Your First Campervan Trip in Australia
Hiring a campervan in Australia is one of the best ways to see the country — freedom to stop where you want, no hotel check-in times, and your kitchen and bed travel with you. But if you've never done it before, the choices can feel overwhelming: What size van? How much does it cost? Where do I sleep? What do I pack?
This guide answers every first-timer question so you can hit the road with confidence.
💡 Tip: Start by comparing vans and prices for your dates on CamperCompare — it shows you all the major companies side by side so you can see exactly what's available and what it costs.
Choosing the Right Van
| Type | Best For | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget 2-berth | Couples, backpackers | A$60–$130/night |
| Mid-size 2–3 berth with bathroom | First-timers, comfort | A$120–$200/night |
| Family 4–6 berth motorhome | Families | A$160–$300/night |
| 4WD camper | Outback, unsealed roads | A$200–$400/night |
For a first trip, a mid-size 2–3 berth with its own bathroom is a great sweet spot. You get independence without the bulk of a large motorhome, and having your own bathroom means you're not reliant on campground facilities.
What Will It Actually Cost?
Beyond the nightly van rate, budget for:
Insurance/liability reduction: A$25–$45/day to reduce your damage excess. Highly recommended, especially for first-timers.
Campgrounds: A$20–$50/night for powered sites in holiday parks, or free to $15 for bush and council camps.
Fuel: A$100–$200/week depending on distance and the van's size.
Food: Cooking in the van saves a fortune — budget A$30–$50/day for two, much less than eating out.
For a detailed cost guide, see how much campervan hire costs in Australia.
Where to Sleep
Holiday Parks
Powered sites with hot showers, laundry, camp kitchens and sometimes pools. Great for first-timers. Prices: A$30–$55/night.
National Park Campgrounds
Usually basic (toilets, maybe a BBQ) but in spectacular settings. Book through each state's parks website. A$10–$35/night.
Free Camps
Thousands of free or low-cost camps across Australia. Apps like WikiCamps and CamperMate help you find them. Facilities range from nothing to basic toilets. A budget traveller's best friend.
What to Pack
Most vans come with bedding, cooking gear and basic utensils. You'll need to bring: clothes for varying weather (layers are key), sunscreen and insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a phone charger, a torch/headlamp, a first-aid kit, and a sense of adventure. If your van doesn't include a kitchen kit, check whether you can hire one as an extra — it's worth it.
Driving Tips
Take It Slowly
A campervan handles differently from a car. Allow extra braking distance, take corners slowly, and use your mirrors constantly. Practise in the depot car park before you hit the highway.
Distances Are Huge
Australia's distances surprise everyone. Sydney to Brisbane is 900 km; Melbourne to Adelaide is 730 km. Don't plan more than 3–4 hours of driving per day or you'll spend the whole trip behind the wheel.
Fuel Up Early and Often
In regional and Outback areas, fill up at every opportunity. Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere is no fun.
Watch for Wildlife
Kangaroos, wombats and emus are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving in the dark outside cities, as animal strikes are common and can cause serious damage to a van.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-planning: Leave room in your itinerary for the unexpected. The best campervan moments are unscripted.
Ignoring road restrictions: Check your rental agreement — many standard vans can't go on gravel or unsealed roads.
Skipping the orientation: Spend time at pickup learning how everything works — the bed, stove, water, electrics. Ask every question you have.
Not comparing prices: Rates vary dramatically between companies and seasons. Always compare on CamperCompare before booking anywhere.
Planning your trip?
Compare campervan & motorhome hire prices across Australia:
