Are your friends always telling you about their latest holiday?  They sound so good, but you won’t join them as it involves camping.  That was before you found out about campervan rental. 

Share in a first time campervan rental experience.

No longer are stories of dinners cooked in the camp fire while sharing a nice bottle of red only something imagined, now we know about campervan rental.  And talk of a night sky so clear, you can see why it is called the Milky Way has me there, without ‘roughing it’. 

Recently we had our first campervan rental experience, which saw us heading away for a couple of weeks to explore the outback of Queensland. 

Staying on the ground really did not appeal, but we really wanted to be a part of this adventure.  Campervan rental was something we’d spoken about, but when our friends asked us to join them on their adventure, it was time to make it a reality.

We chose a campervan rental with a toilet and shower on board, to make life that little bit easier.  To my surprise it was set up like an apartment, with wheels.

The day finally arrived and it was time to leave Brisbane for our two week adventure with our campervan rental.  We’d only been as far as Roma before so it wasn’t long before we were experiencing new places.  I was really surprised by the scenery – it wasn’t just openness, but plenty of towns, some rolling hills, trees, and the many icons of the outback.  We were pretty excited by the road trains and enjoyed chatting with the locals in the towns.

The wildlife was also spectacular.  There were kangaroos sharing our camps, and sometimes even a kookaburra would have a laugh at us.  The odd emu gave us a nod and eagles flew over head or sat perched in a tree awaiting their next meal.  My favourite though were the Brolga’s – these cranes have fantastic dances and were happy to put on a show for us tourists with our campervan rental.

spotting dancing brolgas from our campervan rental

Looking back though, the most memorable part of the trip, apart from the journey itself, was the locations where we stayed in our campervan rental.  We camped mostly in bush camps, near a river, on farmland or sometimes just in designated bush areas.  In the evenings we looked forward to a camp fire, that our friends would have going in no time.  Most days we’d be parked up early and enjoy ‘happy hour’ which generally was a fair bit longer than an hour! 

We were so happy we joined our friends on this ‘camping’ holiday, even if we were doing it in style with a camper hire.  It was excellent that we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds by taking a campervan hire – something we’ll definitely do again!

For more information to consider to rent a camper van Australia, either speak to us, or you may like to read our FREE travel guide, which you can download here!  Let us know if you’d also like our Gallivanting Around tips, full of information and inspiration to make your own adventure a reality.

Before heading out to explore the great country of Australia, a decision needs to  be made as to the type of vehicle you wish to hire.  Options include caravan rentals or a camper hire.  Camper hire can be further broken into one with an onboard toilet/shower or without.

Caravan Rentals

When flying into Australia, or departing from a city that is not your own, then caravan rentals are not really an option for you.  The reason for this is not only do you need to consider renting a caravan, but you would also need to hire a car.  This can push the cost up significantly.  Many rental vehicles do not come with a tow ball, so only premium vehicles could be considered.  A ‘caravan’ is towed behind a car for those that are not sure of the difference.

A benefit of caravan rentals if you are departing and returning to the city you live in, and are planning on using your own personal car is the ability to leave the caravan at your evenings camping location.  Unhitching the caravan is fairly easy allowing you to drive into nearby towns.  This is fine if you are camping in commercial camps, however not everyone is comfortable to do this when freedom camping in a remote location.  Although, realistically, there is probably no where that you want to explore by car anyway, given that you are in a beautiful location already!

Campervan or Motorhome Hire

Flying in from another city and planning to explore Australia it is popular to hire a campervan or motorhome rather than caravan rentals.  Having your transport, bed, kitchen and most likely a toilet/shower with you all the time, really does make for an easy holiday.  There is no need to plan exactly how many kilometres you must travel each day to ensure you have a bed at the end of the day as it is with you at all times.

For those that are departing from and returning to the city they live in, there really is the dilema whether to consider caravan rentals or camper hire.  Each has their pro’s and con’s and can end up being a personal choice, and sometimes it really comes down to where you are planning on travelling and what you are doing along the way.

If you are continually on the move, for example looking to explore the outback of Queensland for a few weeks, stopping in many beautiful freedom camps and a few commercial camps in the main towns a campervan or motorhome hire would suit you perfectly.  Most towns are easily set up for motorhomes and parking is generally a breeze if you choose to rent a larger motorhome.  Another benefit of motorhome rentals is when exploring a ’side road’ which turns out to be spectacular, and you wish to travel further along the road than initially planned, there is no need to double track – you have everything with you so exploring is very easy. 

