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Cairns to Sydney Campervan Rental
Cairns to Sydney One Way Motorhome Hire
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.
Cairns to Sydney One Way Itinerary
Day 1
Cairns to Mission Beach, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
- Etty Bay (for possible cassowary sightings)
- Mission Beach (relaxing beach vibes)
- Rainforest walks in Djiru National Park
Day 2
Mission Beach to Townsville, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 235 km (146 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Things to See:
- The Strand waterfront promenade
- Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium
- Castle Hill Lookout
Day 3
Townsville to Airlie Beach (Gateway to the Whitsundays), Queensland
Distance: Approximately 275 km (171 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Must-See Stops:
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Whitsunday Islands day trip (optional)
- Cedar Creek Falls
Day 4
Airlie Beach to Mackay, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
- Bluewater Lagoon in Mackay
- Finch Hatton Gorge (waterfalls and hikes)
- Eungella National Park (platypus spotting at Broken River)
Day 5
Mackay to Yeppoon, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Things to See:
- Great Keppel Island (short ferry ride from Yeppoon)
- Capricorn Coast National Park
- Keppel Kraken water play area
Day 6
Yeppoon to Agnes Water/1770, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 270 km (168 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Attractions:
- Agnes Water Beach (surfing and swimming)
- Town of 1770 (historical significance)
- Lady Musgrave Island day trips (optional)
Day 7
Agnes Water/1770 to Hervey Bay, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Highlights:
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Hervey Bay Esplanade
- Day trip to Fraser Island (optional)
Day 8
Hervey Bay to Noosa, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 190 km (118 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Things to See:
- Noosa National Park (coastal walks and wildlife)
- Main Beach in Noosa
- Hastings Street (boutiques and cafes)
Day 9
Noosa to Brisbane, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Attractions:
- South Bank Parklands
- Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Day 10
Brisbane to Gold Coast, Queensland
Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Highlights:
- Surfers Paradise Beach
- SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 11
Gold Coast to Byron Bay, New South Wales
Distance: Approximately 95 km (59 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Things to See:
- Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Main Beach and surfing
- The Farm Byron Bay
Day 12
Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Must-See Stops:
- Big Banana Fun Park
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
- Coffs Harbour Jetty and Marina
Day 13
Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Distance: Approximately 160 km (99 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
- Koala Hospital
- Tacking Point Lighthouse
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and boardwalk
Day 14
Port Macquarie to Sydney, New South Wales
Distance: Approximately 390 km (242 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 hours
Things to Experience in Sydney:
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Bondi Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free camping allowed in Cairns?
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.
Can I take my rental campervan beyond Cape Tribulation?
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.
Can I take my rental campervan to Cape York?
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.
Can I rent a campervan just for the weekend?
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.
Are one-way campervan rentals available?
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.
