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Sydney might host Australia’s most iconic cityscape, but Melbourne takes the reigns as the country’s cultural capital. Famed for its bar-strewn laneways, bustling multicultural restaurants, and hip café scene, the vibrant Victorian metropolis boasts a lively cosmopolitan vibe.
But it’s not just about the hospitality scene. The city has a slew of worthwhile attractions, from eclectic art galleries to historic colonial sites and leafy inner-city parklands.
What’s more, Melbourne serves as a springboard for exploring Victoria in a campervan. Straddling the southeast corner of mainland Australia, this compact little state punches well above its weight. Scenic coastal drives, wildlife-rich rainforests, and untouched national parks beckon adventures in the open air.
With so much natural splendour in such a small area, it’s little wonder Victoria has become one of Australia’s leading motorhome destinations. World-class RV infrastructure has sprung up to meet demand, with campsites, dump points, and water refills peppered throughout the state.
One-way rentals are also a popular option with many travellers choosing to drive to Adelaide, up north to Sydney, or even Brisbane or Perth in Western Australia.
Give the pricey hire car and hotel combo a miss and book a convenient, cost-effective campervan to explore this magnificent city and state.
Discover Australia your way by choosing a class of campervan that suits your travel needs.
Euro Deluxe 6
Alpha 2-Berth
6-Berth Frontier
4-Berth HiTop
6-Berth Discovery
2-Berth Hitop
2-Berth Crib
El Cheapo 2 Sleeper
Condo
Lucky Rookie
Paradise S&T
Cheapa Endeavour
Alpha 2-Berth
2-Berth Crib
2-Berth Hitop
El Cheapo 2 Sleeper
Cheapa Endeavour
Champ
2-Berth Highball
Euro Deluxe 6
6-Berth Frontier
6-Berth Discovery
6-Berth Big Six
Platinum Beach
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Most campervan rentals in Melbourne cost between AUD $60 to $500 per day (most fees included).
Rental rates can vary depending on:
A well-equipped campervan lets you experience Victoria’s most scenic natural sites for an affordable price.
Rental companies typically offer three camper types:
A budget-friendly campervan usually features a simple pull-out kitchen with a fridge, battery recharge points, and a cosy bed. Upmarket models have extra amenities and high roofs so you can stand inside.
A 4WD camper usually comes with a rooftop tent and a slide-out kitchen in the boot. While you can explore more off-the-beaten-track places, you’ll have to put up with limited room and basic amenities. As Victoria is heavily-populated, the top attractions don’t require a 4WD.
A motorhome is a larger, more luxurious vehicle, often featuring all the comforts of home. Amenities may include indoor kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, and a sitting room with a flat-screen TV. While undeniably luxurious, these cumbersome beasts chew through the fuel and are tiresome to park.
The cheapest months for hiring a campervan in Melbourne are usually April through September. February and March are also reasonably priced, with daily rates spiking in December and January.
While there are no motorhome rentals directly at the terminal at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport), there are several campervan rental companies with their Melbourne branch within 3–38 km (2-24 miles) of the airport. Jucy, Calypso, and Let’s Go offer a complimentary shuttle with your rental. Other suppliers have depots easily accessible by taxi, Uber or public transport.
A kitted-out camper is the most cost-effective and convenient way to explore the state’s immense natural splendour.
Here are the top reasons you should rent a campervan for your next Victoria adventure.
Cheap: The camper combines your transport and accommodation expenses, saving you a significant sum on car hire and hotels.
Convenient: Forget about returning to Melbourne’s grid-lock streets after a long day. A motorhome lets you pull up at a nearby campsite for a restful night’s sleep.
Freedom: You don’t need to pre-book hotels or plan in-depth itineraries when rolling in a motorhome. The freedom of the open road is difficult to understate.
Amenities: You’ll have all (or at least some of) the comforts of home right there when you need them, from charging points to clean clothes and food.
Self-catering: Eating out costs a fortune in Australia. But your mobile kitchen lets you enjoy budget-friendly alfresco picnics with a breathtaking view.
Remember these helpful tips when driving around Melbourne in a campervan rental:
There are toll roads in Victoria, particularly in and around Melbourne.
Some of the notable toll roads in the area include:
These toll roads use electronic tolling systems, such as e-TAG, to collect fees automatically as vehicles pass through the toll points. If you plan to drive in Victoria, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the toll roads and the payment methods available.
