Camplify's guide to one way campervan hire in Australia

Whether you're an international visitor eager to explore the diverse landscapes of Australia, or a local looking to experience your own country in a new way, there's a camping travel option that might just tick all the boxes: one-way van hires on our Camplify van-sharing platform. Last updated: January 2025

Exploring Australia's vast landscapes can be an unforgettable experience, whether you're an international visitor or a local looking to discover more of your own country. One-way van hires in Australia allow you to pick up a campervan or motorhome in one location and drop it off in another. This option enables you to cover more ground without backtracking, making it ideal for those who want to maximise their travel experience , especially with limited time.

Camplify, Australia's leading van-sharing platform , connects adventurers like you with local van owners , offering a unique, authentic and affordable way to explore the country. With Camplify , you can find a wide range of campervans, motorhomes, and caravans for your one-way journey, each with its own character and amenities. Here's how it works.

Our detailed guide will help you navigate the process of finding, planning, and enjoying a one-way van adventure using our platform.

If you are an owner, check out our guide to enable the new one-way feature .

Benefits of one-way van travel in Australia

While many travellers are familiar with round-trip rentals, one-way van hires offer a unique and often overlooked alternative. Let's explore the distinct advantages that make one-way van travel an appealing choice for adventurers:

1. Uncharted exploration : Discover more sights without the need to return to your starting point.

2. Personalised itineraries : Create travel plans based solely on your interests – no backtracking involved.

3. Time efficiency : Especially suited for those with limited time who wish to maximise their adventures.

4. Cost savings : Potentially lower fuel expenses and fewer hiring days compared to traditional round-trip journeys.

5. Unique experiences : Venture to destinations that might be impractical if you had to return to your starting point.

Now you might be wondering how to access these exciting opportunities. While one-way hires aren't as common as round-trip options, they are available if you know where to look.

Where to find one-way travel options in Australia?

Camplify, Australia's largest van sharing platform , connects local van owners with adventure-seekers like you. While one-way rentals aren't widely available or advertised on our platform, they do exist for those willing to do a bit of digging. Here's how you can uncover these unique travel opportunities :

1. Search carefully : When browsing van listings on Camplify, look for any mentions of "one-way" or "relocation" in the van's profile or description.

2. Contact our customer service team : If you can't find suitable one-way options, reach out to our customer service team via the LiveChat function on our website. Our team might have information about owners offering this service or could potentially help arrange a one-way hire.

3. Be flexible : One-way rentals are limited, so flexibility with your travel dates and exact route can increase your chances of finding a suitable option.

4. Plan ahead : Due to the scarcity of one-way rentals, it's crucial to start your search well in advance of your intended travel dates.

While finding a one-way campervan and motorhome hire on Camplify may require extra effort, the payoff can be significant. One-way trips allow you to cover more ground, see more for less, and create unique memories.

Two extraordinary routes for your one-way van adventure in Australia

At Camplify, we've identified some potential one-way van adventures for you to consider. Our team has looked through our listings to find options that offer one-way trips. We've examined starting points and destinations to suggest these best two routes as a starting point for your planning.

1. One-way van hire from Sydney or Brisbane to Cairns (and back)

Distance: ~2,820 km Estimated travel time: 12-20 days

Google Maps trip: Sydney to Cairns

Craft your perfect East Coast adventure by starting from Sydney or Brisbane and heading north, or begin in tropical Cairns and travel south, customising your journey's length and experiences as you explore Australia's diverse coastal wonders.

Highlights on the way to Cairns:

Sydney to Byron Bay (~800 km)

• Port Macquarie : Excellent beaches and koala hospital. Campervan-friendly with multiple holiday parks.

• Coffs Harbour : Home to the Big Banana and great surf spots. Several caravan parks available.

• Byron Bay :

• Embrace the Bohemian atmosphere and enjoy stunning beaches.

• Campervan tip: First Sun Holiday Park offers beachfront sites.

Byron Bay to Brisbane (~170 km)

• Gold Coast :

• Dive into world-class surfing and theme parks like Dreamworld.

• Campervan-friendly beaches: The Spit and Main Beach have designated areas for overnight stays.

Brisbane to Fraser Island (~300 km)

• Brisbane :

• Uncover the charm of Queensland's lively capital.

• Campervan parking: New Farm Park has designated areas for daytime visits.

• Fraser Island :

• Experience the world's largest sand island.

• Ferry your campervan across for a unique 4WD adventure (permit required). Book ferry and permits here.

Fraser Island to Whitsundays (~850 km)

• Bundaberg : Famous for its rum distillery. Multiple caravan parks available.

• Rockhampton : Known as the beef capital of Australia. Free overnight camping at Kershaw Gardens.

Whitsundays to Cairns (~600 km)

• Whitsunday Islands :

• Sail through an island paradise.

• Leave your campervan at Airlie Beach and take boat tours to the islands. Book Whitsundays tours.

