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Campervan hire in Cairns | Where to book, what to know

Take a trip to Tropical North Queensland and explore everything it has to offer with your home on wheels.

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Ancient cultures, tropical vibes and unique nature are all on the agenda on your next adventure to Cairns. Make it a trip of a lifetime and take the show on the road with a campervan that can accommodate you and your travel partners in style and comfort.

Our guide to campervan hire in Cairns includes where to hire a vehicle and some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your trip.

Best campervan hire in Cairns

1. Spaceships: Best for one-way itineraries

Known for its bright orange vans and bargain campervan hire options, Spaceships offers compact vehicles geared for those who are uncomfortable driving a larger campervan.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Cairns Airport (5-minute drive)
  • Discounts: No one-way fee and 5% off selected hires
  • Unique inclusions and features: No one-way surcharge, standard insurance included and unbranded vehicles available
4-Berth Campervan with Rooftop Tent
4-Berth Campervan with Rooftop Tent

Spaceship Rentals

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2. Apollo: Best for 4WD and off-roading

Helping travellers explore Australia since 1985, Apollo hires out late-model campervans to holiday-goers who are happy to splash out a bit more for quality.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Cairns Airport (5-minute drive)
  • Discounts: 5% off early bird deals
  • Unique inclusions and features: Higher-end and late-models available from 2-berth hi-top caravans to 6-berth luxury motorhomes, unlimited kilometres and 24/7 roadside assistance
6-Berth Euro Deluxe Campervan
6-Berth Euro Deluxe Campervan

Motorhome Republic

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3. Britz: Best for pet-friendly campers

Britz is ideal for those who are keen to keep more of their home comforts while on their campervan adventure. Britz is all about higher-end models with plenty of space for the whole crew.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Cairns Airport (5-minute drive)
  • Discounts: Up to 25% off Australian hires and deposits from $1
  • Unique inclusions and features: Some models come with kitchens and bathrooms, new vehicles between 1-3 years and pet-friendly policy
2-3 Berth Venturer Campervan
2-3 Berth Venturer Campervan

Motorhome Republic

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4. JUCY: Best for cheap campers

A Kiwi brand that has now firmly taken hold in Australia, JUCY's bright green and purple campervans toe the line between budget and luxury offerings.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Cairns City
  • Discounts: Nothing over $99 a day
  • Unique inclusions and features: Rentals for drivers 18+, unlimited kilometres, insurance included and some models come with kitchens and toilets

5. Mighty: Best for group hire

Mighty is a good all-rounder that runs the gamut from no-frills options to luxurious campervans, along with motorhomes for larger groups.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Cairns Airport (5-minute drive)
  • Discounts: N/A
  • Unique inclusions and features: Unlimited kilometres, 24-hour breakdown assistance and some models come with a multi-temperature shower
4-Berth Doubledown Campervan
4-Berth Doubledown Campervan

Motorhome Republic

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6. Travellers Autobarn: Best for young drivers

Travellers Autobarn is aimed at budget and youth travellers, and is one of the few caravan hire companies that rents to drivers under 21 years old.

  • Where can I pick up the campervan from? Portsmith
  • Discounts: Access to free and discounted campgrounds and caravans parks
  • Unique inclusions and features: No surcharge for drivers 18+ and free 24-hour roadside assistance

How did we pick these campervan companies on the Cairns?

Our editorial team selected the Cairns campervan companies and vehicles on this list based on price, pick-up locations and vehicle features.

Compare campervan hire companies in Cairns

Data updated regularly
Name Product Pick-up locations One-way trips available What's included? Free cancellations Book now
Spaceships
Spaceships
Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Cairns, Melbourne,
Sydney
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Fridge or esky
Yes
Spaceships Rentals
View details
Apollo
Apollo
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink, USB and charging ports, Water tank, Dining table, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
Yes
Apollo
View details
Britz
Britz
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink, Toilet, Shower, USB and charging ports, Water tank, Dining table, Chairs, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
Yes
Britz
View details
JUCY
JUCY
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne,
Sydney
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Towels, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink
Yes
JUCY
View details
Mighty Campers
Mighty Campers
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney
Yes
Blankets, pillows and sheets, Plates, bowls and utensils, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink, Toilet, Shower, Water tank, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
No
Mighty Campers
View details
Travellers Autobarn
Travellers Autobarn
Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney
Yes
pillows and sheets, Towels, Cookingware, Stove, Fridge or esky, Sink, USB and charging ports, Water tank, Microwave, Gas (for cooking)
No
Travellers Autobarn
View details
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Looking for a specific type of campervan? Check out these companies:

