The depot on Sheridan Street
The Cairns depot is at 75 Sheridan Street in the city centre, walking distance from the Esplanade and a short ride from the airport. Confirm your collection time when you book.
Cairns is the only depot in the network holding passenger cars. If you want a sedan or wagon rather than a campervan or 4WD, arrange it here.
- Bring your licence and a translation if it is not in English
- Ask which fuel the vehicle takes before you leave
Vehicle categories at the other depots depend on what each branch stocks, so confirm the class you want at the depot you are collecting from.
Roads the rental agreement allows
The sealed Captain Cook Highway north to Port Douglas and Mossman is straightforward. Beyond that, the road toward Cape Tribulation includes unsealed sections and creek crossings that many agreements exclude. If that road is on your list, ask about a 4WD camper rather than a two-wheel-drive van.
Ask the operator to mark excluded roads on a map before you leave. A restriction you learn about at a creek crossing is one you have already broken.
| Route | Surface | Typical restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns to Port Douglas | Sealed | Generally permitted |
| Daintree to Cape Tribulation | Partly unsealed | Often excluded |
| Bloomfield Track | Unsealed, creek crossings | Usually prohibited |
| Atherton Tablelands loop | Sealed | Generally permitted |
Wet season changes the plan
From November to April the tropics receive most of their annual rain. Creek crossings can close with little warning and the highway south can flood.
- Check road conditions each morning, not once at the start
- Do not cross water over a causeway without knowing the depth
- Keep a buffer of a day or two before a booked flight
One-way or return
Cairns works as the end point of a drive from Brisbane or Sydney, but the distance is real. Returning here suits a Tablelands loop.
- One-way hires usually carry a relocation fee
- Confirm the drop-off depot accepts your vehicle class
Questions about hiring here
Is Cairns the only depot with passenger cars?
Yes, within this network. Campervans and 4WD campers are collected at the other depots, subject to what each branch stocks.
Can I drive to Cape Tribulation?
Only if the rental agreement permits unsealed roads. Many vehicles are excluded from that section, so ask before you book.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier months from May to October are easier for camping. The wet season is quieter but closes some roads.