Car Rental in Australia

Why rent a car in Australia?

Australia is one of the true great destinations of our planet. From famous cities like Sydney and Melbourne to a very diverse nature that includes deserts, tropical rainforests, endless pristine beaches, magnificent islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, the country offers plenty to keep you excited. While the sheer size of the country means you probably won’t get to explore all of it on a single trip, getting a rental car is one of the surest ways to take in as much as you can.

Top ways to enter Australia

• Sydney Airport: The busiest in Australia, Sydney Airport serves more than 40 million passengers annually. 
• Melbourne Airport: Known as Tullamarine by locals, this airport serves flights to and from destinations in the rest of Australia, as well as in Oceania, Asia, and even the U.S. state of Hawaii.
• Brisbane Airport: Arriving in Brisbane is the best way to reach Queensland’s capital and the beautiful beaches that surround it. 
• Perth Airport: The main airport of the vast Western Australia state.

Top cities and places to visit

• Sydney. Sydney is one of the most famous cities on the planet, and a visit here will be a highlight of any trip to Australia. The city is notable for its architecture which includes not just the famous Sydney Opera House, but also many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings. Other highlights include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, National Maritime Museum, Sydney Fish Market, and Royal Botanic Gardens. The city also offers access to the neighboring Blue Mountains.
• Melbourne. The capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and, more importantly, a hub of culture, creativity, cuisine, and coffee. Notable for its distinct neighborhoods, free spirit, and array of incredible restaurants, Melbourne boasts attractions like the National Gallery of Victoria, the Royal Exhibition Building, Immigration Museum, East End Theater District, and Melbourne Observatory.
• Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. The capital of sunny Queensland, Brisbane is a large and modern metropolis notable for its skyline, museums, and many green areas. Two of Australia’s most popular beach hubs, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, are located to the south and north of the city, respectively, and other destinations like the Glass House Mountains National Park are also within your reach. The most notable place to visit in the Sunshine Coast is the beautiful surf town of Noosa.
• Cairns. Cairns, located in Tropical North Queensland, is a common kick-off point for exploring the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling and diving trips leave from here, as well as many other tours to explore the region’s incredible waterfalls, natural swimming holes, rivers, and lakes. From Cairns, you can set out on a beautiful drive up to Cape Tribulation, past the quaint beach town of Port Douglas and the Daintree Forest, the world’s oldest rainforest (135 million years old!). Along the way, make sure to embark on a crocodile boat tour to see crocs in the wild.
• Canberra. Although often overlooked for more instantly spectacular urban and nature destinations, the capital of Australia can be a very fun place to explore. Surrounded by the state of New South Wales, it is known for its excellent museums and galleries, public parks, and a very high quality of life that is lived at a relaxed pace. Importantly for tourism, the city is also near a wealth of national parks and nature reserves, including Namadgi National Park, which takes up close to 50% of the Australian Capital Territory.
• Perth. Often called the remotest large city in the world, Perth is located on the western coast of Australia and is, indeed, very, very far from the rest of the country, let alone its neighbors. More importantly for travelers is that Perth is a modern metropolis that packs in plenty of culture, entertainment, and absolutely stunning beaches. It is, naturally, also a gateway to the rest of Western Australia and its unique nature (more on that below).

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Australia is the Hyundai i20, followed by the Toyota Corolla and the Kia Rio.

Driver's license requirements

• Australia recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses if you’re visiting on a trip that’s shorter than six months. If you’re visiting for a longer period or are living in the country permanently, you need to obtain the local license instead.
• If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin script (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP instead.
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Most popular types of rental car

Most popular rental car types in Australia are economy, standard, and compact.

Top driving routes

• Eastern Australia. Without a doubt, driving north to south, or south to north, along Australia’s Pacific coastline is the most popular road trip route in Australia. Choose Melbourne (in the south) or Cairns (in the north) as your starting point, then visit some of these destinations in between: the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Fraser Island, Noosa, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Newcastle, and Sydney. Magnetic Island, in particular, shoulnd't be missed, so be sure to check out this guide to the island.
• Western Australia. The great western state of Australia is very remote — you’re probably going to fly in and out — but offers plenty of excitement if you get there. The capital, Perth, is a sophisticated and modern city with plenty to enjoy, but the region’s endlessly beautiful (and often, empty!) beaches, otherworldly landscapes, and indigenous sites are just as fascinating. From Perth, set out in your rental car to discover destinations such as Margaret River, Broome, Exmouth (to swim with whale sharks!), and Karijini National Park. Plus, make sure to hop on a ferry to discover the white-sand beaches and azure waters of Rottnest Island.
• Tasmania.  An island off the coast of the state of Victoria (Melbourne is the nearest big city), Tasmania is distinct both in terms of nature and culture. The region’s mountains, bays, and woodlands are among the most scenic in the country, and you can also visit refuges of wildlife like the distinct Tasmanian devils. Tasmania is also a good place to see the Southern Lights, especially from June to September. The most popular way to explore Tasmania is on foot - there are countless incredible hikes to embark on!
• South Australia. Wine and food lovers, rejoice! A road trip from Adelaide, across the state of South Australia will reward you with incredible restaurants and renowned wineries in the Barossa Valley. Make sure to drive along the Barossa Heritage Trail, which is over 100 kms, to discover the area’s historic villages, extraordinary landscapes, and plenty of wine and food experiences.
• Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is a popular 240-kilometre scenic coastal drive in the state of Victoria. The drive stretches between the legendary surf town of Torquay and a small town called Allansford. Along the way, stop to see the iconic Twelve Apostles, beautiful beaches, countless waterfalls, dreamy ocean lookouts, and, in between May and September, lots of whales!

Car rental prices in Australia

• Large cars - from $18 per day
• Medium cars - from $15 per day
• Small cars - from $18 per day
• SUVs - from $17 per day
• Vans - from $33 per day
• Station wagons - from $44 per day
• Premium cars - from $35 per day
• Convertibles - from $44 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Australia from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent things they mentioned:

• Explore Scenic Locations (mentioned frequently): Australia is praised for its stunning landscapes, with mentions of iconic spots like "Cradle Mountain," "Great Ocean Drive," and "feeding kangaroos and emus in the sanctuary."
• Family and Wildlife Experiences (mentioned several times): Many reviews highlighted family-friendly activities and interactions with wildlife, such as visiting sanctuaries and outdoor adventures.
• Ease of Travel and Car Rentals (mentioned several times): Renting a car and traveling around Australia was a common theme, with "unlimited k's" and ease of movement frequently noted by travelers.
• Outdoor Activities and Walks (mentioned several times): The country is well-loved for its outdoor activities, with mentions of walks along "Woody Point to Scarborough" and exploring natural areas.
• Great Ocean Drive (mentioned a few times): This specific scenic route was highlighted as a must-see experience, emphasizing the breathtaking views and enjoyable drives.
• Cultural and Local Experiences (mentioned a few times): Visitors appreciated the unique cultural aspects and local interactions, adding depth to their travel experiences.

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Australia:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Australia is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 48% cheaper than the yearly average.