Frequently Asked Questions
The Vehicles
Audio-Visual
Children and Babies
Equipment
Depots
Travelling & Camping in Australia
Rates, Insurance & Other Costs
Arriving & Departing
General
Q. Are the vehicles manual or automatic?
A. All KEA vehicles have manual transmission
Q. Do you have vehicles that can accommodate more than 6 people?
A. Our largest vehicle is the KEA 6ST which can accommodate a maximum of 6 people.
Q. What is the storage capacity in the vehicles? Can we bring our suitcases?
A. Hard suitcases are not recommended. We recommend you travel with foldable, soft bags only. Restrict your luggage to a minimum.
Q. Do you have a tow-bar facility?
A. KEA vehicles are not equipped with a tow-bar.
Q. Do the campers have awnings?
A. Yes they do. Our 2WD vehicles have a fitted side awning.
Q. How big is the vehicle safe - what size laptop will fit in there?
A. Length: 75cm; Height: 32cm; Depth: 64cm. It will accommodate laptops with a screen size of up to 17".
Q. How long do the batteries last for free camping?
A. This depends on a number of things, such as use of lights, entertainment systems, and the number of times the fridge is opened. All our vehicles have solar panel backup, which helps restore the batteries when parked, but can't keep up if everything is operating. A general rule of thumb is that if you move every couple of days then the alternator charging in addition to the solar power will keep the batteries charged.
Q. What if we want to free camp for longer than two days?
A. Try to minimize power usage. The fridge is the biggest power user. If the weather is hot, try to keep the fridge closed as much as possible. A good tip is to keep the fridge filled, even by using recycled bottles filled with water, and turn the fridge off at night, or at least turn the thermostat down. Keep the thermostat on 3, do not go any colder. Switch the fridge off overnight. Parking the vehicle so that the fridge is on the shady side also reduces power consumption.
Q. Is power required to use the vehicle air-conditioning?
A. Yes, you need to be plugged into a power source to use the air-conditioning in the living area of the 2ST, 4ST and 6ST models.
Q. Do the vehicles have power sockets?
A. Yes.
Q. How long will the gas bottle last?
A. One bottle should last up to 2 weeks but a lot of cooking could cut this short by a few days. Our large motorhomes (4ST & 6ST) have two bottles to provide for additional passengers.
Q. What works when the campervan is not connected to a 240v power supply?
A. When a KEA Camper is not connected to a 240v power supply, everything EXCEPT the house A/C and the microwave (if fitted), toaster and kettle runs on 12V. The fridge, water boiler, gas heater, house lights and the entertainment will run off the 12v batteries in the vehicle.
Q. Is there air-conditioning in the back, while we are driving?
A. No, the air-conditioning in the living area only works while plugged in to 15A mains power supply (available on campgrounds). You cannot plug the power cord into normal household power outlets and it is illegal in some states to use an adaptor.
Q. Can we hire a GPS system from you? What is the cost?
A. Multilingual GPS units are included if you book our all inclusive rate. Otherwise, we offer GPS units for hire at AU$5.00 per day (minimum charge AU$75.00; maximum charge AU$250.00).
Q. Can we hire a Satellite phone from you? What is the cost?
A. Yes, the daily rate is AU$20.00, AU$50.00 delivery & return fee plus calls.
Q. Do you have vehicles for the disabled?
A. No, there is no access for wheel chairs and limited space inside.
Q. Can I recharge my laptop in the vehicle?
A. If you are plugged in simply use a power point in the vehicle. If you are not plugged in you may use your own converter (available from electronic stores such as Dick Smith, Bing Lee for less than $100 — for a 300W).
Q. Can we rent a generator?
A. No, not available and cannot be used with our vehicles.
Q. Does the CD player /radio in the vehicle connect to MP3 players or my IPOD?
A. The majority of our 2ST, 4ST, and 6ST vehicles have an AUX input to the stereo/CD player. It is located inside the glovebox/storage compartment on top of the dashboard on passenger side. You will need to supply a cord (mono 3.5mm - looks like headphone pin).
