I love looking for the best small camper vans here in Australia, and as I see bigger and bigger motorhomes and caravans on the roads, it makes me even more determined that I would opt for a campervan rather than a large motorhome or caravan.
I’d travel around Australia indefinitely, just going wherever the weather is not too hot or cold, and taking my whole house with me wherever I go.
While I do love small camper vans, I do feel like it wouldn’t be great to live in it full-time as a couple.
But IF I were by myself, I think one of the smallest camper vans (but still with a bathroom!) would suit me just perfectly.
I’d have an electric bike on the back though, so I could head off to the shops or do a little bit of sightseeing, without having to pack everything up.
As a couple, I think a camper van would be great for just holidays, not to live in all the time.
So I’ve scoured the internet for campervan manufacturers here in Australia. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how many manufacturers there are.
I’ve collated my favourite vans in this list, and only included new camper vans that you could buy now.
No motorhomes or truck campers, and no one-off van conversions either.
Just to be clear, you may see camper vans referred to as a Class B. That’s the North American phrasing, and it means the same thing.
Oh, and I’ve only included models that have a bathroom.
Let’s get stuck in!
All the motorhomes, campervans & caravans on a spreadsheet
If you’re looking for the perfect RV, we’ve put together a spreadsheet of all the caravans, motorhomes, campervans and fifth wheels you can buy new in Australia, right now.
The spreadsheet lists Make, Model, Length, Width, Height, Weights, Number of people it sleeps, bathroom, the battery set-up, aircon, Base Price and the URL so you can go and check it out for yourself.
JRV AV- by Jayco
Jayco have 3 campervan models (JRV / JRV X / JRV AV) built on different chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Renault Master and Fiat Ducato.
The JRV AV is built on the Mercedes Sprinter and come in AWD.
Jayco must be one of the biggest manufacturers of caravans here in Australia, but they’re not nearly so well known for their motorhome and camper van range.
However, their popular name and huge dealer network for the caravans probably helps them get these campers out there.
Click here to see more of the Jayco JRV Adveturer Campervan.
Price: $173,408
Applause – by Avan
The main thing I like about the Applause by Avan, is the rather nice bathroom. I have to admit that the shower does look a bit squishy, but the bathroom isn’t all practical, with no style.
Other than that, the Avan looks like a good standard camper van layout. I certainly have a preference for these layouts where you don’t have to choose between a seat or a bed, so this one fits the bill.
Click here to see more of the Avan Applause.
Price: from $139,999
Bondi – by Winnebago
I didn’t realise that Winnebago have their own manufacturing plant here in Australia. And so we’re producing our own camper vans with model names based on some of our iconic beaches (like Bondi).
The Winnebago Bondi looks pretty similar to many other camper vans available here in Australia. Except with Winnebago, it’s backed by that very well-known brand name and decades of experience.
Check out the Winnebago Bondi here.
Price: from $156,990
Escape – by Avida
The electric roll down bed is a game-changer for me.
Previously, the idea of having to lower a table (well, first clean the table), play tetris with the cushions, make the whole bed from scratch (fitted sheets and all) and then get to sleep on a higglety-pigglety mattress with seams going every which way, did not appeal to me.
Having the bed (already made!) lower down from the roof, takes away all that annoyance.
Check out the Avida website for more info on the Escape. They’ve also got a good 3D walkthrough.
Price: from $162,990
Jabiru – by Trakka
It’s so refreshing to come across a camper van that has some unique features, that no one else has… yet.
The Trakka range of campervans is exactly that.
In this Jabiru they’ve got a really nice twin bed setup, a 4-in-1 convection microwave oven, and even the option of a mini-dishwasher, as well as other neat tricks.
Totally worth checking out if you’re after something luxury AND unique.
Below is their promo video, but it shows all the cool features that can be a bit hard to find on the website.
I totally recommend checking out their website. Even if you’re not actually in the market for a camper van. But you just love looking at RVs that have some new and innovative ideas. Click here for the Trakka Jabiru website.
Price: $215,800
Kruiswagon – by Kimberley Kampers
Kimberley Kampers brought out their first motorised RV (they’re well known for their unique caravans) in 2023. And they’re off to a flying start!
The Kruiswagen is built on the Mercedes Sprinter 419 LWB AWD and it has some great features like the drop-down electric bed, waterless toilet and induction cooktop.
See the Kimberley Kampers Kruiswagen here.
