Cairns is the gateway to some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes — from lush rainforests to rugged outback trails and secluded coastal drives. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring Cape Tribulation, or venturing up to Cooktown, a 4WD rental is your key to unlocking it all.
For travellers, contractors, and adventurers alike, Trend Rentals offers a reliable, affordable way to explore Far North Queensland. With modern vehicles, flexible hire options, and competitive pricing, Trend Rentals Cairns is the go-to choice for 4WD hire that fits both your trip and your budget.
Why Choose a 4WD in Cairns?
The region surrounding Cairns offers endless off-road experiences — but not all vehicles are built to handle them. Here’s why hiring a 4WD is the smart move:
- Access to remote locations – Reach Cape York, Daintree Rainforest, and Gulf Savannah safely.
- Higher clearance & durability – Handle unsealed, corrugated roads without worry.
- Better performance in wet season – Tackle creek crossings and slippery conditions with confidence.
- Versatility – Ideal for both adventure holidays and commercial projects.
For those needing mine-spec 4WDs or long-term hire for fieldwork, Trend Rentals also provides site-compliant vehicles built for rugged conditions. Learn more on their Mine-Spec Vehicle Hire page.
Top 4WD Hire Options in Cairns
At Trend Rentals, every 4WD is maintained to the highest standards and fully equipped for Queensland conditions. Their fleet includes options to suit all needs — from weekend adventurers to contractors on the move.
1. Dual Cab 4WD Utes
Perfect for tradies, surveyors, or small crews, Trend’s 4WD utes combine strong towing capacity with spacious interiors. Choose from manual or automatic models, ideal for worksites or remote access.
Best for: Mine work, regional construction, and cargo transport.
Pro tip: Book early during peak project season to secure compliant vehicles.
2. 4WD Wagons
Comfortable, powerful, and perfect for long-distance exploration, 4WD wagons are the top choice for families and small groups exploring Far North Queensland. With room for passengers and luggage, these vehicles offer both comfort and reliability.
Best for: Holiday road trips, off-road touring, and camping adventures.
Bonus: All Trend Rentals 4WDs are serviced locally for maximum reliability.
3. Mine-Spec 4WDs
For contractors working across remote or regulated sites, Trend Rentals supplies fully equipped mine-spec 4WDs meeting Australian safety standards. Features include two-way radios, reflective signage, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and light bars.
Learn more: Mine-Spec Vehicle Hire Cairns
Best for: Construction, mining, and energy industry projects in regional Queensland.
4. Long-Term Fleet Hire
If you’re managing multiple projects, Trend Rentals offers flexible fleet hire arrangements that can include vehicles across different categories — from sedans to 4WDs. Custom billing and servicing options make it easy to scale your fleet as projects evolve.
Explore options here: Fleet Hire
How to Find the Best 4WD Hire Deals in Cairns
Renting a 4WD doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are insider tips to help you save on your next vehicle hire:
1. Book Early
Just like flights and hotels, 4WD rentals are in high demand during school holidays and dry season (May to October). Booking early at TrendRentals.com.au helps you lock in the best rate.
2. Compare Vehicle Sizes
If you’re travelling light, you may not need the largest 4WD model. A smaller ute or SUV could save you hundreds while still delivering off-road performance.
3. Avoid Airport Surcharges
Hiring directly from local depots (like Trend Rentals’ Cairns branch) often means lower fees compared to airport-based car hire counters.
4. Ask About Long-Term Discounts
Planning an extended stay? Trend Rentals offers discounted weekly and monthly hire rates, making it ideal for long-term travellers or FIFO contractors.
5. Choose Unlimited Kilometres
For Cairns travellers, distances can add up fast. Opt for unlimited kilometre packages to avoid unexpected costs.
Top 5 4WD Travel Routes Around Cairns
Once you’ve got your 4WD from Trend Rentals, adventure is only a turn of the key away. Here are the best routes to explore safely and affordably:
1. Cairns to Cape Tribulation (via Daintree National Park)
- Distance: 140 km one way
- Highlights: Daintree River crossing, rainforest boardwalks, Thornton Beach.
- Vehicle tip: Use low gear on steep and unsealed sections.
