Campervan Hire - Frequently Asked Questions

Click below to open our most commonly asked questions on hiring a Campervan, Motorhome or RV vehicle.

As rental companies have differing terms and conditions you may find multiple answers to the same question. if you need further help please contact our Reservations team.


Age Requirements

How old do I need to be to hire a Campervan in Australia?

Generally this is 21, however some suppliers such as JUCY and Lucky have a minimum age of 18 with a full driver's license in English or an Australian Green P Plate (P2) licence. A young driver's surcharge fee may be applied. Other providers lower the rental age to 18 for specific vehicles. Contact our Reservations team for specific information about your requirements.

How old do I need to be to hire a Campervan in New Zealand?

21. Some suppliers vary the age limit based on the vehicle being rented and may charge a young driver surcharge fee for those aged 18-21. Others, such as JUCY, have a minimum age of 18 with a full driver's license and also accept a restricted NZ license or Australian Green P (P2) license.

How old do I need to be to hire a Campervan in the US and Canada?

21 with a full license. Some suppliers vary the age limit based on the vehicle being rented and may charge a young driver surcharge fee for those aged 18-21.


Booking with DriveNow

How do I make a booking?

To start your search for a campervan, visit our dedicated campervan home page at www.drivenow.com.au/home/campervan-hire.

To view the prices and check availability, select the country of travel, your pick-up & drop-off locations, travel dates, your drivers licence type and hit the ‘search’ button.

Our system will search for the best available pricing for vehicles that match your needs from all our suppliers and their availability status. Any vehicle with a status of "available" or "instant confirmation" can be booked and confirmed immediately. Where a vehicle’s availability status is shown as "request it" or "24h Confirmation" this indicates that campervan supplier is unable to confirm availability immediately. Our reservations team will contact the supplier and advise you of availability.

Where do your prices come from and can they change?

All DriveNow pricing is live and extracted directly from the systems of our rental partners. Pricing can change frequently as each supplier manages their vehicle inventory. Once a booking is confirmed the pricing on that booking is locked in.

Are there any Booking fees?

No. DriveNow does not charge booking fees.

Does DriveNow charge cancellation Fees?

No. However our campervan rental partners do charge cancellation fees. These vary between suppliers and depend upon how many days out from the vehicle pick-up date that the cancellation is made.

What insurance cover is included in the cost of my Campervan Booking?

Pricing includes the rental cost and Standard Insurance Liability. On the booking page, you can view which items are included and those that are excluded in Step 2 under “View Excess/Bond & Quote Details”. The included items will vary depending on the liability reduction option or package selected. The liability option taken will determine the size of the bond required.

What else is included in my Campervan Booking?

All vehicles come well equipped with all the essentials. There are some variations depending upon the features of the rental vehicle and the rental provider. In essence you can expect the following:

  • Kitchen: plates & bowls, cups & glasses, cutlery, bottle/can opener, cooking utensils, pans & frying pan, kettle & teapot, tea towels
  • Living: toilet chemicals, dustpan & brush, fire extinguisher, bucket & hose, matches, coat hangers, vehicle guides, travel guides, road maps, First Aid kit (charges apply if opened).
  • Bedding: pillows, sheets, Sleeping bags or doona (duvets), bathroom towels. You are welcome to bring your own or use those provided. Note that Britz include bedding in their Personal Kit.

What's not included in the cost of my Campervan Booking?

The basic campervan price does not include additional extras such as liability reduction options, child seats, gas refill, awning, camping table, camping chairs, vehicle roll-over cover, windscreen damage, under body & over body damage, additional driver fee, GPS, snow cover, snow chains, New Zealand diesel tax, credit card surcharges issued by the campervan supplier, security bond amount and all other optional extra items you elect to add on to your rental.

What is the minimum rental period?

Generally the minimum rental period is 5 or 7 days depending upon the provider. During certain peak times, such as Christmas and Easter, this may be extended to 7, 10 or 14 days and one-way rentals also vary. Full details of any variations are displayed when you select your vehicle and available during the booking process with DriveNow.

How are rental days calculated?

