Australia and families go together. The country has beaches that seem to run forever, wildlife parks where kids can feed kangaroos, free barbecues in every park, caravan parks with swimming pools and playgrounds, and a culture of road trips that treats a long drive as part of the holiday. A campervan is, for many families, the best way to see it.

It is also a place where a few well-chosen decisions make the difference between a relaxed trip and an exhausting one. We write from Rovaniemi, so this is a researched guide, not a story about our own children in an Australian van. We have gone through CampervanPlanet’s Australian price data and the family issues that matter, and put them in order. You can compare vans on the Australia campervan page, and code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY20 takes €20 off at checkout.

Choosing the right vehicle

The most important family decision is size. A two-berth campervan is fine for a couple, but a family of four needs space to sleep, eat and wait out the rain. CampervanPlanet’s Australian index covers 57 vehicles from 11 rental companies, so there is plenty of choice. Here is how we would think about the options:

• Two adults and one small child: a standard campervan with a fold-out bed or a pop-top may be enough.
• Two adults and two children: a four-berth campervan or a small motorhome. Look for a rear bed and a convertible dinette, plus a toilet and shower if you can.
• Bigger groups or teenagers: a six-berth motorhome, though at that size parking and driving become more demanding.

Bunks and over-cab beds are great for children but ask about weight limits and safety rails. If you want to see how the vehicle categories work, our campervan vs motorhome vs RV page explains the terms.

Child seats and safety

Australian rules require children to use an approved child restraint appropriate to their age and size, and the details vary by state, so check the rules for where you are travelling. For a rental, the practical questions are these:

• Does the rental company supply seats, and what do they cost? Many offer them as extras. Check the number and age range.
• Can the seat actually be fitted? Not all rear seats in campervans have the anchor points for a child seat. Ask for the layout and the number of seatbelts before you book.
• Is the seat clean and in date? Inspect it at pick-up. Some families bring their own, which means paying baggage fees but knowing the seat.

Do not accept a van where your child would have to travel in a non-compliant seat. If the answer is unclear, ask in writing.

Season and school holidays

Australia’s school holidays and the southern summer shape pricing. The peak runs from December to the end of January, when families are on the road and the Christmas and New Year weeks sell out early. Our guide to Christmas and school holiday campervan hire in Australia shows how early to book.

If you are flexible, the shoulder seasons are friendlier:

• March to May (autumn): settled weather, warm in the south and dry in the tropical north. Typical prices are about A$199 a day.
• June to August (winter): cheapest for vans, about A$196 a day, and a good time for the tropical north and the Red Centre, but cold in the south.
• September to November (spring): wildflowers and mild weather, but surprisingly the most expensive season, about A$220 a day.
• December to February (summer): hot, the busiest period, and about A$211 a day on average, with fierce competition around holidays.

Family-friendly routes

Australia is huge, so choosing a route that suits small children is crucial. A rule we would use: no more than two to three hours of driving a day with under-fives, and a swimming stop at least every second day.

• Sydney to the Gold Coast: beaches, national parks and plenty of caravan parks with pools. A lot of fun, and not too far.
• Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road: koalas, cliffs and surf beaches, with short drives between stops. Do it over four or five days.
• Brisbane and Queensland’s Sunshine Coast: theme parks, zoos and calm beaches. Easy for all ages.
• Tasmania: a smaller loop, with wildlife parks, short walks and cool summers.

Pick-up locations in the CampervanPlanet index include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Perth. If you are starting in the east, our Brisbane campervan hire page is a convenient place to begin.

Heat, sun and water safety

Australia’s sun is harsh, even on cloudy days. Hats, long-sleeved swim shirts and strong sunscreen are not optional. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and late afternoon, and rest at midday.

• Swim only where it is safe. Swim between the flags on patrolled beaches, and heed signs. Rip currents are a real hazard.
• Stinging jellyfish. In tropical northern waters, marine stingers are a seasonal risk, typically in the warmer months. Follow local advice and use stinger nets where provided.
• Crocodiles. In northern Australia, obey crocodile warning signs and do not swim in unmarked waters.
• Water in the van. Carry plenty of drinking water, especially in the outback.

Keep the van cool by parking in shade, using vents, and checking if the vehicle has air conditioning in the cabin, because hot nights with small children are miserable.

What it costs for a family

The hire price is only part of the bill, but it sets the scale. CampervanPlanet’s Australian campervans start from A$69/day, and family vehicles cost more. The seasonal typical prices above are for 7-night rentals, and you should add:

• Child seats and extras: priced per day or per hire, often with a cap.
• Fuel: long distances mean significant fuel costs.
• Campsites: powered sites in caravan parks commonly cost around A$40–70 a night in peak times, while national park sites are cheaper.
• Activities: wildlife parks, tours and ferries can add up for a family.

Our comparison of a campervan holiday vs a hotel holiday for a family of four goes through the numbers in detail. The general rule is that a van saves the most on accommodation and eating out, particularly if you cook your own meals.

Booking tips

Compare several companies for your dates, and focus on what is included rather than just the daily rate. Check the child seat options, insurance and excess, any mileage limit and whether one-way rental is allowed if you plan to end in a different city. If you book through our link, code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY20 takes €20 off at checkout. For the basics of insurance, pick-up and what to ask, see our campervan rental guide“>our campervan rental guide.

Frequently asked questions