The van you choose shapes your whole trip - how far you can drive, where you can sleep, and how much you’ll spend. Before you get seduced by a photo of a couple toasting sunset from a rooftop bed, work through four questions.
How many people, really?
Berths are the headline number, but “sleeps 4” often means two adults and two small kids. For a couple, a 2-berth van is almost always the right call: it’s cheaper to hire, cheaper on fuel, far easier to park in a city or squeeze into a small campsite, and legal to drive on a standard car licence. Step up to a 4-berth or motorhome only when you truly need the beds.
2WD or 4WD?
This comes down to one thing: are any of your roads unsealed? If you’re driving the Great Ocean Road, the east coast, or lapping Tasmania, every kilometre is sealed and a 2WD van is perfect. If you’re tackling the Gibb River Road, Cape York or remote outback tracks, you need a proper 4WD - and often extra water, fuel and recovery gear. Don’t take a 2WD van onto a road it isn’t built for; your insurance won’t cover it.
The best van isn’t the biggest or the most rugged - it’s the smallest, simplest one that still fits everyone comfortably.
Powered vs self-contained
A self-contained van (with a toilet and grey-water tank) unlocks free camps and national-park sites where unpowered, self-sufficient vehicles are welcome - a big money-saver. A van without those needs powered caravan-park sites most nights. Check the certification if free camping is part of your plan.
Once you know your berths, drivetrain and self-containment needs, comparing operators is easy. Match the van to the route, not the other way around.
Frequently asked questions
What size campervan do I need?+
For two people, a 2-berth van is the sweet spot - easier to drive and park, cheaper to hire and fuel. Families or groups of 3-4 need a 4-berth or motorhome; only go bigger if you genuinely need the beds, as size makes city driving and campsite access harder.
Do I need a 4WD campervan?+
Only if your route includes unsealed roads - think the Gibb River Road, Cape York, or remote outback tracks. The vast majority of Australia's classic drives (Great Ocean Road, the east coast, Tasmania) are fully sealed and suit any 2WD van.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Australia?+
Expect roughly A$80-150 per day for a 2-berth in shoulder season, and A$150-250+ for a 4-berth or in peak summer. Book early for December-January and school holidays, when prices spike and fleets sell out.
By the Oz Road Trips team · Last updated 18 July 2026
General information only; prices, specs and availability change - confirm with the provider. See our disclaimer.