When returning your rental vehicle to one of our locations please ensure to refuel your hire car. Allow an additional 30 minutes prior to the flight check-in time for car rental return.
Cairns Airport
Monday:06:00-23:30
Tuesday:06:00-23:30
Wednesday:06:00-23:30
Thursday:06:00-23:30
Friday:06:00-23:30
Saturday:06:00-23:30
Sunday:06:00-23:30
Where is the branch located?
We are located in the Domestic Terminal.
Cairns Airport Information
Park in one of our Parking Bays and return the Keys to our Key Drop Box at the Return office or inside the Domestic Terminal.
Not available at this location.
If you are running late and you won't be able to collect your rental car at the allocated time, it is important to get in touch with the branch you are collecting from, so that we can make alternate arrangements.
If you have arrived at the branch and it is closed and if you haven't made prior arrangements for an after-hours collection you will need to pick-up your rental car the following day.
Please contact our branches during business hours to arrange an alternative pick-up time.
Car Rental Cairns Airport
Arrive at Cairns Airport and enter the gateway to a tropical Australian adventure. Whether you’re chasing some of the world’s best beaches and coral reefs, or the world’s oldest rainforest, this guide will help you plan the ultimate road trip around Cairns.
Welcome to Cairns: Your Gateway to Adventure
Welcome to Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef meets ancient rainforests, and every road leads to an adventure. This vibrant city is the ultimate launchpad for experiencing the best of Far North Queensland. Here, you can find yourself diving into the coral reef, trekking through the Daintree, or just kicking back in the sun, a Thrifty rental car is your ticket around this one-of-a-kind area.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The reef stretches over 2,300km and is home to thousands of species of marine life, including vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
Start your adventure at Cairns Marina, where multiple tour operators offer full-day and half-day trips. Snorkeling and scuba diving trips take you to the Outer Reef, while semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours provide a dry yet stunning view of the underwater world. If you prefer a touch of luxury, book a scenic helicopter flight over the reef for a breathtaking aerial perspective.
Daintree Rainforest: A Walk Through Time
Venture two hours north to Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, dating back over 180 million years. Start at the Daintree Discovery Centre, where you can explore treetop walkways and learn about the unique flora and fauna.
For a more immersive experience, take a Daintree River Cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles, native birds, and rare wildlife. Then, drive further to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia.
Take in the Beauty of Kuranda
Just 30 minutes inland, Kuranda is a picturesque mountain village known for its fascinating arts scene. Getting there is half the fun—choose between the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which winds through waterfalls and bridges, or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which offers breathtaking views over the canopy.
While in Kuranda, visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens to meet adorable native wildlife, or explore the Kuranda Markets for locally made arts, crafts, and gourmet treats.
Chase Waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands
For an inland escape, drive 90 minutes south to the Atherton Tablelands, where you’ll find breathtaking waterfalls, crater lakes, and rolling green landscapes.
The Waterfall Circuit takes you through some of the region’s most famous waterfalls. Millaa Millaa Falls is one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls, surrounded by lush rainforest. Just a short drive away, Zillie Falls cascades powerfully over basalt rock formations, creating a spectacular sight from the lookout platform. Ellinjaa Falls is another scenic stop, with a gentle pool at the base, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Beyond waterfalls, the crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine offer excellent swimming, canoeing, and wildlife spotting opportunities in serene rainforest surroundings.
Relax at Palm Cove and Port Douglas
For a more relaxing coastal escape, drive 30 minutes north to Palm Cove, a charming beachfront town with stunning ocean views and world-class dining. Enjoy a leisurely brunch, book a spa treatment, or take a stroll along the palm-lined esplanade.
If you’re craving more adventure, continue another 40 minutes north to Port Douglas, home to the famous Four Mile Beach and a gateway to the outer reef. Don’t miss the Sunday Markets, where you’ll find local crafts, produce, and souvenirs.
Drive the Scenic Captain Cook Highway
One of the most stunning coastal drives in Australia, the Captain Cook Highway runs between Cairns and Port Douglas. Hugging the coastline, this road offers breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the scenery.
Along the way, Ellis Beach provides a quiet stretch of sand with clear waters, while Rex Lookout offers a panoramic viewpoint perfect for photos. For a wildlife encounter, stop at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see saltwater crocodiles, cassowaries, and other native animals up close.
Experience Cairns with Thrifty
Cairns is a tropical paradise with endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration. From the beach to the rainforest, this region is truly one of the most impressive in the world. And, your Thrifty rental car will take you on a journey that unlocks it all. Book a ride today, at a great price, and start planning your Far North Queensland getaway.