Campervan Hire - Melbourne

Like many of the states most people follow the coast on a larger circuit around Australia, but it is worth considering Victoria’s inland as well.  Following the suggested campervan hire companies for Victoria, we’ll share two of our favourite circular tours.

Distances in Victoria are less than the other states, so you can either cut your travel period down, or you can spend longer in each location.  Planning when to go however may influence your decision. Most of the northern states of Australia experience fairly good weather conditions year round, but Victoria can be quite cold, grey and wet in the winter months.  If you chose to travel Australia in the summer, Victoria can be perfect to avoid some of the hottest weather.  Victoria is not only a little cooler, but also has more changeable weather, which normally sees a couple of really hot days followed by up to a week of cooler weather, unlike NSW and QLD which are likely to stay hot for weeks on end.

Hiring a Campervan in Melbourne

For campervine hire - Melbourne we have selected three campervan hire companies below.

Wicked Campervans

Wicked Campers are a young and fun campervan company with bright and exciting vans.  They cater predominantly to the under 35-age group and have vehicles available to drivers aged 18+.  With locations around Australia and plenty of deals, Wicked is a good option to consider on a one-way or circular trip.

Hippie Camper

Another company aimed at the younger traveller, Hippie Camper offers two types of van, both suitable for two people only.  What is great about Hippie Camper is that it can be much cheaper than the alternatives, however you may need to book in advance over summer as they have limited availability. 

Apollo Campervans

Apollo is a major manufacturer of campervans who have plenty of van options available.  There are budget vans, six berth vans and a 4WD Adventure Camper.  Prices start from about $75 a day for a two-week hire but a discount of up to 17.5% will apply to long-term bookings (over 50 days).  Drivers must be over 21 years of age.

Where to Go in Your Camper

There are two key circular routes around Victoria using Melbourne as your starting point. 

Going West

Starting from Melbourne head south along the main highway over the mighty West Gate Bridge to Geelong, a thriving town with a pretty foreshore, decorated with wooden people.  Keep to the coast and you will find yourself commencing one of the most spectacular drives in Australia, the Great Ocean Road.  This drive will wind you up and down from cliff top to beachfront stopping at the welcome surf side towns along the way.  Remember to pack your walking shoes, as there are many walks that can be done along the route.

The largest town along the coast is probably Warrnambool, which has the interesting Flagstaff Village, which is well worth a tour.  At night there is even a light exhibit, which is said to be spectacular. Drive on to Port Fairy, which is sleepy all year round with the exception of the long weekend in March when the Folk Music Festival jolts the town to life.

On reaching Portland head north to the Grampians National Park for some more walking and exceptional sight seeing.  Wind slowly back to Melbourne via the historic town of Ballarat and a detour to Daylesford where you can sample water from many natural underground springs.

Going East

Doing the inland trek first, drive to Mount Dandenong and the little village of Sassafras for a Devonshire tea, then further into Healesville with its sanctuary and the wine laden Yarra Valley. 
If you have time, double back and head north, stopping at the lakeside town of Eildon, then up to Mansfield and the beautiful alpine region of Mount Buffalo National Park.  You can stay in nearby Bright, which is popular with tourists and then wind your way south to Omeo.  Note that you can only take this road in the summer as it is closed during the winter. 

Buchan caves offers an interesting stop before hitting the coastal town of Marlo.  Head south along the coast to the Lakes district taking short detours to the smaller towns.

Continue south ensuring that you spend some time at Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of the most spectacular National Parks in Australia.  You may need to book in advance to secure a spot on the island otherwise stay in nearby Foster.  Wind your way home hugging the coast, including a visit to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins at dusk. 

Back on the mainland, skirt around the edges of Westernport Bay and down the Mornington Peninsula for more wine, gourmet foods, stunning coast and safe beaches on Port Phillip Bay.

• Alternatively check out what the best campervan hire options and sights to see by state:
  • Sydney
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Melbourne