RV trip Australia from Cairns to Adelaide campervan route planner

Our 23-day road trip from Cairns to Adelaide was nothing short of a family adventure we’ll never forget. With the flexibility of a rented motorhome, we were able to plan a journey that took us through Australia’s inland gems and along the spectacular east coast, blending natural wonders, fun attractions, and cultural stops. Having a well-thought-out route planner made all the difference as we explored some of the country’s most iconic sites at our own pace.

We kicked off the trip in Cairns with the breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Gliding above the ancient rainforest canopy, the whole family was in awe of the views—especially the kids, who couldn’t stop pointing out waterfalls and hidden wildlife. The beauty of traveling by RV meant we could enjoy the rainforest’s serenity, then return to the comfort of our motorhome for a relaxing night surrounded by nature.

From there, we headed south to the fascinating Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton. The natural limestone formations were mesmerizing, and the guided tour was not only exciting but educational for the whole family. Another great stop in Rockhampton was the Rockhampton Heritage Village, where we took a step back in time to explore historical buildings and vintage machinery. Our campervan served as the perfect home on wheels, offering us the convenience of not having to unpack and repack at every stop.

No road trip would be complete without indulging in some local flavors, and we made sure to stop by Heads of Noosa Brewing Co.. While the adults enjoyed sampling the local brews, the kids were entertained by the nearby beach and outdoor activities—once again, our RV provided all the space and facilities we needed to keep the whole family comfortable.

Heading further down the coast, we couldn’t pass up a visit to the iconic Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast. The kids loved the movie-themed rides and meeting their favorite characters, and with a quick stop at the nearby RV park, we had time to recharge before the next leg of our adventure. Our motorhome allowed us to easily shift gears from coastal fun to cultural enrichment, as we made our way to Sydney to marvel at the stunning Sydney Opera House. Even though the city is bustling, our campervan helped us navigate it all without a hitch.

As we moved into Victoria, Old Gippstown - Gippsland's Heritage Park was a hit for its living history exhibits, offering the kids a glimpse into life in early Australia. We continued exploring natural beauty with a stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Cranbourne Gardens, where the family enjoyed wandering through the beautiful Australian garden landscapes. One of the highlights for our wildlife-loving crew was the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where we spotted animals from across the globe in an open savannah setting—having our motorhome parked nearby made it easy to come and go.

Of course, we couldn’t miss driving the legendary Great Ocean Road, which provided plenty of photo opportunities and moments to stop and soak in the scenery. Along the way, Cheese World and Museum delighted our taste buds, and the kids learned about cheese-making while we stocked up on local delicacies for the journey.

Before arriving in Adelaide, we made a final, exciting stop at Naracoorte Caves National Park, where the entire family enjoyed spelunking through ancient caves and learning about the area's prehistoric past. Wrapping up our trip at the Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide was the perfect way to wind down, offering some shopping and relaxation before the adventure came to an end.

This motorhome road trip was the perfect balance of excitement and family time. With the ability to plan our route and set our own pace, we had the flexibility to spend as long as we wanted at each location. A campervan is an ideal way to explore Australia’s vast landscape, providing a home on wheels, with the freedom to create memories wherever the road leads. We would recommend using a reliable RV route planner to make sure your stops are well spaced out, and to ensure you have the right blend of activities, from nature and wildlife to culture and entertainment.

It was a trip we’ll always cherish—spending 23 days on the open road with the whole family, surrounded by Australia’s incredible beauty!