Price: from $196,850
Wattle – by Horizon Motorhomes
Built on the Mercedes Sprinter LWB, this campervan has plenty of room for a couple. With the option of single beds on either side of the van, or a queen with a walkway down one side; it’s also got a slightly bigger bathroom as well as captains chairs that swivel around to make a comfy seating area.
And yep, it comes with optional 4WD.
I follow the Horizon Instagram page, so I see the pictures that they show of Horizon camper van owners out and about in the Australian landscape, just enjoying all the beauty on offer.
It totally makes me want to be out there… preferably in one of their motorhome / camper vans!
You can see more of the Horizon Motorhomes Wattle camper van over on their website.
Price: from $203,500
E2S – by Emu RV
The EmuRV E2S is one of those campervans that quietly proves its worth. Built on the Fiat Ducato, it’s about 6m long — small enough for everyday driving, yet still manages a full bathroom with a proper shower, toilet and basin.
Inside, the lounge converts to two singles or a double bed, and there’s loads of smart storage overhead and under the benches.
It’s not flashy, but it’s solid, comfortable, and cleverly designed — showing that you really can have full amenities, including a real bathroom, in a van that’s compact and easy to live with on the road.
There’s more details on their website: https://emurv.com.au/new-models
Price: from $146,940
If this post has convinced you that a camper van is not your thing (!) then I’ve put together posts on small caravans, fifth wheels and a small motorhome which may be the type of RV that is better suited to you.
What do you think of these small camper vans?
Would travel around Australia in one of these small RV campers, or do you need something a little bit bigger? Tell us in the comments.
Comments
26 responses to “The Best Small Camper Vans in Australia in 2026”
Question – what sort of campervan (this sort of size) would you consider best for off road. Ideally I’d love one this kind of size but high road clearnace and 4WD (like the old Iveco which don’t seem to exsit anymore)
Kerri-Ann, the Horizon Motorhomes seem to specialise in 4X4; but you could also look at Explorer Motorhomes. They’re still small, they’re 4×4 and definitely high road clearance. I’ve written about them here: https://benandmichelle.com/awesome-small-rv-motorhome
Hi,
I’m looking for a campervan with a shower and toilet that will park in a normal parking space at a shopping centre.
Most of the ones that you have displayed look quite long and I just seem to be going around in circles on the net looking for them.
Have you come across any that will do the job.
Hi Marie,
A standard car space is 5.4m and all these camper vans are in the 6+m range, so that would make parking at the mall a bit tricky. However, I’ve seen plenty of these size rigs parked at the outdoor areas, on the edges of the parking lot. They may stick out a bit, but not a huge amount, and being on the edge of the parking lots they don’t impede traffic.
The smallest (shortest) rig with a toilet and shower is from Explorer Motorhomes and there’s is 5.8m. I’ve written about them here: https://benandmichelle.com/awesome-small-rv-motorhome
I hope that helps! Michelle 🙂
Thanks Michelle, the explorer is lovely and worth thinking about. I’m no spring chicken now and I have to think of all of the easy ways of doing things. So not sure about the steps up to the beds.
Thank you very for your input and I will have to keep looking and hoping that some manufacturer will come to the party.
Hi Marie,
Most ‘nose-in’ parking spaces are 6 metres.
The Mercedes Sprinter MWB van is 6 metres and fits just fine in these spaces.
More Australian info about vans of this size is available at http://compactrv.net
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Warren
Ooh, thanks for that info Warren. Good to know!
And you have an awesome site with heaps of info on campervans! Thanks heaps for chiming in. Michelle 🙂
Hello,
Just wondering if any of these small camper vans can sleep four (2 adults with 2 children)?
Or any camper van recommendations for 4 with toilet/shower and basic kitchen? The more compact the van is, the more preferable.
Thank you.
Hi Ming, I haven’t actually seen any campervans that would fit a family, except for self-converted ones. I think your best bet would be to look for a small motorhome; a Class C (the ones where there is a bed above the cab area) to get all the beds that you need.
Hi Michelle,
Great article. My wife and I have done several Campervan trips in the US and Canada (older and even smaller vans) and we love it.
We are full time global nomads but now grounded in OZ with Covid so thinking of buying a vehicle and driving Oz for a year or 2.
I agree that the campers could be a bit small for long term (we have done close to 3 months before) but we have never towed. What do you think of the slide on campers, smaller Motorhome types that sit on the back of utes? Some you can slide off so you can take the Ute separately.
Appreciate your thoughts
James
Hi James,
I’ve actually been doing some research on truck campers for a new article…! Here’s my initials thoughts/concerns:
Weight is the biggest factor to consider – the big 1 tonne trucks that they have in the States are not as popular here, and they’re very expensive. IF you weren’t so concerned about a bathroom then there are plenty of manufacturers here in Australia that make great truck campers for a ute, but they don’t have a bathroom.
