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Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Hire in Australia

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Top questions about campervan, motorhome, and 4x4 hire in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

General Rental Questions

What are the different types of campervans and motorhomes available for rent in Australia?

There are a variety of campervans and motorhomes available for rent in Australia, ranging from small, compact vehicles that are perfect for couples or solo travelers, to larger, more spacious vehicles that can accommodate families or groups of friends. Some of the most popular campervan and motorhome rental companies in Australia include Apollo, Maui, Britz, Star RV, Let's Go, Cruisin, and Mighty Campers.

What are the different rental periods available?

Campervan and motorhome rental periods in Australia vary, but most companies offer rentals for periods of one week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks. Some companies also offer shorter rental periods, such as three days or five days. It is important to book your campervan or motorhome rental well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

What are the different pick-up and drop-off locations available?

Campervan and motorhome rental pick-up and drop-off locations in Australia vary depending on the rental company. Most companies offer pick-up and drop-off locations in major cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Some companies also offer pick-up and drop-off locations in smaller towns and villages. It is important to check with the rental company to see which pick-up and drop-off locations are available.

What are the different insurance options available?

There are generally three levels of insurance cover offered by the rental companies in Australia:

  • Full Cover insurance with a nil excess
  • Partial cover with a mid-range level of liability
  • No insurance cover with a liability of around AU$7500.00
  • Full details of each option if offered are explained during the booking or quoting process. Call us to explain the details of any company's insurance cover policy.

    Campervan and motorhome rental insurance options in Australia vary depending on the rental company. Most companies offer basic insurance, which covers damage to the vehicle and its contents. Some companies also offer additional insurance options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), which waives the driver's liability for damage to the vehicle, and personal accident insurance (PAI), which covers the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. It is important to check with the rental company to see which insurance options are available and to choose the option that best suits your needs.

    Are my windows and tyres covered?

    Some rental companies' full cover insurance does cover damage to windscreen and tyres. You may have to pay an additional fee to get these covered.

    What are the different add-on services available?
  • Are my windows and tyres covered?
  • Some rental companies' full cover insurance does cover damage to windscreen and tyres. You may have to pay an additional fee to get these covered.

    How are the rental rates broken down for campervan hire in Australia?

    The Daily Rental Rate: This covers the cost of renting a campervan for a day. It includes a fully equipped campervan or motorhome. In Australia this can usually include bedding and all the kitchen equipment too. Insurance cover is included with an insurance excess which may be as high as AU$7500.00. This is your level of liability and you will need to leave a credit card to cover this. You will be offered more insurance cover for an additional cost to reduce your level of liability.

    All-inclusive insurance reduces your liability to nil. Standard insurance will lower the level of liability. You will be offered these options when you make a booking and again when you collect your campervan.

    What is the difference between leaving a credit card to cover the insurance liability and a security bond?

    Your amount of your insurance liability will be deducted from your credit card when you collect your campervan and that amount will be refunded when you return your campervan in a good condition without damage. You will be refunded in full or, if there has been some damage, then the amount that it costs to make repairs will be deducted from your card and the balance refunded. If the damage exceeds that amount of your liability level then you won't have to pay more. That will be sent to the insurance company and a claim will be made by the rental company.

    The Security Bond is usually around AU$250.00 and is refunded when the campervan is returned at the agreed time and location in a good and clean condition. It is separate from the insurance liability deposit.

    APollo 6-berth Motorhome with couple sitting outside under an awning enjoying the sun

    More questions and answers about campervan hire costs in Australia:

    • Does the rental rate include breakdown cover?

      Yes, all the rental suppliers that we use in Australia include breakdown cover as part of their standard rental rates.

    • Are the roads in Australia dangerous to drive on?

      Roads in Australia can be rough and pot-holed. If you are driving in remote areas, the roads can often be dirt tracks. Take extra care on these roads and make sure that you keep your speed down.

    • Can I drive at night in Australia?

      We strongly recommend that you don't drive at dusk or at night in Australia. There are many wandering animals, and they are very large. If you come into contact with them, it can cause considerable damage to your rental vehicle.

