Compare Campervan Prices — Cairns to Brisbane
Select “Cairns” as your pickup and “Brisbane” as your drop-off to see one-way prices.
Why Drive Cairns to Brisbane?
This 1,700 km route is one of Australia's great campervan drives. Here's what makes it special.
Key Stops: Cairns to Brisbane
Must-see places along the route, from your starting point in Cairns.
Cairns
Start
Mission Beach
1,500 km from Cairns
Rainforest meets the reef — skydiving, cassowary spotting.
Townsville & Magnetic Island
1,360 km from Cairns
Laid-back island vibes, free-roaming koalas, snorkelling.
Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
1,100 km from Cairns
Whitehaven Beach day trips, overnight sailing, reef snorkelling.
Rockhampton & Capricorn Coast
620 km from Cairns
Tropic of Capricorn crossing, Great Keppel Island nearby.
Hervey Bay & K'gari
290 km from Cairns
Jump-off for Fraser Island 4WD tours, whale watching June–November.
Noosa & Sunshine Coast
140 km from Cairns
Surf beaches, Eumundi Markets and the gateway to K'gari.
Brisbane
Destination
One-Way Campervan Hire: Cairns → Brisbane
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 Cairns (Pickup)
Brands Available in Brisbane (Drop-off)
Insider Tips for the Cairns to Brisbane 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.
Cairns to Brisbane — 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.