12 Days of Christmas: Cairns Campervan Adventure

Morning: Start your Christmas road trip by picking up your campervan from the Cairns GoCheap branch, then ease into the day with a peaceful walk through the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Cairns Christmas Markets, where festive stalls overflow with handmade gifts, seasonal crafts and delicious local treats. It’s the perfect place to soak up the holiday atmosphere and pick up a few souvenirs along the way.

Evening: End your first day with a relaxed stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, lit up with sparkling Christmas lights and holiday displays. The waterfront feels magical after dark especially with live carols and holiday performances on the Esplanade stage.

Where to stay: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, 12-30 Little St, Manunda QLD 4870. Powered Site.

Image: Cairns Botanic Gardens, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: For the next leg of your adventure, make your way to Kuranda Village. Leave your campervan at your campsite and hop aboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a stunning journey through the rainforest. Once you arrive, start your visit with the world-famous Kuranda Markets and enjoy a relaxing brunch in the village.

Afternoon: Your afternoon in Kuranda offers plenty to explore. Begin at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly aviary in the country, filled with vibrant, free-flying species. If time allows swing by Birdworld Kuranda to see one of Australia’s biggest collections of free-flying birds. When you’re ready to return, glide back down to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway—an experience you won’t want to miss!

Evening: Head back to your campsite and wind down with a delicious homemade dinner using your fully equipped campervan kitchen.

Where to stay: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, 12-30 Little St, Manunda QLD 4870. Powered Site.

Image: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Today, drive your campervan to your campsite near Kuranda Village before heading out to explore. Start your day at Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can wander through 100 acres of lush rainforest, join an tour, meet wildlife up close, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Kuranda Koala Gardens, home to many of Australian natives including wallabies, wombats, reptiles, gliders and freshwater crocodiles. Don’t miss the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies for the perfect wildlife encounter!

Evening: Wrap up your evening with a fun game of mini golf tucked away in a rainforest setting, then wander through the Kuranda markets to pick up a dinner and explore the village at night.

Where to stay: Kuranda Caravan park, 88 Kuranda Heights Rd, Kuranda QLD 4881. Powered Site.

Image: Kuranda Rainforest Markets, Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Morning: Rise early and whip up a delicious breakfast in your campervan before hitting the road toward Palm Cove. Once you arrive, kick off your day with some sun and a refreshing swim at Clifton Beach.

Afternoon: For an unforgettable experience, make your way to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Part wildlife park and part commercial crocodile farm, it’s one of the best places to see crocodiles up close and discover the fascinating wildlife of Far North Queensland.

Evening: Wrap up your evening by watching the sunset on the jetty with Christmas lights twinkling in the village centre. Admire the festive lights and holiday events happening around town before grabbing dinner at Nu Nu Restaurant and enjoy some delicious local seafood by the beach.

Where to stay: NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park, 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879. Powered Site.

Image: Clifton Beach, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Begin your morning by making your way to Port Douglas to continue the tropical Christmas festivities. Join a Great Barrier Reef tour and spot colourful Christmas Tree worms, vibrant starfish, and coral that looks enchanting during the holiday season.

Afternoon: Beat the heat with a trip to Spring Creek, where you can take on adventurous walking trails and cool off in refreshing natural rock pools surrounded by greenery.

Evening: End your day by wandering through Port Douglas’ central hub. Macrossan Street glows with jovial decorations, sparkling lights, tropical Christmas trees, and holiday carols throughout December, perfect for a joyful night-time stroll!

Where to stay: Pandanus Caravan Park, 97-107 Davidson St, Port Douglas QLD 4877. Powered Site.

Image: White Christmas Tree Worms, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Make your way to your next destination, Daintree. Once you arrive, begin your day at Mossman Gorge. The Mossman Gorge Centre offers Indigenous-guided walks, an art gallery, and helpful insights for exploring the area at your own pace.

Afternoon: Cool off with an unforgettable River Drift Experience, drifting through the rainforest on the Mossman River.

Evening: As the sun sets, join a guided night tour to see the rainforest come alive after dark. Watch the forest transform and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife like owls, bandicoots, insects and even snakes an enchanting way to end your day in the Daintree.

