5 Hacks to save money hiring a campervan in Australia

Finding a good, affordable campervan in Australia is straight forward… when you know what to look for. At first glance, you might think that hiring a campervan is expensive, but when you break down all the costs, it actually turns out to be a relatively cheap holiday.

And more often than not, you get to see locations that others would miss.

A campervan replaces, or at least reduces, the cost of accommodation, transport and meals (you can cook your own meals on in the kitchen – much cheaper than eating out.)

But the question remains… where do you find the best affordable campervan in Australia? Let’s look at all the details.

1. Know Your “Home on Wheels”

When you start looking, you’ll see everything from tiny SUVs with rooftop tents to massive 6-berth motorhomes. To keep it affordable, you need to pick the right “class” of van – the right one for you.

• The Budget Favourites: If it’s just two of you, look at brands like Jucy Campervans. They are the kings of the “no-frills” van. They’re easier to park, better on fuel, and usually come with a much friendlier price tag. Otherwise, check out StarRV – they’re more luxury, but have great specials throughout the year.
• The “Relocation” Secret: If you’re flexible, keep an eye out for relocation options. This is when a company needs a van in a different city, and will offer the camper at a very cheap rate in return for you driving it to the next city.

Feel free to join up to our weekly newsletter, and we’ll let you know if any specials are going to appear.

2. Time Your Trip (Avoid the “Peak” Trap!)

One of the biggest budget-killers is timing. If you try to hire a van over Christmas or Easter, you’ll pay a ridiculous amount more.

Our favourite time to travel is what we call the Shoulder Season (February-March and October-November). The weather is still gorgeous, the crowds have thinned out, and the daily hire rates drop significantly. Cheaper and less crowded… Win!

3. Factor in the “Sneaky” Costs

The daily hire rate isn’t your total cost. To keep your budget on track, you’ve got to look at:

• The Insurance (Liability): Most rentals come with a high “bond” (sometimes $5,000 or more!). We usually recommend paying the extra daily fee for Liability Reduction. It’s more expensive upfront, but it gives you total peace of mind, and you won’t have your holiday funds frozen on your credit card.
• One-Way Fees: If you pick up in Sydney and drop off in Cairns, expect a “one-way fee” of around $150–$350. If you’re on a tight budget, try to plan a “loop” trip where you start and finish in the same city. This can sometimes even apply if you want to return your camper to a different location within the same city.

Travel insurance can save you heaps! Check out All Clear Travel, it covers much more than cancelled flights

4. Self-Contained vs. Basic?

This is a big one! Think about where you want to go, what you’ll need, and what would be the bare minimal you’ll want to travel with. For example, basic might be a bed, esky for food and a portable toilet. Self contained might be a kitchen, toilet and shower and more creature comforts.

If you’re travelling from caravan park to caravan park, you might only need basic. If you’re travelling from wild camp to wild camp or national parks, they usually require a self-contained van.

• Basic Vans: Cheaper to hire, but you’ll probably spend lots of your time at caravan parks because you don’t have a toilet/shower. (cost of caravan parks can add up)
• Self-Contained Vans: More expensive to hire, but because you have your own facilities, you can use Free Campsites. Often, the money you save on camping fees more than makes up for the higher rental cost.

If free camping is part of the plan, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to free camping in Australia that covers exactly what you’ll need to do it properly.

5. Cook Like a Local

Eating out every day will drain your bank account faster than a leaky fuel tank. One of the best parts of van life is the kitchen. Shop at a major city (we like Aldi!), then top up with local fruit and veg along the way. Cook your own meals and this will save heaps!

Not Sure if You’re Ready to Commit?

It can feel a bit daunting if you’ve never driven a big van before. If you’re still on the fence, we’ve put together a Should I Hire a Camper Quiz on our site. It’s just 7 quick questions to help you figure out if van life is actually for you! For a deeper look at providers and what to check before you book, we’ve also put together a full guide to campervan hire in Australia.