RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 23 Days |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 5,942 km |
| Start / End | Cairns / Broome |
| Region | Northern Australia |
| Best For | Families, Outback Adventurers, Slow Travelers |
| Best Season | Dry Season (May to October) |
Picture this: setting off from the tropical charm of Cairns, your family piled into a spacious rented motorhome, ready for a grand 23-day adventure across the stunning landscapes of Northern Australia. This cross-country epic covers a staggering 5,942 km, seamlessly transitioning from lush emerald rainforests to sun-drenched coastlines and vast outback terrains. Traveling by RV gives you the unparalleled flexibility to explore at your own pace, ensuring every highway turn becomes a new story waiting to unfold. Whether you are gliding over ancient canopies or watching the sun set over red dirt plains, this journey from Cairns to Broome represents the pinnacle of Australian road-tripping.
Driving 5,942 km requires a comfortable, unhurried pace. We recommend embracing the philosophy of slow travel, breaking this transcontinental journey into distinct regional stages. For a comprehensive, day-by-day breakdown, be sure to check the full itinerary on RV PLANET.
Your journey begins by leaving the coastal humidity of Cairns and climbing into the dense, ancient rainforests. This initial stage is characterized by short drives and high-impact sightseeing, perfect for getting comfortable with your motorhome while exploring lush canopies and fascinating geological sites before the landscape begins to dry out and open up.
As you push westward, the dense greenery gives way to the wide-open skies of the Gulf Savannah. The driving distances between stops will increase, introducing you to the true rhythm of outback travel. This leg focuses on local fishing heritage, wildlife watching, and adjusting to the vastness of Northern Australia.
Traversing the heart of the outback, this stage is defined by long, meditative stretches of highway punctuated by iconic, quirky outback settlements. Here, you will experience authentic outback hospitality and heritage sites, making the driving itself a core part of the adventure.
The final approach toward Broome brings a dramatic shift as the rugged, red landscapes of the west meet the turquoise waters of the coast. The pace slows down once again as you reach your destination, rewarding your transcontinental effort with a stunning coastal retreat.
This route is packed with diverse attractions that cater to families, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. Here are the key themes and standout stops you will encounter.
The natural diversity on this route is astounding. Start your journey high above the treetops with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you can glide over the dense canopy of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Not far away, delve into the earth at The Crystal Caves, a hidden gem where you can explore an impressive collection of crystals, fossils, and minerals. Throughout the trip, you will also find ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and swimming in breathtaking natural features.
Understanding the local way of life is a major highlight. At the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, you can learn about the region's fishing industry and even feed giant barramundi—a guaranteed hit for the family. Further inland, a nostalgic stop at the iconic Daly Waters Historic Pub offers quirky memorabilia and warm outback hospitality. Alongside these famous stops, you will discover fascinating museums, historical sites, and science centers that tell the story of Northern Australia.
To safely and comfortably cover the 5,942 km distance, 23 days is the ideal timeframe. This allows you to drive manageable daily distances, leaving plenty of time to explore attractions, take day tours, and simply relax at your campground.
Absolutely. It is one of the world's great road trips, offering an unmatched cross-section of Australia's most dramatic landscapes, from tropical rainforests to the remote outback and the Indian Ocean.
This journey is perfect for families looking for an educational and adventurous getaway, as well as couples and retirees who appreciate slow travel, wildlife watching, and heritage sites.
The dry season, typically running from May to October, is the safest and most comfortable time to travel Northern Australia. During the wet season, many outback roads can become impassable, and attractions may close.
When planning a 5,942 km journey, selecting the right RV is crucial. Families will benefit from a spacious motorhome that offers onboard amenities for longer stretches between towns. Because this is a classic cross-country route, you will be booking a one-way rental from Cairns to Broome. Be sure to check if your rental agreement includes unlimited kilometers, as mileage fees can add up quickly on a trip of this length. Additionally, one-way drop fees are standard for this route, so factor that into your initial planning. For precise, live pricing and vehicle availability, utilize the search tools on RV PLANET.
The journey from the tropical east coast to the rugged west coast is a bucket-list adventure waiting to happen. To view the complete day-by-day guide, secure your vehicle, and start planning your ultimate family road trip, visit the full itinerary at RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Jucy/Star AU-26-E (Cairns), Maui AU-26/27-E (Cairns), Travellers Autobarn AU-26 E (Cairns - Airport), Apollo AU 4WD-26/27-E (Cairns), Awesome Campers-26 E (Cairns) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $1,400–$1,900 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $900–$1,350 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$950 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $900–$1,300 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of holiday parks and national park sites, and peak dry season travel. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Leaving the coastal humidity of Cairns, you will climb into lush emerald rainforests and explore ancient geological formations before the landscape gradually opens up.
The dense greenery gives way to the vast, wide-open skies of the savannah as you adjust to the true scale of outback driving and local fishing heritage.
Traversing the heart of the territory involves long, meditative stretches of highway punctuated by classic outback hospitality and quirky remote settlements.
Crossing into the rugged western landscapes, your transcontinental effort is finally rewarded as the dusty red earth meets the spectacular turquoise waters of the coast.
Total cost for this 23-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 5,942 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Cairns → Broome pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Cairns pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro Deluxe Apollo AU-26/27-E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.9 m | Auto Transmission |
| 6 Berth Discovery Cruisin-26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.4 m | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers AU - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 6.8 m | Auto Transmission |
| Sunset Elite Maui AU-26/27-E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.9 m | Auto Transmission |
| Sunset Maui AU-26/27-E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.9 m | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Cairns → Broome route.
Picking up in Cairns but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: