, that charge usually lands on your card days after you've driven the road, sometimes after you've returned the van.
Here's where you'll find toll roads in Australia, how hire companies charge them, and how to avoid surprise charges on your credit card.
Where are the toll roads in Australia?
Toll roads are concentrated in and around three cities:
- Sydney, including several motorways, tunnels and the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel
- Melbourne, including CityLink and EastLink
- Brisbane, including several motorways, tunnels and bridges
Outside these cities, most of Australia's highways are toll-free, so the classic campervan routes up the east coast, along the Great Ocean Road or around Tasmania won't cost you anything in tolls once you're out of town.
How tolls are charged on a hire campervan
All Australian toll roads are fully electronic. There's nowhere to stop and pay cash. When you drive through, a camera photographs the van's registration and the toll is linked to the vehicle.
Because the van belongs to the hire company, the toll goes to them first. They then charge it to the card you gave them, often several days later and sometimes after the rental has ended.
Admin fees
Some hire companies add an admin or processing fee to each toll they pass on to you. It's worth checking your rental terms for this, because a handful of short trips through a city can add up.
Toll bonds and debit cards
Some companies hold a small bond to cover tolls, fines and other extra charges. JUCY, one of the operators we compare, holds a $300 security bond for tolls, infringements and fines if you pay by debit card, or just $1 if you pay by credit card, on Australian bookings from 1 May 2026.
If you only have a debit card, check how the company handles bonds before you book. Our insurance guide covers damage bonds too.
Campervan insurance and bonds explained→Should you buy a visitor toll pass?
Linkt sells passes and short-term accounts for visitors in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In a hire campervan, though, tolls are normally billed to the company automatically. Ask your hire company before buying your own pass, so you don't end up paying the same toll twice.
How to avoid toll roads
You can avoid most tolls with a little planning:
- Turn on 'Avoid tolls' in Google Maps or your GPS before you leave the depot.
- Pick a depot on the side of the city you're heading towards, so you don't have to cross town on a motorway.
- Allow a bit of extra time, as toll-free routes through cities are often slower.
For a short city section, paying the toll can be worth it. Driving a big motorhome through busy suburban streets to save a few dollars isn't always the relaxing option.
Picking up in a toll road city
Many campervan trips start in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, so a toll or two on the way out of town is common. Our location guides cover each city's depots and the best routes out.
Campervan hire Sydney→Campervan hire Melbourne→Campervan hire Brisbane→Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pay tolls with cash in Australia?
No. Australian toll roads are fully electronic. Cameras read the number plate and the toll is charged later.
How do I pay tolls in a rental campervan?
Usually you don't need to do anything. The toll is charged to the hire company, which then charges it to the card you gave them, sometimes with an admin fee.
Which Australian cities have toll roads?
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Most highways outside these cities are toll-free.
Can I avoid tolls in Australia?
Yes. Set your navigation app to avoid tolls. The route may take longer, especially in Sydney.
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