Australia’s vastness is all the more apparent once you hit the open road! Whether you are planning a bucket list trip, or more simply researching a long weekend getaway, renting a car in Australia is a great way to not only explore various landmarks but experience the in-between too.
Renting a car in Australia can be a little overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Be that as it may, this complete guide aims to simplify the process with practical rental tips and road trip suggestions.
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Renting a Car in Australia
Renting Versus Buying
There are very significant advantages and disadvantages to both, buying and renting a car in Australia. I have had the pleasure of each experience.
In the second year of my Working Holiday Visa, I financially committed to the four-wheel drive lifestyle by buying a Toyota Hilux. This purchase has enabled many road trips, especially within the state in which I am based, Victoria.
Owning a car in Australia offers greater freedom and convenience in comparison to renting as it provides unrestricted access to the furthest and most remote locations you’d dare to travel. It also eliminates rental fees, allows for personal customisation and eradicates the hassle of frequent rental arrangements. In addition, car ownership would be advantageous to everyday life too, such as daily commutes, running errands and finding work in Australia.
On the other hand, with such great distances between destinations, it can often be more convenient to hire a vehicle in a different location, as opposed to driving your own across the country.
Where to Find a Car Rental
Company Cars
The best place to begin your research on renting a car in Australia would be a car hire comparison site, such as Rentalcars and DiscoverCars, where customers can find, compare and rent. Both search engines scour the internet to reveal the best deal for you, including vehicles owned and hired by trustworthy providers such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis.
Do you require extra space for luggage? Would you prefer an automatic or manual vehicle? Customise your search on both, Rentalcars.com and DiscoverCars to filter the results and find a particular size and type of car.
Private Vehicles
Are you planning a camping trip? Camplify is a sharing community of caravans, motorhomes, vans, four-wheel drives and campers. The website connects holidaymakers with hundreds of unique neighbourhood vehicles and subsequently, endless adventures. This would be a great option for camping round trips, whether it be for a weekend getaway or a long-term lap of Australia.
In my eyes, and after renting several very different vehicles in Australia, one car rental company stole the show. Project Walkabout is a business providing luxury Land Rover Defenders for hire. They specialise in fully-kitted four-wheel drive vehicles that aren’t just built for the most rugged expeditions but are also designed with the highest regard to aesthetics. Their straightforward booking process, transparent pricing, friendly handover and excellent customer service also ensure a smooth expedition from start to finish. Project Walkabout offer a hassle-free experience, both in the hiring process and in the adventure itself.
How to Rent a Car in Australia
Renting a car in Australia is fairly straightforward. At the rental location, you will need to present your driver’s license, and an International Driving Permit (if your license is from a non-English-speaking country). You should also be equipped with your passport too if the hirer should ask for the document.
Making the Payment
Most transactions whilst renting a car in Australia would be made via bank transfers and online payments. However, if you are transferring money from overseas, the most convenient and cost-efficient method would be to use Wise.
Traditional banks typically add on hidden fees and use higher exchange rates than the official. Wise, formerly known as Transferwise, converts money with the mid-market rate (same as Google) with any necessary fees and the timeframe being clearly stated beforehand.
Wise is a borderless multi-currency account which allows you to hold money in British Pounds, Australian Dollars, US Dollars, Euros and many more. With country-specific account details for each, you can even have your wages paid into this without having to open an Australian bank account when entering the country. Wise would also supply a bank card with ApplePay, like every other standard bank.
Driving in Australia
Generally speaking, Australia is an easy place to drive as a foreigner, especially if you also drive on the left in your home country.
In my opinion, driving in the cities of Australia is much more relaxed than many other cities around the world. For instance, I wouldn’t even consider driving through London, yet I wouldn’t stress about passing through Melbourne, Perth or Sydney. Outback driving, however, is a whole other kettle of fish!
Australia is a playground for four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Whether you are exploring the beaches of Western Australia or climbing between mountains in the High Country, there are hundreds and thousands of amazing 4×4 tracks (which is another reason to hire a more-than-capable vehicle from Project Walkabout for your adventure).
Road Trip Inspiration
Australia is home to some of the best road trips in the world! From personal experience, it is almost guaranteed that once you have a taste of one, you will be adding many others to your bucket list thereafter.
Western Australia
Experience the romance of the open road on a seemingly endless drive across Western Australia. Begin the drive in Perth, the most convenient transport hub, to travel thousands of kilometres north until the welcoming sight of turquoise bays in Exmouth. This adventure will require at least 10 days!
Uluru
Would you prefer to gain insight into the heart of Australia? Navigate miles of flat roads across the Red Centre to experience the notorious outback. With famous natural wonders and many hidden gems, a road trip through the Northern Territory would, no doubt, be your real Australian adventure!
East Coast
The East Coast of Australia is a very popular travel destination with so many iconic towns, cities and landscapes. Spanning the length of Queensland and into New South Wales, the coastline is home to large cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, with top-class beach destinations such as Whitsundays and Fraser Island. Navigate between world-class beaches, charming towns and endless activities too, as a road trip along the East Coast is an Australia bucket list essential.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is 664 kilometres (413 miles) of breathtaking highway that undulates along Australia’s wild, southeastern coastline. The stretch of road is renowned for its rugged cliffs, seaside towns and stunning scenery with plenty of opportunity to hike, surf and spot wildlife. It’s the perfect journey for a 2-7 day road trip within close proximity of Melbourne.
ALSO: The BEST Organised Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent a car in Australia?
Yes, foreigners can rent a car in Australia, providing they have a valid English driving license (or International Driving Permit) and are at least 21 years old.
Can you rent a car to drive across Australia?
Many Australian car hire companies offer a one way rental which would allow visitors the freedom to collect a vehicle from one location and drop-off at a different location, without having to make the return trip.
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
Did You Know…
If you purchase through a KatieGoes link, you still pay the same but we receive a small amount. This contribution helps keep this blog moving – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites…
🎒 My Gear: Check my travel essentials for backpacking, van life and outdoor adventures.
📱 Airalo: Always be connected with a super simple eSim for almost every country!
💰 Wise: Send or receive money internationally for minimal fees – life saviour!
👫 GetYourGuide: Find group tours, guides and day trips at unbeatable prices.
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