Need some travel advice
Need access to some fast facts and answers to everything you may need to know about Bear Rentals, planning your trip with us and getting on the road. Here are some of the most common questions people ask us. If you know something that you think we should add to this, we are all ears.
What is the Outback Package?
The Outback Package is an optional extra you can add if you have taken out Liability Option 2 to reduce your excess to $1,000 with a security deposit of $2,500.
The Outback Package includes the following:
- Reduces the amount of towing and recovery you are liable from $7,500 to $0 if you are travelling on any of the tracks or Defined Outback Areas where permission is required from Bear Rentals.
- Free Satellite Navigation hire
- Allows you to add up to 4 additional drivers free of charge
- Covers you for any windscreen damage
About Bear Rentals
At Bear Rentals we know there's nothing more exhilarating than travelling the world in search of adventure and hitting the open road to explore. While we love the freedom only a great road trip can bring, we hate the hassle and ridiculous expense that some other companies charge - Which is why we launched Bear Rentals.
We're all about options and flexibility. Imagine everything you need for your dream road trip – that’s what we do. Bear Rentals specialises in the gear you need to see Australia – whether you want to take a four-wheel drive across the Nullarbor or explore Cape York.
And because we think life should be stress-free, our 4WD campervans allow you to set up camp in a matter of minutes, giving you more time to do the things you want with your holidays like relax, and not to mention – what some other companies call extras; we call standard!
The Bear Philosophy
At Bear Rentals we are for the road less traveled and we love adventure but we hate hassle – so you plan the road trip and we’ll provide the gear. When you hire a 4WD campervan from Bear - we treat it as an experience for you rather than just give you a set of keys and send you on your way - every one of our 4WD campers is individually built - so just like your intended Australian adventure they are a little bit different to the one before - when it comes to planning your road trip don't treat you the same as the group that came before you - we are here to make your 4WD campervan adventure special and unique to you!
<strong>Think of everything you need for a dream road trip, that's what we do!</strong>
Want flexibility?
Some times you just aren't sure of what you want or need - other times you may have an odd request - we will do what we can to get you a 4WD campervan and get you out on the great Australian road trip. Maybe you aren't sure of which 4WD campervan or adventure pack is right for you - that's ok - it's what we are here for. If you want assistance in choosing the correct package or would like more information on the particular items included give us a call on 1300 46 2327 (Australia), +612 9572 0450 (International) or drop us a line here!
Location pickup info
Unlike other rental companies, Bear Rentals will pick you up at the start of your Australian Adventure (subject to arrival time and staff availability - but hey, we are flexible if you are). We know that if you have just come off a long haul flight the last thing you want to do is trek across an unfamiliar city to pick up your 4WD campervan. So get in touch and less us know where you want to travel to and from and we'll help out as best we can!
What happens if we Breakdown?
We take great care of our 4WD campervans - but some times unforeseen breakdowns can happen. We will do everything we can to get you moving again. All of our vehicles are covered Australia wide for roadside assistance. If you need to report technical issues you can reach us 24 hours a day on +61 (0) 499 012 991. In the event that your vehicle is off road over night whilst awaiting repairs (and provided the damage wan't caused by the driver) you will be refunded that days hire. Full terms and conditions can be read here. We know all of this can be confusing so don't hesitate to ask.
Driving The Vehicles Off-Road
Australia is a big place and we want you to use the Bear 4WD campervans to explore - for safety reasons there are some places you can and can't go - a list of prohibitted area's can be found in our terms and conditions. If you aren't sure please call 1300 46 2327 (Australia) or +612 9557 1001 (International) to discuss further. For further details please refer to the Vehicle Hire Agreement.
Travelling with Children
Travelling with kids can be awesome times and trying at others - we will do what we can to make it as easy as possible. We have plenty of additional hire items available to save you bringing extra gear from home including baby and booster seats, travel cribs and additional tents and sleeping mats.
Please advise Bear Rentals in advance if you require anchor points for child restraints. The maximum number of anchor points is: 2 (two) in the European 4WD campervan - all other models at this time are only two seaters and cannot have child seats installed – so please enquire check with Bear Rentals upon booking if you travelling with children.
Customers should be aware that the roof top tents require you to climb a ladder to access the tent – please consider whether this is appropriate to your situation if travelling with small children. The hiring adult takes responsibility for all children and Bear Rentals cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained whilst using any of our products.
Campsites around Australia
If your vehicle includes satellite navigation or you have hired one from us - it is loaded with thousands of camp sites – varying from free camps with pit toilets to Campervan Resorts (if you've rented one of our 4WD campervan's we are guessing you are not after the latter) – making it easier for you to just hit the road. Obviously some of the more popular towns can be busier at certain times (like Byron Bay at New Years) and you may need to book in advanced - particularly in Australian school holidays (check the dates here).
If you like to go old school and use a paper map/book check out the range from Hema Maps - and if you would prefer to go digital check out WikiCamps (downloadable and able to be used off road too - perfect for Bear 4WD Campervan exploring).
What is phone coverage like?
Australia is a big country – safe to say that you will hit some areas that will be with out phone and Internet. Mobile sim cards and mobile internet devices can be purchased at a reasonable price – and may work out more cost effective than global roaming charges. Telstra currently has the best coverage for these devices - closely followed by Optus. If you are heading to remote areas it is highly advisable to have some sort of satellite communication for use in an emergency. Two way satellite messengers and satellite phones are available for hire but we only stock limited numbers, so please let us know in advance if this is something you may want.
Will I be able to charge my electrical appliances?
