When returning your rental vehicle to one of our locations please ensure to re-fuel your hire car. Park your vehicle in front of the building and return the keys immediately to one of our Staff members.
Cairns Central
Monday:08:00-15:00
Tuesday:08:00-15:00
Wednesday:08:00-15:00
Thursday:08:00-15:00
Friday:08:00-15:00
Saturday:08:30-13:00
Sunday:08:30-13:00
Where is the branch located?
Our City Location is only a 10-minute drive from international and Domestic terminals in the Heart of Cairns, 147 Lake Street.
Cairns Central Information
If returning your vehicle outside of business hours simply park outside our branch, lock the car and place keys in Key drop box.
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 Central
Discover the very best of Cairns. From breathtaking landscapes to world-class seafood and cultural attractions, this guide will take you on a cruise through the tropical paradise that has something for everyone.
Cairns is the perfect home base for an unforgettable North Queensland adventure. With pristine beaches, world-class marine life, and stunning natural attractions, this vibrant city offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the reef, a rainforest retreat, or a foodie tour along the esplanade, your Thrifty rental car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Let’s get into it!
Journey Through the Rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Cairns boasts many incredible sites, but one that stands out is the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This historic railway offers a 37-kilometre journey through the Barron Gorge National Park, a World Heritage-listed rainforest. Departing from Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Railway Station (just a 15-minute drive from Cairns), the train takes passengers through hand-carved tunnels, bridges, and steep ravines, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Once you arrive in Kuranda, you’ll be welcomed by a charming village filled with local markets, wildlife parks, and stunning rainforest walks. This is the perfect place to spot native birds, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and snap a photo with a koala. The train runs twice daily, so be sure to check departure times in advance. If you can’t get enough of Kuranda, you can always return by car—just a 45-minute drive from Cairns.
Explore the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving rainforest on Earth, dating back over 180 million years. Here, you’ll find winding rivers, towering ancient trees, and an abundance of wildlife, including the prehistoric saltwater crocodile. The Daintree is packed with walking trails, lookout points, and guided eco-tours, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
Watch the Waterfall at Wooroonooran National Park
If you're up for a waterfall chase, drive one hour south to Wooroonooran National Park. Home to Josephine Falls, a triple-tiered cascade tumbling down from Queensland’s tallest mountain (Mt Bartle Frere), this spot is perfect for a scenic hike and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Another hidden gem in the park is the Babinda Boulders, where ancient granite formations create fairy-tale-like rock pools.
See the Birds at Eubenangee Swamp National Park
For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, Eubenangee Swamp National Park is a must-visit. Home to over 190 species of birds and a thriving wetland ecosystem, this park is a crucial conservation area. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a crocodile lurking in the waterways!
Cairns, the Thrifty Way
From stunning coastal drives to ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife parks, Cairns has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a short city escape or an epic North Queensland road trip, a Thrifty rental car will help you explore it all with ease. Book with Thrifty today and experience the natural beauty of Cairns—one scenic drive at a time!