Australia is a land of wide-open roads, stunning coastlines, and vast outback landscapes — perfect for motorhome adventures. But when it comes to moving your motorhome across the country, you face a big decision: should you drive it yourself or hire a professional interstate transport service?
At Interstate Towing AU, we’ve seen both sides of the story. Many of our customers start out thinking about driving their motorhome long distances, only to realise the challenges that come with it. Others already know they’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your circumstances.
The Appeal of Driving Your Motorhome Across Australia
For some, the idea of hitting the open road in a motorhome is the dream. Driving your vehicle yourself offers unique experiences, but it’s not without its drawbacks.
Pros of Driving Your Motorhome
- Freedom to Explore
Driving allows you to enjoy Australia at your own pace. You can stop at scenic lookouts, explore small towns, or detour to visit family and friends along the way. - Cost Savings (At First Glance)
On paper, it might seem cheaper to drive. You avoid transport service fees and may only need to cover fuel, food, and accommodation. - Personal Control
You’re in charge of your motorhome the entire way. For some owners, this provides peace of mind knowing they are the only ones handling their vehicle. - The Journey Is the Adventure
For travel enthusiasts, the road trip itself is part of the experience. Driving gives you stories to tell and memories to make along the way.
Cons of Driving Your Motorhome
- Long Distances Can Be Exhausting
Australia is vast. A trip from Melbourne to Darwin can take more than 36 hours of driving time — not including rest stops, fuel breaks, or overnight stays. The physical and mental fatigue can quickly outweigh the excitement. - High Fuel Costs
Motorhomes are not fuel-efficient vehicles. Depending on size, you could spend thousands of dollars on fuel alone for a cross-country trip. - Wear and Tear on Your Motorhome
Every kilometre driven adds to your motorhome’s mileage, increasing depreciation and maintenance costs. Tyres, brakes, and suspension parts wear faster on long hauls. - Unexpected Breakdowns
Older motorhomes or those not serviced recently may be prone to breakdowns on long drives. A breakdown in remote Australia can be costly and stressful. - Time Away From Work or Commitments
Not everyone can take weeks off work or family responsibilities to drive across the country. For many, the time commitment simply isn’t practical.
The Benefits of Transporting Your Motorhome Professionally
Hiring a professional interstate towing or transport service is becoming increasingly popular among motorhome owners. Here’s why:
Pros of Transporting Your Motorhome
- Convenience and Time Savings
Transporting your motorhome allows you to fly to your destination while your vehicle is safely moved for you. This saves days — even weeks — of travel time. - Reduced Wear and Tear
Instead of adding thousands of kilometres to your odometer, your motorhome is carried or towed, keeping it in top condition for your next holiday. - Safety and Reliability
At Interstate Towing AU, we use specialised equipment and experienced drivers to ensure your motorhome is handled with care. There’s no risk of driver fatigue or breakdowns along the way. - Cost Predictability
With a professional service, you know the cost upfront. There are no surprise expenses for fuel, accommodation, or emergency repairs. - Stress-Free Relocation
Instead of worrying about navigation, road hazards, or mechanical failures, you can focus on your plans at your destination.
Cons of Transporting Your Motorhome
- Initial Cost
Hiring a professional transport service is an upfront expense. For some owners, this can appear higher than driving — though it often evens out once fuel, accommodation, and wear-and-tear costs are factored in. - Less Adventure
If you enjoy road trips, you’ll miss out on the travel experience. For some, the drive itself is part of the fun. - Scheduling Logistics
Transport requires coordination. You’ll need to arrange pickup and delivery times, and sometimes wait for availability during peak seasons.
Driving vs. Transporting: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Driving Yourself | Professional Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Fuel, accommodation, food, and potential repairs add up; may seem cheaper upfront but often isn’t long-term. | Clear upfront pricing with no surprise costs. |
| Time | Can take days or weeks depending on distance. | Much faster — fly while your motorhome is transported. |
| Wear & Tear | Adds significant kilometres and mechanical strain. | No added mileage or strain on your motorhome. |
| Safety | Risk of fatigue, accidents, or breakdowns. | Experienced drivers, insured transport, and safety measures. |
| Convenience | You handle everything, from driving to finding accommodation. | Door-to-door service — stress-free relocation. |
| Experience | Scenic adventure and freedom to explore. | Miss out on road trip experiences but gain peace of mind. |
Real-Life Scenarios: Which Option Makes Sense?
- Retired Couple Relocating a Motorhome from Melbourne to Cairns
They want to use their motorhome for short trips in Queensland, not wear it down on the long haul. Transport service is the smarter choice — less stress and no added kilometres. - Young Family on a School Holiday Road Trip
They want to make the drive part of the adventure, stopping at national parks along the way. In this case, driving makes sense, provided they have the time and budget. - FIFO Worker Moving for a Job in Perth
They need the motorhome ready at their new location but don’t have weeks to drive across the country. Professional transport wins here — they can fly straight to work and reunite with their motorhome later.
Why More Australians Are Choosing Professional Transport
At Interstate Towing AU, we’ve noticed a growing trend: more motorhome owners are choosing to transport rather than drive long distances. The reasons are simple:
- Safety concerns: Long-distance driving across Australia can be daunting, especially for older drivers.
- Rising fuel prices: The cost of filling a motorhome tank is only going up.
- Time pressures: Many people can’t afford to take weeks off just to move their vehicle.
Professional transport is often the most practical, economical, and stress-free solution.
Tips for Preparing Your Motorhome for Transport
If you decide to hire a professional towing company, here are some steps to prepare:
- Clean and empty the motorhome — remove food, valuables, and loose items.
- Check tyres and battery — ensure they’re in good condition.
- Secure windows, doors, and awnings — everything should be locked or strapped down.
- Drain water tanks and disconnect gas bottles — for safety compliance.
- Take photos — record the condition of your motorhome before transport.
At Interstate Towing AU, we provide a full pre-transport checklist so you know exactly what to do.
Final Thoughts
Driving your motorhome across Australia can be an unforgettable experience — but it comes with risks, costs, and time commitments. On the other hand, hiring a professional interstate transport service offers convenience, safety, and peace of mind, making it an increasingly popular choice among motorhome owners.
At the end of the day, the decision depends on your goals. If you’re looking for an adventure and have the time, driving might be right for you. But if you value efficiency, vehicle preservation, and a stress-free move, professional transport is the smarter option.
At Interstate Towing AU, we specialise in moving motorhomes safely and affordably across Australia. Whether it’s from Melbourne to Perth, Brisbane to Adelaide, or anywhere in between, our team is here to take the hassle out of long-distance motorhome relocation. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
So, before you hit the road, ask yourself: do I want the journey, or do I want the convenience? Whichever you choose, we’re here to help make it happen.
