What is the best way to go from Cairns to Airlie Beach?

Question

Knowing that we are 3 girls and that the trip would be a 7-day one (we can't make it longer)...the ideal would be for us to rent a van all along the way, but it seems campervan rental companies don't meet such requirements...would anybody know whether it is possible or what would be the best (cheap and flexible) alternative ?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

One way rentals are perhaps best booked through to Mackay. If no campervan available then try for a car. If not then greyhound are the most poplular for backpackers. Also you maybe able to do a one way rental to Prosperpine. If you plan to fly out from Hamilton island then greyound maybe the only option. If you do go onto Mackay for flight then do not miss Eungella National Park.

Another option is perhaps to fly to Hamilton island from cairns, ferry over to Airlie Beach and do trips planned.

Answer 2

http://www.whereis.com/

will provide you with the best route to take

http://www.wotif.com/

will tell you the choices for accommodation in each town you wish to stop at along the way.

Hire a small buzz box from one of the many rental companies, find the best rates for accom, and go for it!

All the major rental companies should be able to provide one-way hire:

- Budget

- Avis

- Europecar

- Sargent

- Hertz

- Thrifty

It does cost more for one way though, as they charge you to ship it back to where it came from, even though they don't necessarily send it back!

I just had a look at

http://diycarhire.com.au/

which shows that you can pick up a car from Cairns Airport and drop it off at Prosepine Airport or Prosepine City.  The office hours at the airport are very restrictive, so you'll need to do a search yourself to see how it all fits in with you itinery.

I did a quick search.......

.....pick up from Cairns Airport 9.00am 14/6/08 to Prosepine Airport 12.00pm on 23/6/08 (longer than you want to have it) and prices vary from Hertz at $577.01 inc GST to Europcar with a 4wd for $1425.  

I'm over 25 (yes, people do live that long) so I didn't see how much it was for under 25's in case you fit that category.

There are plenty in between to choose from.  Europcar have similar to the Hertz car for about $5 more, but you'll get velocity points with Europcar ;-)  No mention of how many k's you get with that though.

Enjoy you holiday!  Hope I've helped.  I travel ALOT for work, so if I can help any more, just update your question. =)