Rental Cars & Campervans
A rental car or campervan is the best way to discover Australia — the country is made for road trips. Endless highways, spectacular coastal roads, and the freedom to stop wherever you want.
Rental Cars
- Providers: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty at all airports. Local providers (East Coast Car Rentals, Apollo) often cheaper.
- Prices: From 40 AUD/day for small cars, from 70 AUD/day for SUVs. High season (Dec–Jan) more expensive.
- Age: Minimum age usually 21 years, under 25 surcharge (about 20–30 AUD/day).
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance (Excess Reduction) strongly recommended. Deductible otherwise 3,000–6,000 AUD!
- 4WD: Essential for Outback routes, Fraser Island, and Kimberley. From 120 AUD/day.
Campervan — Australia's Classic
Australia and campervans go together like Vegemite and toast. Over 2,500 campsites, many directly on the beach or in national parks.
- Providers: Jucy, Britz, Maui, Apollo, Travellers Autobarn, Wicked Campers (Budget).
- Prices: From 50 AUD/day for a simple van, from 120 AUD/day for a fully equipped motorhome. One-way rentals (Relocation Deals) sometimes from 1 AUD/day!
- Campsites: Powered sites (electricity) from 30–50 AUD/night, unpowered from 20 AUD. Many free "Rest Areas" along the highways (use WikiCamps app!).
- Free Camping: Allowed in many states, but with rules. The app "WikiCamps Australia" shows all legal spots.
💡 Tipp
For backpacker gold: Relocation Deals! Rental companies need to move campervans from one city to another and rent them out almost for free (1–5 AUD/day). Platforms: Transfercar, DriveNow, Imoova. Downside: fixed route and time limit.
Achtung
In Australia, there is LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC! Get used to it at the airport on a quiet parking lot before driving into city traffic. On country roads, watch out for kangaroos and wombats — especially at dusk. Accidents with wildlife are common.