Motorhome & Campervan Hire Melbourne, Australia
The Smart Alternative: Better Availability, Lower Prices, More Choice for Campervan Rentals in Melbourne
The Smart Alternative: Better Availability, Lower Prices, More Choice for Campervan Rentals in Melbourne
While Sydney and Brisbane battle with tight availability and premium pricing, Melbourne quietly offers Australia's best campervan hire value:
Why Melbourne wins:
Largest fleet (more than twenty rental companies are based in Melbourne)
15–25% cheaper than Sydney for equivalent vehicles. Book early
Better last-minute availability (strong stock even 2–4 weeks before departure)
Flexible one-way options to Adelaide, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane
Great Ocean Road on your doorstep (Australia's most scenic coastal drive)
Your savings on a 14-day hire in Melbourne: Save on the daily rate compared to Sydney pickup, with more vehicle choice and less booking pressure.
All Melbourne depot locations – Airport area, northern suburbs, western zones
Widest vehicle selection – Budget campervans to luxury motorhomes (250+ vehicles)
All one-way routes – Melbourne to Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart
Real-time availability – See exactly what's bookable for your dates
Transparent pricing – All fees included, no hidden surprises
Why it's busy:
Warmest weather: 20–30°C (perfect beach weather)
Australian summer holidays: December 20–January 31 (school holidays)
Great Ocean Road peak: Everyone wants coastal drives in summer
International tourists: December–February is peak international visitation
Price impact: 40 to 60% higher compared to winter
Booking timeline: 8–12 weeks ahead for summer, 12–16 weeks for Christmas/New Year period
Reality check: Melbourne summer can hit 35–42°C heatwaves (January is hottest). Great Ocean Road stays cooler (ocean breeze) but inland routes can be uncomfortable. Book a motorhome with air-conditioning in the main body of the vehicle.
Why it's perfect:
Best weather: 18–25°C, stable, minimal rain, comfortable temps
High Country colours: April–May for spectacular autumn foliage
Lower prices: –20–30% compared to summer
Fewer crowds: Post-summer exodus, quieter coastal routes
Booking timeline: 6–8 weeks ahead
Insider secret: April–May is Melbourne's sweet spot – perfect weather, low prices, autumn colours, fewer tourists. Best value period of the entire year.
Why it's challenging:
Cold: 10–15°C, rain common, occasional frosty mornings
Great Ocean Road fog: Coastal fog can obscure views June–August
High Country snow: Alpine roads may close, unsuitable for campervans
Shortest days: Dark by 5:30pm, limits driving hours
Price impact: less than 30–40% compared to summer (cheapest period)
Reality check: Melbourne winter is genuinely cold and wet. Great Ocean Road loses appeal in fog/rain. Only suitable for budget-focused travellers or those comfortable with winter camping.
Best winter alternative: Head north to warmer Queensland (Brisbane RV hire)
Why it's value:
Warming weather: 15–22°C, increasing sunshine, pleasant temps
Wildflowers: Grampians wildflowers Sept–Oct, stunning displays
Pre-summer pricing: –15–25% compared to summer
Good availability: Stock still strong 4–6 weeks before departure
Booking timeline: 6–8 weeks ahead
Best months: October–November (warmest spring weather, Great Ocean Road at its best)
Unlike Sydney/Brisbane (which sell out 8–12 weeks ahead), Melbourne maintains decent availability 4–6 weeks before departure due to a larger fleet.
What this means:
Less pressure to book ultra-early
More flexibility with travel dates
Better chance of last-minute deals
Opportunity to wait for better weather forecasts
Reality check: Peak summer (Dec–Jan) and long weekends still book out 10–12 weeks early. But shoulder seasons (March–May, Sept–Nov) offer genuine flexibility.
Melbourne Airport Area
Most depots are located 15–30 minutes from Melbourne Airport (MEL) in industrial zones:
Tullamarine industrial area (closest to airport)
Campbellfield depot clusters
Somerton/Oaklands zones (northern Melbourne)
No rental companies offer shuttle services so you will have to make your own way to the depot.
Some depots have after-hours pickup (6–8pm) by arrangement
Alternative: Uber/taxi to depot
City/Suburban Depots:
Several rental companies have depots in Footscray (western suburbs, 15 min from CBD)
Good for travellers staying in Melbourne city 1–2 nights first
Easier access via tram/train than airport depots
What You'll Need at Pick-Up:
Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit (non-Australian visitors)
Credit card for security bond ($1,000–$7,500)
Booking confirmation (emailed instantly)
Photo ID (passport)
Pick-up times: Most depots 8am–5pm weekdays. Weekend pickups available (book ahead). Some rental companies offer extended hours until 6–7pm for late flight arrivals.
