RatPack Campervan Rental Australia
We provide the wheels.
You hit the road.
You hit the road.
Blending freedom and flexibility with open road travel and anywhere accommodation is why campervan hire in Australia is the dream experience for young travellers seeking independence and lifetime memories.
Whether cruising down the Great Ocean Road or taking an east coast adventure up from Sydney to Cairns, be in control of your dream journey and create an epic, all-time travelling experience.
Buzzing for the vibe? Get in touch today.
Why book your campervan with RatPack?
So, what makes RatPack any better than your average campervan hire in Australia?
Well, a few things:
We’re cheaper than booking online
Booking doesn’t have to be gnarly. Our travel gurus get the best rates from the best operators. And once you’re satisfied, we provide a discount, making it even cheaper than booking online.
Come rain or shine, we only book you a camper van if we can make it cheaper than the online rate. That’s the RatPack guarantee!
Zero charges for date changes
As travellers ourselves, we appreciate that dates can change while you’re out doing your thing and living your best life. That’s why we don’t charge for any late cancellations or amendments, giving you more dollars to spend on the important stuff.
Personalised service
When it comes to Aus, we’ve been there and got the t-shirt. Our travel guru team come with bags of lived travel experience. We have excellent knowledge of the best travel routes and campervan hire providers in Australia, making sure you strike the best deal for a once in a lifetime trip.
5-star reviews
Since launching in 2016, we’ve received more 5-star reviews than any other Aussie travel agent! And it all comes down to our approach. We believe in going above and beyond for your trip down under.
We combine our awesome camper hire knowledge and experience with our passion to deliver an amazing experience for our clients. No exceptions.
The RatPack Promise
We know what it feels like to have a negative travel experience. It blows. In fact, it’s one of the core reasons we founded our business in the first place. The good news is we’re here to give you the best campervan hire service and deals.
Rather than trying to be the biggest at what we do, we made it our mission to become the best. It’s this philosophy that’s allowed us to make so many longstanding relationships with every reputable campervan rental and tour guide in the game.
Based on these principles with the values of backpack travel, we live and breathe campervan hire every day from our HQ in Byron Bay.
So, if you’re ever passing through, drop in and say hey. We’d love to hear about your adventures.
Feeling nervous about hiring a campervan in Australia?
It’s normal to feel nervous about your first campervan hire in Australia. Trust us, we know how you feel. Travelling with a camper across a great whopper of a country is a daunting thought.
And that’s ok. But rest assured, we’ve got you covered with a guaranteed, around-the-clock personal service.
We’re here to help on WhatsApp if you have any questions or concerns over any part of your trip. Whether you need advice or support, we’re here for you.
How our campervan hire works: The process from start to finish
Getting started is a piece of cake. We arrange for our roadies to pick up their perfect campers from the following locations:
Australia East Coast Locations
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Cairns
- Gold Coast
- Melbourne
- Sydney
Australia East Coast Locations
- Alice Springs
- Darwin
- Cairns
- Perth
- Hobart (Tasmania)
New Zealand Locations
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Queenstown
Next you simply let us find you the best rates.
1) You submit your travel dates, locations and number of people travelling
2) We search the market for the best-rated and most affordable campervan rental options
3) We will send you the best options. Once you’re happy, we’ll provide a discount.
The RataPack Promise: cheaper than booking on the comparison sites! Guaranteed.
Campervan hire options: Which campervan will you choose?
Regardless of your budget and preferences, we’ll partner you with the ideal camper that meets your requirements.
Here is a list of our classic campervan options.
The 2-seater, 2-sleeper
With a cosy bed in the back, the two-berth campervan rental is super easy and ideal for two people planning a short campervan road trip.
![2 Seater 2 Sleeper](images/2-seater-2-sleeper-scaled.jpg)
The Hi Top
With space to stand, cook and lounge, this three-berth beaut of a camper is perfect for two or three setting out on a long adventure. Now, that’s a bit of us.
![Copy of 2](images/copy-of-2-scaled.jpg)
The Motorhome
A boujee choice providing you with a new luxurious home on wheels, a six-berth motorhome rental is the best option for large groups/families regardless of how long you expect to be on the road.
![Copy of 1](images/copy-of-1.jpg)
How to prepare for your campervan hire in Australia
As we arrange the ideal campervan hire for your Australian adventure, a little preparation is needed on your part.
Think fuel, supplies, and a few bevvies.
And if you’re not aware yet, Australia is 32 times bigger than the UK!
