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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sunshine Coast
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sunshine Coast
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sunshine Coast
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 Hire a Car in Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast is a stunning region with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and charming towns. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers the freedom to explore this diverse area at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. The Sunshine Coast offers much more than just its coastline. With a rental car, you can easily access the hinterland, including the Glass House Mountains, charming towns like Montville, and scenic drives through the Blackall Range.
Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and travel on your own schedule. This is especially beneficial if you want to visit multiple locations or spend extra time at a particular attraction.
Access Remote Locations. Public transport options can be limited in certain areas of the Sunshine Coast. A rental car provides access to remote beaches, national parks, and hidden gems that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Sunshine Coast
Before booking a rental car in Sunshine Coast, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements (usually 21+), possess a valid driver's licence (an International Driving Permit may be necessary), and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 3,124 square kilometres (1,206 square miles)
Population
Approximately 350,000 residents
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10)
Ideal for
Exploring beaches, rainforests, and towns
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Sunshine Coast require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply to renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, with options for additional coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is generally held on the renter’s credit card and refunded after the rental.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to avoid charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS units and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Sunshine Coast – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to January): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often comes 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 Sunshine Coast?
Compare prices, select the perfect car, and carefully review the rental conditions to prevent surprises. Booking early secures better rates, especially during busy periods. Remember to bring your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the car.
1. Compare Prices - Use a comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals for your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your requirements, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the hinterland.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification ready when collecting your rental.
General Information About Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding local traffic, parking, and fuel options is essential when exploring the region by car.
Sunshine Coast offers an incredible mix of coastal beauty and natural landscapes. It's renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns. Renting a car is ideal for exploring beyond the main tourist areas, but driving within the region requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations. Before you set off, understanding local traffic rules, fuel station locations, and parking options is key to a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Noosa Heads
Famous for its beautiful beaches, national park, and upscale boutiques.
Mooloolaba Beach
A popular spot for swimming, surfing, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Glass House Mountains
Iconic volcanic peaks offering stunning views and hiking trails.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking is available in major towns and shopping centres. Look for signs indicating parking garages.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is common in busy areas. Check time limits and payment options.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid congestion in popular areas.
Gas Stations in Sunshine Coast
Major Brands
Find BP, Shell, and Caltex stations throughout the region.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in most towns and along major highways.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sunshine Coast
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and tolls with a contactless bank card or mobile payment.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of kangaroos and other wildlife, especially when driving at dawn and dusk.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays during peak seasons and public holidays.
Key Transportation Hubs in Sunshine Coast
Major Bus Stations
Maroochydore Bus Station
Serves as a major hub for bus services throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Railway Stations
Nambour Railway Station
Connects the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane and other regional destinations.
Airports
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
Located in Marcoola, serving domestic and some international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Sunshine Coast?
Hiring a car in Australia is a straightforward process, provided you meet a few essential requirements. Here’s what you'll need
If you’re from Australia, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can typically use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, 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 primary driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or other form of photo identification is often 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 Sunshine Coast 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.
Sunshine Coast was amazing! Perfect weekend getaway, exploring beaches and towns with such ease. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Loved exploring the Sunshine Coast! Catching up with friends was perfect, so easy getting around.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Having a car made exploring so easy! Sunshine Coast was beautiful, though the ferry wait was a bit long. Perfect weekend.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Family vacation on the Sunshine Coast was fantastic! Getting around was a breeze, and the scenery was breathtaking.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Absolutely loved the Sunshine Coast! Exploring those hidden coves was a dream. So glad I had a car.
Oliver Miller
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.10.2024
Pretty chill, yeah
Ethan Wilson
Reviewed: 29.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, actually
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 20.06.2025