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Compare Campervan Rentals on the Gold Coast

Finding a campervan rental on the Gold Coast is easy with our time-saving comparison tool. Compare major brands to get better prices and peace of mind with hassle-free bookings.

Compare a range of campers on the Gold Coast with Camper Champ. Campervans can be picked up from depots a short distance from Gold Coast Airport.

The rental cost for campervans on the Gold Coast averages between $60-$350/day for most vehicles. Prices are impacted by demand, duration of trip and vehicle type.

The strategically situated city also serves as the perfect starting point for campervan trips across South East Queensland (SEQ) and Northern New South Wales (NSW). Fertile hinterlands, rainforest-covered mountains, and sun-drenched beaches offer adventure at every turn.

Due to its immense natural beauty, motorhome travellers flock to the region in droves. As a result, the area is flush with world-class RV infrastructure, from dump points to campgrounds and water refill points.

An alternative starting point for exploring the region is picking up a campervan in Brisbane which is home to an even larger number of brands.

Gold Coast Airport Campervan Hire

Can I hire a campervan at the Gold Coast Airport?

There are no campervan rental companies based within the terminal at Gold Coast Airport (previously Coolangatta Airport). However, most depots are just a short drive away.

Some companies may offer a free shuttle with your rental, for the others the depots are accessible by public transport or Uber.

The Self-drive Holiday on the Gold Coast

Hiring a campervan on the Gold Coast is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the outlying region. There’s a whole host of reasons why you should consider a motorhome instead of a hotel:

  • Cost-effective: No need to pay for a hotel and hire a car separately. Your transport and accommodation expenses come rolled into one.

  • Less driving: You won’t have to double back to your hotel after a long day of exploring. A motorhome lets you pull up at the nearest campsite for a peaceful night’s sleep.

  • Flexibility: Forget booking complex itineraries full of rigid tours and hotels. A camper lets you cruise around the region with the utmost freedom. Just wake up and choose your adventure for the day.

  • On-board amenities: From fresh water to a fridge full of food, you’ll have everything you need right there in the van.

  • Self-catering: Don’t fork out exorbitant amounts for restaurants each day. A camper lets you cook on the road to save big bucks. Moreover, you’ll enjoy plenty of impromptu picnics with a breathtaking view.

Remember these helpful tips when driving around the Gold Coast in a campervan rental:

  1. All traffic moves on the left-hand side.
  2. Seatbelts and child restraints are compulsory.
  3. Carry a valid driver's licence when travelling.
  4. Traffic moves clockwise around the roundabout.
  5. Watch out for wildlife, especially around dawn, dusk and when travelling at night. Country roads and long stretches of the open road are notorious for crossing wildlife.
  6. The blood alcohol content limit in QLD is 0.05%.
  7. Default speed limits on the Gold Coast are 50 km/h for built-up residential areas and 100 km/h for roads in rural areas unless indicated otherwise. School zones also have speed limits reduced to 40 km/h during certain hours on school days. Always pay attention to posted speed limit signs and adjust your speed accordingly.

Are there toll roads in South East Queensland?

Tolls apply to the following roads:

  • Gateway Motorway
  • Logan Motorway
  • Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7)
  • Go Between Bridge
  • Legacy Way
  • AirportLinkM7
  • Toowoomba Bypass

Are there toll roads in South East Queensland?

Tolls apply to the following roads:

  • Gateway Motorway
  • Logan Motorway
  • Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7)
  • Go Between Bridge
  • Legacy Way
  • AirportLinkM7
  • Toowoomba Bypass

Travel Tips for The Goldie

How can you save money on a campervan holiday on the Gold Coast?

Travelling in a campervan is the most cost-effective way to enjoy an action-packed holiday. Thrifty explorers can reduce expenses even further by adopting the following budget-preserving tips:

  • Explore off-season: Rental fees and caravan parks skyrocket during the high season. Avoid busy times like Christmas, New Year, Easter, and NSW/QLD school holidays to save.

  • Get in early: Much like airlines, motorhome rental companies set prices according to availability. Book early to snag the best possible deal.

  • Choose a low-cost vehicle: Do you really need a flashy Winnebago with all the comforts of home? A cheap and cheerful little campervan comes in at a fraction of the daily rental rate.

  • Travel with friends: Cruising with a mate will slash fuel, rental, and campground expenses. If you can’t team up with a friend, consider searching for travel buddies on social media.

  • Reduce backtracking: Fuel is a major expense. Draft a rough itinerary that reduces backtracking to save money at the petrol pump.

