Campervan Hire

Things to Consider Before You Book

Before You Book

In this section of our Campervan Hire Handbook, we cover various topics to help your understanding, and for you to consider, while planning your memorable road-trip experience

Travel Dates and Itinerary

Before searching for a campervan on Drive Now, you will need to know when you would like to travel and your length of travel.

How Many Days Should l book for?

Making an itinerary will help you plan for the number of days you would like to travel. If you would like some help, check out DriveNow suggested travel itineraries which will give you an idea of how far you need to travel, how many stops you will need to make along the way and the amount of driving time. It is particularly important to consider rest breaks if you are travelling to a remote location, as when you are spending many hours behind the wheel, it is recommended that you stop for a rest break every few hours. Keep in mind, for safety, it is a requirement of your camper hire that you do not travel on open highways at night.

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

Vehicle Type

Vehicle Size

What size vehicle is suitable for you, your family or your friends? Travelling in comfort is important. If you are travelling for a number of weeks, booking a spacious vehicle is a good idea. We see many couples book a 4 berth motorhome so they have the extra room and larger space.

Number of Passengers

Will you be travelling with children or adults? This is an important consideration when you are selecting your campervan or motorhome.

A 2 berth campervan can sleep 2 people and the vehicle will have 2 seat belts, so the vehicle can only accommodate 2 travellers. The 4 berth campervan or 4 berth motorhome can sleep 4 people and the vehicle will have 4 seat belts while a 6 berth will have 3 double beds and 6 seat belts.

If you are travelling as 4 adults in a 4 berth camper, keep in mind that the 2nd bed will be above the driver's cabin in the loft area. The guests will need to climb up a ladder to get into bed, which may not be suitable for all guests, especially the elderly.

A 6 berth motorhome will offer 3 double beds, 2 of these beds will be located in the main cabin area on the ground floor, while the 3rd bed is above the driver's cabin in the loft.

Season

When selecting your campervan, considering the season and the time of year can be important. During summer months, travelling in a vehicle which has central cabin air-conditioning will be really important. The Australian summer can have extremely temperatures and a campervan will central cabin air-con will allow you to 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 will sell out well in advance approximately 5 to 6 months prior. Over the Christmas holidays, campervan companies will have a minimum rental period, this minimum can be 7 days or 10 days hire.

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

Minimum Age and Licence Requirements to Drive a Camper

Drivers Licenses

A current unrestricted full car driving license in English or an accredited English translation or an International Driver Permit in addition to their license. Camperman, Jucy, Spaceships and Travellers Autobarn will allow drivers 18 with an Australian Green P Plate (P2) licence. Apollo and Cheapa Campa require the license has been held for more than 2 years. Read the full details in our drivers license guide.

Drivers Age

Generally 21, however some suppliers such as Camperman, Hippie Campers, Jucy, Spaceships and Travellers Autobarn have a minimum age of 18 with a full driver's license in English. Camperman, Jucy, Spaceships and Travellers Autobarn will allow drivers 18 with an Australian Green P Plate (P2) licence.

Other providers may lower the rental age to 18 for specific vehicles, Mighty Campers (Highball and Double Down) and Cheapa Campa (Hitop and Endeavour) drivers can be 18 years of age with a full driver licence.

Read the full details in our drivers license guide.

Holiday Parks and Camp Sites

Once you have confirmed and secured your campervan, start looking into where you will overnight park your vehicle. If you have the one holiday park you will spend your holiday at, make sure you book early as popular locations will book out well in advance.

If your journey involves a number of travel days and you need to book your holiday parks, click here to view Big 4 Holiday Parks.

Additional Items

Can be added on to your reservation at any stage, as well as at the time you collect the vehicle from the branch. Outside chairs and a picnic table are great for your entertaining set-up outside of the vehicle.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location

Campervan branches are located conveniently in each major city and nearby the airport area, most will be within 15kms.

Driving at Night

Most campervan companies will not allow or recommend that you do not drive 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 vehicles headlights can startle wildlife, causes them to panic and react unpredictably.

Expert Tip

We see many couples book a 4 berth motorhome so they have the extra room and larger space

Other Things to Consider

Before You Book

When Hiring a Campervan Hire