Pick-up & drop-off process
We strive to ensure the pick-up and drop-off process is as effortless and seamless as possible. Minimizing time at the depot translates to more time exploring the roads. After all, it’s all about experiencing an incredible road trip in Australia. Discover the convenience of our automated and contactless processes.
Frequently asked questions
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Hobart drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Hobart aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Hobart, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Hobart drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Hobart depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Hobart depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
In a hurry? Or don't want to clean & wash your campervan? Then add the Speedy Return Pack for a super-relaxed drop-off process.
Hobart drop-off info
At Hobart, we have a key drop for returns after-hours, However, dropping off outside of office hours must be approved by Spaceships prior. So contact us first if you haven't done this and to see if a later drop-off is available.
Drop off During Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm (closed on public holidays)
Please drive into the depot to park your vehicle.
Ensure you are not blocking any vehicles or exits.
Return your keys directly to a staff member.
Drop off Outside Office Hours
If you are returning the vehicle outside of office hours:
Please park your vehicle on the nature strip on Llanherne Drive. See image below.
Make sure you have removed all personal belongings. We recommend doing a final check of all storage areas, pockets near the bed and doors and under seats to ensure nothing is left behind.
Return to the depot gate and place the keys in the grey after-hours key drop box (middle box) located next to the front gate of the depot. Thank you!
Please Park your vehicle on the nature strip on Llanherne Drive Key drop box at Hobart depot
For after-hours drop-offs a key dropbox (it's the one in the middle) is available at the Spaceships depot in Hobart.
Use the grey after-hours key drop box (middle box) -
Airlie Beach drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Airlie Beach aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Airlie Beach, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Airlie Beach, drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Airlie Beach, depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Airlie Beach depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
Airlie Beach drop-off & key drop info
Please enter under the pink “Boutique | Airlie Beach” sign, drive into the car park, park and lock your vehicle, and hand your keys to a staff member at the Travel Shack office.
Drive into the car park, park and lock your vehicle. Hand your keys to a staff member at the Travel Shack office -
Where can I pick up and drop off my Spaceship?
You can pick up and drop off your Spaceships campervan at one of the official Spaceships depots in Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. And there's no fee for one-way trips at Spaceships.
Airlie Beach
Adelaide
Brisbane
Cairns
Hobart
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney
For more info about our depots, have a look at our location pages. You'll find detailed info, the address and a map of the area for each Spaceships depot in Australia.
Is there a Spaceships depot located in....?
Spaceships campervans can only be picked up and dropped off at official Spaceships depots. We do understand that travellers are also looking at campervan hire in other locations. Occasionally we receive questions like:
is there a pick-up location in Darwin?
can I hire a campervan in Broome?
is there a depot in Byron Bay?
and what about Uluru... Is there a depot?
Unfortunately not, we don't operate out of these cities. The official Spaceships depot locations are listed above. We don't charge a one-way fee so you can easily pick up a campervan at Spaceships depot #1 and return it at Spaceships depot #2. As long as you have booked it as a one-way trip.
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Sydney drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Sydney aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Sydney, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Sydney drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Sydney depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Sydney depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
In a hurry? Or don't want to clean & wash your campervan? Then add the Speedy Return Pack for a super-relaxed drop-off process.
Sydney drop-off info
If the gate is open: Please drive into the driveway off Botany Road, park your vehicle, and hand the keys to our staff at reception or place them into the black key drop box (located on the wall to the left of reception).
If the gate is closed: Use the gate code (see drop-off email you have received) to unlock the gate. Park your vehicle on the right-hand side in front of the roller doors (do not block vehicles or the gate), and place the keys into the black key drop box on the wall to the left of reception. 🔒Please ensure the gate is locked with the bicycle lock when you leave the depot.
Key drop box at Sydney depot
The black one is the key drop box at our Sydney Depot 
Welcome to the Spaceships Sydney Depot -
Cairns drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Cairns aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Cairns, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Cairns drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Cairns depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Cairns depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
In a hurry? Or don't want to clean & wash your campervan? Then add the Speedy Return Pack for a super-relaxed drop-off process.
Cairns drop-off info
At Cairns, we have a key drop for returns after-hours, However, dropping off outside of office hours must be approved by Spaceships prior. So contact us first if you haven't done this and to see if a later drop-off is available.
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Return your van at the Landing / Drop-Off Zone just inside the gate in car parks 1, 2, or 3.