Unlike the hourly rate used when renting a car, Campervans are hired on a per calendar day basis, for example picking up a vehicle at 4.00pm on day 1 and dropping off at 8.30am on day 6 is a 6 day rental.

One Way Rentals. Can I pick up and drop off in different locations?

Yes, however these are subject to certain conditions. One Way Rental fees are around AUD$100 to AUD$500 and a minimum rental requirement will apply depending on the itinerary.

Starting or finishing in Broome?

Due to its remote location in the northwest of Western Australia vehicles that are dropped off or picked up in Broome incur a Remote Location Fee which ranges between $800 and $900 depending upon the rental provider. Only one fee is charged per vehicle. In the case of a one-way rental this is in additional to the One-Way Fee.

How can I tell what type of transmission a campervan has?

When selecting a vehicle the transmission is depicted by ‘A’ for Automatic or ‘M’ Manual transmission.

How can l request a Child Seat & GPS?

These items can be selected at the time of booking on the Booking Page in Step 2 – ‘Review quote and Request Additional Options’. Click on the ‘+ More’ box to view more information and the price details. Additional items are to be paid at the time of collection to the campervan supplier. Please note not all campervans can accommodate child seats. Child seats are not permitted on the front seat of a campervan.

Long-term Rental?

Excellent Discounts apply for rentals beyond 30 days. Contact the DriveNow Reservations team and we'll source the best deal from across our providers.

Driver’s name must match the name on credit card

When making your reservation online, your booking should be made in the name of the driver that will be collecting the vehicle and signing the supplier’s rental agreement on the day of pick- up. At the time of collection, the driver will be required to have a credit card in their name. Third party credit cards are not accepted at collection of the rental vehicle.

Are Multi-Hire Discounts available?

Yes. Where campervan hire is made in Australia and New Zealand DriveNow offers multi-hire discounts. Contact the Reservations team with your proposed holiday schedule and we will source the best available deals and rates for you to select from.

Can I be guaranteed a specific Campervan Make or Model?

Campervan rental suppliers do not guarantee that a particular make or model will be available for a specific reservation. Specific makes & models within a brand may vary in availability and features such as cabin configuration, interior design, seating locations, bedding, measurements, luggage capacity, equipment, mileage and engine size.

The vehicle types and specifications displayed online are given as a guide and example vehicle only. You will be booking a particular category rather than a specific vehicle model.

The campervan supplier will always endeavor to supply the vehicle category selected, however should the vehicle booked be unavailable or damaged by the previous hirer, the campervan supplier reserves the right to substitute or upgrade you to an alternative vehicle without prior notification.

I can’t find the information which mentions kilometres, are they included in the rental price for campervan in Australia?

Kilometers may or may not be included in the price of a campervan rental in Australia, as this can vary depending on the rental company and the specific rental agreement you choose. Some companies do offer unlimited mileage as part of their standard rental packages, while others may include a certain number of kilometers per day or per rental period, with additional fees charged for any additional kilometers driven.

You can view this information on the DriveNow website in Step 2 on the booking page “Step 2 - Review Quote and Request Additional Options/ View Excess/Bond & Quote Details /Your quote includes". If you have already made a booking, this information can be found on your confirmation email under the included and excluded charges area.


Picking up my Campervan

How long does it take to collect my campervan?

The check-in process usually takes between 40 and 80 minutes depending upon the vehicle. It is strongly recommended to collect your vehicle at least 2 hours prior to the branch closing time.

The check-in process will involve reading and signing the rental agreement. You may be required to watch the campervan introductory instructional video and then a vehicle walk-around demonstration where a staff member will show you the features, appliances, power outlets and how everything works

Can I collect my vehicle when the branch is closed?

No, Campervan providers do not accept pick-ups after depot hours

When picking up my Campervan can I leave my own vehicle at the depot?

In most cases leaving your car at the campervan depot is not an option. This does vary and will depend on the policies of the your chosen rental company. Where a supplier offers this options it may be free or subject to a fee. Contact the campervan branch to confirm parking options prior to your pick up date.

You may also want to consider other options, such as public parking or long-term parking facilities, if leaving your own vehicle at the rental location is not an option.

