Star RV: An Honest Review for Renters
THL's premium motorhome brand, booking through the JUCY platform, with three Polaris models from two to six berths
Founded
2012
Fleet size
3 models
Pickup
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide
Base
Auckland, New Zealand (THL Group)
Website
starrv.comWhy Star RV Stands Out
Star RV exists to answer a specific question: what if a campervan rental came with nearly everything a motorhome traveller needs, fitted as standard? The Polaris range is the answer — three vehicles that ship with a full indoor bathroom, a proper kitchen, linen and full self-containment.
That completeness has a cost. Star RV is the most expensive campervan rental in Australia by daily rate, and its fleet has no budget tier. Travellers who would be comfortable in a smaller van are paying for space and equipment they may not use.
Full self-containment on every model
Every Polaris carries a fixed indoor toilet, shower, fresh-water tank and grey-water tank. All three are fully self-contained for free camping where permitted.
Indoor bathroom on every model
All three Polaris models have a separate indoor bathroom with a hot-water shower, a fixed toilet and a vanity. No portable-toilet workarounds and no campground shower blocks required.
Full kitchen with two-burner cooktop
The kitchen runs a two-burner gas cooktop, a microwave, a 90 L fridge and a sink with running water. Pots, pans, plates, cutlery and cleaning equipment are included in the daily rate.
Linen and bedding included
Linen, pillows, towels and duvets are included on every Polaris model at no extra cost. Unlike several budget operators, there is nothing to buy or bring.
Things to Know Before You Book
The price reflects the equipment, not a market premium
Star RV is the most expensive campervan rental in Australia. That is a direct consequence of what it includes: a fixed bathroom, a full kitchen, linen and a heavy-duty chassis are not free to build or maintain. Travellers who do not need all of that equipment are paying for it anyway. Heating is not included in the base rental — it is an optional addon extra.
There is no budget model and no way to trade down within the Star RV range. The smallest Polaris is a four-seat, two-berth motorhome — larger and more expensive than every compact campervan in the market.
Bookings run through the JUCY platform
Star RV's booking engine, depot network and vehicle handover process are operated by JUCY. Pickups and drop-offs happen at the same airport-area depots, with the same shuttle arrangements and the same opening hours. The booking confirmation, the rental agreement and the roadside-assistance number all come through JUCY's systems.
This is not unusual — THL operates multiple brands from shared infrastructure across Australia — but it means that the operational experience (depot wait times, handover process, roadside response) is JUCY's, not a separate premium service.
Depot hours match JUCY's
Star RV pickups and drop-offs are subject to JUCY's depot opening hours, which vary by location and season. After-hours arrangements may attract a surcharge.
Six depots, no Darwin
Star RV operates from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth and Adelaide — the same six depots as JUCY Australia. Darwin is not served. Travellers planning a Top End itinerary that starts or ends in Darwin will need to book from another operator.
None of the Polaris models is cleared for unsealed roads. Travellers planning outback routes, Cape Tribulation beyond the sealed section, or any of Australia's named 4WD tracks will need a 4WD-capable vehicle from another operator.
Star RV Depots in Australia
Star RV Sydney
- Depot area
- Banksmeadow
- From the airport
- Taxi / rideshareStar RV's own Sydney depot page recommends rideshare or taxi straight from the airport and separately mentions train and bus connections as a slower alternative; no shuttle is offered.
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm, Sat-Sun 9:00am-2:00pm
- After hours
- None published
Star RV Melbourne
- Depot area
- Tullamarine
- From the airport
- Taxi / rideshareStar RV's own page lists three options: a rideshare or taxi straight from the airport, public transport by train and bus with extra travel time allowed, or a lift from friends or family.
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2pm, public holidays 9am-2pm when open
- After hours
- None - the branch page explicitly states all vehicles must be collected during branch opening hours.
Star RV Brisbane
Star RV serves Brisbane. We have not documented its depot details yet; the booking step shows them.
Star RV Cairns
- Depot area
- Portsmith
- From the airport
- Taxi / rideshareStar RV's own help-centre article — for the same Portsmith address JUCY uses — recommends a rideshare or taxi, public transport, or a friend or family drop-off, with no shuttle offered.
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat-Sun 9am-2pm
- After hours
- None published — Star RV's help centre states all vehicles must be collected during branch opening hours.
Star RV Perth
- Depot area
- High Wycombe
- From the airport
- Taxi / rideshareStar RV's own Perth branch page recommends a rideshare or taxi, or public transport by train and bus allowing extra time, or a personal drop-off, and mentions no shuttle; it shares the 65 Worrell Ave address with JUCY.
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 09:00-15:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-14:00
- After hours
- None published
Star RV Adelaide
- Depot area
- North Plympton
- From the airport
- Taxi / rideshareStar RV's own page offers three options — ride-share or taxi from the airport, public transport by train or bus allowing extra time, or a drop-off arranged with someone you know; no company shuttle is mentioned.
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 09:00-15:00, Sat 09:00-14:00, Sun closed
- After hours
- None published
Depot details are read from Star RV's own Australia pages and change; confirm hours and address on your booking.
The Fleet at a Glance
Three models, all called Polaris, differentiated by berth count. The Polaris 2 rides on a Fiat Ducato base; the Polaris 4 and 6 on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bases. Every model is fully self-contained and carries an indoor bathroom. The fleet is automatic-only and diesel-only, with no manual or petrol options.
Couples and solo travellers
Polaris 2-Berth
Four seats, two sleeping berths. The entry point to the Star RV range, but still a full-sized motorhome with the same bathroom, kitchen and heating as the larger models. Suited to two adults who want self-contained comfort without sharing with other travellers.
Families and groups of four
Polaris 4-Berth
Four seats, four sleeping berths. The mid-range model adds a second double bed, typically configured as a drop-down or convertible dinette, while keeping the same footprint and equipment level. Suited to two couples or a family of four.
Large families and groups
Polaris 6-Berth
Six seats, six sleeping berths. The largest Polaris adds a third sleeping position and two more seatbelted seats. Suited to families with children or groups who want to travel together in one vehicle rather than booking two smaller vans.
What Reviewers Actually Say
3.8–4.2
Google · 180
Star RV maintains its own Google Business listings in Australia. Sydney rates 3.8 (106 reviews) and Melbourne 4.2 (74 reviews). Other depots not yet checked.
2.4
Trustpilot · 151
Combined AU+NZ figure from starrv.com. Claimed profile since May 2023, paid subscription. The 2.4 is Trustpilot's recency-weighted score, not the lifetime mean.
Google ratings are middling for a premium brand
Star RV maintains its own Google Business listings in Australia, separate from JUCY's. Sydney rates 3.8 across 106 reviews and Melbourne 4.2 across 74 reviews. For a brand that positions itself at the top of the market, the ratings are comparable to mid-market operators rather than leading them.
Trustpilot combines Australia and New Zealand under one page
The Trustpilot page at starrv.com carries 151 reviews at 2.4, combining both countries under a single domain. Star RV has claimed the profile and holds a paid subscription, which means it invites reviews and can respond to them. With no AU-specific Trustpilot page, the 2.4 is an AU+NZ figure rather than an Australian score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Star RV motorhomes self-contained?
Does Star RV include heating?
Is Star RV the same company as JUCY?
Can I pick up a Star RV motorhome in Darwin?
Where are Star RV's depots in Australia?
Is Star RV good? What do Star RV reviews say?
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