The Bears are equipped with multiple ‘cigarette lighter’ style car charging sockets that with the appropriate car charger you can charge certain small electrical devices such as IPhones/Pads and camera batteries etc., however we do not supply car charger cords. An inverter can also be used to charge larger items such as computers and other camera batteries that cannot be done with a car charge. Please email us if you wish to rent an inverter for your trip as not all vehicles come with one.
If you are renting one of our camper trailers you can plug them into mains power at most commercial camp sites - powered sites will normally cost you a few dollars more per night than non powered sites.
Do we need to take medical supplies?
Some times towns can be few and far between, and the chemist in those towns may not have the specific medication/medical supplies you require. You should consult your doctor about how best to go about having enough medicine with you for your trip. You will also need to make sure you have the proper documentation for bringing prescription drugs through Australian Customs and you may be required to declare these medicines on arrival. Heavy fines may be applied for undeclared medicine.
Do I need travel insurance?
The best-laid plans don’t always go as they should (some times this is a great way to travel – other times it can be a nightmare). The way we figure travel insurance is one of those things that is better to have and not use, rather than not have it and need it.
What will the weather be like?
How long is a piece of string? This is one of the things that can vary so much and is pretty much impossible to give you an exact prediction, how ever as a rough guide the best time to travel is as follows:
Non-Tropical Areas (South of: Rockhampton, QLD / Exmouth, WA/Burt Plain, NT) : October – March
Tasmania: November – February
The Nullabor Plains: June – October (this is Winter, but it is not so hot and it is also Whale Migration season).
Tropical Area’s (North of: Rockhampton, QLD / Exmouth, WA/Burt Plain, NT); May – October (this is the Dry Season)
What Gear is Included?
Every Bear 4WD campervan comes with the following kit:
- Fridge
- Stove
- Knives
- Forks
- Spoons
- Spatular
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Chopping boards
- 3 prep knives (S, M, L)
- 3 pots (S, M, L)
- 1 Frying pan
- Small plates
- Large plates
- Bowls
- Cups
- Wine cups
- Coffee mugs
- Strainer
- Washing up supplies (tea towel, cloth and detergent with a portable sink)
- Pillows, sheets and bath towels
- Doona/duvet or sleeping bags depending on bed/tent type
- 1 chair per person
- Table
- Light
- Side awning
- Recovery straps and shackles
- Satellite Navigation is included with the hire of the European and the Grizzly - however it's a $5 per day hire with the Paddington and the Black.
Bear Packages
Bear Rentals is perfect for people who want adventure but don’t have the time to think, or don’t want to buy all the gear for just a weekend getaway. Which is why we’ve done all the thinking and hard work for you by putting together travel packages for every occasion. Click here to search our Packages.
Vehicle Discount
Australia is a big place - which means it's great for big adventures!
So for that reason you get 15% off your booking when you grab a Bear for 22+ days (and hey, if you've got a massive adventure on the cards let us know and we'll see what we can do).
Going with a group there is also a multi-vehicle hire discount for you and your mates!
Security Deposit
A security deposit will apply to all items booked through Bear Rentals and must be paid upon collection of any hire items. This security deposit will be taken as a debited amount on your credit card and will form part of your rental. It is fully refundable to you provided you return everything in the same condition that it was supplied to you in (i.e. clean and undamaged). For more information on excess please see our Vehicle Hire Agreement and our Equipment Hire Agreement. The security deposit can take up to 60 days to return, however Bear Rentals will endeavour to have it returned to you as soon as they can.
Excess and Liability Reduction
On collection of your booked vehicle, payment will be required for the excess reduction fee and corresponding security deposit for your chosen liability option; the security deposit forms part of your rental and will be returned in full provided this below rental conditions are not broken. Please note that the balance of the security deposit can take up to 60 days to process back to your authorised credit or debit card.
The rates for excess reduction fees are as follows:
- Standard: Included in the cost of rental - Excess amount: $7,500 - Security deposit required: $7,500
- Liability Option 1: $19 per calendar day - Excess amount: $5,000 - Security deposit required: $5,000
- Liability Option 2: $39 per calendar day - Excess amount: $1,000 - Security deposit required: $2,500
- Outback Package: $20 per calendar day - only available with Liability Option 2.
Drivers licence
Due to our insurance policy, and the type of vehicles we hire out (i.e. very awesome), we unfortunately can’t offer vehicle hire to people under the age of 21 years for 'The Black', 'The Paddington' and some 'European' model campers (this depends on the age of the vehicle - so if you are under 25 and want a European get in early to avoid disappointment). The newer model 'European', 'Grizzly' and 'Himalayan' campers require the driver to be over 25 and hold a full unrestricted license.
Cancellation policy
The following cancellation charges apply to all Bear Rentals bookings:
No charge will be charged If cancelled 31 days or more prior to scheduled pick-up date.
40% of Rent will be charged if cancelled from 30 to 7 days prior to scheduled pick-up date.
75% of Rent will be charged if cancelled from 6 to 1 days prior to scheduled pick-up date.
100% of Rent will be charged if cancelled on day of scheduled pick up date or no-show.
No refund will be paid if a booking is returned early for any reason whatsoever.
Part cancellations are at the discretion of Bear Rentals. Amendment or cancellation fees may apply, for example, when hiring a 4WD and a Trailer and you wish to cancel the Trailer.
Inclement weather is not regarded as sufficient reason for cancellation. However, Bear Rentals will cancel the Rental of a Vessel only if the Bureau of Meteorology forecast a Gale Warning or stronger winds for intended Waters during the Hire Period or conditions are deemed by Bear Rentals as unsuitable to undertake the rental of a Vessel. In this event, paid charter funds will be refunded.