Pro tip: Melbourne depots are less rushed than Sydney. Take advantage of thorough orientation briefings – ask about:
Great Ocean Road route recommendations
Current road conditions (winter can bring fog/rain to coastal areas)
Best camping spots along your route
Wildlife warnings (kangaroos, wombats active dawn/dusk)
Result: Melbourne offers more vehicle selection than most competitors, meaning:
Better vehicle condition (newer fleet on average)
More last-minute availability (stock stays strong closer to departure)
Wider range (budget to luxury, 2-berth to 6-berth, standard and 4x4 campers)
Less pressure to book ultra-early
Real example: Sydney's 2-berth campervans often book out 10–12 weeks ahead. Melbourne's equivalent vehicles? Available 4–6 weeks before departure.
Why Melbourne is cheaper:
Higher supplier competition (20+ companies)
Larger fleet
Less international tourist pressure (Sydney gets more overseas visitors)
Your savings. Upgrade to better vehicle, extend your trip, or splurge on activities
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road distance: 100km (1 hour)
Compare this to other famous coastal drives:
Sydney, nearest coastal highlight: 250km (3 hours)
Brisbane, Sunshine Coast: 140km (2 hours)
Perth, Margaret River: 270km (3 hours)
Melbourne advantage: You're driving the Twelve Apostles coastal route within 90 minutes of pickup. No wasted travel days.
The Great Ocean Road is consistently ranked as:
One of the world's most scenic coastal drives
Australia's most photographed natural attraction (Twelve Apostles)
Perfect 2–5 day road trip adventure from Melbourne
Best part: It's a loop route Melbourne to Great Ocean Road to Melbourne with no one-way fees.
Melbourne's central location unlocks every major Australian route:
Melbourne to Adelaide (Great Ocean Road and Vineyards):
Distance: 900km (coastal) / 730km (direct)
Duration: 5–7 days
Melbourne to Sydney (Coastal NSW):
Distance: 900km (coastal) / 880km (direct)
Duration: 5–8 days
Melbourne to Hobart (via Spirit of Tasmania ferry):
Ferry: 11 hours overnight.
Perfect for exploring Tasmania
Cheaper to fly or go as a foot-passenger and collect a camper in Tasmania.
Melbourne to Brisbane (Long East Coast):
Distance: 1,700km
Duration: 10–14 days
Melbourne has the lowest average one-way fees in Australia because rental companies need vehicles repositioned in all directions (not just one dominant flow like Brisbane Cairns).
Tolls. Make sure you are aware of all the road tolls in and around Melbourne.
Distance: 450km (loop)
Duration: 3–5 days (minimum), 5–7 days (ideal)
Season: Year-round (but best Oct–April)
Vehicle needed: Compact 2–6 berth campervan
The Route:
Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay (100km). Surf coast begins, Bells Beach
Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay (100km). Scenic coastal drive, rainforest backdrop
Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (100km). Twelve Apostles, stunning limestone cliffs
Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool (70km). Historic port city, whale watching (June–Sept)
Day 5: Warrnambool to Melbourne via inland (280km). Return through wine regions
Why This Route: Australia's most accessible world-class coastal drive. The Twelve Apostles alone are worth the trip. They are massive limestone sea stacks rising from the ocean, best at sunrise or sunset.
No One-Way Fees (loop route returns to Melbourne)
Accommodation Costs: $40–$70/night caravan parks (book ahead for weekends)
Best Strategy: Spend 2 nights in Apollo Bay (base for exploring area) and 2 nights in Port Campbell (Twelve Apostles sunrise/sunset access).
Booking Timeline: 4–8 weeks ahead for most seasons, 10–12 weeks for peak summer (Dec–Feb)
Twelve Apostles Sunrise or sunset (free viewing platforms), most photographed natural attraction in Australia
Loch Ard Gorge Shipwreck history, dramatic coastal cliffs
Gibson Steps Walk down to beach level beneath towering cliffs
Apollo Bay Base for Otway rainforest walks, waterfalls, glow worm tours
Rushing it in 2 days You'll only see highlights while driving past everything else
Missing sunrise at Twelve Apostles Crowds arrive 6am to 7.30am Sunrise is magical and empty.Check daylight saving times.
