Rent a Motorhome in Tully Queensland Australia with Campcruisers

Discovering Tully: The Green Heart of Queensland's Cassowary Coast

Welcome to Tully, the green heart of the Cassowary Coast in Far North Queensland! When you decide to rent a motorhome Tully Queensland Australia, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking a passport to a world of lush landscapes, thrilling adventures, and authentic Australian experiences. Tully is famously known as one of the wettest towns in Australia, and this abundance of rain is the secret to its incredibly vibrant, emerald-green scenery. The town itself, with a close-knit population of around 2,500 people, exudes a friendly, laid-back charm that will make you feel right at home.

Geographically, Tully is perfectly positioned between the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. This unique location has shaped its history and economy, which has long been dominated by sugar cane and banana farming. The iconic Tully Sugar Mill, established in 1925, stands as a testament to this rich agricultural heritage, and its sweet smell often perfumes the air during the crushing season (roughly June to November). Before European settlement, the area was home to the Djiru Aboriginal people, whose deep connection to the land is still palpable in the ancient rainforests that surround the town. To truly appreciate this region, you should rent a camper Tully Queensland Australia, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The weather in Tully is distinctly tropical, marked by a hot and humid wet season (December to March) and a milder, drier season (April to October). The wet season brings dramatic monsoonal downpours, which feed the mighty Tully River and create spectacular waterfalls. While beautiful, this time can be challenging for travel. Therefore, the best time to visit is undoubtedly the dry season. With average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C and plenty of sunshine, it's the ideal period to get behind the wheel of your rental camper and discover everything the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking to rent a 4x4 camper Tully Queensland Australia to tackle rugged trails or a comfortable motorhome for coastal cruising, this period provides the perfect climate for adventure.

Tully's most famous landmark is the Golden Gumboot, a towering 7.9-metre-tall monument celebrating the town's record-breaking rainfall of 7,900mm in 1950. You can even climb to the top for a great view of the town and surrounding cane fields. But the town is more than just a weather anecdote. It’s a gateway to incredible natural wonders. The Tully Gorge National Park and the Tully River are world-renowned for white-water rafting, offering some of the most exciting rapids in Australia. Opting to rent a motorhome Tully Queensland Australia allows you to base yourself near these key attractions, ready for an early start on the river. The flexibility you get when you rent a camper Tully Queensland Australia means you can chase waterfalls one day and relax on a secluded beach the next. It’s the ultimate way to connect with this uniquely wild and beautiful corner of the world.

Around Tully: Top Attractions and Unforgettable Activities

Your adventure truly begins when you explore the incredible sights and activities surrounding Tully. With your campervan as your base, you have the freedom to discover a region brimming with natural beauty and thrilling experiences.

Tully River White-Water Rafting: This is a non-negotiable, must-do activity. The Tully River offers Grade 3-4 rapids that wind through stunning, World Heritage-listed rainforest. Several reputable tour operators offer full-day trips that are perfect for adrenaline junkies. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the power and beauty of the rainforest.

The Golden Gumboot: You can't visit Tully without getting a photo with this quirky icon. Climb the internal spiral staircase to the top for a panoramic view of the town, the sugar mill, and the vast expanses of green cane fields. It’s a fun and free activity that celebrates Tully's unique claim to fame.

Alligators Nest State Forest: Don't let the name fool you – you won't find any alligators here! This is a beautiful, serene swimming spot popular with locals. The crystal-clear waters of a rainforest creek provide a perfect place to cool off on a warm day. With picnic tables and lush surroundings, it's an ideal stop for a relaxing afternoon. If you rent a camper Tully Queensland Australia, you can easily pack a lunch and spend a few hours here.

Mission Beach: Just a short drive from Tully lies the stunning coastal paradise of Mission Beach. Here you’ll find 14 kilometres of golden, palm-fringed beaches linking four coastal villages. It’s the closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef and a hotspot for spotting the magnificent Southern Cassowary. Park your motorhome and enjoy swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sand.

Tully Sugar Mill Tour: For a fascinating insight into the region's economic backbone, take a tour of the Tully Sugar Mill during the crushing season (June-November). You'll learn how sugarcane is processed and see the massive machinery in action. It's a unique industrial tourism experience.

