Frequently Asked Questions – Australia
- Where do we camp at night?
- How long does the battery system last?
- What is supplied with the vehicle?
- Do I need a special driver’s licence?
- Why should I choose the VIP Protection Package?
- What is the Cost of Fuel?
- Do you have roadside assistance should I have a breakdown or accident?
- Where can I drive my Apollo vehicle?
- Can Apollo motorhomes and campervans pay MP3 CDs/ do they have an iPod jack?
- Do I have to pay a bond?
- Are there cancellation fees?
- What are the toll roads, and do I have to pat to use them?
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1. Where do we camp at night?
Caravan Parks
We strongly recommend you stay in a caravan (RV) park. Australia has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centres and most towns. Caravan parks offer excellent recreational opportunities, plus essential shower and toilet facilities. Powered sites enable you to connect your vehicle to electricity. There is usually no need to book ahead, even in peak periods. The approximate cost is AU$25-30 per night.
National Parks
Most national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic areas. National parks are also beautiful and peaceful locations to stay overnight. However, national parks do not usually offer powered sites.
Roadside Camping
Council laws prohibit camping on the side of the road near towns and cities. However, outside towns and in country areas it is generally permitted.
Apollo clients receive a 10% discount at Top Tourist Parks
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2. How long does the battery system last?
The battery system will provide power for between 12 - 20 hours when fully charged depending on use.
Apollo vehicles operate on ancillary battery systems which power internal appliances such as the fridge, lights and water pump.
The batteries only recharge when you drive the vehicle or when connected to mains power. Idling the engine won't provide enough power to recharge the house battery.
When you are connected, all equipment automatically runs on mains power rather than the battery. Appliances such as the television, microwave, rear air-conditioning and power points only run on mains power.
For the 12 Volt system to work, the 12 Volt main switch must be in the 'on' position. All vehicles can be connected to 240 Volt mains power via the supplied 15 Amp extension lead with large earth pin. All approved caravan park circuits are rated at 15 amps.
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3. What is supplied with the vehicle?
Each vehicle is supplied with complimentary living equipment such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels.
Also, each vehicle is supplied with a complimentary Apollo Pack for your first night. The pack contains matches, mini shampoo and conditioner, dishwashing liquid, sponge, soap, salt and pepper, coffee, tea and sugar sachets. Vehicles are also provided with comprehensive maps and camp ground guides.
We strongly recommend you use soft bags instead of suitcases for your luggage. Soft bags take up less room and fit more easily into the storage cupboards and lockers in the vehicle.
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4. Do I need a special driver's licence?
A valid, current car driver's licence must be produced for everyone intending to drive an Apollo rental vehicle. State, overseas or international licences are acceptable. However, the licence must be in English characters for our staff to read.
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5. Why should I choose the VIP Protection Package?
The VIP Protection Package minimises your liability when travelling in a hired vehicle. If you do not take the VIP Protection Package you run the risk of being responsible for considerable costs associated with damage to, or theft of, the vehicle. This applies even if the damage was not your fault!
For example, you are liable if someone runs into you or if a rock from a passing car hits your windscreen and causes damage. Also, you are responsible for the subsequent costs if you are unlucky enough to puncture a tyre.
VIP Protection gives you peace of mind in such circumstances, as you will only be liable for a limited amount unless you breach the terms and conditions of the rental contract.
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Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia comes in unleaded and leaded grades, and is sold by the litre. Petrol and diesel fuel costs between $1.15 AUD and $1.60 AUD per litre and can be higher, particularly in country and remote outback areas.
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7. Do you have roadside assistance should I have a breakdown or accident?
Apollo provides 24 hour roadside assistance for your peace of mind. Please call Apollo's toll free number at any time and speak to the fleet department in the unlikely event you have an accident or breakdown.
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8. Where can I drive my Apollo vehicle?
Two Wheel Drive Vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. The only exception to this is the last remaining kilometres of loose road surface on recognised campground access roads less than 5 kilometres in length.
Four Wheel Drive Vehicles can also be driven on recognized unsealed tracks, but some remote areas are restricted as specified in our Terms and Conditions. Apollo also occasionally restricts vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
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9. Can Apollo motorhomes and campervans play MP3 CDs/do they have an iPod jack?
All Apollo campervans and motorhomes can play MP3 CDs. However, most vehicles are not fitted with iPod jacks. You can purchase a radio transmitter at most electronic stores which will enable you to play your iPod in your Apollo rental vehicle.
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10. Do I have to pay a bond?
Depending on which liability option you choose, a bond will be either debited from your credit card, or an authorisation taken. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for the full range of liability and bond options.
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11. Are there cancellation fees?
Some fees may apply if you cancel your rental booking. Please refer to Apollo’s Terms and Conditions for full details.
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12. What are toll roads, and do I have to pay to use them?
Toll roads are roads which charge a fee in exchange for access through to your destination. You will likely pass through toll roads if you are driving your campervan through metropolitan Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria.
When driving a rental vehicle in Australia, you are responsible for paying toll fees, so it is important to be aware of these roads before you travel. Refer to the toll road information on our Driving in Australia page for a list of Australian toll roads.
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IMPORTANT: Please be aware that the information above serves to answer frequently asked questions only. For full Apollo Terms and Conditions please refer to your Apollo Rental Agreement.
