Australia, with its vast and breathtaking nature, is perfect to be explored on wheels. Whether you are looking to hit the road for a few days or months, renting a campervan will allow you to explore the best of what Australia has to offer: hidden gems or well-traveled roads alike. However, renting a campervan might feel overwhelming. Therefore, we have compiled this guide to give you a stress-free experience. We will cover the best routes in Australia and everything you need to know when renting a campervan Down Under. 

Best Campervan Routes in Australia

The most popular routes in Australia are the ones following the different coasts. For good reason, too; the roads along the coasts in Australia will provide you with unforgettable scenery. Lush jungles, white sand beaches, desert rock formations, grand national parks, and iconic cities are just a few things you may encounter on your road trip to Australia.

Below, we have compiled some of Australia's most popular routes for campervan adventures. 

• Sydney to Cairns 

Sydney to Cairns is one of the most popular routes to travel in Australia. You can find many fellow backpackers all along the East Coast – making it a great place to make friends and explore nature.

This route can be divided in two depending on your time. If you wish to shorten the route, Sydney to Brisbane or Brisbane to Cairns are good alternatives. You will find beautiful spots along the road from Sydney to Brisbane, such as Palm Beach, Blue Mountains, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast. 

Continue up along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns. There will be plenty of incredible national parks to stop at, as well as some must-visit places, including the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, and Magnetic Island. Once you get to Cairns, it’s well worth a drive to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest to explore some outstanding natural scenery. 

• Sydney to Melbourne 

The drive from Sydney to Melbourne can be done across the country through Canberra; however, the popular and more breathtaking route is along the coastline where you can stop at magnificent national parks such as Figure 8 Pools, Jervis Bay, Eden, Phillip Island, and Mornington Peninsula on your way to the artistic city of Melbourne. 

• Melbourne to Adelaide 

In between Melbourne and Adelaide, you get to drive on the famous Great Ocean Road. This road is famous for a reason: it is absolutely stunning. It’s home to crystal blue waters along the edge of the road and some extraordinary beaches. These include the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach and Torquay. After your stops at the beaches, you’ll enter the Grampians National Park, where you can explore steep mountain edges and gorgeous waterfalls. 

• Perth to Exmouth 

Before heading north of Perth on this route to Exmouth, it is worth driving down south, where you will find some stunning beaches on your way to Busselton and Margaret River. 

The drive from Perth to Exmouth is filled with varying, breathtaking scenery. Along this route, you’ll experience the Pinnacle Desert, the Lancelin Sand Dunes, and Kalbarri National Park. In contrast to the desert but equally as exciting are the beautiful beaches, such as Shark Bay and the famous Monkey Mia. On your way to Monkey Mia, you will also pass Pink Lake and the cute coastal towns of Cervantes and Geraldton. 

From Monkey Mia, you can make your way to Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with some friendly manta rays. Once you arrive in Exmouth, the best thing to do is to jump straight into the crystal-clear water, and if you are travelling between March and October, you might encounter some whale sharks in the outer reef. Hundreds of whales arrive each year to feed off of the plankton. 

Renting a Campervan: What to Consider

If you want to travel around Australia for a limited period and don’t have the budget to buy or convert your van, renting is your best option. Some of the factors to consider when renting a van are:

• Type of Campervan

Choosing your van is all about deciding your desired level of comfort, and for longer road trips, renting a bigger van with more amenities might be beneficial. In contrast, some travellers prefer to travel out of a regular car or SUV. One option is to fold down the seats and add a mattress, while others build a wooden stand to put their mattress on. The wooden stand allows for more storage space underneath. 

When renting a bigger van, there are two options: a converted commercial van or a more luxurious motorhome. The type of van you choose to rent also depends on how big of a group you travel with and where you intend to drive. For certain routes, such as outback or beach driving, a 4WD campervan might be useful.