Q. Does the DVD player play European formatted DVD's?
A. KEA vehicles are equipped with multi-region DVD players (set to zone zero) that should play all region-coded DVD's. But there may be an issue with some copy-protected DVD's. KEA cannot guarantee that all DVD's will play.
Q. Can you get good TV reception everywhere?
A. No, both NZ and Australia have very limited reception outside of the metropolitan areas. NZ has a problem with hills, and Australia with distances. The units in the vehicles are ideal for DVD movie playing, and limited TV viewing when close to transmitters.
Q. Can we watch TV while driving?
A. For safety reasons watching TV while driving is not permitted in any of our vehicles.
Q. Can we bring our own child seat?
A. Yes, if it has an ISO fix.
Q. How good is the quality of your child seats?
A. We use standard quality seats as available from major retail stores.
Q. What is the vehicle equipped with?
A. All vehicles come fully equipped with: Pillows & Duvets/Doonas, Sheets, Towels, Cooking Utensils, Pots/Pans/Frypan, Plates & Bowls, Cups & Glasses, Wine Glasses, Kettle, Electric Kettle, Dish Cloth, Dish Brush, Tea Towels, Electric Toaster, Cutlery, Tin Opener, Corkscrew, Coffee Plunger, Microwave Cookware, Food Containers, Chopping Board, Clothes Hangers, Clothes Line & Pegs, Bucket, Dustpan & Broom, Fire Extinguisher, Waste & Fresh Water Hose, Toilet Chemical (for vehicles with shower & toilet), Full LPG Bottle(s).
Q. Does the vehicle come with a hair dryer?
A. KEA does not provide hair dryers.
Q. Does the vehicle come with an iron and ironing board?
A. KEA does not provide irons or ironing boards. However you will find most camp grounds do have laundry facilities.
Q. Can I pick the vehicle up in one city and drop off in another depot?
A. Yes, you can do one way rentals between our Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns locations for a one way fee of AU$280
Q. Can I take the vehicle to Kangaroo Island / Tasmania / Fraser Island?
A. Yes, for Kangaroo Island and Tasmania. But strictly NO for Fraser Island or any other island in Queensland.
Q. Can you Freedom Camp in Australia?
A. KEA Campers is proud to be the first campervan company in Australia to achieve
'Leave No Trace' accreditation. Our 2, 4 and 6 berth shower & toilet campervans and motorhomes are certified self-contained and suitable for free camping. However, each state and territory in Australia has different rules around where freedom camping (and parking of campervans) is permitted and where it is not. Special restrictions apply to all built-up areas and in the vicinity of campgrounds. We suggest that you contact the relevant Visitor Centre to check about camping in a particular location. More information can be found on the
Camping Grounds page of our website.
Q. Do we have to book campgrounds in advance?
A. We advise to do so during peak periods such as school holidays, especially between Christmas and New Year, public holidays and long weekends.
Q. Can you send us a list with all the campgrounds?
A. Every vehicle comes with a free campground guide. Additional information is obtainable on the
Camping Grounds page of our website.
Q. Why do I have to pay for excess cover reduction if I have my own?
A. Third party insurance is included in the basic rental price with an excess of AU$ 7500.
The product that KEA offers is totally different from what you could buy elsewhere. Usually, these simply cover the excess but not the many inclusions that come with our options. You are still fully liable for multiple windscreens and tyre damages, damage to the underbody and roof, damage to awnings etc. to the full amount of the damage and associated cost. Our full cover option, on the other hand, offers unrivalled benefits at NIL excess such as multiple windscreens and tyre repairs & replacement, damage to the underbody and roof, plus it includes – at no extra charge - a free GPS system for the duration of the rental, free one way fee and all camping equipment, child / infant seats and much more. Please see our
Terms & Conditions for more information.
Q. Is there local Diesel Road User Tax in Australia?
A. Unlike New Zealand, Australia does not have Diesel Road User Tax - it is included in the pump price for diesel.
Q. Why do you recommend taking the full cover option when renting a KEA?
A. There is nothing worse than finishing your holiday and having to argue over the cost of seemingly minor damages. Panel repairs and parts are very expensive for these vehicles. Other common incidents are windscreen replacements and tyre damages.
