Returning your rental car.
Ready to wind down from your adventures? You’ll find two different car parks at Cairns Airport, one for domestic flights and one for international. While you can return to either, it’s best to return to the car park that matches your outbound flight. Redspot has dedicated rental bays in both car parks. Just follow the signs to our lots and you’re ready to return to us!
Pre Check-In.
Save time at the counter with Online Pre-Check-In. Upload your licence, payment details and trip information before you arrive, then collect your vehicle and get on the road faster.
After hours drop-off.
Need to end your adventure after hours? Follow the appropriate signs to your outbound flight’s parking bay. Redspot desks in both terminals have after-hours drop boxes. Just be sure it’s the right terminal, so you don’t have to rush to the other terminal carrying your luggage!
One-way car hires.
Does your trip across Australia end in Cairns? Leave your hire car with our Cairns branch as you fly with our one-way rentals!
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
Whether staying in Cairns or hitting the Waterfall Circuit Drive, Redspot provides outstanding services for all our customers. We pride ourselves on constantly building expertise and care, so you can cruise with confidence! See what some of our satisfied customers had to say:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
The Power of Partnerships.
Redspot are proud to partner with Sunshine Coast Lightning. We share a passion for high performance, community spirit, and supporting women in sport.
Redspot are a trusted supplier of car rental services to NSW Government agencies. We’re proud to support essential services across the state and beyond.
Redspot are proud to sponsor Melbourne Storm. We share a strong devotion to Australian families, grassroots sport, and community values.
Redspot Driver Facts.
Share the ride with additional drivers:
We can easily add additional drivers to your car rental booking. The driver will need to show their full valid driver’s licence in any branch and provide a credit card for a daily surcharge. Too easy!
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21!
Note that drivers under 25 will pay a daily surcharge on their car rental fee. Car hire is limited to small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks.
Don’t sweat the paperwork:
If you are a first-time renter, all we need is one (1) document with your address on it. Returning customers, all you need to bring for collection is your valid driver’s licence and credit card. If it’s your first time renting locally, you’ll also need to bring a third form of identification like a current utility bill. We will take care of the rest!
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Meet Our Fleet.
Wheel be damned if you can find a more suitable rental for your time in Cairns than Redspot! Need a 4WD for out-of-town adventures or a compact car for ferry parking? No matter what, our fleet will have the rental vehicle that’s perfect for you.
Which vehicle should you rent for your Cairns trip?
If you’ve never been before, it can be hard to know which vehicle you need for a trip in Far North Queensland. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, your trip may include coastal routes, rainforest drives or outback day trips. See below our tips for each vehicle type and Cairns area suitability:
| Vehicle Category | Terrain | Size | Best for: Regions | Best for: Trip Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small/Compact Cars | Sealed terrain only |
5 Passengers Ranges from 1 small to 2 large luggage. |
Easy to handle on Cairns CBD streets, the Esplanade and Marina parking areas. Well suited to short sealed runs out to the Northern Beaches like Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob, or a day trip up the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas. | Ideal for couples, senior drivers, young drivers, P-platers and small friend groups running errands or planning shorter day trips. |
| Sedans | Sealed terrain only |
5 Passengers 2–3 large suitcases. |
Comfortable on the Captain Cook Highway and the Bruce Highway with extra room for luggage. Great for a day trip south to Babinda, Innisfail or Mission Beach, or north to Port Douglas and Mossman. | Well suited to business trips, couples, senior drivers and small groups or families. |
| Compact – Large SUVs | Sealed terrain only |
5–7 Passengers Ranges from 1 large to 3 large suitcases. |
A popular all-rounder. Handles Cairns city driving and the sealed climbs to the Atherton Tablelands via the Kuranda Range or Gillies Range Road, plus the Great Barrier Reef Drive to Cape Tribulation across the Daintree ferry. Good for the lake circuits around Lake Eacham and Yungaburra. | Ideal for longer road trips, families, senior drivers, group trips, couples and business travellers. |
| 4WD Vehicles | Sealed and well-maintained gravel roads |
5 Passengers 3 large suitcases or a dual-cab tray ute. |
Built for travel beyond the bitumen. Great for the gravel roads around Chillagoe, the inland Mulligan Highway up to Cooktown, and well-maintained tracks through the Tablelands and outback. Serious routes like the Bloomfield Track and Cape York can carry hire restrictions, so check the terms. | Perfect for families or group holidays, camping trips, long road trips and exploring the Far North outback. |
| Hybrid Cars | Sealed terrain only |
5 Passengers 2–3 large suitcases. |
