Rent a little, rent a lot – You can rely on Redspot!
Find reliable, hassle-free van hire for all your cargo transporting needs in Cairns with Redspot. All of our vehicles are well-maintained and easy to drive. With 24/7 roadside assistance, unlimited kilometres, a basic insurance package and no hidden costs, you can get Red-y to roll as soon as you’re behind the wheel.
Redspot vans can be driven with a standard Class C licence. No special requirements necessary, just hop in and you’re good to go. For business customers, apply for a Redspot Business account and we can change our flexible hire options to fit your schedule.
Our crew is backed by more than 35 years of experience in the Australian car rental industry. Whether you’re flying in for a landscaping business or making quick deliveries, our Cairns team will help you find the perfect van for your needs.
Returning your hired van
To return your van, simply stop by our Cairns Airport branches in either Terminal 1 or 2. Then, drop your keys off with our staff and you’re done. Easy as!
Moving accessories
Looking to keep your items more secure in transit? We offer high-quality moving accessories to make shifting cargo even easier.
After-hours pick-up
For the night owls, our Cairns Domestic Airport branch offers late-night drop-off. Just follow the signs to Redspot’s rental bay, drop off your keys in our secure drop box in the exterior of our car park office and you’re good to go.
Standard licence van hire
At Redspot, all our vans can be driven with a regular ‘Class C’ licence.
Meet our Fleet.
At Redspot, our Cairns van hire fleet is well-maintained and fully equipped to make transporting your cargo as easy as possible.
All Redspot vehicles come with 24/7 Standard Roadside Assistance. For even more peace of mind, consider our Premium Roadside Assistance, with fuel delivery, accommodation reimbursement and more to keep you rolling.
Why hire a van in Cairns?
With a Cairns van hire, you can ensure your belongings are safe and sound while you transport them. Our vans are safe, reliable, spacious and easier to drive than a larger box truck. With low-profile sliding doors and a wide, tall cargo area for easier loading, you can stress less about vehicle logistics.
Our 1-tonne and 1.5-tonne vans have a respective capacity of 1,000 kg and 1,500 kg: plenty of space to transport your office supplies, furniture or working tools.
Move your own way
Control your own move by hiring a moving van. Hiring a moving company can be stressful, as you haggle for prices, prepare your items and adjust your busy schedule. By hiring your own van, you can hop behind the wheel whenever you’re ready and move on your own time.
We’ll make it simple to stay within your budget with flexible short-term and long-term rental packages, transport pricing and relocation-ready moving accessories. Trouble on the road? All our vehicles come with 24/7 roadside assistance, so we can ensure you get the care you need.
Moving accessories hire
Use Redspots quality moving equipment to keep your items safe while you’re transporting them.
Our moving accessories include:
- Moving boxes (multiple sizes available)
- Bubble wrap
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Moving trolleys
- Ropes
- Ratchet straps
Get the most out of your budget with packing equipment, available from most of our 45+ branches around Australia.
Hassle-free one-way van hire
Whether you’re moving across states or settling in Cairns, Redspot has over 45 convenient van hire branches to make your trip easier. Whether you need a day or you want more time to organise your move, we can find the right vehicle to suit your schedule.
For a small relocation fee, you won’t even need to worry about your return trip. Just drop your van off in the most convenient branch for you, and we’ll take it from there. Please be advised, relocation fees can vary depending on your vehicle, your location and your travel plans. We’ll be sure to let you know your exact fee during your booking process.
We may even be able to waive or reduce this fee depending on your route and other available offers. Give us a call on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to learn more.
Delivery van rental
Hit your busiest time of year and need a delivery vehicle ASAP? With our van hire, you can quickly access a well-maintained fleet to meet your additional demands without committing to buying a whole new vehicle. Reduce your downtime and keep your revenue going, even with a limited fleet.
Whether you’re a catering service or postal company, a reliable delivery van can ensure you have the means to satisfy your clients without breaking the bank. Get in touch with our Redspot team to discuss a delivery van package that suits you, including branded wrapping modifications and bespoke terms.
