Road trips are the all the rage right now.
With international travel very much off the cards at the moment, there’s never been a better time to hit the road and explore all that our beautiful state (and country) has to offer.
That’s where the campervan comes in. Embracing that #vanlife in recent years, innovative campervan owners have been busy converting, modifying and purpose-building vans that are far from what you’d expect from a two-berth on the road vehicle, giving travellers a unique way to holiday around the state. There are even pretty rad platforms like Camplify, which works a bit like Airbnb, connecting holidaymakers with thousands of unique neighbourhood vans that are available to hire for their next outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re after a trip away with your best mates, a romantic weekend or you’re on the hunt for a new solo adventure, there’s plenty of road trip experiences to be had. To make life even easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of Victoria’s most unique vans that are available to hire over the coming months.
Joy, located in Torquay
Don’t let the outside of this cosy van deceive you, the interior of this beauty is similar to a rustic cabin in the woods. Unique yet practical, with a high quality stainless steel slide-out kitchen, making cooking and entertaining a dream.
With room to sleep two people, this absolute ripper van also has a fridge, a 45L water tank, 200ah (60kg) deep cycle Vision battery, indoor table, new Kenwood speakers, and all the usual camping necessities. Oh and its also pet friendly so you can bring your pooch!
Aalto Van Co // Sandy, located in St Kilda West
Experience van luxury with the nordic inspired design of Sandy the van, all you need for your next Instagrammable road trip. This beautifully minimalistic van comes complete with an outdoor hot water shower, a heater, cosy double bed, two couches and a fully fitted kitchen with a gas stove. There’s also a custom roof deck and a speaker for all the good vibes.
Made from recycled materials, Sandy has all you could possibly need to live a minimalistic luxury existence in the natural world from the comfort of your rolling home.
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The Roaming Van, located in St Kilda
The perfect van to live the #vanlife dream! Fully equipped with everything you will need to hit the road, with enough room to sleep three people and a full kitchen, hot water shower and a coffee machine. With the inclusion of a desk, a sofa bench and swivel chair, The Roaming Van ensures you have everything you need to work from the road if needed.
Located in St Kilda, it’s the perfect starting point to travel around Melbourne and beyond. Oh and it’s pet friendly. Check out their Instagram to see all the cutest doggo x van life pics that were to ever exist.
The Wandering Van, located in Elsternwick
This cargo van has been converted into a modern and luxurious camper with style and practicality in mind. The Wandering Van is fitted with a sizable living area with a 24” TV that converts to a massive queen size bed at night. Choose to either cook inside on the gas cooktop or outside on the slide out BBQ whilst enjoying the scenic views.
With pickup in Elsternwick, you can explore the Mornington Peninsula, or wherever your heart desires. It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Check it out here.
Troopy 2, located in Ballarat East
For those that like adventure, this 4WD camper can be taken anywhere you like around Victoria. It is a breeze to drive and the 4WD means you can adventure to your heart’s content. The canopy on top provides ample sleeping room leaving sufficient living space at the back of the car.
Inside, the troopy is completely fitted out with fridge, slide-out kitchen (stove/sink), quality cookware and utensils, chairs, table, towels, water tank, linens and 2 x 90L diesel tanks will get you almost anywhere whether through the outback, along the coast or beyond!
Completely off the grid – everything can be powered up on the 12V battery, including fridge and lights inside and out, so that really is the dream. With pretty much everything included in the hire, all you need to do is just bring your bags and go. Holidaying has never been so easy.
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Fam Van, located in Torquay
Designed by the incredibly talented duo Jesse & Samantha at Built For Adventure, travellers can take the whole family in this deceptively spacious and luxurious van. The duo have used the space of this beauty to the best of its ability, fitting a queen size bed inside along with a toddler bed for the little one. The space doesn’t stop there, the ‘garage’ can fit all your outdoor activities like surfboards, mountain bikes or climbing equipment, whatever you need to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Built for adventure, this tiny home on wheels intends to get you where you want to go with the added bonuses of on-board water storage and a solar/battery set up which you don’t need to plug in – instead you can get out there and get unplugged.
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As for where you should go, there are so many beautiful options around the state for you to park your van and explore. Here are a few of our go-tos.
Zanetti’s Beach, Yarrawonnga
Close to the local down and boasting stretches of soft white sand, this beach has the lot. The swimming is fantastic with areas of low current and shallow water for the little ones and also has some great fishing spots.
Torquay Holiday Park, Torquay
Situated in trendy Torquay along Victoria’s Surf Coast, this holiday park is ideal for those willing to take advantage of the attractions right at your doorstep. With the park’s picturesque landscape of trees and gardens and powered campsites, the beauty of Torquay Holiday Park is the added range of camp facilities, including a heated swimming pool, camp kitchen with barbecues and cooktops, and mini-golf, to name just a few.
A short stroll and you can also be at one of the many beaches in Torquay, or visit the vast array of shops, cafes and restaurants that make the town so vibrant. Time to book!
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Cumberland River Holiday Park, Great Ocean Road
This beautiful park runs along the river opposite the beach with many campsites on the river’s edge. Through the rainforest and cutting through pretty towns, the Great Ocean Road is a route that offers, not only stunning views, but also action-packed adventures and activities too.
Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance
A much loved Victorian holiday spot, Lakes Entrance occupies a spectacular position in the memories of holiday-makers and on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. Here you’ll find fantastic new amenities building, solar heated swimming pool and toddlers pool, BBQ’s, games room, children’s playground all situated in a friendly relaxed park environment.
Figtree Holiday Park, Warrnambool
Situated 6 minutes’ drive from Warranambool’s patrolled beaches, Figtree Holiday Village is truly something, with an indoor heated pool, a 6-person hot tub and a tennis court, alongside free WiFi access if you really cant switch off. The park is pet friendly all year round on all site, and there are a variety of Caravan and Camping options await you, including Grassed, Powered, and slab En-suite sites. Oh, and it’s all just a short stroll to Warrnambool’s fantastic food, wine and shopping precinct.
Riverside Park, Swan Hill
The hidden riverside gem is one place not to be missed on a roadtrip to Swan Hill. With luscious green lawns aplenty, Riverside Park is the perfect place to pull up and relax after a busy afternoon exploring the region. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle but still only a short walk to the CBD, even well-travelled visitors will be pleasantly surprised by this beautiful open space. There is room for all and plenty to see.
Lake Sambell Park, Beechworth
Whether your holiday includes sightseeing, enjoying local food, swimming, fishing, golfing, bike riding, touring the wineries or just plain relaxing, you’ll find it all here at Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park up in North East Victoria. With both powered and non-powered sites set amongst shady trees and along the banks of Spring Creek, van life will have never looked so good.
