Whether you need to get from A to B on a weekend getaway to the Barossa, you’re heading on a 4WD adventure in the Flinders Ranges or you’re embarking on a motorhome holiday to the Yorke Peninsula, our member partners have you covered.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding what type of car to hire.

Location, location

Deciding on your destination before you get out on the road is an important first step when choosing your ideal vehicle.

If you’re heading somewhere with accommodation, your main concerns will probably be making sure there’s enough room in the vehicle for your tribe and your luggage, and that your car can handle the terrain ahead of you.

SIXT has a range of sedans, compact hatchbacks, 4WDs and utility vehicles to suit all kinds of adventures on the road.

Need somewhere to rest your head, too? Apollo’s range of motorhomes can get you from A to B, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home on wheels to cook your dinner and have a good night’s shut-eye.*

Your travelling tribe

The number of people you’re travelling with will impact which model of vehicle you select. With so many choices available through SIXT, here are some of our top picks.

If you and your significant other are heading to a nearby wine region for the weekend and don’t have a car, one of SIXT’s sedans or hatchbacks could be the right choice for you. The Toyota Corolla and Yaris are great picks for a reliable trip from A to B. The best part? They won’t break the bank, so you can splash out on idyllic cottage accommodation among the vines, or enjoy a dining experience to remember.

Plus, SIXT ensures you and your loved ones are in safe hands, with hygiene taken very seriously. Every vehicle is cleaned using the appropriate antibacterial products and methods.

Want to try something a little bit different? Why not give the Suzuki Jimny a go? It has space for 4 passengers and plenty of boot space for all your belongings and looks like a true explorer’s car – it’ll make you feel like you’re Indiana Jones. The Jimny boasts great fuel economy, and while it might look like it’s ready to tackle the jungle, it still offers a smooth ride so you’ll be as comfy as can be.

Thinking of taking the kids to Discovery Parks Clare for the weekend, or maybe even further afield to Discovery Parks Lake Bonney? Take one of SIXT’s more family-friendly cars like the 5-seater Toyota Camry, or the Kia Carnival that fits up to 8 passengers – perfect for bigger families or a group of pals.

If you need somewhere to rest your head, the Apollo Euro Tourer is the ultimate couple’s getaway motorhome. With heating and air con, a fully equipped bathroom (with shower), kitchen and a double bed, this vehicle has all the luxuries of a hotel but with the convenience of a car, so you can rest your head wherever you choose to stop for the night.

We recommend booking a spot at a few caravan parks before you head off, to make sure you’ve got a safe (and legal) spot to camp. It’s illegal to camp on the side of the road in South Australia, so make sure your chosen parking space is a designated camping area, and you’ve got the right permits or booking requirements. This is especially important in national parks.

If you and your travel partner are looking for something a little more cost-effective, try one of Apollo’s Hitop Campers, which feature a double bed (converted into a lounge by day), gas stovetop and sink.

For those with a few more people on-board, try Apollo’s Euro Deluxe motorhome, fitted with 3 large double beds. Shower, toilet, kitchen and lounge space are also included in the innovative model. There are even enough anchor points for 2 baby or booster seats, if you’ve got littlies in your road-trip crew.

Tricky terrain

Sometimes it’s not about the destination – it’s all about the journey – and Australia is full of spectacular spots, best accessible by 4WD. The good news is that these days, you can hire a range of vehicles that’ll take on all types of tricky terrain.

A word for the wise – it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with driving a 4WD before hitting the turf. If it’s something you’re not familiar with, we recommend getting some tips from those in the know, or even investing in a course. RAA offers a Recreational 4WD Training Course that covers a range of driving techniques and terrain.

SIXT’s Mitsubishi Pajero is not only a people mover (fitting up to 7 adventurers) – it’s also a 4WD that can handle any track with ease. SIXT also offers a dual-cab ute – a Mitsubishi Triton, offering all the power of a 4WD, but with a lockable tray, perfect for all your luggage and belongings, and enough space for 5. Be sure to check the SIXT T&Cs, or ask your customer service representative when you book where you’re permitted to drive your SIXT 4WD vehicle – the rules are different in each state.

If you’re looking to rest your head off the beaten track, Apollo has a camper vehicle to suit. The Adventure Camper includes an outdoor cooktop so you can cook from the comfort of your own little makeshift pergola. There’s space for 2 to sleep, but the vehicle is not suitable to hold anyone under the age of 8.

With creature comforts like a solar-powered, hand-held shower and a fridge, you’ll be set to wake up and watch the sun rise from your cosy camper, teacup in hand, ready for a day of adventuring. Who needs an overseas holiday when you have 760 million hectares of Australia to explore?

Sustainable options

If you want to look after the planet while you travel, SIXT has a few green hire options, including a hybrid Toyota Camry and hybrid Toyota Corolla.

How to book

SIXT and Apollo vehicles can be booked online, in an RAA shop location or over the phone with an RAA Travel Expert and are available for pickup from a variety of locations.

RAA members receive 15% off SIXT daily rates, and can pick up cars from more than 200 locations nation-wide or in New Zealand.

You can make the most of 10% off daily rates of Apollo Motorhomes with your RAA membership, with pickup locations around Australia and New Zealand.

*Note: Vehicle type is subject to availability, based on location and dates. For further information speak to an RAA travel expert in store or visit the website.