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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ballarat
Ballarat
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ballarat
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ballarat
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ballarat
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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 Ballarat?
Ballarat, a city steeped in gold rush history, offers more than just heritage buildings. While public transport serves the city centre, a rental car unlocks the surrounding regions, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Sovereign Hill and Beyond. Sovereign Hill is a must-see, but with a car, you can easily venture to nearby attractions like the Ballarat Wildlife Park or the beautiful Lake Wendouree.
Day Trips to the Pyrenees Wine Region. Ballarat serves as an ideal base for exploring the Pyrenees wine region. A car allows you to sample local wines and enjoy the scenic landscapes without worrying about designated drivers or tour schedules.
Discover the Goldfields Region. With your own vehicle, you can uncover hidden gems throughout the Goldfields region, visiting charming towns and historic sites at your leisure.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Ballarat
Before booking a rental car in Ballarat, be sure you understand the rules. Key factors include age requirements, licence stipulations, insurance needs, deposit details, mileage allowances, and fuel policies.
Area
740 square kilometres (290 square miles)
Population
Approximately 110,000 residents
Time Zone
AEST (GMT +10)
Ideal for
Day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Ballarat require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors can typically use their licence for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if the licence isn’t in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon the car’s return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS units and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Ballarat – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to August): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Ballarat?
To rent a car in Ballarat, compare prices, select a car that suits your needs, and carefully read the rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking in advance ensures better rates, especially during the peak season.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the surrounding regions.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Ballarat
Ballarat blends gold rush heritage with modern amenities. Ideal for day trips and exploring regional Victoria, understanding local traffic rules and parking is key when renting a car.
Ballarat, known for its significant role in Australia’s gold rush history, offers a unique mix of heritage and culture. As a regional city, it provides access to the wider Goldfields region and beyond. While Ballarat has some public transport options, a rental car offers flexibility, especially if you plan to visit attractions outside the city centre. Driving in Ballarat is generally straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a pleasant experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Sovereign Hill
An open-air museum recreating Ballarat’s gold rush era.
Lake Wendouree
A scenic lake perfect for walking, cycling, and boating.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Stunning gardens featuring diverse plant collections and historical monuments.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Various parking garages are available in the city centre for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city and utilising public transport to reach the city centre.
Gas Stations in Ballarat
Conveniently Located Stations
Several gas stations are located throughout Ballarat, including major brands.
Easy Access on Main Roads
Fuel stations are readily accessible on main roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest gas station in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ballarat
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and other services with a contactless bank card for quick and easy transactions.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the city centre and around Lake Wendouree.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may affect traffic and parking in the city.
Key Transportation Hubs in Ballarat
Major Bus Stations
Ballarat Bus Station
Located in the city centre, it serves as the primary terminus for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Ballarat Railway Station
Provides services to Melbourne and other regional destinations.
Airports
Ballarat Airport (BWL)
Primarily serves general aviation and flight training. The closest major airport is Melbourne Airport (MEL).
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ballarat?
Renting a car in Ballarat is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements. Here’s what you need to get behind the wheel
If you're from Australia, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can use their home-country licence for a limited time, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.
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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.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ballarat as
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.
Exploring Ballarat was a breeze with a rental car. Sovereign Hill was fantastic, though the local cafe choices felt a bit limited.
David Lee
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Heard great things, and Ballarat exceeded expectations! So easy to explore with a car.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 04.06.2025
Ballarat surprised me! Getting around was a dream with my rental; the scenery was stunning.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Loved exploring Ballarat! So convenient having a car to see all the sights. Beautiful city.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Ballarat's charm captivated me! Exploring with my car was effortless; the scenery was breathtaking.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 02.06.2025
Ballarat was lovely! Having a car made getting around so easy. The Sovereign Hill museum was amazing, though the cafe there was a bit pricey.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 03.08.2025