Campervan hire Cairns

Loading...
Cars
Campers

Why book a campervan with us?

Find out more about us
Trusted experience

One of the world’s largest motorhome rental agencies

Australian owned

Motorhome Republic are your trusted Aussie travel experts

24/7 award-winning customer support

Expert motorhomes concierge team

Take a road trip to remember with a camper hire from Cairns

With a campervan rental from Cairns, the wild and wonderful destinations of Northern Queensland await. Hit the highways and you’ll soon find tropical rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, notable National & Holiday Parks, wildlife, adventure activities, and more. The freedom of having your own wheels is priceless in this unique and balmy part of Australia.

Explore our special offers

See all deals

Campervan rental in Cairns: Pick up locations

While many people arrive in Cairns via the busy international airport and pick up their vehicle there, that’s far from the only option. With a wide range of motorhome rental suppliers in the city catering to travellers of all types, there are multiple pick-up locations to choose from.

Prefer to get your bearings and spend some time in urban exploration before picking up your motorhome? No problem. There are campervan rental Cairns depots scattered throughout the area.

All you need to know for your Cairns campervan adventure

A guide to driving your camper in Cairns 

Head your campervan hire Cairns to the famous Chinamans Creek waterfront in the afternoon.A safe road trip is a good road trip. Those driving in Australia for the first time will have plenty to learn. Domestic visitors may also need some advice that’s unique to the roads of Cairns and Northern Queensland. Here are some tips and pointers to get you started.

  • First and foremost, listen carefully to the orientation you receive when picking up your vehicle. Write down the most important points. The staff at the depot are the experts on the vehicle!
  • Remember that in Australia, traffic drives to the left. If you’re used to driving on the right, you may wish to practice on quieter streets before hitting the highways to begin your journey.
  • The speed limit in most residential areas is 50 kilometres per hour, but there is a limit of 40kph in the CBD. Most open roads have a limit of 100kph.
  • Heading north from Cairns, you may enter more remote regions. Always have plenty of food and water in case of a breakdown, and keep a sharp eye out for kangaroos and other wildlife on roads.
  • Beware of cane trains in the region! These run on a dedicated narrow-gauge railway network around Queensland and other states during the crushing season from June to November. Some road crossings are marked with signs but no barriers. Always give way to the trains.
  • Cairns and the surrounding region are hot, particularly in summer. Always have spare water for both the vehicle and the people in it.

What to do and see with a motorhome hire from Cairns

Two fishes in the Cairns Aquarium.Many campervans leave Cairns every day in search of adventure—and it’s not hard to find! Tropical North Queensland is filled with incredible flora, fauna, and landscapes. Fantastic destinations lie in all directions. With a motorhome that combines transport and accommodation in one tidy package, you can embark on a road trip to remember.

Here are a few ideas to get your itinerary planning underway. 

Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef

Should you choose to head your motorhome hire Cairns to the south, you’ll come across the spectacular Whitsundays region within a day’s drive—although you may like to stop in at Townsville along the way. We recommend this trip for anyone who loves the sun, sand, and sea. This group of idyllic islands has all of it in spades, and is a popular access spot for trips to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. In fact, you can access the reef from places all along the coast south of Cairns.

Atherton Tablelands

This region just inland from Cairns is known for its variety of landscapes, waterfalls and volcanic rock formations, coffee plantations, and a vibrant foodie culture. There’s lots to see, do, and taste! Visit a local farmers market to stock up your camper hire Cairns with provisions, kayak one of the many creeks or rivers, watch for wildlife, try a local coffee, and enjoy the many top-notch.

Daintree Rainforest

Discover more of nature at the Daintree Rainforest. This natural wonder is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the Australian continent, part of the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world. It’s an extraordinary place, located just a few hours north of Cairns. Here you can explore on foot, take guided wildlife tours, hear from Aboriginal custodians of the land, and enjoy unmatched birdwatching. The Daintree Discovery Centre is a good place to start. Then if you wanted to have some break after your tour, you can also head to NRMA Cairns holiday park to have a good night's rest.

Cape York

This destination comes with a disclaimer: it’s an intrepid trip to make, and you’ll need a 4WD camper—check that your rental company permits you to drive on the roads there before you book. Once prepared with the vehicle you’ll need, you are in for a treat. This remote and wild part of Australia has amazing landscapes, small coastal towns, beaches, islands, waterholes, wildlife, and an array of unforgettable tracks to walk or drive.