Yes you can slide them off the ute, but, they’re not made for consistent use off the ute as it puts a lot of pressure on the jacks.
I LOVE the idea of the truck campers, but for us, they’re a little bit too small for full-timing; especially as we need to work online and therefore need a bit of space for a laptop each. But the great thing about a truck camper is that you could rent an AirBnB now and again. With a truck camper, it’s not so hard to find a spot to plonk it down while you enjoy the space of an AirBnB.
Also, if you’ve never towed (but want to) there are towing courses that are really, really good. They teach you how to be safe, the physics of towing and reversing etc, and they’re a great confidence builder. tow-ed.com.au is an example.
‘Full time global nomads’… I love the ring of that. I’m looking forward to calling myself that one day too!
Safe travels,
Michelle 🙂
What would be the smallest in regards to exterior height?, (I have parking in a underground carpark)
HI michelle would be interested in getting a campervan (ideally a 4×4 version but I know they’re rather pricey – may be you could convince me against it) that’s small enough to be used as a daily drive but has 4 seats, including x2 anchor points for baby capsule/child seat. 5 seats even better! I’m thinking something like a pop top but i can’t seem to find a pop top that has a roof top air con attached. Only 1 double bed would suffice as I can always sleep on the floor or the front seat(s) and the kids can sleep with their mom in their own portacots placed on the bed or the floor. And yes definitely a shower/toilet combo as there’s nothing better than being able to use your own toilet when going for picnic! Also i can sacrifice stovetop for a microwave as i can always carry portable butane burners. Or do you not recommend this? And please not one of those hideous looking motorhomes with beds over the front seats!
Eek! ‘Looking for that dream RV’ – you’ve got quite the wish list there!
Haha, my first recommendation (until I got to the end of your comment) was going to be a Class C motorhome … the one with the beds above the cab. 🙂
I started to rack my brain for suitable options, but realised it’s fruitless exercise! Having all that you’ve requested, in a ‘daily driver’ would only be possible if you were to do a conversion yourself. IMO.
Can anybody help me?
I am after a camper van that I can put in my garage.
I have 7.19m in length
2.7m in height (below Roller Door)
comments appreciated
Hi Michelle
Where would a person look for a road worthy Just to sleep in trailer type van? Where are the small vans that have been converted to be found?
Hi Nick,
I’m not sure what you mean by a ‘trailer type van’? But for small vans that have been converted (I’m thinking the ‘back-packer’ type of vans, with no bathroom) I would just do a google search for ‘campervans for sale’. This should bring you to sites like gumtree.com.au, tradervs.com.au. Or you could look up hire companies like Britz, Kea and Maui as they usually have a section for selling off their older stock.
I’m not sure I understood your question correctly, but I hope that helps!
Have you looked at the Trakka Jabiru J2M? I am considering this with the possibility of attaching a motorbike carrier (to carry a Harley Davidson Street 500) that attaches to the tow hitch. I will be doing some firetrail driving but not hard-core 4wd.
Oh yes, it’s actually my favourite model of them all!
But with a 6’2″ husband that east-west bed would be a bit too short, I think.
Have you downloaded the spec sheet from the Trakka website? It has all the technical specs like payload. I think that would be your biggest concern, is how much weight you’d be adding to the van. But a motorbike to do all your sightseeing and errands, sounds awesome!
Michelle
I have a garage with roller slide door.
What brand campervan you recommend to look for that would fit?
I want to be a grey nomad so do not need big
Hi Meg,
Well it depends how tall your garage door is, but I suspect that you’ll be limited to the smaller, pop-top type of campervans. I’m thinking something like the Trakkadu from Trakka https://trakka.com.au/models/trakkadu But download the spec sheet to check for dimensions.
Good luck with your search! 🙂
Check out the website : livin life teardrop campers victoria.
You can stand up in their teardrop and they are manufactured in Australia.
You may like to do a review on them.
Thanks Helen 🙂
I’ll add you to our post on teardrop campers, if you want to send me through some details to admin@benandmichelle.com.
Cheers,
Michelle
I wouldnt class these as “small”
Campervans based on VW Transporter and HiAce would be more in line with smaller campervans.
That’s true. But unfortunately, neither of those are big enough to fit a bathroom.
These are too damn big! Where is something genuinely small and innovative? They have them in Europe and Asia – 5.5 metres or less and easy to drive, park and store. Australians deserve better choices.