Why you should avoid collecting your camper after a long flight
For this reason, we strongly advise against collecting a 2WD or 4WD camper immediately after a long flight. When you are tired and jet-lagged, it is much harder to concentrate on the vehicle handover and remember all the instructions you are given. More importantly, setting off in an unfamiliar vehicle while seriously fatigued can be dangerous. Driving while overtired can also have serious legal and insurance implications if you are involved in an accident. It is hardly the way you would want to begin a long-awaited trip around Australia.
Why collecting your camper in the afternoon can be stressful
Many travelers arrive in Australia during the afternoon and are tempted to collect their camper straight away. We recommend waiting until the following morning.
Suppose you collect your camper at 3:00 pm. By the time the vehicle handover and paperwork have been completed, you may not leave the depot until around 4:15 pm. You will then need to drive to a supermarket and stock up on food and other supplies. Doing a full grocery shop in a large, unfamiliar supermarket can easily take longer than expected. Afterwards, you still need to drive to your campsite, unpack your luggage and organize the camper.
If you collect your 2WD or 4WD camper on a weekday in one of Australia's larger cities, you may also find yourself caught in the evening rush hour. This can add considerably to your traveling time, and there is even a risk that the reception at your chosen campsite is closed by the time you arrive.
Don't underestimate the early sunset in winter
During the Australian winter, there is another factor to consider: it gets dark early. In July, for example, the sun rises in Perth at around 7:15 am and sets at approx. 5:30 pm. If you have not pre-booked a campsite, you could therefore find yourself searching for somewhere to stay after dark and then having to familiarize yourself with your camping equipment for the first time in poor light.
Our advice: collect your camper the following morning
A far more relaxed way to start your Australian adventure is to enjoy a good night's sleep first and collect your camper the following morning.