Where can l find the campervan branch address and the branch hours?

On your booking confirmation email and displayed on the booking page in Step 1 by opening Show Locations

On the day of pick-up, what will l need with me?

At the time of collection from the campervan branch, you will be required to provide a credit card in the name of the driver and all drivers are required to hold a current, fully valid driver’s licence for at least 12 months, without any restrictions. Probationary licences are not accepted. Your valid licence must be presented at time of collection of vehicle along with the licenses of any additional drivers.

Driver licences must be in English or supported by a certified translation or international driving permit along with your domestic licence and passport. For non-English based driving licenses an International Driving permit is required in conjunction with an official driver's licence of the issuing country.

Credit Card Bonds

Where a Credit Card bond is required the full amount of the bond will be deducted from your credit card on collecting the vehicle and credited back at the end of the rental period, subject to any deductions. Where no excess reduction option is taken this amount can be over AU$7500. To avoid disappoint ensure that your credit card has a limit sufficient to cover this amount. When travelling in Australia The bond is taken in Australian Dollars and therefore for overseas visitors subject to currency variation which could result in some variance in the amount refunded compared to the initial amount charged. This bond is taken directly by our rental partners and is not held by DriveNow.

Changing Vehicle Type at pick-up?

If you wish to upgrade or change your campervan or motorhome and subject to availability, the additional charge will be taken on pickup.


Driving my Campervan

Top Tips for your holiday

  • Take a torch and spare batteries
  • Pack clothes and your belongings in soft cases to maximise use of storage space
  • If leaving your Campervan unattended on a powered Caravan Park site remember to disconnect your power cable
  • Appliances such as TVs, Microwaves and Air-Con/Heating in the living cabin require mains power hook-up
  • Save money and stress by stocking up on provisions before travelling to less populated areas
  • Ensure you have replenished your water tanks and emptied your waste tank when embarking on a long sectors of your journey
  • Some Campervan providers allow you to pre-purchase gas and fuel at discounted rates

I am travelling to Australia for a 3 month campervan holiday, what vehicle would you recommend?

Driving through Australia in a campervan is a great way to experience the country's unique landscapes and scenery. Here are some suggestions for campervans that may work well for your trip:

  • Britz Campervans: Britz is a well-known campervan rental company that offers a range of vehicles to suit different budgets and needs. Their campervans come with all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable trip, such as a bed, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as extras like a TV and DVD player.
  • Apollo Campervan: Apollo is another well-known campervan rental brand that offers a range of vehicles to suit different budgets and needs. Their campervans come with all the amenities you need for a comfortable trip, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
  • Maui Motorhomes: Maui offer high-end motorhome vehicles with all the latest features and amenities. Their vehicles are larger and more spacious than other campervans, and they come with a range of extras, such as outdoor furniture and BBQ equipment.
  • Jucy Campervan: Jucy offers a range of campervans that are designed for travellers on a budget. Their vehicles are compact and easy to drive, and they come with all the basic amenities you need, such as a bed, sink, stove, and fridge.

When choosing a campervan, it's important to consider the size of the vehicle, the amenities included, the fuel efficiency, and the cost.

Which side of the road do Australians drive on?

Driving in Australia is on the left

Which side of the road do I drive on in New Zealand?

Driving in New Zealand is on the left

How much does diesel cost in Australia?

In Australia fuel is sold in litres. Diesel costs vary by state and currently (March 2024) range from AU$1.90 to AU$2.10 per litre. With changes in world oil pricing these rates will fluctuate, however generally fuel is cheaper than European countries. Fuel is more expensive in the outback and remote parts of Australia. Prices will rise in the lead up to popular travel times particularly around Christmas and Easter.

How much does Fuel cost in New Zealand?

Cost of diesel in New Zealand is between around NZ$2.15 and NZ$2.25 per litre (March 2024).

Is it compulsory to wear seat belts in Australia and New Zealand?

Yes. All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts. This is enforced by the police.

What is the speed limit in Australia?

Speed limits range from 50kmh in built-up areas to 100-110kmh on freeways and open highways. This varies between states. In parts of the Northern Territory the limit is 130 km/h. The use of red light and speed cameras is prevalent across Australia.