Hinchinbrook Island National Park: A short boat ride away lies Australia’s largest island national park. Hinchinbrook is a rugged, wild paradise, famous for the multi-day Thorsborne Trail. If you have a 4x4 camper hire Tully Queensland Australia, you can easily get to the ferry departure points and plan a day trip or a longer hike to explore its pristine beaches and cloud-shrouded mountains.

Unforgettable Campervan Tours Starting From Tully

When you rent a motorhome Tully Queensland Australia, the open road is your playground. Tully is the perfect starting point for some of Far North Queensland's most iconic road trips. Here are a couple of recommended tours to inspire your journey.

🏞️ The Waterfall & Tablelands Explorer (3-4 Days)

🏖️ The Great Cassowary Coast Adventure (4-5 Days)

How to Return Your Motorhome Clean in Tully

After an amazing road trip, it's time to think about returning your campervan. Most rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a wash bay that can accommodate a high-roof motorhome can be tricky, as standard automatic car washes are too low. Your best bet is to find a self-service car wash with open-air bays or a dedicated truck wash.

When you rent a motorhome Tully Queensland Australia, planning this final step will save you time and potential cleaning fees. Here are a few suitable options in and around Tully for getting your campervan sparkling clean:

1. Tully Car & Dog Wash
This is a local self-serve option right in town. The open-air bays are generally high enough for most campers and motorhomes. It provides high-pressure hoses and brushes, allowing you to give your vehicle a thorough clean yourself. It's convenient and cost-effective.
Address: 13 Bryant St, Tully QLD 4854, Australia

2. BP Truck Stop Innisfail
Located in the larger town of Innisfail, about a 30-minute drive north of Tully, this is a reliable option. Truck stops are designed for large vehicles, so you'll have no issues with height clearance. They often have powerful gurneys and facilities perfect for washing down a well-travelled camper.
Address: Bruce Hwy & Palmerston Hwy, Innisfail QLD 4860, Australia

3. Shell Cardwell
If you are heading south from Tully, the Shell service station in Cardwell (about 30 minutes south) also has facilities suitable for larger vehicles. It's a convenient stop on the main Bruce Highway and a good place to refuel before you finish your journey.
Address: 505 Victoria St, Cardwell QLD 4849, Australia

Always check the height clearance before entering any wash bay and remember to be gentle with high-pressure hoses around windows, seals, and decals.

Getting to Tully to Start Your Adventure

Your journey to rent a camper Tully Queensland Australia begins with getting here. Tully is located in Far North Queensland, and the primary gateway for international and domestic travellers is Cairns Airport (CNS), located approximately 2 hours' drive north of Tully.

Flying from Australia & New Zealand:
Major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer frequent direct flights to Cairns (CNS) with airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. From Auckland, New Zealand, Air New Zealand often operates direct flights to Cairns, especially during the peak tourist season. Once you land in Cairns, you can pick up your pre-booked motorhome or take a bus or arrange a transfer south to Tully.

Flying from the UK & Ireland:
There are no direct flights to Cairns. The most common routes involve a single stop in the Middle East (Dubai with Emirates, Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (Singapore with Singapore Airlines, Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific). From there, you'll get a connecting flight to Cairns. The total journey time is typically around 22-26 hours.

Flying from the USA & Canada:
Travellers from North America will typically fly from major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Vancouver (YVR). You'll likely have a layover in a major Australian city like Brisbane (BNE) or Sydney (SYD) before taking a domestic flight to Cairns. Some routes may also connect through hubs like Fiji (Nadi) or Auckland.

Flying from South Africa:
Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) to Cairns will involve at least one, and often two, stops. A common route is via Perth (PER) with Qantas or via a Middle Eastern hub like Dubai or Doha.

Arriving by Road:
If you're already in Australia, driving to Tully is a fantastic option. It's located on the Bruce Highway (A1), the main coastal route connecting Brisbane and Cairns. The drive from Cairns takes about 2 hours, while the journey from Brisbane is a multi-day road trip of approximately 1,600 km (around 18-20 hours of driving). This is a perfect way to see the Queensland coast if you plan a one-way trip when you rent a motorhome Tully Queensland Australia.