Townsville is a gateway to some of Australia’s most incredible natural beauty, from the Great Barrier Reef to Magnetic Island, and much more. With a Redspot 4WD, you’ll have no problem navigating anything from rough rural roads to smooth and easy urban trips. No matter where you’re off to in and around Townsville, we’ll help you and your passengers stay safe and adventurous.
At Redspot, we’ve been helping people rent cars in Australia for over 35 years. When you take one of our 4WDs, you’ll always have basic insurance and access to our 24/7 roadside assistance. In other words, you’re always Red-y for whatever the road throws at you!
Meet our 4WD Fleet
A 4WD, also known as a ‘four-wheel drive’ or ‘4×4’, is a two-axle vehicle. The vehicle’s power and engine torque are equally distributed to all four wheels. This offers more control and makes driving easier on rough or uneven terrain.
A quality 4WD needs the right equipment to be safe and practical on-site or off-road*. Our mine-spec vehicles are loaded with all the proper visibility, radio communication, PA systems, vehicle monitoring and roll-over protection accessories.
Whether you need a safe, sturdy mine spec 4WD or a stunning luxury drive, we have the right car for the job! We try to keep our fleet under 6 months old, and we keep every car well-maintained.
From a durable Toyota Hilux to a workhorse Land Cruiser (or similar), we’re quietly confident you won’t be disappointed.
Redspot offers 24/7 roadside assistance with all our hires. Want even more peace of mind? With Premium Roadside Assistance, we can help you when a flat tyre or an empty battery keeps you off the road.
*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.
Please review Redspot’s full terms and conditions for more information.
Level up your Townsville trip with a 4WD
When you’re heading away from Townsville’s city streets for adventures in Mount Isa, Lynd Junction, and beyond, it only makes sense to hire a 4WD. If you’re travelling in a large group, then the benefits of a 4WD really shine.
A 4WD gives you greater towing power and more control when extreme weather strikes. This is perfect for group travel in rural areas where even sealed roads may be in a less-than-ideal condition.
Spacious, safe and comfortable
When you hire a Redspot 4WD, you’ll be getting a vehicle ideal for challenging roads and big groups, with special features such as:
- Enhanced traction: A 4WD has better grip and traction than most cars, as each wheel receives power. This gives you greater stability on those slippery and uneven stretches of road.
- Improved stability: Driving in rain, snow, or ice is challenging. With a 4WD, you’ll have greater control and stability to handle those tough conditions.
- Extra torque: Carrying and towing heavy loads through challenging terrain is a much easier ask in a 4WD, thanks to its greater torque and power.
- Higher ground clearance: With a 4WD, you’ll have a clearer view of the road in front of you, thanks to its higher chassis. This helps you spot road hazards earlier and keeps you safe.
- Anti-lock braking system: Wheel locking when braking heavily or suddenly can feel stressful. With an ABS system, you’ll keep control even when you hit the brakes hard and fast.
Queensland Camping Trip 4WD Hire
Taking to the road in a 4WD opens up amazing camping possibilities within just a few short hours of Townsville. You can:
- Drive around Magnetic Island, taking in its many beaches and bays
- Camp out and see cassowaries, platypuses, and possums near Wallaman Falls
- Enjoy the beauty of creeks and rainforests in Paluma Range National Park
- Take in the waterfalls, boulders, and tropical environments at Murray Falls Campground, Girringun National Park
All of these and more places are on sealed roads, so you’ll drive to them smoothly for an unforgettable camping experience.
Go your own way
When you hire a Redspot 4WD, you won’t just be getting a safe ride. You’ll have the freedom and comfort to reach some of the best natural wonders Queensland has to offer. Best of all, you’ll still have a comfy ride, even if you’re in a big group!
With a Redspot 4WD, you’ll also be supported through our 24/7 roadside assistance program and basic insurance. Whatever situation arises during your adventures, we’ll be there to help at every step.
Please be advised that Redspot vehicles, including 4WD vehicles, must be driven under 50km/hr on unsealed gazetted public roads. If you need to drive off-road, please let us know first, as you will need our written permission.
Commercial/mine spec 4WD Hire
With our fleet’s mine-spec vehicles, you’ll be ready for whatever the road and job throws at you. Our team consults with experts in the field so our 4WDs are prepped for your needs. We have mine-spec vehicles that endure the rough and tumble of the Aussie worksite. Our team works with experts to give our 4WDs the equipment they need for you to maintain compliance across Queensland.
Our mine-spec vehicles include:
- High-visibility reflective stripes and decals.
- Reinforced bull bars with LED lights, designed for work.
