About Cheapa Campa Australia
About Cheapa Campa Australia
Cheapa Campa sits in an interesting position in the Australian campervan market: it's the value arm of a premium company. Part of the Apollo group — one of the largest motorhome operators in the world — Cheapa offers the same depots, the same infrastructure, and (essentially) the same vehicles as Apollo. The difference is age. When Apollo vehicles complete their first few years of rental life, they graduate to the Cheapa Campa brand. Same bones, more affordable price.
That's the honest pitch, and it's a reasonable one. If you want a well-maintained, known-quantity vehicle from a company with 10 Australian locations, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a full support infrastructure — but you'd rather not pay Apollo prices for a near-new van — Cheapa Campa delivers that.
The Fleet At A Glance
Six active models cover the range from 2-berth campervans to a 6-berth motorhome and an off-road 4WD camper:
- Cheapa Hitop — 2-berth Toyota Hiace campervan. Budget couples, first road trips. No toilet or shower; relies on caravan parks.
- Cheapa 2 Berth — 2-berth self-contained campervan with onboard shower, toilet, and air conditioning. The smart pick for couples on longer journeys.
- Cheapa Endeavour — 4-berth Toyota Hiace. Families with two kids. Up to two child seats. No onboard bathroom.
- Cheapa 4 Berth — 4-berth coach-built motorhome. Fully self-contained. Walk-through interior. Suits two couples or families wanting proper facilities.
- Cheapa 6 Berth — 6-berth motorhome. Three double beds, two dining areas, full bathroom. The big family or group option.
- Cheapa 4WD Camper — 2-berth 4WD ute-based camper with pop-top roof and outback safety kit. Built for unsealed roads and remote Australia.
All vehicles have hi-top roofs (stand-up interior) — a practical distinction from ultra-budget operators who skip this expensive addition. Every model comes with linen included.
What Makes Cheapa Different
The Apollo connection is both the selling point and the honest disclosure. These are older Apollo vehicles — typically 3–5 years into their rental life — which means some wear is to be expected. Don't walk in expecting showroom condition. The cushions might be a bit tatty. There could be some gaffer tape over minor dings. Drawers don't always latch perfectly.
That's not a failure — it's the deal you're making. You get genuine quality infrastructure (global company, 10 depots, full roadside support) at a price that reflects the vehicle's age. If that trade works for you, Cheapa Campa makes a lot of sense. If you need pristine, book Apollo.
One update worth noting: Cheapa Campa now permits pets on their vehicles — a meaningful differentiator from most of the Australian market, where dog-friendly options are genuinely scarce.
Locations
Ten depots across Australia: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. All locations are in easily accessible industrial/airport-adjacent areas. One-way hire is available between most locations — useful for point-to-point itineraries like Sydney to Cairns or Perth to Broome.
Pick-up and drop-off hours are 9am–4pm, with seasonal variations at some locations. Check individual branch pages before planning tight connections.
Insurance
Cheapa operates a three-tier liability reduction system. The base option carries a bond of $3,500 for the Hitop and Endeavour, $5,000 for 2WD vehicles, and $8,000 for 4WD. The middle tier reduces liability to $1,500–$2,500 for a daily fee of $22–$41. The top tier (High Road) brings liability down to $250 with zero excess for $29–$47/day depending on vehicle. For international travellers, the High Road option is worth considering — the daily fee is real money, but the peace of mind for an unfamiliar vehicle on unfamiliar roads has value.
Who Cheapa Campa Is For
Cheapa Campa is the sensible choice if you want Apollo-level infrastructure at a lower price, you're comfortable with vehicles that show their age, you have a dog, or you want to start a 4WD outback adventure without paying Britz or Maui rates. It's not the cheapest option in Australia — that honour goes to operators like Hippie Campers — but it's a solid mid-budget choice with real institutional backing behind it.
One practical warning: Cheapa books out early in peak season (December–January, school holidays). If your dates are fixed, book as early as you can.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Part of the Apollo/thl group — excellent depot coverage across 10 Australian cities
- Pet-friendly — dogs permitted on all vehicles (rare in the Australian market)
- All vehicles have hi-top roofs — stand-up interior height included as standard
- One-way hire available between most locations
- 4WD option with outback safety kit — one of few budget operators with off-road capability
✗ Cons
- Books out fast in peak season (December–January, school holidays)
- Not the absolute cheapest — budget operators like Hippie Campers undercut on price
- Hitop and Endeavour have no onboard toilet or shower
- Bond returns can be slow — allow extra processing time after drop-off
Vehicle Fleet
