Car Hire in Australia

Australia's sheer scale makes a hire car virtually essential. From the Great Ocean Road to the Red Centre, the tropical Top End to the wine regions of South Australia — the country's most remarkable experiences happen away from public transport routes.

Best airports for car hire in Australia

• Sydney (SYD) — Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, NSW South Coast.
• Melbourne (MEL) — Great Ocean Road, the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula.
• Cairns (CNS) — Great Barrier Reef access, Cape Tribulation, Outback Queensland.
• Perth (PER) — Margaret River wine region, the Kimberley, Southwest WA.
• Darwin (DRW) — Kakadu, Litchfield and the Northern Territory.

Driving in Australia: key things to know

• Drive on the left. Seatbelts mandatory. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05 g/100ml.
• Distances are vast — plan carefully and carry water, especially in Outback areas.
• Some roads in remote areas are unsealed (unpaved) — standard hire car insurance usually excludes damage on unsealed roads. Check your policy and consider a 4WD.
• Wildlife is a genuine hazard, especially at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas.
• Toll roads operate in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — most hire cars include an e-toll pass (check when booking).

Best drives in Australia

The Great Ocean Road (Melbourne to Warrnambool, 3–4 days) and the Pacific Coast Highway (Sydney to Brisbane, 5–7 days) are the classic east coast drives. For something more adventurous, the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon is one of the world's great Outback drives.