Camper Rentals FAQ

Each of the rental companies listed on our rental companies page has a [about this company] link to their own fact sheet page. Most of the commonly asked questions relating to that company are answered on their page.

The Q&A shown on this page are of a more general nature that will most likely apply to all rental companies. 

Q.. How do I get the best possible price for my rental?

A.. By using the price calculation/quotation tool on this website, you automatically see all the camper prices listed in order, so finding the cheapest one is already done for you. Most rental companies use a Flex Rates system (different companies may use a different term) and these systems will nearly always reward forward bookings with a lower daily rate.

The earlier you make your booking, the cheaper your rental will be. Last minute bookings will always be more expensive. Some rental companies will allow you to use your own bedding, pillows, linen, camp table and chairs, thus saving on hire costs.

Q.. What's included in my campervan?

A.. The list of inclusions varies between different rental companies but the following list is typical of what is supplied in most of the luxury range of campers.

Campers in the economy range will have a similar list of inclusions but bedding, pillows and linen will usually be an optional hire item. Camp tables, chairs and awnings are usually hire items. 4WD campers will usually have an outback emergency kit available as a hire item.

Q.. How does the booking system work?

A.. All quotations and subsequent bookings are processed by Discovery Campers, based in Brisbane, Australia. Their dedicated team of professionals have extensive experience in the camper rental field.

Step 1:

Use the price calculation tool on this website to calculate and compare prices and then select your preferred camper.

Step 2:

You see the cost breakdown and confirmation of the standard inclusions. This is where:

• you accept/decline the Insurance Excess Reduction options and any Bonus items

• you enter your personal details and contact email address

• you save your quote and "lock it in" for 7 days

• the confirmed quote is sent to you immediately via email

Step 3:

The Discovery Campers reservations team will confirm vehicle availability and contact you by phone or email within one business day. You can confirm your booking at any time by following the 'Book Now' button on your quote, or confirm the booking over the phone. Payment of the deposit then secures the booking and a confirmation voucher and Free Stays Guide will be sent to your email, fax or postal address.

Q.. Do I need a special licence to drive my camper?

A.. No. All you need is a full resident country driver's licence held for at least one year. If your licence is not in an English format, you may also need to provide a valid International Drivers Licence.

Q.. How old do I need to be to drive my camper?

A.. Drivers must be 21 years of age or over. Most companies will not accept a driver older than  75 years.  Small campers that are essentially a converted domestic vehicle such as a Toyota Tarago or Hiace usually only require the driver to be over 18 years. 

Q.. Is there a minimum rental duration?

A.. Yes, we list it for each company on their fact sheet but it is usually 7 days, and in some cases it's 10 days. Check the details for each company.

Q.. Can I pick up my camper in one city and drop it off in another?

A.. Yes... that's called a one-way rental and most companies will allow the vehicle to be dropped off at a branch other than the pick-up location. There is an additional cost for this which is usually in the region of AU$250 - AU$350.

Q.. Can I pick up or drop off my camper at the airport?

A.. No. Hobart airport complex does have a few rental companies on the site, but elsewhere you will need to make your own way to the branch. Some companies offer a transfer service, others will reimburse for taxis and others require you to carry the expense. Most branches are located within reasonable proximity to the airport.

Q.. What time can I pick up and drop off my camper?

A.. The hours of business for most branches is between 8.00am and 4.30pm daily.  Allow about half an hour for the check-in/check-out process.  If you are arriving on a flight the night before pick-up, you will need to arrange accommodation. Always allow plenty of time between your departing flight and the camper drop-off time.

Q.. Do I have to pay if there is an extra driver?

A.. Some companies do charge an Extra Driver Fee and others do not. We have tried to indicate this on the fact sheet for each company. $3 per day is the usual fee when there is a charge for an extra driver.

Q.. Can I get Insurance Excess Protection?

A.. Yes.. this is covered at some length on our insurance page.

Q.. Should I get travel insurance for my trip?

A.. Yes. The wise traveller never leaves home without travel insurance. We recommend buying your travel insurance online to get the cheapest prices for quality cover.

Q.. Can a baby capsule seat be fitted to all campervans?

A.. Not all campers. In our descriptions of the key points for each camper, we list how many anchor points are fitted. A figure of zero indicates that there is no anchor point for the capsule.

Q.. Can I pull up and camp on the side of the road?

A.. You can 'free camp' outside of towns and in country areas. Most National Parks have areas set aside for camping. Australia has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centres and in most towns. We recommend BIG4 Holiday Parks who offer excellent recreational facilities, as well as resources to dispose of your waste water. They also have provision for you to plug the vehicle into electricity.

Q.. How long does the battery system last?

A.. Nearly all campers have two batteries - one to run the engine and the other to operate the living equipment such as the fridge and lights. This battery will remain charged for approximately 12 to 14 hours and most modern campers now have solar charging of the second battery. In older vehicles, running the engine will recharge the battery.

Q.. Can I be guaranteed an automatic transmission?

A.. Most camper fleets have a mix of manual and automatic transmissions. However, there is no guarantee that the right model for you will be automatic. If you are late making your booking, it's also possible that no automatics will be available.

Q.. How is the cost of my rental calculated?

A.. Prices are calculated per calendar day or part thereof.

Q.. Can I drive anywhere in Australia?

A.. There are a few isolated areas that become impassable in wet weather. Your rental company will reserve the right to decline approval for travel in those sections when they believe the roads to be impassable or there is a risk to persons and property. The areas in question will be listed in the contract agreement.

Q.. Can I get a relocation deal?

A.. Relocations occur when the rental company needs to move a camper between branches and offer the drive for a nominal rate. However, there are some major conditions that apply to a relocation. eg:

• You can't pre-book a relocation. The rental company is not going to know 2-3 months in advance which campers will need to be moved from one location to another. Relocations tend to happen at the last minute.

• The usual Insurance Excess liability applies. You have to either carry the liability in full yourself or pay for an excess reduction option that will cost around $25-$45 a day depending on the option.

• The rental company can cancel the relocation at any time, and if they get a last minute booking on the vehicle, your relocation deal goes out the window.

• You don't get to have a self drive holiday in a relocation. You drive by the most direct route to a schedule set by the rental company. You are delivering the vehicle for them, they are not giving you a free holiday.

• With a relocation, the driver needs to check if stamp duty, gas bottle refills, and extra kilometre charges will apply.

Q.. Can I see the fine print in rental company Terms And Conditions?

A.. You get the T&C with your rental agreement. Remember that you'll be starting off with an online quote and when it come times to book, you'll be working directly with a real, live experienced reservations administrator. That person will attend to all your questions... we don't expect you to try and interpret the legalize of the T&C.