Australia is a massive country. If Cairns is not your preferred pick up location to start your campervan rental Australia road trip, check out other Queensland cities like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, and popular destinations in other regions like Melbourne, Perth, or Adelaide. There is a reason Australia is rated as one of the best destinations for a motorhome holiday. With Motorhome Republic, we've got you covered. 

What our customers say

The booking enquiry was followed up with a phone call from Beate.She was so helpful patient and professional.
I felt so much better dealing with a person then online. She was able to explain everything to me (as this is the first time hiring a motor home) thanks for the great service.
MICHAEL & SALLY VERNON
On time and Correct
David Lewis
Everything was really great and good, smooth, and at a good price
Fredrik Videlycka
Gabriela is exceptionally professional, patient, and very caring when it comes to her customers. She went above and beyond, even going so far to inquire about foldable deck/garden chairs. Unfortunately I didn't get the size of the motorhome I was after, but that was due to my own lack of haste. In the end I had to settle for something much larger and more expensive. I can see why Motorhome Republic is so popular. Two thumbs up!
Marcel Kuijper
Quick response by requests
Petr Wagner
The company has been operating very efficiently. I have been using their services for many years and have always been satisfied. They have great customer service and actively respond to all problems.
Jacek Terlicki
informative wab site and good service.
Kevin Walsh
MR afforded me to time to relax while someone else hunted for an appropriate camper van. They kept me informed daily of their progress. Coming from overseas it made sense to use Motorhome Republic who know the ropes and can find me the right campervan I needed.
Susan Jane Hardy
Easy to use website, they replied very quickly when RV unwanted wasn't available with alternatives that were. They even followed up with a phonecall to discuss further, Great service
Tom j

Cairns campervan hire: Frequently asked questions

See all of our FAQs

Which campervan providers are available in Cairns?

Find cheap campervan hire in Cairns from a variety of great suppliers including (but not limited to) Jucy, Hippie Campers, Apollo, Star RV, Real Value RV, Cheapa Campers, Kea Campers, Mighty Campers, Maui Campervans, Britz, Travellers Autobarn, Comet Campervans, Spaceships Rentals, Energi Motorhomes, Calypso Campers, Camperman, Driveabout Campers, Barefoot Camper Hire, Kangaroo Campers, and Awesome Campers.

How much does a campervan in Cairns cost to hire?

A small sleepervan rental from Cairns could cost as little as $AUD45 per day excluding any extras, while a big 6-berth RV with all the creature comforts might cost up to AUD$550 per day. There are options for all budgets, so use the filters on our simple search engine to find the motorhome that suits your plans.

How old do you have to be to rent a campervan in Cairns?

In general, motorhome suppliers rent only to customers 21 years of age or older. Some may rent to those aged 18 plus, but there may be stipulations attached. Ask us if you have any questions!

Do we need a special licence to rent a campervan in Cairns?

No, you can drive a campervan with your full, valid licence from your home country. If the licence is not written in English, you will need an accredited translation or an International Driving Permit in addition to the licence.

When's the best time to rent a campervan in Cairns?

The dry season in Queensland runs from April to November, and many people prefer to travel at this time. However, the “green” season from November to March is fantastic for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. There’s no bad time to rent a motorhome in Cairns!

Can I hire a campervan in Cairns with a toilet and shower?

Yes, there are plenty of Cairns campervan rentals available with showers and toilets! These are often certified self-contained (although you should confirm this when booking) which is an asset for an adventurous road tripper. If you want these features, select them in the “Features” filter tool to the left of your Motorhome Republic search results.

What type of campervans can I rent in Cairns?

Just about anything you like! With a range of motorhome rental suppliers, Cairns offers travellers everything from huge RVs with all the bells and whistles to small, affordable campervans and sleepervans that just provide wheels and a place to sleep at night. Use the handy filters available as part of the Motorhome Republic search engine to narrow down your options and find the Cairns campervan rental that fits your requirements.

Can I collect a campervan in Cairns and drop it off in another city?

Yes, many campervan hire Cairns suppliers with locations in other cities will allow you to embark on a one-way trip. Make sure to confirm that this is OK before you book. One-way fees may apply.

Where's the closest place to fill up with fuel before returning my campervan?

This depends on the location of your campervan hire depot, but Cairns has plenty of petrol stations. If in doubt, call your supplier to ask where the best place to fill up is. This may also be included in your rental documentation.

How long does it take to drive a campervan from Cairns to Sydney?

The trip from Cairns to Sydney in a motorhome would take around 27-30 hours of solid driving, depending on whether you take an inland or coastal route. It is recommended that you take at least five days to a week to make this epic journey—and see the many sights along the way.