Exploring Tropical Paradise: A 14-Day Motorhome Adventure Around Cairns

Morning: Touch down in Cairns and pick up your motorhome. Begin your adventure with a leisurely exploration of the city centre. Don’t miss the vibrant Cairns Esplanade and the refreshing Cairns Lagoon.

Afternoon: Settle into your motorhome and stock up on essentials at local markets or supermarkets.

Evening: For your first night, unwind at Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort; enjoy a barbecue under the stars or take a dip in their tropical pool.

Recommended campsite: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut, 23/51 Anderson Rd, Woree QLD 4868. Powered site.

Image: Cairns Lagoon

Morning: Take a scenic ride over the Great Barrier Reef and admire up to 140 kilometres of the Outer Barrier as well as many inner islands, reefs and sand cays (40-minutes flight from $199pp*; prices may vary).

Afternoon: Learn about Indigenous culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or visit the Cairns aquarium.

Evening: Return to your campsite and reflect on your adventures over a barbecue dinner and plan your next days’ escapades.

Recommended Campsite: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut. Powered site.

Image: Great Barrier Reef, Scenic Flight

Morning: Embark on a reef cruise from Cairns. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens and marine life.

Afternoon: Explore multiple reef sites, relax on the sun deck, or join guided marine biology tours.

Evening: Spend the night on the reef tour boat, enjoying the serenity of the ocean under a star-filled sky.

Image: Great Barrier Reef, Reef Cruise

Morning: Enjoy the sunrise over the ocean from the boat. Admire the vibrant colours reflecting on the sea while drinking a hot coffee. Snorkel or dive again before the boat starts its way back.

Afternoon: Your tour comes to an end. The boat will take you back to Cairns around 3-4 p.m.

Evening: Enjoy a wander  at the Cairns Night Markets for an easy and relaxing night. You’ll find souvenirs, yummy food, handcrafted goodies, and body massages. The market is open every day from 5 p.m.

Recommended Campsite: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut. Powered site.

Tips: You may need to leave the vehicle at the campsite while on the boat.

Image: Reef Cruise, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Drive to Kuranda, a village nestled in the rainforest canopy. Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. (From $55pp*)

Afternoon:  Explore Kuranda’s markets and art galleries, then visit Barron Falls for a stunning natural spectacle.

Evening: Enjoy a good meal at Frogs on Coondoo, which offers fresh, quality, and local products.  Stay overnight at Kuranda Rainforest Park, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. At night, enjoy the tranquillity of the rainforest.

Recommended campsite: Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park, 88 Kuranda Heights Rd, Kuranda QLD 4881.

Tips: Enquire about booking at least three days before your visit to ensure you have tickets (this isn’t an automatic booking service).

Image: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Hit the road early and head north to Port Douglas. The scenic coastal drive offers glimpses of palm-fringed beaches and lush hinterland.

Afternoon: Wander through the boutique shops and cafes along Macrossan Street, or take a small hike to Trinity Bay Lookout and admire stunning panoramic views of Trinity Bay, the Four Mile Beach, and the Coral Sea.

Evening: Nestled in a serene setting, relax with a campfire dinner. After dinner, go for a sunset walk on Four Miles Beach.

Recommended campsite: Tropic Breeze Caravan Park, 24 Davidson St, Port Douglas, QLD 4877. Powered site.

Image: Four Miles Beach, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Drive north to Daintree Village. Take your time to s

Afternoon: Embark on a Daintree River Cruise, offering an opportunity to spot crocodiles, various bird species, and other wildlife that inhabit the mangrove-lined riverbanks.

Evening: After your cruise, return to the Daintree Rainforest Village, nestled in the heart of the rainforest. The village offers powered and unpowered sites suitable for our Cruisin’ Motorhomes, with BBQ areas and laundry services.

Recommended campsite: Daintree Rainforest Village, 2094 Cape Tribulation Rd, Diwan QLD 4873. Powered site.

Tips: Plan your arrival time for the Daintree River Ferry, which operates frequently but can have wait times during peak hours.

Image: Daintree Rainforest

Morning: It’s time to visit one of North Queensland’s most stunning areas with a road trip from Daintree Village to Cape Tribulation! Enjoy a late breakfast at the Turtle Rock Café. Then, enjoy breathtaking views from Kulki Lookout.

