Cairns RV Rental

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Motorhome rental rates in Cairns range anywhere from $45 to $300 per day for the majority of campers. Among other factors, costs depend on seasonality, duration of reservation, and motorhome model. Vehicles range from compact campers such as the Spaceships Alpha to more spacious motorhomes like the Cruisin Deluxe.

Camping is a popular pastime in the Tropical North (and throughout Australia), so expect excellent RV infrastructure. Water refills, dump points, laundry facilities, and well-equipped campgrounds are rarely more than a quick drive away.** Motorhome-friendly campsites range from rustic national parks to scenic cattle-strewn farms and flashy RV parks—there’s something for every budget and taste.

The cheapest months for renting a campervan in Cairns are usually April to September. This is also the cooler part of the year in Far North Queensland and the best time to travel.

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.

You’ll find plenty of places to park your motorhome in the city. Unlike Australia’s crowded state capitals, Cairns has minimal traffic and plenty of spacious parking lots.

The Cairns City Council provides free and paid on-street parking. Paid parking costs a reasonable $2 per hour and only applies to the downtown area’s most high-demand streets. The city’s abundant free parking spaces often enforce two-hour limits during business hours.

If you’d like to park for free while enjoying a lovely sea view, head to the northern end of the Esplanade. The parking lots around Petanque Court and Fun Ship Playground offer unrestricted daytime parking just yards from the water.

Queensland State laws prohibit sleeping overnight in a vehicle outside of a designated campsite. Furthermore, Cairns City Council has bylaws forbidding overnight stays on public roads within the jurisdiction.

Enforcement is strict in desirable areas such as beachfront parking lots and the Esplanade but relatively lax in other places. Although most first-time offenders receive a warning, hefty fines can apply anytime.

There are no official free camps within Cairns city itself, camping on council land (including the Esplanade, parks and parking lots) is prohibited. Most motorhome travelers prefer to pay for a Cairns caravan park to save time. NRMA Holiday Park is the closest site to the downtown area, but you’ll find half a dozen others scattered around town. Remember, nothing is ever more than 15 minutes away.

Thrifty travelers can find a smattering of designated free camps around Far North Queensland. Some of our tried-and-tested favorites include:

• Babinda Boulders (Babinda)
• Rocky Creek War Memorial Campground (between Atherton and Mareeba)
• Rifle Creek Rest Area (Mount Molloy)

A modest nightly fee enables access to several stunning campsites around the region. Some of the most spectacular low-cost options include:

• Platypus campsite (Danbulla National Park)
• The Billabong (Kuranda)
• Cape Tribulation Camping (Daintree)

Located at the end of Boulders Road (a paved road).

Free stays of up to 72 hours are permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include restrooms, cold showers, and BBQs.

No pets allowed.

Overlooking the Billabong with hot showers and WiFi.

Each campsite has its own open campfire.

Prices start at $35 for a no-hookup site for two people and $45 for an electric hookup site.

Children under 12 are half-price and under 4 are free.

Beachfront electric hookup and no-hookup campsites just 2.5 hours north of Cairns, accessible via mostly paved coastal roads. Daintree Ferry transfer to Cape Tribulation is required.

A dump station and water are available on-site at no extra charge. Electric hookup sites include a potable water tap, and potable water is also available for no-hookup sites (all park water is filtered and safe to drink).

There are beachfront, middle row and back row electric hookup sites with direct beach access.

The electric hookup travel trailer sites list the following facilities:

• Electric hookup site
• Shady trees and concrete pads
• T.V. cable available for all electric hookup sites
• Water and sewer hookups available

No-hookup campsites are listed at $48/night (camp kitchen available; spacious lawns with shady areas).

Prices are subject to change, check the park’s online booking for the final, confirmed rate for your dates.

Located near Innisfail at The Esplanade, Etty Bay on the beachfront.

Facilities include laundry, free WiFi at the general store, and public BBQs and a small playground nearby.

Electric hookup sites are listed from $59 per night and no-hookup sites from $49 per night. Rates are for two adults and two children (aged 4–12) (infants 0–3 stay free).

A savannah-style wilderness landscape around 12 km from Mareeba.

Electric hookup and no-hookup sites are available.

No-hookup sites: $18 per adult per night and $6–$8 per child per night. Electric hookup sites: $20 per adult per night and $6–$8 per child per night. (Children under 5 are free.)

Camping Facilities include:

• Spacious, shady sites & picnic area
• 2 Hot Shower & Restroom Blocks
• BBQs and wood for open fires
• Laundry facilities, 2 Camp Kitchens

Surrounded by rainforest and located in Palmerston (Doongan), Wooroonooran National Park, 38 km from Innisfail, just off the Palmerston Highway.

There are ten numbered grass sites available for advance booking.

Facilities: composting restrooms, picnic tables, gas barbecues.

Open fires are not allowed, fuel stoves are recommended.

Camping fees apply (QPWS standard fees: $7.50 per person per night or $30.00 per family per night).

A small lakeside camping area beside an inlet of Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla National Park and State Forest.

Facilities include flushing restrooms, a shower room (bring your own shower), water taps and individual fire rings.

Essentials to bring: drinking water (and insect repellent). Bring your own or buy firewood before entering the park, and book online before you go.

Located in the Cairns Highlands, right next door to the Malanda Falls, which flow all year round. Facilities include open recreational spaces, a camp kitchen and electric BBQs, laundry, and three amenity blocks. There is also an on-site animal nursery.

Electric hookup sites from $40/night and no-hookup sites from $33/night.

Located in the central part of the Atherton Tablelands, about 1.5 hours from Cairns.

Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and wood BBQs.

HINT: bring drinking water and an external shower for the shower room.

Book in advance to secure your spot.

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