Planning · 6 min read · Updated 2026-10-29
Best time to hire a campervan in Australia, region by region
Australia does not have one travel season, it has six, and they do not line up. The right month in Queensland is the wrong month in Tasmania, and the busiest month on the east coast is the quietest in the outback.
In this guide
- 01 The tropics: May to October
- 02 The south: October to March
- 03 The centre: April to September
- 04 The west: it depends where
- 05 The dates that cost more
The tropics: May to October
Cairns, Darwin, Broome, the Whitsundays and the Kimberley all run on the dry season. This is when the roads are open, the humidity drops and the reef visibility is best. It is also when prices and crowds peak.
The wet season from November to April brings cyclones, flooded roads and closed national park sections. Some operators shut entirely. Do not book a Kimberley trip in January.
The south: October to March
Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road are at their best in the warmer months. Tasmania in particular is a summer destination — December to March, and even then expect cold nights on the highlands.
Winter road trips in the south are possible and cheap, but you need a properly heated van and a tolerance for short days.
The centre: April to September
Alice Springs, Uluru and the Stuart Highway are best in the cooler months. Summer in the Red Centre is genuinely dangerous: 40C plus, walks closed by mid-morning, and long distances between water.
Winter nights in the desert drop below zero. Pack for it.
The west: it depends where
The Pilbara and the Kimberley follow the northern pattern: May to September. The south-west around Margaret River is best in spring and autumn. Perth itself is pleasant most of the year but hot in summer.
The dates that cost more
School holidays drive campervan pricing more than weather does. Late December to late January, Easter, and the September-October break in New South Wales all push rates up and fill campgrounds. If your dates are flexible, moving a week either side of a school holiday saves more than any promo.
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FAQ
Questions about this
What is the best month to hire a campervan in Australia?
May, September and October are the sweet spot: good weather across most of the country and outside the main school holiday peaks.
Can you campervan in Australia in winter?
Yes, especially in the north and centre. Southern winter trips need a heated van and short driving days.
When is the cheapest time to hire?
Outside school holidays, in the shoulder seasons. Late February to March and May to early June are usually soft.
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For drivers aged 21 and over. Continue to Wicked Campers for availability and prices.