Cairns RV Rental 🏷️ Compare Prices

While there are no campervan rental depots directly at the terminal at Cairns Airport (CNS), there are several campervan rental companies within 4–8 km (3–7 miles).

Many campervan rental depots are easy to get to by taxi or Uber.

An RV provides an affordable alternative to the standard rental car and hotel combo. A thrifty traveler can reduce expenses even further by following our top money-saving tips:

• Book early: Like airlines, campervan rental companies base their prices on availability. Booking ahead can save you a considerable amount on your daily rate, especially during peak seasons.

• Avoid peak seasons: Supply and demand mean prices skyrocket during busy times. Avoid school vacations, the Christmas/New Year period, and Easter to snag the best deal. As a neat bonus, you'll explore pristine tropical landscapes without the maddening mass-tourism crowds.

• Book a low-cost camper: Do you need a decked-out motorhome with all the bells and whistles? Settling for a budget-friendly rig will save you big on rental fees and fuel. There's no harm in roughing it when you're only on the road for a couple of weeks.

• Reduce backtracking: Plan a tentative circular itinerary to minimize backtracking. Fuel will be one of your major on-road expenses, especially when rolling in a huge gas-guzzling RV. Aside from saving at the pump, you'll spend less time driving and more time taking in the scenery.

• Shop around for fuel: Download the Petrol Spy app to compare gas station prices in real-time. Some are substantially more expensive than others.

• Enlist a travel buddy: Campervan rentals and fuel cost the same, no matter how many people you've crammed in your rig. Finding an adventurous travel companion (or two) will do wonders for your wallet. Try posting your plans on social media if you don't know anyone. Always vet potential applicants.

• Free camp: While they're not as prevalent as they once were, you can still find a few free campsites scattered around Far North Queensland. Roadside rest areas make for a handy free overnight sleep—bring a pair of earplugs for passing trucks.

• Use low-cost campsites: You'll pay a pretty penny for high-end RV parks, especially those straddling the coast.

• Cook: Eating out is expensive in Australia, and this far-flung region is no exception. Self-catering most meals will save you stacks of cash each day—good thing your camper comes with a well-equipped kitchen, fridge, and sink. Shop at big-name supermarkets (Woolworths and Coles) instead of the pricier small-town general stores.

• BYO snorkel: Opportunities for offshore underwater exploration abound around Cairns. Bringing your snorkel and fins will save you money on rental costs.

Unlike Australia's southern regions, where four distinct seasons are the norm, Far North Queensland experiences a wet season (November to March) and a dry season (April to October).

Most folks arrive during the Australian winter (June to August), which lands right in the middle of the dry season. Balmy average highs of 79°F and near-perpetual sunshine make it the perfect time to explore the outdoors. Winter also sees calmer seas for sailing and snorkeling, plus the annual migration of the humpback whale.

In stark contrast, the Aussie summer (December to February) brings heavy rain to the region. Sticky humidity and sweltering highs of 88°F leave travelers drenched in sweat. But it's not all bad. The "green" season sees flora bloom and waterfalls rage.

Spring (September to November) is the best time for spotting birdlife, including the elusive cassowary. Wrap up your vacation before November to avoid the "build-up," a notoriously humid period leading into the Wet.

Fall (March to May) becomes sunnier and drier towards the end of the season. Mid-April to May usually entails relatively pleasant weather. Plus, you'll experience far thinner crowds (at least outside school vacations and Easter) than the winter peak.

It's not just the sweaty weather you need to consider. Far North Queensland's paradisiacal beaches receive millions of painful pests during the stinger season (November to May). The nippy waterborne critters, known locally as Irukandji jellyfish, make beach swimming foolish without a full-bodied stinger suit or a government-installed stinger net.

The deadly box jellyfish also bobs around Tropical North beaches during stinger season—follow all warning signs and take utmost precautions. Although injuries are rare in deep water, reputable snorkeling tour providers offer stinger suits to play it safe.

Speaking of safety, Far North Queensland is crocodile country. Heed all warning signs, and don't wander too close to remote estuaries, beaches, and lagoons.

Seasoned grey nomads (retired Australian travelers) insist you need at least three months to do the region justice. And while that type of timeframe is undoubtedly ideal, fast-paced travelers can admire the highlights in a week or two.

With one week in Cairns, check out the main sites in Cairns and jump on a Great Barrier Reef snorkeling trip. Then head inland across the Atherton Tablelands to chase waterfalls at the Millaa Millaa Circuit.

Cruise between charming tableland towns (Yungaburra is our top pick) and check out a few fabulous fig trees on your way to Kuranda. Drive the scenic Captain Cook Highway north towards Port Douglas. Next, head deep into the Daintree to meander amid monstrously tall trees and plunge into croc-free swimming holes.

Two weeks in Cairns will let you run a similar course, albeit with additional stops and scenic side trips. Worthwhile pit stops include the likes of Mount Hypipamee, Wooroonooran, Danbulla, Granite Gorge, Crater Lakes, Lake Placid, Davey’s Creek, and Babinda Boulders.

If experiencing the Australian outback excites you, the Undara Lava Tubes and Chillagoe Caves make for great side trips (allow 3.5 hours drive in each direction). Tranquil tropical beaches more your jam? Mission Beach is within easy reach (2 hours each way). En route, stop by Paronella Park for a fairy-tale-style Spanish castle and Etty Bay to camp with cassowaries on the beach.

If you’re keen to savor a slice of island life, jump on the morning ferry to Fitzroy Island and pull up a towel on Nudey Beach. Don’t fancy leaving paradise that same day? Overnight in the ritzy Fitzroy Resort or the rustic Fitzroy Campground.