Drive into the World's Oldest Tropical Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is over 180 million years old — far older than the Amazon. Hire a campervan in Cairns and immerse yourself in this ancient wilderness, camping under the canopy and spotting wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
The Daintree Rainforest is a place like no other. At over 180 million years old, it's the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on the planet, predating the Amazon by tens of millions of years. Home to an extraordinary array of wildlife — including cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and the elusive Boyd's forest dragon — the Daintree is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Hiring a campervan in Cairns and driving to the Daintree gives you the freedom to explore this ancient ecosystem at your own pace. Cross the iconic Daintree River ferry, drive through canopy-covered roads, camp in the heart of the rainforest, and wake to the calls of tropical birds echoing through the trees.
The Daintree is just two hours north of Cairns on a fully sealed road, making it accessible for all 2WD campervans. Whether you spend a night or a week, the Daintree delivers an immersive rainforest experience that you simply can't get from a day tour.
Camp in the world's oldest tropical rainforest — over 180 million years old and teeming with unique wildlife.
A campervan lets you stay inside the Daintree, not just visit. Wake to birdsong and spot wildlife at dawn and dusk.
The sealed road from Cairns through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation is suitable for all campervans.
Cassowaries, tree kangaroos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species call the Daintree home.
Spend as long as you like exploring boardwalks, beaches, and river systems without tour bus schedules.
The Daintree offers a wealth of experiences for campervan travellers, from easy boardwalks to adventurous river cruises. Here are the highlights:
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered southern cassowary, the prehistoric-looking Boyd's forest dragon, Ulysses butterflies with their stunning electric-blue wings, tree kangaroos high in the canopy, and saltwater crocodiles along river systems.
Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting. Drive slowly through the Daintree — cassowaries regularly cross the road, and driving carefully protects these endangered birds.
Several campgrounds within the Daintree offer powered and unpowered sites for campervans. Daintree Riverview and Crocodylus Village near Cow Bay are popular options with basic amenities. Cape Tribulation has beachfront camping at PK's Jungle Village and Cape Trib Beach House.
Remember to stock up on supplies before crossing the Daintree River — services are very limited on the north side. Bring insect repellent (tropical mosquitoes are persistent), a good torch for night walks, and keep food secured to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
Collect your campervan from any of our 10 depots across Australia