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A rental car will make your Australia trip even more special. You are a lot more flexible and see a lot more of an environment. Renting a car in Australia is not cheap, but if you search well and compare, you can get a rental car as cheap as possible. There are many car rental companies nowadays, therefore the range is large. But besides the price, good service is of course also very important. On this page tell your more about DiscoverCars, our favourite car rental comparing website. DiscoverCars scores more then 4 (4.6) stars on Trustpilot and is one of the best car rental comparing website of 2024.
Renting a car for a holiday in Australia provides unmatched flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes at your own leisure. While public transport can be restrictive, a rental car offers access to remote areas, including national parks and scenic coastal routes such as the Great Ocean Road.
What should you pay attention to when renting a car in Australia?
When booking a rental car abroad, it is important to pay attention to the following things:
- Carefully compare the prices and conditions of the different rental companies to ultimately find the best deal.
- Make sure you choose the right car that fits well with your needs and the type of roads you will eventually drive on. Also pay attention to the additional costs that may be added such as fuel, insurance and any surcharges.
- Book the rental car well in advance and if you really want to save money, it is smart to travel outside the high season. This can save you a lot of money when booking a rental car abroad.
- You should also consider extra costs if you choose one way and do not return the car in the same location as where you picked it up. So it may pay off if you plan a round trip where you end up back at your starting point, this is almost always cheaper than returning the car in a different location.
- It also doesn’t hurt to read reviews of the car rental company in question beforehand.
What does a rental car cost?
Rental car prices are high these days. Still, it really does matter which travel destination you choose. Also, there can even be differences between different places in one country. So it can definitely pay off to also flip your planned route and do your itinerary in reverse. It often has to do with the range of cars available. If you choose a very popular travel destination then the prices of rental cars will also be a lot higher. So compare different locations or cities in Australia.
The average cost of renting a car in Australia varies depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, location, and rental duration. On average, you can expect to pay around $40 to $66 AUD per day for a standard rental car.
Economy cars are typically the cheapest, with prices starting at about $40 AUD per day. For larger or more premium vehicles, the daily rates can exceed $100 AUD
Why rent a car online?
There are many advantages to booking a rental car online:
- Booking online allows you to compare different companies and cars at your leisure. This way you can be sure that you did not pay the highest price afterwards.
- By booking online you do not have to arrange a car last minute at a local car rental company. Last minute booking can be stressful and often they are not the most affordable rental cars left.
- Booking a rental car online gives you time savings. That time saved can be spent on what you really want: enjoying your holiday in Australia!
- When you book a rental car online, you can sometimes come across great deals as well.
Tips for renting a car
- Choose a spacious car: always choose a spacious car when you travel around. When booking a spacious rental car, you never have problems with your luggage, it saves a lot of hassle afterwards. It can also be very nice if you are traveling around with a larger party by car.
- Book smart times: pay close attention to the times indicated when renting a car abroad. For example, if you book a car on day 1 starting at 1 p.m., make sure you return the car on the last day at 1 p.m.. When returning the car at, say, 4 p.m., rental companies often charge a full day extra. Also, it doesn’t hurt to compare the rental price if you need a car for a few days with the rental price for 1 week.
- Book from your own country: although you may think that renting on location is cheaper (which sometimes it is), it is sometimes wiser to book the car already from your own country. The language in the country can sometimes be a barrier in making good arrangements. When booking from the Netherlands, you can quietly read everything on the site and know exactly what the conditions are.
What are the best places in Australia to rent a car?
Major Cities
Sydney: Sydney is a major hub for car rentals with several international and local rental companies. Renting a car here is ideal if you plan to explore New South Wales, including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, and coastal drives.
Melbourne: Another excellent location for car rentals, Melbourne offers easy access to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Brisbane: Perfect for exploring Queensland, renting a car in Brisbane allows you to visit the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and national parks like Lamington and Springbrook.
Perth: Renting a car in Perth is ideal for exploring Western Australia’s attractions like Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, and Rottnest Island.
Adelaide: A gateway to South Australia’s wine regions, such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, as well as Kangaroo Island.
Tourist Hotspots
Cairns: Ideal for those looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Renting a car in Cairns gives you the freedom to drive along the scenic Captain Cook Highway.
Hobart: The best starting point for exploring Tasmania. From Hobart, you can drive to national parks, historic sites, and stunning coastal areas.
Alice Springs: A central point for exploring the Northern Territory’s outback, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Darwin: Renting a car here is perfect for visiting Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and other Northern Territory attractions.
FAQ
Do I need an international driving license to rent a car in Australia?
If your license is in English, you don’t need an international driving license. If it’s not, you’ll need to show both your national license and an international driving license. Alternatively, you can provide an accredited translation of your license.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Australia?
You must be at least 19 years old to rent a car. However, some companies require you to be at least 21. Be sure to verify this requirement before booking.
Renting a car in Australia
Are you ready to explore Australia? Arrange your rental car in Australia now.