As we know, a campervan is the most cost-effective way to explore the highlights of Melbourne and beyond. Thrifty shoe-stringers can reduce expenses even further by following this curated list of money-saving tips.
Avoid high season: Holiday parks and rental fees skyrocket during peak travel periods. The priciest times include Easter, Christmas/New Year, and Victorian school holidays.
Book in advance: Campervan rental prices vary depending on what’s available when you book. Like airfares, reserving early rewards well-organised travellers with better rates.
Consider your vehicle: While a pimped-out motorhome is akin to “livin’ the dream,” do you really need all those lux extras? Opting for a budget-friendly campervan will slash your daily rental spend.
Plan a route: Drafting a rough itinerary lets you minimise backtracking, saving you stacks of cash at the petrol pump. As a nifty bonus, you’ll spend less time driving and more time kicking back.
Refuel strategically: Some Victorian service stations charge more than others. Mobile apps like PetrolSpy let you compare rates, often in real-time.
Travel with friends: Buddying up with a partner lets you share rental, campsite, and fuel expenses. If your BFFs aren’t keen, consider seeking companionship on social media backpacker pages—always carefully pre-vet potential candidates.
Find cheap campsites: Free and low-cost campgrounds abound in Victoria, especially in less-crowded inland regions.
Self-cater: No need to fork out for expensive restaurants when you’ve got a fully-functional kitchen in your mobile home. Self-catering makes a massive difference to your daily budget.
Look for free activities: Ticketed attractions entail high prices in Australia. Focusing on free stuff like hiking lets you savour Mother Nature on the cheap. If there’s space in the camper, consider bringing a bike, inflatable kayak, or surfboard along for the ride.
The ideal seasons to explore Melbourne and Victoria in a campervan are early autumn (March to mid-April) and late spring (October and November). Balmy temperatures and thinner crowds make outdoor exploration ideal. Both seasons see average daily temps of around 22°C / 12°C.
Summer (average temps: 26°C / 16°C) is another excellent time to visit—the warm sunny weather sees the biggest influx of visitors to Victoria.
Coastal regions generally remain _relatively _comfortable thanks to the cool ocean breeze. Head inland, however, and you’ll have to sweat through long stretches of oppressive heat. The exception is the Victorian High Country, where an elevated climate keeps the mercury in check.
The downside is soaring summer temperatures cause beaches to pack out, while school holidays push campsite capacity to the brink.
Victoria isn’t a big winter destination for carefree RV travellers—most full-timers head up north. Gloomy skies, frigid temperatures (average 14°C / 7°C), and high rainfall can make camping a chore. Nonetheless, if you can handle less-than-perfect weather, you’ll score bargain basement rentals and seemingly have the whole state to yourself.
As for festivals?
The warmer months see the most action. Big-ticket summertime shindigs include the Melbourne Cup (November), New Year Celebrations (January), the Australian Open (January), the St. Kilda Festival (February), the Formula 1 Grand Prix (March), and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March).
Allow at least three full days to experience Melbourne’s highlights, or more if you prefer to explore in-depth.
The ideal timeframe for a road trip from Melbourne depends on your destination.
Plan five days for the Great Ocean Road. Some do it quicker, but it’s wise to take your time and savour the scenery at a relaxed pace.
The return trip east to Mallacoota should last about a week. Tack on more time to cruise through our favourite High Country highlights.
The state’s relatively small stature means travel times are more manageable than elsewhere in Australia. But if you wish to discover all of Victoria’s hidden gems, you’ll need months of leave up your sleeve—there’s no harm in making multiple trips.
First-time campervan hirers should focus on a specific region rather than attempting to cover all corners of the state in one whirlwind trip.
Like any major city, parking in Melbourne can be a frustrating and expensive endeavour, especially once you get close to the CBD and other populated areas.
The City of Melbourne operates around 11,000 paid parking spaces throughout the city. Most inner-city bays have a 1-hour limit and cost $7 per hour. If that’s not enough time, the council also operates two well-priced off-street car parks for longer stays, one on Elgin Street and another in Council House.
Council-run parking bays outside the CBD cost $4 per hour (or less for extended stays). A few free parking bays still exist in inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy, Docklands, and Burnley.