  • Plan your fuel stops: Not every service station in Australia offers reasonable rates. Using an app like PetrolSpy lets you compare prices, often in real-time.

  • Look for low-cost campsites: Flashy holiday parks with high-end amenities will set you back a pretty penny, sometimes up to $50 per night (or more). Save money by using low-cost campsites near you.

  • Use free camps: While free camps aren’t common in this corner of Australia, you’ll find a few spots scattered around.

  • Self-cater: Eating out costs a fortune in Australia. Unleash your inner masterchef and slash your daily food spend by self-catering daily. Good thing your camper has an in-built kitchen.

  • Find free activities: Theme parks and other ticketed attractions don’t come cheap. Focusing your trip on free activities like hiking and surfing will save you cash.

When is the best time to go campervanning on the Gold Coast?

Boasting 300 days of sunshine per annum, the Gold Coast is a great place to visit at any time of year. Pleasant year-round weather and luscious green landscapes make the outlying region ideal for campervan exploration in all four seasons.

The best seasons to visit the Gold Coast are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). Balmy temperatures and minimal crowds (at least outside school holidays) make RV travel ideal. Expect daily average highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C in spring and 26°C to 18°C in autumn—these figures vary from month to month.

Summers can get pretty warm in the Goldie. Although the average highs and lows hover around 28°C to 21°C, it’s not uncommon to hit the high 30s—or even crack the 40s. Do as the locals do and cool off at the beach or a water-themed amusement park. Alternatively, head uphill into the hinterlands for a milder, less humid climate.

While winter is low season in the Gold Coast, it never gets all that cold (the heat-loving locals might tell you otherwise). With average highs and lows of 22°C and 12°C, it’s still a pleasant time to visit, even when it is too chilly to swim.

What’s more, you’ll get to gawk in awe at migrating whales breaching offshore.

A smattering of vibrant festivals and events kick off in the Gold Coast and surrounding region throughout the year. Some standout shindigs include:

  • Gold Coast Film Festival (Apr)

  • Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (May)

  • Cooly Rocks On (Jun)

  • SWELL Sculpture Festival (Sep)

  • Bleach* Festival (Aug)

If you’re a live music lover, head to Northern NSW for Splendour in the Grass (Jul) or the Byron Blues Festival (May). Up north, the Woodford Folk Festival (Dec) puts on a killer New Year’s bash.

From late November to early December, high-spirited—and often intoxicated—Year 12 graduates overrun the Gold Coast, Noosa, and Byron Bay for Schoolies (school leavers) celebrations. You’ve been warned.

How long do you need for a campervan holiday on the Gold Coast?

The ideal timeframe depends on your interests and where you plan to go.

Three days is enough to experience the key Gold Coast highlights. Allow more if you want to spend time in its action-packed theme parks.

Most locals pop over to Tamborine Mountain for the weekend. Add extra time to meander around scenic hinterland national parks.

Intending to check out the Sunshine Coast? A week is a reasonable amount of time to cover the top spots. Likewise, allow at least a week to give Northern NSW the attention it deserves.

Parking a Campervan on the Gold Coast

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan around the Gold Coast?

Unlike larger Australian cities, parking on the Gold Coast is relatively inexpensive and hassle-free.

The City of Gold Coast operates dozens of car parks and on-street spaces, many of which are free. The cost of ticketed car parks varies—it becomes pricier as you venture close to high-density areas. Nonetheless, most only charge around $3.20 per hour or $15 per day. Purchase your spot online ahead of time to save. You can pay for metered parking via cash, card, or the EasyPark app.

In addition to the council-run spots, private companies like Wilsons Parking and Secure Parking have sites spread around the city. Some work out cheaper than council-run car parks, although most will cost you more. Use the Parkopedia website to compare private and council-operated car parks across the city.

The City of Gold Coast Council doesn’t provide large RV-friendly car parks for motorhomes that can’t squeeze into a single space. However, big rigs are welcome to occupy two spaces in free car parks or metered spots if they pay for both.

Where can you park a campervan overnight on the Gold Coast?

The Queensland State Government prohibits sleeping overnight in a vehicle outside of a designated campsite. Furthermore, the City of Gold Coast, and most regional councils, also have by-laws forbidding the practice.

Enforcement is fierce in scenic coastal areas but lax in the outer suburbs. Don’t even think about trying to free camp in regional tourist hotspots like the Sunshine Coast or Byron Bay. Council rangers undertake midnight patrols and slap violators with eye-watering fines.

