Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to hire a car for Cairns?
Cairns has a fantastic public transport system. However, some of the most stunning drives to outstanding destinations like beaches, rainforests and other gems can only be reached with a car. Additionally, you can head out on your own schedule when you hire a car with Redspot!
What is an example of a one-way rental?
A one-way rental, or a vehicle relocation, is when you drop off your rental car at a different branch than the one you started in!
As an example: You pick up your hire car in Cairns. You drive it down to Brisbane. You’ll fly from Brisbane to Singapore that night, so you won’t be heading back the way you came. If this happens, you can just drop off your car at Redspot’s Brisbane airport branches!
How much does it cost to hire a car in Cairns?
Depends on a few things! Factors such as how long you’ve booked for, vehicle type, the time of year and more, will affect the car hire cost.
Pop over to our handy Redspot car rental booking tool to see the latest prices. We have a wide range of fully maintained and quality vehicles to choose from. Book with us while your favourite car model is available!
Can P Platers hire cars?
You sure can! Redspot is one of the few car companies that let local P-platers over 21 rent a hire car.
We want to keep you safe, so there are a few rules we designed to make sure you get from Point A to Point B without any trouble.
If you are a P-plater, you must:
- Hold a Provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
- Hold a driver’s licence that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
For drivers under 25, please note the daily surcharge when you rent with us. Additionally, P-platers can reduce damage cover to a maximum of $330.
Provisional drivers get access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. P-plate drivers over 25 can enjoy renting any vehicle from our entire fleet.
How can I avoid rental car cancellation fees?
Cancellation fees aren’t a problem at Redspot! We know how important flexibility is when you’re on the road.
Keep in mind, that this may change if your booking is prepaid. Additionally, if you’ve booked through a third party you’ll need to request any refunds with them. Unfortunately, Redspot cannot refund third-party rentals for you.
Questions? Contact our Cairns Domestic Airport staff for more information.
Can you take a hire car on a ferry in Cairns?
Yes, you can take a Redspot hire car on a ferry in Cairns! However, please be aware of the following considerations:
- Our elected damage liability does not apply while on the ferry. If the car is damaged while on the ferry, or the ferry sinks, you are liable for the replacement or repair costs.
- There must be a gazetted road (a sealed or unsealed road routinely maintained by the Australian Government) at your ferry destination.
Note that there is no vehicle access in or around Fitzroy Island. Please leave your vehicle in a safe parking space before taking the ferry.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Queensland?
Want to hire a car in Queensland? You will need:
- A valid credit card, debit card or purchase order/prepaid voucher.
- A valid driver’s licence and the licence of any other drivers who will be taking the wheel with you. You will also need an official translation as provided by your embassy or home nation’s traffic authority if your license is not in English.
- Does your licence show your current address? If it doesn’t, please provide documented proof of address, such as a utility bill.
- If you are not an Australian citizen, you will also need to provide your passport.
What is the most scenic place in Cairns?
The most scenic place in the Cairns depends on your preferences! The most famous destination in all of Cairns, and arguably Australia, is the Great Barrier Reef. Some hidden gems worth a day trip include Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest. Kuranda Scenic Railway boasts an outstanding view of all Cairns to drive through if you don’t like trains. Other stunning sights include Turtle Island and Captain Cook Highway.
Do you install baby seats for us?
Sadly no, we cannot install baby seats for liability reasons.
However, we can provide in-depth instructions on how to install a baby seat as securely as possible. This helps ensure your little ones stay safe and secure on your travels.
How close to full does a rental car need to be?
It’s best to fill the car as much as possible before you return it. We do have other fuel options available at Redspot:
- Prepay for the full tank: Prepay for a full tank of gas at the start of your rental. You’ll pay at a discounted rate and won’t need to worry about the tank when you return the car.
- Let Redspot refuel: We’ll refuel your car for you and charge you a higher rate for fuel used
- Refuel before returning: By filling up your rental yourself before returning, you will avoid any extra costs.
What is mystery car rental?
If you love surprises and hot value deals, do we have an option for you! Redspot offers mystery car rental, where the vehicle will be determined on pick-up at a discounted rate.
We’ll let you know the basics before hiring, like seats, transmission and more. The rest will be up to us! Take a chance on adventure with our mystery car rental!
Do hire cars come with insurance?
With Redspot, our vehicles come with Standard Cover for your safety. Want a little more security? See our Collision Damage Waiver or Super Collision Damage Waiver options for greater peace of mind.
Do rental cars have a km limit?
At Redspot, we don’t enforce a km (kilometre) limit on our standard passenger and leisure vehicles! Feel free to explore Cairns and beyond to your heart’s content. Just be sure to bring your car back at the end of your booking period.
However, if you are renting a van, truck or ute for commercial purposes, your contract may have kilometre restrictions. Additionally, other Redspot branches may enforce km limits on their vehicles.
Call our friendly Cairns Domestic Airport team on 07 4034 9045 (branch direct) or 1300 668 810 (toll-free) for more information.
Can more than one person drive a hire car?
Yes! More than one person can drive your rental car during your booking. Just make sure every other driver presents a valid Australian or international licence when you pick up your vehicle. Usual T&Cs apply.
Can my friend and I split-pay for the rental?
Yes, absolutely! Split payment is perfectly possible with Redspot.
However, we request one of you be registered with us as the designated Hirer. we also ask that the primary credit card is in their name. This is just in case you need to make extra payments, like booking extensions or fuel charges.
What type of car is rented the most?
This will depend on your preferences and purposes! Redspot has a huge variety of cars in our fleet, from Holden Barinas to larger vehicles. Can’t find the one you’re after? Let us know and we’ll offer you the most similar one from the same class at the same price.
How to calculate car rental rate?
With Redspot, your car rental rate will vary by:
- Type of car
- Rental duration
- Insurance options
- Any additional fees (moving equipment hire, vehicle relocation fees etc.)
Plug your trip details into our handy Redspot booking tool to get an idea of your rental rates and budget accordingly.
Be sure to check the fine print, ask questions and compare local prices to make sure you’re getting the best value out of your car rental deal!
Do I have to pay a bond to rent a car with Redspot?
Yes, you will need to pay a bond to rent with Redspot. The exact dollar amount will depend on your booking plan and vehicle criteria, ranging from $100 to $1000.
Call our friendly customer service team on 1300 035 807 or your local Redspot branch for more information.
Do you have to clean a hire car before returning?
At Redspot, we clean your hire car after every rental so you don’t have to! Simply return your rental car to the way you found it – remember to throw any rubbish and take your belongings with you.
We vacuum and clean all Redspot car interiors including seats, floors, dashboard, steering wheel and internal windows. Car exteriors aren’t forgotten either – we wash and dry them so your rental car sparkles like a million bucks.
If your rental car requires intensive cleaning (beyond the service mentioned above) or steam cleaning, we may need to charge a cleaning fee. Speak to our staff for more info!
Do Redspot cars have Sat Nav or GPS?
Unfortunately, our rental cars do not come with a GSP/sat nav system equipped. Don’t worry if you need navigational help on your trip though!
Most Redspot cars have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, giving you hands-free navigation. Get the most out of your mobile phone and stay safe while driving. Please be advised it is not legal to touch your phone while driving.
Be sure to bring a USB or USB-C connector to use Android Auto or Apple Carplay features. Redspot does not provide mobile phone connectors, so it’s best to come prepared if you’d like to use these services.