Melbourne Airport (MEL), officially Tullamarine, is Australia's second-busiest airport and the natural starting point for some of the country's most spectacular road trips. The Great Ocean Road, the Grampians to Adelaide route, and the Spirit of Tasmania crossing all begin here. This guide covers everything you need to know about picking up a campervan from Melbourne Airport.
Why Melbourne Airport Is a Top Pickup Point
Melbourne offers several advantages for campervan travellers. First, it's a fiercely competitive market — with 30+ brands operating depots nearby, prices are among the lowest in Australia. Second, Melbourne is perfectly positioned for multi-directional road trips: west to the Great Ocean Road and Adelaide, east to Phillip Island and Gippsland, north to the Murray River and eventually Sydney, or south to Tasmania via the ferry from Geelong.
Unlike Sydney, Melbourne Airport is located in a suburban/industrial area with easy freeway access in every direction. There are no toll roads on the main routes leaving the airport precinct (the CityLink toll only applies if you drive into the CBD), making it ideal for an immediate departure.
Depot Locations Near Melbourne Airport
Campervan depots near Melbourne Airport are spread across the northern suburbs, primarily in Tullamarine, Campbellfield, Somerton, and Epping.
Apollo, Mighty, Star RV — The closest depots, located along the Melbourne Airport Business Park corridor on Mercer Drive and Sharps Road.
Campbellfield / Somerton (10–15 min)
Britz, Maui, Jucy, Spaceships — Located along the Hume Highway corridor. Free shuttles provided.
Epping / Thomastown (15–20 min)
Travellers Autobarn, Hippie Camper, Camperman — Budget operators in the outer industrial areas. Still free shuttle transfers available.
Free Shuttle Services
All major brands provide complimentary airport shuttles:
- Apollo Group (Apollo, Mighty, Cheapa Campa, Star RV) — Shared shuttle from both terminals, every 15–20 minutes during business hours
- THL Group (Britz, Maui) — On-call shuttle; phone on arrival
- Jucy — Free shuttle; call depot on landing
- Spaceships — Free transfer; arrange via booking confirmation number
The Pickup Process: What to Expect
Before You Arrive
Melbourne Airport has excellent free Wi-Fi. While waiting for your shuttle, take the opportunity to:
- Buy an Australian SIM card from the Vodafone or Optus stores in the arrivals hall
- Download offline maps for your planned route (Google Maps or Maps.me)
- Check your booking confirmation for the depot phone number
At the Depot
The check-in process is the same across most brands:
- Present documentation — licence, credit card, booking confirmation, passports
- Review the rental agreement — pay attention to kilometre limits, driving area restrictions (some brands exclude unsealed roads), and the bond amount
- Discuss optional extras — insurance excess reduction, camping equipment, Wi-Fi devices
- Vehicle walkthrough — a staff member demonstrates all systems (gas, water, electrics, bed configuration)
- Condition report — inspect the vehicle thoroughly, photograph and note every scratch, dent, or mark
How Long Does Pickup Take?
Plan for 1–1.5 hours from the moment you call the shuttle to driving out of the depot. During peak season (Christmas/New Year, Easter, school holidays), it can stretch to 2 hours due to queues. Picking up mid-week in the shoulder season is the fastest experience.
Melbourne Airport Campervan Hire Costs
Seasonal Pricing Guide (2-Berth)
| Season | Period | Price Range/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | Dec – Feb | $85 – $160 |
| Shoulder | Mar – May, Sep – Nov | $50 – $95 |
| Off-Peak | Jun – Aug | $40 – $65 |
Melbourne's off-peak pricing is among the best in Australia. Winter road trips (Great Ocean Road in particular) are stunning — fewer crowds, dramatic coastal weather, and whale watching season (June–September). The lower rental rates make it even more appealing.
Hidden Costs to Watch
- CityLink tolls: If you're tempted to visit the city before heading out, be aware that CityLink and EastLink have electronic tolling. Most campervans don't come with toll tags — set up a casual toll pass online before driving through
- One-way fees: Melbourne to Adelaide one-way fees are typically $200–$350; Melbourne to Sydney $250–$400
- Ferry costs: If heading to Tasmania, the Spirit of Tasmania charges $250–$500+ for a vehicle plus passenger fares
Best Road Trips from Melbourne Airport
1. The Great Ocean Road
Distance: 243 km (Great Ocean Road section) | Duration: 3–5 days | Difficulty: Easy
Australia's most famous coastal drive — the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and the Otway Ranges rainforest. Drive from Torquay to Warrnambool and return via the inland highway, or continue west to Adelaide. Full guide →
2. Melbourne to Adelaide via the Grampians
Distance: 730 km | Duration: 5–7 days | Difficulty: Easy
Combine the Great Ocean Road with the Grampians National Park (stunning sandstone ranges and Aboriginal rock art) before crossing into South Australia through the Coorong wetlands to Adelaide. Full guide →
3. Melbourne to Tasmania
Distance: 350 km (Tassie circuit) | Duration: 7–14 days | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport, then loop around Australia's island state — Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, Hobart's MONA museum, and the stunning Bay of Fires. Full guide →
4. Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Route
Distance: 1,050 km | Duration: 5–8 days | Difficulty: Easy
The reverse of the classic Sydney–Melbourne run. Head east through Gippsland Lakes and Wilsons Promontory, then north through Eden, Narooma, and Jervis Bay. Full guide →
Tips for a Smooth Melbourne Airport Pickup
Flight Timing
Melbourne Airport depots close at 4:00 PM. For international arrivals, allow at least 1.5 hours for customs clearance plus 1.5 hours for pickup. That means your flight needs to land by 1:00 PM for same-day pickup. If arriving later, book an airport hotel and pick up the next morning — the Parkroyal and Holiday Inn are both within walking distance of the terminal.
First Night Spots Near the Airport
- BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park, Coburg (25 min south) — Full facilities, great for a first night
- Woodlands Holiday Park, Queenscliff (1 hr south-west) — Coastal location, perfect if heading to the Great Ocean Road the next morning
- You Yangs Regional Park (40 min south-west) — Free bush camping with basic facilities near Geelong
Stocking Up
The Tullamarine/Gladstone Park area has a Costco, Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles all within 10 minutes of the airport depots. Stock up on groceries and supplies before leaving the metro area — prices increase the further you get from Melbourne, especially along the Great Ocean Road.
Compare All Melbourne Airport Campervan Brands
Don't leave money on the table. Melbourne's competitive market means prices vary significantly between brands — especially in the shoulder season. Compare all 30+ brands departing Melbourne →
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