4WD Hire in Cairns and Cape York

If you are from overseas, or an Aussie who has no reason to own a four wheel drive but want to do a Cape York trip properly, here are some ideas for you.


Your options are rentng or buying, and if you do want to rent, put some thought into which kind of rental is best for your needs.

Renting vs Buying

Your best option of all on this page is actually to buy a cheap one. Why? Read here.
 

If you still do want to rent...

Renting a Van vs Renting a 4WD Vehicle

Most overseas travellers straight away think of renting a van - even in case you need a four wheel drive one, like for a trip in Cape York.

While it is true that it is much more comfortable with a kitchen sink and a bed in the back, renting a four wheel drive vehicle costs you about half the price compared to a van.

In the van, you also do have the equipment such as an outdoors table and chairs.

But you pay for the rent for each item, and they are not cheap.

In most cases you can go and buy the table and chairs cheaper, unless you want the absolute top quality.

The 4WD Hire Companies

So what are the main companies in Cairns that hire four wheel drive vehicles, and what kind are they?

Starting with the ones with less choice when it comes to four wheel drives - Avis and Hertz mostly have 2WDs, but also some four wheel drives.

Maui and Thrifty have all kind, and they have more four wheel drives (Thrifty rental is nowadays also in Weipa).

The next one up when it comes to the amount of choices in the 4WDs is 1300 Meteor.


And the most choice to my knowledge, if you are looking for renting a 4WD vehicle for your Cape York trip, have Britz and Apollo.



And in case you fly up to Cape York, there are also rentals in a few different places other than Cairns, including Weipa and Cooktown.
 

As with all the rental vehicles, always ask the company where do they allow you to go.


Do they allow you to do the Old Telegraph Track, or are you going to miss out the best fun in Cape York if you rent from them?

Plan Your Trip... the FREE Cape York Travel Pocket Guide

Get this 50 pages guide totally for FREE. It contains information that helps you getting started with planning of your trip. You get to make early-stages desicions such as when to go, how long time you should take, how to get there and get around, where to stay (general info), what will it cost.. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York.

Plan and Bring to the Trip... the full Destination Cape York Travel Guide

This complete 300 pages travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. Besides the background chapters on the peninsula's history and wildlife; and the comprehensive detail about all the places (down to prices, opening hours and full contact detail), it has invaluable information on at least 10 four wheel drive tracks, at least 30 guaranteed FREE camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to the Cape), at least 40 best swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, how to deal with the national parks booking rules; and Aboriginal land entrance and camping permits and alcohol restrictions - to vehicle preparation and accessories and necessary recovery gear by my vehicle-recovery-guy partner). Not to mention locals' tips on how to spot that croc and palm cockatoo ;-)

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