Brisbane RV Rental

Camper Champ helps you compare prices from multiple campervan rental companies in Brisbane. Most rental depots are just a short distance from Brisbane Airport, which serves both domestic and international visitors.

The cost of renting a campervan in Brisbane is approximately $50 to $410 per day for most vehicles. Rates will differ based on availability, length of booking, and motorhome model. Campervans range from compact vehicles such as the Travellers Autobarn Station Wagon to larger ones such as the 6-Berth Cruisin' Deluxe.

The perpetually sunny state capital serves as a strategic starting point to explore South East Queensland and beyond. With such immense natural beauty, Queensland has become one of Australia’s most sought-after campervan rental destinations. World-class RV infrastructure makes van life a breeze—think dump points, water refills, and campgrounds galore. Campervan-friendly campsites range from swanky beachfront spots to rustic rural farm stays.

The cheapest months for renting a campervan in Brisbane are usually May to November. Historically, May has the lowest rates, while December has the highest rates. This period is also the milder part of the year in Queensland, and many find it a more comfortable time to travel with the cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels.

While there are no campervan rental depots directly at the terminal at Brisbane Airport (BNE), there are several campervan rental companies about 7 km away.

Other suppliers’ depots are easy to reach by taxi or Uber.

RV travel became popular in Australia as an affordable way to explore. Thrifty travelers can reduce their expenses even further with the following tips:

• Avoid peak seasons: Queensland gets swamped with winter-escaping residents from Australia's colder southern states. Avoid school vacations (especially in winter), as well as major dates like Christmas/New Year and Easter.
• Book early: RV rental companies, much like airlines, base their rates on availability. Reserve early to secure the best possible deal.
• Consider your needs: Is a flashy oversized RV really necessary? Settling for an inexpensive and cheerful budget campervan will cut down your daily spend.
• Cut back on backtracking: Gas isn't cheap these days. Use your favorite navigation app to plan a rough route that minimizes backtracking. As a handy bonus, you'll also reduce time spent behind the wheel.
• Plan your fuel stops: Some Australian gas stations charge significantly more than others. Use mobile apps like Fuel Spy to identify the best deals in your area.
• Get a travel buddy: Traveling with a group allows you to share rental and fuel expenses. If your friends don't share your adventurous spirit, try posting your plans on social media—be sure to vet all applicants thoroughly.
• Consider your campsites: Fancy beachfront RV parks with top-end amenities charge big bucks. On the other hand, basic bush camps offer plenty of space and stunning views for a fraction of the cost.
• Free camp wherever possible: Queensland has a solid selection of RV-friendly free camps, from beautiful waterfront sites to no-frills highway rest areas.
• Self-cater: High wages mean restaurants must charge a small fortune in Australia. Cooking your meals will save you a tidy sum each day (good thing your camper has a kitchen).
• Find free activities: Ticketed tourist attractions tend to be pricey in Australia, but hiking doesn't cost a dime. If space permits, bring your own mountain bike, inflatable kayak, surfboard, and/or snorkel for more free thrills.

Blessed with an average of 283 cloudless days per year, Brisbane is among the sunniest cities on earth. A warm subtropical climate and relatively little rainfall make it a great place to visit any time of year.

The Southern Hemisphere’s spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) bring the most temperate weather. Daily average highs and lows hover around 26˚C / 17˚C during both seasons.

Travelers arriving in October will be greeted by a sea of blooming purple jacaranda trees. April brings abundant sunshine and reduced humidity, while May and September see the Brisbane events calendar crank into full gear. Both these balmy shoulder seasons entail thinner crowds and, consequently, lower prices across the board.

The Australian winter (June to August) is high season in Queensland as southerners head north to escape the chill. Expect pleasant average temperatures of 23˚C / 11˚C in Brisbane (the locals will tell you it’s cold) and minimal rainfall. However, you’ll have to contend with crowded campsites and higher rental rates.

Summer (December to February) can get stiflingly hot in Brisbane. Although 29˚C / 22˚C is the January average, some days max out at 40˚C. Sticky humidity and frequent rain (an average of 9 wet days per month) prompt some locals to seek shelter indoors.

