About Go Cheap Campervans
GoCheap Campervans is one of Australia's most recognisable budget campervan hire brands — Australian family-owned, operating since 1999, and running from six depots across the country: Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Perth. Where other companies aim at the premium end of the market, GoCheap has carved out a clear niche: well-equipped, well-serviced campervans at prices that don't require you to take out a second mortgage.
The GoCheap fleet is closely linked to its sister company, Cruisin' Motorhomes. When Cruisin' retires a model after a few years of service, it moves down the line to GoCheap — where it typically serves out another four to seven years. That's the trade-off at the heart of the GoCheap proposition: you're not getting a new van, but you're getting one that's been properly maintained and is still comfortable enough for a real holiday. For budget-conscious travellers, it's a smart deal.
The fleet covers three configurations. At the compact end, the 2 Berth Hi Top Campervan is a Toyota HiAce petrol automatic — easy to drive, easy to park, good for couples who want to keep things simple. No shower or toilet on board, but the kitchenette (two-burner gas hob, microwave, 60L fridge) handles meals well. Next up is the 2 Berth Tamar, a Fiat-based diesel motorhome with a private shower and toilet, an 80L fridge/freezer, and a fixed rear double bed that means you never have to wrestle with a dinette conversion at 10pm. For families, the 4 Berth Hi Top and 4 Berth Henty cover both ends of the spectrum — the Hi Top is petrol-powered and compact; the Henty is a full motorhome with a private shower, separate toilet, and a 174–190L fridge that's big enough to stock for a fortnight. The flagship 6 Berth Derwent sleeps up to six across three double beds, has two separate living areas, and is the obvious choice for larger groups and families who still want genuine comfort at a budget rate. All vehicles include linen and bedding — doonas, sheets, pillows — so there's no need to pack sleeping bags.
Insurance and Liability
Standard liability with GoCheap is $3,000 for the Hi Top and $5,000 for the remaining vehicles. The bond is held on credit card at pickup, with a $100 administration fee. Reducing liability to zero costs $29/day (Hi Top) or $45/day (other vehicles). GoCheap also offers a Maximum Cover Package at $55/day, which adds a GPS, camping table and chairs, LPG, and a child seat if required. For a full explanation of how Australian campervan hire insurance works, see our campervan hire insurance guide.
Pick-up Locations
GoCheap depots are shared with Cruisin' Motorhomes, which keeps overheads down and allows one-way travel between cities. The six depots — Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Perth — cover the major starting points for Australian road trips. One-way hires between depots are available, making it easy to plan east coast or cross-country itineraries. Drivers need to be aged 21–79 with a valid licence printed in English. An international permit is required for overseas drivers. No shuttle service from airports, but all branches are within a short taxi or Uber ride from their respective airports.
Reputation
GoCheap reviews are generally positive, with recurring praise for helpful staff, responsive customer service, and good value. The most consistent criticism relates to vehicle age — expected for a budget brand operating 4–7 year-old units — and occasional maintenance niggles that come with older fleet. On the upside, roadside assistance is available nationwide, and the team's responsiveness when issues occur in the field is frequently cited as a positive. In Tasmania, GoCheap competes with Tasmania Campers, Autorent Hertz, and Devil Campers. Nationally, the budget market includes Cheapa Campa and Lucky Rentals — both operating a similar hand-me-down fleet model. GoCheap's price match promise (find it cheaper elsewhere and they'll beat it) is worth knowing about if you're shopping around.
For travellers who want to get on the road without spending a fortune, GoCheap Campervans is a solid, time-tested option. The fleet isn't new, but it's functional, properly equipped, and backed by a company that's been doing this since 1999. For tips on planning a road trip around Tasmania — GoCheap's home state — see our motorhome rental Tasmania guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between GoCheap and Cruisin Motorhomes?
GoCheap and Cruisin Motorhomes are sister brands under the same family-owned Australian company. When Cruisin vehicles complete their first years of service, they move to the GoCheap fleet where they typically serve another 4–7 years. Same six depots (Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth), same family ownership, same support infrastructure — lower daily rate in exchange for older vehicles.
How old are GoCheap vehicles?
GoCheap vehicles are the graduated-from-Cruisin fleet — typically 4–10 years into their rental life depending on model. The maintenance standard is consistent with Cruisin (same company, same mechanics), but cosmetic wear is to be expected. If you need newer stock, Cruisin Motorhomes at their same depots has vehicles under 4 years.
Where are GoCheap depots?
Six locations shared with Cruisin Motorhomes: Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, and Perth. One-way hire available between all depots. No coverage in Darwin, Alice Springs, or Broome — for those remote gateways, Apollo or Cheapa Campa have the network.
Does GoCheap include linen?
Yes — all GoCheap vehicles include linen and bedding as standard. Doonas, sheets, and pillows are included, which removes the need to pack sleeping bags for most travellers.
How does GoCheap insurance work?
Standard liability is $3,000 for the Hi Top and $5,000 for other vehicles, held as a credit card bond. Reducing to zero costs $29/day (Hi Top) or $45/day (other vehicles). The Maximum Cover Package at $55/day includes GPS, camping table and chairs, LPG, and a child seat. See our campervan insurance guide for a full breakdown.
What's the difference between the GoCheap Hi Top and the Tamar motorhome?
The 2 Berth Hi Top (Toyota HiAce petrol automatic) has no shower or toilet — you rely on campsite facilities. The 2 Berth Tamar (Fiat-based diesel motorhome) adds a private shower and toilet, a fixed rear double bed, and an 80L fridge/freezer. For couples doing longer trips or planning any free camping, the Tamar is worth the step up in daily rate.
Who Should Book GoCheap
Book GoCheap if:
- You want Cruisin Motorhomes' infrastructure and depot network at a lower daily rate
- Linen included as standard matters — all models include bedding at no extra cost
- You're a budget family — the 4-berth and 6-berth Derwent offer genuine family space at honest pricing
- Your route is east coast plus Tasmania or Perth — the six-depot network covers this well
- Vehicle age doesn't concern you as long as it's well-maintained — GoCheap's maintenance standard is the same as Cruisin
Think twice if:
- You need newer vehicles — Cruisin Motorhomes at the same depots has the under-4-year fleet
- You need Darwin, Alice Springs, or Broome — those cities aren't in GoCheap's network; look at Cheapa Campa or Apollo
Final Verdict
GoCheap Campervans does exactly what it promises: delivers well-maintained motorhomes at honest budget pricing from the same infrastructure as Cruisin Motorhomes. The graduated fleet model means you're getting vehicles that have been proven over years of use and maintained by the same people who maintained them as Cruisin stock — not mystery vans from unknown provenance.
The trade is clear: older vehicles, lower price, same support. For the traveller who cares more about where they're going than what they're arriving in — particularly families and budget-conscious couples doing the east coast or Tasmania — GoCheap consistently delivers a fair deal.
Compare directly with Cruisin Motorhomes for the same route before booking — the daily rate gap sometimes narrows once inclusions are factored in. But for base-rate value with family-owned Australian credentials, GoCheap is the right answer.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Budget prices with a price match promise
- 6 depots for easy one-way hires across Australia
- Child seats available in 4 and 6 berth vehicles
- Solar panels and 24/7 roadside assistance on all vehicles
✗ Cons
- Fleet is 4–7 years old — not brand new
- No airport transfer service from depots
Vehicle Fleet





