Queensland Local Transportation

Buses: Sunbus (☎07 4057 7411; www.sunbus.com.au), on Lake St. in the market in City Place. Buses go south to the suburbs and north to Palm Cove, but not to the airport. Unlimited day pass for travel within the city $4.60; prices for other passes depend on where you go in Cairns. A $9.20 pass gets you from the CBD to the northern beaches.
Taxis: Black and White (24hr. ☎07 4048 8333 or 13 10 08).
Car Rental: The bigger companies in Cairns charge those under 25 a surcharge or significantly raise the deductible, which can increase the daily rental price by up to $50 or even disqualify you from purchasing insurance.
- A1 Car Rentals, 141 Lake St. (☎1300 301 175), has weekly rates from $51 and a selection of high-end vehicles. Some of the lowest prices for 4WD rentals ($125+). Open daily 8am-5:30pm.
- Sargent 4WD, 397-399 Sheridan St. (☎07 4032 3094 or 1800 077 353; www.sargent.com.au), specializes in providing cars for long-distance trips on questionable roads; if you want to drive to Cape York, they’re among your best bets. More expensive than A1 Car Rentals, but has the toughest trucks available. 4WDs start at $175; there are no surcharges, but drivers under the age of 25 aren’t allowed to buy damage reduction insurance.
- Europcar, at the corner of Abbott St. and Shields St. (☎07 4051 4600 or 1300 131 407). Weekly rates from $31.50 per day, 4WD $68.40 per day. Open M-F 7:30am-6pm, Sa-Su 8am-5pm.
- Avis, 135 Lake St. (☎07 4051 5911), has rates starting at $49 per day; 4WD $160 per day. Open M-F 7:30am-5:30pm, Sa-Su and public holidays 8am-4pm.
- Leisure Car Rentals, 314 Sheridan St. (☎07 4051 8988), is a bit far from the CBD but has inexpensive rentals starting at $45 per day. Open daily 7am-5pm.
- Travellers AutoBarn, 123-125 Bunda St. (☎07 4041 3722 or 1800 674 374), rents campervans with unlimited km, local or one-way, from $48 (2-person camper) per day. 5-day minimum; no under 25 surcharge. Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 9am-1pm.
- Bike Rental: Cairns Scooter and Bicycle Hire (☎07 4031 3444; www.scoota.com.au), 47 Shields St. between Mcleod and Sheridan St. Rents bicycles for $20 per day, $60 per week; scooters (must be at least 21 years old and carry a driver’s license) $55/175 per week. All rentals include a security deposit.