Hi, I'm Mat

January 16, 2026

I really enjoyed driving Ernie, and I slept very comfortably. Mat was a great conversationalist on the way from the airport. When I am back in town I will do my best to reaquainte with Ernie the Hiace.

January 10, 2026

So...I lost two days out of my week vacation due to a breakdown which was attributed to a faulty oil pressure switch. At the time of the breakdown, the owner advised to call Camplify, and Camplify arranged a local roadside patrolman to attend who said at the time, that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed in a workshop. There were no mechanic garages open in the nearest town (about 20 mins drive from the breakdown location) attributed to the Christmas / New Year holiday period being effected by local businesses. I was advised by Camplify that the owner should be coordinating the tow location and then letting Camplify know. Due to their being away overseas the owner had limited capacity to make arrangements. Despite this I was assured that the tow would be sorted the following morning around 9am. The breakdown occurred approximately 5pm on a Tuesday. I was not provided a tow until around 2pm on the Wednesday as Camplify had not approved the tow, so I as the hirer was left to co-ordinate the roadside, a tow and the location where to tow it. Pretty average process. I was stuck in the bush at the Bunjils shelter car park halfway between Stawell and Halls Gap for 3 and a half hours. Had I not had some friends kindly pick me up and provide me accommodation for the evening I would have had to sleep in the campervan away from any amenities. After the tow to Ararat, about 42km away the local mechanic was helpful and provided a prompt diagnosis and repair. I got back the van the Thursday evening but could not pick it up until Friday morning. Had this not occurred I would have been satisfied with Ernie. The available kitchen equipment, fridge, mattress and curtains all functioned well and as intended. I would not advise depending too much on the fridge as it can cut out if parked in shade during the day, and will require connection via the 15A lead to a power source during the evening to stay operational. If you are comfortable driving a rickety manual van it was acceptable. Be wary in general of vehicles on Camplify with old engines with high kilometres as this may undo your plans. I was travelling alone so did not find too great inconvenience as I had friends nearby and was able to plan alternate activities. I did not get to fulfil all my exploring/hiking in the Grampians due to this occurrence.

January 4, 2026

Ernies layout is simple but practical - and was functional enough for our needs and also drives very nicely.

December 4, 2025

That was perfect

November 5, 2025

Bert was a great little compact travel companion, Mat was lovely and very informative. We had a little trouble with the battery that Mat was fast to reply and helpful about, and we got it fixed up. Got him up to NSW from Vic no issues. Cheap and pretty reliable option!

March 23, 2025

We had a great trip in the van.

November 2, 2024

Mat and Babe were great to deal with, very friendly and accommodating. Ernie the van is exactly what you'd expect from a mid 80s hiace, it's easy to drive, chugs along well but is not shiny and new. We spent 8 days in Ernie as for a climbing trip, it was a great van for our purposes and is fairly priced. If you're tossing up between a rental car and tent or hiring Ernie, go Ernie. It was great returning to a dry warn spot we could stand up in at the end of each day, the solar power also worked really well.

October 21, 2024

Our travel was very nice, Bert is a very good adventure companion ! Mat is very friendly and responsive, everything was good. Thank you.

May 5, 2024

Our trip with Ernie was perfect. Ernie is the perfect travel friend and his age doesnt prevent him from being a pleasant driver. Thanks to Matt for his responsiveness and to Daniel for his kindness and availability.

April 29, 2024

We had the best time with Bert on our little Roadtrip on Great Ocean Road and the Grampians! The communication with Mat & Babe was super easy and we were more than happy with Bert's equipment. Would definitely recommend!