Campervan
There are many great reasons to recommend a campervan holiday in Australia.
Reasons to recommend campervan holidays to your customers:
- Experience nature and wildlife up close
- Enjoy adventure and freedom
- Meet other travellers
- Most include cooking facilities allowing travellers to enjoy inexpensive meals in stunning locations
Benefits of booking a campervan before departure
Leseur National Park, Western Australia
Often there is a price advantage when booking a campervan prior to arrival in Australia.
Advance bookings are advised in peak season from November to March when there is high demand for vehicles.
If your customers are travelling between May to October, in the tropical north of the country, you should arrange an all-terrain vehicle well in advance.
Minimum age for rental
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
For most rental companies, the renter must be at least 21 and in some cases, must have been in possession of a valid driver's licence for one or two years.
However, there are now rental companies (such as Hippie Camper) that offer camping vehicles to renters aged 18 and over. This means that the terms of hire are less demanding than for a rental car, where there are often additional fees for drivers aged between 21 and 25.
License Requirements
Leslie McIntyre Road, Clare Valley, South Australia
Travellers should be able to present a valid non-provisional driver's license. If the license is not in English a valid international driver's licence along with a certified English translation will also be required. Please note:
- For most operators, the rental charge for campervans in Australia generally includes unlimited mileage
- Multiple rentals: Customers often combine several route sections for their Australia trip and operators offer appropriate discounts
Minimum rental period: For individual routes, the operator/campervan provider may require a minimum rental period. Separate rules apply for one-way routes, dependent on city combinations and often involving additional costs.
Left-hand Side Drive
Even if it is generally known, make sure your customers are aware that vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road in Australia.
All terrain driving
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Motorhomes and campervans are allowed to drive on tarmac roads. For driving on gravel roads or tracks, an all-terrain vehicle is needed. Depending on the route your customers select, either a normal vehicle is sufficient or a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is required.
If your customers are travelling in Northern Australia during the rainy months between October and March advise them to check road conditions before and during their trip. Roads can often become flooded and therefore not passable during this period.
Driving on gravel roads is subject to local or weather-related restrictions, which must be checked with the rental company/provider (and during the trip at the place in question).
Driving on Kangaroo Island and/or Fraser Island is strictly subject to the terms of hire of the respective rental company!*
*Please ask the respective providers for details on prohibited driving areas and roads.
Optional Equipment and Transfers
Kings Park, Western Australia
- Optional equipment: This includes child seats, bicycles, camping tables/chairs, navigation systems etc. To ensure availability, these must be requested in advance so that they are available upon customer collection.
- Transfers: Most rental stations offering campervans are a little way out of the city and not directly at the airport. The rental companies often provide transfers. This should be requested via the operator or the rental company.
Where to park?
Cloudy Bay Lagoon Coastal Reserve, Bruny Island, Tasmania
Australia has an extensive network of campervan holiday parks across the country. These provide access to power, shower and toilet facilities and other recreational facilities; they are also a great place to meet fellow travellers and share tips and stories.
Some campervan companies have partnerships with holiday park chains where discounts apply.
National Parks
Most Australian national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic areas. National parks are also beautiful and peaceful locations to stay overnight. However, national parks do not usually offer powered sites.
Roadside Camping
Council laws prohibit camping on the side of the road near towns and cities.
Useful Links
Apollo Campervan, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Overview of the major campervan providers in Australia
Top Quality
Mid Range
Affordable/Low budget
Holiday/Tourist Park Operators