Traffic Infringements?

You are liable for all fines in relation to your use of the vehicle during the rental period. The rental provider may charge an administration fee for each infringement notice that has to be redirected to you.

What if I have an accident in our Campervan?

Report the accident as soon as possible (within 24 hours) to the rental provider and complete an Accident Report. Full details of what to do will be in the kit provided by the Campervan Rental company when you pick up your vehicle.

What happens if I breakdown?

All our Campervan rental partners have national Customer care programs to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Details will be included in your Campervan rental kits supplied at pick up.

Can Booster and Baby Seats be fitted?

There are a number of vehicles that can accommodate both booster and baby seats and these are also available for hire from our rental partners. Generally Motorhome fleets can accommodate both types of seats whilst the smaller vehicles (eg Apollo's Hitop Campervan or Euro Tourer. Backpacker Campervans can be fitted only with Booster seats) cannot. Details will be available during the review/booking process. Please include your requirements in the Comments section of the booking form.

Can I take my Pet with me?

With the exception of guide dogs no animals are permitted on Campervans. However Apollo Campers and Cheapa Campa brands are discretionary pet friendly. There will be an additional cleaning fee charged to the rental cost. Notification is required at the time of booking to allow DriveNow to contact the campervan supplier to confirm approval. Please do note that this entirely at the discretion of the rental provider who reserve the right to decline the pet request.

First Aid Kits

Campervan and Motorhomes come equipped with First Aid kits. Fees are applied ($20 - $50) if these are opened.

Can we include Additional Drivers?

Yes. Additional drivers can be registered to drive when you pick up your vehicle subject to Extra Driver Fees (generally around $3 per day and capped at 50 days).

Can I drive a my Campervan up in the Snow Fields of Australia?

No. Driving above the snow line voids all insurance cover.

Are rental vehicles allowed to tow?

No. All of our suppliers do not permit towing with their vehicles

Are there restrictions on where I can drive?

2WD Campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. The exception is well maintained access roads of less than 2 kilometres to recognised campgrounds, depending on your chosen campervan supplier’s conditions. Contact DriveNow for additional information.

4WD Campervans can be driven on recognised tracks, depending on road conditions, weather and distance. Written permission may be required from the rental company for many areas in Australia. Therefore discuss your intended travel plans with the rental provider when picking up your vehicle. Additionally vehicle movements may be restricted in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

Do you offer certified self-contained campervans for freedom camping in New Zealand?

Many of our New Zealand campervan suppliers offer vehicles which are certified self-contained and suitable for freedom camping. These brands are Maui, Star RV, Britz, Apollo, Mighty, Cheapa Campa, Freedom Campers and Tui Campers which have vehicles available for freedom camping. Please check with the DriveNow team you have selected a vehicle that is certified self-contained.

How long does the Battery last?

Most Campervans and Motorhomes are supplied with 2 batteries - one to run the engine and the other to operate the living equipment. This second battery will remain charged for approximately 12-14 hours. Your rental supplier will provide more information when you pick up the vehicle.


Dropping off my Campervan

What time should I return my vehicle?

Aim to do this by 3.30pm. Some rental providers have this as their cut-off time and do not accept vehicles returned after this point.

What are my responsibilities when returning my campervan rental?

Rental vehicles need to be returned clean with empty waste/grey water tanks and a full tank of fuel unless pre-arranged. Where a vehicle is returned without a full tank and no pre-arrangement in place you will be charged an administration fee for refueling and high per litre rate (up to $4 per litre) or as is the case with brands owned by the THL group including Maui, Maui Elite, Britz and Mighty, the cost of their express package (circa $300) will be applied. Some providers also require cooking Gas cylinders to be refilled. Your Campervan rental provider will advise you of the drop off details when you collect your vehicle.

Changing Drop off location or date?

If you wish to change the drop off destination or extend the rental period after picking up your vehicle you must contact the rental provider for authorisation and the additional cost will be charged to your credit card. This will be subject to availability. Changes to drop off location are subject to fees ranging from $500 to $750 (depending upon supplier). No refund is applicable for vehicles that are returned early.