Spending the night in a vintage van, bus or authentic Airstream is a memorable experience, especially when they come perched in some prime hinterland and beachside locations, so we've found seven awesome converted vehicles that you can stay in around Brisbane without sacrificing running water, a hot shower, and comfy bed.

The best part? Because of their compact size, these unique stays usually come with a way smaller price tag than your conventional getaway.

Escape to this lovingly restored van (affectionately named Stevie) in the Tweed hinterland, with breathtaking views of the Border Ranges, McPherson Ranges and Mount Warning, friendly birds and wallabies, and an incredible hot tub to soak in. The van’s features include a comfy bed, air-con, en suite, basic kitchen including Nespresso machine, and barbecue you can fire up on your private deck. You can even opt to have breakfast, afternoon nibbles, or dinner made using fresh local fare by a personal chef.

This eclectic accommodation on the edge of the forest is truly unique, offering an 11.2-metre space with a king bed, sunken outdoor bath, and functional indoor/outdoor kitchen (complete with eggs and herbs from the garden from your friendly hosts). You can expect to spot a huge array of birds, wallabies, lizards, and even fireflies around the bus and Valla Beach, with its stunning natural rockpool, is just a six-minute drive away.

You’ll fall asleep to the sound of the ocean in this funky Art Deco caravan complete with fully equipped kitchen, affixed external bathroom (including open-air shower) and hammock for some serious chilling. The Airstream is located just south of Noosa, with your own winding path all the way down to the beach. The hosts will even welcome you with a bottle of Italian red wine and local cheese to enjoy as the sun sets over Sunrise Beach.

All aboard the bus! This awesome accommodation offers proximity to Byron Bay as well as relaxing touches like a hot tub, fire pit and sweeping hinterland views. There’s a double bed and two bunks so you can sleep up to four, plus the hosts will rent you tents if you’re bringing a few more friends. Creature comforts include air-con, a smart TV, a full kitchen on board and continental breaky, making the bus a great option if you’re hitting a festival in the area, but keen to come back to some peace and quiet.

Enjoy the serenity only ten minutes from Noosa in this adorable vintage caravan. You’ll be a two-minute walk from the stunning Castaways Beach, perched on the edge of the national park, so you can expect some friendly visitors in the form of birds, kangaroos, frogs and more. There’s a small kitchen set-up, but you’re in a prime location to explore the awesome dining scene in Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Noosa.

For the Airstream experience with some flexibility, One Lazy Sunday will set up a super cute, authentic Airstream on a variety of public and private properties around the Northern Rivers. Your stay includes luxuries like Aesop toiletries, Cultiver bed linen and robes, coffee and tea utensils and treats, with plenty to keep you busy like bicycles, picnic sets and beach chairs. 

Down a meandering wooden path through the forest and ferns, this 1979 Leyland bus awaits, complete with a double bed, bunk beds, full bathroom and kitchenette. Follow the boardwalk further into the bush to find your private deck for chilling out, dining, or yoga, or take a short drive to the stunning Twin Falls Circuit and Purling Brook Falls bushwalks. The original driver’s seat and controls are still in place, should you feel like living out a childhood fantasy… 

This retro ‘80s caravan, complete with pineapple-print furnishings, is the perfect spot to chill in Noosa, just a 10-minute drive to the heart of the action on Hastings Street. Inside, you’ve got a queen bed, kitchen, Netflix and air-con, while outside you have your own sitting area, access to a pool and bikes to roll down to the river.

Image credits: Airbnb, Stevie Stay, One Lazy Sunday

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.

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