- Heavy-duty suspension and all-terrain tyres for bumpy, uneven environments.
- Safety equipment (including fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and UHF radios).
- Roll-over protection (ROPS), wheel chocks, and an amber beacon for site visibility.
How much luggage space does a 4WD have?
Our 4WDs can haul a lot of gear. In a Redspot 4WD, you can stow five large bags, so you’ll have all the space you need for your tent and camping supplies.
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
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.
Redspot 4WD hire in Townsville
When you use Redspot for your 4WD hire needs, you’ll have access to over 35 locations for vehicle pick-up and drop-off. We have two locations in Townsville, ready to help you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure.
Townsville Airport
If you’ve just arrived in Townsville, our Townsville Airport branch is the perfect place to hire a 4WD and hit the road. Just 15 minutes from the CBD, it’s easily accessible for vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, and just a short walk from the airport terminal.
After-hours drop-offs are available at our airport branch. Just place the keys in our secure drop-off box, and you’re all set! Need to pick up a 4WD after-hours? Just get in touch with our team at townsville.airport@redspot.com.au, and we’ll help you out.
Townsville City
You’ll find our Townsville City branch just six minutes away from the airport and the CBD. Ready for a good break? Pick up one of our spacious and comfy 4WDs, and go on adventures you’ve only dreamed of.
Need some assistance finding the best 4WD for you? Email townsville.city@redspot.com.au, and we’ll be happy to help! For any after-hours pick-ups or drop-offs, our Townsville Airport office is just a short trip away.
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.
Townsville 4WD Road Trip Ideas
When you drive out of Townsville in your Redspot 4WD, the road trip possibilities are endless! From rainforests and rock formations to historic towns and beaches, it’s a launching pad for some of the greatest travel memories you’ll ever have on the road. Here are just a few road trips you can take from Townsville.
Please note: Our vehicles can only be driven on gravelled, sealed, gazetted or metalled roads and cannot be driven on unsealed roads such as beaches, creeks and fields without permission. Rest assured, there are still many 4WD roads to explore in Queensland!
Paluma Range National Park
Just an hour’s drive and 65 km away from the Townsville CBD, Paluma Range National Park goes from the warm tropics to misty rainforests. Navigate those winding roads and tricky hairpin turns, and you’ll be rewarded with swimming holes like Crystal Creek and Jourama Falls.
Charters Towers
Drive an hour and a half up Flinders Highway, and you’ll find Charters Towers. 135 km from Townsville, it’s a former gold mining town, rich in history. The roads are all well-maintained and are an easy drive, so you’ll be enjoying those boomtown buildings before you know it!
Mission Beach
A solid journey with an amazing reward at the end of the road, Mission Beach is a 220 km, two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Townsville. Beach and rainforest meet in this spectacular, sunny spot. Mission Beach is also a prime location to see the endangered southern cassowary in its natural environment.
Undara Volcanic National Park
At a three-and-a-half-hour drive and 275 km away from Townsville, Undara Volcanic National Park is the longest road trip on our list, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll see some of the world’s biggest preserved lava tubes, and a surreal landscape unlike anything you’ve seen before. Be well-prepared with water and fuel though, as the drive there stretches through outback terrain.
What to know before you book a Townsville 4WD hire
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of things to consider when hiring a 4WD. Here are some handy rental tips to keep in mind:
4WD vehicles can only be driven where permitted
Redspot 4WDs may only be driven off-road on existing tracks or with local permission. Note that you cannot drive in private or restricted areas, such as certain creeks and rivers, white sandy beaches, fields or paddocks. Check if there are non-permitted Areas of Use on your route, as you will need Redspot’s written approval to drive in these locations.
Bring a valid driver’s licence and credit card
All rental vehicles require a valid credit or debit card at pick-up for pre-authorisation. Planning on an additional driver/s? Bring their valid driver’s licences along to share driving duties.
Minimum age and maximum age for 4WD hire
For young drivers over 21 years old and hold a Provisional P2 Licence, you can hire a 4WD with Redspot!
Use the right driving system for the road
Some 4WDs can go into and out of 4WD mode while driving. Keep in mind which mode is more suitable for the path you are on.
A 4WD uses up more fuel than an AWD
Ensure you are planning your trip well in advance and include fuel stops throughout your journey.
A four-wheel drive is more expensive to run than an all-wheel drive
A 4WD consumes more fuel than a standard AWD and will also require more specialised maintenance and care. However, exact prices may vary depending on the location and car brand.
