Cheap thrills in FNQ
Sometimes your own two feet are not enough to get you around when exploring the Far North. Sure, you could hop in the car and go for a drive somewhere, or hop on the ol’ deadly treadly to get some exercise. But if you’re looking for something fun and different to do with your spare time, check out these modes of transport you can hire, to really give you a different perspective on our wonderfully unique backyard.
SOMETIMES your own two feet are not enough to get you around when exploring the Far North.
Sure, you could hop in the car and go for a drive somewhere, or hop on the ol’ deadly treadly to get some exercise.
But if you’re looking for something fun and different to do with your spare time, check out these modes of transport you can hire, to really give you a different perspective on our wonderfully unique backyard.
1 FLOAT YOUR BOAT
Cairns has one of the highest rates of boat ownership in Queensland, but it’s not always economical nor convenient to have a boat sitting in your driveway.
If you don’t have a good mate who can take you out to the Reef, there are several places where you can actually hire a boat for the day. Cairns Boat Hire, based at Marlin Marina, offer tinnies and pontoon boats to rent. Best of all, some boats are suitable for people that don’t have a boat licence. You can take the boats down Trinity Inlet, and find your own special place to wet a line, or just cruise around enjoying the scenery.
2 ON A ROLL
Bicycles are great for getting out and about – until you get to hills. Electric bicycles are a great way to get around, without worrying about exerting too much energy to get you to and from wherever you need to go.
There are a couple of great places across the Far North where you can hire electric bikes – no licence required – for reasonable prices. Cairns Electric Bikes, at the southern end of the Esplanade, has a great range of bikes to choose from, including a two-person tandem cruiser. There’s also K-Star Tours, who do electric bike rental at Port Douglas, a great way to go between resorts and investigating their pools and bars.
3 SCOOT OVER AND SEE THIS
Okay, sure, there are scooters you can hire from most car rental places across the Far North.
But have you tried renting an underwater scooter? Scuba-Doo is a self drive fullguided underwater tour you can do on the Outer Reef via Great Adventures reef cruises. Scuba-Doo involves donning a helmet, and hopping onto a fully-enclosed electric motor (top speed 2.5 knots) that is driven by an aircraft-style steering wheel. Your air supply is provided from a scuba tank, allowing you to breathe normally inside the 180-degree, water-free clear dome helmet. It’s a 20-minute tour, and definitely a unique way to see the Great Barrier Reef.
4 DIFFERENT STROKES
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are spectacular, and highly relaxing ways of exploring the waterways across the tropics, whether it’s freshwater or saltwater.
The downside, however, is the amount of time you have to spend strapping your watercraft to the top of your vehicle, and hauling it in and out of the water. At most tourist beaches – Trinity Beach, Four Mile Beach, Palm Cove, you can hire all manner of watercraft to start your exploring.
An ideal day trip is Palm Cove-Double Island. Or if you are seeking a spectacular freshwater adventure, head up to Copperlode Dam and hire a SUP to see a side of Cairns not many people would dream of seeing.
5 COOL YOUR JETS
If you’ve never experienced a jet ski, you can imagine it being a lot like riding a motorbike along an endless watery highway.
The place to hop on a solo jet ski is Cairns marina, where NQ Watersports can get you on-board the “ultimate fun machine”. No licences or experience is necessary, and instructors brief you on everything you need to know for a 30-minute ride. They assure the four-stroke jet skis can be as exhilarating or calm as you wish, as you practise your skills in their designated Trinity Bay jet ski circuit.