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Take a road trip to remember with a campervan hire from Cairns
With a campervan rental from Cairns, the wild and wonderful destinations of North Queensland await. Hit the highways and you'll soon find tropical rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, notable National & Holiday Parks, wildlife, adventure activities, and more. Search and compare campervan hire in Cairns with Motorhome Republic and explore Tropical North Queensland.
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Essential Cairns campervan hire information
Cairns campervan rental companies to choose from
In Cairns, there are numerous companies offering campervan rentals. We partner with all the leading suppliers to give you the best campervan hire deals, including Apollo Motorhomes, Autosleepers, Awesome Campers, Britz Campervans, Camperman, Campervan Village, Cheapa Campa, Cruisin Motorhomes, GoCheap Campervans Australia, Hippie Camper, Indie Campers, Jucy Campervan Rentals, Maui Motorhomes, Mighty Campers, Spaceships Rentals, Star RV and Travellers Autobarn.
With our easy-to-use search widget, you can compare campervan hire offers from multiple brands, all in one place. Refine your search by using the filter options on the left side, such as vehicle features and price range. If you need help, you can contact us and our friendly customer team will be happy to assist.
Picking up a campervan or motorhome in Cairns
You have a few transportation options when picking up you camper hire in Cairns. If you're flying into Cairns Airport, some campervan rental companies such as Jucy and Star RV Rentals offer a free shuttle service from the airport to their Cairns branch. You can also make your own way to the depot by taking a taxi or an Uber ride. If you’re a local, you might also arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off.
You'll be provided with specific instructions regarding the pick up location when booking your campervan. Click on the 'Vehicle Details / Depot Info / Rental Terms' in the Motorhome Republic search results to find this information.
During vehicle collection, you'll be required to present the booking confirmation and valid driver’s license of each person who will be driving the rental campervan. Staff will walk you through the vehicle and address any queries you may have.
Campervan rental locations in Cairns
Where to stay around Cairns in your campervan hire
There are great places to park your campervan and take in the breathtaking tropical environment in Cairns and North Queensland. Popular options include:
NRMA Cairns Holiday Park - Centrally located, this park features modern amenities and powered sites. It also provides easy access to Cairns' main attractions, perfect for travelers who want convenience and comfort.
Lake Placid Tourist Park - Nestled near Barron Gorge National Park, this park offers a tranquil rainforest environment that is ideal for adventurers and nature lovers.
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort - A family-friendly resort packed with fun amenities like pools, water slides, and playgrounds, offering a resort-style experience.
Crystal Cascades Holiday Park - Located in a serene rainforest setting, this holiday park is ideal for a relaxing retreat, with close access to scenic walking trails and the stunning Crystal Cascades waterfall.
Wherever you choose to stay during your campervan holiday trip, you’ll have easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests.
All you need to know for your Cairns campervan adventure
A guide to driving your campervan hire in Cairns
A safe road trip is a good road trip. Those driving in Australia for the first time will have plenty to learn. Domestic visitors may also need some advice that's unique to the roads of Cairns and North Queensland. Here are some tips and pointers to get you started.
- First and foremost, listen carefully to the orientation you receive when picking up your campervan or motorhome. Write down the most important points. The staff at the depot are the experts on the vehicle!
- Remember that in Australia, traffic drives to the left. If you're used to driving on the right, you may wish to practice on quieter streets before hitting the highways to begin your journey.
- The speed limit in most residential areas is 50 kilometres per hour, but there is a limit of 40kph in the CBD. Most open roads have a limit of 100kph.
- Heading north from Cairns, you may enter more remote regions. Always have plenty of food and water in case of a breakdown, and keep a sharp eye out for kangaroos and other wildlife on roads.
- Beware of cane trains in the region! These run on a dedicated narrow-gauge railway network around Queensland and other states during the crushing season from June to November. Some road crossings are marked with signs but no barriers. Always give way to the trains.
- Cairns and the surrounding region are hot, particularly in summer. Always have spare water for both the vehicle and the people in it.
What to do and see with a motorhome hire from Cairns
Many campervans leave Cairns every day in search of adventure—and it's not hard to find! Tropical North Queensland is filled with incredible flora, fauna, and landscapes. Fantastic destinations lie in all directions. With a motorhome that combines transport and accommodation in one tidy package, you can embark on an epic road trip.
Here are a few ideas to get your itinerary planning underway.
Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef
Should you choose to head your campervan rental to the south, you'll come across the spectacular Whitsundays region within a day's drive—although you may like to stop in at Townsville along the way. We recommend this trip for anyone who loves the sun, sand, and sea. This group of idyllic islands has all of it in spades, and is a popular access spot for day trip to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. In fact, you can access the reef from places all along the coast south of Cairns.