Be mindful of your tyres
When you pick up from a Redspot branch, we’ve filled the tyres for a standard tar road at 270 kPa/36 PSI. If you are planning to go off-road, be sure to adjust your tyres down to 170 kPa/25 PSI. This tyre pressure will increase traction for off-road trails.
Keep your thumbs inside the steering wheel
When you are driving on harsher terrain, you may accidentally hit potholes or sudden bumps in the road. Keep your thumbs unhooked and resting outside the hub of the steering wheel to prevent injuries.
Know your range
You don’t want to run out of fuel when you least expect it. Learn the maximum range of your vehicle and be sure to avoid going further than you have to.
Pack the essentials
If you’re looking to enjoy an outdoor adventure, here are some packing essentials: Footwear, clothing, satellite phone, first aid kit and non-perishable food and water.
Drive safely and responsibly
A 4WD does not have the same speed or capacity that you might be used to. If you try to rapidly overtake someone on the road, you may find your vehicle doesn’t have the power or quick turning you need.
Questions? Chat with our friendly Redspot team for all your 4WD hire enquiries today.
Townsville 4WD FAQs
Do you need a special licence to drive a 4WD?
No, you can head out in a Redspot rental with just your standard Class C car licence.
However, we do recommend trying out an off-road training course to make sure you know how to stay safe before you head off the beaten track.
Can I hire a 4WD with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can absolutely hire a Redspot 4WD with a foreign licence! Just be sure to bring the following:
- A full, valid driver’s licence and passport.
- Licences must include photo identification.
- If the licence is not in English, you will need an officially translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country.
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driving permit.
Can you go one-way with a 4WD?
Interstate one-way rentals:
- You can book one-way SUV hire between our East Coast branches (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS), subject to vehicle availability.
Restricted state one-way rentals:
- Due to the remoteness of certain branches (NT, SA, WA), one-way hire is only available between Redspot branches within the state/territory from which it is rented.
For more info, contact our friendly team on 1300 668 810 or use our online form to discuss your 4WD hire options.
Can I drive on a non-gazetted/unsealed road in a Redspot 4WD?
Generally, vehicles should stay within sealed gazetted public roads, but at Redspot, we know that some of Australia’s best spots are only accessible by gravel. So here’s the deal:
- You can drive on unsealed roads only if it’s the most direct access to a recognised accommodation, service station or tourist attraction.*
- You are not permitted to drive off-road, across paddocks, on beaches or in areas not designated for normal traffic.
- Damage that may occur due to reckless or unauthorised uses, even on an access road, may not be covered by your Damage Liability Cover.
*PSA from the Redspot team: If your GPS tells you to drive through a riverbed… just no. Please no.
Can I go completely off-road in a Redspot vehicle?
No, you cannot take your Redspot vehicle completely off-road, or on beaches or exploring unmarked trails. This is because unsealed roads can cause:
- Stone chips to paint and windscreens
- Tyre blowouts or getting bogged
- Suspension damage from corrugations
- Undercarriage damage from potholes or water crossings
Not to mention, if you break down somewhere remote, towing you out could cost thousands, and that’s not fun for anyone. Including your bank account.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot 4WD?
You can drive unlimited kilometres a day with a standard car hire, including compact cars, hybrids, sedans, 4WD and SUVs. Perfect for a one-way road trip!
There are some instances in which we do impose a km limit to keep our fleet running smoothly. As Australia is so great in size (and beauty), we need to keep track of the following:
- Vans, trucks and utes have a 100 km p/day limit to help us sustain the fleet.
- Remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin, have a 200 km p/day limit to ensure our vehicles remain well-maintained and ready for the unique demands of Australian outback travel.
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Can I hire a fleet of 4WDs and utes for a long-term infrastructure project in Queensland?
Yes, we can create a bespoke business package for a fleet of 4WDs and utes to suit your long-term infrastructure project. Our corporate packages include instant booking management, monthly billing and control to assign drivers. For large contracts, we also offer vehicle wrapping or customisations.
What happens if my rental 4WD breaks down in remote Queensland?
All Redspot vehicles come with 24/7 roadside assistance, even for remote areas. Just call 1300 668 810, and our team will advise you of the wait time.
How does Redspot 4WD hire compare to other companies in Townsville?
Redspot is the largest independent family-owned car rental company in Australia and is able to offer a national service with a local’s touch. Some car rental companies may exclude all unsealed and non-gazetted roads, even if you hire a 4WD. Redspot allows 4WD driving on unsealed roads if it’s the most direct access to a recognised accommodation, service station or tourist attraction (excluding riverbeds). Redspot also offers mine-spec 4WD cars and utes, fitted with visibility and safety equipment to meet compliance requirements on mine sites.
