Vehicles
Vehicles that are parked illegally pose a safety risk to other drivers and pedestrians.
Council takes a 'complaint driven' approach to managing illegally parked vehicles in residential areas. If you believe a vehicle has been abandoned, is blocking your nature strip or footpath, or is being offered for sale, you can report it to Council for investigation.
Please be aware Council has no jurisdiction over vehicle-related complaints on Federal or State controlled roads or reserves, or on private property.
You can report an illegally parked vehicle to Council using our online Report a Problem Form (use the button below), via the Report a Problem feature in the My Cairns app or by calling us on 1300 69 22 47.
Council regularly receives complaints of vehicles left on roadsides, nature strips, parks and reserves.
If we reasonably believe the vehicle has been abandoned (whether or not it is registered) we will place a notice on the vehicle asking the owner to contact Council within 48 hours. If the vehicle poses danger or risk to the public, it may be towed immediately.
If the owner doesn't contact us, the vehicle will be towed and impounded and if not claimed, may be auctioned or disposed of.
Collecting an impounded vehicle
To collect an impounded vehicle, the owner must provide proof of ownership (eg registration papers) and proof of identity (eg driver's licence or similar photo ID), and pay the costs associated with removing and storing the vehicle.
Owners must make an appointment with Council to arrange pick-up of the vehicle between 9am and 11am on a Tuesday or Thursday.
If you are collecting an unregistered vehicle you must arrange a tow truck or similar at your on expense.
Council is not liable for any theft from, or damage to, a vehicle that has been impounded.
You can request Council waive any associated impound fees in writing to regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au. Please note Council will not consider waiving impound fees relating to:
- Unregistered vehicles parked within the local government controlled area, such as a road or footpath; or
- Vehicles being stripped of parts or having mechanical repairs carried out within the local government controlled area, such as a road or footpath.
Abandoned vehicle online auctions
Vehicles that are deemed abandoned and aren't claimed by their owners will be offered for sale by online auction through Quaid Auctioneers.
Council places a Public Notice in the Cairns Post and on our website prior to each auction at which abandoned vehicles are offered. You can view available vehicles on the Quaid Auctioneers website.
You are not allowed to offer your vehicle, including boats, trailers and caravans, for sale on any Council land, including roadsides, footpaths, parking bays and parks.
Vehicles left on Council land, even for a short amount of time, can restrict use of public space, and obscure the vision of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Council does not have authority over car sales on private property.
Camping is not permitted on Council controlled land in Cairns, including roadsides, The Esplanade, cemeteries, public parks, car parks, sporting grounds, drainage reserves and beaches.
Camping includes persons staying overnight in vehicles, campervans, RVs, tents, hammocks and swags.
People found camping illegally can receive a $863 on-the-spot fine.
Council has no jurisdiction over Illegal camping on Federal or State-controlled roads or reserves.
Legal camp sites
Campers and self-drive travellers will find affordable overnight accommodation at the region's many commercially operated caravan and tourist parks.
Council also provides two free overnight camping facilities at Babinda Boulders and Babinda Rotary Park. Campers can stay at these camp grounds for no more than 3 consecutive nights.
Last Updated: 30 October 2026
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