    Driving Rules in Australia:

    Driving rules in Australia can be found here

    Are one-way rentals available in Australia?

    Yes, you can hire from one Australian city to another. There are additional costs. These are listed when you make a booking or getting a quote.

    One-way Fees, Relocation Fees on campervan rental in Australia

    A one-way fee, relocation, or 'drop fee' may be added to the rental rates. This can sometimes be waived if you hire for longer than 14 to 21 days or if the fleet manager needs more campers on one depot. Before you book, check the rates of both directions and compare the rates. You may find you get a discount.

    What are the Darwin and Broome surcharges?

    Darwin and Broome incur additional surcharges as they are in a very remote part of Australia.

    These are in addition to one-way fees due to their remote location. They can add another AU$800.00 to your rental. These extra charges are always displayed before you book.

    What is the Outback Fee?

    This is an extra charge on the daily rate if you are travelling to remote areas of Australia. Not all companies charge this.

    What are the local taxes that are applied to rentals in Australia?

    Taxes are included in all quotes for campervan and motorhome rental in Australia both the state taxes and GST (VAT).

    How old do you have to be to rent a campervan in Australia?

    Most companies will not hire to drivers under 21, but there are some exceptions where an 18-year-old can rent a smaller camping car or SUV

    Is there an extra driver fee?

    Check to make sure that if there is more than one driver that you have additional insurance to cover all additional drivers.

    What is the cost of petrol and diesel in Australia?

    See the petrol and diesel costs in Australia.

    Couple waiting for sunset outside a camper at Ayers Rock, Australia.

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    Campervan and camping questions and answers

    Are there campsites in Australia's National Parks?

    Most National Parks in Australia have campsites for campervans and motorhomes. Showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic areas are available but not powered sites. National parks are also beautiful and peaceful locations to stay overnight.

    National Parks in Australia

    Roadside Camping: Council laws prohibit camping on the side of the road near towns and cities. However, outside towns and in country areas it is generally permitted. Check with the locals is you are unsure.

    Are there heaters in the campervans and motorhomes in Australia?

    Yes, most vehicles have onboard heating.

    What cooking facilities are there in the campervans?

    Gas cookers are in the larger campervans and motorhomes. However, many are equipped with microwaves that will operate when you are "plugged in" to a mains electricity supply.

    Fridges are very important in Australia. A chilli bin or Esky will be provided in the most basic sleeper cars or camping cars. The larger luxury motorhomes have both a fridge and freezer.

    Is it easy to empty the toilet in a campervan or motorhome?

    Small camping cars or truck campers are equipped with basic toilets but the larger campers have cassette toilets. Emptying them regularly at "dump stations" on campsites or in public toilets keeps the van fresh.

    The cassette is accessed from the outside of the campervan. Take the cassette out, dispose of the contents and hose out. Add the blue liquid and replace the cassette and you are all set to go.

    Hose out each time and replace the blue liquid to keep the odours to a minimum. Keep the fresh water tank topped up.

    How is the waste water and clean water separated in a campervan?

    There are two water tanks in a camper.

    • A tank for Clean water. Fill this with the water from taps. Boil it for drinking. This provides water for the shower and for the sink for washing up.
    • Waste water from the shower and the sink is collected in a grey water tank. You must empty this at a dump station on a campsite or at a public dump station.

    You must return the campervan to the depot with empty grey water tanks and an empty toilet cassette. You may be charged if these tanks haven't been emptied.

    Is bedding and kitchen equipment included in the rental cost?

    Most companies in Australia including bedding in their rental rates. Additional equipment can be chosen at the time of booking.

    How old does a child need to be to travel in a campervan?

    Children need to be at least 6 months old to travel in a campervan and a suitable child seat pre-ordered for all children under 4 years old. Children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old must be in an approved booster seat.

    You must check at the time of booking that the campervan you are renting has a suitable anchor point for child seats.

    Where should I shop before setting off on a road trip?

