Australia is made for road trips. With its jaw-dropping coastlines, wide-open outback, and endless national parks, travelling the country in your own vehicle is a dream for many. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a couple chasing sunsets, a family on a school holiday, or a grey nomad exploring in retirement, the freedom of the open road is unbeatable.
But here’s the catch: should you hire a campervan or a motorhome?
It’s a decision that stumps many first-time travellers in Australia. On the surface, they both offer mobility, independence, and a roof over your head. But the real-world differences between campervans and motorhomes can significantly affect your comfort, costs, and travel style.
This article breaks it all down in plain language. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from space and driving experience to rental costs and campground access — so you can confidently choose the right vehicle for your Australian road trip.
What Exactly Are Campervans and Motorhomes?
Let’s clear up the confusion right away: while both campervans and motorhomes fall under the RV (recreational vehicle) umbrella, they are not the same thing.
Campervan: Compact and Nimble
A campervan is typically a modified van or small vehicle equipped with sleeping quarters and minimal cooking facilities. You’ll usually find a bed that converts from seating, a mini-fridge, and a portable stove. Some have pop-top roofs for standing room or sleeping space above. However, they rarely have an internal bathroom.
Think of it as a car you can sleep and cook in — perfect for shorter trips, budget-conscious travellers, or those who enjoy minimalist living.
Motorhome: Spacious and Self-Contained
A motorhome is a much larger and more comprehensive setup. It includes designated living areas, a permanent bed (sometimes multiple), a full kitchen, and a bathroom with toilet and shower. Built on a bus or truck chassis, it’s basically a small home on wheels.
Motorhomes are ideal for families, long-term travellers, or anyone who prioritises comfort, indoor space, and self-sufficiency while on the road.
Key Distinction
The line between campervan and motorhome is sometimes blurry, especially with luxury vans offering upgraded features. But the general rule is:
Campervan = compact, no bathroom, lower cost.
Motorhome = large, bathroom included, high comfort.
Cost Differences: Budgeting Your Aussie Road Trip
Your choice between a campervan and a motorhome will heavily depend on your travel budget — and not just rental fees. From fuel and insurance to camping costs and maintenance, every dollar counts on the road.
Rental Rates
Campervans generally cost between $60–$130 AUD per day, depending on the time of year, vehicle size, and rental location.
Motorhomes start at around $130 AUD and can go up to $300 AUD per day for large, luxury models.
Peak seasons (like summer holidays and school breaks) will always push prices higher, so book in advance and consider travelling during shoulder seasons if you’re flexible.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel economy is a major cost consideration in Australia, where driving distances are vast and fuel can be pricey in remote areas.
Campervans use around 9–12 litres per 100 km.
Motorhomes can guzzle up 14–20 litres per 100 km, especially if they’re over 6 metres long.
If you’re covering big distances — say from Perth to Darwin or along the entire East Coast — the difference in fuel usage could easily add hundreds of dollars to your trip.
Insurance and Bonds
Both vehicle types come with a security bond, usually between $1,000 and $7,500 AUD, depending on your level of liability reduction. Campervans tend to have cheaper insurance, while motorhomes may require more coverage due to their value.
Many companies offer add-ons like tyre/windscreen cover and excess reduction — recommended for peace of mind.
Campsite and Facility Costs
Campervans can often stay at unpowered sites or free camps, needing minimal hookups.
Motorhomes are more reliant on powered sites to support larger fridges, air-con, and water systems.
Expect to pay:
$0–$25 AUD/night for free or basic campsites (mostly campervan-friendly)
$30–$60 AUD/night for powered sites (usually preferred for motorhomes)
In summary:
Campervans are cheaper upfront and during travel, but may lack comfort.
Motorhomes offer luxury and space at a significantly higher cost.
Living Experience: Space, Comfort, and Convenience
Your road trip vehicle isn’t just for driving — it’s also your bedroom, kitchen, and living room. How comfortable you are day-to-day can make or break your travel experience.
Sleeping Arrangements
Campervans typically have a convertible sleeping setup: a bench that folds into a bed or a mattress in the back. Some offer rooftop tents or pop-tops for extra space, but it’s still tight. There’s usually one main bed — suitable for a solo traveller or a cosy couple.
Motorhomes, on the other hand, offer fixed beds, often separate from the living area. You might get a double bed at the rear, bunk beds for kids, or even an over-cabin sleeping area. For longer trips, this separation of sleep and living zones makes a big difference.
Kitchen and Cooking
Most campervans have a basic kitchen with a single gas burner, a mini-fridge, and a small sink. Many setups are outdoor-access, meaning you’ll be cooking out the back or under an awning — great in good weather, not so fun in the rain.
Motorhomes offer a full kitchen: stove, sink, microwave, ample counter space, and a proper fridge/freezer combo. You can cook comfortably inside, which is ideal in colder regions or for families with kids.
Bathroom Facilities
This is a major dividing line.
