Can you rent a car from Sydney to Cairns?
Yes, with Redspot you can! If you want to pick up your car hire in Sydney and drop it off in Cairns, you can do that with Redspot’s flexible one way rentals. Start your trip down south, take your time up the coast, and hand the keys back up north. Get in touch with the friendly team by phone, email, or the online contact form and get your road trip moving.
One way rental Sydney to Cairns
Drive Australia your way with flexible one way car hire from Sydney to Cairns. Pick up your car in Sydney, cruise north at your own pace, and drop it off in Cairns when you arrive. It is an easy way to save time, cut backtracking, and skip extra fuel costs.
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 Sydney to Cairns drive is no 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.
Pickup in Sydney:
Drop off in Cairns:
Meet Our Fleet
Make the trip from Sydney to Cairns easier with Redspot’s flexible one way car hire. Whether you are heading north for a holiday or taking your time along the coast, the local team is ready to help you get from city streets to tropical roads with no fuss.
Choose from a wide range of vehicles and enjoy convenient pick-up in Sydney with an easy drop-off in Cairns. It is a great way to take your holiday by the wheel and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
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 Sydney to Cairns ride 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 equipped with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, ensuring your travels between Sydney and Cairns are smooth 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 reliable sedan, there is plenty of space for your belongings on the big move north. Pick up from one of our Sydney car hire locations, load up your gear, and head towards Cairns at your own pace.
Once you arrive, the friendly team at our Cairns branch will be ready to take the car back, so you can get straight into unpacking, relaxing, and settling into tropical life.
One-Way Trucks and Moving Accessories
Comfy couch you can’t live without? Sorted. Dream fridge you finally saved up for? Packed and ready. With a range of trucks, utes, and handy moving accessories, you can flex those muscles and do the big move your way. Our trucks come with a daily kilometre allowance of 100 km, with a small fee for extra distance depending on the vehicle.
One-Way Rentals Made Easy – A Small Relocation Fee for Huge Convenience
Go further, without the detour! With Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals, you can explore Australia your way, no need to circle back. You’ll save on time, fuel, and effort, making the most of every journey on the open Aussie road.
To help us keep our fleet moving, a small relocation fee may apply. This fee covers the cost of relocating your vehicle back to its original location. But if your route helps us too, we may be able to waive it – simply contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find out.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Cairns?
The drive from Sydney to Cairns is a big one, with around 30 hours of non-stop driving depending on your route. Once you factor in rest breaks, overnight stops, and meals, most travellers spread the trip over several days to keep things comfortable and enjoyable.
That is all part of the fun. Take your time, pull over when something catches your eye, and turn the journey into a classic Aussie road trip packed with coastal views, country towns, and plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Is it better to fly or drive from Sydney to Cairns?
Driving or flying to Cairns really comes down to what matters most to you. Flying gets you there quicker, but driving gives you the freedom to see more of Australia along the way, from coastal stretches to country towns and everything in between.
Choosing to drive also means skipping airport queues, baggage limits, and transfers once you land. Take a moment to compare both options before you book and see what suits your time and budget best. We might be a little biased, but with over 35 years in Aussie car hire, we reckon the road trip is hard to beat.
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 Sydney to Cairns
Port Macquarie
A classic first stop heading north, Port Macquarie is known for calm beaches, coastal walks, and a relaxed vibe. Take a stroll along the Coastal Walk, cool off with a swim, or visit the Koala Hospital before getting back on the road.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is all about beach time and easy living. Catch the sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, grab a coffee in town, or spend the afternoon on the sand at Wategos or Tallow Beach. It is a popular stop for good reason.
Gold Coast
Swap quiet beaches for buzzing coastal energy on the Gold Coast. Enjoy long stretches of sand, oceanfront walks, theme parks, and plenty of spots to eat and refuel before continuing north.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast offers a slower pace with plenty to explore. Stop by Noosa for coastal trails and clear water, or head inland to the hinterland for rainforest walks, waterfalls, and charming towns.
Whitsundays
If you are happy to detour, the Whitsundays are worth the extra time. Base yourself on the mainland and take a day trip out to the islands, enjoy white sand beaches, or simply relax by the water before the final stretch north.
Townsville
Townsville is a handy stop before Cairns, with easy access to Magnetic Island. Spend a day exploring the island’s beaches and walking tracks, or enjoy the city’s waterfront and relaxed tropical feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Sydney and leave it in Cairns?
Yes, with Redspot you can! We offer one way car hire from Sydney to Cairns, subject to availability at your chosen locations. Pick up in Sydney, enjoy the journey north, and drop the car off in Cairns when you are done.
To get things organised, just reach out to the friendly team by phone or email and lock in your plans. Then it is time to hit the road and enjoy some easy cruising all the way to Far North 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 Sydney to Cairns?
This really comes down to what you value most. If you are short on time, flying to Cairns is the quicker option. If big views, changing landscapes, and a classic Aussie road trip sound more appealing, driving lets you see a whole lot more of the country along the way.
For a scenic drive from Sydney to Cairns, the coastal route is a favourite. Travel north through spots like Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and the Whitsundays before finishing in Far North Queensland. Take it slow, stop often, and enjoy a journey you will be talking about long after you arrive.
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 Sydney and Cairns?
Road conditions from Sydney to Cairns are generally good, with most of the journey along sealed highways and major roads. It is a long drive though, so planning ahead and pacing yourself makes a big difference.
Before you set off, check the latest traffic and road updates through New South Wales and Queensland government websites. This helps you stay on top of roadworks, weather impacts, or incidents that could affect your trip, so you can keep things running smoothly from start to finish.
*NOTE: Non-4WD vehicles must be driven on roads that are properly formed and constructed as metalled, sealed, gazetted or gravelled roads. Our 4WD vehicles are allowed off-road following local regulations and on existing tracks.
No vehicles are permitted to be driven in restricted areas such as beaches, creeks, rivers, fire trails, fields or paddocks. Additionally, no vehicles may be driven in non-permitted Area of Use locations without written approval of Redspot.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Sydney to Cairns car rental.