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Cairns to Brisbane One Way Campervan Rental

Heading from Cairns to Brisbane? Discover the stunning Queensland coast in a one-way campervan rental. Check availability and rates using our comparison tool.

Cairns to Brisbane One Way Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Mission Beach, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Things to See:

  • Mission Beach (stunning beaches and rainforest coastline)
  • Djiru National Park (rainforest walks and cassowary spotting)
  • Paronella Park (historic castle ruins and gardens)

Day 2: Mission Beach to Townsville, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 235 km (146 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours

Highlights:

  • Castle Hill Lookout (panoramic views of Townsville and Magnetic Island)
  • The Strand (beachfront promenade)
  • Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

Day 3: Townsville to Bowen, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 200 km (124 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours

Must-See Stops:

  • Horseshoe Bay in Bowen
  • Flagstaff Hill Lookout (views of Bowen’s beaches)
  • Big Mango (iconic roadside attraction)

Day 4: Bowen to Airlie Beach, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Things to Experience:

  • Airlie Beach Lagoon (popular swimming spot)
  • Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands (day trips available)
  • Conway National Park (hiking trails and scenic lookouts)

Day 5: Airlie Beach to Mackay, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Highlights:

  • Bluewater Lagoon (family-friendly water park)
  • Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
  • Eungella National Park (known for platypus spotting)

Day 6: Mackay to Rockhampton, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 335 km (208 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours

Things to See:

  • Capricorn Caves (guided tours of limestone caves)
  • Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo
  • Mount Archer National Park (lookouts and hiking trails)

Day 7: Rockhampton to Agnes Water & Town of 1770, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 230 km (143 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Places of Interest:

  • Agnes Water Beach (great for surfing and swimming)
  • Town of 1770 (historic landing site of Captain Cook)
  • Joseph Banks Conservation Park (coastal walks and scenic views)

Day 8: Agnes Water & Town of 1770 to Hervey Bay, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 215 km (134 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 hours

Must-See Stops:

  • Whale watching tours (seasonal, July to November)
  • Hervey Bay Esplanade (coastal walkway and parks)
  • Reefworld Aquarium and Shark Swim

Day 9: Hervey Bay to Rainbow Beach, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 130 km (81 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Things to Experience:

  • Carlo Sand Blow (sand dunes with ocean views)
  • Rainbow Beach (known for its colorful sands)
  • Gateway to Fraser Island (4WD tours available)

Day 10: Rainbow Beach to Noosa Heads, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 110 km (68 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Highlights:

  • Noosa National Park (hiking trails and scenic coastal views)
  • Hastings Street (shopping, dining, and beachfront)
  • Noosa Main Beach

Day 11: Noosa Heads to Brisbane, Queensland

Distance: Approximately 140 km (87 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Attractions in Brisbane:

  • South Bank Parklands (riverside walks, restaurants, and park)
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I rent a campervan just for the weekend?

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.