Renting a car in Australia is one of the best ways to explore the country’s open landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic coastal drives. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross‑country adventure, having your own set of wheels gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace.

If you’re new to car hire, or just want to make the process smoother, this guide breaks down everything you need to know before hitting the road with SIXT Australia.

Why Rent a Car in Australia?

Australia is built for road trips. Public transport works well in major cities, but once you step outside the city, having a car becomes essential. A rental car gives you:

Flexibility to explore beaches, national parks, and regional towns
Comfort for families, groups, or long-distance travel
Convenience when travelling with luggage or sports gear
Access to remote destinations & hidden gems where buses and trains don’t reach

From the Great Ocean Road to the Blue Mountains, the best experiences often start with a full tank and the open road.

Below is a complete guide on how to rent a car in Australia.

1. Check the Requirements Before You Book

Renting a car in Australia is straightforward, but there are a few things to know:

Driver’s Licence

You’ll need:

A valid driver’s licence in English
A full, current, unrestricted driver’s licence (P Platers are unable to rent with SIXT)
If your licence isn’t in English, please have an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Minimum Age

Most rental companies, including SIXT, rent to drivers 21 and over, with a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

Payment Method

You can conveniently pay at pick up for your SIXT rental in Australia. A credit or debit card in the driver’s name is required for the security bond.

2. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip

Australia’s terrain varies dramatically, so pick a car that suits your itinerary:

Compact cars – perfect for city breaks in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
SUVs – ideal for families or regional road trips
4WDs – great for outback adventures
Premium vehicles – for business travel or an elevated rental experience
Hybrids – increasingly popular for eco‑friendly road trips

3. Book Early for the Best Price

Car hire demand in Australia spikes during:

Summer holidays (December–January)
Easter
Long weekends
Major events

Booking early gives you:

Better prices
More vehicle choice
Peace of mind during peak travel periods

Pro tip: Booking directly with SIXT often unlocks exclusive deals and loyalty benefits such as unlocking free membership with the My NRMA Rewards program giving you access to up to 20% off with SIXT, discounts on protection options as well as fuel savings at participating Ampol locations.

4. Understand Insurance and Protection Options

Every rental includes basic cover, but you can reduce your liability with optional protection packages giving you total peace of mind. These help lower the excess in case of damage or theft.

These add‑ons include:

$0 Excess Protection
Reduced Excess Protection
Tyre and Glass Protection
Roadside Protection
Interior Protection

5. Plan Ahead with our Optional Add-Ons

Additional Driver Enjoy a more comfortable and flexible journey by sharing the drive. Simply make sure every driver brings their valid driver’s licence at pick up and you’re all set for a smooth experience.
Baby Seat Rear (0-9kg) These car seats are for babies who weigh up to 9 kilograms.
Baby Seat Forward (9-18kg) These car seats are suitable for infants and toddlers between 9 kilograms and 18 kilograms.
Child Booster Seat (18kg+) These booster seats are for children who weigh at least 18 kilograms.

Fuel Options

Please return the car with a full tank of petrol alternatively, you can choose an optional extra:

Flexi Fuel bring your rental back with any amount of fuel or charge and we’ll refill/recharge it for you at the normal pump price/charging rate with a service fee – with no refueling penalties or surprise fees.
Prepaid Fuel pay upfront and return empty.

6. Know the Road Rules Before You Drive

Australia has strict road safety laws. If you’re new to Australian roads, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with local signage and conditions.

Key rules include:

Drive on the left‑hand side
Always wear seatbelts
Don’t use your phone while driving
Stick to the speed limit (often enforced by cameras)
Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05%

7. Prepare for Tolls & Parking

Toll Roads

Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane use electronic tolling. SIXT vehicles come equipped with toll tags, and charges are automatically billed to the debit or credit card that you used to pay for your rental.

Parking

City parking can be limited and expensive. Look for:

Hotel parking
Park‑and‑ride stations
Council car parks

8. Perks of renting with SIXT Australia

Are you a Velocity Frequent Flyer member? You can earn up to 6 Velocity Frequent Flyer points per $1 spent renting with SIXT. Are you another airline or hotel member? Add your membership details at the time of your booking.
If you have a loyalty status with another car rental company, SIXT will match it.
Access to recent model luxury & premium vehicles to hire such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi & more.

9. Plan Your Route & Enjoy the Journey

Australia’s most iconic drives include:

With a reliable SIXT rental car, you can explore hidden beaches, mountain lookouts, wineries, and country towns at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Rent a car with SIXT in Australia to open the door to unforgettable experiences, from coastal road trips to outback adventures. With SIXT, you get a modern premium fleet, flexible options, and friendly service to make your journey smooth from start to finish.

Wherever you’re headed, buckle up, choose your playlist, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

How to Rent a Car in Australia: A Guide for Stress‑Free Travel

Why Rent a Car in Australia?