The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

The ultimate Aussie road trip: why Brits are swapping hotels for campervans Down Under 🇦🇺 🚐

Planning an escape to the other side of the world? Here’s why a campervan is the perfect way to experience Australia’s wild beauty, from the iconic coastal drives to remote outback adventures.

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Australia’s sun-soaked coastline, ancient landscapes, and vibrant cities but dread the rigid schedules of tours or the cost of internal flights and hotels, well there’s a better way to travel like a local: in a campervan. 

A van holiday gives you freedom on four wheels and the comfort of your own personal space, letting you uncover the real Australia at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing surf breaks, wildlife encounters, or desert sunsets... the open road awaits!

The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

Why hire a campervan in Australia?

Forget stuffy hotels and complicated domestic transfers, caravan-ing is how Australians holiday. Here’s why more Brits are taking the road trip route:

• Total freedom – Stop when a beach catches your eye or a vineyard tempts you off route

• Explore hidden gems – Skip the tourist trail and discover authentic towns, local events and off-grid gems

• One cost, no surprises – Your vehicle is your transport and your accommodation

• Epic scenery every day – From rainforest to reef, desert to city skyline

• Self-sufficient travel – With a kitchen, bathroom and solar power, you can stay off the grid or hit a powered site

• Great value – Save money cooking your own meals or staying in free camp spots

• Pet-friendly options – Yes, you can bring your dog on an Aussie adventure!

Start in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane – or wherever your heart takes you

Australia is big (like, really big). You’ll want to plan your route around the regions you most want to see. The good news? Camplify offers vans all over the country, so whether you’re flying into Sydney or landing in Perth, your adventure can start right away.
 

The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

Where should you go?

Australia is packed with iconic routes. Here are a few standouts for first-time road trippers:

🏝 Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

A must for coastal lovers... you can drive past dramatic cliffs, sleepy surf towns and the famous Twelve Apostles.

🐨 East Coast Adventure (Sydney to Cairns)

The classic backpacker route, now done in style. Stop off at Byron Bay, Fraser Island, and the Whitsundays.

🌵 Red Centre Loop (Northern Territory)

Explore the real outback — Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs await.

🌊 Perth to Exmouth (Western Australia)

Turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the rugged beauty of the west coast.

🏞 Tasmania Loop

Compact but wild, this island state is perfect for nature lovers who want it all.

The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

What to expect from campsites

Unlike in the UK, Australia embraces camping culture. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Holiday Parks (AU$30–70/night) – Full facilities, great for families

• National Park Campsites (AU$10–25/night) – Remote, scenic, and immersive

• Free Camps – Many towns welcome van travellers with designated areas

• Apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate – Your best mate for finding camp spots on the go

Van types for every traveller

Camplify has a huge range of caravans, 4WDs and campervans — whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or a family of five. Here’s a breakdown:

• Caravans – Space, comfort, and everything you need

• 4WD campers – Built for outback tracks and remote areas

• 2-berth campervans – Great for couples, easy to drive

Local tips for UK travellers

• Driving on the left! Easy transition for Brits

• Distances are huge – Plan for fewer stops, longer stays

• Stock up on supplies in towns before heading remote

• Respect the heat – Always carry water, and check weather/fire conditions

• Summer is Dec–Feb , best to travel during Spring (Sep–Nov) or Autumn (Mar–May)

The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

A note on wild camping

Free camping is legal in many parts of Australia, but always check local signs and council rules. National parks usually require a small fee, and wild camping near beaches or town centres can result in fines unless explicitly allowed.

Apps like Park4Night, CamperMate and WikiCamps are gold for finding the best (and legal) free spots.

Want something more grounded?

Camplify also offers stationary vans and tiny homes across the country. These fully set-up vans let you enjoy van life without driving – perfect if you want a base near Byron Bay or Noosa without the wheels.

The ultimate guide to Australian van hire for Brits

Ready to book your Aussie escape?

Australia is vast, beautiful, and best explored with the freedom of the road. Whether you're chasing the Outback or hugging the coast, Camplify helps you hit the road in comfort, with local vans listed by local owners across the country.

✨ Browse vans in Australia at camplify.com.au and start planning the ultimate adventure!