• Townsville : Visit the Reef HQ Aquarium. Multiple beachfront caravan parks available.

• Mission Beach : Skydiving paradise with views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns

• Great Barrier Reef :

• Snorkel in one of nature's masterpieces.

• Park your campervan and take boat tours to the reef. Book reef tours.

Best time to travel one way from Sydney or Brisbane to Cairns:

• Summer (December to February): This period is hot and humid in the north, but perfect for beach activities. However, it's also cyclone season in Far North Queensland, so be cautious.

• Winter (June to August): Ideal for exploring tropical north areas like Cairns, which enjoy mild and pleasant weather.

Best Direction from Sydney/Brisbane to Cairns or reverse?

One way travel from Cairns to Sydney or Brisbane during the Southern Hemisphere winter months. Start your journey in the mild winter of tropical Cairns and meander south to enjoy the warmer climates available in Sydney and other southern beach towns during the cooler seasons.

Available Vans

• Sydney - Cairns / Cairns - Sydney: Max - One-way available

• Cairns - Sydney / Cairns - Sydney: EAST COAST - 1 way drop available - MIA

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Roma

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Como

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Bailey

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Omeo

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Marley

• Brisbane - Cairns / Cairns - Brisbane: Oakley

• Cairns - Brisbane: Casa the Coaster

Shorter trips:

• Famous Australian Road Trips: Sydney to Byron Bay in 10 Days Itinerary

2. One-way travel from Melbourne to Perth (Bidirectional)

Distance: ~3,934 km Estimated travel time: 14-21 days

Google Maps trip: Melbourne to Perth

This epic cross-country journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the lush southeast to the rugged Nullarbor Plain and the stunning southwest coast. As you travel west, you'll encounter unique Australian experiences and breathtaking natural wonders.

Highlights on the way to Perth:

Melbourne to Adelaide (~726 km)

• Great Ocean Road :

• Drive along one of the world's most scenic coastal routes on the Great Ocean Road.

• See the Twelve Apostles and other dramatic limestone formations.

• Campervan tip: Plenty of camping spots along the way, including Johanna Beach.

• For a detailed guide, check out our blog post: Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road guide

• Grampians National Park :

• Explore rugged mountain ranges, forests, and waterfalls of the Grampians National Park.

• Campervan-friendly with several campgrounds in the park.

• For an alternative route with different attractions, see our blog: Adelaide to Melbourne via Western & North Western Victoria

• If you're starting in Melbourne, don't miss our guide on Top 10 Places To Visit Within 3 Hours of Melbourne Australia

Adelaide to Ceduna (~775 km)

• Adelaide :

• Enjoy the vibrant culture and famous wineries of Adelaide, South Australia's capital.

• Campervan parking: Adelaide Shores Caravan Park offers beachfront sites.

• Port Augusta :

• Gateway to the Outback and Flinders Ranges.

• Multiple caravan parks available.

• Eyre Peninsula :

• Experience pristine beaches and abundant wildlife on the Eyre Peninsula.

• Swim with sea lions at Baird Bay (seasonal).

Ceduna to Eucla (~493 km)

• Nullarbor Plain :

• Begin your journey across this vast, treeless plain on the Nullarbor Plain.

• Play a round at Nullarbor Links , the world's longest golf course.

• Campervan tip: Be prepared for long stretches without services.

• For a detailed itinerary on crossing the Nullarbor, see our blog post: Crossing the Nullabor in under 10 days - Itinerary from Perth to Adelaide

Eucla to Norseman (~715 km)

• Great Australian Bight :

• Visit the Great Australian Bight and marvel at the towering sea cliffs.

• Whale watching from June to October.

• Eyre Bird Observatory :

• Visit the Eyre Bird Observatory, Australia's oldest bird observatory (a little detour required).

• Limited campervan access, but worth a visit if possible.

Norseman to Perth (~1,225 km)

• Kalgoorlie-Boulder :

• Explore Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a historic gold mining town.

• Visit the Super Pit lookout.

• Multiple caravan parks available.

• Wave Rock :

• See Wave Rock, a remarkable 15-meter high natural rock formation.

• Campervan-friendly parking at Wave Rock Caravan Park.

• Perth :

• Relax in Perth, Western Australia's laid-back capital.

• Visit Kings Park for panoramic city views.

• Campervan parking: Discovery Parks - Perth Vineyards offers sites close to the city.

• For camping options near Perth, check out our blog on Top 5 National Park campsites within 2 hours of Perth

Best time to travel one way from Melbourne to Perth:

• Spring (September to November) or Autumn (March to May): These seasons offer mild temperatures and lower rainfall, ideal for the long drive across the Nullarbor.

• Winter (June to August): Good for whale watching along the southern coast, but nights can be cold, especially in the desert.

Best direction: Melbourne to Perth or reverse?

Travel one way from Melbourne to Perth during the Australian spring. Start your journey in Melbourne as it emerges from winter, enjoy the flowering wildflowers along the Nullarbor, and arrive in Perth as it heads into its warm, sunny summer.

