About Us | 1300 Meteor Rentals
About Us
Driving the North
1300 Meteor Rentals is a proudly local, family-owned vehicle rental company, owned and operated by Addison (Aust) Pty Ltd, with Head Office based in Townsville, North Queensland. Now in its third generation of Addison family ownership, the business is led by Owners David and Amanda Addison.
From humble beginnings in the building industry to becoming one of North and West Queensland’s most trusted vehicle rental operators, ours is a story built on hard work, local knowledge, and an unshakeable commitment to honest, dependable service.
Our Roots
Where It All Began
The Addison family’s story in Queensland stretches back to 1956, when company founder Brian Addison moved his family to the uranium mining township of Mary Kathleen, near Mt. Isa, to build homes for the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine. From there, Brian brought the family to Townsville in 1960, establishing Planet Homes, a building business that would specialise in both locally constructed and transportable homes, supplying properties across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The present-day company was incorporated in 1970. Michael Addison, Brian’s son, joined as a carpentry apprentice in 1971 and became a registered builder in 1977, taking his craft to some of Queensland’s most remote corners - Burketown, Mt. Isa, Gunpowder (Mt. Gordon), and Walhallow Station in the NT.
Mary Kathleen
Sign from the early 1960’s — note the 4 digit phone number!
Growing Into Meteor
A New Direction
In 1982, the business made its move into vehicle rentals, almost by chance - a hardware acquisition left a fleet of spare trucks that soon found a purpose. Planet Car & Truck Rentals was born as a sister business to Planet Homes.
In 1986, we established our Cairns operation, expanding our reach across the north. In 1988, the building business was sold, prompting a new chapter and a new name: Meteor Car & Truck Rentals. Same spirit, new identity - still reaching for the stars.
In 1992, Brian retired and Michael and Lyn Addison purchased the company, marking the beginning of second-generation ownership. That same year, we settled into our current Townsville home at 329–333 Ingham Road, Garbutt.
The 1990s brought further growth; in 1996 we opened our Mt. Isa branch on the Barkly Highway, a natural extension given our deep roots in western Queensland. By 2009, sustained growth led us to purchase a dedicated administration office in Pilkington Street, Garbutt, and in 2013 we moved our Mt. Isa operation to purpose-built premises opposite the local airport.
In 2015 we became 1300 Meteor Rentals. A name that reflects our 1300 phone number, makes us easier to find, and easier to remember.
Third Generation
David & Amanda Addison
David Addison’s connection to this business runs deep. He first pulled on a pair of work boots for Meteor as a teenager, washing cars on weekends while still in high school. Over the years that followed, he worked his way through every level of the business - from Workshop Co-ordinator, then Townsville Branch Manager, to General Manager, and ultimately to Managing Director when he and Amanda took ownership on 1 April 2019.
Amanda’s path into the business began in 2014, starting on the front counter in Townsville before moving into the administration office and stepping up to Admin Manager. Alongside David, she took on the role of Operations Manager and CFO when they acquired the business, bringing her deep operational knowledge and a genuine passion for the people and systems that keep the company running.
Together, David and Amanda have brought fresh energy and a clear vision to 1300 Meteor Rentals, while never losing sight of what has made this business endure for over six decades.
What’s New
The Third Generation Chapter
Since taking the reins in 2019, David and Amanda have invested significantly in the growth and modernisation of the business:
- Doubled the 4x4 fleet featuring Toyota HiLux SR Single & Dual Cabs, Toyota LandCruiser GXL Single Cabs, Toyota Fortuner GXL Wagons and Toyota Prado GXL Wagons available across all locations.
- Introduced hybrid vehicles across all three branches, with the Toyota Yaris Cross and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid now a staple of the fleet.
- Launched electric vehicles into the fleet - the BYD Atto 1, now available in Cairns and Townsville, signalling our commitment to the future of sustainable transport in the north.
- Introduced online bookings, giving customers the flexibility to reserve vehicles anytime, anywhere.
- Implemented modern fleet management and digital onboarding systems to improve efficiency across all locations.
- Invested in building the right teams and culture, running training workshops for senior leaders and creating a workplace grounded in the same values the Addison family has always stood for.
Driving the North
More Than a Tagline
To us, “Driving the North” is more than a slogan - it’s who we are. We are a local business, through and through. Our vehicles are purchased locally, our staff are hired locally, and our roots are planted firmly in North and West Queensland. When you rent from us, you’re supporting a local family business that has been part of this community for generations.
Whether you’re an adventurer tackling Cape York, visiting family in Townsville or a day tripper heading out to discover what North Queensland has to offer, we have the right vehicle for the journey. Our fleet is perfectly suited to the unsealed roads, creek crossings, and rugged terrain that make this part of the world so spectacular. We’ll help you choose the right vehicle and make sure you head off with confidence.
Moving house? We’ve got you covered. Our range of furniture trucks, caged utes, and furniture trailers makes the job easier, whether you’re shifting locally or heading somewhere new across the north.
For corporate travellers flying in for work, we offer a straightforward, professional service. Pick up a quality SUV or car on arrival and get on with the job - no fuss, no surprises. We’re conveniently located near airports in Townsville, Cairns, and Mt. Isa, so getting on the road is simple from the moment you land.
For businesses and contractors, we supply vehicles across North and West Queensland and understand the unique demands that come with operating in this part of the world. Whether you need reliable commercial vehicles on the ground or a fleet solution for a long-term project, we know what it takes. We understand mine site and remote site compliance requirements, and we have the fleet and the know-how to make sure the right vehicle gets on site.
Local knowledge. Honest service. Good old-fashioned customer care. That’s what we bring to every rental, every time.
Great People • Great Locations • Quality Vehicles • Professional Service