The closest free camp to the Gold Coast is Hugh Muntz Park, which sits 40 minutes away on the highway leading to Brisbane. Tully Memorial Campground is a nearby free camp offering easy access to Tamborine Mountain.

You won’t find any free camps near the coast in Northern NSW. If you’re travelling down to Yamba, the New Italy Rest Area is an excellent donation-only spot off the Pacific Highway.

Around a dozen, holiday parks provide paid campsites within the Gold Coast. The closest option to Surfer’s Paradise is Main Beach Tourist Park, about a 5-minute drive away. If you’d rather stay in beautiful Burleigh Heads (we don’t blame you), then Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park is your best bet.

Gold Coast Road-trip Itineraries

The Gold Coast is a favourite for both locals and tourists, thanks to its stunning beaches, verdant hinterland, and thrilling attractions. To help you enjoy your time in this beautiful corner of Australia, we've crafted a series of travel itineraries tailored for different trip durations. Whether a weekend escape or an extended vacation, our itineraries will ensure you experience the best the Gold Coast has to offer.

Golden Adventures: 7-Days to Explore the Best of the Gold Coast

Golden Adventures: 7-Days to Explore the Best of the Gold Coast

Famed for its beautiful beaches, lush hinterland and exciting array of attractions, the Gold Coast is sure to please. This 7-day itinerary is sure to give you a taste of everything that makes the Gold Coast such an awesome place to visit.

MORE: 7-Day Gold Coast Itinerary
Coasting to Culture: A 7-Day Adventure from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Coasting to Culture: A 7-Day Adventure from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Embark on the ultimate road trip adventure along Australia's magnificent east coast! This 7-day campervan itinerary takes you from the lively Gold Coast to the relaxed atmosphere of Byron Bay, guiding you through awe-inspiring landscapes, one-of-a-kind wildlife experiences, and vibrant cultural hubs in the area.

MORE: Gold Coast to Byron Bay Itinerary
Road Tripping Through Coastal Paradise: 14-Days from the Goldie to Sydney

Road Tripping Through Coastal Paradise: 14-Days from the Goldie to Sydney

If you're looking for an epic adventure along Australia's stunning East Coast, look no further than this 14-day campervan road trip itinerary. Starting from Lamington National Park and ending in Sydney, this itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal towns, national parks, and wildlife reserves in New South Wales. From hiking to surfing to wildlife watching, there's something for everyone on this unforgettable journey.

MORE: Gold Coast to Sydney Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan on the Gold Coast?

If you’re Australian, you’ll need a valid class C (car) license to rent a campervan or motorhome on the Gold Coast. It needs to be a full license—Probationary, Learners (Ls), or Provisional (Ps) licences won’t cut it. International travellers must have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an English translation of the equivalent car license from their home country. Sorry youngsters: you can’t rent a camper until you turn 21. Drivers under 25 must pay a young driver surcharge in addition to the standard rental rate.

Is it better to pick up a vehicle on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane?

This will often depend on whether you're arriving in Queensland via Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport. If you have the flexibility to choose, there is a wider range of motorhome hire suppliers in Brisbane, and more choice can often mean lower prices.

Can I take my rental campervan to Moreton Island?

No, most rental suppliers in Australia list Moreton Island as a restricted area. 4WD campervans are also included in this restriction and are not allowed on Moreton Island under any circumstances. Check with your rental supplier for any questions regarding restricted areas.

Can I take my rental campervan to North Stradbroke Island?

Yes, most companies allow travel to North Stradbroke, as the roads there are sealed bitumen.

You will need to take a ferry to get across; please note that organising this is the responsibility of the renter. Check with your rental supplier for any questions regarding restricted areas.

Are one-way campervan rentals available?

Yes, a large number of companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will show you availability on your preferred route and automatically factor in any one-way fees charged by the supplier.

While the Gold Coast offers many attractions itself, including several theme parks, whale-watching tours, a string of beautiful beaches and lively Surfers Paradise, it’s also a great place to start a road trip exploring Australia’s East Coast.

Popular one-way campervan holiday routes include:

  • Gold Coast to Cairns – via Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and along the Great Barrier Reef to Tropical North Queensland
  • Gold Coast to Sydney – through Byron Bay, the Central Coast and Newcastle

Where can I park my motorhome overnight on the Gold Coast?

There are plenty of campgrounds and caravan parks on the Gold Coast. Some popular choices include BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Broadwater Tourist Park and Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

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