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Car rental in Australia - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

Drop-off Date

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

Excellent

Rate
star

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Australia

Australia

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Australia

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Australia

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Australia

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Australia?

Australia, with its vast landscapes and iconic landmarks, is a dream destination for adventurers. While internal flights and buses are options, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore this magnificent country at your own pace. Discover why a rental car is the best way to experience Australia.

Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Forget rigid schedules and crowded buses. A rental car lets you travel whenever and wherever you want, allowing for spontaneous detours and hidden gem discoveries.

Access to Remote Regions. Many of Australia's most breathtaking sites, like the Outback and the Kimberley region, are inaccessible by public transport. A car enables you to explore these remote wonders independently.

Comfort and Convenience. Long drives are common in Australia. A comfortable rental car ensures a relaxed journey, especially for families or groups with luggage. Stop whenever you need to enjoy the scenery or stretch your legs.

Cost-Effective for Groups. Sharing the cost of a rental car and fuel can be more economical than multiple plane tickets or bus fares, making road trips an affordable adventure for groups of friends or family.

Driving in Australia: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations

Drive on

Left hand side

Speed limit within city centre

50 km/h or 31 mph

Languages

English

Average petrol price

£1.30 per litre or £4.92 per gallon

Speed limit outside the city

100-110 km/h or 62-68 mph

Currency

Australian Dollars

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Score

8.8/10

Dialling Code

+61

Driving in Australia offers a unique experience, but understanding local rules is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're planning a coastal road trip or exploring the Outback, here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria This iconic 243-kilometre (151-mile) coastal drive showcases stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Twelve Apostles. It's a must-do for any visitor.

  • Distance: 243 km – Duration: 3 to 4 days
  • Route: Torquay to Allansford

2. Sydney to Brisbane Coastal Drive A scenic journey along Australia's east coast, passing through charming beach towns, national parks, and bustling cities. Enjoy surfing, whale watching, and exploring local culture.

  • Distance: 900 km – Duration: 7 to 10 days
  • Route: Sydney to Brisbane

3. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory Discover the heart of Australia on this outback adventure, featuring iconic landmarks like Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and Kings Canyon. Be prepared for long distances and rugged terrain.

  • Distance: 1,100 km – Duration: 5 to 7 days
  • Route: Alice Springs loop

4. Tasmanian East Coast Explore Tasmania's stunning east coast, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque seaside villages. Highlights include Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.

  • Distance: 380 km – Duration: 4 to 6 days
  • Route: St Helens to Hobart

5. Perth to Esperance, Western Australia A beautiful coastal route through Western Australia showcasing stunning beaches, national parks, and unique wildlife. Highlights include Lucky Bay and Cape Le Grand National Park.

  • Distance: 720 km – Duration: 5 to 7 days
  • Route: Perth to Esperance

Top drives in Australia:

Australia is a vast country with diverse landscapes, making it perfect for road trips.

From coastal drives to outback adventures, there's a route for every type of traveller. A car is essential for exploring beyond the major cities and experiencing the true beauty of Australia.

National Parks
600
Museums
1500
Cities
50
Regions
6
Landmarks
1000

Car Rental Prices in Australia – Cost Breakdown

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45

Electric:

from £35 / $44 / €40

Classic:

from £25 / $31 / €28

Executive:

from £45 / $56 / €50

7 Seater:

from £50 / $63 / €56

Automatic:

from £30 / $38 / €34

SUV:

from £35 / $44 / €40

Hire price

Average price for hiring a car per day in Australia

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to January): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €56 per day*. This is the summer holiday season, so demand is high.

Low season (May to August): Discounts available from around £25 / $31 / €28 per day. This is the winter season in many parts of Australia.

Shoulder seasons (March-April & September-November): Expect moderate prices from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day. The weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location

Tips for saving money when renting a car in Australia

Renting a car in Australia can be a significant expense, but with some planning, you can save money without compromising your travel experience. Here are some tips to help you get the best deals.

1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking several weeks or months in advance can secure lower rates and a wider choice of vehicles.

2. Compare Prices from Multiple Rental Companies.: Use comparison websites to check prices from various rental companies. This ensures you find the most competitive rates and any available discounts.

3. Consider Off-Airport Rental Locations.: Renting a car from an airport location can be more expensive due to convenience fees. Check rental companies in nearby towns or cities for potentially lower prices.

4. Decline Unnecessary Insurance.: Assess your existing insurance coverage before accepting additional insurance from the rental company. Your credit card or travel insurance may already provide adequate protection.

5. Choose the Right Car Size.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car if you don't need a large vehicle. This can save money on both rental costs and fuel consumption.

6. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the car to avoid these fees.

7. Avoid Additional Driver Fees.: If possible, have only one designated driver to avoid extra fees for additional drivers. Check if your travel partner is eligible to be added without a fee.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Australia?

Renting a car in Australia requires a few essential documents and criteria. Make sure you meet the requirements to ensure a smooth rental experience. Here's what you typically need:

  • Valid Driver’s Licence. You'll need a valid driver’s licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Minimum Age Requirement. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25.

  • Credit Card. A valid credit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. The credit card must have sufficient funds to cover the deposit amount.

  • Proof of Identity. You may need to present a passport or other form of government-issued identification along with your driver's licence.

  • Booking Confirmation. Keep a copy of your rental booking confirmation, either printed or on your mobile device, for easy reference.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Australia as

4.1

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Australia was amazing! Family trip of a lifetime. The flies were a bit much, though.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 09.11.2024

Meh. Lots of flies.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 13.03.2025

Okay, but kinda dusty.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 16.11.2024

Pretty chill, really

BC

Ben Carter

Reviewed: 17.12.2024

Driving across Australia was so easy with a rental car. The vast landscapes were breathtaking, though some of the wildlife was a bit unnerving.

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 27.12.2024

Exploring Australia was incredible! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems. Definitely exceeded expectations.

OG

Olivia Garcia

Reviewed: 19.01.2025

Freedom of the open road! Cruising along the coast, stopping at hidden beaches and charming towns, was pure bliss. Australia's beauty is unforgettable.

AJ

Ava Jones

Reviewed: 27.05.2025

Pretty good, actually

MT

Mia Thompson

Reviewed: 30.03.2025

Efficient business trip; car rental made exploring easy.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 15.06.2025

Pretty sweet, actually

KL

Kai Lee

Reviewed: 18.11.2024

Coastal drives were bliss; pure relaxation.

AH

Amelia Hernandez

Reviewed: 10.03.2025

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