Camperman Australia

Camperman Australia Review

Camperman Australia punches well above its weight for a budget campervan hire company. Operating exclusively on Australia's east coast — Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney — they've built a focused operation around one simple proposition: reliable Toyota HiAce HiTop campervans at honest prices, with none of the insurance drama that makes booking with the big operators such a headache.

The Fleet

Four models. The Juliette 2-3 HighTop is the entry point — manual transmission, no onboard bathroom, older (2009–2016 year range), but everything you actually need for the east coast run: a convertible double bed, overhead single, gas cooker, fridge, and all linen and kitchenware included at no extra charge. If you are two people on a budget, this is hard to beat.

Step up to the Maxie 3 HighTop (2010–2018) and you get a slightly newer vehicle with an extendable countertop — handy for alfresco breakfasts at a national park. Still manual, still no bathroom, but the improved build quality is noticeable.

The two shower-and-toilet models are where Camperman really differentiates. The Maxie 4 Deluxe (2010–2020, their newest vehicles) sleeps four inside and has an onboard hot and cold shower plus cassette toilet — making it genuinely self-contained for free camping away from powered sites. If you are planning a Whitsundays stop or want the flexibility of pulling into a national park without hunting for a shower block, this is the model to book.

At the top of the range, the Paradise Family 5 fits five seatbelted passengers, sleeps four inside and one in a supplied tent, and also has shower and toilet. It is built on older stock (2008–2013) but the Toyota HiAce mechanicals are famously long-lived — these things run 400,000+ km with routine servicing.

The $500 Bond

The headline number is the bond: $500. Compare that to Britz at $7,500 or Apollo at $5,000 and you start to understand why budget travellers gravitate to Camperman. Your credit card is not hostage for the entire trip, which matters when you are travelling on a tight budget and need that headroom.

They do not offer excess reduction options beyond tyre and windscreen cover ($100 with a $0 excess), so if you damage the vehicle you are up for a maximum of $500 out of pocket. For most people that is a fair trade for the lower bond and base rate. Pricing also includes unlimited kilometres and comprehensive insurance — no daily equipment fees stacked on top.

Age Policy

Camperman accepts drivers from 18 years old with a valid licence, including green P-plates. That puts them ahead of most of the market — many operators will not touch under-21 drivers, and the ones that do often apply punitive young driver surcharges. If you are a backpacker doing the east coast loop for the first time, Camperman is one of very few operators where your age does not price you out.

One-Way Hires and Relocations

One-way hires between depots are available, which is essential if you are doing the classic Cairns to Sydney run or flying into one city and out of another. It is also worth checking their relocation deals — Camperman occasionally offers near-free hire rates for moving vehicles between depots to rebalance their fleet.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance runs 8am to 9pm daily (not 24/7, worth noting if you are planning remote legs). For the east coast route with its reasonable population density, this is generally fine — but pack some breakdown basics if you are heading into national park country far from the highway.

Depot Locations

Five depots: Cairns (440 Sheridan Street), Airlie Beach (Heart of Reef Shuttles, Cannonvale), Brisbane (Virginia), Melbourne (Coburg) and Sydney (Caringbah). The locations are not always central — Caringbah is about 30 minutes south of Sydney CBD and Virginia is north of Brisbane city. Budget time and possibly a taxi for pickup and drop-off. The Airlie Beach depot is a shared facility at a shuttle company in Cannonvale, which works fine in practice but requires a bit of coordination on arrival.

What the Reviews Actually Say

The reviews are mixed, and Camperman does not try to hide that. Outstanding five-star experiences sit alongside genuine complaints — usually around vehicle condition (older fleet) and depot logistics. The honest read: you are hiring a vehicle that has done considerable kilometres, and Camperman is upfront about year ranges during the booking process. Do your vehicle walkthrough thoroughly at pickup, note any existing damage, and you will almost certainly have a fine trip. Expect brand-new and you will be disappointed.

Bottom Line

For budget east coast travellers — especially young drivers, backpackers, and small families who want to keep the bond low — Camperman Australia is a genuinely good choice. The $500 bond, all-inclusive pricing, and 18+ age policy are real, meaningful advantages over larger operators. The fleet is older but reliable. If you want the newest campervans, go to Britz or Apollo and pay twice as much. If you want a solid east coast run without breaking the bank, Camperman delivers exactly what it promises.