When considering caravan rentals, you must also factor in the wear and tear on your own personal vehicle to the cost.  There are many different types of caravan rentals with some quite large.  Is your vehicle powerful enough to tow the weight?

Caravan rentals may be the best option for you if planning on driving to one destination and basing yourself there for a few weeks.  You may find that having your car, especially if it is a 4WD allows you to find that perfect fishing spot, or it is easy to pop into the nearby town for fresh milk and bread.

As you can see there are many pros and cons for each.  The team at Gallivanting Oz have travelled in both and are happy to discuss options with you for your next best trip.  If you would like to speak with us or find out more about Campervan or Motorhome Hire either request a quote, or send us an email.  We look forward to speaking with you and are happy to call you at a preferred time.

Motorhome Hire or Caravan Rentals?

We’re often asked about the things there are to explore when considering campervan hire from Cairns.

The answer is there are plenty of activities, many of them free or low cost to do in a campervan if you hire in Cairns.  Speak to us for hire options and travel ideas.

Having your own campervan complete with kitchen and bed means you can have an adventure, whatever your time frame from Cairns.  Generally there is no need to book campgrounds, rather have an idea of the direction you’d like to travel and stay for a while in the places you love.  This also gives you the flexibility to move on a little more quickly if the weather turns.

If beaches are your thing, then heading south to Mission Beach would be an excellent option to travel with your campervan hire.  This takes a couple of hours, depending which way you head to Mission Beach.  Either head down the highway, or take your time with one of the many scenic routes out to the coast and wind your way along stunning beaches.

A personal favourite for us, is Bingle Bay which is about 7km north of Mission Beach.  There is a council run campground there, and was $15 per night at the time we visited.  There are toilets and a hot shower right next to a stunning beach.  This is a small campground, however Mission Beach is only 7km away, so if it is full, it’s only a short drive to many camping options.  It is really only suitable for ‘smaller rigs’, however all campervans we hire will be fine at this location.

The reason we liked this beach is that you park your campervan right next to the beach – back it in, and open up the back door for an amazing view – for only $15.  Unbelievable!  There is even a free gas bbq which is useful.

Bingle Bay with Campervan Hire from Cairns

We enjoyed this campground so much; we ended up staying an extra day than planned.  Bingle Bay is a great beach to explore or relax beside.  Any worries you had before arriving will seem a million miles away.

Mission Beach itself is definitely worth exploring too.  Having a supermarket, many eateries and bike hire make it popular with fellow campervanners.  The council is in the process of making a bike path connect north and south Mission Beach which will be a pleasant ride.  There are also several parks nearby which are perfect to stretch the legs and enjoy nature.  Some offer fairly decent walks, or there are shorter tracks.  The local information centre can provide a map and suggestions depending on your timeframe and interests.

This area is also popular to spot cassowaries, so make sure you have your eyes open.  If you go into any of the state forests near Mission Beach, you’ll probably also see evidence of the cassowaries if you are not lucky enough to see one.

Cassowary spotted with Campervan Hire from Cairns

If you would like more information on visiting the Cairns area with Campervan Hire, please contact the team at Gallivanting Oz.  We’d be more than happy to help! Complete our simple info sheet so we can assist by suggesting the best campervan that will suit your needs and budget.  Pay no extra to beneft from our experience.

If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy reading about a first time user of a Campervan Rental and their travels in the Qld Outback.

Want to rent a camper van in Australia?

Australia is the perfect country to explore by renting a camper van or motorhome.  The large distances between some of the major tourist destinations mean the travelling is just as much of an adventure as the destination.  If you rent a camper van while travelling in Australia, it means you are able to rent the right vehicle depending on the trip you are planning.

Options include 4WD rental, or the other option is 2WD.  Consider if you are planning to travel off the beaten track on unsealed roads.  If this is your plan, then a 4WD camper will be best suited, as most companies only allow minimal travel on unsealed roads when you rent a 2WD camper van in Australia.  Take the time to research your trip first, or ask us here at Gallivanting Oz as many roads in the Outback of Australia are sealed meaning you may find a 2WD camper van is adequate for your needs.

Often the number of people travelling will determine the size of the camper van you rent when choosing a 2WD camper van.

 There are choices however for two people travelling together.  The questions you need to ask are:

1. Do you want a built in toilet and shower?
2. Do you prefer to leave a bed made up each day?
3. Do you want to stand up inside your camper van?

Do you want a built in toilet and shower?

