Home
>
Campervan Hire
>
Handbook
>
Before You Book
>
Road Restrictions

Road Restrictions

Before You Book

Travelling on a campervan holiday gives you immense freedom to explore the vast land that is Australia, but there can be limitations on exact places where you can take your vehicle. Find out more here

Not all campers are suitable for all driving situations. 2WD campervans and motorhomes are not equipped for rough terrain and cannot be driven on dirt or unsealed roads.

Guests who travel to restricted areas without permission may void the liability reduction option in the event of damage or accident.

2WD Campervans and Motorhomes

2WD campervans and motorhomes can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads and cannot be taken off-road. The exception is well maintained access roads of less than 2 kilometres to recognised commercial campgrounds and major tourist attractions, depending on your chosen campervan supplier’s conditions. (Up to 12kms in this circumstance is allowed with Apollo, Britz, Cheapa Campa, Maui and Mighty).

4WD campervans

4WD campervans can be driven on recognised tracks, depending on road conditions, weather and distance. Written permission may be required from the rental company for many areas in Australia. Make sure to discuss your intended travel plans with the rental provider when picking up your vehicle. Permits are required for certain Aboriginal Lands and rental companies impose their own restrictions.

Do Campervans Have Speed Restrictions?

You must drive within the signed speed limits, and you should always drive to the conditions. The maximum speed limit on some major Australian highways is 110km (68mph). Vehicles must not be driven at a speed exceeding this limit.

In New Zealand, the maximum speed limit for our campers is either 90km/h (55mph) or 100km/h (62mph) depending on the model hired. There is a sticker on the windscreen advising the maximum speed allowed. Vehicles must not be driven at a speed exceeding this limit.

Can You Restrict Where the Campervan Can Go due to Certain Conditions?

Campervan companies reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to:

Weather conditions or adverse road conditions,
The distance between the nominated destination in relation to the length of the hire period,
Any concerns the campervan company may have regarding the driver's experience or ability to drive.

Any travel restrictions known will be advised at the time of pick-up.

Do not attempt to drive through flood waters at any time. Floodwater can erode and wash away road surfaces leaving deep holes and uneven surfaces which cannot be seen.

Can I Drive at Night?

You are limited in the roads you can drive on at night. Camper suppliers will not permit you to drive on highways or open country roads at night. In Australia, you are much more likely to come into contact with a kangaroo, wombat, deer, or other wild animal at night than during the day.

Can l Take my Campervan on the Ferry?

You can take your campervan or motorhome on the Spirit of Tasmania from/to Geelong or Devonport.

Travel is restricted and permission from your campervan provider is required if you wish to take the ferry to Bruny Island, Kangaroo Island, Magnetic Island and/or North Stradbroke Island.

Can l Drive my Campervan to the Snow Fields?

No - campervans and motorhomes cannot drive above the snow line between 01 May to 31 October in New South Wales and Victoria.

The snow line refers to a set point at either the entrance to a national park in which snow falls, or any area where snow chains are required for safe driving.

Expert Tip

Always drive within your capability.
If you are tired, take a break.
Do not drive at night on open country roads or highways.
Know the height of your campervan.
Check you are using the right fuel when filling up.
Observe the safety information sticker in the vehicle.
Be aware of changing road conditions and road closures.
Do not drive through flood waters.
Plan your itinerary and plan your rest breaks.