Best Things To Do In North Queensland with A Campervan (No Off-Road Required)

Starting from Cairns with a campervan and a week to explore? You’re in for a phenomenal tropical getaway! North Queensland is all about palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests, friendly towns, and world-class nature — and guess what? You don’t need to go off-road to soak it all up.

We’ve gathered the ultimate list of campervan-friendly places to visit, camping spots, local foodie gems, and unforgettable natural attractions. So fill up the tank, crank some road trip tunes, and let’s hit the highway!

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Tourism & Events Queensland

Starting Point: Cairns – The Gateway to Tropical North

Why Cairns?
Cairns is where it all kicks off — a buzzing, tropical city hidden between mountains and the sea. It’s perfect for stocking up supplies, soaking in some culture, and getting a taste of what’s to come.

Top things to do in Cairns:

Walk the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon — no crocs here, we promise.
Visit the Cairns Aquarium to get a sneak peek of reef life.
Stroll through Rusty’s Markets (Fri–Sun) for tropical fruit, fresh bread, and street food.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at Salt House or Ollie’s Italian on the waterfront.

Local bites: The Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse is Cairns’ claim to fame, with local seafood and classic Aussie meals. For something sweet, stop by Baked On A Red Hill!

Camping in Cairns:
If you want to explore the city, stay at NRMA Cairns Holiday Park or Cairns Coconut Resort — both have powered sites, pools, and laundry facilities.

Don’t Miss: Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

Most reef tours depart from Cairns, so you can easily take a day trip with Reef Magic, Passions of Paradise, or Ocean Freedom.

Zillie Falls, Tourism & Events Queensland

Atherton Tablelands – Waterfalls & Local Goodness

Distance from Cairns: About 90 mins drive inland.
Why it’s a must: Cooler temps, rolling green hills, crater lakes, and more cheese and chocolate than you can imagine.

Things to check out:

Curtain Fig Tree: A massive tangle of roots you’ve gotta see to believe.
Millaa Millaa Falls: Iconic, swimmable, and uber photogenic.
Lake Eacham: Crystal clear volcanic lake perfect for a paddle.
Gallo Dairyland: Cheese, coffee, and chocolate? Say less.
Nerada Tea Plantation: The views are worth it, and they do Devonshire tea!

Local bites: Most of the food in Atherton Tablelands is full of history, such as Skybury Café & Roastery’s (Australia’s oldest coffee producing plantation) and Yungaburra Pub (one of the first pubs built when the railway came to town).

Camping in Atherton Tablelands:

Lake Eacham Tourist Park (quiet and surrounded by wildlife).
BIG4/NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park – great base with full amenities.

Mission Beach, Tourism & Events Queensland

Mission Beach – Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef

Distance from Cairns: ~2 hours south along the Bruce Hwy.
Why it’s a must: Laid-back beach town, home to cassowaries and chill locals.

Highlights:

Relax on Mission Beach: 14km of golden sand and usually barely a soul in sight.
Licuala Rainforest Walk: Short and sweet, with cassowary sightings if you’re lucky.
Dunk Island day trip: Ferries leave from Wongaling Beach.
Grab fish tacos or tropical smoothies from Shanti Café or Baba Curry Café.

Local bites: For a taste of something local, check out Castaways Beach Bar & Grill, otherwise Shanti Café offers a delicious Bali-style vibe.

Where to camp in Mission Beach:

Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village
Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks South Mission Beach — beachfront, with a pool!

Port Douglas, Tourism & Events Queensland

Port Douglas – Chic Vibes & Coral Sea Views

Distance from Cairns: ~1 hour scenic drive along the Captain Cook Highway (hello coastal views!)

Why it’s a must: Port Douglas is a dreamy mix of luxury and laid-back. It’s a great spot for a fancy dinner, beach walk, or gateway to the Daintree Rainforest (which we’ll get to in a sec).

To-do list:

Four Mile Beach: Take a sunrise walk.
Macrossan Street: Boutiques, cafes, and good gelato.
Sunset at Rex Smeal Park: Insta-worthy every night.

