Things to Consider Before You Book

Travel Dates and Itinerary

Before you search for a campervan on DriveNow, decide when you'd like to travel and for how long.

How many days should I book for?

An itinerary helps you work out how many days you need. For help, see DriveNow's suggested travel itineraries. They give you an idea of how far you'll travel, how many stops you'll make along the way and how much driving time to expect.

Allow for rest breaks, particularly if you're travelling to a remote location. When you're spending many hours behind the wheel, it's recommended that you stop for a rest break every few hours. Keep in mind that, for safety, most rental companies don't allow you to drive on open highways at night.

Once you know your travel dates, you can start searching for a suitable campervan.

Vehicle type

Vehicle size

What size vehicle suits you, your family or your friends? Travelling in comfort matters. If you're travelling for a number of weeks, a spacious vehicle is a good idea. We see many couples book a 4 berth motorhome for the extra room.

Number of passengers

Will you be travelling with children or adults? This matters when you choose your campervan or motorhome.

Berths and seat belts don't always match. Most 2 berth campervans have 2 seat belts, and most 4 berth campervans and motorhomes have 4. Some models have more seat belts than beds. In some campers, especially 4WDs, one or more of the beds is in a pop-top, rooftop or ground tent. It's worth checking the seats and the bed layout in the vehicle details against your group. The 6 berths we list have 3 double beds and 6 seat belts.

If you're travelling as 4 adults in a 4 berth camper, keep in mind that the 2^nd bed is usually up high. It's in the loft above the driver's cabin in most motorhomes, a top bunk or pop-top roof in hi-top campervans, and a rooftop tent in some 4WDs. Guests need to climb a ladder to get into bed, which may not suit everyone, especially elderly guests.

A 6 berth motorhome has 3 double beds. 2 of them are in the main cabin area on the ground floor, and the 3^rd bed is in the loft above the driver's cabin.

Season

The season and time of year can affect which campervan you choose. In summer, a vehicle with central cabin air-conditioning matters. The Australian summer can bring extreme temperatures, and a campervan with central cabin air-con lets you run the cooling during the day and in the evenings when plugged into a powered site at a holiday park.

During the peak holiday periods of Christmas and Easter, campervans are in high demand and can book out months in advance. Our guide to booking well in advance or close to pick-up explains when to start looking. Over the Christmas holidays, rental companies may set a minimum rental period, such as 7 or 10 days. See understanding pricing.

When travelling during the northern wet season or cyclone season, your travel itinerary may be affected by heavy rains, flooding, swollen rivers and road closures.

Minimum age and licence requirements to drive a camper

Drivers licences

Rental companies generally require every driver to hold a current, unrestricted full car licence. If it isn't in English, the driver also needs an accredited English translation or an International Driver Permit. A few rental companies accept an Australian green P plate (P2) licence as an exception, and some require the licence to have been held for more than two years. Our driver's licence guide summarises each company's rules.

Drivers age

The minimum age is generally 21. Some rental companies accept drivers from 18 with a full licence, and others accept 18-year-olds for selected vehicles only. Our age restrictions guide compares minimum and maximum ages by rental company.

Holiday parks and camp sites

Once your campervan booking is confirmed, start planning where you'll park overnight. If you'll spend your whole holiday at one holiday park, book early, as popular locations book out well in advance.

If your journey involves a number of travel days, book your holiday parks ahead. Our overnight parking guide lists apps and park agencies to help you find them.

Additional items

Optional extras can be added to your reservation at any stage, or when you collect the vehicle from the branch. Outside chairs and a picnic table are useful for setting up outside the vehicle.

Pick-up and drop-off location

Campervan branches are in each major city, and most are within about 15 km of the airport. Rental companies don't usually offer airport transfers, so see airport pickup for getting there.

Driving at night

Most rental companies don't allow, or advise against, driving on country roads and highways after dusk due to restricted visibility, fatigue and the risk of hitting wildlife.

Many of Australia’s animals are nocturnal and become active at night. A vehicle's headlights can startle wildlife, causing them to panic and react unpredictably.

Next steps

• Types of campervans available: choosing between campervans, motorhomes and 4WDs
• Understanding pricing: how hire days and minimum periods work
• Road restrictions: where your campervan can go

Part of Before You Book in the Campervan Hire Handbook.