5 Must-Know Tips Before Renting a Budget Campervan in Australia

Dreaming of wide-open roads, stunning coastlines, and starry skies — without blowing your budget? Renting a budget campervan in Australia is one of the most affordable and flexible ways to travel. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an epic cross-country trip, a budget-friendly camper gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, sleep where the views are best, and cook your own meals on the go.

But before you book and hit the road, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Budget campervans can offer incredible value, but it’s important to know what to expect and how to make the most of your hire.

💸 Here are 5 must-know tips to help you prepare for the ultimate Aussie road trip.

1. Understand What “Budget” Really Means

“Budget” doesn’t mean bare bones — it just means you’re paying less for the essentials, not missing out on the experience. Our budget campervans from GoCheap come from the well-maintained Cruisin’ fleets that have seen a few adventures but still deliver everything you need for a safe and comfortable journey.

Expect a few signs of wear and tear, but you’ll still enjoy:

A proper bed (often converting from the seating area)
A fridge to keep your food fresh
Cooking facilities like a 2 or 3-burner stove, a microwave
Basic kitchen gear and storage for your essentials
An onboard bathroom (except our 2 and 4-berth HiTops)

If you’re renting something like the GoCheap Tamar or any of our 4- and 6-berth, you’ll have a self-contained layout — complete with a bathroom, shower, and dining area — all wrapped up in a compact, easy-to-drive vehicle.

Image: Camping with your mates

2. What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Not all campervan rentals are created equal — and that’s especially true when it comes to what’s actually included in your booking. While budget campervans keep costs down, some may charge extra for things you assumed were standard…

With a GoCheap Campervan, the following are included:

Bedding and linen – Sheets, pillows, doona, towels, dishcloth, tea towel.
Kitchen equipment – Pots, pans, cutlery & crockery, glasses, mugs, cutting board, toaster, kettle, utensils, food containers, can opener, corkscrew, microwave…
General Equipment – Bucket, broom, clothes pegs, dustpan & brush, freshwater & greywater hose, power lead, toilet chemicals (starter pack), clothes hangers, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher.
Unlimited Kilometres – You can go as far as you want to!
Vehicle Insurance – Bond liability applies
24/7 Roadside assistance – Peace of mind in case anything happens on the road.
Full Fuel Tank on pickup
Maps & Campground Guides

What is NOT included:

Overnight camping costs
National Park entry fees
Tourist Attractions
Fuel Refill
Tolls (located in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne)
Food/Groceries
Gas Bottle/LPG Refill
Liability Reduction*
Outdoor Chairs & Table*
Baby/Booster Seats*
GPS*
Upgrade to the Maximum Cover Package to receive these * inclusions or hire them as optional extras (charges apply per item)

Image: Delicious meals in the comfort of your campervan kitchen

3. Pack Smart and Light

One of the biggest adjustments when travelling in a budget campervan is learning to live with less — and that’s not a bad thing. Packing light helps keep your space organised, makes it easier to find what you need, and gives you more room to relax inside the van.

Here’s how to pack smarter for your road trip:

Use soft bags like duffels or backpacks instead of suitcases — they’re easier to store and squish into small spaces.
Pack versatile clothing you can layer — think t-shirts, a warm jumper, a rain jacket, and a pair of comfy shoes.
Bring compact, multi-purpose items like a sarong that can double as a towel or picnic mat.
Keep your toiletry bag minimal, especially if your camper has a shower with limited space.
Collapsible gear like bowls, tubs, and water bottles can save heaps of space.

Remember: you won’t need much. Most days will be spent outdoors exploring, so comfort and practicality should come first. If you’re hiring a GoCheap Campervan, you’ll already have a decent-sized fridge and kitchen area — so just bring your groceries and you’re good to go.

Image: Beautiful views in GoCheap Tamar

4. Plan Your Campsites Wisely

Nothing blows a “budget” trip faster than turning up late and paying top dollar for a powered site you don’t really need. A little advance planning keeps costs down, lets you score the best views, and ensures you’re camping legally everywhere you stop.

How to camp cheap (or free) without sacrificing comfort:

Strategy	Why it Works	Quick How-To
Target low-cost or free sites	Many councils and national parks offer basic facilities (toilets, BBQs, tank water) for a gold-coin donation—or nothing at all. Budget win!	Use apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate to filter by price, amenities, and user reviews.
Mix powered & unpowered stays	You’ll only need mains power every few days to top up batteries and run high-draw appliances.	Stay unpowered (or free-camp) 2–3 nights, then book a powered spot to recharge and do laundry.
Respect local laws	Some shires allow roadside “freedom camping,” others fine on the spot.	Look for official signage; if in doubt, ask the local visitor centre or ranger.
Arrive before dark	Popular, budget-friendly sites fill up fast, especially those on the coast in summer.	Aim to park up by mid-afternoon so you can grab a level spot and still catch sunset.
Go self-contained	Vehicles with onboard toilets and grey-water tanks are welcome at more freedom camp zones.	Keep tanks emptied responsibly at dump points so you stay compliant and odour-free.

Image: Exploring beautiful Australia

5. Plan Your Route

Australia is a vast country with endless opportunities for adventure, especially when travelling by campervan. To ensure your trip runs smoothly, careful planning is essential. Mapping out your route and sticking to a general timeline will help you make the most of your journey and fully experience all that Australia has to offer. Even if you prefer a more spontaneous pace, knowing where you’re headed and when will allow you to plan and create an itinerary of activities to enjoy when you arrive at each destination.

From stunning beaches to lush woodlands, Australia offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. Deciding what you want to explore in advance will help you prioritise the sights and activities that matter most. Understanding when to go is equally important, as Australia’s seasons vary across the country. Whether you’re seeking a sunny beach holiday or an adventure through the outback, knowing the best time to visit will ensure you experience the weather and conditions you desire.

When to travel

If you’re on a budget, timing your trip around the shoulder seasons (March to May or September to November) can save you money. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices. The roads in Australia can vary, and in remote locations, you may lose signal. To navigate confidently, use tools like GPS, Google Maps, physical maps, and navigation apps available on your smartphone. Finally, having a well-organised will help you make the most of each stop, ensuring you never miss out on the best experiences along the way.

Image: On the go in GoCheap Derwent campervan

Ready to start your road trip?

With these tips in hand, you’re ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime! Preparation is the key to making your campervan journey not only smooth but truly unforgettable, Australia offers endless beauty waiting to be explored. So, what are you waiting for? The open road is calling—pack up, hit the gas, and let your Aussie adventure begin!

Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!