Local bites: The Salsa Bar & Grill’s meals are award-winning, and The Little Larder is great for brunch or a takeaway picnic.

Camping in Port Douglas:

Tropic Breeze Van Village: Central and shady.
Pandanus Tourist Park: A comfy base near town.

Daintree Rainforest, Tourism & Events Queensland

Daintree Rainforest (But Stick to the Main Roads!)

Distance from Cairns: It takes about 3 hours to get to the Daintree, so make sure you take a break in Port Douglas on the way up!

Why it’s a must: The Daintree Rainforest is World Heritage-Listed because it’s the oldest rainforest in the world! There’s so much historical and cultural significance to devour here.

Important note: Avoid any off-road detours or beach drives! You’re free to go up to Cape Tribulation via the ferry crossing, and you can drive to recognised campsites up to 12km off the main road.

Must-see spots in the Daintree:

Mossman Gorge: Take the shuttle to the rainforest walk and cool off in the creek.
Daintree Discovery Centre: Awesome info about ancient flora and fauna.
Jindalba Boardwalk: Flat, shady, and campervan-accessible.
Cape Trib Beach House: A good lunch stop, right near the beach.

Local bites: For something laid-back, Thornton’s is a great pick – with a stop by the Daintree Ice Cream Company for dessert.

Camping in Cape Tribulation:

Daintree Rainforest Village: Well-equipped and sealed road access.
Cape Tribulation Camping: Beachfront, and still accessible for standard vans.

Etty Bay Beach, Tourism & Events Queensland

Etty Bay – A detour worth doing

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour and 20 minute down the coast.

Why it’s a must: It’s not a far detour from Innisfail (on sealed roads) and Etty Bay is famous for one very cool thing — cassowaries on the beach! Go early morning or late afternoon for your best chance to spot one.

Don’t miss:

Mamu Tropical Skywalk: Bring your camera and snap the best views!
Paronella Park: A Spanish-style palace abandoned in the middle of the rainforest.

Local bites: For a sweet or savoury morning tea, check out Mungalli Creek Dairy Café, and for dinner Etty Bay Kitchen is a delicious beachside fish and chips takeaway.

Where to camp in Etty Bay:

Etty Bay Caravan Park – small and right on the beach. Can’t beat it!

Kuranda, Tourism & Events Queensland

Kuranda – The Mountain Village in the Rainforest

Distance from Cairns: Just a 30–40 min drive from Cairns, up a windy (but sealed) road, Kuranda is a fab day trip.

Why it’s a must: Kuranda is home to Australia’s biggest butterfly aviary and offers a good mix of touristy and unique experiences.

Don’t miss:

Kuranda Markets (quirky, colorful, and super local).
Barron Falls – take the walk from the lookout platform.
Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens – very family-friendly.

Local bites: Grab crepes or smoothies from Petit Cafe or a scoop from Kuranda Ice Cream.

Where to camp in Kuranda:

Kuranda Caravan Park – Great location right by the rainforest.

FAQ – Road-Tripping in a 2WD Campervan Around North Queensland

Q: Are most tourist attractions sealed-road accessible?
Yep! Most of the big-ticket sights and towns are reachable by 2WD. Just avoid marked 4WD-only roads or beach tracks.

Q: Do I need to book campsites in advance?
In high season (June–September), definitely book ahead, especially around Port Douglas and Mission Beach.

Q: Is it safe to swim in the ocean?
Watch out for stingers (jellyfish) between November and May. Only swim in designated netted areas or ask a local.

Your North Queensland Campervan Bucket List Awaits

Cruising North Queensland in a campervan is all about freedom, fresh air, and flipping amazing views. From lush waterfalls in the Tablelands to the sandy stretches of Mission Beach, you’ll find plenty of spots that are both spectacular and sealed-road friendly.

So pack your mozzie spray, bring your bathers, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime — no off-roading required. Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!