For first-time campers, making the switch from the comfort of hotels to a home on wheels can be quite a daunting prospect. Questions like, ‘How will we know where we can park?’ and ‘How do we drive such a big machine?’ are understandable if you’ve never been behind the wheel of one. Luckily, hiring a campervan is really a simple, flexible, and fun way to travel, and after you’ve nailed your first trip, you might just be a convert for life. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you prepare for your campervan trip to Cairns, so you’re ready to make the most of your adventure.
Parking Etiquette
![Britz Campervan in Queensland]()
Choosing to park at a designated camping ground is the best option with a campervan
Although wild camping away from other people offers optimal peace and quiet, it’s not so easy when you have a vehicle involved. What’s more, it’s hard to know what’s private property or protected landscape, so the safer option is to look for formal camping areas. There are hundreds of beautiful, unspoilt camping spots all over Queensland, where various useful facilities are provided to ensure you are well equipped. If you choose to park up on a spot that’s not a camping ground, be aware that you could land yourself a hefty fine!
Weather
![Esplanade Lagoon on the Cairns foreshore]()
Queensland boasts wonderful, sunny weather almost all year round
Source: www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Sunny Queensland is perhaps Australia’s most popular holiday destination, thanks to a glorious yearly average temperature of 29C. Even in winter, the temperature in this part of the country doesn’t often dip below 18 degrees, making it an ideal spot for a camping holiday all year round.
The only time that the numbers of tourists flocking to Cairns slows down is during the wet season, which runs from November to early May. Although the chances of rain are higher, booking during this period will likely mean you can get lower rates, cheaper activities, and encounter far less people on your travels.
The busy season in Cairns is May to August, when the weather is best, and you’ll likely find more tourists. Make sure to do your booking through DriveNow to get the cheapest price at your chosen time of year.
Equipment
![Maui Elite Motorhome]()
Enjoy the comforts of home by booking a campervan equipped with everything you need
As you would expect, having a home on wheels requires a substantial amount of kit. Thankfully, DriveNow's partners takes care of all this for you, by equipping your campervan or motorhome with all the essentials for eating, cleaning and sleeping. However, there are a few useful extras that are included with some suppliers and not included with others, like outdoor awnings, tables and tents. To make sure you have everything you need, make sure you check with your chosen supplier before heading off to ensure your van is well equipped for your holiday.
Driving
If you’re a first time camper, the idea of driving such a large vehicle can be a daunting one. However, you’ll be surprised to find that modern campervans like those in the fleets of DriveNow's rental partners are pleasantly easy to drive, with power steering, automatic transmissions, and sleek design to make life much easier for those behind the wheel. Driving your slick, kitted out campervan in Cairns will be a lot easier and fun than you think!