Viewing at Sunset. Sunset is as early as 5pm during June in the winter to as late as 9pm in December, the summer .
Skipping inland return Otway hinterland has waterfalls, tall trees, wine regions
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warmest weather (20–28°C), busiest period
Autumn (March–May): Perfect temps (18–24°C), fewer crowds, best photography light
Winter (June–Aug): Dramatic seas, whale watching, potential rain/fog
Spring (Sept–Nov): Wildflowers, comfortable temps, good value
Distance: 900km (coastal route)
Duration: 6 to 9 days
Season: Year-round (best Oct–May)
Vehicle needed: Self-contained 2–6 berth campervan
The Route:
Day 1, 2, 3: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool (350km) – See Route 1 above
Day 4: Warrnambool to Mount Gambier (180km) Blue Lake, limestone caves
Day 5: Mount Gambier to Robe (140km) Coastal fishing village, lobster
Day 6: Robe to Coorong NP (80km) Coastal lagoons, birdwatching
Day 7: Coorong to Adelaide (180km) Final stretch via wine regions
Why This Route: Combines Australia's two best coastal drives (Great Ocean Road and Limestone Coast) with wine regions (Coonawarra, Barossa Valley side trip possible).
One-Way Fees: $150–$400 (Melbourne to Adelaide is competitive route)
Best Time: April–May (Autumn colours, lower prices, perfect weather)
Booking Timeline: 6 to 10 weeks ahead for most seasons
Melbourne to Ballarat to Adelaide (730km via Western Highway)
Faster (2 days vs 7 days) but misses all coastal highlights
Only recommended for time-crunched travellers
Travellers continuing to Perth via Nullarbor (Adelaide is departure point)
Wine lovers (Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Barossa all accessible)
Photography enthusiasts (two stunning coastal routes combined)
Blue Lake (Mount Gambier) Stunning cobalt blue crater lake (best Nov–March when bluest)
Robe Fresh lobster $25–$35, beachfront town, historic lighthouse
Coorong National Park Unique coastal lagoon system, 150km long
Distance: 900km (coastal) / 880km (Hume Highway direct)
Duration: 6 to 9 days (coastal), 2–3 days (direct)
Season: Year-round (coastal best Sept–May)
Vehicle needed: 2, 4 and 6 berth campervan
Best Time: September–November (whale migration season, spring weather, fewer crowds)
Booking Timeline: 6–8 weeks ahead
One-Way Fees: Melbourne to Sydney
Day 1: Melbourne to Lakes Entrance (320km) Gippsland Lakes system, seafood
Day 2: Lakes Entrance to Eden (240km) Whale watching (Sept–Nov), fishing town
Day 3: Eden to Batemans Bay (140km) Beach town, oysters
Day 4: Batemans Bay to Jervis Bay (200km) Whitest sand beaches in Australia
Day 5: Jervis Bay to Sydney (180km) Final coastal stretch
Why Coastal Route: Beautiful NSW south coast, less crowded than northern NSW (Byron Bay area), stunning beaches, excellent seafood, whale watching Sept–November.
Lakes Entrance Gippsland Lakes boat cruises, fresh fish & chips
Eden Killer whale museum, whale watching tours Sept–Nov ($80–$120/person)
Jervis Bay Hyams Beach (Guinness World Record whitest sand), dolphin tours
Melbourne to Albury (320km) Border town, stop for night
Albury to Goulburn (330km) Historic town
Goulburn to Sydney (200km) Final stretch
Why Direct Route: Saves 4–5 days if time-limited. Boring highway driving but gets you to Sydney quickly.
Top tip: Travel on the ferry as a foot passenger and collect a camper in Hobart. This is a much cheaper option and you can often book your campervan with the same rental company. You can also fly there and back.
Distance: Ferry 11 hours + Tasmania exploration
Duration: 10–14 days (including Tasmania)
Season: Year-round (summer best Dec–Feb)
Vehicle needed: 2–6 berth campervan (must fit ferry dimensions)
The Route:
Day 1: Melbourne to Board Spirit of Tasmania ferry (overnight departure 8–9pm)
Day 2: Arrive Devonport (6–7am) to Launceston (100km) Northern Tasmania
Day 3–5: Launceston to Cradle Mountain (150km) Wilderness hiking, 2–3 nights
Day 6–7: Cradle Mountain to West Coast Strahan (250km) Gordon River cruises
Day 8–10: Strahan to Hobart (300km) Capital city, MONA museum, 2–3 nights
Day 11–13: Hobart to Freycinet NP to Launceston (400km) Wineglass Bay, east coast
Day 14: Return ferry to Melbourne
Why This Route: Tasmania is Australia's hidden gem – stunning wilderness, pristine beaches, world-class food/wine, without mainland crowds.
