7/24 Day Ultimate trips for renting a campervan in Australia
Australia’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes make it a perfect destination for road trips, and renting a campervan is one of the most popular ways to explore the country.
From the stunning coastal drives to the rugged outback a campervan allows travelers to embrace freedom comfort and flexibility.
This guide covers the costs regulations and practicalities of renting a campervan in Australia including where to sleep required driving licenses and tips for making the most of your road trip whether you’re a first time visitor or an experienced traveler.
Average Rental Price of a Campervan in Australia
Renting a campervan in Australia typically costs between AUD 50 to AUD 250 per day, depending on the season and size.
Budget options start at AUD 50 to AUD 100, offering basic features like a bed and cooking equipment.
Mid range campervans with added comfort, such as a kitchenette, go for AUD 100 to AUD 150.
Luxury models with spacious interiors air conditioning, and full amenities cost AUD 150 to AUD 250 or more per day.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Several factors can affect the final price of your campervan rental:
Duration of Rental
The longer your rental, the more likely you are to secure a discount. Typically, companies offer a lower daily rate for longer rentals especially if you book for a week or more.
Seasonal Demand
In Australia, peak seasons such as school holidays, Christmas, and the summer months can significantly increase the price of campervan rentals.
Prices can go up by as much as 30% to 50% during these high-demand periods. If you’re looking for cheaper rental prices consider booking your campervan during the off-peak seasons.
Age of the Campervan
Older campervans are generally cheaper to rent. If you’re comfortable with a slightly older vehicle, you can often find lower rental rates.
On the other hand, new or luxury models will cost more due to their superior comfort and additional features.
Rental Locations
Rental prices can also vary depending on where you pick up your campervan. Major cities such as Sydney Melbourne, and Brisbane tend to have higher rates compared to smaller towns or regional areas.
However, the added cost of getting to these cities may make it more economical to rent there if you plan to start your journey from that location.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your campervan rental, keep in mind that there are several additional costs that may not be included in the base rental price
Insurance
Most rental companies offer insurance coverage for an additional cost. This is important to protect yourself in the case of accidents or damage to the vehicle.
Basic insurance may be included in the rental price, but you may need to pay extra for comprehensive coverage or to reduce your excess in case of damage.
Fuel Costs
Depending on the size of the campervan and how far you plan to travel, fuel costs can add up.
Campervans typically have fuel consumption rates of around 12 to 20 liters per 100 kilometers, so it’s important to factor in fuel expenses when planning your trip.
Extra Equipment
Many rental companies offer additional equipment for an extra charge, such as GPS, Wi-Fi devices, camping chairs, and outdoor tables. If you plan to use these, it’s important to factor these extra costs into your overall budget.
Camping Fees
While you can sleep in a campervan, some campsites or caravan parks charge a fee for overnight stays. These fees can range from AUD 20 to AUD 50 per night, depending on the facilities and location.
Can You Sleep Anywhere in a Campervan in Australia?
One of the biggest draws of renting a campervan is the freedom to sleep anywhere. However, while Australia is full of beautiful places to park it’s important to know where you can and cannot sleep in your campervan.
Legal Considerations
While it may seem like you can pull over and sleep anywhere, there are certain regulations in place to protect both locals and tourists.
In most cases, sleeping overnight in your campervan is not permitted in public spaces, on streets, or in areas where “No Camping” signs are posted.
Parking areas or rest stops along highways may be designated for short-term stops, but they often don’t allow overnight stays.
Rest Stops and Truck Stops
You’ll often find designated rest stops along Australia’s highways that allow campervans to park overnight.
While these places are usually free to use they may not offer facilities such as toilets or showers.
National Parks and Public Land
Camping in national parks or on public land may be permitted, but you’ll usually need to reserve a spot in advance and pay a fee. Be sure to check local regulations and camping permits before setting up camp.
Caravan Parks
Caravan parks are one of the best places to park your campervan overnight. These sites typically offer a range of amenities, including power hookups, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
Although there is usually a cost for staying at a caravan park it’s a reliable and comfortable option for overnight stays.
Freedom Camping
Some areas in Australia offer freedom camping, which means you can camp for free in certain designated areas.
However this is only allowed in specific regions and is often subject to local council regulations.
It’s crucial to research your destination and ensure that freedom camping is allowed before setting up camp for the night.
Wild Camping
In remote areas, such as parts of the outback, wild camping and backpacking are sometimes practiced by experienced travelers.
However, this can be risky, and those unfamiliar with the terrain should avoid it. Always inform someone of your whereabouts and take the necessary precautions when venturing into the wilderness.
Can I Drive a Campervan with a Car License in Australia?
If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Australia, it’s important to understand the requirements for driving.
Generally, the rules for driving a campervan in Australia are straightforward, but they can depend on the size of the vehicle.
Standard Campervans
For most campervans (including compact and mid-range models), a regular car driver’s license is sufficient.
As long as you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an international driving permit (IDP), you should be able to drive a standard campervan in Australia without any issues.
Large Motorhomes or RVs
If you’re looking to rent a larger motorhome or RV that requires a higher driving capability, you may need a special license.
The exact requirements vary by state and the size of the vehicle. In most cases, vehicles weighing over 4.5 tons require a medium or heavy vehicle license, but this is rare for typical campervans.
Rental Companies’ Requirements
Some rental companies may have additional age requirements or driving experience. Always check with the rental company to ensure you meet their driving requirements before booking your campervan.
Conclusion
Renting a campervan in Australia offers a flexible and adventurous way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.
While prices for campervan rentals can vary, planning ahead and understanding the costs involved is key to having a successful road trip.
Additionally while sleeping in a campervan offers great freedom, it’s important to be aware of legal considerations and find suitable places to rest.
Most importantly, make sure that your driver’s license meets the requirements for the type of vehicle you wish to rent.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended adventure, Australia’s open roads await, and a campervan is a great way to discover it all.