Cheap Campervan Hire Australia Wide

Australian campervan hire made easy!

A trip exploring Australia by campervan can be the experience of a lifetime, and here at MatesRates we make campervan hire simple, hassle-free and cost effective.

There are many different brands catering to the differing needs and budgets of people wanting an Australian campervan or motorhome holiday. There are luxury self-contained motorhomes through to simple campervans that are perfect for backpackers on a budget. The choice can be overwhelming.

MatesRates make it easy by bringing together in one place all the motorhome rental rates from over 22 different brands. We collate both local Australian and international campervan hire companies, line them up, and help you quickly find the offer and rental company that best suit your needs.

One place, one search, simple. Start your campervan hire search now!

Planning Your Australian Campervan Holiday

Rugged, isolated, beautiful and mysterious, Australia provides enough adventure and diversity to satisfy even the most seasoned traveller. From the sweeping plains of the Outback through to lush rainforests, thriving cities and even snow-capped mountains, it’s truly a country of contrasts. And there’s no better way to take it all in than by hiring a campervan (also called a motorhome or RV, depending on where you come from).

There’s a whole lot of ground to cover on your Australian motorhome rental trip. Some 7.6 million square kilometres, all up — so when you choose to travel by campervan in Australia you’re certainly not going to get bored.

Campervan or motorhome hire is very cost-effective and gives you unbeatable freedom to travel where you want, when you want, for as long as you want. That’s important given the sheer scope of all there is to see and do in Australia. The country is truly vast, and you could easily spend years exploring, visiting remote towns from Western Australia to the east coast, and still have something new to check out.

Sydney

Sydney is the entry point for the majority of travellers into Australia. It’s the country’s largest city, and positively bursts with energy — thriving nightlife, tasty cuisine, arts and culture, trendy shopping precincts and more. Iconic Bondi beach beckons, packed with white sand, big waves and bronzed beachgoers. But the real magic comes when you travel beyond the city limits and begin to explore life outside this bustling metropolis. Drive in either direction out of Sydney and you’ll quickly hit numerous beach communities, surf spots and state parks. There’s no shortage of places to park your camper and make yourself at home … until it’s time to move on to the next big adventure.

Brisbane

If you’re looking for laid-back, look no further – you’ve found the perfect place to start (or finish) your campervan road trip. Home to the picturesque Gold Coast, dotted with towering high rises and ringed by white sand beaches, you’ll quickly see why Queensland has become so beloved by travellers all over the world. The weather’s fine, the folks are friendly, and the water’s not half bad either.  It’s easily warm enough to travel by motorhome even in winter. Head along the coast, and you’ll find multiple treasures to explore. The Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sunshine Coast, and breathtaking views around every corner. Queensland is truly a water lover’s dream, and whether you’re into snorkelling, diving, fishing, boating or jet skiing, you’re never far from activities and attractions to satisfy your appetite. Once you’ve had your fill of the sea and sand, steer your motorhome rental inland, and you’ll find a total contrast in the awe-inspiring Australian Outback.

Melbourne

Undoubtedly the cultural capital of Australia, central Melbourne is an enchanting mix of art, history and museums together with massive sporting stadiums and sports-mad locals. The café culture and coffee are world-famous, and there’s plenty of enchanting inner city lanes and big, sweeping streets with boutiques and shops to explore. For those who like their exploring a little more on the wild side, the roads out of Melbourne lead to many wonders — so jump into your campervan and hit the road! The Great Ocean Road, featuring the Twelve Apostles rock formation and Great Otway National Park is just one must-see. If you’re there in winter there are a number of ski fields dotted around the state. Head to the slopes, and soak up the feeling of being surrounded by snow with the desert just a few hours away.

Perth

Quickly growing and rapidly evolving, Perth is an up-and-coming big centre that’s also a perfect base for exploring the more untouched, rugged parts of Australia by motorhome. Head south to check out one of the country’s most renowned wine regions, and venture along the Rainbow Coast for spectacularly scenic views. Head East to visit the Golden Outback — named for its colourful history during the gold rush years. It’s a seemingly unending stretch of landscape, where the skyline melts into the distant land ahead and travellers can feel truly at the edge of the world.

