Wheelie Campers: Accessible Camper Van Hire Australia
Author: Wheelie Campers
Published: 12 Feb 2019 - Updated: 9 Jul 2026
Publication Type: Informative
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This information details Australia's first self-drive wheelchair accessible campervan hire service, operated by Wheelie Campers and founded by a man whose grandfather went without everyday outings in an era before accessibility was recognized as a right. The vans are converted Mercedes Sprinters fitted with Q Straint restraints, an external hoist rated to 300kg, a ceiling-mounted double bed and a rotating passenger seat, and they can be driven on a standard car license after a short training video. Rentals are available for pickup on the Gold Coast or delivery anywhere from Sydney to Cairns along the East Coast, and a professional driver can accompany travelers who are unable to drive themselves, making independent touring a practical option for wheelchair users, seniors and their families.*At a Glance
- 1 - Each van seats up to five passengers, plus a driver and two wheelchairs.
- 2 - Vehicles come in manual or automatic hand-controlled versions, with insurance options and full roadside assistance included.
- 3 - Onboard features include a sink, fridge/freezer, television, air conditioning, hotplate, awning, GPS tracker and Bluetooth, along with a supplied toilet/shower tent and sleeping tent with a mobile lift.
Topic Definition
- Wheelchair Accessible Camper Van
A wheelchair accessible camper van is a recreational vehicle modified so that a person using a manual or powered wheelchair can enter, travel and live in it safely and comfortably. These conversions typically add a lift or external hoist for boarding, floor-anchored tie-down systems such as Q Straint restraints to secure the chair while the vehicle is moving, and interior layouts with widened space to maneuver. Many also include transfer aids like a rotating front seat, along with sleeping, cooking and washing facilities, allowing users to travel independently or with a support driver over long distances.
Overview
Attention thrill seekers and adventurers we'd like to introduce you to Australia's first self-drive wheelchair accessible campervans - Wheelie Campers.
Whether you're planning that all important visit to family, or simply want to go travelling, Wheelie Campers gives you the freedom to get out there and see it all.
This awesome new initiative originates from the mind of a man who, as a child, saw his grandfather miss out on everyday activities and family outings as he was physically impaired in a time that accessibility was not deemed a right. With this in mind, and after years of travelling the world, Scotty decided to make a change. After driving a maxi-taxi for years, the idea slowly became a reality, with the first van on the road this year, breathing new life and experiences into people that had thought travelling was out of reach.
The Vans
The vans we use are Mercedes Sprinters, which have lots of internal space to manoeuvre manual or motorised chairs. Each van has two sets of Q Straint restraints, so chairs are secure during the journey. Vans are equipped with an external hoist (max weight 300kg), a double bed that lowers from the ceiling, and a rotating passenger seat that allows transfer from a wheelchair into the front of the van for a first class view of our beautiful country.
Although large, the vans are relatively easy to drive (following a short video training) and a normal car licence is enough to get you going. Prior to being released, the driver is provided with a full run down of the vehicle and safety operation of the hoist, bed, and wheelchair tie down points. All vehicles have a range of insurance options, and have full roadside assistance.
Our vans are manual or automatic (hand controlled) and can be rented as self-drive with pick up on the Gold Coast or delivered to from Sydney to Cairns on the East Coast. They accommodate up to 5 passengers, plus a driver and a two wheelchairs.
For those who are unable to drive themselves, a professional driver is available to join you on your adventures and take you where you'd like to go. They can then either take you to your destination and leave, for you to enjoy the van with your relatives, or stay with you. Most of our drivers have spent the majority of their lives living and working in Queensland, and one thing they all share is their knowledge and enthusiasm to show off our beautiful country.
Included Features
Other features include a sink, fridge/freezer, television, air conditioning, hotplate, awning, front/rear dashcam, GPS tracker and Bluetooth connectivity.
Each vehicle is converted with 240v and has options to charge the system via the engine, external power soured and mains inlet.
We also provide a toilet/shower tent and 10 mn sleeping tent. A mobile lift is supplied to enable users to sleep in the tent if they wish.
Friendly Staff
So don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today - contact Wheelie Campers for more information and a chat with one of our experienced and passionate team members. We can guide you on how to get travelling with Wheelie Campers, and to make the most of your adventure with advice on things to do and see, and places to stay that accommodate wheelchair travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)
Do you need a special license to drive a Wheelie Camper?
No, a standard car license is sufficient. Drivers complete a short training video and receive a full run-through of the vehicle, including safe operation of the hoist, bed and wheelchair tie-down points before release.
What type of vehicle is used for the accessible campervans?
The vans are Mercedes Sprinters, chosen for their generous internal space that allows both manual and motorized wheelchairs to maneuver easily inside the vehicle.
Can the camper van be delivered rather than picked up?
Yes. Self-drive rentals can be collected on the Gold Coast, or the van can be delivered anywhere along the East Coast from Sydney to Cairns to suit your travel plans.
What is the maximum weight the wheelchair hoist can lift?
The external hoist fitted to each van has a maximum rated capacity of 300kg, which covers most manual and powered wheelchairs along with their occupants.
Is there an option for travelers who cannot drive themselves?
Yes. A professional driver can join your trip and either take you to your destination and leave, or stay throughout, and most drivers have extensive local knowledge of Queensland and the surrounding regions.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The value of a service like this reaches beyond the practical hardware bolted into a Mercedes Sprinter, because it addresses a gap that has long kept wheelchair users on the sidelines of the classic road trip. By pairing genuinely accessible conversions with the option of an experienced local driver, Wheelie Campers removes both the physical and logistical barriers that usually stand between disabled travelers and the open road, and the founder's personal motivation gives the venture a credibility that marketing alone rarely achieves - a reminder that accessibility done well simply looks like freedom.*Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Wheelie Campers and published on 12 Feb 2019, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.