Can’t handle the heat? Heading uphill to the hinterlands offers much-needed respite. Furthermore, surfers happily withstand the sweaty weather as summer brings the biggest swells.

The Queensland climate becomes increasingly tropical the further you venture north. Expect wetter weather and higher humidity, especially once you pass the Tropic of Capricorn around Rockhampton.

Peak sailing season in the Whitsundays is September to October, though shoulder seasons (April to August and November) offer favorable conditions. Surfers should note they won’t find any sizeable waves north of Seventeen Seventy.

The ideal timeframe for a road trip departing Brisbane depends on where you go.

Determined to cover all the scenic spots listed in this guide? You’re going to need a month or two.

But if you’re content with covering small sections, you can enjoy an extraordinary adventure in just five days. Here’s a sample South East Queensland–Northern NSW itinerary:

Spend a day checking out Brisbane’s top sites, then overnight at the Plunkett Green at Tamborine farm stay. Wake up among curious barnyard creatures, then knock out a soul-soothing waterfall hike (Curtis Falls is our top pick) before hitting a high-altitude winery (try Witches Falls) for lunch. Cruise to Lamington National Park for a ridgeline walk, then settle at O’Reilly’s Campground.

Double back towards NSW, stopping off at the Natural Bridge and your choice of other Springbrook National Park wonders. Head over to Mt Warning Rainforest Park and start a campfire. Get up early to see sunrise views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) from nearby lookouts (the Wollumbin summit track is closed).

Swing by Nimbin to relive the hippie era and pop into Nightcap National Park to admire Protestors Falls. Cruise towards the coast and spend the evening in the boho haven of Byron Bay or its laid-back brother, Brunswick Heads. Return to Brisbane via the coastal route, stopping for lunch in Pottsville or Kingscliff.

A similar timeframe could see you hopping between stunning Sunshine Coast surf beaches and its fertile hinterlands. Add a few extra days if you want to include the dreamy town of Seventeen Seventy.

Allow at least two weeks for the long road trip to Airlie Beach—a 26-hour round trip. Break up the drive in both directions with strategic stopovers en route.

Free on-street parking is available in most outer suburbs, though fees and restrictions apply once you get closer to downtown.

Keen to explore the city center without paying pricey parking fees?

Our top tip is The Dock D parking lot at Brisbane Northshore, located a stone's throw from the famous Eat Street precinct. You will find free parking spaces here to accommodate small to large campervans and motorhomes, but it can get busy in line with Eat Street trading hours and availability may be reduced during Northshore works (so be sure to arrive early and check signage).

The parking lot is a short distance away from most campervan rental depots located around the airport. It’s a perfect spot to park for the day if you want to explore Brisbane’s city highlights. Simply park and walk 2 minutes to the Hamilton Northshore Ferry terminal, where you can hop onboard a CityCat Ferry into Brisbane's center. Don’t forget to pre-purchase a go card for travel by bus, ferry or train.

The Park ‘n’ Ride program lets you park the whole day for free at numerous other public transport hubs around the city. From there, purchase a low-cost bus, train, or ferry ticket to the center and back.

In Brisbane, it’s illegal to camp overnight (including sleeping in your car) on a road or road-related area outside of a designated camping place.

Council rangers and police enforce anti-camping regulations somewhat sporadically within Brisbane. However, in desirable tourist destinations—especially the Sunshine Coast and Airlie Beach—stringent enforcement entails early morning interrogations and midnight patrols.

About half a dozen RV parks offer paid campsites in Brisbane. The closest reputable option is Brisbane Holiday Village, a 15-minute drive from downtown. If you’d rather camp in a tranquil natural setting, try the Karingal Scout Campsite instead—it’s 35 minutes from downtown.

Hugh Muntz Park and Tully Memorial Park both offer designated free camping on the outskirts of the city. Expect to drive 30-40 minutes to get downtown.