No joke, the country is vast, so it pays to prepare before hitting the road.
So, here are some tips to ensure you have the best campervan hire experience:
Prepare for jet lag
Make sure you take a bit of rest time between your flight and when you want to drive. Jet lag can be gnarly, so give yourself time to relax and acclimatise when you arrive. 24 hours minimum.
But hey if you do get tired, that’s the beauty of a camper, right? Just pull up for a quick snooze, no worries.
Research your route
Sounds dumb, but before you set off, you need to know where you’re going. Getting stuck out in the outback is the last thing you need.
And when driving, remember to keep your driving license on you with a cellphone that can stay charged throughout your journey.
Get clued up on your camper
When the agent shows you around the camper, ask all the questions you need and make sure you’re comfortable with the drive.
Don’t get rushed out of doubt, and ease all your concerns. Plus, you can always take the thing for a spin in the car park before hitting the road.
Budget and funds
With costs, you’ll pay a daily rental or one-way fee with admins fees and additional pricing for furniture and GPS etc. We recommend you insure your camper just in case. Honesty, for the daily charge, it’s not worth forking out a bond of around $3000!
Set some budget aside for petrol, and when you return to the provider, they will expect a full tank.
And get a good food shop in the fridge. All that driving and sightseeing can be hungry work. Depending on your journey, shops and restaurants can be few and far between.
Picking out a few free campsites to hit on the way can save money and help you restock while meeting fellow roadies and campers.
Parking your campervan
Finally, don’t forget to familiarise yourself with parking regulations when visiting cities. Yes, we know it’s not the best form of bedtime reading, but it’ll save you a few headaches along the way. Parking tickets can amount to hundreds of dollars, so it’s worth swotting up before you embark on your next adventure.
Now, this means temporary parking, not your wild night camping overnight. Because whenever you need to stop somewhere during the day to pick up some shopping or catch the waves, you don’t need the bad vibes of getting stung by a parking fine.
Especially when visiting cities, we always think it’s just best to leave your camper in one location and use public transport to explore.
Check for the green “P” to park without trouble. Sometimes the signage will display how long you can park for and at what times. For example, the number of hours is placed before the “P” like “2P” or “6P”. Half-hour periods have a “½P” or “30 MINUTE PARKING”.
The sign might also read “TICKET” or “METER”, which also means you’ll have to dig your hand into your pocket. But the good news is that payments are super easy and accessible across cash, card, or digitally via an app.
However, if you see “NO STOPPING” or a “P” with a line through it. It means a no-parking area. Plus, no parking where there is a clearway, loading zone, bus zone, works zone or taxi zone.
Any broken or continuous yellow lines next to the curb signify no parking is allowed. When you do park, try to keep your camper in the direction of the traffic. Trust us. It’s much easier when roads get busier and you want to dash.
If you do get a ticket, it’s worth noting that fines run on the campervan and not on a person in Australia. So, the tickets would be taken over by the next owner of the vehicle.
However, this doesn’t mean you can simply ignore them. Any fines will be taken out of your deposit and some companies will even include an admin fee on top.
If you get an “on the spot fine”, the local policeman will record your personal details and the fine will be on your name and not on the vehicle.
Best places to go on your campervan hire adventure
Being home to some of the best beaches, coastlines and national parks in the world, there’s so much to see and do here in Australia. And with a camper covering travel and accommodation, those memories are there for the taking! But where to start?
Here is a list of our recommended routes:
Sydney to Cairns
After picking up your camper in Sydney, you can cruise along the east coast with plenty of camping spots and incredible destinations like the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay (Come say hi!), Fraser Island, and Noosa.
Cairns to Brisbane
One for nature lovers! Journey around Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest before visiting the national parks and other destinations down the east towards the sunshine coast, like Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays.
Brisbane to Sydney
Back down the east coast from Brisbane to Sydney, you can hit so many awesome spots like the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and the Blue Mountains.
Sydney to Melbourne
From one metropolis to another, on the road from Sydney to Melbourne, you can visit a few wicked national parks like the Figure 8 Pools, Jervis Bay, Eden, Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula.
Melbourne to Adelaide
Yeeeeeeeeew! The Great Ocean Road! Journey along one of the most famous coastline trips in Oz, where you can admire the 12 Apostles and sun the stunning beaches like Belles Beach and Torquay before cruising through the Grampians.
Perth to Perth
Head north or south from Perth to enjoy the west coast with sights like the Margaret River, the Pinnacles, Esperance, Monkey Miam Coral Bay, and Exmouth to hit up on the way!
