Complete Guide to Caravan Storage in Australia

If you own a caravan in Australia, storage is usually the part no one thinks through properly at the start. You buy the van, plan the trips, then realise it has to sit somewhere for most of the year.

This guide walks through the main caravan storage options in Australia, what they cost, where people get caught out, and how to choose something that actually works long-term.

It's written for everyday owners, not storage operators.

Why caravan storage has become a real problem

Twenty years ago, most caravans lived on the street or in the driveway. That's changed.

Across Australia:

• Blocks are smaller
• Streets are narrower
• Councils enforce parking rules more actively
• Caravans are bigger and heavier

In many suburbs, long-term street parking isn't just frowned on anymore — it's fined. That's why caravan storage has gone from a "nice to have" to a necessity for a lot of owners.

For a detailed breakdown of what's allowed where, see our council caravan parking rules by state guide.

The main caravan storage options in Australia

There's no single best option. Each comes with trade-offs on cost, convenience and risk.

Storing a caravan at home

This includes driveways, side yards and backyards.

Typical cost: Free if it's your own property, or $80–$200/month if renting space privately.

Pros:

• Close to home
• Easy access
• Cheapest option if you have space

Cons:

• Not always allowed by council
• Can annoy neighbours
• Not possible on many modern blocks

In newer estates and inner suburbs, this option often isn't viable anymore.

Outdoor caravan storage yards

These are fenced yards or paddocks where caravans are stored uncovered.

Typical cost: $80–$180/month / $1,000–$2,000/year

Pros:

• Cheapest commercial option
• Common in outer suburbs and regional areas
• Usually flexible terms

Cons:

• Exposure to weather
• Varying security standards
• Often some distance from home

This is the most common solution for price-sensitive owners.

Secure caravan storage compounds

These are purpose-run facilities with gates, fencing and sometimes cameras.

Typical cost: $150–$300/month / $1,800–$3,500/year

Pros:

• Better security
• Clear access rules
• More professional setup

Cons:

• Costs add up over time
• Access hours may be limited
• Can still be far from home

For many people, this is the balance point between cost and peace of mind.

Covered or indoor caravan storage

Less common and usually in higher-demand areas.

Typical cost: $250–$400+/month / $3,000–$5,000+/year

Pros:

• Protection from sun and hail
• Best for higher-value caravans
• Lower long-term wear

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited availability
• Often long waitlists

Most owners only choose this if the van is new or particularly valuable.

Private storage on residential land

This includes driveways, sheds or yards on someone else's property.

Typical cost: $80–$200/month depending on size and location

Pros:

• Often closer to home
• Flexible arrangements
• Cheaper than commercial facilities

Cons:

• Depends on the individual host
• Access needs to be agreed clearly
• Availability varies by suburb

This option has grown quickly as councils crack down on street parking. Curious how it compares? Read our P2P vs self-storage comparison.

What affects caravan storage prices the most

Caravan storage pricing isn't random. A few factors matter more than anything else.

Location — Storage near major cities and coastal areas costs more. Moving 20–30 minutes inland often halves the price.

Caravan size — Length, height and width all matter. A 16-foot van is far cheaper to store than a 22-foot tandem axle.

Council enforcement — Areas with strict parking rules push demand into storage, which pushes prices up.

Access requirements — 24/7 access usually costs more than limited or call-ahead access.

Security level — Fencing, lighting and cameras all add cost, whether you need them or not.

Caravan storage costs by state (rough guide)

These are broad patterns, not hard rules.

New South Wales

Sydney and coastal NSW are the most expensive. Storage fills quickly where councils enforce parking rules strictly. Looking in Sydney specifically? See our dedicated best caravan storage options near Sydney guide.

Victoria

Melbourne's outer suburbs offer reasonable pricing. Bayside and peninsula areas cost more due to demand.

Queensland

QLD has wide price ranges. Outer-north Brisbane and inland areas are affordable, while coastal hotspots are not.

Western Australia

Perth metro prices sit mid-to-high. Regional WA offers cheaper long-term options if distance isn't an issue.

South Australia and Tasmania

Generally cheaper overall, with fewer capacity pressures except near popular tourist areas.

Council rules and why they matter for storage

A lot of people start looking for caravan storage after a warning or fine.

Parking rules are set by councils, not nationally, and enforcement varies by suburb. In many areas, caravans can't be parked on streets long-term, even if they're registered.

Once enforcement starts in a neighbourhood, it usually ramps up, not down. That's why relying on street parking long-term is risky in most metro areas.

For the full state-by-state breakdown, read our council caravan parking rules guide.

Common mistakes caravan owners make

Here are the issues that catch owners out most often:

Choosing the cheapest option without checking access — Cheap storage isn't cheap if you pay a fee every time you want the van out.

Underestimating distance — A 45-minute drive each way gets old very quickly.

Not thinking about sun exposure — Long-term UV damage is real, especially in northern Australia.

Ignoring contract terms — Minimum terms and notice periods catch people out all the time.

How people usually find caravan storage

Traditionally, owners relied on:

• Caravan parks
• Storage yards
• Word of mouth

That still works, but availability is patchy and prices are opaque.

On StorageFinder, you can compare caravan storage options across your area — from commercial yards to private driveways — with transparent pricing and no need to ring around.

Is caravan storage worth the cost?

For most owners, yes.

The alternative is:

• Council fines
• Neighbour disputes
• Constant stress about where the van can sit

Spending $100–$200 a month often ends up cheaper than fines, hassle and long-term damage.

How to choose the right option for you

Ask yourself:

• How often do I use the caravan?
• How far am I willing to travel?
• What's my realistic budget?
• Do I need high security or just a safe place?

There's no perfect answer. The best option is the one you'll actually stick with.

So what should you do?

Caravan storage in Australia isn't just about space anymore. It's about councils, costs, convenience and peace of mind.

If you plan ahead and understand your options, it doesn't have to be painful or expensive. Start by comparing what's available near you — the sooner you lock something in, the more choice you'll have.