Campervan vs Hotel and Car Rental: Which Offers the Best Value for Your Aussie Trip?
Planning an Australia road trip raises an important question: should you hire a campervan or stick with a car rental and stay in a hotel? Both options have pros and cons, but the choice can significantly impact not only your budget but also your overall travel experience.
This blog will dive into the financial aspects of both travel styles for those looking to travel Australia on a budget, outlining the daily costs, the level of flexibility and convenience they offer, and how they contribute to the overall travel experience. Whether you’re leaning toward the freedom of a campervan to explore Australia or prefer the comfort of hotels, by the end of this, you’ll have a clearer idea of what’s right for your Aussie adventure.
Cost breakdown
When it comes to comparing the costs of travelling by campervan versus car rental + hotels, there’s more to it than meets the eye. It's not just the rental rate but also fuel costs, campground fees, and dining expenses that can add up. In this section, we'll break down the specific costs for both options, so you can make an informed decision.
Campervan costs
When planning a campervan hire in Australia, here are a few of the typical campervan hire costs you will need to account for when planning your trip:
Daily rental rates: The cost of campervan rental in Australia can vary based on the type of vehicle and time of year. A basic camper starts at around AUD $70-100 per day, while more spacious quality campervans could cost between AUD $150-250 per day. These costs also typically vary to accommodate different group sizes. And if you’re booking during peak travel seasons, rates may be higher, so plan ahead and book early for the best campervan deals.
Fuel expenses: Due to their size, campervans use more fuel than a car, with an average consumption rate of 10-12 litres per 100km. This results in approximately AUD $15-20 per 100km driven. Over long distances, especially in Australia’s vast Outback, these fuel costs can add up, so it’s important to factor that into your budget when planning your travel itinerary.
Campground fees: Travelling by campervan gives you access to a wide range of accommodation options, from paid campgrounds to free camping spots. Paid campgrounds across Australia generally range from AUD $15 to $60 per night, depending on the location and facilities. However, for those looking to cut costs, there are plenty of freedom camping spots in Australia. Combining both paid and free campsites can significantly lower accommodation expenses on your trip.
Self-catering savings: One of the biggest cost-saving advantages of campervan travel is the ability to cook your own meals. With a small kitchen onboard, you can purchase groceries and prepare food on the go, reducing the need to dine out. For a week, grocery costs typically fall between AUD $70-100, far less than eating out every day. This can be a great way to stretch your budget, especially for those travelling for longer periods. Cooking your own food in a campervan is not only practical but also helps you control expenses during your journey. Cooking your own meals also doesn't mean you have to eat poorly! For ideas on what to eat on the road, check out our guide for the best meals to cook in a campervan.
Car rental + hotels costs
The other option for an Australia road trip is to hire a car rental and book hotels along the way. Below are a few of the typical costs to consider when travelling in a car rental + hotel:
Car rental rates: Renting a car is often seen as a more straightforward option for many travellers. On average, renting a 4-door sedan in Australia will cost between AUD $40-100 per day. Budget car rentals can be found around AUD $40-60+ per day, while mid-range to premium vehicles fall into the AUD $80-100+ range. However, unlike campervans, these rates don’t include accommodation, which can substantially increase your overall travel costs.
Fuel expenses: Cars are generally more fuel-efficient than campervans, with fuel consumption rates averaging 7-8 litres per 100km, translating to AUD $10-12 per 100km. This makes a car rental cheaper on fuel compared to a campervan, but don’t forget you’ll still need to budget for hotel stays, which can drive up the overall cost of the trip.
Hotel costs: Accommodation is often the most significant expense when opting for a car rental + hotel combo. In urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne, budget hotels can start from AUD $80-100 per night, while mid-range hotels range from AUD $120-180+ per night. If you prefer something more luxurious, prices can easily go beyond AUD $300 per night. Rural areas might offer cheaper options, but accommodation is still more expensive than campgrounds.
Dining out expenses: Travelling without the option to cook means relying on restaurants and cafes for every meal. In Australia, eating out can cost around AUD $15-25 per meal per person. For three meals a day, that adds up to around AUD $45-75 per day, per person. Compared to cooking in a campervan, dining out while staying in hotels can significantly inflate your travel budget, making it a key consideration when weighing the campervan vs hotel decision.
Flexibility and convenience on an Australia road trip
One of the most important factors when choosing between campervan hire and car rental + hotels is the flexibility and convenience each option offers. Travelling across Australia, with its vast open roads, remote wilderness, and bustling cities, requires a mode of travel that suits your itinerary and personal preferences. In this section, we’ll explore how both options stack up in terms of freedom to explore, spontaneity, and the overall convenience of your travel experience.