Remember to always check road conditions , especially when crossing the Nullarbor, and ensure your campervan is well-prepared for long stretches without services. For up-to-date road information, visit the Western Australia Road Conditions website.

Charlie Richardson, owner of Reba, suggests this hidden gem on the way: “If you haven’t checked out Fowlers Bay in South Australia, get on it! A tiny town framed by massive sand dunes and heaps of southern right whales, sea lions, seals, and dolphins. If you go between May and October you can see the baby whales, too.”

Available vans

• Melbourne to Cairns: "Reba VanEntire"

Other Australian one-way routes to consider

Do you have other routes in mind? There are many more owners offering one-way hiring. Here is a selection of some owners offering one-way hires:

• Yonder campers: One-way trips available between Darwin and Broome, Alice Springs, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide or any capital city

• Overlander 4WD Hire: One-way hire from Brisbane to Darwin, Cairns or Perth

• Hayley and Stanton:One way hire in Australia negotiable

• Gold Coast Campervan Hire: One way campervan hire, e.g. Melbourne to Gold Coast

Common questions for one way travellers in Australia

As you plan your one-way Australia van hire adventure, you're likely to have several questions about the logistics. We've compiled a comprehensive list of common concerns and their answers to help you prepare for your journey:

1. Where should I start my journey? Consider these factors when choosing your starting point:

• Flight prices: Compare costs of flying to different starting locations.

• Seasonal weather: Research climate patterns along your route. For example, starting in Sydney for a Sydney to Cairns trip in winter allows you to chase warmer weather.

• Personal preferences: Consider which direction of travel appeals more to you. Would you rather start in a bustling city or end there?

• Van availability: Check which locations have more options for one-way rentals.

1. How do I handle return flights?

• Look for open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another). These can often be booked for similar prices to round-trip flights, especially when booked in advance.

• Consider using airline points or miles for one leg of the journey to potentially reduce costs.

• Be flexible with your dates: Sometimes shifting your travel by a day or two can result in significant savings.

1. What about fuel costs?

• Include fuel expenses in your budget. While they may be higher for a one-way trip, consider the time and potential accommodation costs saved by not backtracking.

• Use fuel cost calculators available online to estimate your expenses based on your specific route and vehicle type.

• Look for fuel-efficient van options to help minimise costs.

1. Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

• Always confirm any possible relocation fees with the owner before booking.

• Some owners may charge a one-way fee to cover their costs of returning the van to its home base.

• In some cases, if you're travelling a route the owner wants their van to take anyway, you might even get a discount.

1. How flexible are pick-up and drop-off times?

• This varies by owner. Communicate your needs clearly when booking.

• Some owners may offer more flexibility for one-way rentals to accommodate flight times.

• Consider booking an extra day if you need early pick-up or late drop-off to ensure you're not rushed.

1. What if I want to extend my trip?

• Contact the owner as soon as you're considering an extension.

• Be aware that the van may be booked for another trip immediately after yours.

• Have a backup plan in case an extension isn't possible.

1. How should I approach maintenance issues on a long trip?

• Discuss maintenance arrangements with the owner before your departure.

• Know whom to contact in case of a breakdown or other issues.

1. How do I plan my route and stops?

• Research key attractions and overnight stops along your route.

• Use apps and websites dedicated to road trip planning to find campgrounds and points of interest.

• Leave some flexibility in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries or delays.

• Consider the driving distances between stops and plan for rest days.

1. How do I handle different state or territory regulations?

• Research road rules and regulations for each state or territory you'll be travelling through.

• Be aware of any quarantine restrictions, especially if you're travelling with food.

• Check if there are any toll roads on your route and how to pay for them.

Essential tips for planning and booking your one-way adventure with Camplify

To make the most of your one-way van rental experience with Camplify, consider these top tips that cover everything from planning to booking:

1. Start early : One-way rentals have limited availability, so begin your planning and hiring process well in advance, especially for popular routes.

2. Communicate clearly : When contacting van owners or making a booking request, explicitly state your intention for a one-way trip, including your preferred dates and route.

3. Be flexible : Consider adjusting your travel dates, van choice, or even route to increase your chances of finding the perfect one-way rental. Flexibility can often lead to better options and deals.

Combining seasonal knowledge and effective flight planning ensures your one-way van journey with Camplify is both enjoyable and economical. Suppose you plan a trip for August, looking to escape the cold Southern winter.

You might choose to fly into Cairns, enjoying the balmy tropical winter, then take Camplify’s one-way van hire south to Sydney. Open-jaw flights during off-peak mid-week days can be more affordable, and careful planning can further optimise your costs.

One-way travel: It is here — book now on Camplify

Though not as widely known, one-way rentals are an undiscovered treasure worth exploring. Reach out to van owners on our Camplify platform to uncover exciting one-way possibilities – it could be the key to your unforgettable road trip adventure.

Search for your one-way travel van