How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Campervan in Australia?
Hiring a campervan in Australia is one of the best ways to see the country — it’s flexible, scenic, and gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. But how much does it actually cost? Whether you’re planning a quick trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains or an epic Sydney to Cairns road trip, understanding the costs involved will help you budget and avoid surprises along the way.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average daily rates, seasonal changes, hidden extras, and top tips for getting the best deal on your campervan hire.
Average Daily Campervan Hire Rates in Australia
The cost of campervan hire in Australia depends on several factors, including vehicle size, rental duration, season, and pick-up location. Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect:
| Campervan Type | Low Season (per day) | High Season (per day) |
| Budget 2-Berth | $50 – $90 | $90 – $150 |
| Mid-Range 2–4 Berth | $90 – $150 | $150 – $250 |
| Luxury Motorhome (4–6) | $200 – $350+ | $300 – $500+ |
- Low season: April–June, August–September
- High season: December–January, Easter, school holidays
For the best rates, book well in advance — especially if you plan to travel during summer or major events like Christmas in Sydney or the Melbourne Cup.
Seasonal Price Changes
Seasonality has a huge impact on campervan hire costs in Australia. During summer and holiday periods, demand can spike, causing prices to double compared to low season.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Peak pricing, especially along the East Coast.
Autumn (Mar–May): Mild weather and lower rates — ideal for budget travellers.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cheapest in northern Australia but cooler in the south.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Popular for wildflower season in WA and Great Ocean Road drives.
If you’re flexible with travel dates, aim for shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November) when you can still enjoy great weather without peak-season prices.
Additional Costs to Consider
When comparing campervan hire prices, remember that the daily rate isn’t the only expense. Here are some extra costs to budget for:
1. Insurance & Excess Reduction
Basic insurance is usually included, but it often comes with a high excess ($5,000–$8,000). You can reduce this to near zero by paying an extra $20–$45 per day.
2. One-Way Fees
If you’re picking up in Melbourne and dropping off in Perth, check for relocation fees — they can range from $100 to $700 depending on the route.
3. Fuel
Campervans generally use 10–15L per 100km. Check current fuel prices at NRMA’s Fuel Check before budgeting.
4. Campsite Fees
Free camping is possible in many areas, but powered sites at holiday parks usually cost $25–$60 per night. Apps like WikiCamps Australia can help you find cheap or free options.
5. Extras & Add-Ons
Items like GPS units, child seats, outdoor furniture, and Wi-Fi can add $5–$15 each per day.
How to Save Money on Campervan Hire in Australia
1. Book Early
The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the better your rate will be — especially in popular cities like Brisbane or Cairns.
2. Travel in the Off-Season
If you can avoid school holidays, you’ll save big on both hire and campsites.
3. Choose a Smaller Vehicle
A 2-berth campervan is cheaper to rent and uses less fuel than a large motorhome.
4. Look for Relocation Deals
Some rental companies offer $1–$5 per day rates for relocating vehicles between cities — perfect if your travel dates are flexible.
5. Compare Multiple Suppliers
Use our live booking widget to instantly compare campervan hire prices from top rental brands across Australia.
Example Budgets for Popular Road Trips
Here’s a rough idea of how much you might spend on some of Australia’s most popular campervan road trips (based on a 2-berth in shoulder season):
Sydney to Cairns (14 days): $1,600 – $2,200 hire + $500 fuel + $500 camping = $2,600 – $3,200
Melbourne to Adelaide (7 days): $800 – $1,100 hire + $250 fuel + $250 camping = $1,300 – $1,600
Perth to Broome (10 days): $1,200 – $1,800 hire + $400 fuel + $350 camping = $1,950 – $2,550
Final Thoughts – Plan Ahead and Compare Deals
Campervan hire in Australia can be as cheap as $50 per day in low season or over $400 per day for a luxury motorhome in peak season. Your total cost will depend on your travel dates, route, vehicle type, and add-ons.
By booking early, travelling outside school holidays, and comparing multiple suppliers, you can save hundreds of dollars — leaving you more budget for experiences along the way.
Ready to hit the road?
Use our live booking tool below to compare campervan hire prices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond — and start planning your ultimate Australian road trip today.
