Transporting a caravan from one location to another—especially across state lines—can seem like an overwhelming task. Whether you’re relocating, heading off for a long-term road trip, or simply need to get your caravan from point A to point B, the logistics and regulations can be tricky.
Fortunately, with the right planning and knowledge, you can make the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
In this guide, we delve into everything you need to know about caravan transport in Australia, including whether you can pay someone to move it, how much it costs, whether you can tow it yourself, and what the regulations are for parking or living in a caravan long-term.
Can You Pay Someone to Move Your Caravan?
The short answer is: yes.
Moving a caravan interstate in Australia often means covering vast distances—sometimes thousands of kilometres. By outsourcing this task to a professional transport service, you can avoid spending several days on the road, reduce the wear and tear on your caravan and towing vehicle, and in some cases, even save money when you factor in fuel, wear, and maintenance costs.
Many individuals opt to have their caravans transported by an expert rather than towing long distances themselves, especially when relocating or purchasing caravans from interstate sellers.
Rather than coordinating towing gear, fuel stops, fatigue management, and potential breakdowns, hiring a professional transport company simplifies everything. Just ensure your caravan is in good condition for transport, perform a quick pre-move inspection, and leave the rest in capable hands—like the team at Interstate Towing AU, who specialise in safely and efficiently moving caravans across Australia.
What Is the Cost of Transporting a Caravan Interstate?
Transporting a caravan interstate usually ranges from $920 to $3,240, depending on several factors, such as:
- Distance (short routes cost less than cross-country trips)
- Caravan size and weight
- Pickup and drop-off locations (metro-to-metro moves tend to cost less than metro-to-regional or regional-to-regional)
- Urgency (faster turnaround times can cost extra)
- Special requirements (escort vehicles for oversized caravans, etc.)
Caravan transport companies often charge per kilometre — typically somewhere between 40-60 cents/km for interstate routes. Average transport times range from 6 to 9 working days from pickup to arrival, depending on route and logistics.
To get the best value, always compare quotes from several providers and ensure they offer insurance, licensing, and reliable delivery schedules. Trusted services like Interstate Towing AU offer easy-to-understand pricing and handle all the details—from loading to delivery—so you don’t have to.
Can You Tow a Caravan Yourself, and What Does It Cost?
Yes, you can tow a caravan yourself — but it involves more than just hooking it up and driving away.
If you’re towing a touring caravan, you’ll need:
- A tow vehicle with enough capacity
- A full driver’s licence
- A tow bar and hitch
- Proper safety equipment like flags and mirrors
- Fuel, tolls, and potentially hire trailer or towing upgrades
Cost considerations when towing your own caravan include:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Towball & hitch installation | ~$1,000 |
| Fuel and tolls | Variable (trip-based) |
| Safety gear (mirrors, flags, signage) | $100 – $300 |
| Maintenance on car and caravan | Variable |
While towing gives you more control and flexibility, it carries additional stresses such as fatigue, increased fuel consumption, potential breakdown risk, and longer travel times—especially on interstate highways. For longer or complicated routes, many caravan owners prefer to leave the job to professionals.
How Are Caravans Transported Professionally?
If you decide to outsource the move, here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Risk Assessment: Your transporter will check the caravan’s condition, dimensions, and potential risks or obstacles.
- Permits & Escorts: Caravans over a certain width or length might require oversize escort vehicles or local police approval.
- Transport: The caravan is loaded onto a low-loader or flatbed trailer and secured safely.
- Delivery: Upon arrival, the caravan is carefully unloaded and placed exactly where you want it.
Professional services like Interstate Towing AU handle all logistics, including route planning, escorts, insurance, and compliance with road safety laws.
Can You Live on a Caravan Site in Australia?
Yes—and no. It depends on several factors:
| Situation | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Parking on private land (w/o license) | Up to 30 days in most states |
| Living in caravan on licensed land (some states) | Indefinitely (if you meet sanitation/fee obligations) |
| Staying in a caravan park | Usually up to 180 days unless zoned for permanent residence |
| Residential stay in licensed caravan park (NSW) | Up to 5 years |
If you’re planning to live in your caravan long-term, make sure the site is properly zoned and check with local councils to avoid legal issues. Some states, like Tasmania, are more flexible, while others have stricter regulations.
Can You Leave a Caravan on a Site Unattended?
Yes—most caravan parks allow you to leave your caravan unattended. However, always check with:
- Park management (for permission and any storage rules)
- Your insurance provider (some policies have occupancy requirements or time limits)
Before leaving it unattended, always:
- Empty the fridge and water tanks
- Remove perishables
- Clean toilets and greywater tanks
- Check tyre pressure and wheel bearings
- Turn off gas and secure locks
Can Anyone Tow a Caravan in Australia?
In general, yes—if you have a standard driver’s licence.
Most states allow full licence holders (Class C) to tow a caravan up to 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). That’s more than enough for most 4-6 berth caravans, which typically weigh around 2 tonnes loaded. Just keep in mind:
- L and P platers may face restrictions on towing in some states
- You must obey towing speed limits
- You must ensure your vehicle’s towing capacity matches the caravan’s requirements
State towing speed limits include:
| State/Territory | Max Towing Speed |
|---|---|
| NSW | 110 km/h |
| WA | 100 km/h |
| Others | Follow general posted limits |
Is Buying a Touring Caravan a Good Investment?
For many Australians, caravanning is more than a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of long laps around the coast, weekend getaways, or full-time nomadic living, owning a touring caravan offers freedom and flexibility like no other.
However, like any major purchase, a caravan comes with ongoing costs, including:
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Registration
- Site fees
- Fuel (if you plan on travelling with it regularly)
Most caravan owners find that the lifestyle benefits far outweigh the investment. If you love travelling, value flexibility, and want to avoid the costs of hotels or rental homes, a caravan could be a smart financial—and fun—choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re transporting your caravan for relocation, a sale, a holiday, or simply storing it in a new location, understanding your options helps you make a smart choice. Deciding between towing it yourself and using a professional service depends on your time, budget, safety comfort zone, and the complexity of the route.
For long-haul or interstate moves, most owners agree—hiring a specialist like Interstate Caravan Towing between Melbourne and Perth is the smarter, safer, and more cost-effective solution.