Setting out from Cairns to Melbourne? Travel from the tropics to the city in a one-way campervan rental. Use our tool above to find the best hire options along this epic route.
Distance: Approximately 350 km (217 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Things to See:
Distance: 275 km (171 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Things to See:
Distance: 480 km (298 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 5.5 hours
Must-See Stops:
Distance: 400 km (249 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 5 hours
Highlights:
Distance: 190 km (118 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
Points of Interest:
Distance: 140 km (87 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Things to See:
Distance: 165 km (103 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Attractions:
Distance: 240 km (149 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Highlights:
Distance: 160 km (99 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Things to See:
Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours
Points of Interest:
Distance: 170 km (106 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Highlights:
Distance: 290 km (180 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Things to Experience:
Distance: 340 km (211 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours
Attractions Along the Way:
Distance: 330 km (205 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
Must-See Stops:
As 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.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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