Compare Campervan Prices — Brisbane to Cairns
Select “Brisbane” as your pickup and “Cairns” as your drop-off to see one-way prices.
Why Drive Brisbane to Cairns?
This 1,700 km route is one of Australia's great campervan drives. Here's what makes it special.
Key Stops: Brisbane to Cairns
Must-see places along the route, from your starting point in Brisbane.
Brisbane
Start
Noosa & Sunshine Coast
140 km from Brisbane
Surf beaches, Eumundi Markets and the gateway to K'gari.
Hervey Bay & K'gari
290 km from Brisbane
Jump-off for Fraser Island 4WD tours, whale watching June–November.
Rockhampton & Capricorn Coast
620 km from Brisbane
Tropic of Capricorn crossing, Great Keppel Island nearby.
Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
1,100 km from Brisbane
Whitehaven Beach day trips, overnight sailing, reef snorkelling.
Townsville & Magnetic Island
1,360 km from Brisbane
Laid-back island vibes, free-roaming koalas, snorkelling.
Mission Beach
1,500 km from Brisbane
Rainforest meets the reef — skydiving, cassowary spotting.
Cairns
Destination
One-Way Campervan Hire: Brisbane → Cairns
One-way hire between Brisbane and Cairns is extremely common and most brands either waive the relocation fee entirely or charge a modest $100–$300 fee. Booking 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season secures the best deals; relocation specials sometimes bring the daily rate below $1/day for flexible travellers.
Brands Available in Brisbane (Pickup)
Brands Available in Cairns (Drop-off)
Insider Tips for the Brisbane to Cairns Drive
Allow 7 days minimum to enjoy the route — 10–14 days is ideal for the full experience.
Book Whitsundays sailing trips in advance during school holidays (Dec–Jan, Jun–Jul).
Fuel stops are frequent on the Bruce Highway but fill up before inland detours.
Check your rental agreement for K'gari (Fraser Island) access — a 4WD vehicle and separate barge ticket are required.
Free camping and low-cost council campgrounds are plentiful between towns.
Brisbane to Cairns — Frequently Asked Questions
Budget 2-berth campervans start from around $45/day. Mid-range 4-berth vans average $90–$150/day. One-way relocation fees range from $0–$300 depending on the brand and season. Total cost for a 10-day trip typically runs $500–$2,500 including fuel.