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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

Can I start my journey in Sydney and travel one-way to Cairns?

Yes, you can start your journey in Sydney and travel one-way to Cairns. Use the comparison tool to find availability and fees.

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Cairns?

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.

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.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.