• Rental Companies

There are many different rental companies to choose from in Australia. If you want a comparison website, Gosee Travel is a perfect start – comparing rental vehicles worldwide. Some of the most popular rental companies in Australia are: 

1. SpaceshipsRentals: This brand is perfect for solo travellers and couples. Most of their rentals are in lower to mid-range in price. They are a large company which adds more security when booking. 
2. Outdoorsy: Outdoorsy has vehicles for every type of traveller. It is an online marketplace where motorhome owners can rent out their vehicles. The price range is wide depending on the type of motorhome. The platform completes security checks to ensure the rentals are safe and trusted. 
3. Camplify: Camplify is an online marketplace and is Australia’s biggest RV-sharing community for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, campervans; almost every type of camping vehicle you fancy can be booked on this platform through their website and mobile apps.
4. Apollo: Apollo is a well-known Australian brand in the rental industry. Their vehicles are best suited for families or bigger groups. Their rentals are some of the best quality and higher-end but well worth the money. 
5. TravellersAutobarn: Travellers is perfect for young people and budget travellers. Their prices are in the lower range, and they don’t charge an extra fee for young drivers, making it a perfect rental company for people between 18-21. 
6. CampermanAustralia: Camperman is a great company for travellers looking to hire long-term. Apart from renting, they also offer a deal where you can buy the vehicle, and they will repurchase it for at least 50% of the selling price. 
7. Jucy: Jucy is perfect for backpackers at affordable prices. It’s well known for its bright green vehicles. Their prices are in the lower to mid-range. 

Overall, when choosing between rental companies, make sure you read reviews, compare prices, and check their policies regarding insurance, mileage limits, and additional fees. Some companies will demand that you are over 21 or charge a premium, but others, such as Travellers Autobarn, add no extra cost. Most of the companies mentioned above have offices in cities all over Australia, and most Australian rental companies allow you to hire a vehicle in one city and drop it off in another. 

• Budget

The rental companies will have different price ranges and levels of luxury. However, on average, renting a campervan in Australia will cost you between $75 to $300 per night. For longer rentals, the daily price usually decreases. Considering the expensive accommodation costs in Australia, hiring a campervan is a great alternative, allowing you to explore the country in the meantime. 

In addition to the rental costs of your van, you should also consider the potential added costs, such as insurance, fuel, mileage, camping and cleaning fees, and late return charges. Not every rental company will have these extra costs, but it’s important to know what to look for as sometimes they might be hidden. 

• Before renting

Apart from choosing what type of campervan to get and what rental company to choose, some other factors are essential to consider before renting a vehicle for your adventures on the road: 

1. Booking in advance: Renting campervans is popular in Australia, and therefore, booking in advance will ensure that you receive your rental on time. 
2. Insurance and Coverage: Insurance is vital when on the road. Usually, the rental company provides the insurance coverage, but it is important to understand what it covers. You may have to add coverage for accidents, damage, theft, and personal belongings. The insurance costs $30+ a day. If you don’t take the insurance option, you are usually required to put down a bond payment of $3000.
3. Driver’s License: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license accepted in Australia. For some countries, you might need to get an international driver’s license from your home country before you fly out to Australia. 
4. Vehicle Orientation: Before you set off on your road trip, make sure that you go through the campervan with the rental company to document any potential previous damages. You should also be given an orientation of the van to ensure you understand how to operate the facilities and amenities. 

• On the Road

Doing all the preparations before setting off on your journey will make sure your time on the road is as stress-free as possible. However, there are still some things that will be good to consider: 

1. Campground and Parking Regulations: Some campgrounds will require you to book in advance, and some places might have specific rules for overnight parking. There are some places where you can find free camping spots, but you will have to pay a fee for most. The campsites in Australia have toilets, showers, and power outlets for the van.
2. Emergency and Roadside Assistance: Most rental companies offer national roadside assistance, usually for an extra fee. This might be beneficial, especially if you’re driving to remote areas. 
3. Insurance and 24/7 Customer Support: Make sure to read reviews and research thoroughly on who provides the best insurance and customer support for your budget.
4. Cleaning and Return Policies: Before returning your campervan, you should ensure you clean it to the standard expected from the rental company. Companies might charge extra for a campervan that isn’t cleaned properly. 

Australia is amazing to explore on four wheels with its vast coastline and beautiful nature. There are many routes to choose from, all offering something unique. When renting a van, the list of things to consider might seem long, but setting yourself up for a comfortable trip requires some planning. Following these steps will allow you to explore Australia in one of the best ways possible and ensure an incredible time.