Best Campervan Hire Companies in Australia, Compared
Thinking of hiring a campervan in Australia? From budget to luxury and everything in between, it can be tricky to narrow down one brand. This guide will discuss the top rated hire companies in Australia, the questions you need to ask and all the newbie traps to avoid.
We’ve been travelling Australia for the past few years, and have had the chance to see many different types of campers, RVs, and hire 4WDs. We’ve talked with many travellers in caravan parks about their experiences with hire companies.
Still deciding if hiring is even right for your trip? Take our quick quiz first.
Our Recommendations:
– Luxury Motorhome: Star RV
– Budget Motorhome: Jucy
– For the best prices on a big selection: Motorhome Republic
Top Campervan Rental Companies in Australia: A Comparison
Star RV (The Luxury Choice)
If you’re looking for the ‘business class’ of campervan travel, you can’t go past the Star RV. They position themselves as a premium provider, and their entire fleet is really new. This means you get a really nice, clean, modern van.
Star RV have options for 2, 4, and 6-berth luxury motorhomes, all of which come with automatic transmission, full bathrooms, and really well-equipped kitchens.
Star RV can be slightly more expensive than other motorhome hire companies; however, they have a lot more all-inclusive options. This includes linen, including towels and tea towels, bedding, kitchen equipment, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Star RV also offers unlimited kilometres, something that few other companies offer.
From the many travellers we’ve chatted to with their StarRV, everyone has been very impressed with their van and the service StarRV offers.
➡️Check the dates for your StarRV here (book early for the best rates!)
Jucy (The Budget & Backpacker Choice)
You can’t miss Jucy’s iconic green and purple vans. Jucy is a favourite for travellers looking for a fun, budget-friendly option. They have options for smaller SUVs with rooftop tents, all the way to a 6-sleeper motorhome.
In most of Jucy’s vans, you’ll get the basic kitchen kit and bedding, but extras like camping chairs often cost a small additional fee. It’s a fantastic, no-frills choice for backpackers and anyone on a tighter budget. Like Star RV, Jucy has unlimited kilometres.
➡️Check the rates for your Jucy van here
Maui (The Premium Family & Couples Choice)
Maui strikes a fantastic balance between comfort and value, focusing on “apartment-style living on wheels.” As the premium brand under the same parent company as Apollo, they offer vehicles that are typically under 2 years old.
Maui is a great option for families and couples who want the mid-range option. Their fleet consists of spacious 2, 4, and 6-berth motorhomes known for clever design, large comfortable beds, and full bathrooms.
The rental is comprehensive, including linen, kitchen kits, and 24/7 support. A unique perk is their ‘Linen Exchange,’ allowing you to swap used linen for fresh sets at any branch during your trip – for most trips over 7 days long, just ring ahead.
➡️Check out the best rates on Maui with Motorhome republic here
Apollo (The All-Rounder & 4WD Specialist)
Apollo is one of the giants of the Australian rental market, and their biggest advantage is variety. They cover every type of traveller by operating across the full range.
Alongside their main brand of quality motorhomes, they also run ‘Cheapa Campa’ (older, discounted vehicles) and ‘Hippie Camper’ (budget backpacker vans).
Their fleet ranges from simple Hitop vans to full-size 6-berth motorhomes and, they even have 4WD campers. This is perfect for anyone who wants to go of the tarmac, and even tackle some of the 4WD tracks that Australia has to offer.
Check the pick up locations for Apollo, they don’t have as many options as other companies.
➡️Find the best rates with Motorhome Republic for Apollo campers
Quick Reference Guide:
What to Look For: A Quick Guide for First-Timers
Before you compare companies, get familiar with the basics. An ‘RV’ usually refers to a motorhome, but it can be interchangeable with any type of ‘van’.
Campervan vs. Motorhome: What’s the Difference?
- Campervan: Typically built on a van chassis (like a Jucy Crib or Apollo Hitop). They’re more compact, easier to drive/park, and more fuel-efficient. The trade-off is less space and often no onboard bathroom.
- Motorhome: Built on a larger truck or bus-style chassis (like a Star RV or Maui). These are your “homes on wheels” with more space, permanent beds, and full bathrooms. They are bulkier to drive.
Self-Contained (with toilet/shower) vs. Basic
- Self-Contained: This is a key feature. A self-contained vehicle has an onboard toilet and shower. This gives you massive flexibility, allowing you to stay at more basic (and cheaper) campsites.
- Basic: A simple van (like a Jucy Crib) has a bed and kitchen but no bathroom. You’ll need to stay at commercial caravan parks with full facilities. Unless a portapoty is included. Check with your inclusions.
Understanding the “Bond” vs. “Liability Reduction”
This is the most important (and confusing) part of renting.
- Bond: A security deposit held against your credit card.
- Liability (or “Excess”): The maximum amount you are financially responsible for in case of an accident. This is usually the same as the bond.
- Liability Reduction (Highly Recommended): This is an optional daily fee you pay to reduce your liability, often to $0. It’s the rental company’s version of comprehensive insurance and is highly recommended for peace of mind.
How Much Does a Campervan Rental in Australia Cost?
For a full weekly budget breakdown, including sample costs for a couple and for a family, see our complete guide to how much a motorhome really costs to hire for a week.
