Get wicked: Wicked Vans are distinctively decorated campervans that have become very popular with Backpackers travelling in the Cairns region. Visitors can pick one up in Sydney and drop it off in Cairns. There is a Wicked office in Abbott St, Cairns.

 

People power: Some Backpackers prefer to use interstate coaches (buses) to transport themselves around the country and then rely on their own two feet.

 

Buy or rent: Backpackers who plan on staying in Australia for some time will often buy their own van, usually pre-owned and already kitted out, rather than rent a vehicle.

 

 

Driving in Cairns
Visitors looking to hire or buy a car or campervan for getting around the Cairns region should be aware of the road rules and conditions in the area. However, one of the best ways to see the region is with your own car. There are many reasonably priced vehicles available since backpackers are often looking to sell their cars before returning home.

Most roads are sealed with bitumen around popular areas like Port Douglas and the Atherton Tableland, however some roads in the Daintree area and Cape York and to the west of Mareeba are unsealed and can only be accessed via 4WD vehicles.

When driving on inland roads, travellers should remember to give way to cattle and mining trucks and to look out for wildlife crossings. It’s also recommended that travellers always carry two spare tyres, relevant equipment, extra water and food.

The best way to find out if roads are open for travel is to contact the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) or call 1300 130 595 for 24-hour road reports and more information.

If you hold a foreign or international drivers licence, you can use this to drive in Australia. In some states, the length of time you’ve held your licence overseas will affect what kind of licence you can hold in Australia.

Likewise, there are some restrictions with regard to age; you must be over 18 years old to drive with an open or provisional licence in Australia. Backpackers who wish to change to a Queensland driver’s licence can do so by visiting the Cairns Department of Transport office with supporting documents and information and apply for a local licence.

For detailed information go to the Queensland Transport website.

Car hire
Hiring a car in the Cairns region is relatively simple. There are a number of reputable companies to choose from offering all types of vehicles including 4WDs, budget cars and scooters. Recommended companies include Avis, Billabong Rentals, Britz, Cruising Car Rentals, KEA Campers and Travellers Autobarn. Visitors will need to provide an appropriate licence and a credit card to hire a vehicle.

Bicycle hire
If you are an active traveller, bicycles can be hired from most backpacker hostels in the Cairns region or from Bolwell Scooter World at 47 Shields St.

Bikes cost $12 a day or $40 a week and there are all kinds to choose from including kids and mountain bikes. Call +61 7 4031 3444 for more information. Visitors need to remember that it is illegal to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Riders without helmets or with their helmet worn improperly (straps undone for example) can be hit by police with on-the-spot fines.

Camping & campervans
Almost all caravan parks have camping areas available. Campervans – vans that have been modified to include sleeping and cooking facilities – are another popular form of transport for backpackers.

One of the most successful franchises is Wicked Campervans. Created specifically for the backpacking market, the distinctively painted Wicked Campers can been seen from one end of Australia to the other and there is a depot in Cairns on Abbott St or call 1800 246 869 in Australia or +61 7 3257 2170 from overseas.

These vans include a bed that sleeps three, blankets, sheets & pillows, a CD player, camp stools and a kitchen area with a cooker, countertop, sink, water container, ice box, pots & pans and cutlery. Prices range from between $30 and $59 per night and deals are available.

It’s just as easy for backpackers to pick up an independently-owned modified van however, some with more facilities, as previous owners leave the country.

If camping, with either a van or just a tent, visitors need to remember it is illegal to camp on the beaches in the Cairns area. There are official camping grounds at Palm Cove Caravan Park, Bramston Beach and the Boulders near Tully.

Bookings for these sites are made directly via the caretakers. The campground on Fitzroy Island is closed at the moment, although its operator, Cairns City Council is working on opening it on a more permanent basis.

For more information on council run camping grounds visit the Cairns City Council website.

Camping and campervan facilities also are available at some of the area’s national parks. Permits are necessary for these camping sites, and fees apply.

Public transport in Cairns
The blue Cairns Sunbus service operates to all Cairns suburbs including the northern beaches as far north as Ellis Beach.

The bus service is the only form of public transport in the region apart from taxis. Sunbus has daily, weekly and monthly passes available for various areas in the city.

There are also unlimited travel passes for particular areas. Day passes start at $6.10 and monthly passes can cost up to $121. The Sunbus office is located just off the Lake St mall, City Place, in the arcade with Subway at the entrance.

There is an airport shuttle bus run by Australia Coach that picks up from hotels and the city centre for $8. This is a 24-hour service; for the schedule call +61 7 4048 8355.

There are also dedicated local bus services going from Cairns city to Port Douglas and Mossman, Daintree and Cooktown. Other bus services go to Kuranda and the Atherton Tableland and down to Mission Beach. There is also a national coach line that can take travellers around Australia.

>> Go to Useful Numbers for details

Taxis (cabs) are available 24 hours a day. However, they can only be picked up from official taxi ranks and at hotels and hostels around the city. Taxis will not pick up customers from the side of the road. Visitors can order a taxi by calling 131 008.

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