Best Time: December–February (summer, best hiking weather) or March–April (autumn colours, fewer tourists)
Vehicle dimensions matter – Check ferry height/length limits before booking
Book ferry first, then campervan – Ferry availability determines dates
Overnight ferry – Saves accommodation cost and maximises time in Tasmania
Fuel costs – Tasmania fuel is $0.10–$0.20/L more expensive than mainland
Wilderness lovers (Cradle Mountain, Southwest wilderness)
Foodies (Tasmania has exceptional restaurants, wine, whisky, cheese)
Photography enthusiasts (dramatic landscapes, beaches)
Distance: 800km (loop)
Duration: 5–7 days
Season: Year-round (but avoid winter snow June–Aug in High Country)
Vehicle needed: Compact 2-berth campervan
The Route:
Day 1: Melbourne to Grampians (260km) National park, Aboriginal rock art
Day 2: Grampians exploration Pinnacle Walk, Balconies, waterfalls
Day 3: Grampians to Bright (300km) Alpine village, Autumn colours (April–May)
Day 4: Bright to Mount Beauty to Falls Creek (80km) Alpine region
Day 5: Falls Creek to Beechworth (100km) Historic gold rush town
Day 6: Beechworth to Melbourne (280km) Return via Yarra Valley wine region
Why This Route: Victoria's best inland adventure – mountains, waterfalls, wine regions, historic towns. Perfect alternative to coastal routes.
No One-Way Fees (loop route)
Booking Timeline:4–6 weeks ahead
Hikers (Grampians has over 150 walking trails)
Wine lovers (Yarra Valley, King Valley, Beechworth wineries)
History buffs (Beechworth gold rush town, Ned Kelly history)
Autumn colour chasers (High Country in April–May is spectacular)
Grampians Pinnacle Walk 4.4km return, stunning valley views (2–3 hours)
Bright Autumn leaves April–May, riverside cafes, cycling trails
Beechworth Historic town, bakery, Ned Kelly museum
Autumn (April–May): Spectacular fall colours in High Country
Spring (Sept–Nov): Wildflowers in Grampians, comfortable temps
Avoid: June–August (snow in High Country, roads may close)
Examples: Hippie Camper, Spaceships, Jucy Champ, Maui Elite, Apollo, Britz
Why: Easy parking at coastal viewpoints, affordable, comfortable for short trips
Price range: $80–$130/day (Melbourne pricing)
Best for: Couples, weekend warriors, quick coastal escapes
Self-contained helpful but not mandatory (plenty of caravan parks along Great Ocean Road)
Examples: Maui Cascade, Britz Voyager, Apollo Euro Camper
Why: Self-contained for remote coastal camping, comfortable for longer journeys
Price range: $120–$200/day
Best for: Coastal road trips, wine region exploration, couples or small families
Examples: Maui Platinum Beach, Britz Frontier
Why: Sleeps 4–6, full facilities, comfortable for families with kids
Price range: $180–$300/day
Best for: Family road trips, longer journeys (10+ days)
Melbourne advantage: Best family motorhome availability in Australia (larger fleet = more family vehicles)
Examples: Jucy Condo, Hippie Drift, Spaceships Alpha
Why: Cheapest option, suitable for routes with good caravan park access
Price range: $60–$100/day
Best for: Great Ocean Road, Grampians loop, city-to-city routes with accommodation infrastructure
Note: Budget vehicles work well for Melbourne routes (Melbourne Victoria has excellent caravan park network)
BIG4 Beacon Resort 20 min from airport, shuttle available, family-friendly, pool
Melbourne Airport Tourist Park 15 min from airport, basic facilities, affordable
Strategy: Stay near the airport if you arrive in the evening. Start fresh next morning.