Prices change dramatically based on the season, vehicle age, and how far you book in advance. This is a guide to give you some idea, keep in mind the prices change often. My advice: book early if you can! (It’s a bit like buying an airfare)
Estimated Daily Price Ranges (AUD)
- Budget (Jucy, Hippie): $40 – $80 (Off-peak) | $100 – $150 (Peak)
- Mid-Range (Apollo, Britz): $150 – $250 (Off-peak) | $250 – $400 (Peak)
- Premium (Maui, Star RV): $250 – $400 (Off-peak) | $400 – $600+ (Peak)
- 4WD Campers (Apollo): $100 – $180 (Off-peak) | $200 – $300 (Peak)
Peak season is generally summer (December-February) and Easter. Off-peak (shoulder) seasons (March-May, September-November) offer the best balance of good weather and lower prices.
The “Hidden Costs” to Watch For
- One-Way Fees: Picking up in one city and dropping in another can cost $150 – $350+. On the other side of this, some rental companies often look for people to relocate their vans at a cheaper cost.
- Extra Driver Fees: A small daily fee to add a second driver.
- Liability Reduction: As mentioned, this is an extra daily cost but is essential.
- Camping Extras: Camping chairs, tables, and GPS units often cost extra.
- Gas Bottle Refill: You usually have to return the cooking gas bottle full.
- Tolls: You are responsible for all road tolls, which are tracked by your licence plate.
Which Campervan is Right for Your Travel Style?
The Budget Backpacker / Solo Traveller
For this style, we recommend a Jucy van. These are your low-cost, no-frills options that are cheap to run and as easy to drive and park as a car.
You’ll have a bed and a kitchen, which is all you need for the classic backpacker experience of pulling into a caravan park and using the communal showers and kitchen facilities.
Want to squeeze your budget even further? Check out our 5 hacks for saving money hiring a campervan.
The Couple Seeking Comfort
If you’re a couple looking for a more comfortable trip, we recommend a Star RV (2-Berth). This is your hotel room on wheels. It’s worth the extra cost for features like a permanent bed (so you don’t have to convert a dinette every night), a full onboard bathroom, and modern comforts that make a longer road trip much more relaxing.
The Family Adventure
For a family, space is the number one priority, so look at an Apollo (6-Berth) or Maui (River). These large motorhomes are designed to fit the whole crew. You’ll want to find a model with an over-cab bed, which kids love, as well as a large fridge, a full kitchen for making family meals, and a living area that doesn’t feel cramped on a rainy day.
The Outback Explorer
If you’re planning to leave the bitumen, you need an approved Apollo (4WD Adventure Camper). Do not attempt to take a 2WD campervan on unsealed outback roads, it will void your insurance and you will get stuck.
For iconic adventures like the Gibb River Road in WA or remote tracks in the Northern Territory, a 4WD is the only way to go. A decent set of paper maps from somewhere like Hema Maps is worth having as a backup too, since phone reception drops out fast once you’re off the bitumen.
Our Recommendations:
It would depend on your adventure style. If you like the wild camping options, with an emphasis on the scenery and location, and would prefer the budget option, check out Jucy.
However, if you like the finer things in life, or at least a full kitchen (relatively speaking in a van!), bathroom and a bed you don’t need to fold down every night, then StarRV needs to be top on your list.
Here is some insp for your next trip:
Our Tip: Check out the deals. Even though StarRV is usually more expensive, they do have some awesome deals. Sign up to our newsletter so we can let you know when the sales are on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Campervan Rental in Australia
What is the minimum age to rent a campervan in Australia?
Generally, the minimum age is 21. Some companies, like Jucy, may rent to drivers aged 18+ with a full licence, but this often comes with a higher excess/bond.
Do I need a special driver’s licence to drive a motorhome?
No. For the vast majority of campervans and motorhomes in Australia (even the large 6-berth ones), a standard car licence is all you need.
Are overseas driver’s licences accepted?
Yes. If your licence is not in English, you will need an official translation or, more commonly, an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your original licence.
What is the policy on off-road driving or driving on unsealed roads?
This is extremely important. Driving a 2WD campervan on any unsealed road (dirt, gravel) is strictly prohibited and will void your insurance. 4WD vehicles are permitted on specific, gazetted 4WD tracks.
Can I book a one-way rental (e.g., pick up in Cairns, drop off in Sydney)?
Yes, this is very common and a fantastic way to see the country. Most major companies (especially Apollo and Maui) have depots in all major cities. A one-way fee usually applies.
What happens if the campervan breaks down?
All major rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance. This is included in your rental fee and gives you peace of mind, especially when travelling in remote areas.
What is a “bond” or “liability reduction”?
(See our “What to Look For” section above for a full breakdown). In short, the “bond” is a large security deposit, and “liability reduction” is the optional daily insurance you pay to reduce your financial risk to $0.
Is there a charge for additional drivers?
Yes, there is usually a small extra fee per day or a flat rate per rental to register additional drivers. It’s crucial to register anyone who plans to drive.
What happens if I return the vehicle late?
You will be charged, and it’s not cheap. Most companies will charge you a full extra day plus a significant penalty fee. Always communicate with the branch if you are running late.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive a standard 2WD campervan?
Yes. You must stay on sealed/bitumen roads. Driving on unsealed roads, private property, or in restricted remote areas is forbidden and will void all insurance.