    We recommend shopping before you set off on a road trip. Stock up on the first day with all the basics including butter, bread, milk etc. The popular supermarkets are Foodland, Aldi, Drakes, Harris Farm Markets, Costco, IGA/Supa IGA, Foodworks, Woolworths, Coles, Friendly Grocer. These are the most popular. Once you are on the road you will find great farmers' markets and roadside stalls where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

    What is the internet service like in Australia?

    The Internet is quite slow in Australia and doesn't get great reviews. We suggest buying a local Sim card on arrival to make local calls and to use websites. Always take a map and don't rely on your phone's GPS.

    We found a map online showing free wifi hotspots in Australia. There is a few ads on this page but the info seems good. Free Wifi in Australia

    Where can I drive my campervan or motorhome in Australia?

    Two Wheel Drive Vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads.

    The only exception to this is the last remaining kilometres of loose road surface on recognised campground access.

    Please check when you collect your campervan that there are no roads you are not permitted to drive on. There are some roads in Australia that you are not permitted to drive on. These do change depending on the time of year.

    Four Wheel Drive Vehicles can be driven on recognized unsealed tracks, but some remote areas are restricted as specified in the Terms and Conditions. Some companies occasionally have to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

    Are there toll roads in Australia?

    You will likely pass through toll roads if you are driving your campervan through metropolitan Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria. Watch out for the toll on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and also around Melbourne.

    Useful link - toll roads in Australia

    Are there bike racks?

    It is unlikely that in Australia that bike racks are provided. The bikes get damaged by the bull-dust and storing them inside the vehicle also causes damage. Many campsites rent bikes.

    Is there air-conditioning in the campervan?

    All modern campervans have air-conditioning in the driver's cab. There are some companies in Australia that do provide the option of air-con in the rear of the motorhome. Check when booking.

    Do vehicles come with GPS?

    This is sometimes offered as additional hire option. You can take your own GPS device and download the appropriate regional maps.

    Are there tables and chairs included?

    These can be hired but it is often cheaper to buy them at a local store.

    Couple waiting for sunset outside a camper at Ayers Rock, Australia.

    Campervan and camping questions and answers

    Is there a minimum rental period for hiring a campervan in Australia?

    Yes, usually 5 days. This can be longer over peak season during Christmas. Check as vehicles may need to be re-located quickly so a shorter term may be available.

    Will someone show me how to use everything in the campervan before I leave the depot?

    Yes. You will have a dedicated staff member take you on a tour of the vehicle when you arrive at the branch.

    They will ensure that you are familiar with all of the features before you leave.

    For some basic information about operating the vehicle, please read the rental guide.

    What happens if we have a breakdown in our campervan?

    Every company that you find on our booking system offers full breakdown cover. We work with companies that have additional vehicles available in case the camper needs to be replaced.

    If you are travelling in very remote areas of Australia then we recommend a satellite phone for use in emergencies.

    What do I do if I have an accident?

    Please phone the depot immediately and make them aware of the details. You will be given a phone number to call when you collect your campervan.

    How do I get to the depot?

    There are very few campervan companies offering free transfers from the airport or downtown to the depot. Please check that you take the address with you on your confirmation voucher and make your own way to the depot.

    What happens during collection procedure of a campervan rental?

    When you arrive at the depot you will be asked to supply your booking reference number, a credit card and your driving licence.

    Some companies will offer online check-in which speeds up the process.

    You will be asked to fill in and sign a rental agreement.

    Your credit card will be processed to cover any insurance excess or a bond.

    You will be shown around the campervan or motorhome that you have rented and be shown where everything is and how to operate the appliances, toilet and shower.

    It is important that you are familiar with everything before you leave the depot and understand the basics. There is a handbook and a contact phone number if you are unsure about anything after you have left the depot.

    Are there discounts on campervan rental in Australia?

    One of the great features of our booking engine is that it automatically applies special offers and discounts as you go through the booking process. No need to try and find the best deals as we've already done it for you!

    We do list all of the discounts together Special discounts and offers are updated daily on our website. Discounts on Campervan and Motorhome Rental in Australia

    Try and book as early as you can. You'll find that the daily rates are cheaper. One-way rentals will save you time. Make sure you choose the newest campervan you can afford.


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