If you've been researching motorhome hire in Australia, you'll have noticed that most brands trace back to one corporate parent: THL Group. Apollo, Britz, Maui, Mighty — they're all part of the same family. That makes Cruisin' Australia's most interesting alternative: a fully independent, Australian-owned company that runs its own fleet, its own depots, and its own standards.
So does going independent mean a better experience? Or does Apollo's massive scale deliver better value? This guide compares every angle.
Company Profiles
Cruisin' is a Brisbane-based, family-owned company that's been operating since 1993. They maintain their own fleet of modern motorhomes (typically 1–4 years old) and are known for premium vehicle quality, personal customer service, and competitive pricing for what you get. They operate exclusively in Australia.
Apollo was founded in Brisbane in 1985 and grew to become the largest campervan fleet in the southern hemisphere. Since 2022, Apollo is part of THL Group, sharing infrastructure with Britz, Maui, and Mighty. Apollo positions itself as the value option in the THL family — reliable vehicles at competitive prices.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cruisin' | Apollo |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent, Australian-owned | THL Group (NZ-listed) |
| Vehicle Age | 1–4 years | 2–5 years |
| Price Range | $70–$350/day | $55–$250/day |
| Countries | Australia only | Australia + NZ |
| AU Depots | 6 (Syd, Mel, Bne, Cairns, Adl, Hobart) | 10+ (incl. Darwin, Alice Springs, Perth) |
| Service Style | Boutique, personal | Large-scale, standardised |
Pricing and Value
Cruisin' is typically 15–30% more expensive than Apollo on a daily rate basis. For a 4-berth motorhome in peak season:
- Cruisin': ~$200–$300/day
- Apollo: ~$150–$220/day
But the gap narrows when you factor in what's included. Cruisin' vehicles often come with better standard equipment (newer appliances, better bedding, more storage accessories), and their insurance packages sometimes include items that Apollo charges extra for.
For a fair comparison, always compare the total trip cost including insurance, extras, and one-way fees — not just the daily rate. Compare live prices on CamperCompare →
Vehicle Quality — The Key Difference
This is where Cruisin' genuinely excels. Because they manage their own fleet (not part of a cascading brand rotation like THL), Cruisin' maintains tighter control over vehicle condition. Their motorhomes are typically 1–4 years old and feature:
- Mercedes-Benz and Fiat Ducato base vehicles (vs Apollo's mixed fleet)
- Custom Australian-built motorhome fit-outs
- Well-designed kitchens with full-size appliances
- Comfortable queen beds (not just foam mattresses)
- Solar panels and better battery systems for off-grid camping
Apollo vehicles are functional and reliable, but they've typically been through the Maui → Britz rotation before wearing the Apollo badge, meaning more wear and older interiors.
Customer Service
Cruisin's smaller scale means more personalised service. You're more likely to speak to someone who knows your booking, and their Brisbane-based team is known for going above and beyond with trip planning advice. Apollo's customer service is professional but standardised — you're dealing with a large corporate operation where individual attention can vary.
The Verdict
Choose Cruisin' if you value vehicle quality, want a newer motorhome with premium fit-out, prefer dealing with an independent Australian company, and don't mind paying a modest premium for the experience.
Choose Apollo if you want the widest depot coverage (especially Perth, Darwin, or Alice Springs), need NZ coverage too, or want the most competitive daily rate from a reliable large-fleet operator.
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