Traveling from Cairns to Sydney? Journey along the eastern seaboard with a one-way campervan rental. Find the best options for this route with our comparison tool.
You can also rent a camper in the opposite direction: from Sydney to Cairns.
Distance: Approximately 270 km (168 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Attractions:
Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 190 km (118 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Attractions:
Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 95 km (59 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Must-See Stops:
Distance: Approximately 160 km (99 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 235 km (146 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 275 km (171 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Must-See Stops:
Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
Distance: Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Things to See:
Distance: Approximately 390 km (242 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 hours
Things to Experience in Sydney:
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.
Support 24/7