A guide to the best caravan hire companies in Australia

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Keen to hit the road this summer? A caravan, campervan or motorhome is the perfect portable dwelling to help you on your way.

Piling everyone into a caravan for a taste of life on the road is a quintessential Aussie holiday experience: the wide open spaces, epic views and sense of freedom that #vanlife provides is one heck of a ride. But before you set off, you’re going to need the right vehicle.  From budget to luxe and from small to large, consult our guide to the best caravan hire companies below to get you on the road in style this summer.

Camplify

Best for: boutique accommodation lovers

 

Originally founded in Newcastle, Camplify is the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing service that makes Van Life a whole lot easier.

 

If you are lucky enough to own your own caravan it’s highly likely it sits in the front yard unused for numerous months during the year. Catching on to this supply and demand issue, Camplify steps in to safely connect holidaymakers with caravans, motorhomes and campervans in their neighbourhood to book, while unlocking new earning opportunities for van owners around Australia.

 

The interface is seamless to navigate, making it extremely easy to find a top-of-the-range luxury motorhome with all the bells and whistles or an older-style camper trailer to get you from A to B. There are options to suit every freedom seeker (human or canine) that is looking to make a stress-free upgrade from a tent.

 

Pros: easy to navigate, plenty of options, and a great way to keep your road trip interesting.

Vintage Volkeswagen caravan
Daisy from Bowral is just one of many in the Camplify fleet.

Travellers Autobarn

Best for: budget travellers

The orange logo slapped on the side of the Travellers Autobarn vehicles is hard to miss when driving along Australia’s long and open roads. As a well-established campervan hire company, Travellers Autobarn is a ‘one stop shop’ for the backpacker and budget travellers. They are one of the more affordable options on the market – especially during the off-peak season.

 

The campervans are all factory and purpose built, and because they’ve factored in the needs of open-road living, they go big on reliability and function. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Australia.

 

Pros: purpose-built, plenty of new models to choose from, and affordable.

Travellers Autobarn van at the beach
It’s hard to miss Travellers Autobarn on the road.

Apollo Camper

Best for: off-the-beaten-track adventures

 

When you need a camper you can rely on, opt for an Apollo Camper. Proudly Australian owned, Apollo has been helping travellers get from A to B without issue for more than 35 years. Choose from self-contained motorhomes with cooking facilities, air conditioning and beds for up to six people to compact campers for an authentic van life experience, or rugged 4WDs designed for adventure seekers.

 

Pros: a long established, reliable brand that offers great customer service.

Apollo Camper surrounded by greenery
When reliability is key, opt for an Apollo Camper.

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Camptoo

Best for: local camping

 

Last year, global RV sharing service and online booking platform, Camptoo, announced its expansion Down Under. The company positions itself as an Airbnb for motorhomes and campervans, providing a reliable vehicle to experience life on the road without the commitment of a DIY renovation project.

 

From fully kitted out family-friendly motorhomes to quirky converted VW campervans for last-minute romantic staycations, there are over 4,000 campervans, caravans and motorhomes to rent directly from vehicle owners.

 

Our picks include this Mojud Vintage Mercedes Bus from Coolangatta, the Cute Gypsy Wagon in Warburton, Victoria and the Spiderman-clad Art Motorhome from Perth.

 

Pros: the giant range of campervan options means you can tailor your road trip experience to your personal preference.

The Mojud Vintage Mercedes Bus from Coolangatta.
The Mojud Vintage Mercedes Bus from Coolangatta.

Jucy Rentals

Best for: road trippers on a backpacker budget

 

The bright purple and green JUCY campervans began transporting New Zealand travellers around the country in 2001. Today, they have more than 3,800 cars, campervans and motorhomes to rent around the globe.

 

There are myriad vehicle types depending on your specs and budget. For budget-conscious travellers, the El Cheapo Sleeper is perfect for those happy to travel Australia in “no frills" style. At the top of the range is The Condo: a fully self-contained option that sleeps four. It comes complete with a cassette toilet and grey water tank, plus all the classic bells and whistles.

 

Pros: a popular, affordable option with plenty of drop-off and pick-up locations.

Kangaroos surround a Jucy Van
Meet the locals in a Jucy Van.

Britz / Mighty

Best for: long-term adventures

 

Britz is the largest campervan rental company in the entire Australasia region. Their motorhome fleet is top of the line, with thousands of glowing reviews from travellers listed from all around the world. Become one of them by renting one of their 4WD, 2WD and campervan options.

 

All campervans feature AM/FM radio and CD player, fridge, gas stove and microwave, alongside plush linen and bedding, kitchen essentials and all the general living gear you’ll need. They also come with an unlimited mileage allowance.

 

Once the Britz vehicles have done their share of open-road adventures they are transformed into Mighty campers: the more affordable, youth-skewed sister brand to Britz.

 

Pros: an unlimited mileage allowance means you can spend less time kilometre tracking and more time enjoying the great beyond.

Britz Van on the bridge in Woollongong
See Australia’s most iconic sights in a Britz.

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Maui

Best for: high-end family travellers

 

Hitting the road with the kids can often feel like a daunting prospect. One that’s made a whole lot easier with a top-of-the-line vehicle that guarantees you one less thing to worry about. Maui vehicles are known for their reliability, making them a great choice for any long-term Aussie caravanning adventure.

 

Still within the THL (Britz, Mighty) family, Maui is Australia’s premium offering of two- to six-berth motorhome vehicles. Most vehicles are guaranteed to be under two years of age, ensuring the highest level of reliability, comfort and, of course, state-of-the-art features.

 

Pros: like a hotel room on wheels, you needn’t skimp on the creature comforts.

Maui luxury van at sunset
Meet your hotel room on wheels.

Hippie Camper

Best for: nomads with no-fuss attitude

 

Hippie Camper’s ethos of quality and affordability has made them pretty popular among budget conscious travellers throughout Australia and New Zealand. You may recognise these vehicles from the boho decals that line the side panels; they’re frequently seen on the road all around the country transporting travellers who are clearly having a good time.

 

Their rental fleet options are pretty limited, only catering to parties of two, three and four people. However, they’re a great option for those in need of a base camp where they can rest their head for the night.

 

Pros: living proof that great views and comfortable lodgings need not cost the earth.

Hippie Camper in the outback
A Hippie Camper will take you to the back of the beyond.

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8 iconic ways to experience the Murray

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

    Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

    1. On the river

    fishermen on Lake Mulwala
    Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

    For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

    2. First Nations culture

    Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river
    Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

    To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

    3. Delicious eats

    the Mildura Boat House
    Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

    For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

    Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

    In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse . Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

    4. Hiking and biking trails

    two people on bikes at Lake Boga
    Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

    The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

    For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

    5. Best views along The Murray

    swan at wonga wetlands in the murray
    Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

    Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

    Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

    6. Art and culture

    People viewing art at Murray Art Museum.
    Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

    The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

    One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

    There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

    7. Murray Region Events

    band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival
    Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

    Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

    The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

    If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival . And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

    8. Best stays along The Murray

    the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation
    Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

    Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

    Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge .

    Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods , which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

    For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

    Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au