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Explore Australia's East Coast: Melbourne to Cairns

Discover breathtaking landscapes and coastal cities with a convenient one-way car rental

Document required for international visitors
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Local renters may need to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 100 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 5.92 to AUD 23.71 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Foreign renters must present one of the following: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 100 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, ranging from AUD 5.92 to AUD 23.71 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 257-2212US$ 197.34-2170.83US$ 334-1299Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 2216-2216US$ 2170.83-2170.83US$ 442-2303Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 414-2243US$ 328.91-2170.83US$ 443-2386Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 260-1543US$ 0.00-2170.83US$ 346-554Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 314-441US$ 197.34-2170.83US$ 491-670Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 2304-2304US$ 2170.83-2170.83US$ 2576-2576Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fees: Some rental companies might charge a one-way fee for returning the car at a different location. Check the terms before booking.
  • Drop-off Logistics: Ensure the drop-off location is accessible and falls in the company's permissible return locations.
  • Vehicle Options: Choose a vehicle suitable for the distance and road conditions between Melbourne and Cairns.
  • Cross-State or Restricted Roads: Verify if the rental policy prohibits crossing certain regional or state boundaries during the trip.
  • Rental Period Scheduling: Plan your rental duration realistically to include all your planned stops and sightseeing.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early: Ensure availability and possibly better rates by reserving your car rental as early as possible.
  • Plan Your Route: Outline your stops to make the most of the journey, including scenic spots and rest points.
  • Fuel Policy: Check the fuel policy of the rental agreement to avoid extra charges. Usually, full-to-full is most economical.
  • Emergency Contacts: Save the rental company's customer service and roadside assistance numbers for quick help if needed.
  • Insurance Coverage: Review the insurance coverage provided by the rental company and consider additional protection if needed.
  • Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for journey breaks and unexpected delays along the way.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Shell - 291-293 Sheridan Street, James St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia

Puma Stratford - 35-39 Arnold St, Stratford QLD 4870, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Remove excess weight from the vehicle to improve mileage.

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Melbourne Parking

Use apps like Parkopedia to find affordable parking spots.

Parking in Melbourne can be costly. On-street parking is available but often limited to two hours. Look for parking garages for longer stays.

Cairns Parking

Check for free parking zones around Cairns Esplanade.

Cairns offers various parking options, including free and metered on-street parking. Parking garages are available near popular destinations.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMe and PayStay can help users find or book parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a compatible electronic tag or payment arrangement to avoid fines.

Use online toll calculators to estimate costs beforehand.

The route includes several toll roads, particularly near Brisbane. Expect charges around $2-$5 per toll.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Top Route Choices:
Great Ocean Road Adventure
Scenic Coastal Route 15 hours (with stops)

A beautiful drive along the coast offering stunning ocean views and charming towns.

Torquay , Twelve Apostles , Apollo Bay
Outback Queensland Pathway
Rural Exploration Route 20 hours (with breaks)

Explore the red earth landscapes and unique towns of inner Queensland.

Mount Isa , Winton , Longreach
Pacific Highway Journey
Urban and Coastal Route 24 hours

Connect major coastal cities and pristine beaches on your way to Cairns.

Sydney , Brisbane , Airlie Beach
Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Route: Check the weather and road conditions before starting your trip, especially in regional areas.

Vehicle Choice: Opt for a comfortable car with good fuel efficiency, as the journey is long and varied.

Budget Wisely: Set aside budget for fuel, accommodations, and attractions; unexpected costs may arise.

Fuel Stops: Note down fuel stations particularly in remote areas to avoid running out of gas.

Safety Measures: Carry a first-aid kit, water, and snacks in case of emergencies.

Rental Agreements: Understand the terms and insurance policies of your car rental to avoid fees or disputes.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the ideal car rental company for a one-way trip from Melbourne to Cairns involves comparing one-way fees, fleet variety, and location convenience.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$High qualityNationwide Large fleet with luxury options , Frequent deals and discounts
Avis$$Moderate qualityExtensive urban coverage Reliable pricing policies , Quick check-in services
Europcar$$$Excellent varietyStrong airport network Great coverage for vacation spots , Premium customer support
Budget$Adequate varietyDependable basic network Affordable rentals , Simple online booking process
QEEQ

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200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

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24/7 Customer Services

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Helpful Details on Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Melbourne and Cairns typically operate from 6 AM to 9 PM daily.

Location Information:

In Melbourne, rental centers are positioned in proximity to the airport, offering shuttle services to terminals. Similarly, Cairns has centrally located rental drop-off points.

Shuttle Services:

Regular shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes between terminals and rental locations at both Melbourne and Cairns airports.

Book well in advance to secure better rates and ensure one-way availability, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate driving distance from Melbourne to Cairns?

The driving distance from Melbourne to Cairns is approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles). The exact distance may vary depending on the chosen route and stops along the way.

Can I rent a car one-way from Melbourne to Cairns?

Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rental options. This means you can pick up the car in Melbourne and return it in Cairns, though additional fees may apply.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way rental?

One-way rentals often incur a drop-off fee. The amount of this fee varies by car rental company and is typically designed to cover the cost of relocating the vehicle.

What are the road conditions like on the route?

The route from Melbourne to Cairns generally follows well-maintained highways. However, it is recommended to check road conditions, especially in off-peak or rural areas, and plan for varying weather conditions.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Most rental companies expect renters to return the car with the same level of fuel as when it was picked up. Check with your rental agreement for specific requirements.

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