Campervan
A motorhome rental provides the ultimate flexibility when it comes to planning your road trip—or, more accurately, not planning it. With your accommodation and transport all in one, you can decide on a whim to extend your stay in a national park, take an unplanned detour, or even spend the night somewhere unexpected. The freedom to park up almost anywhere—whether at a paid campground or a free camping spot in the middle of nowhere—allows you to experience some of Australia’s most stunning remote locations without being tied down to rigid schedules or pre-booked hotels. You can wake up next to a beach, in the Outback, or by a mountain trailhead, all without having to plan weeks in advance.
Convenience is another area where a campervan shines. Having all your essentials—your bed, kitchen, and transport—in one vehicle means you won’t need to pack and unpack multiple times during your trip. There’s no need to check in and out of hotels, no scrambling to find a place to eat at the end of a long driving day, and no hassle of coordinating separate accommodation and transportation. Everything you need is right there with you, making for a more streamlined and stress-free experience.
Staying in a campervan also allows you to stay closer to nature. Unlike hotels, which are often located in urban areas or tourist hubs, campgrounds offer a direct connection to the great outdoors. You can park up in scenic spots, enjoy a sunrise by a lake, or watch the stars at night—all from the comfort of your own mobile home.
Car rental + hotels
While car rental might initially seem more straightforward, it comes with its own set of limitations. One major drawback is the need for advance booking. To secure accommodation, especially in popular areas or during peak travel seasons, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time. This reduces your flexibility and can leave you tied to a specific itinerary, unable to change plans if you discover a must-see spot along the way.
Additionally, relying on hotels means being beholden to fixed meal times. Breakfast often runs until a certain hour, and many rural restaurants might close early, leaving you to either rush your day’s activities or settle for whatever is available. Managing separate bookings for your hotel and rental car can also be a logistical headache, especially if plans change unexpectedly.
On the other hand, hotels do offer certain amenities that a campervan can’t match. After a long day of driving, it can be nice to arrive at a hotel room with a proper bed and maybe even room service. Hotels can provide a level of comfort and luxury that’s hard to replicate in a campervan. However, there is a level of inconvenience and time spent checking in and out of hotels if you are travelling each day.
Travel experience: RV vs hotel
The experience you have on the road is about more than just costs or convenience—it’s about how connected you feel to the journey itself. In this section, we’ll look at how travelling in a campervan differs from the car rental + hotel experience. From the close connection to nature in a camper to the more urban, structured experience of hotel stays, your choice will shape how you interact with the landscapes, towns, and people of Australia.
Campervan experience
The campervan experience offers unmatched freedom and adventure. Waking up to stunning natural views, whether on a beach in Airlie Beach or Byron Bay or in Alice Springs in the Outback, is one of the most unique aspects of life on the road. With your transport and accommodation in one, you’re free to explore remote areas, change your plans on the go, and stay closer to nature.
The campervan lifestyle is about flexibility—no need for pre-booked hotels or set itineraries. You can cook your own meals, save on accommodation, and enjoy a more immersive experience. For those seeking a blend of adventure and cost-effectiveness, it’s a perfect fit.
Car rental + hotels
Travelling by car rental and staying in hotels might seem convenient, but the costs can add up quickly. Between daily rental rates, hotel fees, and dining out for every meal, it can become an expensive option, especially over longer trips.
Hotels offer amenities like room service and comfortable beds, but they come with fixed schedules, pre-booking requirements, and less access to remote areas. While the experience may be more luxurious, this is a trade-off for the flexibility and affordability that campervan hire provides.
Value for money
When looking at value for money, there are a few things to consider when comparing a campervan vs a hotel and car rental:
Campervan
A campervan combines transport and accommodation in one, making it highly cost-efficient. Instead of paying separately for hotels, you can park at campgrounds or freedom camping spots. Self-catering meals further reduce costs, allowing you to stretch your budget while still enjoying a memorable journey. Plus, you gain access to remote areas that are inaccessible to traditional travellers.
Car rental + hotels
While car rental + hotels may offer comfort, the separate costs of transport, accommodation, and dining out quickly add up. Hotels may provide amenities, but these perks come at a steep price, and the lack of flexibility restricts your ability to explore more remote areas. The higher expenses of a car rental + hotel setup often outweigh the convenience, especially when compared to the all-in-one value of a campervan.
Book your Cheapa Campa today for the best campervan deals
In short? It really comes down to the kind of freedom and accessibility you want on a road trip. Travelling Australia in a campervan hire offers unbeatable value for your Australia road trip, combining transport, accommodation, and the freedom to explore. Compared to the higher costs and rigid schedules of car rental + hotels, a campervan gives you flexibility, access to nature, and the ability to cook your own meals, all while keeping your budget in check. Ready to hit the road and take advantage of the freedom of a campervan hire? Book your Cheapa camper online and start planning your Australian road trip adventure today!