The fuel savings add up on longer Far North drives. Perfect for the Cairns suburbs and Northern Beaches, day trips along the Captain Cook Highway to Port Douglas, or a longer one-way run south down the Bruce Highway toward Townsville. | Business travellers, couples or small families looking for sleek, fuel-efficient travel. |
| Electric Vehicles | Sealed terrain only |
5 Passengers 1 large and 2 small luggage. |
Ideal for Cairns city driving, the Esplanade and short sealed day trips to the Northern Beaches, Kuranda or Port Douglas. The Queensland Electric Super Highway goes through Cairns, with chargers extending to the Tablelands and Cooktown, though the network thins out in remote areas. | City driving or shorter regional day trips on sealed roads with charging access. |
| Minibuses | Sealed terrain only |
8–12 Passengers 2–4 large suitcases. |
Comfortable on Cairns CBD roads and the Captain Cook Highway, and a great group vehicle for reef and airport transfers, Tablelands tours or a trip up to Port Douglas and the Daintree. | Absolutely perfect for group trips, airport transfers, corporate events or large family day trips. |
| Utes | Sealed and well-maintained gravel roads |
2–5 Passengers Single-cab or dual-cab tray. |
Ideal for tradies around Cairns, weekend DIYers and families heading out on an adventure. Handles sealed highways plus well-maintained gravel out to camping and fishing spots around the Tablelands, Lake Tinaroo and the Daintree. | Ideal for tradies, DIY weekends, camping, fishing and boating trips. |
| Vans | Sealed terrain only |
2–3 Passengers 5–9 large suitcases. |
Easy to drive around Cairns and the surrounding suburbs. Also available for moving house and one-way hires along the coast. | Great for moving one to two-bedroom units, DIY weekends, delivery drivers or tradies. |
| Trucks | Sealed terrain only |
3 Passengers 3.5 Tonne. |
Manageable on Cairns sealed roads and the surrounding suburbs. Also available for one-way relocations down the coast. | Best suited to house removals, commercial freight, event logistics and delivery runs. |
| Mine Spec | All terrain, including mine sites |
5–12 Passengers 4 large suitcases or a dual-cab tray. |
Durable and built for the unsealed roads of the Far North, including the mineral fields around Mareeba and Chillagoe, remote cattle stations and Cape York industry sites. | Specialised mine-spec safety vehicles, ideal for mine-site access, remote industry operations and backcountry travel. |
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you need to hire a 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. Not to mention, you can head out on your own schedule with a Redpot hire car!
Can you take a hire car on a ferry in Cairns?
Yes! You can absolutely take a ferry with one of our car hires. However, please note that there is only one ferry in Cairns, the Daintree ferry connecting the mainland to Daintree. If you are taking the car ferry, 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?
With Redspot, you don’t have to worry about cancellation fees! We know that life happens when you least expect and how important flexibility is on the road.
Please keep in mind, that this may change if you’re booking is prepaid. Check with our Cairns International Airport staff to see if you’re 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. Other stunning sights include Captain Cook Highway and the Daintree Rainforest.
Adventure in Cairns with Redspot!
Cairns is right next to some of the most incredible vistas in all of Australia. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is full of once-in-a-lifetime destinations suitable for any traveller!
The Great Barrier Reef
With your Cairns car rental, the world’s most famous coral reef is just a short trip away! Just take your car hire to Port Douglas and hop on a ferry. Within less than an hour, you will reach one of the most unique and incredible destinations in the world.
Daintree Rainforest
Looking to get the most out of your rental hire? Daintree Rainforest is a scenic 2 hour long journey away from Cairns. Visit the world’s oldest rainforest or drop by Cape Tribulation for boat tours, walking paths and more!
Cairns Esplanade
Looking for an activity close to the city? The Cairns Esplanade features the Cairns Lagoon, an incredible skate park and fantastic public art space, on top of constant new events! Drop by the Cairns Esplanade to experience the bustling heart of the city.
Fitzroy Island
45 minutes away from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a stunning getaway fit for any traveller. Go stand-up paddle boarding in crystal clear water, or try snorkelling right next to turtles! From stunning beaches to outstanding walking paths, Fitzroy Island is sure to have something for everyone.
Red-hot Cairns International Airport tips from our local staff
Cairns Airport Car Rental – Dive into Adventure!
For over 35 years, Redspot has helped travellers explore the Cairns and beyond! We are a family-run business and Australia’s go-to experts when it comes to all things car rentals.
With over 41 locations across the country and 24/7 premium roadside assistance, we make it easy to hit the road. Whether you need a reliable moving van or a spacious sedan for a road trip, we have the right vehicle for the job!
Whether you choose our Standard or All-Inclusive Package, you can get the most bang for your buck! This frees up your hard-earned dollars, helping you save for unforgettable diving trips and epic ferry rides.
We are also one of the few Aussie car rental companies offering keys to P2 licence holders and drivers under 25.
So no matter your reason or the season, book with Redspot today!