Remember, regardless of your route, we compare the cheapest deals for your dates and specific requests before discounting online prices, making it way cheaper than going direct to a company.
So, if you’re buzzing to begin an epic campervan experience of a lifetime, get in touch today.
Campervan hire: Frequently asked questions
Now, just in case you have any questions, here are some classic campervan hire FAQs for you:
How much does it cost to hire a campervan?
The average price for hiring a campervan in Australia can vary between $100-$200 per day. But the overall price you pay depends on a few things:
- Your campervan
- When you booked (booking in advance is waaayyy cheaper!)
- When you want to hire the campervan
- Seasons of the year can dictate the price. For example, national holidays and Christmas will naturally be more expensive. So, just let us know your travel dates and locations, and we’ll get back to you as fast as we can with the cheapest options.
How old do I need to be to hire a campervan in Australia?
Most campervan hire companies in Australia only accept a minimum age of 21 to hire a campervan. However, some will allow the minimum age to be 18 but these are few and far between.
What driving licence do I need to rent a campervan in Australia?
You don’t need an Australian driver’s licence to hire a campervan, but you’ll need to present a standard driver’s licence that complies with Australian law when collecting the campervan.
So, providing you have a valid class C (car) driving licence, you’ll be good to go. And remember, always keep that licence on you!
What do I need to bring when collecting my campervan in Australia?
When collecting the campervan, you will need a credit or debit card in the name of the driver and all drivers are required to display their driver’s license valid within 12 months.
Is there a minimum rental period when hiring a campervan in Australia?
The minimum rental depends on the campervan hire provider, as some companies have minimum hire periods. Normally the minimum hire period is between 5-7 days. However, extensions can be arranged, especially over the holidays, with some providers allowing a full fortnight’s rental.
Just let us know your dates, and we’re sure we can find you the ideal provider.
Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in Australia?
Unfortunately, you can’t just park where you want in Australia and sleep in your camper. Keeping your campervan in the wrong place can land you with some steep fines, like in parking lots or no parking zones in big cities.
So, try to find RV-friendly locations or campsites when you’re on the road. Permitted parking areas include national parks, roadside campervan camping, beachside locations, private parks for campervans and certain rest areas.
Can I pick up and drop off my campervan at different locations?
Yes. Depending on your preferred route, we arrange for you to pick up your campervan in one location and drop it off at a different destination.
Once agreed, you’re expected to deliver the camper at the designated time and location. If you want to change course for any reason, we’d need to communicate and agree with the campervan hire provider. We don’t recommend this approach as most providers won’t allow it, while it will potentially cost more.
So, be sure of your route and just hire another one in pursuit of your next adventure!
Are unlimited kilometres included in my Australia campervan rental?
Yes, unlimited kilometres are arranged with a campervan hire provider. Some campervan hire companies will allow unlimited kilometres for specific campervans and not others. For example, some will include unlimited kilometres in two-wheel drives but not four-wheel drives.
When is the best time to hire a campervan in Australia?
Regarding prices, the most cost-effective time to hire a campervan will be during the Australian winter months (June, July, and August). Christmas time and New Year is the most expensive time.
We recommend you travel during the autumn and spring months (March, April, and May – September, October, and November,) when it’s not too hot or as expensive.
What is the speed limit in Australia?
When hitting the open road, you can expect 100km/h in the city and 50km/h in suburban areas. Maximum speed limits in most states get capped at 110km/h.
Speed limits are well signposted, and with Google Maps or Waze, you can see the limits on your screen.
But hiring a camper is not about speed. So, just relax, enjoy the ride, and remember, there is more to life than making it faster!
What extra charges will I need to pay when I return my campervan?
Hopefully none. It’s really up to you. Return your camper in a nice clean condition without any fines and expect no additional charges. This standard includes cleaning and emptying the toilet, a full tank of gas and just a general tidy-up so the camper condition is what it was when you first picked it up. Simple.
But if you don’t return the camper in a respectable condition or it’s been damaged in any way, then no doubt expect some additional charges.
But hey. Accidents can happen, and it’s not the end of the world so don’t panic if it does. That’s what the deposit is for.
Just be careful, obey the laws and stay honest and respectable, like when borrowing anything from anyone.
And before you drive away, if you notice any defects, tell your provider there and then. If you see the odd chip or scratch later, take a picture and notify us. Most campervan providers will note all these features previously as a measure of good practice.