A wide range of private car parks is available throughout the city, albeit at higher rates. Secure Parking lets you pre-book early bird specials for discounted all-day parking. Another handy resource is Parkopedia, which lists real-time availability and hourly rates across public and private bays.
Due to the expense and hassle of parking a large camper in the cramped city, many travellers prefer to pull up in an outer suburb and take public transport into town.
Victorian state laws don’t forbid free camping. However, the City of Melbourne prohibits sleeping overnight in a vehicle outside of a designated campsite. Enforcement is somewhat sporadic.
You won’t find any free campsites within the metropolitan region. The closest paid campground to the CBD is BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park in Coburg, a 25-minute drive away. Several alternatives reside around the outer suburbs.
Many more options open up once you leave the city. Victoria has a generous slathering of free camps scattered around the state, especially in its sparsely populated inland regions. Some of our favourite free spots include:
Ada River Campground
Plantation, The Grampians
Reeves Beach
Lerderderg Campground
Mount Franklin Reserve
Butts Reserve
90 Mile Beach
Aysons Reserve
Victoria's national parks offer a wealth of experiences for campervan travellers. Take the time to appreciate the natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich cultural history that each park has to offer.
The Great Otway National Park, nestled along the Great Ocean Road with its dramatic coastline, lush rainforests, and magnificent waterfalls, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse plant and animal life in the region. The Cape Otway Lighthouse stands as Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, and the park's extensive network of trails provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting, with the Great Ocean Walk being a major highlight.
Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as "The Prom," is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. This coastal wilderness is renowned for its pristine beaches, granite peaks, and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and emus. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the park's well-maintained trails, with the overnight hike to the remote and beautiful Sealers Cove being a popular choice. The iconic Squeaky Beach, where the rounded quartz sand grains make a distinctive squeaking sound underfoot, also makes for an intriguing visit.
The Grampians National Park is a majestic oasis of rugged sandstone mountain ranges, vibrant wildflower displays, and cascading waterfalls. The park is a haven for various outdoor pursuits, with its hiking trails, rock climbing adventures, and scenic lookouts. Additionally, it houses the most extensive assortment of Indigenous rock art sites in Victoria, providing a fascinating insight into the region's historical heritage. The Balconies, an iconic rock formation, and the panoramic views from the Pinnacle lookout should not be missed.
The Alpine National Park boasts a stunning array of alpine landscapes. From snow-capped peaks in winter to vibrant wildflower meadows in summer, this park offers year-round adventure for campervan travellers. The park is crisscrossed with walking tracks, 4WD routes, and horse riding trails that cater to a range of skill levels. The iconic High Country Huts, which once sheltered cattlemen, are an interesting historical feature scattered throughout the park.
Stretching along the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, the Mornington Peninsula National Park offers dramatic coastal scenery, picturesque beaches, and fascinating historical sites. The park is a haven for marine wildlife, with opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and migrating whales. The diverse range of walking trails includes the scenic Bushrangers Bay Walk and the adventurous Two Bays Walking Track. Be sure to visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, which has been guiding mariners since 1859.
The Yarra Ranges National Park showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. Home to towering mountain ash forests, ancient fern gullies, and the majestic Yarra River, this park offers a range of recreational activities. Highlights include the popular Steavenson Falls, the Rainforest Gallery, and the scenic drive to the summit of Mount Donna Buang, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a tranquil retreat featuring lush forests, charming villages, and an abundance of walking trails. The park is famous for its stunning cool climate gardens and the iconic Puffing Billy Steam Railway, which winds its way through the picturesque landscape. A visit to the park wouldn't be complete without exploring the popular 1000 Steps, which follows the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and pays tribute to Australian soldiers who served during World War II. The park is also home to the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, where you can spot native wildlife, such as lyrebirds, wallabies, and kookaburras, while strolling through the fern-lined tracks.
Good news for penny pinchers: entry to all Victorian national parks is free. The state government abolished fees over a decade ago to promote healthy, active lifestyles—if only other states would follow suit.
Many national park campgrounds require a permit to stay overnight. However, in another generous act, the Victorian Government recently halved camping fees for all its campgrounds. Prices range from a meagre $2.70 to $15 per person per night.
Some campgrounds must be booked online. For the rest, just rock up and pick your spot.