Commercial van hire
Just flown in and need a reliable working vehicle for your jobs? With our well-maintained fleet and flexible hiring periods, we can find a vehicle that suits you and your schedule.
With a Redspot Business account, you can quickly and easily sort out your van hire whenever you need to. Just add your driver’s licence to your account, select your pick-up time and location, and we’ll take it from there.
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!
- $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- 150km per day
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Super 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!
- $1500 super liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- 150km per day
- 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.
Where to hire a van in Cairns
Steer to success with a Redspot van hire in Cairns! With convenient airport locations, we can provide you with a van that is as easy to drive as it is to load. Whether it’s for a home move or a delivery, you can rely on Redspot.
Cairns Domestic Airport
You can find our Cairns Domestic Airport branch only a short 9-minute drive from the city’s CBD. Just follow the signs to find our designated area from the rental parking lot.
We’re open all week, with after-hours pick-up options available. Give us a call on +61 7 4034 9045 or email us at cairns.airport@redspot.com.au to discuss your options.
We also have late-night drop-off available from this branch. Just park your van in our designated bay and head to our branch office. Our drop box is located in the exterior of your car rental car park office, left of the door.
Cairns International Airport
With over 2 airport locations, including the international terminal, we can help anyone get on the road with a quality van as soon as possible.
We’re open all week, with late-night pick-up options available. Just call +61 7 4034 9045 or email cairns.airport@redspot.com.au to get in touch with us.
Only have time to drop off after our working hours? Follow the signs to your outbound flight’s parking bay. Our desks in both airport terminals have an after-hours drop box ready for use. Just make sure it’s the right terminal so you don’t have to rush to your flight!
Cairns City
Our Cairns City branch is just a 10-minute drive south of Cairns airport, giving you a convenient location in the heart of Cairns City.
Our Cairns city branch is easy to find and open all week. If you’re a night owl looking for a late-night pick-up, give us a call on +61 7 4249 3331, or email us at cairns.city@redspot.com.au to discuss your options.
Unfortunately, we do not have an after-hours drop-off at this location. Please return your vehicle the next business day, or drive to our Cairns Airport branches 10 minutes north-east.
Tips for first-time van drivers in Cairns
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned expert, there are a few details you will need to be mindful of when hiring a van in Cairns. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while driving:
Driver’s licence
Bring a valid driver’s licence and a credit card to book your rental van. At Redspot, we require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation. If you’re planning on additional drivers, please bring their valid driver’s licences along too. Then you can share driving duties with no sweat.
Check the fuel policy
Understand the moving van fuel policy before you pick it up. With Redspot, we have you covered with pre-pay and refuelling services, or you can fill up the tank yourself.
Van inspection
Before you take off, you should inspect the van for any existing damage and report it to avoid any potential charges and keep your hiring costs down.
Plan your route
Vans are larger, slower and harder to stop. Check your route ahead of time and avoid any tight spots or low clearance zones on your path.
U-Turns
In Queensland, you may only perform a U-turn when signage clearly permits it. U-turns are also prohibited at traffic lights. You must also give way to all other vehicles, including bicycles, personal mobility devices and pedestrians. Be mindful of your vehicle’s larger size, and check your blind spots carefully.
Driver distractions
In Queensland, drivers may be fined for drinking coffee or other beverages while driving. This is because the activity is considered a distraction that can hamper driving ability and reaction time. Be sure to avoid eating, drinking or holding objects while driving in Queensland.
Moving accessories
Hire or purchase moving accessories or specialised storage options to make moving as stress-free as possible! This is especially helpful for transporting fragile items and appliances, like glassware and fridges.
Arrange your council parking permits
Some areas might need a parking permit for your van. Check your local government area and local council to see if you need permits, and sort this out in advance. This will make sure your move stays as hassle-free as possible.
Driving adjustments
Most vans handle differently than cars, so take your time getting used to braking, turning and parking for a safer, smoother journey.
Cairns Van Hire FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a van in Cairns?
The exact cost of a van hire in Cairns can vary depending on a variety of factors. These include the make and model of your vehicle, how long you’re renting for, and your mileage. We’ll be sure to give you a cost estimate for your rental van when you enter your details into our booking tool.
