Photo: Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0
Campervan Hire
Cairns
Tropical north pickup or drop-off. Reef, rainforest and Far North 4WD country.
Your Cairns van, best rate found
We check the big brands with a depot in Cairns for your dates and reply with the best rate, usually within 24 hours. Free, and no booking fees.
About picking up in Cairns
Cairns is where the East Coast run ends, and where the Cape York / Outback Queensland trip begins. International airport, good depot coverage, smaller fleet than Sydney/Brisbane so book ahead in dry season.
Cairns is where the East Coast run finishes and where Far North Queensland begins. It is a one-way drop-off for most northbound trips, so relocation deals heading back south turn up here regularly if your timing is loose.
The fleet is smaller than the southern cities, so the dry season from May to October books out. Reserve well ahead if you travel then. The wet, roughly November to April, brings heat, afternoon storms and the odd road closure toward the Daintree, along with the lowest rates of the year.
The short trips from Cairns are the good ones: the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit, and south to Mission Beach and Magnetic Island. Sealed roads cover all of it; the rougher Cape York tracks need a 4WD, not a campervan.
Around Cairns
Three places worth the trip once you've got the keys.
Popular routes from Cairns
Top one-way and return trips travellers take from here. Times include sightseeing stops.
4–6 days · Mission Beach · Townsville
Get a quote for this routeRoad trips from Cairns
All road trips →
Sydney → Cairns
Surf towns, sand islands and the Reef, one coastline the whole way.
- Distance
- ≈ 3,000 km
- Stops
- 13 overnight bases
Brisbane → Cairns
Sunshine Coast surf, K'gari, the Whitsundays and the Reef, heading north into the tropics.
- Distance
- ≈ 2,000 km
- Stops
- 9 overnight bases
Cairns → Brisbane
The tropical half of the East Coast, Reef first and finishing in the city.
- Distance
- ≈ 2,000 km
- Stops
- 9 overnight bases
Van types available from Cairns
2-Seater, 2-Sleeper Campervan
From $49/day
Compact wagon with a full bed in the back. Cheapest way to road-trip Australia in a vehicle you can sleep in.
Hi-Top Campervan
From $95/day
The mid-tier sweet spot: stand-up roof, gas stove, fridge, mostly self-contained. Cooks comfortable, sleeps comfortable.
Motorhome
From $175/day
House on wheels. Hot shower, toilet, full kitchen, big fridge. Sleep 2–6 in proper beds. Park-free with reliable plumbing.
Low-Top Campervan
From $79/day
Bigger than a 2-seater, cheaper than a hi-top. Single body height (no stand-up roof) but more storage and a permanent bed setup.
Roof Top Tent
From $119/day
An SUV/4WD with a fold-out tent on the roof. 60-second setup, off the ground for safety/comfort, kitchen kit in the back. Perfect for outback tracks where caravans can't go.
4WD Campervan
From $159/day
Proper 4WD with a built-in camper conversion, pop-up roof, inside bed and kitchen, all on a high-clearance off-road chassis. The only rental rig that does Gibb River Road AND a hot dinner.
Campervan hire in Cairns: common questions
Can I drop a one-way rental in Cairns? +
Yes. Most northbound trips end here, which also means southbound relocation deals start here. If your dates are flexible, ask us about those.
Can I drive to Cape Tribulation? +
Yes to Cape Trib itself, the road is sealed that far. Past it toward the Bloomfield Track it is 4WD-only and not covered by campervan insurance, so that is where the van stops.
What is the weather like in the wet season? +
November to April is hot and humid with afternoon storms and occasional road closures up north. Rates are the lowest of the year, and the rainforest is at its best.
How old do I need to be to hire? +
Most operators rent to drivers 21 and over, with some taking 18 to 20 for a surcharge. Tell us your age and we quote only what you can drive.
When should I book? +
For dry-season travel (May to October), book well ahead: the Cairns fleet is small and sells out. Wet-season pickups are easy and cheap.