Private and state-run campgrounds tend to fill up fast during peak periods, especially school holidays. Reserve ahead to secure your site.
Australia’s second-largest city has no shortage of worthwhile sites.
At its heart lies Federation Square, a sprawling block-sized plaza flanked by abstract edifices. Get there via the iconic Flinders Street Railway Station, taking a moment to admire its arched entranceways and early 20th-century façade. Across the road, you’ll spy St Paul’s Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic construction known for its razor-sharp spires.
Melbourne’s cultural cache gravitates around its eclectic collection of galleries and museums. The pièce de résistance is the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum. Other worthwhile options include the Melbourne Museum, the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Immigration Museum, ACMI and Scienceworks.
A stone’s throw from the CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens spans 36 hectares of immaculately manicured flora. Nearby, the Fitzroy and Carlton Gardens offer additional quiet respite from the pulsating city life.
Interested in early-colonial architecture?
Melbourne has landmarks aplenty. Take a squiz at the State Library Victoria, the Royal Exhibition Building, the Shrine of Remembrance, Cooks’ Cottage, Abbotsford Convent, and Old Melbourne Gaol.
Shopaholics (and curious window shoppers) mustn’t miss Queen Victoria Market, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air marketplace. Other unique retail spaces include the opulent Block Arcade and the colourful South Melbourne Market.
For the best panoramic views, head to the 88th-floor observatory at the Melbourne Skydeck. Animal lovers could check out the Melbourne Zoo or SEA LIFE Aquarium, while sports fanatics should snag match tickets for the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to wining and dining in Melbourne. Hit Chinatown for flavoursome Oriental eats, Southbank for chic riverside digs, or St Kilda for a youthful seaside vibe. Other gastronomic hotspots include Brunswick Street (Fitzroy), Lygon Street (Carlton), and Chapel Street (CBD).
Within easy reach of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges boasts lush canopies of towering ash trees. The outlying Yarra Valley is Victoria’s viniculture epicentre, with scenic wineries as far as the eye can see.
Top-shelf natural attractions unfurl in every direction on a road trip from Melbourne. Head east or west along the salt-lashed coastline, or venture inland to savour country Victoria’s charms.
The western route takes travellers along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most sought-after road trips.
If time permits, make a pit stop at Geelong to peruse museums and kick back on its crescent-shaped waterfront esplanade. The adjacent Bellarine Peninsula is a worthy off-the-beaten-track detour with scenic vineyards and windswept beaches—don’t miss Queenscliff.
Back on the Great Ocean Road, the seaside settlements of Torquay and Anglesea boast beautiful coastal vistas and world-class surf breaks. Every Aussie 90s child should stop by Aireys Inlet to whistle Round the Twist melodies at Split Point Lighthouse.
Take it slow on the next westerly stretch to savour those stunning coastal views—stop off at Memorial Arch for an iconic photo opp. Laidback Lorne is a holiday hotspot for its splendid scenery and nearby natural sites. Check out Teddy’s Lookout and Erskine Falls.
Stop to stretch your legs at Wye River and Kennett River before rolling into Apollo Bay, an unpretentious seaside town and the gateway for Cape Otway adventures.
The most postcard-worthy Great Ocean Road sites reside around Port Campbell. While the jagged limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles take centre stage, cragged coastal photo ops abound. Don’t miss the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, London Bridge, The Grotto, and The Bay of Islands.
If more western adventures beckon, take the time to suss out the coastline surrounding Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland.
Although the eastern route doesn’t receive the same international acclaim, this sparsely populated region, known as Gippsland, brims with beautiful beaches, mountains, and lakes.
First up is Mornington Peninsula, a scenic cape full of vineyards, open-air galleries, hot springs, and hikes. Kick back in Point Nepean National Park and enjoy sweeping vistas from the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola. Worthwhile Mornington towns include Sorrento, Portsea, Dromana, Rosebud, Flinders, Mount Martha, and Rye.
Hit Phillip Island’s Summerland Beach at sunset to watch the adorable Penguin Parade. Next, try Nobbies Rock to see a colony of lazy Australian fur seals.
Heading east, stop off at Inverlock before rocking up at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria’s most mind-blowing national park. Outdoor adventures range from accessible scenic lookouts to stunning secluded beaches and multi-day backcountry forays.