Before 8:00 AM, after 4:00 PM, or on weekends: Please park outside the gate in the provided car parks or across the road near the creek.
Do not block any entrances.
Once parked, securely lock your van and place the keys in the key drop pipe at the front gate. Do not place the keys in the Spaceships mailbox.
Key drop box at Cairns depot
The key drop pipe is on the front gate, follow the signs on the gate. The Spaceships mailbox is not the key drop pipe. See the photos below - and follow the arrows on the sign(s) on the gate- then simply drop the keys in the key drop pipe. Easy as.
Key drop pipe on the front gate. Follow the arrows and drop the keys in the pipe. 
Spaceships pick-up and drop-off instruction at Cairns Depot. Please stick to the right process! -
Brisbane drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Brisbane aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Brisbane, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Brisbane drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Brisbane depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Brisbane depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
In a hurry? Or don't want to clean & wash your campervan? Then add the Speedy Return Pack for a super-relaxed drop-off process.
Brisbane drop-off info
Park the van on the side of the road or on the grass in front of the depot. Do not block any driveways. Lock the vehicle securely and place the keys in the returns slot (key drop box). We’ll inspect your vehicle and send you a confirmation email once the process is complete. You can also speak to our friendly staff onsite during office hours.
Key drop box at Brisbane depot
The key returns slot aka key drop box is located on the white sign beside the gate. You can't miss it. See the green circled area in the photo below. Don't use the number key boxes as these are for pick-ups only. For dropping off, the green circled area is what you need to focus on: the key returns slot.
Place the keys in the returns slot (green circle) -
Adelaide drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Adelaide aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Adelaide, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Adelaide drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Adelaide depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Adelaide depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
In a hurry? Or don't want to clean & wash your campervan? Then add the Speedy Return Pack for a super-relaxed drop-off process.
Adelaide drop-off info
In-person drop-off during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-16.00 except public holidays). Lock the van and give the keys to a staff member at Adventure Rentals Adelaide.
Outside of office hours drop-off (gate open 7:00 – 19:00). If you're returning the vehicle during these hours, please park directly opposite Unit 9 inside the depot. Return the keys via the key drop box.
Drive in and parking instructions when the gate of the Adelaide depot is open Outside of office hours (gate closed)
Park the vehicle on Hayward Street. ⚠️ Please follow street signage carefully and do not park on yellow lines.
Lock the vehicle and ensure no personal belongings are left inside.
Return the keys via the key drop box
We will inspect the vehicle on the next business day and send you a confirmation email once the return process is complete.
Key drop box at Adelaide depot
Key drop box located on the right-hand side of the front black gate. No code is required. Simply open the flap on the letterbox and drop your keys inside.
Open the flap and drop the keys inside. Easy as. -
Melbourne drop-offs - additional instructions for a smooth drop-off
When you are scheduled for a drop-off in Melbourne aka returning your Spaceships campervan at the Spaceships depot in Melbourne, this is a must-read article for you. It is packed with extra tips and info for your Melbourne drop-off. You will receive an email with drop-off instructions (2-3 days before the scheduled day of drop-off) so the instructions below are additional, to make life even easier.
Let's start with the easy part... You can find all info about our Melbourne depot: address, map, how to get there, nearby petrol stations and more on our Melbourne depot page.
Important Drop-Off Reminders
Refuel your Spaceships to the same fuel level as when you got it
Wash the outside of the vehicle
Vacuum and clean the inside
Clean the fridge and utensils
Melbourne drop-off info
Please park on the street, even if the gates are open. This depot is used by several businesses. Do not block any driveways or entrances or park in no-parking areas. Ensure you are parking facing the correct direction. ⚠️ Important: Yellow lines and/or No Parking signs are located within the immediate vicinity of the drop-off location and parking officers are active. Please double-check where you park to avoid fines.
Lock the vehicle and place the keys into the bright orange key return box to the left of the entrance gate. Any paperwork that needs to be returned can either be left in the car or placed into the cream-coloured letterbox to the left of the front gate.
Key drop box at Melbourne depot
The key drop box is always to be used at the Melbourne depot, no matter the time of the day.
Drop the keys in the bright orange key return box 
On the left of the entrance gate you'll find the bright orange Spaceships key drop box -
Online Check-in Process explained: what's next, what to do if there's an issue?