Is it easy to drive in Cairns?
Generally, Cairns is relatively easy to drive in, as the city is flat and laid out in a simple grid. Traffic is generally light compared to bigger cities, but tourism might increase traffic on the main roads during peak holiday seasons.
Can I take the van hire on the Daintree ferry?
Yes, you can absolutely take a van hire on the Daintree ferry while you are renting with us.
Please note that there are a few special considerations that apply:
- The elected damage liability does not apply while on the ferry, i.e. in the event of the ferry sinking or the hire car being damaged while on the ferry, the customer is up for car replacement/repair costs.
- There must be a gazetted road (a sealed or unsealed road regularly maintained by the Australian government) on the other end of the ferry.
Questions? Contact our friendly Adelaide team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free number) or cairns@redspot.com.au to discuss details.
How do I drive a van?
Driving a van for the first time? No problem. These tips should help you feel confident on the road and ensure a smooth, safe journey.
- Allow extra space: Drive calmly and remain aware of surrounding traffic. Moving vans are significantly larger than standard vehicles, so additional space is required, particularly when turning. Take corners wide and at a reduced speed to avoid obstacles and to protect your load.
- Secure your load properly: Before departing, ensure all items are safely tied down. Unsecured cargo can shift during transit, which may affect the van’s balance, especially when braking or navigating corners.
- Indicate early: Given the size of the vehicle, it is essential to clearly signal your intentions. Use your indicators well in advance when turning or changing lanes, allowing other road users sufficient time to respond.
- Be mindful of size and weight: Moving vans are heavier and require longer stopping distances. Accelerate gently and allow extra time for braking. When stopping on an incline, apply the handbrake to maintain stability and safety.
- Take regular breaks: Operating a larger vehicle can be more tiring than you think. Remember to stay alert and take regular breaks. If driving conditions deteriorate due to weather, prioritise safety by pulling over in a secure location until conditions improve.
Can you hire a van to go one way?
With Redspot, yes, you can! Our flexible one-way packages let you pick up in one location and drop it off in another, letting you save time, fuel and money on the return trip.
Please keep in mind that one-way rentals usually come with a drop fee (aka one-way fees) to cover the cost of moving the vehicles back to their original branch. This fee amount will be shown to you during the online booking process, so you know what you are paying for from day 1 and can easily compare prices.
Are there height-restricted roads in Cairns?
Yes, some roads may have height restrictions in Cairns, mainly bridges and underpasses. Our hired vans are each smaller than the 4.3 metre height restrictions, so these areas shouldn’t be a problem while you’re driving.
How do I keep my item from moving while I’m driving?
We recommend using our moving accessories to securely wrap and package your belongings before loading. This helps protect your items during transit. Please ensure you use any ratchet straps, cargo nets, or buckle straps provided in the vehicle as well.
When loading, pack items tightly to reduce movement while driving, and position heavier items against the van’s walls for added stability.
Can I rent a van with a normal licence?
At Redspot, you can absolutely rent a van with a normal licence. We allow any Class C licence holder to rent a truck or van with us.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental van in Australia?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. That’s why we welcome senior drivers to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
Can I drive a Redspot van as a P-plater?
Unfortunately, you cannot drive a Redspot van as a P-Plater or as a driver under 25. However, you do have full access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks.
Can Redspot vans move interstate?
Yes, depending on your location and plans! If you return your Redspot van to the same location you picked it up from, you’re free to roam the interstate without much trouble.
Interstate one-way rentals:
- You can book one-way van 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 van 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 fill out the online form to chat about your van hire options. We’re here to help you move, safe and sound.
Do Redspot vans have unlimited kms?
While most standard hire cars come with unlimited kms, at Redspot, we do impose a 100km p/day limit on vans, trucks and utes to help us sustain the fleet. In remote locations such as Alice Springs or Darwin, we also have a 200km p/day limit to ensure our vehicles remain well-maintained and prepared for the unique demands of the Australian outback.
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
What are the excess km charges?
With Redspot van hires, the first 100 km you drive is free every day. Any further travel may result in excess km charges.
