Frequently asked questions

We're a campervan and motorhome comparison and booking service based in Surry Hills, Sydney. We've been helping travellers hire vans across Australia and New Zealand for more than 15 years, and our team has driven a lot of the routes we write about.

No, we don't own the vehicles. We compare vans from more than 40 trusted hire companies and book the one you choose. The hire company provides the van and handles pick-up and drop-off, and we look after you from the first search until you're back home.

You see the options side by side in one place, so you don't have to open ten tabs to compare prices, inclusions and bonds. There are no booking fees, we have a price beat guarantee, and you get a real person to call if something comes up before or during your trip.

No. We don't charge booking fees. If you find the same vehicle for the same dates cheaper somewhere else, tell us and we'll beat it. See our specials for current deals.

Yes, and we'd like you to. Call us on +61 2 9051 0555, message us on WhatsApp or email travel@australianbackpackers.net. Our team is in Sydney, so you're talking to people who know the roads.

We cover 16 locations: 13 across Australia, from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Cairns, Darwin, Perth and Hobart, and three in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown). See all locations.

Enter your pick-up location, drop-off location and dates in the search. You'll see the campervans and motorhomes available from different hire companies, with prices and what's included. Pick the one that suits your trip, book it, and you get your confirmation straight away.

Book online with the search at the top of any page, or press Request a Quote and we'll put options together for you. If you'd rather talk it through, call or WhatsApp us and we'll book it with you.

It sends your trip details to our team. We'll come back to you with options that fit your dates, group size and budget. It's handy if you're not sure which van to pick or you want a few options to compare.

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed you'll get a confirmation by email with your vehicle, dates, pick-up details and what's included.

As early as you can, especially for school holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Booking early gets you more choice and usually a better rate. Last-minute deals do pop up, so it's still worth searching close to your travel date.

No. Australian Backpackers doesn't charge booking fees.

Yes, you can change your hire dates for free, as long as the vehicle is available. The price may change with the season, so get in touch as early as you can.

Usually, yes. Contact us and we'll arrange it with the hire company, depending on whether the van is available for the extra days. It's easier to book the full length up front if you think you'll need it.

Cancellation terms depend on the hire company and the rate you book, and you'll see them before you pay. If your plans change, contact us first and we'll go through your options.

Lowtop and hightop campervans, motorhomes, and 4WDs with rooftop tents. Each type suits a different group size, budget and style of travel. See all campervan types.

It comes down to how many of you there are, how long you're going for and where you're driving. Two people on a budget will be happy in a lowtop, a family usually wants a motorhome with a bathroom, and the outback calls for a 4WD. Our guide Which campervan should I choose in Australia? goes through it.

Smaller vans like 2-seater campers and mid-size hightops drive much like a normal car, and you can get them in manual or automatic. Bigger motorhomes take a day or so to get used to. If it's your first time, read our tips for first-time campervan drivers.

Yes. Travelling solo in a van gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, and you'll meet plenty of other travellers at campsites along the way. See tips for solo van travel.

Most vans come with bedding, a kitchen kit and basic camping gear, but it varies by hire company and vehicle. You'll see what's included before you book. Read what's included with campervan hire for the details.

No. A valid standard car licence is enough for most campervans and motorhomes in Australia and New Zealand. More in do you need a special licence?.

Yes, a full licence from your home country works. If it isn't in English, you'll also need an International Driving Permit or an approved English translation. See International Driving Permit in Australia.

It depends on the hire company and the vehicle. Some accept drivers from 18, while others want you to be 21 or 25. Young driver fees can apply. Read can you hire a campervan under 21? or ask us to check for you.

Yes, you can add extra drivers. Every driver needs a valid licence and has to be listed on the rental agreement. Some hire companies charge a small fee per extra driver.

It depends on the vehicle, the season, how long you hire for and how far ahead you book. As a rough guide, it's anywhere from about $50 to $550+ a day. See how much campervan hire costs in Australia.

Most hires have a refundable bond and an insurance excess. The bond is held during your hire and returned after the van is checked. The excess is the most you'd pay if something goes wrong. You'll see both before you book. More in how the rental bond works.

Basic cover is included, but it usually comes with a high excess. Most hire companies let you pay extra to lower the excess and the bond, often down to $0. We recommend it for peace of mind. Read campervan insurance explained.

Check for one-way fees, young driver fees, extra drivers, cleaning and late return charges. Fuel, campsites, tolls and gas refills are on you too. Everything the hire company charges is shown before you book.

For most trips, yes, especially if there are two or more of you. Your transport and your bed are one cost, and you can cook your own meals. See campervan vs hotels.

Yes. One-way hire is popular for trips like Sydney to Cairns or Melbourne to Adelaide. A one-way fee may apply depending on the route and season. See one-way campervan hire.

Bring your driver's licence (and International Driving Permit if needed), your booking confirmation and a credit card for the bond. Plan for around an hour to do the paperwork and get shown around the van.

Often yes, but check with us first, as not every hire company allows it. Read Spirit of Tasmania with a campervan and taking a campervan on the Cook Strait ferry.

No. You can only stay overnight in places where it's allowed, like holiday parks, campsites and approved free camps. Rules change between councils and states, so always follow local signs. See where you can park overnight and, in New Zealand, freedom camping rules.

Apps like WikiCamps show free and low-cost campsites with reviews from other travellers. Read how to find the best free campsites and the best campervan apps.

Pull over somewhere safe and call the hire company's roadside assistance number, which you'll get at pick-up. Don't book repairs yourself without asking them first. More in what to do if your campervan breaks down.

At least a week for one region, two to three weeks for a big coastal drive like Sydney to Cairns, and longer if you want to slow down. See how long you need for an Australian road trip.

It depends on where you're going. The south is best in summer, while the tropical north is best in the dry season from May to October. Read the best time to hire a campervan.