Afternoon: Set up camp at the caravan park for a relaxing afternoon. Stroll along the Dubuji Boardwalk (45-minute circuit) or relax at Myall Beach.

Evening: Nestled in the middle of the Kulki Anga Nature Reserve, dine on locally caught fish and delicious Australian cuisine paired with local drinks at the Cassowary Restaurant, only a 4-minute walk from your campsite!

Recommended Campsite: Safari Lodge and Campground, Turtle Rock Cafe, Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation, QLD 4873. Powered site.

Image: Cape Tribulation Beach

Morning: Depart for Atherton and enjoy a scenic drive through lush tropical landscapes and rolling hills. Stop for breaks at viewpoints along the way to stretch and take in the scenery.

Afternoon: Head to Lake Eacham (20 minutes from the campsite), a volcanic crater lake known for its clear waters and serene surroundings. Take a refreshing swim or wander along the walking tracks encircle the lake. Alternatively, visit Lake Barrine, another volcanic crater lake where you can take a guided boat tour to learn about its history and spot wildlife such as turtles and fish.

Evening: Settle in at your campsite and wander in town for dining options in Atherton or nearby Yungaburra, known for their cafes and restaurants offering local specialties.

Recommended Campsite: NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park, 141 Herberton Rd, Atherton QLD 4883. Powered site.

Tips: Look out for local markets or events in Atherton or Yungaburra. These offer insights into the region’s culture and community.

Image: Lake Eacham, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Head to Millaa Millaa Falls, renowned for its classic beauty, is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the North Queensland region. Its single 18-meter drop, breathtakingly clear waters, and serene environment make it the perfect spot for a refreshing rest.

Afternoon: Explore the Waterfall Circuit, including Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls. Each waterfall offers unique perspectives and opportunities for nature walks and photography in the lush rainforest surroundings. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and birdlife!

Evening: Relax in the tropical gardens of the caravan park, swim in the pool, play golf, or go for short walks. Enjoy a homemade dinner cooked in the comfort of your Cruisin’ Motorhome.

Recommended Campsite: Millaa Millaa Caravan Park, Corner Lodge Ave Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road, Millaa Millaa QLD 4886.

Image: Millaa Millaa Falls, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Start your journey towards Mission Beach and enjoy the scenic views as you pass through tropical landscapes and approach the coastal area.

Afternoon: Take some time to relax on the golden sands of Mission Beach. If you’re looking for activities, you can enjoy tours such as sea kayaking, or for the more adventurous, you can even book a skydive!

Evening: Once settled at your campsite, take a late afternoon walk to Bicton Hill Lookout for panoramic views over Mission Beach and the surrounding islands. It’s a short hike that rewards with stunning sunsets. Then, look for local seafood restaurants or cafes offering delicious meals with ocean views.

Recommended Campsite: Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, 58-60 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852.

Image: Mission Beach, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Embark on a day trip to Dunk Island or join a snorkelling tour to explore the vibrant underwater world. Dunk Island offers pristine beaches, rainforest walks, and snorkelling opportunities along its fringing reefs.

Afternoon: Look out for the impressive variety of flora and fauna that call this park home. You can get an underwater cover for your phone to take stunning images!

Evening: After returning from the trip, you can relax at your campsite or visit local markets in Mission Beach or nearby towns for fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

Recommended Campsite: Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, 58-60 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852.

Image: Dunk Island, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Appreciate a leisurely drive back north to Palm Cove, soaking in the landscapes along the way.

Afternoon: Enjoy  a walk along the Palm Cove Esplanade, lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants offering ocean views.

Evening: Explore local boutiques for souvenirs or indulge in a spa treatment at one of Palm Cove’s luxury resorts.

Recommended Campsite: NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park, 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879. Powered site.

Image: Palm Cove, Tourism & Events Queensland

Morning: Drop your motorhome back at our Cairns branch before 12pm.

Spend your final hours in Cairns. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Cairns, perhaps indulging in souvenir shopping, revisiting favourite spots, or visiting the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Image: Cairns Botanical Gardens, Tourism & Events Queensland