If this is preferable for the camper van you rent while travelling in Australia, you will be looking at the ‘2 Berth with Toilet and Shower’ range.  If renting for 21 days or longer with Gallivanting Oz we’ll give you a Camps Australia Wide Guide for free, to say thanks.  The extra benefit this book provides is that it notes the locations of ‘dump stations’ throughout Australia.  This will assist when you rent a camper van in Australia with a built in toilet and shower.

Another cost effective option is to rent a ‘hi top campervan’ and consider renting out Galli Ensuite, which includes a portable dry toilet.  Perfect if you are planning on freedom camping where they may not always be convenient toilets and showers available.

Do you prefer to leave a bed made up each day?

The obvious choice if you prefer to leave a bed made up each day is to rent a 4 Berth Camper Van, which has a double bed above the cab.  This enables you to maintain your table and seats at the rear of the camper van and leave your bed made up each day.

Another choice if you are travelling on a budget is to rent a hi top camper van, and simply leave your bed made up each day.  If you rent a camper van with us and choose the inclusive package, outside table and chairs are provided.  If the weather is nice, you will probably find you don’t sit inside your camper van anyway, so this will not be an inconvenience.  Another trick we’ve learnt from our years of experience is to roll your bedding up to the side of the seat each day if you rent a hi top camper van, and keep it in place with a couple of stretch straps.  This means you can continue to use the inside table and chairs/couch, but make the bed in the evening is a one minute job.  Simply lower the table, insert the extra board and unroll the bedding – hey presto!

Do you want to stand up inside your camper van?

It is possible for the majority of people to stand up inside all camper vans you may rent except for the ‘regular height vans’.  Most of the regular high vans have the kitchen at the rear of the van, where you stand outside to use the facilities offered.  This means you can easily cook, without being hunched over, and the back door of the van is raised to offer protection from the sun or rain.

Check our blog for more information why campervans are better suited to exploring rather than caravan rentals.

As you can see there are plenty of options to suit everyone when you want to rent a camper van in Australia.  Contact the friendly, experienced team at Gallivanting Oz to assist with your holiday plans.

When researching your options for 4 berth motorhome hire, you will discover the pricing does vary.  There is quite a range of choice for four people travelling together.

Some of the options available are:

• It is possible to hire a 4 Berth Campervan which does not have a built in toilet/shower.  This is usually in a hi-top Van, which means you can stand up inside.  There will be a built in kitchen, and two double beds – one up above the cab, and the other usually at the rear of the van.  A great option if you are travelling on a budget, and plan on staying in camping grounds, or you might like to hire a portable dry toilet and shower from us.
• Rent a 4 berth motorhome where there is a built in toilet/shower as well as kitchen.  Again there are usually two double beds – one above the cab which remains permenantely made up, and the other is usually at the rear of the vehicle and is usually a couch seating area during the day.

4 berth motorhome hire Australia

• If you are after more space in a 4berth motorhome hire, consider speaking to us about an option which is the same size of a six berth campervan, but only sleeps four.  This is a better option for most people, than hiring a 6 berth campervan for only 4 people.  One of the options we have available in this model even has an electric lift for the rear bed.  It is simply a matter of pushing a button to make up the second bed when you are ready to retire for the evening.  This 4 berth motorhome, also makes the most of available storage areas, by offering a large area at the rear of the vehicle that would be big enough to store suitcases.  Seasoned Campervan and Motorhome travellers know usually soft bags are best when travelling in a campervan as they are easier to store – but that does not matter in this large 4 berth motorhome available to hire with us in Australia.  Click here for more information on Campervan and Motorhome Hire in Australia.

As you can see, it can be quite overwhelming choosing the right 4 berth motorhome to hire when travelling in Australia.  Contact us to benefit from our experience as we assist in matching the right campervan for your needs. 

If you’re not ready to speak to anyone yet, here’s another useful blog article about what you need to think about to rent a camper van Australia.

Looking to rent a campervan in Australia? 

There are plenty of rental campervan and motorhome options to suit all tastes and budgets.  Choices range from ‘older’ campervans to hire, to new motorhomes with a luxurious interior to rent.  Spend time speaking to experts, like ourselves, to ensure you are hiring the best campervan for your holiday plans.  Then there are caravan rentals to consider as well.  No wonder it is so confusing.

It’s the little things that can make a difference once on the road.  For example, it is too late, once you get into bed on the first night, to realise that the bed is not long enough….or too narrow, or whatever the problem might be.

