For many people, making an epic road trip around the “Land Down Under” occupies a prominent spot on their bucket list. RVers, in particular, look at maps of Australia’s miles and miles of terrain, and begin to dream of hiring/renting a campervan or trailer to explore it all.
Wes , founder and managing director of Caravan and Camping Hire Australia, is dedicated to making those dreams come true. The company was born on Australia Day, January 26, 2014, Wes says, and right away “went bonkers” with popularity. His company is now the country’s number one peer-to-peer caravan, camper and RV hiring community, with over 300 privately owned vehicles for hire in all of Australia’s states.
“We are booking approximately 15,000 days of hires each year and this number grows all the time,” Wes says. “We project that we’ll have 1,000 owners signed up and hiring out their RVs by the end of 2019. There are enormous amounts of money to be made in the sharing economy for the Caravan/RV industry in Australia but the education process is still something that is a problem because many owners don’t realize how safe and secure our systems are, how much work we do for them to protect them, and also how much money our existing owners are already making each year.”
Wes estimates that most RVs sit unused in their owner’s driveway 90% of the time. Some members of his community are reportedly clearing up to $20,000 a year hiring out their vehicles. “We even have people buying brand new RVs just to hire them out,” he says.
“Eyre Highway going through Nullarbor Plain in Southern Australia.” [Photo Credit: Sean Scott Photography]
As a visitor to Australia, it’s easy to hop in a caravan and start cruising as if you’re back home. From coastal journeys to Outback adventures cutting through the heart of the country, a classic road trip is one of the best ways to experience the wide-open terrain and magnificent scenery of Australia. Conveniently, Caravan and Camping Hire AUS accepts international travelers from all over the world. Most have come from Europe, with just a few from the U.S. so far. Americans can use their U.S. driver's license for up to three months while driving in Australia, and need to meet the minimum age requirement of 25 for vehicle rental. However keep in mind, you can only drive vehicles which your overseas license authorizes you to drive and you must drive in accordance with any conditions listed on your overseas license, and some states may require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
“All bookings go through our website and we assist the hirers all the way,” Wes says. “Hirers (YOU) pick up the vehicles from the owners’ homes or arrangements can be made to meet at airports if required. All vehicles are kitted out with everything needed. Just BYO clothing, food and money!”
Despite the country’s relatively sparse population, 25 million people in roughly 7.6 million square kilometers, Wes reports that Australia’s RV industry is massive and growing rapidly. “Australia is the sixth largest country by size in the world,” he explains. “You can spend months exploring this beautiful country and never get bored. And a motorhome is by far the best way to explore.” Traveling around their country is a favorite activity for many Australians, Wes says, and spots to camp abound. “There are caravan parks all around, plus a lot of spots where you can camp for free. Aussies like to get off the grid - get back in touch with nature.”
Wes says that campgrounds, typically called holiday parks in Australia, cost anywhere from $5 to $40 per night, with each offering different amenities. The country also has more than 225 national parks dotted around the country, and many offer spots to camp. In addition, Wes’s company partners with Discovery Parks/Top Parks - Australia's largest chain of family holiday/caravan parks with 200 campgrounds and great deals all over the country. Other partners include Australia's largest and best known caravan/RV industry media and TV production company called What's Up Downunder and Parable Productions, a media and TV production company which produces four outdoor/RV lifestyle TV shows.
offers some tips for people coming to his country to tour by RV. First, he says, remember that, as in Great Britain, you drive on the left side of the road, and overtake on the right. Be aware of toll roads and pay for them online. While there are free camping spots in many areas, be aware that rules can change from council to council, and if you’re caught camping in an unauthorized area you can face steep fines. Because many parts of Australia are very remote, carry a cellphone with you at all times. The nationwide emergency number is 000.
Most importantly, Wes says, “do your homework. It’s important to keep in mind that it will take a little more planning than simply booking your vehicle. You’ll need to consider when you want to visit, how long you want to stay, how you’ll go driving on Australian roads, and where you’ll park your Australia campervan hire each night. Check out your route to discover what’s available for overnight stays.” Some national parks, for instance Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as “The Prom,” are so popular that campsites are distributed through a lottery system.
Ask Wes where he likes to go camping himself and you’ll be inundated with suggestions. He’s owned “three or four” RVs over the years and has toured throughout the continent. Some of his favorites are familiar worldwide, such as the famous natural wonder Ayers Rock, now known by its Aboriginal name Uluru. Others are less well-known, such as the Cassowary Coast, the closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef; Lightning Ridge, home of the unique Black Opal; un-spoiled Cape York at the northernmost tip of Australia; and Kakadu, known for its waterfalls - and crocodiles. Foodies can plan a trip to the Eyre Peninsula, known as Australia’s Seafood Frontier, or follow a wine trail in the Grampians. Beach lovers can drive the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, where whales can be sighted from your camper, while mountain lovers can hike the Blue Mountains, Australia’s most accessible World Heritage wilderness.
“There’s something for everyone here,” Wes says. “That’s my passion: Helping families explore our wonderful country.”