Self-drive is often the most convenient method of seeing all the wonderful and diverse attractions of North Queensland and with more than 40 car rental companies in the Cairns-Cooktown-Mission Beach areas, there's plenty to choose from. Drivers can choose from a light car, through to a family sedan, soft-top or 4WD.
Car rental prices start from approximately $40 a day for a small, manual car (eg Ford Festiva) and increase to around $185 a day for more prestigious wheels, such as a Saab Convertible. Longer term rates are negotiable and occasionally there are special promotional offers.
Most companies provide a free customer pick-up service, roadside assistance service and unlimited kilometres. Drivers must hold a current driver's licence and be at least 21 years of age. One way rentals are available, though a relocation fee may apply.
Cars are permitted as far north as Cape Tribulation; a 4WD is required for roads further north. Insurance excess generally starts at around $700 and go up to $2,000, however by paying an extra fee per day (usually $15-$20), the excess drops dramatically (to approx $350).
Thrifty Car Rentals is a member of the Frequent Flyer program operated by Qantas and its affiliated airlines. Frequent Flyer points can also be collected through Budget Car Rentals' travel partners, United Airlines, Air New Zealand and American Airlines.
Mokes are available for hire in Port Douglas only, starting from around $40 per day. Unfortunately, they are not available in Cairns.
For those wanting something more colorful to travel around in, there's no shortage of zanier vehicles to hire. How about a Mazda 121, a soft-top Suzuki Sierra, a convertible Mazda MX5 (Miata) or Golf Cabriolet?
There is also a great assortment of 4WD and off-road vehicles for travellers wanting to get off the beaten track. They range from Suzuki Vitaras, through to Daihatsu Terios, Toyota RAV 4, to Pajeros, Landcruisers and Holden Jackaroos.
Insurance excess for a 4WD generally starts at $1,500 but can be significantly reduced by paying an extra $10-$20 per day. Longer terms are negotiable. Some companies impose a $10 daily charge on 4WD vehicles used on unsealed roads.
It is important to note that during the wet season (November - March) many unsealed roads are not passable by any vehicles.
Those seeking two-wheeled transport will find many outlets in North Queensland that hire motor-cycles and scooters. Off-road dirt bikes are not as readily available to hire in Cairns or Port Douglas.
Riders can get on board a 50cc scooter or be more adventurous with a 800cc Yamaha Varago Lowrider or Kawasaki Vulcan 800cc.
Rates start from approx $65 per day for a 250cc motor-bike up to $130 per day for a 800cc or 1000cc bike. Insurance excess starts at $1,000 approximately. Helmets are supplied.
Due to prohibitive insurance costs, Harley-Davidsons are not available for individual hire in Far North Queensland, although there are several outfits that run Harley tours as far north as Cape York. Harley tours start from $60 per hour up to $250 per day and cruise to destinations such as Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree. A Port Douglas operator recently introduced Harley-Davidson Trike tours (can carry two passengers) to the Daintree and the Tablelands.
A local Port Douglas Harley tour operator is planning to hire out Harleys to experienced riders by mid-2000. Insurance excess will start at $1,000.
While a motor-cycle licence is required to hire a 250cc bike and above, a car licence is all that is needed for a 50cc motor-scooter.
Scooter hire ranges from $15 for two hours to $35 for 24 hours and $180 for weekly hire. Scooters can only be taken on sealed roads but can be taken for unlimited kilometres.
Many visitors and locals take advantage of Port Douglas' flat terrain and hire push bikes. Costs are $9 for half-day, $12 for full day and $55 for weekly hire.
Hiring a campervan is a popular and flexible way of experiencing first hand all that Tropical North Queensland has to offer and an opportunity to discover some exciting places off the tourist trail.
There are more than 10 companies in the Cairns district that hire campervans and 4WD bushcampers. Britz Australia is one of Australia's largest recreational vehicle operators with an extensive range of campervans, motorhomes, 4WD bushcampers and converted 4WD vehicles. Other companies include Hertz, Koala, NQ Rentals, Coolabah and Skippy Camper Rentals.
Most firms can supply 2-berth pop top vans, 4-berth and 6-berth campervans. Most vans have showers, toilets, frigs, microwaves, as well as crockery and linen.
Rates for a 2-berth campervan begin at around $90 a day and there is usually a 4-7 day rental minimum. Rates for a 4-berth start at around $150 per day and rates for a 6-berth, start at $190 per day.
Rates decrease considerably if vans are rented for a longer period and terms can be negotiated. May/June is the cheapest time of the year to hire a campervan with December / January being the most expensive time of year.
One of the most appealing aspects of campervans is that there is usually no restrictions on where you can take them in Australia and the majority of companies offer unlimited kilometres.
Budget Campervan Rentals operate the largest and most diverse fleet of campervans in Australasia, with an office in Cairns. All vehicles are air-conditioned and are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery, linen, bedding and towels. Budget also employs multi-lingual staff to assist clients.
Insurance excess on campervans varies between $1,000 and $5,000. Similar to renting a car, by paying an extra fee per day, the excess is reduced significantly. With Britz for example, paying an extra $35, reduces the excess to zero.
With a large group of people, or family, a fully-equipped campervan is a very economical and practical means of travelling through North Queensland.
Happy Travels!