4 Wheel Drives
Whether it is a campervan hire/rental, or a motorhome hire/rental, there is no better way to see some of the best parts of Australia, and have a real outback experience, than to hire a 4WD. It is important to understand some of the restrictions in place with the operators of the vehicles so you can properly plan your trip.
Each 4WD operator has specific roads which they require you to obtain written permission to use, they use the latest information at hand to advise of the road conditions, and cannot give a commitment to use some roads until you pick up the vehicle, as weather conditions can change.
Camp Sites and Camping for 4 Wheel Drives – Permit Information.
One of the best ways to find the top hidden spots to Camp in, sing that campervan rental/hire or motorhome rental/hire, to really get the benefits of hiring a 4 wheel drive, is to ask a local storeowner or barman etc. Some of the best spots in Australia require a permit, which restricts the numbers of campers and keeps it special. Permits are generally available online or at entry points to the parks. Check the following links for the area you plan to travel to and it will give you the latest permit requirements, costs, and in some cases allow for online bookings.
A good book to consider buying can be found at Camps Australia Wide It will assist you in getting to the best spots as well as a bunch of handy tips along the way.
Britz half day 4WD course
If you are interested in hiring a 4 Wheel drive, but need a little more confidence, then the Britz 4WD course is recommended. The course is offered from all 9 of their branches, and will provide you the knowledge of basic 4 wheel driving and take you through a variety of situations. The course costs $290.00 AUD per vehicle (up to 4 people), and takes a half day. It also includes the rental of an outback safety kit for the full duration of your rental. Let Camper Travel know if you’re interested in this course.
For Great travel advice on 4WD destinations in Queensland have a look at the following site: Dirty Weekends
Below are excerpts of the conditions of use specific to the 4 wheel drive usage of each operator.
Britz Road Restrictions
2WD Campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. The only exceptions to this are the roads into Wildman River Wilderness Lodge (Northern Territory), and the roads on Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
4WD Campervans and cars can also be driven on recognized tracks. For 4WD travel into the following areas written permission from Britz is required; Simpson Desert, Strzelecki Track, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape York, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Tanami Track and Gibb River Road.
Our vehicles are not permitted on the Canning Stock Route, the Lost City in Litchfield Park, and the Telegraph Road section of the road to Cape York. The renter is responsible for damage if traveling on these roads as there is no protection coverage.
Britz Campervan rentals reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
Apollo Campervan Rental – Road Restrictions
Two Wheel Drive Vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 0.5 kilometers long to recognized campgrounds.
Four Wheel Drive Vehicles can also be driven on recognized unsealed tracks, but may only travel to the following remote areas with the express written permission of Apollo: Any Islands, Tasmania, Simpson Desert, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape York (North of Daintree River), Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Tanami Track, Gibb River Road, Kalumburu Road, Warburton Road, Strzelecki Track, Cape Leveque, Bungle Bungles and any other remote area. No Vehicle is permitted on the last 2 kilometers of the Lennard River Gorge Road, the Canning Stock-route, The Lost City in Litchfield Park and the Telegraph Road section of the road to Cape York.
Apollo reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
KEA Campers – Road Restrictions
4WD’s are allowed on recognized 4WD tracks. Special terms and conditions apply for travel in the following areas. Cape York, Simpson Desert, Gunbarrel Highway, Canning Stock Route, Oondnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, the Warburton Road, Tanami Track, Gibb River Road and any other area in excess of 100 kilometers from the nearest sealed road. No vehicle is to be taken into salt water.
Two wheel drive vehicles may only be driven on sealed roads or unsealed public access roads.
Four wheel drive vehicles may also be driven on recognized roads and tracks. Four wheel drive vehicles shall not be driven in restricted areas other than with the express written consent of KEA, whose consent may have certain conditions, and may at any time be withdrawn by notice to the Customer;
The Customer acknowledges that KEA reserves the right at any time, at its sole discretion, and without any responsibility, to limit vehicle movements in designated additional restricted areas.
The cost of recovering or towing the vehicle that has become bogged on land, or become immersed in water, in any area or location (including a restricted area), will be at the Customer’s cost.
So, to enjoy that campervan rental/hire, or motorhome rental/hire, be sure to follow the instructions/tips outlined in this article! We want your campervan hire or motorhome hire experience truly satisfying!