The online check-in process consists of 5 steps:
Personal details of main driver and additional driver(s)
Updating or adding Insurance & accessories - If you have selected Basic or Partial insurance, please make sure there is enough money on your card so our crew can freeze the bond on the day of pick-up. When on Stress-Free insurance, there's no bond.
Uploading a copy of the driving licence - front side only - of all drivers
Adding card details - debit card or credit card - to our secure vault - We always need to have these details on file, no matter the insurance level selected, in case of speeding tickets, infringements etc.
Reading and signing the rental contract
If all check-marks at the top of the Online Check-in Portal are green you have completed every level of the game. There are no hidden levels and no more end-bosses to beat. 🕹️ All systems are go, Space Traveller. 🚀
Can't finish the check-in process now: what to do?
We recommend doing the online check-in as soon as possible. Then it's one less thing to worry about. However, you don't need to do it in one go. You can always log in again, before pick-up, to update your details or to add/removes accessories etc. The Online Check-in Portal remains open till the scheduled day of pick-up.
For example, if you are waiting for a new driving licence to arrive you can add it later. Not sure which accessories you want to add? You can always add it or remove it later. As long as all steps are doing before the scheduled day of pick-up.
Our system sends every Space Traveller a reminder about the Online Check-in Process a few days before pick-up, just to make no one forgets to complete it. If you have finished the check-in, perfect, then you can ignore that email. It is just a simple reminder that there is still time to complete or update your booking via the check-in.
If you can't finish the online check-in because you think there is an issue or you need more info because something isn't clear, contact the friendly Spaceships Australia Crew. We're always here to help.
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Can I make changes to my booking? How to modify the booking: change pick-up time, change the date or add a day?
If you pick-up time needs changing because plans have changed, the incorrect time was selected or the pick-up time is different from what your asked for, no worries, here's all the info about how to change it or request a change. We're always happy to help.
Our Online Check-in Portal gives you the power to update your booking.
Change the pick-up time
You can change the pick-up & drop-off time via the Online Check-in Portal as well. The pick-up time can only be changed to a later time within business hours on the same day, while the drop-off time can only be changed to an earlier time within business hours.
Accessories: add or remove them
To make changes to your booking like adding or removing accessories or updating the insurance level, you can log into the Online Check-in Portal to manage your booking. The check-in portal opens when your booking is confirmed and closes on the day of pick-up. In between, you can log in as often as needed to update your booking.
How to request a travel date change
If you like to change your travel dates - like adding a day or moving your booking to a different time of the year - contact us to request it. This also includes changing your pick-up date or time and/or return date or time.
Booked via a travel agent?
If you have booked your Spaceships via a travel agent or third party, you will have fewer options available on the Online Check-in Portal. For example, you cannot change the insurance level yourself. This must be requested via your travel agent.
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Do we need to wash the campervan when returning it?
Do I have to wash the car before returning it? Yes, please return the vehicle to us washed, vacuumed and tidied on the scheduled day of drop-off at the booked location. If the vehicle isn't washed, vacuumed and tidied - in our opinion - a minimum cleaning fee of $100 will be charged.
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What do I need to do before returning the campervan?
You will receive detailed drop-off instructions via email a few days before the scheduled day of drop-off. But here's the short version of the drop-off process.... Please return your vehicle on the correct day at the correct location and at the time listed on your booking - see your confirmation email or rental agreement.
We have a key drop box / tube at all our depots. Please make sure you vehicle is washed on the outside and vacuumed inside, clean fridge & utensils. No need to wash the bedding. Cleaning fees apply if the campervan is dirty, with a minimum of $100. The fuel level must be the same as on pick up, as per our terms and conditions.
Once we have checked your vehicle after you have dropped off your campervan, we will send you an email.
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Not being able to log into the Online Check-in Portal? Here's why and how to fix it.
Are you having trouble to log into the Online Check-in Portal to manage your Spaceships New Zealand booking? No worries, there is nothing wrong with your booking or the system. These are the most common reasons why and how to fix it.
The Online Check-in Portal opens once your booking is confirmed and closes on the scheduled day of pick-up. If you try to log in outside that time frame you won't be able to log in.
You must use your 5-digit Spaceships booking number to log in. If you have booked through a travel agent ask your agent for the Spaceships booking reference as the agent's booking reference won't work.
