Visit Cairns - Cairns Car Hire and Transport

Although most hotels and resorts are centrally located and virtually all tours offer pickup services the Cairns region has lots to see and do. Many people take advantage of this with a hire car. Although with many different places to visit there are many different ways to do it. below you'll find all the transport options to get around the area.

We are surrounded by waterfalls, national parks and beautiful beach. Why not visit one of Australias last remaining Drive In Cinemas click here to see whats on.

Car Hire / Rental Compact to large cars, 4wd's and mini vans. Competitive prices.
Campervans Hire / Rental Budget to Luxury Local or relocations
Bus Hire / Rental Compact to large cars, 4wd's and mini vans. Competitive prices.
4WD, Motorbike Hire/Rental Real off-road 4WD's Road and Trail bikes
Airport Transfers Airport to your accommodation. Your accommodation to the Airport
Public Transport Bus Information Bus service map
Walking / Cycling Walking tracks Bushwalking Cycle route map.

Driving in Cairns

In Cairns we drive on the left hand side of the road. This can take a bit of getting used to. The traffic is generally light with heavy traffic generally confined to the hours of 8am to 9.30am and 4pm to 5.30pm. However this nothing compared to the capital cities.

Roundabouts can be challenging if you are unused to them.

At roundabouts:

if a driver intends to turn left, then a left signal must be given as the vehicle enters and exits the roundabout
if a driver intends to continue straight ahead, then no signal is required on the approach or entry. A left signal must be given as the vehicle exits the roundabout
if a driver intends to turn right, then a right signal must be given as the vehicle enters. A left signal must then be given as the vehicle exits from the roundabout
the signal must be cancelled once the roundabout is cleared.

Parking

In the City Centre parking is metered and charged at $1 per hour. Parking charges apply from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, however it is charged until 10pm 7 days a week at the Esplanade/Lagoon Car Park. It is usually fairly easy to find a car space in Cairns.

When can I drive in Queensland on my foreign driver licence?

You are only allowed to drive in Queensland on your foreign driver licence if you:

only drive the class of motor vehicle authorised on that licence
comply with the conditions (if any) of your licence
carry your licence with you at all times when driving and immediately show the licence and a recognised English translation (if required) to a police office when asked to do so.

Map of Cairns Region

Map of Cairns City

Here's a link to Qld Transport for anything else you'd like to know