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!
Looking for the perfect camper van?
It can be a bit overwhelming trying to find the campervan that best suits your needs. So I’ve created a spreadsheet with ALL the motorhomes, campervans and base vans (i.e. non-converted) that can be bought new in Australia.
It includes the exterior dimensions, interior height, base price, seating and bed layout, bathroom, solar and air conditioning; with links to each one.
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.
And don’t forget, if you want to see a spreadsheet of all the campervans and motorhomes available new here in Australia you can purchase that below.
Peter
Friday 3rd of March 2023
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.
inXs
Monday 24th of January 2022
I wouldnt class these as "small" Campervans based on VW Transporter and HiAce would be more in line with smaller campervans.
Michelle
Tuesday 25th of January 2022
That's true. But unfortunately, neither of those are big enough to fit a bathroom.
Helen
Thursday 13th of January 2022
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.
Michelle
Sunday 16th of January 2022
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
meg hamilton
Thursday 28th of January 2021
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
Michelle
Sunday 31st of January 2021
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! :-)
Mark
Saturday 23rd of January 2021
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.
Michelle
Saturday 23rd of January 2021
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!