Where to stay: Daintree Riverview Lodges & Van Park, Riverview Caravan Park, 2 Stewart St, Daintree QLD 4873. Powered Site.

Image: Mossman Gorge, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Wake up and start your day with cooking breakfast in your campervan before hitting the road toward Yungaburra. Once you arrive, wander through the charming village markets and soak up the Christmas decorations and seasonal displays.

Afternoon: Pack your swimmers and head to Lake Eacham for a refreshing afternoon swim. Stroll along the Lake Eacham circuit track for rainforest views on one side and the deep blue lake on the other.

Evening: End your day at Yungaburra’s Candlelight Christmas Shopping event, where candlelit streets, boutique stores and local creators make for a merry night and the perfect chance to finish your Christmas shopping!

Where to stay: Lakeside Motor Inn & Caravan Park, 2 Tinaburra Dr, Yungaburra QLD 4884. Powered Site.

Image: Lake Eacham, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Start your morning with a scenic drive to Millaa Millaa for the next stretch of your Christmas road trip. Stop in at Rumours Diner for a tasty breakfast before continuing your adventure.

Afternoon: Cool off at the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and spot local wildlife. Set up a picnic surrounded by the rainforest and keep an eye out for Ulysses butterflies and platypuses during the late afternoon.

Evening: Settle in at your campsite and unwind for the night. Cook up a Christmas- dinner in your campervan, sip hot cocoa, and end the evening with your favourite holiday classics.

Where to stay: Millaa Millaa Caravan Park, Corner Lodge Ave Millaa Millaa-Malanda Road, Millaa Millaa QLD 4886. Powered Site.

Image: Millaa Millaa Falls, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Set off toward Mission Beach to enjoy more sunshine on your jolly road-trip. Once you arrive, take some time to wander the town and check out the Monster Markets if they’re running during your visit.

Afternoon: Head to Djiru National Park and walk the 1.5 km Lacey Creek track, where crystal-clear swimming spots and rare Licuala palms await. Make sure to keep an eye out for cassowaries!

Evening: Wrap up your day with a classic Aussie Christmas BBQ on South Mission Beach. Enjoy the warm ocean breeze, breathtaking views, and fresh, juicy prawns straight off the barbie, Mission Beach’s specialty.

Where to stay: Mission Beach Camping & Caravan Park, 53 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852. Powered Site.

Image: Djiru National Park, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Rise and shine for a day trip to beautiful Dunk Island. Hop on the ferry and spend your morning exploring Muggy Muggy Beach, where you can snorkel, swim, or simply soak up the island.

Afternoon: After some beach time, wander Dunk Island’s rainforest trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, ancient flora and pockets of untouched paradise along the way.

Evening: For unbeatable views, make your way to Mount Kootaloo the island’s highest point. The lookout offers a breathtaking vantage point for watching the sunset. Once you’ve soaked in the scenery, take the ferry back to your campsite to unwind for the night.

Where to stay: Mission Beach Camping & Caravan Park, 53 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852. Powered Site.

Image: Dunk Island, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: Your next stop is Innisfail. Once you arrive, make your way to Mena Creek Falls and take in the breathtaking beauty of Paronella Park. Explore the 100-year-old Spanish castle one of Queensland’s most remarkable heritage sites.

Afternoon: Visit the Innisfail Museum to browse fascinating artefacts and learn more about the region’s rich local history.

Evening: End your day at the stunning Etty Bay, a pristine stretch of golden sand tucked between rainforest-covered hills. Enjoy a peaceful sunset picnic on the beach and take in one of the most scenic coastal views in Tropical North Queensland.

Where to stay: River Drive Van Park, 7 River Ave, Mighell QLD 4860. Powered Site.

Image: Paronella Park, Tourism and Events Queensland

Morning: On the 12th day of your Christmas road trip, start your morning by cooking a Christmas breakfast in your campervans fully equipped kitchen before hitting the road and making your way back to Cairns.

Afternoon: Once you arrive, enjoy a delicious lunch at Wild Thyme, then take some time to wander through the city centre, soaking up the Christmas decorations and festive treats. When you’re ready, return your campervan to the GoCheap branch marking the end of your magical Christmas adventure!

Image: Cairns’s city centre, Tourism and Events Queensland