Compare and save on a range of campervans from major rental brands in Cairns. Camper Champ makes the comparison and reservation process easier - with no booking fees.
Motorhome rental rates in Cairns range anywhere from $45 to $440 per day for the majority of campers. Among other factors, costs depend on seasonality, duration of reservation as well as 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 span rustic national parks to scenic cattle-strewn farms and flashy caravan parks—there’s something for every budget and taste.
There’s plenty of cause to explore Far North Queensland in a motorhome rental. You’ll venture between breathtaking sites at your own pace and camp overnight amid spectacular scenery—all this is super affordable, too.
Travelling in and around Cairns in a campervan rental entails a broad array of benefits:
Cost-Effective: A camper is hands-down the most affordable way to explore Tropical North Queensland. As your accommodation and transport come rolled into one, you won’t have to fork out for pricey tours or hotels.
Self-Catering: Not only will you save on transport and accommodation, but you’ll slash your daily food spend. Any respectable campervan has a fridge and kitchen, letting you save big bucks by cooking at “home.”
Convenience: Forget returning to the city once you finish sightseeing for the day. With a motorhome, you can cruise to the closest campsite and wake up within easy reach of tomorrow’s adventure. Less driving and more soaking up the sites.
Freedom: The flexibility of motorhome travel is tough to overstate. Choose where you’re going on a whim—there’s no need to stick to a set schedule.
Onboard Amenities: Large motorhomes have top-end facilities like indoor showers, kitchens, couches, TVs, and comfy king-sized beds. Some are even more luxurious than what you’re used to at home.
Remember these helpful tips when driving around Cairns in a campervan rental:
This 7-day itinerary offers a fantastic mix of city, beach, and nature experiences. You'll explore the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, discover ancient cultures and hidden waterfalls, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the tropical paradise of Cairns.
MORE: 7-Day Cairns ItinerarySet off on an adventure through the breathtaking natural beauty and deep cultural history of Australia's Northern Territory as you journey from Cairns to Darwin in a cozy campervan. You'll have 14 days to immerse yourself in some of the most captivating destinations in the Australian outback, from stunning landscapes, quirky wildlife, and lively Aboriginal culture. Transcend from the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to traversing the untamed terrain of Kakadu National Park, discovering all the hidden gems in between, and revelling in the unparalleled splendour of the Australian wild.
MORE: Cairns to Darwin ItineraryThis itinerary follows the coastline between the two major Queensland cities of Brisbane in the South East and Cairns in the Tropical North, and covers a distance of over 1,800 km. What will thrill you the most? Spectacular white-sand beaches? Outstanding mountain scenery? Unique Australian wildlife? In tropical Far North Queensland, the rainforest meets the Reef, so get ready for an epic road trip across one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.
MORE: Brisbane to Cairns ItineraryAs always, an Australian will need a valid class C (car) licence to rent a camper in Cairns. Probationary, provisional, and learner licences won’t cut it. Few campervan hire companies rent vehicles to customers under 21. Travellers aged under 25 will pay more to cover higher insurance costs. International travellers can rent a campervan with a valid International Driver's Permit (IDP) or an approved English translation of a comparable (car) foreign licence.
Free camping is only allowed at designated sites in Cairns, and overnight parking is generally prohibited. Staying at a holiday park or caravan park will generally cost about $50–$100 (AUD) per night.
Some popular campgrounds include: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, Cool Waters Holiday Park and NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park.
It’s worth planning to spend several days in the Cairns area, as there is a lot to explore within a relatively short distance from the city. To the south are the Atherton Tablelands with multiple waterfalls, to the west is Kuranda and Barron Gorge National Park, and to the north are Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.
Of course, Cairns City itself is a great base for excursions into the Great Barrier Reef.
No, the road from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown in Far North Queensland is unsealed and can be challenging. Generally, companies restrict access to this area. Check with your rental supplier for any questions regarding restricted areas.
Generally, regular 2WD campervans are not permitted to travel to Cape York. Many companies make exceptions for 4WD campers, but written permission must be obtained first. Check with your rental supplier for any questions regarding restricted areas.
Most companies generally have a minimum rental period. Weekend rentals are possible, but the minimum rental period can range from one day to a full week, depending on the time of year.
Enter your dates in the comparison tool to see which vehicles are available for your travel dates.
Yes, a large number of companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will show you availability on your preferred route and automatically factor in any one-way fees charged by the supplier.
A one-way motorhome road trip starting or ending in Cairns is a popular way to explore the East Coast of Australia. Many travellers choose as the other endpoint of their journey Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney or even Melbourne.
Popular stopping points for travellers along their way to Cairns include Mission Beach, Airlie Beach and Townsville.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.