Renting a car in Australia is highly recommended because this vast country is perfect for an exciting road trip! The landscapes vary from dense jungles to rolling grasslands with ocean views. With a rental car in Australia, you can set your own pace and stop at the most beautiful places that are inaccessible by public transport. This gives you the ultimate sense of freedom. Start the engine, turn on a great playlist, and let the road trip begin! But before you jump into the car, make sure to read these 10 tips for renting and driving a car in Australia.
Good to know: The tips in this article are based on our experiences during our road trip along the east coast of Australia.
Why Rent a Car in Australia?
Australia is a huge country with many national parks and nature reserves. These places are difficult to reach by public transport, which is why having your own vehicle is the best option. You could also visit the national parks through tours and excursions, but you’ll be limited to day trips and often only check off the highlights. With a rental car, you can go wherever you want and explore the most beautiful places in Australia on your own!
Is Driving in Australia Safe?
Driving in Australia is very safe. Traffic is calm, and the roads are wide. In larger cities, driving can be a bit more challenging due to heavier traffic, but it’s still not chaotic. The real danger comes from crossing animals. Unfortunately, many kangaroos get hit by cars in Australia. They are most active during sunrise, sunset, and at night, so be extra cautious during these times. It is not recommended to drive long distances in the dark. Animals are attracted to the car lights and freeze, staring at the headlights, which can sometimes lead to accidents.
Traffic Rules in Australia
The traffic rules in Australia are very similar to those in most countries. The biggest difference is that in Australia, driving is on the left side of the road. It may take some getting used to at first, but you’ll soon adapt. It’s recommended to rent an automatic car because otherwise, you’ll also need to shift gears with your left hand.
Along the east coast of Australia, you’ll find many highways where the maximum speed limit is 100 or 110 km/h. In urban areas, the maximum speed limit is often 60 km/h, and 40 km/h during school hours. Speed limits are always clearly indicated with large signs, and there are hefty fines for violations. If an oncoming car flashes its high beams, there’s usually a police check ahead. If you want to overtake a car on a two-lane road, wait for the overtaking lane, an additional lane where you can safely pass. If you’re at a stoplight to turn, and the light is off, you can still turn, but you must give way to oncoming traffic. Be cautious at railway crossings, as they may not always have a barrier, only a traffic light.
Don’t Underestimate the Long Distances in Australia
Australia is a large country, so that means you’ll be driving long distances. It’s inevitable that you’ll spend long hours in the car, but make sure to stay safe. It’s best to have multiple drivers so you can switch off during the journey. Also, try not to drive too many kilometers in one day.
Parking in Australia
Parking rules can vary by city and state in Australia, but they are always clearly marked with signs, so it’s hard to make a mistake. Across Australia, you are not allowed to park along yellow lines, and you must always park in the direction of traffic. In city centers and near popular tourist spots, you’ll often need to pay to park. This can be done at parking meters with your credit card.
Do You Need an International Driver’s Permit in Australia?
You will need an international driver’s permit to rent a car in Australia. This is mandatory, and you will need to show it when you pick up the car. You can apply for an international driver’s permit at any ANWB store. Bring your valid driver’s license and a recent passport photo. Sometimes the car rental company will ask for it, and sometimes they won’t. We’ve heard stories from travelers who couldn’t rent their car because they didn’t have an international permit, but we weren’t asked for it.
Don’t Forget to Bring Your Credit Card
When renting a car in Australia, it’s important to know that almost all rental cars require you to bring a credit card that is in the name of the main driver. This is for the deposit, so make sure you have enough funds. The amount of the deposit can vary depending on the car rental, and you’ll find it under the specific terms when booking. You won’t be able to pick up the rental car if you don’t have a credit card in the name of the main driver or if the card doesn’t have enough funds for the deposit. Don’t have a credit card yet? We recommend this credit card.
It’s recommended to use Google Maps for navigation when driving in Australia. Download the map of the areas you’ll be traveling to before you leave. That way, you can navigate even when you don’t have reception, like when driving in the mountains. Bring a USB cable to connect your phone to the car.
Tip: Pin all the attractions, your booked accommodations, and other stops in Google Maps before you leave.
What’s the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Australia?
Most car rental companies in Australia have a minimum age of 21 to rent a car. Some rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. You must also have held your driver’s license for at least one year.
What does it cost to rent a car in Australia?
The price for renting a car in Australia depends on the travel period, the location, and the type of car you rent. Are you planning a road trip along the east coast of Australia? Then a regular passenger car will be fine. On average, you can expect to pay between $60 and $72 (USD) per day, including full insurance. A one-way fee is charged if the rental car is returned at a different location than where it was picked up. The amount of this fee may vary but is always clearly stated when booking.
Booking a rental car through Rentalcars.com is highly recommended for Australia. With a rental car, you always have a chance of damage and problems along the way, which is why it’s smart to book with a reliable party. At Rentalcars, you can always take out a Full Protection Insurance, you can change your booking for free and all conditions are clearly indicated. So you don’t have to worry about snags and if something goes wrong on your trip, everything is always reimbursed and taken care of. This is totally worth it as far as we are concerned, especially on holiday.
Note: Sometimes the local rental company will try to sell you extra insurances. These are absolutely unnecessary as everything is covered with Rentalcars’ Full Protection Insurance. So don’t be fooled because you are 100% covered, even your excess will be refunded in case of damage.
Price hikes due to shortage of cars: There is currently a huge shortage of rental cars worldwide. To survive the corona crisis, car rental companies have had to sell a large portion of their cars. Since demand is rising fast, there are not enough chips for new cars and prices are skyrocketing due to the shortage. As a result, many rental cars are double the price or even fully booked. It’s best to book as early as possible to be sure of a rental car that is still somewhat affordable. At Rentalcars.com, you can currently cancel or change your booking free of charge up to 48 hours in advance, so you are not stuck with anything but still be sure of a rental car.
