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Plan your camper trip from Cairns – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan and motorhome rentals from major suppliers, helping international travelers choose the right vehicle for road trips. Cairns is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree Rainforest, and is a popular starting or finishing point for the coastal drive to Brisbane.

Campervan Rental Cost

How much does it cost to rent a campervan in Cairns?

Campervan rentals in Cairns range from AUD $45 to $440 daily with prices influenced by factors such as camper size, age, features, booking length, seasonal timing, and pick-up/drop-off points. One-way rentals may also impact the cost.

Rental companies typically offer three types of vehicles: small campervans (including sleepervans), 4WD campers and luxury motorhomes.

Campervan Pickup Locations

Map of campervan rental depots near 340482

When to Go for a Campervan Trip in Cairns

Season Average High Temperature (°C / °F) Good time to visit?
Wet Season (Dec–Mar) 31 / 88 Often stormy and humid; only if you enjoy heat and lower rental rates
Early Dry (Apr–Jun) 29 / 84 Yes – warm days, fewer crowds
Peak Dry (Jul–Sep) 27 / 81 Best time – sunny weather, low humidity, festivals
Build-Up (Oct–Nov) 30 / 86 Yes – hot afternoons, jellyfish season begins

Driving Information

  • The Bruce Highway (A1) south to Townsville has sealed roads and is generally in good condition.
  • Speed limits are 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways and 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns unless signs show different limits.
  • There are no toll roads around Cairns, so you do not need electronic tags or passes.
  • Remote fuel stations can be 150 km (93 miles) apart; fill fuel and water tanks before leaving the city.
  • Sugar cane harvest time (Jun–Nov) brings slow cane trains that cross roads without barrier gates; drive slowly when approaching railway crossings.
  • Wildlife such as wallabies and cassowaries are active at dawn and dusk; reduce speed in rainforest areas.
  • Gillies Range Road to Atherton has steep winding roads; RVs longer than 7 meters (23 feet) may have difficulty.

Camping and Overnight Stops

Location Facilities Advantages Disadvantages
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort Full hook-ups Resort pools, large powered sites, 10 minutes to city center High price, must book early Jul–Sep
NRMA Ellis Beach Oceanfront Holiday Park Water and electricity Beachfront sites, shaded areas, café nearby Some highway noise, limited spots for large vehicles
Lake Placid Tourist Park Water and electricity Near Barron Gorge National Park, pets allowed, bus to city Many mosquitoes after rain, smaller sites
Babinda Rotary Park (free for 48 hours) Basic facilities only Free, toilets available, walking distance to bakery No hook-ups, closes during heavy rain
Davies Creek National Park Campground Basic facilities only Quiet rainforest location, low cost online booking, campfires allowed 4 km gravel road access, maximum vehicle length 7 meters, no mobile phone signal
Queensland Roadside Rest Areas (24 hours) Basic facilities only Legal overnight parking every 50–80 km Next to traffic, no drinking water

Supply and Service Options

  • Fuel and gas: high-clearance BP and Caltex stations on Mulgrave Road and Sheridan Street.
  • Water fill and waste dump: Cairns Regional Council RV Dump Point, Little Street Manunda (free drinking water available).
  • Groceries: Coles and Woolworths at Earlville Shopping Center, large open-air car park suitable for long vehicles during morning hours.

Important Information

  • Cyclone season is December to April; check Bureau of Meteorology weather warnings and avoid low-lying campgrounds during storms.
  • All Queensland national park campsites must be booked online before arrival; you cannot pay when you arrive.
  • Free camping outside designated areas is illegal in Cairns Regional Council area; rangers issue immediate fines.
  • Mobile phone signal is strong on main highways but weak in dense rainforest areas; download offline maps before traveling.
  • Dangerous jellyfish appear October to May; swim only at beaches with protective nets or wear a protective suit.
  • Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; the main emergency hospital is Cairns Base Hospital on the Bruce Highway.

FAQs

How old do I need to be to rent a campervan in Australia?

In Australia, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent from their full selection of vehicles.

Some companies do allow drivers aged 18 to 21, but they might offer only certain models, and extra insurance could be necessary.

Simply enter the driver's age into our search tool, and we'll show you the vehicles that are available for you.

Can I collect my camper from the airport?

While most RV rental companies aren't located directly at Australian airports, their depots are usually nearby, within 2 to 30 kilometers.

Many providers offer free shuttle services to their depots if you book ahead. Alternatively, public buses, shuttles, and taxis are also available for transport.

What kind of license do I need to rent a campervan in Australia?

To rent a campervan, each driver needs to have a valid, full driver's license. If your license is in English, you're all set. If not, make sure to have an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Are one-way campervan rentals available in Australia?

Absolutely! Most companies offer the option of one-way rentals, with pickup and drop-off locations available across Australia.

Although there is often an extra charge for one-way rentals, it will be included in the price our comparison tool displays.