Planning a trip from Sydney to Cairns? Did you know you can rent a campervan one way? Compare vehicles from several campervan hire companies offering one-way rentals from Sydney to Cairns.
Vivid Camper
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
This route from Sydney to Cairns is approximately 3,000 km and will take you along Australia’s east coast and up into Tropical North Queensland.
Distance: 60-100 km
Estimated driving time: 1-1.5h
Things to see:
Distance: 250-300 km
Estimated driving time: 3.5-4h
Attractions along the way:
Distance: 240 km
Estimated driving time: 3-3.5h
Things to see on the way:
Distance: 150-170 km
Estimated driving time: 1.5-2h
Popular Attractions:
Distance 230-250km
Estimated driving time: 2.5-3h
Things to see:
Distance: 100km
Estimated driving time: 1.5-2h
Popular attractions:
Distance: 80-100km
Estimated driving time: 1-1.5h
Things to see:
Distance: 100-150 km
Estimated driving time: 1.5-3h
Things to see:
Distance: 180-200 km
Estimated driving time: 2.5-3h
Popular Attractions:
Distance: 100-150 km
Estimated driving time: 1-2h
Attractions along the way:
Distance: 250-300 km
Estimated driving time: 3.5-4h
Things to see:
Distance: 450-500 km
Estimated driving time: 5.5-6h
Attractions along the way:
Distance: 250-280 km
Estimated driving time: 3.5-4h
Attractions:
Distance: 340-380 km
Estimated driving time: 4.5-5h
Things to see:
When you’re in Cairns, it’s hard to miss the 1,429 miles long World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
No shortage of tour operators can deliver a day outing by boat, with opportunities to enjoy warm, calm water snorkelling and scuba diving, surrounded by the reef system’s – renowned vibrantly coloured marine life.
There are also glass-bottomed boats and submarine experiences, and options to suit everyone, including pontoons, stationed within the Outer Reef and various islands of the reef.
Aside from the reef, the second most likely destination you’re likely to explore near Cairns is the Wet Tropics Rainforest, with two of the most popular destinations for a day being Kuranda and Daintree.
Kuranda is a town on the Barron River, 15.5 miles from Cairns, with a scenic train and cableway making for an easy day trip.
Known for its exceptional biodiversity, the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest (which contains Daintree National Park), north of Cairns, is the largest continuous rainforest in the country, as well as the world’s oldest rainforest.
A view of the famous Opera House, iconic Harbour Bridge, and majestic Sydney skyline is often the highlight of a stay in Sydney, and seeing the unique perspective from the water truly shows off the city’s charm. Several long-time cruise operators offer sailings of varying lengths: short narrated sightseeing trips, brunch and dinner cruises, and whale watching excursions.
Campervan rental companies may charge a one-way rental fee. If there is such a fee we will include it in the rental price listed in our comparison tool.
Yes - simply use the search tool at the top of this page to check availability.
An Australian resident needs a valid class C (car) licence to hire a camper in Sydney. Rental companies generally won’t do business with drivers holding learners, provisional (Ps), or probationary licences.
If you’ve arrived from overseas, you’ll need an English translation of a comparable car license or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Drivers must be 21 or older to rent a campervan or motorhome. Travellers under 25 can hire a vehicle but must pay a young driver surcharge.
It’s recommended you stay in a holiday park or designated campsite. Free camping is not allowed in the city itself and is only allowed at designated sites throughout Australia. Most caravan parks are located away from the city centre.
Some popular campsites include: NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park, Cattai National Park Campground and Patonga Camping Ground.
If you wish to explore Sydney CBD and other city attractions like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach or the Opera House, plan ahead. It's best to avoid peak traffic hours and to plan where to park ahead of time, especially if you're in a large motorhome.
Currently, all the major motorhome rental brands have their Sydney branch close to Sydney Airport, on the southside.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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