Cairns Transportation

I was very impressed with Cairns buses. They are very neat and clean and new....air con is a bit cold ;o) and the price average.

We went for a day to Trinity Beach by bus and has no problem finding the right one - Stand F. Directions are clearly marked and if in doubt, just ask one of the friendly bus drivers.

If coming from overseas, more than likely you will fly into Cairns from another large city as Cairns does not have many international flights. My advise is to have a look at www.flightcentre.com.au to compare prices. Quantas can be expensive and the alternate airlines like Virgin Blue and JetStar often have good specials.

I flew via Quantas as it was the only airline available for a direct flight from Hamilton Island on the Whitsundays. The view of the reef as you come in for a landing is lovely and not to be missed!

We had always heard that Cairns was the most beautiful destination in Australia ever since we landed in 2006 and had always wanted to go there.We had heard about the friendly Queenslanders also.So we were very excited to come to Cairns despite a 1.5 hr delay.We must say we had a wonderful stay there but must warn people of a car rental company called East coast rentals.They were so prompt in all the email correspondence but when we went to pick up our car, we were treated quite shabbily.As soon as we entered their reception area, one woman kept calling my last name and when we responded she quickly pointed us to another cute girl and said she would deal with us.Now the cute girl called Lia who worked with Mini car rentals,said the guys next doors didnt get their fleet of 30 toyota corollas they were expecting and she was just helping her "friend" next doors.We were tired and hungry and just didn't question her honesty.After 2 minutes it sunk in,as to what was happening.They probably had people who had no reservations and were adjusting us and telling us that they were doing us a favour.To cut the long story short we took a Kia rio,came back the nest day to get a corolla sedan and were given a sedan hatch.Reason being we were just "Two of us". Very dodgy.Now the cute girl was nice,but my partner did give the girl at East coast a piece of her mind and she deserved it.She had the audacity to say "Theres nothing i can do,and you havent paid for the car" and my partner told her that this is the worst customer service and she did say a sheepish "I apologise" a bit too late in the day.Now the cute girl tried to diffuse the situation by slight threats of 'do you want the car or not,else I have other people waiting for it'.That sounded like you were in China or middle east.The best part was that the bosses were not around.As people who've travelled all over, we have realized that customer service in Australia sucks but having said that the owners at Trintiy beach club resort,Jenny and Wayne made up for East coasts rude behaviour.They were so nice.So guys try Trinity and be wary of East coast car rentals.Go for the big guys like budget or Thrifty,at least they will do dodgy things with panache.):

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Please be aware that the Daintree River Ferry fees will increase and take effect as of 1st July 2009.
Motor car for private use=$11 one way or $20 return.
Buses 6 to 8 seaters=$12 one way or $23 return.
Passenger,Bicycles and pedestrians=$1 one way or $2 return.
Motor Bikes=$5 one way or $9 return.
Or you can purchase a multi Day Pass (5 return car/ute trips =$40.

All Australian dollars.

Taxi is the way to go if you are needing a ride to your restaurant and home.

We have drink drive laws in Australia and the police do hang out on the roads at anytime day or night.
I can assure you that in Cairns they are there 24/7. It isn't worth driving if you are going to drink, even if you think you will only have one beer!!Why spoil at good night/day out for the price of a couple of beers.
Taxi's are readily available here. The waiting time is excellent, they come pretty well straight away, you may have a wait if there is something big on in Cairns, example, if it's a big race meeting.

There are a number of Taxi ranks in the city area.
OR you can ring them, just make sure you have an address to give the operator, stand in front of a restaurant or pub and give that name to the operator, they don't like picking up from random areas, like a phone box!!!!
If you need one from the restaurnat you have been at, they will ring for you.

If you are going to the airport, book a cab ahead. It would be best if you are outside to meet this cab, remember to book a time that will give you plenty of time to travel to the airport and allow you the hour before bookin that is required for domestic, and also whatever time you need for International.

WICKED CAMPERS is one hire company that has become very popular with the backpacker person.
These colurful campers can be seen all over this area and beyond. You can see these vans all around Australia.
Each van is painted with humourous paintings and writings ( some may offend!!!) I think they are very clever little ditties that they have painted on them:)

They have different levels of prices. All depends on what you need. Basic upwards.

My son has used this firm and was very happy with them. They must be OK as there are so many using them!!!

This is one way to have the ability to go and do as you please in your own time frame.

There are many, many car hire places in and around Cairns.
You can hire from the Airport or you can organise them to bring the car to your accommodation. The Northern Beaches also have car hire outlets.
Remember it is more expensive from the airport, Cairns isn't that big, so you can taxi to your accommodation and then organise the car.

If you are coming in the High season, June/July/ August/September it would be advisable to book before you get here, this way you can have what you want.

I highly reccommend REDSPOT car hire, they can be found at the Domestic Airport, in the Qantas arrival area, their price includes all insurances. They also have an web site.

If you are from overseas and are a little hesitant, don't be, Cairns is an easy place to drive around, good roads, just follow the signs etc, common sense.

Cairns is located in Far North Queensland and is a long away drive from any of the major cities, hence most people arrive by plane. The airport has been expanded recently and is now the 5th busiest airport in the country for international arrivals and the 6th busiest airport overall in Australia.

There are several domestic flights a day to Cairns from each of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with fewer from other centres such as Perth and Darwin. International flights arrive directly into Cairns from places like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea.

Once you arrive in Cairns, you can catch an airport shuttle bus into town, or up to one of the northern beaches (including Port Douglas). Many people hire a car from the airport, as you will really need one to explore this part of Queensland.