Cairns Roundtrip - Queensland Family Adventure Route
16-day route · Cairns → Cairns
- Averages about 153 km a day
- Longest single day around 282 km
- 2,453 km total distance
- Crosses Australia
- RVs from ~67 $ AU/night — enter your dates for a quote
What's along this route
This 16-day drive links 30 stops across 19 kinds of experience along the way.
- 1 Animals Show / Wildlife watch
- 1 Aquarium
- 1 Beach
- 1 Bike Rental
- 1 Botanical garden
- 1 Cable Railway
- 1 cave
- 2 Day Tour
- 2 Extreme Activity
- 1 hiking area
- 1 Local Industry
- 1 Museum
- 3 Natural Feature
- 1 Park
- 3 Point Of Interest
- 2 Swimming
- 4 Tourist Attraction
- 2 Traditional Market
- 1 Traditional Visit
Route overview
Setting off on a 16-day motorhome adventure from Cairns is like diving into the ultimate mix of tropical wonders, family-friendly attractions, and incredible natural landscapes. With our rented RV packed and ready, we’ve got an exciting route planned, crafted to give the whole family an unforgettable journey along the East Coast of Australia. Road trip planning has never felt this fun as we head out with a route planner that ticks off all the must-visit spots!
Our first stop is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where we soar above lush treetops, giving the kids an exciting bird’s-eye view of the ancient rainforests. Nearby, the Daintree Ice Cream Company provides a perfect refreshment break with its unique tropical flavors — a hit for both kids and adults alike. In Cape Tribulation, the Treetops Adventure lets us unleash our inner thrill-seekers as we navigate treetop ziplines in the heart of the forest.
Continuing south, we visit the stunning Millaa Millaa Waterfall, an iconic photo spot and a cool, refreshing swimming area. Then, it’s off to the Undara Experience to explore ancient lava tubes, bringing a bit of history and geology into our travels. For a change of pace, Texas Longhorn Tours lets us get up close to some mighty longhorn cattle, a unique sight for the kids, and a fun experience as we learn about ranch life.
Further along, Forest Flying offers a thrilling zipline through the trees, perfect for families who love a dash of adventure. In Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Market and Salty Dog Sea Kayaking provide a great combo of local shopping, relaxation, and adventure on the water. Paddling in the calm sea lets us explore the coastal beauty, all from our kayaks.
As we journey back north, Castle Hill Lookout rewards us with panoramic views, and Cardwell Spa Pool is a must-stop with its natural aqua blue waters — a hidden gem for a peaceful soak. History buffs will be captivated by the enchanting Paronella Park, where the kids can explore old ruins and lush gardens, all while hearing about the park’s fascinating past.
We wrap up our journey by exploring the Cairns Botanic Gardens, a tranquil retreat filled with diverse plant life, before stopping at DFO Cairns for some last-minute shopping and maybe a treat for the road back.
This motorhome journey from Cairns gives us the freedom to explore Australia’s East Coast at our own pace, all while enjoying the comforts of our cozy campervan. The RV not only gives us a home on wheels but also makes road trip planning and flexibility a breeze. With a route planner filled with thrilling adventures, scenic spots, and family-friendly stops, this is the ultimate round-trip journey through some of Queensland’s best attractions.
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FAQs About Renting an RV in Cairns
Prices depend on the season, the RV class and how long you rent. Enter your travel dates in the search above for a live quote across our suppliers.
We suggest about 16 days to cover 2,453 km at a comfortable pace. That works out to roughly 153 km a day, with the longest single day around 282 km.
The route runs one-way from Cairns to Cairns, passing through Australia.
Any RV class can drive this route. Compact campervans are easier to handle on mountain and canyon roads and to park in towns, while larger motorhomes give families more living and sleeping space. Compare classes in the search to find the right fit.
Yes — this is a one-way trip, picking up in Cairns and dropping off in Cairns. One-way fees vary by supplier, and several nearby cities also work as starting points (see the route overview above).