powered holiday park
Melbourne Holiday Park, Coburg
Handy north-side first night with easier access from Tullamarine than the CBD; book ahead in school holidays.
FIRST NIGHT SORTED
lets go campervan hire melbourne airport: the sensible first day
The hardest part is not getting the keys — it is deciding where to sleep that first night without accidentally joining Melbourne peak hour in a 7-metre box with your brain still on aircraft mode.
australiamotorhomes.com LEG BY LEG
The drive, broken down
- Arrivals to depot transfer10–25 km · 15–35 min
Use the supplier instructions for shuttle, taxi or rideshare; the depot is not inside the terminal.
- Depot handover and van check0 km · 60–90 min
Check fuel type, height, water, LPG, toilet cassette, power lead and existing damage before you roll.
- Depot to stock-up stop5–15 km · 10–20 min
Choose open-air supermarket parking around Airport West, Broadmeadows, Sunbury, Coburg or Braybrook.
- Stock-up to first camp12–40 km · 20–45 min
Book a powered site for night one if you want the least dramatic introduction to van life.
AIRPORTTullamarine · 23 km NW of CBD
DEPOT TRANSFER15–35 min typical
HANDOVERAllow 60–90 min
FIRST NIGHTStay within 15–45 km
VAN HEIGHTOften 2.7–3.3 m
FUEL RANGERoughly 500–700 km
SHORTLIST
Sort your first night
powered holiday park
Discovery Parks Melbourne, Braybrook
Good option if you are exiting west towards Geelong, the Great Ocean Road or the Grampians.
powered and unpowered sites
Macedon Caravan Park
A quieter first hop towards the Calder Freeway, Bendigo and the Goldfields, about 45 minutes from the airport.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions self-drivers actually ask
Can I pick up a Lets Go campervan directly at Melbourne Airport?
Usually no. Airport hire normally means you fly into Melbourne Airport, then transfer to the off-airport depot for paperwork and handover. Check the pickup instructions when you book online so you know whether to use a shuttle, taxi or rideshare.
Is same-day pickup sensible after an international flight?
It can be, if your flight lands early and the depot hours work. Build in at least 2–3 hours after landing for bags, transfer and handover. If you arrive late afternoon, sleep near Melbourne rather than pushing down the highway tired.
Where should we stay on the first night after lets go campervan hire melbourne airport?
A powered holiday park within 15–45 km is the least stressful choice. You can plug in, test the fridge and lights, learn the water system and sort your luggage without hunting for a legal free camp in the dark.
Do we need a 4WD motorhome from Melbourne Airport?
Not for the Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Goldfields, Phillip Island or most sealed Big Lap routes. Standard 2WD campervans are fine on sealed roads, but many rental agreements restrict unsealed roads, beach driving and alpine tracks. Check the road rules before chasing a dotted line on the map.
What should we buy before leaving Melbourne?
Start with groceries for three days, drinking water, toilet paper suitable for RV systems, dish gear, sunscreen, insect repellent and a basic first-aid top-up. Fill fuel before the freeway if the tank is not full. A servo stop is cheaper than discovering your range halfway to somewhere with one pub and no pump.
Can we free camp around Melbourne in the van?
Not just anywhere. Councils police overnight camping in car parks, beachfront areas and suburban streets, and fines can exceed $300. Use signed legal camps, booked campgrounds or holiday parks until you are further out and know your water, waste and power limits.
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