Car Rental Cairns City

Cairns has everything you could ask for from a vacation in Australia; tropical climate, friendly locals, bustling nightlife, and some of the best natural wonders in the country - better yet, the world. Car hire is recommended to get in and around this northern paradise, with the world’s oldest rainforest on one side and the infamous Great Barrier Reef on the other. 

Between island hopping, snorkelling, and driving amongst the UNESCO world heritage listed landmarks, make some time to unwind in Cairns City.

Rest the legs (and the hire car) for a day  

With warm weather gracing Cairns all year ’round, the city’s man-made lagoon is the perfect place to sit back and relax no matter when you’re visiting. Situated on the esplanade, the 4800 square metre saltwater lagoon boasts tremendous views over the stunning Trinity Inlet. Sit back and admire your surroundings, take a dip in the water, or snap a few shots of the iconic fish sculptures. 

For a day spent the Aussie way, grab a few items and reserve one of the outdoor BBQs overlooking the lagoon. Watch from the shade as the kids splash around in the shallows or scale one of the three playgrounds on the city’s foreshore. Best of all, the Cairns esplanade facilities are all completely free! For additional convenience, there’s also toilets, showers, and plenty of parking for your hire car. 

During the evening hours, visitors are encouraged to select from the bevvy of restaurants in Cairns city for a seafood feast. Boasting some of Australia’s best, you don’t want to miss out on the fisherman’s bounty complemented by a refreshing beverage and ocean views to boot. A hire car may not be required if you’re staying in the city, with plenty in walking distance from Cairns’ CBD. 

Daintree in a day, just pick yourself up a hire car from Cairns City 

With a kiss from the sun and new-found energy for exploration, prepare the hire car for a day trip to the Daintree. 

In just over two hours’ drive from Cairns CBD you will find the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforest - the Daintree. Find refuge amongst the dramatic flora, glistening waterholes, or quaint villages that dot this 180-million-year-old natural phenomenon. Whether it’s a tree-top walk, zipline, spa day, or quiet hike amongst the vines, you’ll easily lose a day (or two) in this literal jungle in paradise. 

Our top recommendation would be a swim in the turquoise waters of Mossman Gorge. Not only is this natural waterhole the picture-perfect setting for your latest and greatest Instagram boast, but its tranquil surrounds and cool water make for the perfect retreat from the heat. 

The Jindalba Boardwalk is yet another Daintree must, whose woody platform makes for a relaxing stroll amongst the giant man ferns, tangled vines, and trees so tall you can’t see the top. Listen out for the inhabiting wildlife as you snake around the Jindalba walk, stopping to spot the animals that call this tropical haven home.

Finally, no trip to the Daintree would be complete without a visit to the Cape Tribulation lookout. Named by James Cook during a turbulent sail through the shallow waters, Cape Tribulation (or simply, ‘Cape Trib’), is a spectacular sight where the rainforest meets the coastline, backdropped by breathtaking mountain ranges. A view like this doesn’t come around often - be sure to make the most of it. 

There’s no doubt Cairns is the ideal vacation hot spot for those seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation. From swimming in the lagoon to swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the world’s oldest living rainforest, or simply taking a quiet moment under the stars to enjoy great food - it really does have it all.