Atherton Tablelands
This region just inland from Cairns is known for its variety of landscapes, waterfalls and volcanic rock formations, coffee plantations, and a vibrant foodie culture. There's lots to see, do, and taste! Visit a local farmers market to stock up your camper hire Cairns with provisions, kayak one of the many creeks or rivers, watch for wildlife, try a local coffee, and enjoy the many top-notch.
Daintree Rainforest
This natural wonder is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent, part of the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world. It's an extraordinary place, located just a few hours north of Cairns. Here you can explore on foot, take guided wildlife tours, hear from Aboriginal custodians of the land, and enjoy unmatched birdwatching. The Daintree Discovery Centre is a good place to start. Then if you wanted to have some break after your tour, you can also head to NRMA Cairns Holiday Park to have a good night's rest.
Cape York
This destination comes with a disclaimer: it's an intrepid trip to make, and you'll need a 4WD camper—check that your rental company permits you to drive on the roads there before you book. Once prepared with the vehicle you'll need, you are in for a treat. This remote and wild part of Australia has amazing landscapes, small coastal towns, sun-baked beaches, islands, waterholes, wildlife, and an array of unforgettable tracks to walk or drive.
Australia is a massive country. If Cairns is not your preferred pick up location to start your campervan rental Australia road trip, check out other Queensland cities like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, or popular destinations in other regions like Melbourne, Perth, or Adelaide. There is a reason Australia is rated as one of the best destinations for a campervan holiday. With Motorhome Republic, we've got you covered.
Campervan hire Cairns: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Cairns?
A small sleepervan rental from Cairns could cost as little as $AUD45 per day excluding any extras, while a big 6-berth motorhome with all the creature comforts might cost up to AUD$550 per day. There are options for all budgets, so use the filters on our simple search engine to find the motorhome that suits your plans.
Which campervan providers are available in Cairns?
Find cheap campervan hire in Cairns from a variety of great suppliers including (but not limited to) Jucy, Hippie Campers, Apollo, Star RV, Cheapa Campers, Mighty Campers, Maui Campervans, Britz, Travellers Autobarn, Spaceships Rentals, Hippie Camper, Camperman, and Awesome Campers.
How old do you have to be to hire a campervan in Cairns?
In general, motorhome suppliers rent only to customers 21 years of age or older. Some may rent to those aged 18 plus, but there may be stipulations attached.
Do we need a special licence to rent a campervan in Cairns?
No, you can drive a campervan with your full, valid licence from your home country. If the licence is not written in English, you will need an accredited translation or an International Driving Permit in addition to the licence.
When's the best time to hire a campervan in Cairns?
The dry season in Queensland runs from April to November, and many people prefer to travel at this time. However, the “green” season from November to March is fantastic for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. There’s no bad time to rent a motorhome in Cairns!
Can I hire a campervan in Cairns with a toilet and shower?
Yes, there are plenty of Cairns campervan rentals available with showers and toilets! These are often certified self-contained (although you should confirm this when booking) which is an asset for an adventurous road tripper. If you want these features, select them in the “Features” filter tool to the left of your Motorhome Republic search results.
What type of campervans can I hire in Cairns?
Just about anything you like! With a range of motorhome rental suppliers, Cairns offers travellers everything from huge RVs with all the bells and whistles to small, affordable campervans and sleepervans that just provide wheels and a place to sleep at night. Use the handy filters available as part of the Motorhome Republic search engine to narrow down your options and find the Cairns campervan rental that fits your requirements.
Can I collect a campervan in Cairns and drop it off in another city?
Yes, many campervan hire Cairns suppliers with locations in other cities will allow you to embark on a one-way trip. This means you can hire a campervan in Cairns and drop the vehicle off in Alice Springs, Airlie Beach or other locations. Make a search on our website to see available pick up and drop off locations. Note that fees for one-way campervan rentals may apply.
Where's the closest place to fill up with fuel before returning my campervan?
This depends on the location of your campervan hire depot, but Cairns has plenty of petrol stations. If in doubt, call your supplier to ask where the best place to fill up is. This may also be included in your rental documentation.
Can you park your campervan anywhere in Cairns?
No, you can’t park your campervan anywhere in Cairns. Free camping is restricted, so it’s best to use designated campgrounds or holiday parks. Popular options include NRMA Cairns Holiday Park and Crystal Cascades Holiday Park. Parking overnight on city streets or public areas can lead to fines. Use resources like WikiCamps to find legal spots and always follow local regulations.
How long does it take to drive a campervan from Cairns to Sydney?
The trip from Cairns to Sydney in a motorhome would take around 27-30 hours of solid driving, depending on whether you take an inland or coastal route. It is recommended that you take at least five days to a week to make this epic journey—and see the many sights along the way. Check out this Sydney to Cairns itinerary for more ideas.
