Complete Guide to Campervan Types (2026)
Choosing the right campervan for your Australian adventure can make a huge difference to your overall travel experience.
With so many different vehicle options available, it can be difficult to know which campervan is best for your trip. Should you choose a budget-friendly sleeper car? Would a low top or high top campervan give you more comfort? Or is a motorhome the better choice for travelling long distances?
The best campervan for your Australian road trip depends on several factors, including:
- Your travel style
- Your budget
- Trip length
- Number of travellers
- Destinations
- How much comfort you want
Before choosing a vehicle, it is helpful to compare different campervan hire options in Australia to understand the layouts, features and prices available for your adventure.
In this guide, we explain the differences between sleeper cars, low top campervans, high top campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers to help you choose the best vehicle for your Australian road trip.
Quick Overview: Which Campervan Is Right For You?
| Vehicle type | Best for | Comfort level | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Cars | Budget travellers and short trips | ⭐⭐ | $ |
| Low Top Campervan | Couples and backpackers | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
| High Top Campervan | Longer trips and extra comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Motorhome | Maximum space and comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
| 4WD Camper | Remote adventures | ⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
What Should I Consider Before Choosing a Campervan?
Before booking your campervan hire in Australia, it is important to think about what type of trip you are planning.
The best campervan for a short coastal getaway may not be the same vehicle you need for a month-long adventure across Australia.
Consider these important questions before making your decision:
How Many People Are Travelling?
The number of travellers will have a big impact on which campervan is right for you.
Think about:
- Sleeping space
- Storage requirements
- Cooking facilities
- Luggage space
- Living areas
For example, a sleeper car may be perfect for a couple travelling light, while families or longer trips may be much more comfortable in a motorhome.
How Long Is Your Trip?
The length of your journey can also influence your campervan choice.
For a weekend getaway or a short East Coast adventure, a smaller campervan may provide everything you need.
However, if you are planning a longer journey such as Sydney to Cairns, Perth to Broome or a lap around Australia, having extra space and comfort can make the experience much more enjoyable.
For longer journeys across Australia, many travellers choose a one way campervan hire, allowing them to explore more destinations without needing to return their vehicle to the original pickup location.
LINK: One Way Campervan Hire Australia blog
Where Are You Travelling?
Australia is an incredibly diverse country, with everything from tropical beaches and coastal roads to remote outback landscapes.
The type of campervan you need can depend heavily on your route.
Before booking, consider:
- Road conditions
- Distance between destinations
- Weather conditions
- Access to campsites
- Whether you plan to visit remote areas
A standard campervan is usually perfect for popular routes such as the East Coast, while travellers exploring remote regions may benefit from a larger vehicle or 4WD camper.
Before travelling through remote areas, always check current road conditions and travel advice.
LINK: Australian Government Smartraveller – Driving in Australia
Sleeper Cars – Best Budget Option for Australian Road Trips
Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers and short trips
Sleeper cars are one of the cheapest ways to experience Australia by road.
They are usually standard cars that have been converted with a sleeping setup in the back, providing a simple and affordable option for travellers who want flexibility without spending a lot.
They are especially popular among backpackers because they allow you to travel independently while keeping costs low.
Advantages of a Sleeper Car:
✓ Cheapest campervan-style option
✓ Easy to drive and park
✓ Lower fuel costs
✓ Great for city travel
✓ Perfect for budget-conscious travellers
Disadvantages:
✗ Limited space
✗ Less storage
✗ No standing room
✗ Basic facilities
✗ Less comfortable for longer trips
Best suited for:
- Backpackers
- Solo travellers
- Couples travelling on a budget
- Short road trips
A sleeper car is a great choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring outdoors and mainly need a place to sleep.
If you are travelling Australia on a budget, our guide to cheap campervan hire options can help you compare affordable ways to explore the country.
Low Top Campervans – A Flexible All-Round Option
Best for: Couples and travellers wanting more comfort than a sleeper car
Low top campervans are one of the most popular choices for Australian road trips.
They offer more features than sleeper cars while still being relatively affordable and easy to drive.
For many travellers, they provide the perfect balance between price, flexibility and comfort.
Typical features include:
- Bed setup
- Kitchen facilities
- Storage space
- Cooking equipment
- Fridge
- Additional living space
Advantages of a Low Top Campervan:
✓ Great balance between price and comfort
✓ Easier to drive than larger vehicles
✓ Better facilities than sleeper cars
✓ Suitable for longer trips
✓ Good option for first-time campervan travellers
Disadvantages:
✗ Limited standing room
✗ Less space during bad weather
✗ Smaller living area compared to high tops and motorhomes
Best suited for:
- Couples
- Backpackers
- East Coast trips
- First-time campervan travellers
For many travellers, a low top campervan is the perfect middle ground between a basic setup and a larger motorhome.
When comparing campervans, consider factors such as sleeping capacity, kitchen facilities and storage space to find the vehicle that best matches your travel style.
High Top Campervans – More Comfort for Longer Adventures
Best for: Travellers wanting extra space without hiring a motorhome
High top campervans are designed for travellers who want more comfort while still keeping the freedom of a smaller vehicle.
The biggest difference compared to low top campervans is the extra height, which often provides standing room and a more comfortable living area.
This extra space can make a big difference when travelling for several weeks or spending more time inside the vehicle.
