Are you planning your first campervan adventure in Australia? Renting a campervan for the first time can be both exciting and a bit scary. From choosing the right insurance to navigating Australian roads, there’s a lot to think about. Exploring Australia by campervan is one of the best ways to see the country – it is big, diverse, and incredibly campervan-friendly, with plenty of campsites and scenic routes to choose from.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re simply looking for helpful advice, we’ve compiled our top tips based on our personal experience from A Complete 4 Weeks Road Trip Travel Itinerary Around Australia’s East Coast. We hope you find these tips useful and that they help make your campervan journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Selecting a Rental Company
If you’re looking for a reliable rental company, we’ve partnered with Motorhome Rentals. When you book through our affiliated link, you can get up to 30% off, depending on the country and type of van. It’s a great way to save money on your trip, so don’t miss the chance to check out their prices before you book!
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20 Tips for Renting a Campervan in Australia
1. Consider getting the Full Insurance
Consider upgrading to full insurance with a zero-deductible policy. While it may cost more upfront, it provides peace of mind. If you do not get the full insurance, be aware that the rental company will take photos of the vehicle upon pick-up and drop-off, and if they find even a small discrepancy they will charge you a fee. The full insurance often cover minor damages like scratches or rocks hitting the windscreen, so you can focus on the journey.
2. Inspect the Van Before Driving
If you don’t opt for full insurance, thoroughly inspect the campervan for existing damage. Take your own photos or videos to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing issues. If you opt for the full insurance, you don’t have to worry about any unexpected fees upon return of the vehicle.
3. Check the Vehicle Model
Check the year and model of your campervan during booking. Some companies may provide a different or older model than expected. Always review your contract for flexibility clauses.
4. Be Aware of One-Way Fees & Extra Driver
If you’re planning a one-way trip, such as driving from Melbourne to Cairns, expect a one-way fee. While it’s usually a small cost, it’s important to factor this into your budget. Adding a second driver usually comes with an extra fee, but it’s worth it for long drives. Sharing the load ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. Remember to take a break about every 2 hours.
5. Choose Unlimited Kilometres
Most rental companies offer both limited and unlimited kilometres, if you are driving a long distance, or visiting multiple cities, we recommend going for unlimited kilometres to avoid extra charges. It is also very difficult to calculate how many kilometres your trip will be. We drove over 5,200 km and didn’t have to worry about limits.
6. Document the Mileage
Take a photo of the odometer before you hit the road. It’s a good habit to track your trip and in case you have limited kilometres you can avoid discrepancies when returning the van.
7. Understand the Fuel Policy
Rental companies have different fuel policies, such as “return full” or “as received.” Stick to the policy to avoid extra fees. Petrol stations are often located near both pick-up and drop-off points which makes refuelling easy.
8. Consider Diesel vs. Gasoline
Diesel vehicles are typically more fuel-efficient for long trips, but diesel can sometimes cost more than gasoline. We got a diesel van as we were driving long distances and also in a lot of hills. We also opted for an automatic gear.
9. Consider a van with A/C
Australia can get very hot, especially in the summer months or in the northern tropical regions. We were here in November / December and having air conditioning in your campervan is essential for staying comfortable. Make sure to confirm that your rental includes A/C before booking, as not all vans come equipped with it. Trust us, it makes a big difference if you are going to Queensland for example.
10. Rent Camping Essentials
Most rental companies offer extras like camping chairs, tables, or awnings. We found camping chairs and a table a must-have for outdoor meals and relaxation. We felt that we missed some kind of awning / parasol to protect from sun and rain.
11. Adjust to Left-Side Driving
If you’re new to driving on the left side, don’t worry – you get used to it quickly. Remember to look right and keep left. Australia’s clear road signage makes navigation easier. In fact, we find that Australia has one of the best road signage communication we’ve encountered, from speed signs to warnings. The road conditions are also very good, especially if you are driving on the highways.
12. Bring the Right Driver’s License
Ensure you have a valid driver’s license, and check if you need an international one. We had our national licenses plus international licenses with us. Some rental companies also accept digital licenses, but it’s best to confirm ahead of time. Depending on where your license is issued, you might be able to order an international license online.
13. Plan Campsites in Advance
Campsites can fill up, especially in popular areas, during peak seasons, and weekends. If you have a specific place you want to visit, book ahead to avoid last-minute changes to your itinerary. We had to change our plans twice due to campsites being fully booked.
14. Stay Weather-Aware
Australia’s weather varies drastically. Keep an eye on road conditions for potential hazards like bushfires or floods, and follow any posted warnings. If you are in an affected area, be aware of what to do in case of an emergency.
15. Watch for Wildlife
Avoid driving at dawn, dusk, or night to reduce the risk of collisions with wildlife, like kangaroos. Stick to daylight hours for safer travels. We saw many unfortunate animals dead on the side of the roads.
16. Refill Water Regularly
If your campervan has a built-in water tank, refill it every couple of days. Most campsites provide water refill stations for convenience. We were surprised that most of the campsites in Australia have water available at each camping spot, which makes it very convenient to refill every day.
17. Empty Waste Tanks Frequently
If your van has grey and black water tanks, plan to empty them at designated dump stations, often available at campsites. Australia is very camping friendly and most campsites will have designated dump stations.
18. Laundry at Campsites
Most campsites in Australia have laundry facilities, which is super convenient for longer trips. These machines usually take $1 and $2 coins, so it’s a good idea to keep some handy.
19. Get a Local SIM Card
Skip the overpriced airport SIM cards. We found Amaysim (Optus network) to have excellent coverage, even in remote areas, compared to Lebara (Vodafone network) which only worked in the cities. You can buy SIM cards in local supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths.
20. Pay It Forward
Before returning your campervan, consider donating leftover items like food or supplies to other travellers. A German couple gave us useful items when we started, and we paid it forward by giving items to others at the end of our trip. Even if you don’t meet anyone upon return, there are often donation boxes at the drop-off points.
Campervan Walk-Through
We hope you found these tips helpful. Don’t forget to check out our Australian campervan series for more inspiration and subscribe to follow our journey around the world.
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