How long to spend travelling in Australia

Once you’ve decided campervan hire is the best option for travelling Australia your way, it’s important to plan your trip carefully and give yourself plenty of time.

Just how long should you be allowing to explore Australia? There’s no straightforward answer. But as a rough guide, if you’re planning a compact road trip, and only looking to visit each big city for a few days, you could cover the country in three weeks (with a LOT of time on the road). However, if you want to visit the majority of the main attractions and see what small town Australia has to offer, you’ll be looking at three months or so. There are six states and territories in Australia, all of them vast and all of them different, and you really can spend as long as you want on the road.

When to travel by campervan

One of the best things about Australia is that there really isn’t a bad time to visit in terms of climate. Year-round warmth means renting a campervan is always a good option for getting around, although there are advantages and disadvantages to each season. The country’s tourism industry operates pretty much non-stop through the year and the weather tends to differ a lot between territories anyway. You might cross through several seasons in a week!

Summer officially runs from December through to February in Australia, and just how hot it gets depends on where you are. Heavy rainfall often occurs in the north, making the climate quite humid, while the coastal cities –— particularly Melbourne and Sydney — can be wonderfully warm but not uncomfortably so. Western Australia, on the other hand, could be just a bit too sticky for all but the most fervent heatseekers, so head there when it’s cooler, or make sure your RV has very good air conditioning.

Winter is officially from June through to August, but it’s not usually particularly cold anywhere. The north is particularly winterless, while the rest of the country’s temperatures tend to be reasonably mild. The mercury may drop to freezing on the odd occasion in the south, but rarely below that and usually only at night.

Another factor to keep in mind when you’re choosing your dates are the holiday periods. School break occurs in summer, so there tends to be a lot more people both at attractions and on the roads in December and January. Additionally, many businesses close over the Christmas and New Year period. While the tourism industry tends to keep going as normal, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that most smaller businesses are closed for a week or two.

Where to stay in your campervan

Because Australia’s so perfectly suited to exploring by campervan, there’s a huge number of campgrounds where you can park up, rest up, and get ready for more adventure. Make sure you check the rules for free camping in each state you visit — as they do vary, and you can face some hefty fines for camping in unauthorised areas. While Australia also has a reputation for being welcoming and safe, official camping sites tend to be more secure. Many are run through the national parks, of which there are over 200, so if nature’s your thing you’re going to be particularly well served with overnight options.

Driving a campervan in Australia

While the majority of Australia’s roads are well-maintained, safe and serviced with rest stops and petrol stations, there are many that are more difficult to navigate and very remote. Some are unsealed, and many campervan rental companies do not allow you to drive on them. When you are at the motorhome hire office, check what roads you are permitted to drive on, before you head off.

The sheer size of Australia and the long distances involved in travelling by motorhome or RV means regular stops are vital. Use the rest stops dotted along the main highways, and switch drivers every so often if you can. Additionally, keep in mind that driving laws vary slightly by state. If you’re driving on an international licence or permit you’ll need to have it with you at all times. You must not exceed the signposted speed limits, and blood alcohol limits are very low.

When you’re driving in more remote areas, it’s extremely important to consider your safety. Many areas are only sparsely populated, and it can be a very long drive between petrol stations and stops. Make sure you stock up. Have a mobile phone on you at all times, but keep in mind that there will be places without phone coverage.

Finally, because of the abundance of wildlife and the hazard they present on the roads at night, drive with caution after dusk.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind while you’re driving:

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road! Overtake on the right.
• The legal alcohol limit for driving is very low. It’s best not to drink any alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
• All distances are in kilometres, and speeds in kilometres per hour.
• Speed limits are carefully enforced. Speed limits in towns are typically 50 kilometres per hour, and speed limits on open roads can be up to 100 kilometres per hour. Watch out for school zones in towns and cities, where the speed limit is generally 40km/h, but 25km/h in South Australia.
• All passengers must wear seat belts, even in a campervan.
• Approach roads that are narrow and/or winding — particularly those that traverse mountains or gravel — with extreme caution. Practice first to get your confidence up!
• If you plan to be driving in Australia for less than three months, you will be able to use your foreign licence — provided it’s written in English. If your licence is written in another language, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country or have with you an English translation provided by an NAATI certified translator. You’ll also need to keep it on you at all times when you’re driving.