Campervan hire in Australia can cost anywhere from about $35 a day for a budget two-berth in the quiet season to $250+ a day for a large six-berth motorhome over the Christmas peak. Where you land depends on the vehicle size, the time of year and how early you book. Here’s a clear, up-to-date 2026 breakdown so you know what’s realistic before you commit, and how we help you get the best direct price.
Daily rate ranges by vehicle size
These are typical “from” rates across the major brands we compare. Insurance and extras are on top.
- Budget 2-berth campervan: around $35–$125 a day. Great for couples and backpackers; usually no onboard bathroom.
- Self-contained 2–3 berth: around $60–$150 a day. Compact with a toilet and more comfort for free camping.
- Family 4-berth campervan: around $45–$160 a day. The popular all-rounder for small families.
- Large 6-berth motorhome: around $120–$250+ a day. Full kitchen, bathroom and room for the whole family.
Premium and luxury motorhomes can run higher again in peak weeks. The same van can easily cost twice as much in January as it does in June, which is why timing matters so much.
What affects the price
- Season and demand — the single biggest factor (more below).
- Vehicle size and features — bathrooms, bigger beds and newer vehicles cost more.
- Pick-up location — major hubs are competitive; remote depots can cost more.
- Trip length — daily rates usually drop on longer hires, with the best discounts at 21+ days.
- How early you book — early birds get the sharpest rates and the best vehicle choice.
Seasons and when prices peak
As a rough guide across most brands: peak is November to February plus Easter and school holidays (highest prices), shoulder is March–April and July–October (good value, good weather), and low season is roughly May–June (cheapest rates, fewer crowds). Northern Australia flips this a little, with the dry-season winter months being busiest up top.
One-way (relocation) fees
Dropping off in a different city than you picked up is convenient but usually adds a one-way fee, from around $150 up to several hundred dollars depending on the route and season. Some corridors are fee-free at certain times. If you’re flexible, returning to the same depot avoids the fee entirely.
Insurance and excess reduction
Basic cover is included, but it carries an excess of roughly $3,000 to $7,500 (higher on big motorhomes), held as a bond on your card. To reduce that excess, often to zero, expect to pay a daily liability-reduction fee of about $35 to $75 a day. Over a two-week trip that can add $500 to $1,000, so it’s worth weighing up against the peace of mind.
Extras to budget for
- Camp table and chairs, GPS, extra kitchen packs
- Child seats and boosters
- Additional driver fee (sometimes free)
- Young driver surcharge for under-25s (brand-dependent)
- Campground fees (powered sites roughly $35–$60 a night)
How to save
- Travel in shoulder or low season and dodge the peak.
- Book early to lock in a lower rate.
- Go longer: 21+ day hires earn the best daily rates.
- Choose a self-contained van and use free camping to cut accommodation costs.
- Cook onboard instead of eating out.
- Split the cost with more travellers.
- Let us compare direct prices so you skip booking fees and comparison-site markups.
Example trip budgets
- Couple, 7 nights, shoulder season, 2-berth: roughly $420–$700 hire + ~$250 fuel + ~$200 campgrounds = about $900–$1,200.
- Family of four, 10 nights, 4-berth, summer peak: roughly $1,300–$1,800 hire + ~$450 fuel + ~$400 campgrounds + excess reduction = about $2,500–$3,200.
- Two mates, 14 nights, large 6-berth, low season: roughly $1,800–$2,500 hire + ~$600 fuel = about $2,800–$3,500.
Treat these as ballparks; your real cost depends on route, kilometres and inclusions.
Is campervan hire cheaper than hotels plus a car?
Often yes, especially for families and longer trips, because you combine transport and accommodation and can cook onboard. The savings grow when you use free and low-cost camping.
Are kilometres included in the price?
Most Australian hires include unlimited kilometres, which is ideal for long road trips. A few budget deals cap daily kilometres, so always check, or let us confirm it in your quote.
How much is fuel on a campervan trip?
Budget for higher consumption than a car, around 10–15 L/100km for large motorhomes. On a two-week trip, fuel is often one of your biggest costs after the hire itself.
Want the real number for your trip? Tell us your dates, route and who’s travelling, and a real person will compare 100+ campervans across all the major brands and send you their best direct price, no booking fees, no markup. It’s free and there’s no account to create. Call 02 9211 7900 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST) or email team@travellers.com.au.