TL;DR: Cairns campervan hire

Get the best price:
October

Best time to hire:
April to September

Pick-up locations:
Cairns Airport, Cairns City, Manunda, Portsmith and Whitfield

Driver's licence required:
Full driver’s licence or international licence

What to know before renting a campervan in Cairns

How much is campervan hire in Cairns?

According to Motorhome Republic, a 2-berth campervan rental in Cairns booked for summer costs around $223 and winter sits at roughly $177.

A variety of factors go into the cost of a rental. These include but are not limited to:

  • The length of your booking
  • How many people are travelling
  • Age of the camper
  • Inclusions and extras
  • Time of year

When is the best time to hire a campervan in Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns for weather purposes is April to September. This time of year is the dry season which offers comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and lack of crowds (if you book outside of school holiday periods).

For campervan affordability, the cheapest time to book according to Motorhome Republic is October. Spring provides the lowest cost average of $120.

What licence do I need to drive a motorhome in Cairns?

Anyone with a full, valid driver's licence written in English can hire and drive a motorhome in Cairns. Non-English licence holders must also carry a formal English translation or an International Driving Permit.

Are there any age restrictions to driving a campervan in Cairns?

Some companies have a minimum age requirement while others have a young driver's surcharge for under 25 year olds.

Travellers Autobarn, Spaceships and JUCY all allow drivers as young as 18 years old to hire their vehicles. To hire from Mighty, Britz or Apollo, you'll have to be at least 21 years old.

 

Can you park a campervan anywhere in Cairns?

No, parking just anywhere can land you a fine in Australia. But there are plenty of free camping spots that you can pull over at for the evening.

How long do I need to travel around Cairns by campervan?

Depending on how much time you have available, having 5 days in Cairns should allow you to cover all the popular road trip bases. Our must-do itineraries include:

Do I need special campervan insurance?

Caravan insurance is not a legal requirement but is usually offered as an additional option with most rental policies in Cairns. Campervan excess insurance can also be purchased separately.

Campervan hire locations in Cairns

Most campervan hire depots in Cairns are found moments away from the airport or in the city centre. Some of the main suburbs include Manunda, Portsmith and Whitfield.

Which companies offer campervan pick-up from airports in Cairns?

Note that these campervan companies are a 5-minute drive from the terminal via Airport Drive.

Can I access free campervan stops in Cairns?

  • Babinda Boulders Camping: Ideal for visits to Wooroonooran National Park
  • Rifle Creek Rest Area: Ideal for visits to Daintree National Park
  • Georgetown Rest Area: Ideal for Savannah Way road trips
  • Cockatoo Creek Camping Area: Ideal for visits to the Tip of Australia
  • Saunders Park: Ideal for visits to Townsville

Tips for driving a campervan in Cairns

  • Drive during the day: Limit night-time driving as wildlife tends to hang out near the roads after sunset. Use your high beam if you must travel in the dark.
  • Plan ahead for off-roading: Consider a 4WD campervan if you're planning to explore remote areas and always fill up on water, food and fuel beforehand.
  • Make sure you have enough supplies: Stock up on your groceries before leaving Cairns as prices can get higher the further away you get.
  • Be aware of local speed limits: A 40km/hr speed limit applies in Cairns city centre.

Latest campervan hire deals for Cairns

DriveNowDriveNow

Campervan hire from $5/day

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AvisAvis

Third day free on rentals

Ends

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Motorhome RepublicMotorhome Republic

Up to 50% off rentals + no one way fee

Ends

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JUCYJUCY

Up to 15% off Australia campervan hires

Ends

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KlookKlook

Up to 10% off car rentals in Australia

Ends

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EuropcarEuropcar

Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals

Ends

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EuropcarEuropcar

$1/day one-way car hire in Australia

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Motorhome RepublicMotorhome Republic

Up to 50% off one-way rental rate with Cheapa Campa

Ends

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