Search for car hire in Cairns

For decades, Cairns has been the X that marks the spot on Australia’s tourist map.

The tropical city is a chest full of natural wonders, acting as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and wildlife-filled jungles. Cairns nurtures an easy-going pace of life with waterfront cafes and classic Aussie-style pubs. Yet, the city is also awash with tourism centres and souvenir shops, so expect a brash holiday vibe.

Cairns makes the ideal base for renting a car and exploring the of north of Queensland and the tough surrounding environment. Showcasing the Australian persistence to live in harmony with nature, rainforests, lagoons and gorges are all an easy drive away.

This lively tropical paradise at the north end of Queensland is a magnet to those seeking either thrills or luxury. With the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders, right off its coastline, pristine white beaches and a rugged, wild jungle environment, Cairns is teeming with attractions and adventure.

Things to do Cairns

You can’t escape the fact that Cairns is a tourist city. All year round the streets hum with visitors eager to enjoy the amazing scuba diving and the beer in the local pubs. Cairns is possibly the best place from which to access the Great Barrier Reef, and certainly the place with the largest variety of tour operators. Excellent deals can be found on "Live-a-board" high-tech yachts that sail out for several days’ scuba adventure then return to Cairns. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, everyone should visit the informative and entertaining ReefTeach, where you can learn all about the undersea world. If diving isn’t your thing, Cairns has an abundance of luxury hotels and the city itself is a pleasant place to spend a few days. However, outdoor activities dominate the tourist schedule, with fishing and sightseeing excursions leaving daily.

Cairns: Discover more

A short drive from Cairns is the lush rainforest peninsula of Cape Tribulation (so-named because of the hazards of sailing around this rocky promontory). Here you can enjoy fascinating jungle tours deep into the heart of the forest where prehistoric-looking Cassowaries still roam free. Stay in one of the wonderful jungle huts right in the heart of the forest - and keep an eye out for spiders!