If you're chasing value on an Australian campervan trip, two names come up again and again: Camperman and Apollo. They sit at different ends of the same market — Camperman is a lean, budget-first operator built around simple Toyota hi-top vans, while Apollo is one of the biggest fleets in the southern hemisphere with everything from 2-berth vans to six-berth motorhomes. So which one actually gives you more bang for your buck?
This 2026 head-to-head breaks down price, vehicles, driver-age rules, insurance, depots and the sort of traveller each brand suits best — so you can book with confidence.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Camperman | Apollo |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Budget, no-frills | Value to mid-range, full range |
| Founded | 2006 (Australian owned) | 1985 (Brisbane) |
| Fleet style | Toyota hi-top vans (2–5 berth) | Vans + motorhomes (2–6 berth) + 4WD |
| Vehicle age | Older, simpler | 2–5 years |
| Minimum driver age | 18 (P2 accepted, no surcharge) | 21+ |
| Shower/toilet models | Limited (Maxie 4 Deluxe) | Yes (4+ berth motorhomes) |
| Unlimited km | Yes | Yes |
| AU depots | Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Melbourne | 10+ nationwide |
| Best for | Backpackers, couples, young drivers | Families, longer trips, comfort seekers |
Price: Camperman Wins on the Headline Rate
Camperman built its whole business around being cheap. Its Toyota hi-top vans strip back the extras and focus on the essentials — a bed, a fridge, a cooker and unlimited kilometres — which keeps daily rates among the lowest in the country. For a couple doing a two-week east-coast run, Camperman is very often the cheapest quote on the board.
Apollo can't always match that headline rate on its smallest vans, but it fights back with scale and sales. Because Apollo runs thousands of vehicles, it discounts heavily in shoulder and low season, and its relocation deals can be absurdly cheap when it needs vans moved between depots. If your dates are flexible, an Apollo special can occasionally undercut Camperman.
Verdict: Camperman for consistent low prices; Apollo if you're willing to chase a sale or relocation.
Vehicles: Simple Toyota Vans vs a Full Range
Camperman's fleet is almost entirely Toyota-based hi-top vans — think the Paradise Family 5, Maxie 4 Deluxe (the one with a shower and toilet), Maxie 3 HighTop and the compact Juliette. They're mechanically simple, easy to drive and cheap to run, which is exactly the point. What you won't get is the latest infotainment, a spacious motorhome layout, or a big choice of configurations. For a full breakdown, see our Camperman fleet guide.
Apollo, by contrast, offers a genuine range: 2-berth Hitops, Euro Tourer and Euro Star motorhomes, six-berth Euro Deluxe family vans with a full bathroom, and even a 4WD Adventure Camper for unsealed roads. If your trip needs an onboard shower, room for a family of five, or off-road ability, Apollo simply has more tools for the job.
Verdict: Camperman for simple, cheap and easy-to-drive; Apollo for choice and creature comforts.
Driver Age: A Big Win for Camperman
This is where Camperman really separates itself. It accepts P2 licence holders from age 18 and, on many vehicles, charges no young-driver surcharge — a rarity in the Australian market. Apollo generally requires drivers to be at least 21. If you're a backpacker, a uni student or freshly off your Ls, Camperman can be the difference between getting on the road and not. We cover this in depth in our guide to campervans for young and P-plate drivers.
Insurance, Inclusions & One-Way Hires
Both brands include unlimited kilometres and comprehensive insurance as standard, with a default excess you can reduce by paying a daily liability-reduction fee. Camperman's rentals typically bundle linen, cooking gear and roadside assistance; Apollo offers similar packs, sometimes as optional add-ons depending on the rate.
On one-way trips, Apollo's larger depot network gives it an edge — it has depots in more cities, so more routes are possible. Camperman covers the key east-coast corridor (Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Airlie Beach) plus Melbourne, which still opens up classic runs like a Sydney to Brisbane coastal drive or a tropical Cairns to Airlie Beach adventure.
Bottom line: Pick Camperman if you want the lowest price, a simple van and young-driver-friendly rules. Pick Apollo if you want a newer vehicle, an onboard bathroom, family space or off-road ability. The smartest move? Compare both — plus every other brand — side by side for your exact dates.
Compare Camperman & Apollo Live
Prices for both brands move constantly with season, route and demand. The only way to know which is cheaper for your trip is to compare them together. Search live Camperman and Apollo prices on CamperCompare and book the one that suits your budget and travel style.
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