Perth Airport (PER) is the gateway to Western Australia — a state that covers one-third of the entire Australian continent. From the turquoise waters of the Coral Coast to the ancient red gorges of Karijini, from the whale sharks of Ningaloo to the pristine white beaches of Esperance, WA offers some of the most spectacular and uncrowded road trip experiences on Earth. This guide covers everything you need to know about picking up your campervan from Perth Airport.
Why Perth Is the Ultimate Road Trip Starting Point
Western Australia is different from the East Coast. The distances are vast, the landscapes are otherworldly, and you'll often have entire stretches of coastline to yourself. Perth is the only major gateway — virtually every WA road trip starts and ends here.
The campervan market in Perth is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, but still competitive with 20+ brands offering everything from budget sleepervans to luxury 4WD motorhomes. Prices tend to be slightly higher than East Coast equivalents (fewer brands, higher demand in peak season), but the experience is worth every dollar.
Depot Locations Near Perth Airport
Perth Airport has a unique layout with domestic and international terminals separated by several kilometres. Most campervan depots are located on the south side of the airport in the suburbs of Redcliffe, Belmont, and Kewdale.
Apollo, Mighty — Located on Abernethy Road, practically walking distance from the T1/T2 terminal precinct. Free shuttle available.
Belmont / Kewdale (10–15 min)
Britz, Maui, Jucy, Spaceships — Clustered along Great Eastern Highway and the surrounding industrial area. Free shuttles from both terminals.
Welshpool (15–20 min)
Travellers Autobarn, Hippie Camper, Camperman — Budget operators slightly further south. Free transfers available on request.
Shuttle & Transfer Information
All major brands offer free airport shuttles. Because Perth Airport's terminals are spread apart, confirm which terminal your shuttle departs from when you call. International arrivals at T1 and domestic at T3/T4 have different pickup zones.
The Pickup Process
Perth depots follow the standard process, but there are WA-specific considerations:
Special WA Considerations
- Driving area restrictions: Many standard policies exclude the Gibb River Road, Cape Leveque Road, and other unsealed tracks. If you plan to explore the Kimberley off-road, you MUST book a 4WD campervan with specific off-road coverage.
- Distance limits: Some budget brands impose kilometre limits (e.g., 200 km/day). Given WA's vast distances, ensure you have unlimited kilometres — or calculate whether you'll exceed the cap on your planned route.
- Fuel planning: Distances between fuel stops in WA are extreme. Ask the depot about fuel stop spacing on your route and carry a jerry can as backup for remote areas.
Required Documents
- Valid driving licence + IDP if not in English
- Credit card (bond: $2,500–$7,500 depending on vehicle class)
- Booking confirmation
- Passports for all drivers
Perth Airport Campervan Costs
Seasonal Pricing (2-Berth Campervan)
| Season | Period | Price Range/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | Apr – Oct (Dry Season/Wildflowers) | $75 – $160 |
| Shoulder | Mar, Nov | $55 – $100 |
| Off-Peak | Dec – Feb (Summer Heat) | $40 – $70 |
Note: Perth's peak season aligns with the northern dry season (April–October), which is the only comfortable time to travel the Coral Coast and Kimberley regions. Summer (December–February) is scorching hot inland (40°C+) and most northbound trips are inadvisable. However, summer is perfect for the southern coast (Esperance, Albany, Margaret River).
Epic Road Trips from Perth Airport
1. Perth to Broome — The Coral Coast
Distance: 2,200 km | Duration: 2–3 weeks | Difficulty: Moderate
One of the world's great road trips. Highlights: Pinnacles Desert, Geraldton, Monkey Mia dolphins, Ningaloo Reef (whale sharks), Karijini National Park, and 80 Mile Beach. Full guide →
2. Perth to Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef
Distance: 1,270 km | Duration: 1–2 weeks | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
A shorter version focusing on the Coral Coast and the incredible Ningaloo Reef — the only place on Earth where you can reliably swim with whale sharks from shore. Full guide →
3. Margaret River & South-West
Distance: 600 km loop | Duration: 4–7 days | Difficulty: Easy
World-class wineries, cave systems, towering karri forests, and surf beaches. Margaret River is a gourmet road trip paradise, easily accessible year-round from Perth.
4. The South Coast — Esperance & Albany
Distance: 1,400 km loop | Duration: 7–10 days | Difficulty: Easy
Lucky Bay (kangaroos on the whitest beach in Australia), the Fitzgerald River Biosphere, Albany's ANZAC heritage, and the incredible Valley of the Giants treetop walk. Full guide →
Essential Tips for Perth Airport Pickup
Fuel & Supplies Strategy
WA has some of the longest distances between towns in Australia. Essential preparation:
- Carry a 20L jerry can for remote travel (north of Geraldton, fuel stops can be 200–300 km apart)
- Stock up in Perth — groceries are 20–40% more expensive in remote WA towns
- Download offline maps — mobile coverage is patchy to non-existent on many WA highways
- Carry extra water — minimum 20L on board for any trip north of Perth
First Night Near Perth Airport
- Perth Central Caravan Park (20 min) — Well-maintained park near the Swan River, good base for a day exploring Perth
- Rottnest Island (ferry from Fremantle) — Consider spending your first day/night meeting the famous quokkas before hitting the highway
- Yanchep National Park (1 hour north) — Koalas, caves, and bushwalking — a perfect first-night escape heading northbound
Compare Perth Airport Campervan Hire
With fewer brands than the East Coast, comparing is even more important in Perth — the price gap between the cheapest and most expensive can be $50–$80/day. Compare all Perth brands →
Planning your trip?
Compare campervan hire in Perth
