Short answer: compare the all-in price for your exact dates, not the daily rate. That means the van, the one-way fee, compulsory fees and the cover you will actually take, from at least four operators, in both directions if your route allows it. In our 26 October 2026 check, 14 nights Sydney to Cairns from 10 November ranged from $959 to $2,934 across the 2WD campervans that were bookable, and up to $4,363 for a 4WD. Taking zero-excess cover on the cheapest one added $600. The same two weeks the other way, Cairns to Sydney, started at $2,152.
You can check each operator yourself, or let us do it: we compare live prices from the major operators for your dates, and on vans we can check, our price is lower than the operator’s own website. See live prices.
Why is the daily rate the wrong number to compare?
Because it leaves out the parts that change the most between brands. In our quotes the dearest bookable 2WD campervan cost about three times the cheapest on the same route and dates. Van size and comfort explain part of that, but these explain the rest:
- One-way fees. $0 on some brands, $195 to $350 on others. See one-way fees by brand.
- Compulsory fees. Admin or LPG fees on some brands.
- Cover. Every hire includes basic cover with a bond of about $3,000 to $7,500. Taking that to $0 costs $30 to $75 a day, depending on the brand. See campervan insurance and bonds.
Here is what that does to two real quotes for 14 nights Sydney to Cairns from 10 November 2026:
| Van | Website all-in | Bond on basic cover | Zero-excess cover | All-in with $0 bond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spaceships Alpha (2-berth) | $959 | $5,000 | Stress-Free, $600 for the hire | $1,559 |
| MightyLITE HiLITE (2-berth hi-top) | $2,260 | $3,500 | The High Road, $42 a day | about $2,890 |
The Alpha is still far cheaper. But the gap shrinks once cover is in, and a hi-top gives you standing room, a kitchen inside and more storage. Compare like with like.
Does the direction you drive change the price?
Often by a lot. Rental companies price one-way trips by where they need their vans to go. In our check for 10 to 24 November 2026:
| Route, 14 nights | Cheapest bookable van |
|---|---|
| Sydney to Cairns | $959 |
| Cairns to Sydney | $2,152 |
Brisbane to Sydney and Sydney to Brisbane were much closer. If you can start at either end, price both. Each of our one-way route pages shows both directions side by side.
How much does the season matter?
More than the brand, at the top end. On Sydney to Cairns, the cheapest van over Christmas (28 December to 11 January) was $2,285, more than double November. The same Spaceships Alpha was $959 in November and $2,355 at Christmas. Several budget vans were already on request for November. Book school holidays and December to January early.
Where can you compare campervan hire prices?
There are four ways, and they suit different travellers:
- Each operator’s own website. The most accurate price for that brand, but you need to run the same search on four to eight sites and add the cover yourself.
- A booking agent or comparison service. One search across several brands. Check three things before you trust the number: is it the all-in price with the one-way fee, which brands are actually included, and is there a booking fee? Ask who you call if something goes wrong on the road.
- Relocation deals. $1-a-day hires moving a van between depots. Great if your dates are flexible, but you get only a few days and fixed dates. See are relocation deals worth it.
- Peer-to-peer rentals. Privately owned vans. Sometimes cheaper for a return trip, but the cover, roadside help and one-way options work differently.
How does Wanderlust compare campervan prices?
We search the major operators live for your dates, route and driver age: Spaceships, JUCY, Awesome Campers, Britz, Apollo, Mighty, MightyLITE, Maui and more. Every price we show is the all-in price with the one-way fee included.
- Never dearer than booking direct. On vans we can check, our price is lower than the operator’s own website.
- No booking fee. The rental company pays our commission.
- 24/7 roadside assistance on every rental we quote.
- A real person. Book instantly online, or ask for a free call and we’ll talk you through the vans.
What should you check before you book?
- The all-in total for your exact dates, with the one-way fee.
- The bond on basic cover and the daily cost to take it to $0.
- What basic cover excludes, often the roof, glass, tyres and single-vehicle rollovers.
- The minimum driver age. Most brands need 21 and over. See under 21 and under 25.
- Whether the van is bookable now or “on request”, which means the operator still has to confirm it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to book a campervan direct?
Not always. Operators sell the same vans through agents, and an agent can share part of its commission with you. On vans we can check, our price is lower than the operator’s own website for the same van and dates.
What is the cheapest campervan hire in Australia?
The budget 2-berth wagons and people movers from Spaceships, Awesome Campers and JUCY. In our October 2026 checks they started at $490 for a week Sydney to Brisbane. See campervan hire prices.
When should I book a campervan in Australia?
As early as you can for December to January, Easter and school holidays. The cheapest vans sell out first: two weeks before a 10 November pick-up, the cheapest Awesome Campers and JUCY vans on Sydney to Cairns were already on request only.
Does New Zealand work the same way?
Yes, with one difference: spring and summer sell out early. Two weeks before a 10 November pick-up, no 2-berth hi-top was bookable on the South Island routes, and the cheapest van left for a Christchurch return was NZ$3,395, against NZ$511 for the same two weeks in June. See New Zealand campervan hire prices.
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