Can you rent a car from Brisbane to Cairns?
Of course! Planning a one-way road trip from Brisbane to Cairns? Redspot’s got your back (and your boot) with our flexible one-way car rentals. Simply pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Cairns branch, subject to availability. No need to tackle the long drive back! Get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form to arrange your booking and get your tropical Queensland adventure underway.
One way rental Brisbane to Cairns
Explore Queensland your way with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals from Brisbane to Cairns! Pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Cairns branch, subject to availability. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, relocating to Far North Queensland or taking the scenic route along the coast, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without having to drive all the way back.
Simply head to the Extras section of your online booking form, tick the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re ready to hit the road! Keep your Brisbane to Cairns journey running smoothly with our flexible refuelling options. Choose to pre-pay, post-pay or fill up the tank yourself before returning your vehicle. We’ve also got handy rental extras, including child seat hire and Toll Road Waivers, to make travelling with family or friends more comfortable, particularly when using Brisbane’s toll roads. With unlimited kilometres on standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, you can take your time exploring Queensland’s beautiful coastline. Stop for a swim on the Sunshine Coast, explore the Whitsundays or enjoy the tropical scenery around Mission Beach before arriving in Cairns. Kilometre restrictions may apply to vans, trucks and utes, so give our friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to confirm your options before booking. Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless otherwise specified. After-hours pickups are available on request, subject to availability.
Booking is simple. When you make your reservation online, head to the Extras section and select the One Way Fee. That is all it takes to lock it in.
Sort fuel your way with Redspot refuel options to match your plans. Pre-pay, post-pay, or refill it yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly on the road.
Unlimited km is included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles, so the road trip won’t be a problem at all. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to double-check before you set off.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pick-up can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Pick up in Brisbane:
Drop off in Cairns:
Meet Our Fleet
Make your journey from Brisbane to Cairns easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way car rentals! Whether you’re heading north for a tropical getaway, relocating to Far North Queensland or planning a road trip along the Queensland coast, our friendly local team is here to help you get on the road with ease. Choose from our range of rental vehicles to suit your travel plans, with convenient pickup locations across Brisbane and drop-off in Cairns. Enjoy the freedom to explore the Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays and tropical North Queensland along the way, without the hassle of a return drive!
Get ready for your Brisbane to Cairns road trip with Redspot’s handy rental car add-ons, designed to make your journey through Queensland more comfortable and hassle-free! Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire helps keep your youngest passengers safe and secure throughout the long drive north. You can also add our Toll Road Waiver to take the hassle out of Brisbane’s toll roads, leaving you more time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, coastal towns and tropical attractions along the way to Cairns!
Small Car Hire
From economy and compacts to intermediate cars like the Toyota Corolla, you can’t go past our diverse small car fleet! These affordable, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
Sedan Hire
Spot your road trip with our range of versatile sedans, featuring a rotation of your fave brands. Get rolling to Australia’s vibrant coffee capital in the reliable 5-seater car we all know and love.
Minibus and Minivan Hire
Round up your crew and hit the road with our spacious 8–12 seater minibus and minivan hire. Whether you’re on a family getaway or group adventure, we’ve got the right ride to back it.
Baby Seats & Other Accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between A & B a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire will keep your kids safely strapped in for the journey. Plus, our convenient Toll Road Waiver makes it easy to navigate the tolls along the way, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a spacious SUV for extra luggage or a reliable sedan for your everyday essentials, we’ve got rental options to help make your relocation easier. Simply pick up your hire car from one of our Brisbane branches, load up your belongings and head north towards your new home in Far North Queensland. Once you arrive, return your vehicle to our friendly team at our Cairns branch and get straight into unpacking, settling in and enjoying your new tropical lifestyle!
Is it better to fly or drive from Brisbane to Cairns?
Driving or flying from Brisbane to Cairns? It all depends on your travel plans! Flying is the faster option, but driving gives you the freedom to explore Queensland’s spectacular coastline, from the golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast to the tropical Whitsundays, lush rainforests and coastal towns of Far North Queensland. Plus, hitting the road means skipping airport queues, baggage checks and the hassle of arranging transport between destinations. With a long journey ahead, we recommend comparing both options to see what works best for your time and budget. We might be a little biased, but with over 35 years of experience in Aussie car rentals, we reckon the drive from Brisbane to Cairns is a fantastic way to experience more of Queensland!
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – 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.
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.
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.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
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.
6 Popular Stops From Brisbane to Cairns
Noosa Heads
Start your Brisbane to Cairns road trip with a stop in Noosa Heads, a beautiful Sunshine Coast destination known for its golden beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Cool off with a swim at Noosa Main Beach, explore the coastal walking trails of Noosa National Park or browse the boutique shops and cafés along Hastings Street. If you’ve got extra time, head to the nearby Noosa River for kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s a fantastic first stop before continuing north along Queensland’s coast.