A short detour inland leads to Tarra-Bulga National Park, famed for its lush rainforests and enormous tree ferns. The coastal route takes you to stunning seaside towns like Lake Entrance and Metung— both idyllic spots to laze the day away by the water. Near the NSW border, Mallacoota is a lovely coastal town wedged between a scenic inlet, and the untamed Croajingolong National Park
Occupying large swathes of northeast Victoria, the High Country offers some of Australia’s most dramatic alpine scenery.
Lofty hilltops in Mount Buller and Hotham draw skiers during the snow-smothered winter months. Warmer temps see hikers, mountain bikers, and intrepid 4WDers head to the hills. Some of the most sought-after protected areas include Alpine National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park, Snowy River National Park, and Cathedral Range State Park.
Picturesque townships lie peppered throughout the hills. Rutherglen, Beechworth, Bright, Yackandandah, and Myrtleford offer breathtaking alpine scenery and intriguing historical sites.
The central and western sections of inland Victoria give rise to rolling pastoral lands and historical Gold Rush towns.
Ballarat and Bendigo blend early Australian history with an energetic, urbanised vibe. Cute quaint settlements include the likes of Healesville, Daylesford, Dunkeld, and Clunes.
The mighty Murray River divides Victoria from New South Wales. A string of scenic free campsites line the waterfront and you’ll encounter plenty of character-filled towns. Echuca, Mildura, Swan Hill, and Albury Wodonga pull in the biggest crowds.
Avid outdoorsy types mustn’t miss Grampians National Park, one of the state’s most sought-after hiking destinations. Challenging trails scale the rugged mountainous terrain; routes span short easy walks to arduous multi-day adventures.
The two biggest cities in Australia! In this 7-day campervan itinerary, we’ll be exploring some of Victoria’s many attractions before heading north to Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and home of two world-famous icons: Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This is a trip you’ll long remember, filled with uniquely Australian sights, sounds and experiences.
MORE: Melbourne to Sydney ItineraryVictoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful campervan road trips in all of Australia. Wonderful sights, sounds and experiences await you on the Great Ocean Road without having to clock up a huge mileage and spend many hours behind the wheel.
MORE: Great Ocean Road ItinerarySilo art is well on the way to becoming a really big thing. It’s putting tiny little towns on the map—towns most of us have never heard of—and it's attracting thousands of visitors to these remote places to revel in the immensity and impact of these world-class art pieces. Follow the trial and be impressed!
MORE: Victoria Silo Art Trail ItineraryAn Australian resident must hold a valid class C (car) licence to rent a camper in Melbourne. Learners (L), provisional (P) and probationary licences won’t cut it.
Overseas arrivals need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an approved English translation of a comparable foreign licence.
Generally speaking, drivers must be 21 years of age or older to rent a camper. If you’re under 25, expect to fork out for a young driver surcharge.
It’s recommended you stay in a holiday park, caravan park or designated campsite. Free camping is only allowed in designated areas, and overnight parking is generally prohibited. Most caravan parks are located just a short drive away from the city centre.
Some popular sites include: Discovery Parks Melbourne, Five Ways Caravan Park and the BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park.
If you wish to explore the city centre, it's best to avoid peak traffic hours and to plan where to park ahead of time, especially if you're in a large motorhome.
To kick off your motorhome holiday, you may also want to plan a road trip close to Melbourne and explore the Mornington Peninsula, Bells Beach and Dandenong National Park or experience rural Victoria, the Yarra Valley and Yarra River.
When renting a vehicle, it is standard to be charged a bond (security deposit), also known as ‘excess’, which is the amount the renter is liable to cover in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle.
The bond amount fluctuates based on the insurance package selected at the time of rental and is charged and debited on the renters’ credit or debit card.
Most campervan rental companies in Australia require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to rent from their full range of vehicles.
Some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 21, but only certain models may be available. A couple of companies have higher age requirements: 23 (Leisure Rent) and 24 (Captain Billy’s). Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.
For young drivers, additional insurance may be required and special conditions may apply.
Most companies generally have a minimum rental period. Weekend rentals are possible, but the minimum rental period can range from one day to a full week, depending on the time of year.
Enter your dates in the comparison tool to see which vehicles are available for your travel dates.
Yes, a large number of rental 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 campervan hire company.
Popular one-way routes for a motorhome holiday starting in Melbourne include:
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