Can you rent a car from Canberra to Cairns?
Yes, you can. Pick up your car rental in Canberra and return it in Cairns with our flexible one-way rentals. Give our friendly team a call, send us an email, or use our online contact form to get your trip rolling.
One way rental Canberra to Cairns
Drive from Canberra to Cairns your way with our one-way rentals. Pick up your car in Canberra and return it in Cairns, so you can spend less time backtracking and more time enjoying the road ahead. When booking online, head to the Extras section, tick the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re set. You can also choose the refuel option that suits your trip. Pre-pay, post-pay, or fill up the tank yourself before drop-off. Need a few extras for the drive? Add baby seats, Toll Pass Waivers, and other handy rental accessories when you book. Unlimited kilometres are included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, so you can take the long way from Canberra to Cairns without watching the odometer. Kilometre limits may apply when hiring a van, truck or ute, so please call our friendly team on 1300 668 810 before you book. Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated. After-hours pickup may be 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 Canberra:
Drop off in Cairns:
Meet Our Fleet
Make the trip from Canberra to Cairns easier with our flexible one-way rentals. Our local team can help you plan a smooth pickup in Canberra and drop-off in Cairns, so you can focus on the drive north. Choose from our range of vehicles, with handy pickup and return options to help you gear up for a big East Coast road trip.
We’ll help you gear up with rental car add-ons for your Canberra to Cairns trip, making the drive easier from pickup to drop-off. Travelling with kids? Add child seat hire to your booking so everyone is strapped in safely. Planning to pass through toll roads along the way? Our Toll Road Waiver can help make the trip simpler, especially around major cities on your route north.
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 roomy SUV or a sedan, we can help you pack in what matters for the big move. Pick up your rental car in Canberra, load your gear and hit the road north towards your new place in Cairns. When you arrive, our Cairns team will be ready to take the keys, so you can get stuck into unpacking and settling in.
Is it better to fly or drive from Canberra to Cairns?
Driving or flying comes down to what matters most for your trip. Flying will get you to Cairns faster, while driving gives you the freedom to see more of Australia along the way, from country roads and regional towns to the warm northern coastline. With a one-way rental, you can skip airport baggage queues, avoid waiting around for transfers, and travel on your own schedule. Compare both options before you book to see what works for your time and budget. We may be a little biased, but after more than 35 years in Aussie car rentals, we’re big fans of taking the drive.
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.
Popular Stops From Canberra to Cairns
Dubbo
Dubbo makes a great first stop as you head north from Canberra. Break up the drive with a visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, stretch your legs at the Old Dubbo Gaol, or grab dinner in town before settling in for the night. It’s a handy place to reset before the longer regional stretches ahead.
Moree
Moree is well worth adding to your Canberra to Cairns road trip, especially if you’re ready for a proper soak. The town is known for its artesian thermal pools, making it a good spot to rest tired driving legs. Refuel, recharge and get ready for the next leg into Queensland.
Goondiwindi
Sitting near the NSW and Queensland border, Goondiwindi is a practical and relaxed stop along the way. Wander by the Macintyre River, stop in at a local cafe, or learn about the town’s famous racehorse, Gunsynd. It’s a good overnight option before heading further north.
Rockhampton
Rockhampton gives you a taste of Central Queensland and a welcome change of pace. Known as Australia’s beef capital, it’s a great place to stop for a hearty meal, walk along the Fitzroy River, or visit nearby Mount Archer for wide views over the region. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot car and plan your stops before heading north again.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a top pick if you want to add a coastal break to your drive. It’s the gateway to the Whitsundays, with lagoon swims, marina walks, and island day trips all within easy reach. Spend a night or two here if your schedule allows, then continue north towards tropical Queensland.
Townsville
Townsville is a strong final stop before Cairns. Walk The Strand, visit Reef HQ, or head up Castle Hill for a view over the city and Magnetic Island. From here, you can follow the sealed coastal route north, with Cairns getting closer by the hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Canberra and leave it in Cairns?
Yes, you can. We offer one-way car hire between our Canberra and Cairns branches, subject to availability. Whether you’re heading north for a move, a long holiday, or a one-way road trip, our team can help you sort the details. Contact us by phone or email to arrange your rental, then gear up for the drive from Canberra to Cairns.
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 Canberra to Cairns?
This depends on your plans. Flying will be quicker, so it may suit you better if you need to get to Cairns fast. If you want to see more of Australia, driving from Canberra to Cairns is a great way to turn the trip into a proper road adventure. For a scenic Canberra to Cairns drive, you can head north through regional NSW, cross into Queensland, then make your way towards the coast as you continue up to Cairns. Stop in places like Dubbo, Moree, Goondiwindi, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach and Townsville along the way. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot car, plan your rest stops, and enjoy the ride north.
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 Canberra and Cairns?
Road conditions from Canberra to Cairns can vary across the trip, especially once you move through regional NSW and into Queensland. Many major highways are sealed and well-used, but long distances, roadworks, wet weather, and local incidents can affect your drive. Before you go, check the latest updates through ACT road closures, Live Traffic NSW and QLDTraffic for roadworks, closures, crashes and weather-related changes. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot car, plan your rest stops, and check conditions again before each day’s drive.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Canberra to Cairns car rental.