Agnes Water and Town of 1770
Make your way to Agnes Water and the neighbouring Town of 1770 for a peaceful coastal escape. Catch some waves at Agnes Water Beach, enjoy the sunset views over Bustard Bay or take a guided LARC tour to explore the area’s coastal scenery. For something extra special, join a boat trip to Lady Musgrave Island, where you can snorkel among colourful marine life on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s a lovely place to slow down before the next stretch of your journey.
Yeppoon
Add Yeppoon to your itinerary for a taste of Queensland’s beautiful Capricorn Coast. Take a refreshing dip at the Yeppoon Lagoon, wander along the beachfront or enjoy fresh local seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. If you’ve got a day to spare, catch a ferry to nearby Great Keppel Island for sandy beaches, clear waters and snorkelling. With its relaxed seaside atmosphere, Yeppoon is a great place to recharge before heading further north.
Airlie Beach
Continue north to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, take a scenic stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk or book a boat tour to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach. Whether you’re keen to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or simply enjoy the tropical waterfront, Airlie Beach offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay before continuing towards North Queensland.
Townsville
Make Townsville your next stop for a mix of tropical scenery, waterfront attractions and island adventures. Take a walk along The Strand, enjoy panoramic views from Castle Hill Lookout or visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland to learn about the region’s maritime history. For a memorable day trip, catch the ferry to Magnetic Island, where secluded bays, walking trails and native wildlife await. Townsville is an ideal place to spend the night before the final stretch to Cairns.
Mission Beach
Before arriving in Cairns, take a break at Mission Beach, where lush tropical rainforest meets the golden sands of the Cassowary Coast. Wander along the palm-lined beachfront, explore nearby rainforest walking trails or relax at one of the local cafés overlooking the Coral Sea. Keep an eye out for southern cassowaries, which can sometimes be spotted around forested areas. From here, continue north towards Cairns, ready to experience the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Brisbane and leave it in Cairns?
Absolutely! We offer flexible one-way car hire from Brisbane to Cairns, subject to availability. Whether you’re heading north for a tropical getaway, relocating to Far North Queensland or planning an extended coastal road trip, you can pick up your rental car from one of our Brisbane branches and return it at our Cairns branch. Simply get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your booking, and get ready to enjoy the journey through Queensland!
Is it more expensive to rent a car one way in Australia?
When it comes to one-way rentals, fees will vary depending on factors including the requested pick-up and drop-off locations, plus vehicle availability. The one-way fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original location. Typically, the further you want to travel, the more one-way rentals can save you on time and fuel costs that you’d otherwise spend heading back to your journey’s starting point!
We recommend comparing your total trip costs if you choose one-way vs standard returns. With Redspot, you can check rates and vehicle availability through our online booking tool so you can determine what’s best for your plans.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country (bigger than Europe in land mass!), there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Is it worth it to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?
It all depends on your travel plans! If you’re short on time, flying from Brisbane to Cairns may be the more practical option. But if tropical beaches, lush rainforests and stunning coastal scenery are more your style, driving is a fantastic way to experience Queensland’s natural beauty. For a scenic road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, we recommend following the Bruce Highway north, starting with a stop in Noosa Heads before exploring Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. From there, continue to Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast, then head towards Airlie Beach and the beautiful Whitsundays. Stop in Townsville before enjoying the tropical scenery of Mission Beach on your final stretch to Cairns. With plenty of beaches, wildlife encounters and island adventures along the way, why not take your time and make the journey part of your Queensland getaway?
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. Whether you’re a retiree, hold a seniors card, or you’re just young at heart, we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Redspot?
For most Aussie car rental companies, the minimum age is 25. However, with Redspot, we don’t think age should keep you from getting the job done! Drivers from 21 years old are welcome to rent with us, including commercial and mine-spec vehicles.
Check out our Young Drivers guide for all the details to get you rolling. (Note: Vehicle size restrictions for Young Drivers do not apply to mine-spec and commercial vehicles. Speak with your employer to confirm details.)
What are the road conditions between Brisbane and Cairns?
The main roads from Brisbane to Cairns are generally well-maintained, with the Bruce Highway (A1) providing the primary route along Queensland’s east coast. However, roadworks, heavy traffic and changing weather conditions can affect your journey, particularly through Central and Far North Queensland, where tropical storms and heavy rainfall may cause flooding or road closures. Before setting off, we recommend checking the latest road conditions through Queensland government traffic information services for updates on accidents, roadworks and other disruptions. With a long drive ahead, plan regular rest stops, watch out for wildlife on regional roads and stick to permitted sealed roads for a safer, more comfortable journey to Cairns.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Brisbane to Cairns car rental.