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Campervan Hire Prices in Australia

A comprehensive guide to campervan rental costs, comparing prices across vehicle types, companies, and seasons

Quick Summary: Campervan hire in Australia ranges from $40-80/day for budget options to $300-600+/day for luxury motorhomes, with significant seasonal variations and regional differences.

Factors Affecting Campervan Rental Prices

Vehicle Type & Size

Smaller 2-berth campervans cost less than large 4-6 berth motorhomes. Basic vans without bathrooms are the cheapest option.

Features & Amenities

Self-contained campers with toilet/shower cost 2-3 times more than basic vans. A 2-berth without bathroom might start at $43/day vs $127/day with bathroom.

Vehicle Age & Brand

Newer, premium-brand vehicles cost more. Luxury brands maintain fleets under 2 years old and charge premium prices.

Rental Duration

Longer rentals reduce the average daily rate. Many companies offer 5-10% discounts for 3+ week hires.

Season & Demand

Peak seasons (Dec-Jan, school holidays) see rates double compared to off-peak periods. Northern Australia peaks in winter (dry season).

One-Way Rentals

Dropping off in a different city incurs relocation fees of $150-350, though relocation deals can sometimes offset this.

Campervan Types & Daily Price Ranges

Campervan TypeOff-Peak (AUD/day)Peak Season (AUD/day)
2-Berth Budget (No Toilet)
Converted minivan, basic kitchen
$40 - $80$100 - $150
2-Berth Self-Contained
Small motorhome with bathroom
$120 - $180$200 - $300
4-Berth Camper (No Toilet)
Hitop van sleeping 4, kitchen only
$70 - $120$150 - $220
4-Berth Motorhome
Full-featured with shower/toilet
$150 - $250$250 - $400
6-Berth Motorhome
Large motorhome for 5-6 people
$150 - $300$300 - $500
Luxury Motorhome
Premium 2-6 berth with high-end amenities
$250 - $400$400 - $600+
4WD Camper
Off-road 2-3 berth for remote travel
$100 - $180$200 - $300

Key Insight: Self-contained campers with toilet/shower facilities typically cost 2-3 times more than comparable vans without these amenities due to their larger size and additional features.

Major Rental Companies & Price Positioning

Premium Brands

Maui Motorhomes

Luxury fleet under 2 years old. 4-berth from $240-400+/day

StarRV (Apollo)

Deluxe vehicles with premium amenities

Mid-Range Brands

Britz Campervan

Well-equipped fleet under 4 years. 4-berth $150-300/day

Apollo Motorhomes

Comparable quality to Britz. 4-berth $180-250/day

Budget Brands

Jucy Rentals

Compact vans for young travelers. From ~$79/day

Mighty Campers

Ex-Britz fleet, 20-30% cheaper than Britz

Cheapa Campa

Older Apollo fleet at reduced rates

Industry Consolidation Note

Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) and Apollo merged in 2022, meaning Britz, Maui, Apollo, and Mighty are now under one umbrella. This makes comparing across multiple brands even more important to find the best deals.

Regional Price Variations & One-Way Rentals

Major Pickup Cities

Sydney & Melbourne

High summer demand (Dec-Feb). Winter offers lower rates and better availability.

Brisbane & Cairns

Brisbane busy year-round. Cairns peaks in winter (dry season) - rates highest June-August.

Perth

Limited competition, peak Sept-April. Winter offers cheaper rates but fewer options.

Adelaide

Gateway to Outback. Autumn (Mar-May) offers mild weather and reasonable rates.

One-Way Rental Costs

Relocation Fees

Most one-way rentals incur fees of $150-350 depending on distance:

  • • Sydney-Brisbane/Melbourne: $150-250
  • • Perth/Darwin routes: $300-350+
  • • Cross-country routes: Highest fees

Relocation Deals

Companies offer $1/day relocations when they need vehicles moved:

  • • Check Transfercar for specials
  • • Fixed timeframes and routes
  • • Great for flexible, budget travelers

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season

Dec-Jan, Easter, School Holidays

  • • Rates can double vs off-peak
  • • Book 3-6 months ahead
  • • Limited availability
  • • Northern Australia: Jun-Aug peak

Shoulder Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

  • • Moderate pricing
  • • Good weather conditions
  • • Better availability
  • • Sweet spot for value

Off-Peak Season

Jun-Aug (Southern Australia)

  • • 30-50% cheaper than peak
  • • Many specials available
  • • Shorter minimum rentals
  • • Free extras often included

Price Example

A 2-berth with bathroom might cost ~$120/day in winter but over $200/day during Christmas/New Year period - highlighting the importance of timing your trip.

Cost-Saving Tips & Strategies

Timing Strategies

  • Travel in shoulder/off-peak seasons
  • Book 3-6 months ahead for peak periods
  • Shift dates by a few days to avoid peak pricing

Vehicle Selection

  • Choose budget brands (Jucy, Mighty, Cheapa)
  • Skip onboard toilet/shower if comfortable with facilities
  • Consider 2WD unless off-road travel needed

Booking Strategies

  • Use comparison sites (Camper Champ, Motorhome Republic)
  • Plan longer rentals for better daily rates
  • Look for relocation deals if flexible

Additional Savings

  • Bring your own camping gear vs rental
  • Consider third-party insurance vs rental company
  • Factor in fuel costs (~$1.75-2.20/L)

Key Takeaways

Price Ranges to Expect

  • • Budget vans: $40-80/day off-peak
  • • Mid-range motorhomes: $150-250/day
  • • Luxury options: $300-600+/day peak
  • • Peak season can double prices

Best Money-Saving Strategies

  • • Travel in shoulder/off-peak seasons
  • • Compare across multiple companies
  • • Book early for peak periods
  • • Consider budget brands and basic amenities

With proper planning and smart choices, exploring Australia by campervan can be both unforgettable and cost-effective. The key is understanding the factors that drive pricing and timing your trip accordingly.

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