Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a hire car for Cairns?
Cairns has an outstanding public transport system. However, you can see beautiful sights like rainforests, beaches and hidden gems much easier with a car. Some of the best sites in Queensland can only be seen off the beaten path.
For one of the most iconic drives in Australia, you can’t go past the trip from Cairns to Port Douglas. Curve around the coast between lush forests and electric blue waters on your own schedule with our hire cars!
Can you take a hire car on a ferry in Cairns?
Yes, you can take a Redspot hire car on a ferry in Cairns! However, please be aware of the following considerations:
- Our elected damage liability does not apply while on the ferry. If the car is damaged while on the ferry, or the ferry sinks, you are liable for the replacement or repair costs.
- There must be a gazetted road (a sealed or unsealed road routinely maintained by the Australian Government) at your ferry destination.
Note that there is no vehicle access in or around Fitzroy Island. Please leave your vehicle in a safe parking space before taking the ferry.
How do I avoid rental car cancellation fees?
Book direct with Redspot? You don’t have to worry about cancellation fees! We know that life happens when you least expect it and how important flexibility is on the road.
Please keep in mind that this may change if your booking is prepaid. Additionally, if you’ve booked with a third-party agency (broker, GPS, OTA) then you will need to seek a refund from them directly. Unfortunately, Redpot cannot refund third-party rentals for you. Questions? Contact our Cairns International Airport staff to make sure you’re all set to go.
What is the most scenic place in Cairns?
The most scenic place in the Cairns depends on your preferences! The most famous destination in all of Cairns, and arguably Australia, is the Great Barrier Reef. Some hidden gems worth a day trip include Port Douglas and Daintree. Kuranda Scenic Railway is an outstanding view of all Cairns that can be driven to if you don’t like trains. Other stunning sights include Turtle Island and Captain Cook Highway.
How much does car hire cost Cairns?
Depends on your plans and many other factors! For example, the vehicle type, booking duration, seasonal factors and more.
Feel free to check our handy Redspot Rental Car Booking tool to see the latest rates. Find that perfect match for your journey with our well-maintained fleet before you hit the road in style!
Do you install baby seats for us?
No, unfortunately, for liability reasons we are not able to install baby seats in your hire car. However, we will provide detailed instructions on how to install a baby seat as safely and securely as possible.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Queensland?
Looking to hire a car in Cairns? You will need:
- A valid credit card, debit card or purchase order/prepaid voucher.
- A valid driver’s licence and the licence of any other drivers using the car. Licence not in English? You will also need an official translation as provided by your embassy or home nation’s traffic authority.
- Does your licence show your current address? If not, you will need to provide documented proof of address, such as a utility bill.
- If you are not an Australian citizen, you will also need to provide your passport.
How close to full does a rental car need to be?
Typically, you should fill the car as much as you can before you drop it off. However, we have several fuel options on return:
- Prepay for the full tank: Prepay for a full tank of gas at the start of your rental. You’ll pay at a discounted rate and won’t need to worry about the tank when you return the car.
- Let Redspot refuel: We’ll refuel your car for you and charge you a higher rate for fuel used
- Refuel before returning: By filling up your rental yourself before returning, you will avoid any extra costs.
Can I rent a car in Australia as a tourist?
Yes, you can rent if you’re just visiting Australia! All you need to bring is a valid international driver’s license and your passport when you pick up your car.
What is mystery car rental?
A mystery car rental is for all our surprise-loving, deal-chasing friends! Our Cairns staff will offer a vehicle determined upon pick-up at a discounted rate.
You’ll know the basics like how many people it seats, if it’s automatic or manual and more. But the rest is up to us! Because we all need more adventure in our lives.
What is the oldest age you can rent a car?
At Redspot, we don’t have a maximum age for our customers! However, we kindly ask for a medical certificate that gives the all-clear to drive if you are over 75.
What is an example of one-way rental?
A one-way rental, also known as a vehicle relocation, is when your hired car is dropped off at a different Redspot branch than where you picked it up!
For example: You pick up a car in Cairns. You drive down to Brisbane. You’ll fly from Brisbane to Bali, so you can’t drive back to Cairns. No worries! You can just leave your car with our Brisbane Airport branch.
Do hire cars come with insurance?
When you hire with Redspot, all our vehicles come with Standard Cover insurance for your safety. Interested in a little more protection? Check out our Collision Damage Waiver or Super Collision Damage Waiver options for greater peace of mind.
How can I avoid rental car cancellation fees?
You won’t have to worry about any rental car cancellation fees when you hire with us! We know life happens and how plans change.
However, please note this may change if your booking is prepaid. Check with your Cairns staff to confirm if there are any cancellation fees.
Do rental cars have a km limit?
At Redspot, we don’t enforce a km (kilometre) limit on any of our rentals. Feel free to explore Cairns and beyond to your heart’s content! Just be sure to bring your car back at the end of your booking period.
Can more than one person drive a hire car?
Yes! More than one person can drive your rental car during your booking. Just make sure every other driver has a valid international licence when you pick up your vehicle and you’re good to go. Usual T&Cs apply.
What happens if the Redspot Cairns International Airport kiosk is closed at the airport?
Looking to drop off your rental car at Cairns International Airport? Simply park in the designated Redspot parking bay and leave your keys at the kiosk’s 24/7 secure key dropbox. Need a late-night pickup or other services? Call us on 1300 668 810 and we’ll do our best to help get you on your way!
Do rental cars have cameras?
Yes, some rental cars may have a dashcam or rearview camera installed for safety reasons. We value full transparency, so we will tell you in the rental agreement if your Redspot vehicle is equipped with either camera.
At Redspot, we respect your privacy and there are no internal cameras filming you in your rental car.
Can I vape or smoke in a rental car?
Please do not vape or smoke in Redspot rental cars. Like most Aussie car rental companies, we run a smoke-free fleet. You may be charged extra cleaning fees if your car rental smells like vape/smoke on return.
What if my car breaks down?
We know breakdowns can occur at any time and how much of an inconvenience they are. That’s why Redspot offers 24/7 roadside assistance for all of our vehicles.
Looking for even more coverage in case of an accident? Why not prepay for our Premium Roadside Assistance service for total peace of mind?