Crystal Brook Caravan Park 15 min from CBD, quiet, modern facilities
Footscray Caravan Park 10 min from city, tram access, riverside
Best for: Exploring Melbourne CBD, laneways, restaurants, museums before road trip
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park – 100km from Melbourne, surf coast begins, beach access
Apollo Bay Caravan Park – 190km from Melbourne, rainforest setting, central Great Ocean Road position
Strategy: Drive to Torquay first day (90 min), maximise Great Ocean Road time
Lakes Entrance Caravan Park – 320km from Melbourne, Gippsland Lakes, seafood restaurants
Eden Tourist Park – 560km from Melbourne, whale watching base, south coast NSW
Strategy: Big first day drive to Lakes Entrance (3.5 hours), positioned for coastal NSW exploration
Warrnambool Foreshore Holiday Park – 260km from Melbourne, end of Great Ocean Road, historic port
Mount Gambier Caravan Park – 440km from Melbourne, Blue Lake access, halfway to Adelaide
Strategy: Complete Great Ocean Road first day, stay Warrnambool, continue to Adelaide via Limestone Coast
8–12 weeks for summer peak (Dec–Feb). Shoulder seasons (March–May, Sept–Nov) can book 6–8 weeks out. Melbourne has better last-minute availability than Sydney/Brisbane.
Yes, genuinely 15–25% cheaper for equivalent vehicles. A 2-berth campervan that costs $145/day in Sydney typically costs $120/day in Melbourne.
Yes. Melbourne to Adelaide and Melbourne to Sydney are both common routes with competitive pricing.
Minimum 3 days (rushed), ideal 5–7 days (comfortable pace with stops). Most travellers rush it in 2 days and regret missing waterfalls, rainforest walks, and sunset at Twelve Apostles.
Yes, via Spirit of Tasmania ferry (Melbourne Devonport, 11 hours overnight). Book ferry 8–12 weeks ahead – vehicle capacity is limited.
Standard: unlimited kilometers, basic insurance, roadside assist, camping equipment (bedding, cooking gear, outdoor furniture). Check individual listings for self-contained facilities (toilet/shower).
No, for 95% of routes. Great Ocean Road, Adelaide coastal route, Sydney coastal route, Grampians are all sealed roads. Only High Country alpine routes may require 4WD in winter (snow).
Most Melbourne campervan rental companies require 21+ (some 25+ for larger motorhomes). Drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge. Drivers over 75 are permitted to drive with most companies.
Depends on budget vs comfort preference. Winter is coldest and wettest (10–15°C, frequent rain, Great Ocean Road fog). But it's also 30–40% cheaper. Heat-sensitive travellers actually prefer Melbourne winter over Queensland summer.
Absolutely yes. The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia's most iconic natural attractions. The coastal drive consistently ranks as one of the world's most scenic routes. Don't skip it.
Melbourne is perfectly placed for some incredible day trips and short adventures, especially if you’re travelling at your own pace and want to explore with your own place on wheels. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a longer road trip after completing the booking process, there are plenty of standout destinations within easy reach of the city.
The Mornington Peninsula is a favourite for relaxed coastal scenery, beaches, wineries, and the famous hot springs, making it ideal if you want a slower, scenic drive.
Phillip Island is another must-visit, best known for its famous Penguin Parade, dramatic coastline, and wildlife experiences — perfect if you’re looking for something unique.
For nature lovers, Great Otway National Park offers lush rainforest walks, waterfalls, and beautiful sections of the Great Ocean Road, while the Grampians National Park is worth the trip for its mountain views, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife if you have a little more time to explore.
Closer to the city, Port Melbourne is a great option for a relaxed beach stroll, cafés, and easy coastal views without venturing too far.
If you’re planning your route, check out our guides for all the tips on where to stop, what to see, and how to make the most of your campervan trip around Melbourne.
Classic coastal: Great Ocean Road loop (3–5 days)
Epic adventure: Melbourne to Adelaide via coast (6–9 days)
NSW beaches: Melbourne to Sydney coastal (6–8 days)
Tasmania escape: Ferry/Fly to Hobart (10–14 days)
Inland beauty: Grampians & High Country (5–7 days)
Best weather: March–May (autumn perfection)
Warmest: December–February (summer peak)
Best value: April–May or September–October (shoulder season sweet spots)
Budget: June–August (winter discounts but cold/wet)
Vehicle size (2-berth couples, 4-berth families)
Self-contained (essential for Tasmania, helpful for remote coastal camping)
Budget range (Melbourne has widest price range: $60–$300/day)
Summer: 8–12 weeks ahead
Shoulder: 6–8 weeks ahead
Winter: 4–6 weeks ahead (even last-minute often available)
It's easy to talk over what you are looking for in a campervan hire when our office is open 24 hours a day and our phone calls are free or at local rates.
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