Choosing the right vehicle for your planned holiday route is important as well.  Many companies only allow 2WD campervans and motorhome hire on sealed roads and minimal unsealed roads, for example to a recognised camping ground.  If you are planning to explore back roads throughout Australia, check to see if these are sealed or unsealed.  If unsealed, a 4WD camper may be your best option to enjoy these roads.

Gallivanting Oz uses a number of suppliers to provide the best campervan for you to rent in Australia.  Speak to us about your intended travel plans so we can provide tips for a hassle free holiday and assist with getting the best campervan deal for your holiday.

Campervan to Rent, Australia

Looking to hire a campervan in Tasmania? We can help with motorhome or campervan rental in Tassie.  Contact us for rates and helpful information when planning your holiday.

Tasmania by Campervan

We flew into Hobart, Tasmania excited that our next adventure was about to begin.  We’d heard so many great stories about travelling around the island; it was great that it was finally a reality.

First we had to collect the campervan that we’d hired.  That was painless, and it wasn’t long before we were on the road.  It’s always such a great feeling setting off on another campervan trip.

Tasmania is set up perfectly for campervan travel, as the distances between destinations are not large and the scenery stunning – driving is an attraction in itself!  Lakes, mountains, beaches and mining sites interspersed with charming villages make up the typical landscape.

There was a certain English charm as we meandered through the villages.  The stone work which was completed by convict labour, reminded us of our previous travels in the UK.  There is a lot of culture and history just waiting to be explored as we arrive at each village.  Fresh produce and local crafts also feature heavily on our itinerary.

While the travelling itself was a highlight on this trip, two destinations in particular stand out as ‘must sees’; Strahan and Port Arthur.

Strahan, on the West Coast of Tasmania was where we boarded a boat cruise to explore the stunning ancient rainforest in Gordon Valley before spending time on Sarah Island.  Sarah Island was where we saw the ruins of an old convict settlement.  Our guides story, really made the place come alive. 

The other destination highlight for us was Port Arthur, on the southern coast.  Also a convict settlement, we visited an old prison which gives a wonderful insight into what life was like in those days.  The natural landscape of high cliffs, ocean and thick forest made it near impossible for anyone to consider escaping.  A stunning location steeped in history.

Tasmania by Campervan - Cradle Mountain

Travelling in our campervan was easy, as there is an array of camping grounds including plenty of freedom camps.  As we had a self contained campervan, we stayed in these bush camps and were beautiful locations.  Of course, Tasmania is also famous for its local produce and wines.  Sampling these was another highlight on this campervan holiday.

For campervan hire, motorhome hire or escorted campervan tours throughout Australia contact Gallivanting Oz http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au

How easy is it to motor home around Australia?  Is it easy to hire a motorhome in Australia?  These are questions we are often asked.  The answer is ‘it’s easy’.  We can arrange motorhome hire from most major cities. 

When hiring a motorhome, most companies require you to generally stay on sealed roads, with the exception of accessing recognised camping grounds.  There are an increasing number of sealed roads, even to remote areas of Australia that are perfect for exploring, while enjoying the home comforts a motorhome provides.

Motorhomes available for hire have a built in toilet/shower which enables you to stay in bush or freedom camps if you choose.  Many of these locations are in picturesque locations and allow campfires.  It is these types of experiences that encourage many travellers to get out on the road, time after time.

For help in choosing the right motorhome to hire for your next holiday in Australia, Gallivanting Oz can assist – http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au

Motorhome Australia

Exploring the Queensland Outback in a Motorhome Hire will most likely have you visiting Longreach.  One of the major attractions of Longreach is the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.  There are multi-media and photographic displays and documentaries that showcase the history and people of the region.

The centre is divided into 5 sections: Discovery; Pioneers; Outback Properties; Life in the Outback; Stock Workers and Library.  Allow at least two hours to spend time to explore the exhibits to learn what life was like, or remember what life was like.

Stockmans Hall of Fame, Longreach

If you hire a campervan or hire a motorhome and set out to explore the Queensland outback, you’ll most likely end up in Longreach.  The Qantas Founders Museum is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

There’s something for everyone here.  The museum tells the story of the very early beginnings of Qantas, and how this turned into an Australian icon.  Interactive displays and recordings also tell the story of what life was like in the outback at that time.  There’s the mechanics workshop to explore, including a replica of a Avro 504K  and DH61 aircraft.  For those with a little more time, consider the 747 Jumbo tour.  This is the only place in the only place in the world where you can tour a fully equipped and operational 747 jumbo jet.  The guided tour provides an informative insight into this amazing aircraft.

Qantas Founders Museum