Getting around Cairns in a rental car
If you’re planning a trip to Cairns and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Read on to find out more.
Breathtaking beaches, rugged mountains, world-class rainforest, and amazing wildlife, you’ll never run out of things to do in and around Cairns. If you’re thinking of exploring the vibrant capital of tropical North Queensland at your own pace in a rental car, then we can help you find the perfect rental car in Cairns.
Where to drive your rental car in Cairns
The Atherton Tablelands: For a scenic, country escape from Cairns, it is hard to go past the beautiful Atherton Tablelands.
Daintree Rainforest: One of the best road trips from Cairns will deliver you to the world-class Daintree Rainforest.
Mission Beach & the Cassowary Coast: Head south through the stunning mountain ranges and vast cane fields toward the Cassowary Coast.
Driving tips in Cairns
Cairns prides itself on its cycling culture. Be sure to check for bicycles when driving and allow them plenty of space.
The speed limit in most built-up areas around Cairns is 50km/h unless signposted otherwise.
Be cautious when driving in isolated areas outside of Cairns, as Australian native wildlife like kangaroos are known to stray onto roads.
Parking in Cairns
There are over 6,000 parking places in Cairns, including 4,700 in the Cairns CBD. All parking in Cairns is signposted, and paid parking generally costs $2.20 per hour in the heart of town. Parking costs and time allowances will differ among other areas of Cairns, so make sure you check the signs. Time limits and parking fees typically apply between 8:30 am and 6 pm weekdays and 8:30 am and 2 pm on Saturdays.
When parking your rental car in Cairns, be sure to read any time zone limitations, what payment (if any) is due, and how long you are permitted to park in a spot. Car parking rules should be displayed on signs beside the parking spots, and often show different rules depending on the day of the week and time of day — inner city Cairns parking rules tend to be more restrictive on weekdays than on weekends.
Important InformationExpert tip ...
Parking rules can change depending on the day of the week and the time of day, and as getting booked can be an expensive experience, it is a good idea to read before you park.
Driving distances
Cairns to Cairns Airport (CNS): 6 km and 10 min
Cairns to Palm Cove: 26 km and 30 min
Cairns to Port Douglas: 67km and 1 hr 15 min
Cairns to Airlie Beach: 620 km and 7 hrs 15 min
Cairns to Rockhampton: 1,064 km and 12 hrs
Cairns to Bundaberg: 1,350 and 15 hrs
Cairns to Brisbane: 1,697 km and 19 hrs
Cairns to Gold Coast: 1,767 km and 20 hrs
Cairns to Byron Bay: 1,860 km and 21 hrs
Fuel
Before you return your hire car to the rental car provider’s depot, make sure you’ve filled the fuel tank to avoid paying a premium rate to have the vehicle refuelled. The Vroom Fuel Price Compare app can help you find the cheapest fuel near you, but otherwise some centrally-located petrol stations in Cairns include:
bp: Corner Martyn and Florence Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns, QLD
Caltex: 35-39 Arnold St, Stratford, Cairns, QLD
Liberty Oil: 31-35 Reservoir Rd, Manoora, Cairns, QLD
Shell: 291-293 Sheridan St James St, Cairns North, QLD