Typical features include:
- Higher roof
- Kitchen area
- More storage
- Indoor living space
- Larger sleeping setup
Advantages of a High Top Campervan:
✓ More comfortable for longer trips
✓ Extra storage space
✓ Easier to live in during bad weather
✓ More practical for extended travel
Disadvantages:
✗ Higher rental cost
✗ Slightly higher fuel consumption
✗ Larger vehicle size
Best suited for:
- Longer road trips
- Couples wanting extra comfort
- Travellers spending more time in their vehicle
If you are planning a month-long Australian adventure, a high top campervan can be a great investment.
High top campervans are especially popular for longer routes such as the East Coast Australia road trip, where travellers spend several weeks exploring beaches, national parks and coastal towns.
LINK: Sydney to Cairns Road Trip Guide
Motorhomes – Maximum Comfort on the Road
Best for: Families, couples wanting extra comfort and long-distance road trips
If comfort is your top priority, a motorhome is the ideal choice. Motorhomes offer the most space of any rental vehicle, making them perfect for travellers planning longer adventures around Australia.
Unlike smaller campervans, motorhomes feel much more like a home on wheels. They usually include larger beds, a spacious kitchen, dining area and, in many models, a private bathroom with a toilet and shower.
Typical features include:
- Comfortable sleeping areas
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dining area
- Bathroom and shower (depending on the model)
- Plenty of storage
- Larger fridge
- Air conditioning and heating in many vehicles
Advantages of a Motorhome
✓ Most spacious vehicle option
✓ Ideal for long road trips
✓ More comfortable during bad weather
✓ Great for families and groups
✓ More storage for luggage and outdoor gear
Disadvantages
✗ Higher rental cost
✗ Larger vehicle to drive and park
✗ Higher fuel consumption
Best suited for
- Families
- Couples wanting maximum comfort
- Travellers completing a lap around Australia
- Longer road trips
If you’re planning to spend several weeks or even months travelling Australia, the extra comfort of a motorhome can make a big difference.
4WD Campers – Best for Off-Road Adventures
Best for: Remote destinations and adventurous travellers
While most campervan travellers don’t need a 4WD, they’re the best choice if you’re planning to explore Australia’s more remote regions.
A 4WD camper allows you to reach destinations that are inaccessible to standard campervans, making them ideal for adventurous road trips.
Popular 4WD destinations include:
- Cape York
- The Kimberley
- Gibb River Road
- The Outback
- Remote areas of Western Australia
Advantages of a 4WD Camper
✓ Access to remote destinations
✓ Built for rough roads
✓ Perfect for adventurous travellers
✓ Greater freedom off the beaten track
Disadvantages
✗ Higher rental costs
✗ More fuel usage
✗ Not required for most Australian road trips
Best suited for
- Experienced drivers
- Adventure travellers
- Remote Australian road trips
Before booking a 4WD camper, always check the rental company’s travel restrictions, as some roads require permission or may not be covered by insurance.
LINK: Parks Australia
Does the Rental Company Matter?
Once you’ve decided on the right type of campervan, the next step is choosing a rental operator.
At Australian Backpackers, we compare campervans from a wide range of trusted rental companies across Australia. While every operator has its own fleet and pricing, most fall into one of three categories:
- Budget operators – Great for backpackers and travellers looking for the lowest daily rates. These vehicles are often older but provide everything you need for an affordable road trip.
- Mid-range operators – A good balance between price and comfort, with modern layouts and extra features for longer adventures.
- Premium operators – Ideal for travellers who want newer vehicles, more space and additional comforts, such as larger kitchens, bathrooms and premium interiors.
Rather than choosing a company first, we recommend deciding on the type of vehicle that best suits your trip. Once you’ve done that, you can compare prices and availability across multiple trusted operators to find the best deal.
How Australian Backpackers Can Help You Choose the Right Campervan
Finding the right campervan can feel overwhelming, especially with so many vehicle types and rental companies to choose from.
That’s where we can help.
At Australian Backpackers, we compare campervans from trusted rental brands across Australia, making it easy to compare prices, vehicle types and availability in one place.
Whether you’re looking for:
- A budget-friendly sleeper car
- A practical campervan for an East Coast road trip
- A comfortable high top for a longer adventure
- A spacious motorhome for the whole family
our team can help you find the right vehicle for your trip.
Because we compare multiple operators, you don’t need to visit dozens of different websites. We’ll help you find a campervan that suits your route, travel style and budget.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by WhatsApp, email or phone. We’re always happy to help you plan your Australian road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of campervan is best for travelling Australia?
The best campervan depends on your budget, travel style and route. Sleeper cars are ideal for budget travellers, while high top campervans and motorhomes provide more comfort for longer road trips.
What’s the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
A campervan is smaller and generally more affordable. A motorhome offers more space, larger kitchens and includes a private bathroom, making it a better choice for longer journeys.
Do I need a 4WD camper in Australia?
Not usually. Most popular road trips, including the East Coast, Great Ocean Road and Tasmania, are easily accessible with a standard campervan. A 4WD camper is only necessary if you plan to visit remote or off-road destinations.
Is a high top campervan worth it?
If you’re travelling for more than a week or two, many travellers find the extra standing room and storage make a high top campervan well worth the additional cost.
Is a sleeper car cheaper than a campervan?
Yes. Sleeper cars are generally the most affordable option and are perfect for solo travellers and couples looking to explore Australia on a budget.