You must use the surname (last name) of the person that is listed on the booking as main driver / hirer. This is usually the person that made the booking. If you have visited the Online Check-in Portal before or you have asked the Spaceships Crew to swap the additional driver and the main driver, then the new main driver's name must be used to log in. They are now the main driver aka hirer on the contract.
You must enter the name of the main driver / hirer exactly the same as it was entered on your booking. If the name has special characters in it, please use these as well when entering the Online Check-in Portal. The system checks your booking so the name you enter must match exactly.
Have you checked all this and still having trouble accessing your booking, please contact the friendly Spaceships Australia Crew. We're always happy to help.
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I'm experiencing issues uploading a copy of my driving licence to the Check-in Portal
The Online Check-in Portal gives you all the power to update and manage your booking.
In tab #3 of the check-in process you need to upload a copy/photo of your licence - front side with the important info only. Pl'ease upload your local licence only and not the translation or international licence version.
All popular image & document file formats are accepted: JPG, PNG, PDF etc.
The upload process can take several seconds to several minutes, depending on the speed of your internet connection. When on a (slow) mobile connection it will definitely take minutes for the upload to finish. Please be patient and do not close the upload session prematurely.
If you are having issues uploading your licence file, please contact the friendly Spaceships Crew and provide us with the following info.
Browser name & version you have been using, for example Firefox, Safari, Chrome etc. + its version number
The kind of device you were using, for example laptop, desktop or mobile
Operating System & version, for example Windows, Apple OS, Linux
Then our geeks can look into the specific issue you are facing. All our systems are always tested with the latest browsers & systems but due to constant changes sometimes an incompatibility issue can happen.
topics: Führerschein upload funktioniert nicht | rijbewijs uploaden lukt niet | Le téléchargement du permis de conduire ne fonctionne pas
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Can we drop off (return) outside of opening hours? Or change the return time?
When you book your campervan via the official Spaceships booking site, you have the option to select after-hours pick-up and after-hours drop-off: early after-hours is between midnight and 9am, while after-hours is between 4pm and midnight).
If want to change or modify your pick-up date or pick-up time or return date or drop-off time after making the booking or if you are already on the road, you'll need to contact us to change the pick-up or drop-off time.
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How can I add additional driver (second driver) to my booking?
You can manage your booking via our Online Check-in Portal. You can make lots of changes like adding extra driver(s), update the insurance level, add/remove accessories and much more. Power to you. 💪
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We left something in the campervan, is there a lost property box?
Misplaced an item? If you've left something either in a Spaceships campervan or at our depot, we're here to help.
Kindly provide us with the details below through our contact form:
A description of the lost item
Your booking reference or the name of your Spaceships campervan
The possible location of the item within the vehicle
Once we receive your information, our team will promptly start the search.
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Will I receive an email when updating my booking via the via the Online Check-in Portal?
Our Online Check-in Portal is an easy-to-use innovative way to access your booking and to make all kinds of changes. Via the portal, you have access to YOUR booking in OUR booking system. All changes are saved immediately. The system won't send out confirmation emails.
You can always log into the system before pick-up to make changes or to double-check changes you made earlier. The Online Check-in Portal closes on the day of pick-up.
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I won't be able to arrive at the agreed time. What to do?
Please contact the Spaceships Australia Crew as soon as possible when there is a need for last-minute changes to your booking, for whatever reason. The sooner we know about it, the easier it will be to do something about it.
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My co-driver still needs to sign the rental agreement. How?
Please make sure that all additional drivers have signed the rental agreement before the day of pick-up. If your co-driver(s) arrive later feel free to send them the link to the Online Check-In Portal so they can log in using the booking reference and the last name of the main hirer aka the one that made the booking, so they can sign the contract.
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What should we bring to the depot when picking up our campervan?
Picking up a Spaceships campervan is easy and fun. No need to bring much, just your smiley face and some luggage. Oh, and your driving licence.
Please make sure you have completed all steps of the Online Check-in Process. When you log into the Check-in Portal all tabs should have a green tick.
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Where can I find the vehicle's papers?
Spaceships operate paperless, from booking to pick-up and beyond. There is little paperwork involved. The booking, confirmation and rental contract (and the signing of it) are all done digitally aka online. You can print out the confirmation and rental contract we sent you, but we don't recommend it. Why waste paper when you already have everything you need in your mailbox?
In the campervan, you won't find any manuals or paperwork. We have some amazing instructional videos that explain all the features of your campervan.
Plus, there is heaps of info to be found in the How-To section of our Self-Service Portal.