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 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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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).
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.