There are plenty of ways to get around, whether you want to travel by car or motorhome, bus, taxi, train or even jumping on a tour – with most tours arranging pick-ups from your hotel.
A web of roads link every corner of the region from sleepy beach villages, rugged 4WD adventures, ancient rainforest and expansive savannah plains. Spectacular natural landscapes will take your breath away as you discover the secrets of the diverse countryside.
By Car
Tropical North Queensland is a great destination for a self-drive holiday with so many places to see you’ll not want to stay in the one place. You can hire a car at Cairns Airport or at many other major centres. You’ll need a 4WD if you want to reach the most remote regions of Cape York, which is one of Australia’s great driving adventures. Plan your road trip with Tropical North Queensland Drive Maps.
By Taxis & Rideshare
Rideshare apps Uber, Didi, Ola and 1300 Rideshare are available in Cairns only and are very reliable.
However, if you are travelling to surrounding regions, opt for a taxi. There is a 24/7 service available, just dial 131 008 to book your ride. For a list of taxi service areas visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
By Bus
Public Transport: Translink operates regular public buses in Cairns and surrounding suburbs including the northern beaches and Palm Cove. Please be aware that paper tickets can be bought on the bus and only cash payments are accepted. For information visit Translink for Fares and Zones and the Network Map
Coach Transfers: If you’re planning to travel beyond Cairns, Greyhound Australia offers coach services to various regional and rural destinations. You can choose between a direct journey transfer or a hop-on hop-off ticket. For more information visit Greyhound Australia and check out their Network Map.
By Train
The Kuranda Scenic Rail runs inland from Cairns to the scenic town of Kuranda on the Atherton Tablelands.
The Savannahlander will take you further west and travels from Cairns to Forsayth, with scenic tours offered at various points throughout the journey.
Explore more train adventures.
By Beam e-Scooters
Discover Cairns with ease using Beam e-scooters, available to hire all around town! Simply download the app, locate the closest scooter, and unlock it for just $1, then enjoy the ride for only $0.65 per minute. Cruise around Cairns at your own pace, then conveniently park your scooter at a designated zone when you’re done.
Vehicle hire & transfers
Discover some of the ways to get around below.
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cairns northern beaches
Avis Australia Cairns
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cairns northern beaches
Britz Campervans and 4WD Cairns
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cairns northern beaches
JUCY Rentals Cairns
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cairns northern beaches
Apollo Motorhome Holidays – Cairns
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Luxury Car Hire
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cairns northern beaches
Mini Car Rentals
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Region Minibus Group Transfers
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port douglas
Exemplar Coaches and Limousines
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cairns northern beaches
Dragon Tours and Limousines – Port Douglas Luxury Limousines
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cairns northern beaches
Elliott’s Limousines
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cairns northern beaches
1300 Rideshare
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Taxis Limited
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cairns northern beaches
Tropical Trailblazers
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cairns northern beaches
Skytrans Airlines
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No car? No worries!
Leave the planning to the experts and enjoy the convenience of coach tours. Get picked up straight from your hotel and explore Tropical North Queensland with a knowledgable guide.
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accessible
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters
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bird watching
Down Under Tours Australia
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atherton tablelands
Uncle Brian’s Tours
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Cairns and Northern Beaches
Far North Escapes
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bird watching
Discovery Tours Australia
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atherton tablelands
Billy Tea Safaris
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adrenaline activities
Cairns Adventure Group
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accessible
Jungle Tours and Trekking
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atherton tablelands
FNQ Nature Tours
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Hit the road
From chill to thrill, golden beaches to far reaches, the world’s warmest welcome is waiting for you.
Cape York is calling: Planning a trip to The Tip
Ready to tackle one of Australia’s most remote landscapes, Cape York? Just you, a car and 1,200km of untamed, World Heritage-listed, 180 million year-old rugged rainforest beauty – aka The Tip.
Mini road trips in Tropical North Queensland
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.
7 road trips you don’t want to miss
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20 waterfalls near Cairns
Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.
Food trail highlights on the Atherton Tablelands
Foodies take a deep breath and prepare your tastebuds for tantalisation. Here’s how to get your foodie fix on the Atherton Tablelands.
Great places to go camping near Cairns
Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.
10 waterfalls to chase on the Atherton Tablelands
Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands.