Compare cheap car hire in Australia with practical advice on airports, long-distance driving, seasonal prices, rental companies and road trip tips.
Australia is one of the world’s classic self-drive destinations. A rental car gives you the freedom to move beyond city centres and reach beaches, wine regions, national parks and coastal towns on your own schedule. It is especially useful outside the major cities, where public transport becomes more limited.
The scale of the country is the key difference for visitors. Short urban rentals in Sydney or Melbourne are very different from long-distance touring in Queensland, Tasmania or Western Australia. Planning realistic daily distances matters more here than in many European destinations.
Best Places to Start Your Trip
Most visitors collect vehicles at airports, where fleets are largest and opening hours are usually better than city branches.
| Pickup Location | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sydney Airport | New South Wales coast, Blue Mountains and city arrivals. |
| Melbourne Airport | Great Ocean Road, Victoria touring and business travel. |
| Brisbane Airport | Queensland coast, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast routes. |
| Cairns Airport | Tropical North Queensland and reef region travel. |
| Perth Airport | Western Australia road trips and beach routes. |
| Hobart Airport | Tasmania touring and nature-focused trips. |
Rental Companies in Australia
Large airports and cities commonly feature Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, Thrifty and local brands. Some airport locations operate from dedicated rental centres linked to terminals by shuttle bus or short walkways. Regional towns may have fewer suppliers and shorter opening hours.
What Car Should You Rent in Australia?
- Compact Cars: Best for city stays and shorter trips with easy parking.
- Midsize Automatics: A strong all-round choice for most visitors.
- SUVs: Good for families, luggage and longer comfort-focused touring.
- 4WD Vehicles: Needed only for specific remote routes where permitted.
- Premium Cars: Suitable for business travel and long sealed-road journeys.
Average Daily Rental Prices
| Season | Budget Car | Family Car | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb–May | €28–€55 | €55–€95 | €95–€170 |
| Jun–Aug | €32–€65 | €65–€115 | €115–€210 |
| Sep–Nov | €35–€70 | €70–€125 | €125–€230 |
| Dec–Jan | €45–€90 | €90–€160 | €160–€290 |
Christmas, New Year, school holidays and peak coastal seasons often bring the highest rates. Early booking is recommended for automatics, SUVs and one-way rentals.
Driving in Australia
You drive on the left. Roads in and around cities are modern and straightforward, but distances between towns can be extremely long in rural areas. Heat, fatigue and wildlife are real considerations on remote drives.
- Drive on the left-hand side.
- Speed limits are shown in km/h.
- Do not underestimate fuel distances outside cities.
- Avoid driving tired on long routes.
- Take extra care at dawn and dusk where wildlife is active.
- Check local toll systems in major cities.
For official road safety guidance, visit Australia.gov.au.
Trips Where a Car Adds Real Value
Great Ocean Road: One of the country’s best-known coastal drives from Melbourne.
Sydney to Blue Mountains: Flexible day trips and scenic lookouts.
Queensland Coast: Beach towns and national parks north or south of Brisbane.
Tasmania Circuit: Ideal island destination for a full driving holiday.
Margaret River Region: Easy self-drive from Perth for coast and wine country.
One-Way Rentals and Long Distances
Australia is a common place for one-way trips, such as Sydney to Brisbane or Melbourne to Adelaide. These can be excellent value, but drop fees may apply. Always compare the cost of returning to the same location against a one-way booking.
Very long cross-country drives are possible, but many visitors save time by flying between regions and renting locally in each area.
Deposits, Fuel and Extra Drivers
- Most suppliers require a credit card for the security deposit.
- Check mileage limits on remote rentals.
- Additional driver fees may apply.
- Review fuel return terms before collection.
- Young driver surcharges are common.
For travel ideas and destination planning, see Tourism Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Australia?
Yes. It is one of the best ways to explore coastal regions, national parks and areas outside major cities.
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Driving is on the left-hand side.
Do I need an automatic car?
No, but many visitors prefer one. Automatics are widely available.
Is Australia easy to drive in?
Yes in cities and main highways, but long rural distances require planning.
Do I need a credit card?
Usually yes for the deposit held at collection.
Can I do a one-way rental?
Yes, though drop fees may apply depending on route and supplier.
Are there toll roads?
Some major cities have toll roads, especially around Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
When are prices highest?
Peak holiday periods such as Christmas and school holidays are often most expensive.
Is fuel easy to find?
Yes in populated areas, but remote regions require advance planning.
Can young drivers rent a car?
Yes, but age restrictions and surcharges commonly apply.
