Two mates from Perth’s south are redefining travel with a unique business venture helping those looking for the ultimate road trip experience.
Myaree locals Jonathon Powell and Chris Beal, both aged 30, thought up the idea of OnlyVans over a couple of beers, with a vision of combining luxury and adventure.
The campervan rental service has a fleet of six vans, with each van offering a comfortable and fully equipped space suitable for young travellers to enjoy on trips across the State.
Speaking with PerthNow, Powell explained the vision first came to life when Mr Beal, who is a carpenter by trade, bought a very old van in 2022 and fixed it up for a trip down south.
“Chris bought a cheap, very old van that he decked out himself because he’s a carpenter by trade,” Mr Powell said.
“He would take it out to bush doofs and parties, and go camping, and then people began asking about it at those sorts of events.
“Then we decided to turn it into a business with new vans and more luxury.”
Powell, who works in logistics, revealed the company is expecting another seven vans to add to their booming business after having great success so far.
“It’s been great, we were expecting about a 55 per cent occupancy rate, and now we’re at about 75 to 80 per cent occupancy rate on all six vans at the moment,” he said.
The business prides itself on having a more relaxed schedule with fewer rules than the standard campervan rental service and targets a younger crowd who are keen to explore more of WA.
“We’re targeting a younger crowd, anyone in that 21 to 35 age bracket, we’re targeting them with the fun lifestyle of camping and getting away and exploring the WA coast,” Powell said.
“We are very customer focused and really just want the customer to have the best time possible. We don’t put too many rules or anything in place like most other hire companies do.”
The website allows you to look inside each of the six differently decorated vans for you to choose from, each named after a style of wine.
All the vans require a two-day minimum booking, with the Chardonnay van starting at $140 per day.
Five of the six vans are pet-friendly and each van offers a great range of amenities including a 65L fridge, a portable evaporative cooler, unlimited kilometres free of charge, a premium double mattress with linen and pillows, and camping needs such as chairs, a table, a gazebo and cooking essentials.
Bookings can be easily made through their website by choosing your desired van and requesting the dates you’d like to book.
Along with more vans on the way, the two mates have an exciting future ahead for OnlyVans with goals to expand their business to Queensland and New Zealand.
Visit only-vans.com.au for more.