A respectable selection of designated free camps resides around Queensland, from lakeside digs to homely country hotels and those ubiquitous highway rest areas. Here are some of our favorites:

• Lake Elphinstone Campground (Mackay)
• Little Yabba Park West (Kenilworth)
• Hideaway Hotel (Tiaro)
• Cruice Park (Woodford)
• Calliope River Rest Area (Gladstone)

A stone’s throw from Mount Barney, Bigriggen offers scenic bushland-style camping with excellent amenities for a reasonable price. The spacious property is all about open-field camping—just pull in and choose a spot you like. But be warned: it gets busy with Brisbane locals during vacation periods.

Price: from $18 per adult per night

Main amenities: showers (hot, coin-operated), restrooms, tank water, trash bins, dump station

A short drive from Noosa, Boreen Point feels miles away from the urbanized glamour of the Sunshine Coast. This charming campground sits alongside Lake Cootharaba for optimal views. Need a night off cooking? Stop by the local pub for a pint and a hearty meal.

Price: from $49 per site per night

Main amenities: restrooms, showers, electric hookup sites, trash bins, fire pits, BBQ, camp kitchen, laundry, dump station, drinking water

Snapping a selfie with a cute kangaroo at sunrise is the quintessential Cape Hillsborough experience. And this well-stocked RV park puts you within walking distance of the Instagram-worthy early-morning show. Want something cheaper? There’s a string of basic national park campsites nearby.

Price: from $39 per site per night

Main amenities: restrooms, showers, potable water, electric hookup sites, trash bins, BBQ, camp kitchen, laundry

Another brilliant waterfront camp near Brisbane is Captain Logan, which straddles the serene waters of Lake Wivenhoe. Spectacular views (especially at sunset), friendly kangaroos, and lively, squawking birdlife make it a special place to stay.

Price: from $37 per site per night

Main amenities: restrooms, showers, potable water, trash bins, fire pits, BBQ

Deep in Gympie’s Amamoor State Forest, this gorgeous grassy campground straddles a refreshing, swimmable creek. Green open spaces and easy-going hikes make it a top spot to kick back or stretch your legs while soaking in the views. Plus, abundant space means you won’t have to worry about nosy neighbors.

Price: from $7.50 per person per night

Main amenities: restrooms, non-potable water

Wildlife-rich rock pools, rainforest walks, and a reflective creek beckon campers to this scenic Sunshine Coast hinterland site. As a basic bush camp, amenities are minimal and there’s no cell service—but you can’t complain about the view. Love your cheese? You won’t want to miss the dairies at Kenilworth and Maleny.

Price: from $7.50 per person per night

Main amenities: restrooms, non-potable water

As our favorite campground on Straddie, some sites overlook the turquoise breaks of Cylinder Beach. The facilities here are first-rate and the local shops are only a short stroll away. If you tire of gazing at the dreamy sea view, you’ll find plenty of adventures scattered around the island.

Price: from $79 per night

Main amenities: restrooms, showers, electric BBQs

Fancy relaxing with waterfront views and sipping a brew by the campfire at sundown? Then head straight for Lake Moogerah. Perched in the heart of Scenic Rim, this lovely spot lures seclusion-seeking Southeast Queensland locals. Top-notch amenities mean you won’t have to rough it.

Price: from $39 per site per night

Main amenities: campfire, restroom, potable water, shower, picnic table

Straddling Lamington National Park, this local landmark has become an institution for its convenient location and awe-inspiring views. Lamington’s top trails are an easy drive away, and the on-site restaurant makes a mean wood-fired pizza. Don’t leave without sipping wine from O’Reilly’s award-winning vineyard.

Price: from $27 per night

Main amenities: restrooms, showers, potable water, electric hookup sites, BBQ, camp kitchen, restaurant

Byfield National Park is Rockhampton’s premier recreation playground, and this lovely creek-facing spot is the best of the lot. Most sites are within easy walking distance of the aquamarine blue Stony Creek, a scenic watering hole that’s perfect for beating Queensland’s stifling heat. Avoid weekends if you can.

Price: from $7.50 per adult per night

Main amenities: restrooms, non-potable water, fire pits, automatic BBQ for day-use

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we take you on a 7-day journey through Brisbane and beyond. From getting up close with koalas to sipping wine in the countryside, we've got it all covered. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for some serious fun!

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