Campervans: Typically no bathroom. You’ll rely on public toilets, campground showers, or nature.
Motorhomes: Include a built-in toilet and shower, with fresh and grey water tanks.
If daily bathroom access matters to you — especially in remote areas — a motorhome may be worth the upgrade.
Indoor Space and Storage
In a campervan, you’ll live out of a backpack or small suitcase. Storage is limited, and you’ll be sitting on your bed most of the time. It works fine for light packers.
Motorhomes offer wardrobes, overhead compartments, and often external storage bays. You’ll have space to move around, stretch, and store gear — ideal for long trips or travelling with family.
Driving and Parking: Real-World Usability
When it comes to life on the road, how your vehicle drives and parks is just as important as how it sleeps. Australia’s roads are diverse — from city traffic and narrow coastal routes to wide desert highways — so handling and comfort behind the wheel can impact your journey.
Driving a Campervan
Campervans drive like a large car or SUV. They’re easier to manoeuvre through city streets, tight car parks, and winding roads. Most are automatic, and the compact size makes them ideal for first-time RV travellers or international visitors not used to driving on the left side of the road.
Even longer travel days are less tiring due to the lighter steering and better fuel economy.
Driving a Motorhome
Motorhomes, especially 6-berth models, are much larger and heavier. Driving them feels more like driving a truck or small bus. While modern models include rear-view cameras and cruise control, tight city corners, roundabouts, and steep descents require caution and confidence.
You’ll also need to watch clearance heights, vehicle weight limits, and length restrictions — especially in national parks or small townships.
Licensing
The good news: most rental vehicles under 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) can be driven on a regular Australian car licence (Class C). If you’re an international traveller, check that your home licence is valid in Australia and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required.
Campground Compatibility and Off-Grid Freedom
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for camping, with thousands of free, low-cost, and paid campgrounds across the nation. But not all RVs are suited to every type of site.
Campervans at Campgrounds
Campervans are welcome nearly everywhere. Their compact size makes them perfect for:
National parks with limited spaces
Bush campsites
Free roadside rest stops
Smaller beachfront sites
Most campervan travellers use unpowered sites and rely on their 12V battery, solar panels, or gas cookers. Many enjoy the flexibility of freedom camping — parking in remote or unofficial areas (where legal) without the need for hook-ups.
The lack of onboard toilets or showers means you’ll need to stay near facilities or be comfortable with basic hygiene setups.
Motorhomes at Campgrounds
Motorhomes are built for comfort and convenience, but that means they rely more on proper facilities. Their size means they’re often excluded from small or remote campgrounds, especially in protected natural areas.
Motorhome travellers usually stay at:
Caravan parks with powered sites
Council-run RV parks with dump points
Paid campgrounds with water access
Because of onboard water tanks, toilets, and power systems, you’ll also need access to dump points and fresh water fills every few days.
Off-Grid Considerations
If you plan to camp off-grid in the Outback or national parks:
Campervan: More flexible, easier to hide, fewer resources needed.
Motorhome: Better suited for staying in one spot comfortably, but needs more planning (dump, power, water).
In short, campervans are better for spontaneous stops and low-cost camping. Motorhomes offer luxury but prefer structure and space.
Best Fit by Traveller Type
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between a campervan and a motorhome. The right choice often depends on who you are, how you travel, and what you expect from life on the road. Let’s break it down by traveller type:
Backpackers and Budget Travellers
If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, keeping costs low, and seeking maximum freedom, a campervan is usually your best bet.
Easy to drive and park.
Cheaper to rent, fuel, and maintain.
Perfect for short-term adventures or spontaneous detours.
Many backpackers in Australia choose budget-friendly campervans like JUCY or Travellers Autobarn.
Unless you need a bathroom or can’t do without daily comforts, there’s no need to spend more on a motorhome.
Couples and Digital Nomads
For couples, the choice depends on your travel style.
Adventure-driven couple? A campervan gives you flexibility and freedom.
Comfort-focused or working remotely? A motorhome offers a dedicated table, more space, power for laptops, and a more homely feel.
Long-term travel or full-time vanlife can get cramped in a campervan — many digital nomads prefer the amenities and privacy of a motorhome.
Families with Children
Motorhome wins, hands down. When you’re travelling with kids, space, storage, safety, and toilets matter.
Motorhomes offer bunk beds, dining areas, onboard bathrooms, and better cooking facilities.
Kids can move around inside safely while parked.
Less setup and pack-down means smoother transitions during long travel days.
Some larger campervans may work for short trips, but for anything more than a weekend, the convenience of a motorhome is hard to beat.
Grey Nomads / Retirees
Many Australian retirees hit the road for months or years at a time. For them, a motorhome provides the perfect mix of mobility and comfort.
Easy access to kitchen and bathroom facilities.
No constant packing/unpacking.
Space to sit, relax, and sleep comfortably.
Good for managing health conditions or limited mobility.
