Your ultimate guide to booking a car and hitting the open road in Australia, hassle-free.
There is nothing quite like an Aussie road trip. The freedom of the open road, the vast landscapes, and the hidden gems you find along the way are unforgettable. But for a first-timer, the process of hiring a car can feel a bit daunting.
As an Aussie-owned company, we’ve helped thousands of travellers start their adventures. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for a smooth, simple, and epic first car hire experience.
Choose the Right Car for Your Trip (Not Just the Price)
It’s tempting to just book the cheapest car, but Australia’s distances are vast. A tiny car that’s perfect for city driving might feel cramped after six hours on a highway.
- City & Short Trips: An Economy Car is zippy, easy to park, and great on fuel.
- Long Distances & Couples: An Intermediate Car or Compact SUV offers more comfort, legroom, and boot space for luggage.
- Families & Groups: A Family SUV or People Mover is essential for keeping everyone comfortable and fitting all those bags.
- Explore our full vehicle fleet to see which one fits your specific adventure.
Understand the Booking Essentials
To make your pickup day smooth, have your ducks in a row before you book. In Australia, you will generally need three things:
- A Valid, Full Driver’s Licence: Provisional (‘P’ plates) or learner’s permits are not accepted. If your licence isn’t in English, you must also have an International Driving Permit.
- A Credit or Debit Card in Your Name: A physical card is required for the security bond.
- To Be 21 or Over: Drivers must be at least 21 (a young driver surcharge applies for ages 21-24).
You can check out our comprehensive car hire onboarding guide here.
Know the Lingo: “Liability” vs. “Excess”
This is the most confusing part for first-timers. Here’s the simple version:
- Standard Liability: This is not full insurance. It’s a basic level of cover included with your rental that leaves you with a large “excess” (a set amount, often thousands of dollars) that you are liable to pay if the car is damaged.
- Liability Reduction (Optional): This is the optional waiver you can purchase to reduce your excess, often down to $0. It costs a bit more per day but provides total peace of mind.
- We strongly recommend reviewing our official Roadside Assistance and Damage guide before you hire to choose the cover that’s right for you.
Plan Your Route (and Respect the Distances)
Australia is big. A drive from Sydney to Melbourne is a full-day (9+ hours) journey, not a quick trip.
- Use Google Maps: Plan your driving legs and add 15-20% to the estimated travel time for fuel, food and stretch breaks.
- Avoid Driving at Dawn or Dusk: This is when kangaroos and other wildlife are most active, especially in regional areas.
- Stick to Sealed Surfaces: Our rental terms (and most others) forbid driving on unsealed, unpaved roads. Your liability waiver is voided if you have an accident on one. All major highways and roads to tourist spots are sealed, so this is easy to follow.
Key Aussie Road Rules for First-Timers
- Drive on the LEFT: This is the most important rule of all!
- Speed Limits are Strictly Enforced: Unlike other countries, there is very little tolerance for speeding. Watch for speed cameras and pay close attention to signs, especially in school zones (40km/h) during school hours.
- Roundabouts: Give way to all traffic already in the roundabout (coming from your right).
- Mobile Phones: It is illegal to touch your phone while driving. You must use a hands-free cradle or Bluetooth.
Choose the Smartest Pickup Location
Many first-timers just book from the city centre, but think strategically about your trip to save time and hassle.
- Flying In? Picking up your car hire from Sydney Airport or Melbourne Airport is the easiest way to get your luggage, sign the papers, and get straight onto the highway, bypassing CBD traffic.
- Theme Park Holiday? A car hire Gold Coast pickup means you can get from the terminal to your hotel and be ready for the parks in no time.
- Coastal Drives? Starting with a car hire from Brisbane Airport is the perfect launching pad to explore both the Sunshine Coast to the north or head south.
- Staying with Locals? If you’re starting your trip from a suburb, a convenient depot like our Logan car hire branch saves you a trip back to the airport.
At our airport locations, we run a fast, free shuttle to our nearby depots. This off-airport model is how we avoid expensive terminal fees and pass those savings directly on to you—letting you spend more on your actual road trip.
You’re Ready for an Adventure
That’s it! With a little planning, hiring a car in Australia is a simple process. The freedom it gives you to discover hidden beaches, stop at quirky roadside cafes, and create your own itinerary is the real prize.
Ready to start planning? Get an instant quote for your car rental today.
