Australia—often called Down Under—is a land of vast horizons and dramatic contrasts. Arid deserts stretch across the Outback, meeting lush rainforests and snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps. Its coastline is endless, from white-sand beaches to vibrant coral reefs. Ancient landscapes sit alongside thriving ecosystems, creating a country where nature is as diverse as it is extraordinary—best experienced through campervan rental Australia.

Why campervan rental Australia is your best choice

Australia’s vastness is difficult to grasp until you are on the road. Distances between destinations can be long, but the scenery is constantly changing, from coastal highways to remote Outback tracks.

A campervan allows you to travel independently, stop where nature draws you in, and wake up immersed in extraordinary surroundings. Wildlife encounters—such as kangaroos, emus, or even whales along the coast—are often part of the experience.

There are several hubs in Australia where campervans and RVs are available through CU | Camper, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, and Alice Springs.

Driving in Australia

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Download maps in advance since mobile reception may be inconsistent.
• A valid European driving licence is accepted for short stays. However, if your licence is not in English, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation is highly recommended.
• Rental companies usually require drivers to be at least 21, often 25.
• Be aware of wildlife frequently crossing the road.
• Traveling the Australian Outback requires serious preparation, ensuring you have enough food, water, and extra fuel, as services are scarce.

If you’re planning a long-distance trip, campervan rental Australia makes it easy to stay prepared and self-sufficient.

Discover Australia

Australia can be explored across three major regions, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

The Outback & Red Centre

Pickup locations: Alice Springs

The Outback is the heart of Australia—an endless landscape of red deserts, wide skies, and ancient rock formations. This is where Indigenous culture remains deeply connected to the land, and the silence of the desert creates a rare sense of space and perspective. Explore remote tracks, stargaze under clear night skies, take guided walks with local Aboriginal guides, and experience the scale of the Red Centre.

For an authentic Outback journey, campervan rental Australia is the most immersive way to travel

The region’s national parks include:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to iconic red rock monoliths.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka), famous for its red sandstone cliffs and lush palm-filled gorges.
• West MacDonnell Ranges, known for red-rock gorges and waterholes.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), famous for giant, orange-and-black striped sandstone “beehives”.

Red Centre Way

Highlight Drive

The Tropical North

Pickup locations: Darwin, Cairns

Northern Australia is a world of rainforests, wetlands, and tropical coastlines. Here, the landscape is vibrant and alive—home to crocodiles, colourful birds, and thriving marine life. The Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest showcase Australia’s incredible biodiversity, while the Top End offers a mix of river systems, waterfalls, and remote wilderness.

The region’s national parks include:

• Kakadu National Park, home to wetlands, abundant wildlife, and Aboriginal rock art.
• Litchfield National Park, famous for waterfalls and termite mounds.

Savannah Way

Highlight Drive

The East Coast & Cities

Pickup locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart

The east coast combines vibrant cities and famous surf beaches, such as Byron Bay or the Gold Coast. Sydney offers iconic harbours and coastal walks, Melbourne brings café culture, and Queensland’s coast delivers tropical escapes and reef adventures. Tasmania adds another layer of wilderness—rugged coastlines, pristine rivers, and quiet mountain scenery.

If you want to experience both city life and coastal beauty, campervan rental Australia provides a smooth and convenient way to travel between them.

The region’s national parks include:

• Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay and the dramatic pink granite peaks of The Hazards.
• Blue Mountains National Park, famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, eucalyptus forests (creating a blue haze), and Aboriginal heritage.
• Lamington National Park, known for its ancient Gondwana rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and extensive walking tracks.

The region is also famous for sailing in the Whitsunday Islands.

Gold Coast

Highlight Drive

Campsites in Australia

Australia is well equipped for campervan travel, with a wide range of camping options from remote bush sites to modern holiday parks. The level of comfort and facilities depends on how far you venture from populated areas.

National Park & Bush Campsites

Many of Australia’s most memorable campsites are located in national parks or remote bushland. Facilities are often basic, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. You’ll find the most remote, basic camping spots in regions such as the Northern Territory (Top End and Red Centre), the Kimberley, Cape York and Far North Queensland. In contrast, the southeast corridor between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane generally has more developed sites with better access and amenities.

Private Campgrounds & RV Parks

Privately operated campsites usually provide a higher level of comfort, including powered sites, water hook-ups, showers, laundry facilities, and sometimes small on-site stores. These parks are especially common near coastal routes and popular tourist areas.

What to keep in mind

• Campsites in remote regions are often more spacious.
• Popular parks often require advance reservations during peak summer months.
• Shoulder seasons allow for greater flexibility and quieter travel.
• Digital tools such as WikiCamps Australia and CamperMate make planning even easier, helping you locate campsites, check facilities, pet-friendliness and confirm suitability for your vehicle.
• In some areas, especially in remote national parks, four-wheel drive access may be required.

When is the best time to travel?

• Summer (December–February): Characterised by warm to hot conditions, summer is perfect for beach activities and reef adventures. Popular destinations and campgrounds are often crowded during this peak season.
• Shoulder Seasons – Autumn (March–May) and Spring (September–November): These months bring comfortable temperatures, reduced visitor numbers, and lower prices. Ideal conditions for exploring diverse regions.
• Winter (June–August): The southern alpine regions receive snowfall suitable for skiing, while the tropical north enjoys dry, sunny days—excellent for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, touring the Outback, and whale-watching.

Spring & Autumn

Best time to travel