If your travel is slower-paced and focused on enjoying the journey, a motorhome suits your lifestyle far better.
Seasonal and Regional Suitability
Australia is a continent of climate extremes, so the type of vehicle you choose should align with where and when you’re travelling.
Tropical North (Queensland & Northern Territory)
Hot, humid, and often wet — especially between November and April.
Campervans handle mud and tight roads better.
Motorhomes may struggle with access to remote sites and need better ventilation.
Ideal for: short trips in the dry season (May to October).
Southern Winters (Victoria, Tasmania, Southern NSW)
Cold nights and chilly winds from June to August.
A motorhome’s insulation, heating, and indoor cooking are major advantages here.
Campervans can feel damp, cramped, and cold unless well-equipped.
Perfect for motorhome travellers seeking comfort and warmth.
Outback Australia (WA, NT, SA)
Long distances, red dirt roads, extreme temperatures.
Campervans allow quicker stops and easier navigation on narrow tracks.
Motorhomes offer water storage and interior shelter but require careful route planning (many roads are 4WD-only or too narrow).
Go in cooler months (May to September) for better road conditions.
Coastal Routes (Great Ocean Road, East Coast, Coral Coast)
Mild weather, frequent campsites, accessible towns.
Either vehicle works well, but campervans offer more spontaneous stops at lookouts or beaches.
Motorhomes provide better comfort for longer stays at caravan parks.
If you’re planning a classic Australian beach trip, it really comes down to personal preference.
Top Companies Offering Campervans and Motorhomes in Australia
Whether you choose a campervan or motorhome, picking a reliable rental company is key. Here are top-rated providers offering a wide range of vehicles across Australia:
1. Apollo Camper
One of the largest and most trusted companies in Australia, Apollo offers a huge range of vehicles.
Fleet: 2–6 berth campervans and motorhomes
Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Darwin, and more
Visit website: https://www.apollocamper.com
2. Britz
Perfect for mid-range travellers looking for reliable service and comfort.
Modern, well-maintained vehicles
Great for both short- and long-term hires
Visit website: https://www.britz.com.au
3. Maui Motorhomes
Ideal for travellers who want a premium, hotel-on-wheels experience.
Luxury motorhomes with high-end finishes and features
Designed for couples or families who value space and convenience
Visit website: https://www.maui-rentals.com.au
4. Let’s Go Motorhomes
Australian-owned and known for excellent customer service.
Offers both campervans and larger motorhomes
Good for long-term hires or road trip loops
Visit website: https://www.letsgomotorhomes.com.au
5. JUCY
Perfect for backpackers, budget travellers, or anyone who wants a fun, no-fuss van.
Bright green campervans with everything you need
Easy to drive, basic but functional
Visit website: https://www.jucy.com.au
All companies above allow pick-up/drop-off in different cities and offer online bookings with real-time availability.FAQs
How to Choose: Practical Tips and Final Advice
Choosing between a campervan and a motorhome in Australia comes down to your priorities, travel duration, and comfort level. There’s no universal right choice — just the one that fits your trip best.
Here are some practical tips to help you decide:
1. Start With Your Travel Goals
Ask yourself:
How long will I be on the road?
Am I chasing freedom or comfort?
Will I be staying mostly in caravan parks or going off-grid?
For short trips and budget travel, a campervan keeps it simple. For extended travel, a motorhome becomes more practical.
2. Be Honest About Your Comfort Needs
Can you handle a few days without a toilet or hot shower?
Do you mind cooking outdoors in wind or rain?
Are you comfortable sleeping in a small space?
If the answer is no, lean toward a motorhome.
3. Consider Your Driving Confidence
If you’ve never driven a large vehicle or feel nervous navigating small towns and narrow roads, a campervan is more forgiving. Motorhomes require a bit more confidence and awareness.
4. Budget Realistically
Factor in:
Fuel consumption
Campsite costs
Insurance and excess
Bond amount and potential reductions
The total trip cost can vary significantly depending on your choice — sometimes more than $1,000 difference for a couple of weeks.
5. Trial Before You Commit
If you’re planning to travel for months or even buy your own RV, consider renting each type for a few days or a weekend first. You’ll get a feel for what suits you without making a costly mistake.
The bottom line: campervans are great for flexible, fast-paced, budget-friendly travel. Motorhomes are ideal for comfort, space, and longer journeys. Know your style and you’ll make the right call.
Conclusion
Australia is a land best explored slowly — with the wind in your hair and the freedom to stop wherever the road takes you. Whether you choose a nimble campervan or a luxurious motorhome, both give you access to a truly unforgettable way to travel.
If you’re chasing minimalism, spontaneity, and lower costs, a campervan offers everything you need for a great adventure. If your trip is longer, you have kids, or you simply want more creature comforts, a motorhome transforms travel into home-like living.
There’s no wrong choice — just the one that best fits your journey.
So take your time, think about what matters most to you, and start planning. The open roads of Australia are waiting.