Q. Are your vehicles equipped with e-tags?
A. No, you are responsible for paying your own toll. Most toll roads in AU are cashless and usually a phone number is displayed which you can ring and pay by credit card to avoid hefty fines. For more information check on vehicle collection.
Q. Why should I pay for whole day if I pick up after lunch and drop off early morning?
A. In Australia, RVs are hired out on a daily basis.
Q. Do you accept AMEX? Is there a surcharge?
A. Yes – the charge is a 5% non-refundable fee.
Q. Can I pay the bond by cheque?
A. No - Only Credit Cards will be accepted for bond.
Q. Is my bond refunded immediately?
A. We refund immediately, but it can take up to 12 working days for the funds to be credited to your account.
Q. Are there additional fees for extra drivers?
A. No extra fees apply.
Q. We received a quote from a travel agent and it was cheaper than what you offer directly. Why is that?
A. Travel agents generate a large volume and receive volume-based discounts plus they hedge the currency.
Q. Do you offer seniors discounts? Is there a maximum age limit for drivers? Do we have to have a medical clearance?
A. We offer seniors 10% off our regular daily rates, not combinable with other discounts. This seniors discount is limited to AU or NZ Citizens and/or Permanent Residents only. Must be over 60 years of age to qualify.
Q. Do you offer industry discounts?
A. Yes, these must be requested through our marketing department.
Q. We rented a KEA 3 years ago, can we get a discount?
A. This will depend on many factors including the length of the hire and our availability. Contact us directly. Rentals within the same 12-month period automatically qualify for our long-term hire discount (subject to total number of days travelled).
Q. Can we leave/pick up the vehicle at the airport or can you deliver it?
A. Vehicles must be picked up and dropped off at the KEA rental location.
Q. Does every driver have to be there on pick up?
A. Yes. We do need to sight all drivers' actual, full, valid driver's license (photo copies are not accepted) and all drivers do need to sign the rental agreement.
Q. Can we leave our luggage at your depot? Can you help us transport our luggage to our drop off destination? How much do you charge for this?
A. Yes, storage is free if you return to the same depot. Forwarding to another depot depends on the size and weight of the luggage and the distance it will have to travel, costs apply accordingly.
Q. What time can I pick up my vehicle and what is the latest drop off time?
A. In Brisbane, Sydney & Perth you can collect or return your Motorhome between 7.30am & 3.30pm from the 01 September - 30 April or between 10.00am & 3.30pm from the 01 May -31 August. In Cairns you can collect or return your Motorhome between 7.30am & 3.30pm from the 01 May - 31 October or between 10.00am & 3.30pm from the 01 November - 30 April 2013
Q. My flight arrives late. Can I pick up after hours?
A. No, we do not allow pick ups after hours. If the delay is unexpected, please contact your pickup depot directly for assistance. It is generally advisable to book a hotel for the first night if you will arrive after 3:00pm.
Q. Can we leave our car in your yard? If yes, is it secured? Is there an extra cost?
A. For safety and liability reasons we are regretfully unable to assist.
Q. Can we bring our pet?
A. No, we do not allow animals in the vehicles, except for guide dogs.
Q. Can we smoke in the vehicle?
A. No. Smoking is not permitted in any KEA vehicle.
Q. Can I go on these roads/ tracks………………… ?
A. Two-wheel drive vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads of less than one (1) kilometre long to recognised campgrounds or national parks. Four-wheel drive vehicles can not be driven on any islands in Queensland (including Fraser Island, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island) but can be driven on the following recognised, unsealed tracks with the express permission of KEA: Cape York between May and December, Simpson Desert, Gunbarrel Highway, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Warburton Road, Tanami Track & Gibb River Road. KEA does not allow any vehicle contact with salt water, including river crossings. KEA reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
Q. Do you offer relocations for your vehicles? How can I find out about them?
A. Yes we do -
contact us directly as the requirements change every day or
visit our website specials page here.
Q. What is the price of petrol in Australia?
A. The price of petrol in Australia is market driven. You can find out the current daily petrol price on the
Motor Mouth website Country Prices City Prices