- Duration: Full-day trip or overnight stay.
2. Cairns to Cooktown (via Bloomfield Track)
- Distance: 330 km return
- Highlights: Bloomfield Falls, Lions Den Hotel, Wujal Wujal.
- Best time: Dry season only.
- Vehicle tip: A high-clearance 4WD is a must for creek crossings.
3. Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes
- Distance: 500 km round trip
- Highlights: Outback scenery, Undara Volcanic National Park.
- Tip: Bring camping gear or stay in on-site cabins.
- Bonus: Easy sealed-road sections, with optional gravel detours.
4. Cairns to Chillagoe Caves
- Distance: 400 km return
- Highlights: Limestone caves, old mining ruins, outback pubs.
- Best for: Photographers, history lovers, and geology buffs.
- Vehicle tip: Watch for cattle on open-road sections.
5. Cairns to Cape York
- Distance: 2,000+ km return
- Highlights: Telegraph Track, Fruit Bat Falls, and Bamaga.
- Duration: 7–10 days
- Vehicle tip: A fully equipped 4WD with recovery gear is essential.
Before tackling these routes, always check local road conditions. For commercial projects, Trend Rentals provides site-ready 4WDs with optional GPS tracking and emergency equipment.
What to Check Before You Rent
Even with a trusted supplier like Trend Rentals, it’s smart to do a quick inspection before you hit the road. Here’s your quick 4WD hire checklist:
- Check tyre tread and pressure.
- Confirm spare tyre and jack are included.
- Verify all lights and indicators work.
- Review fuel policy and return condition.
- Ensure insurance coverage suits your travel route.
- Take photos of vehicle condition before departure.
If you’re new to 4WDs, ask the Trend Rentals team for a quick walkthrough — they’re happy to explain 4WD mode settings and safety features.
Why Hire with Trend Rentals Cairns?
With years of experience in Queensland’s rental industry, Trend Rentals stands out for its customer-first approach and strong regional expertise.
Here’s why locals and travellers choose Trend:
✅ Locally operated — genuine knowledge of Cairns & FNQ conditions
✅ Wide range of 4WDs & mine-spec vehicles
✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
✅ Flexible short & long-term hire options
✅ 24/7 roadside assistance
✅ Friendly, professional service
Explore the full fleet at Trend Rentals Vehicle Hire.
Safety & Compliance: What Contractors Need to Know
For industrial and resource projects around Cairns, compliance is crucial. Trend Rentals provides mine-spec compliant 4WDs featuring:
- ROPS (Roll Over Protection Systems)
- High-visibility striping and ID signage
- Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit
- Amber beacon and reverse alarm
- Two-way radio (optional)
This ensures vehicles meet site safety standards across Queensland’s construction and mining operations.
Check out the full list of specifications on the Mine-Spec Vehicle Hire page.
How to Book Your 4WD with Trend Rentals
Booking your next vehicle is simple and fast:
- Visit www.trendrentals.com.au
- Choose your location — Cairns, Brisbane, or regional depots.
- Select your preferred 4WD model and hire dates.
- Add extras like GPS, child seats, or mine-spec accessories.
- Confirm and pay online securely.
Their expert team will prepare your vehicle, ready for pickup or delivery, so you can start exploring without delays.
Pro Tips for First-Time 4WD Drivers in Cairns
If you’re new to 4WD driving, keep these in mind:
- Engage 4WD mode before entering sand or water crossings.
- Keep tyre pressures lower on sandy or rocky tracks for better traction.
- Carry extra water and fuel on long routes.
- Avoid night driving on rural roads (kangaroos are common!).
- Always inform someone of your travel plans in remote areas.
Trend Rentals’ team can brief you on local conditions and safe driving techniques before departure — just ask when collecting your vehicle.
Conclusion: Explore Cairns with Confidence
Whether you’re planning an off-road adventure or managing a regional project, affordable 4WD hire in Cairns opens up a world of opportunity. From the Daintree to Cape York, the road is yours to explore — safely, affordably, and confidently with Trend Rentals.
Book your next vehicle today at
👉 www.trendrentals.com.au
and experience the best deals and service in Queensland’s north.