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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy Rent a Car in Australia?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Flexibility<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>to explore beaches, national parks, and regional towns\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfort<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for families, groups, or\u00a0long-distance\u00a0travel\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Convenience<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>when travelling with luggage or sports gear\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Access<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>to remote destinations\u00a0& hidden gems\u00a0where buses and trains\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0reach\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
From the Great Ocean Road to the Blue Mountains, the best experiences often start with a full tank and\u00a0the\u00a0open road.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below is a complete guide on how to rent a car in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Check the Requirements Before You Book<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Renting a car in Australia is straightforward, but there are a few things to know: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driver’s Licence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll\u00a0need:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A valid driver\u2019s\u00a0licence\u00a0in English\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A full, current, unrestricted\u00a0driver\u2019s\u00a0licence\u00a0(P Platers are unable to rent with SIXT)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If your\u00a0licence\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0in English,\u00a0please have\u00a0an\u00a0International Driving Permit (IDP)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Minimum Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most rental companies, including SIXT, rent to drivers 21 and over<\/strong>, with a young driver surcharge for those under 25. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Payment Method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can conveniently pay at pick up for your SIXT rental in Australia. A credit or debit card in the driver\u2019s name is required for the security bond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia\u2019s terrain varies dramatically, so pick a car that suits your itinerary: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Compact cars<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 perfect for city breaks in\u00a0Sydney<\/a>,\u00a0Melbourne<\/a>, or\u00a0Brisbane<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SUVs<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 ideal for families or regional\u00a0road\u00a0trips\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 4WDs<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 great for outback adventures\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Premium vehicles<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 for business travel or\u00a0an elevated\u00a0rental\u00a0experience\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hybrids<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 increasingly popular for\u00a0eco\u2011friendly\u00a0road trips\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Book Early for the Best Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Car hire demand in Australia spikes during: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Summer holidays (December\u2013January)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easter\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Long weekends\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Major events\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Booking early gives you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Better prices\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- More vehicle choice\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peace of mind during peak travel periods\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Understand Insurance and Protection Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These\u00a0add\u2011ons\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- $0 Excess\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduced Excess\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tyre\u00a0and\u00a0Glass\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Roadside\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Interior Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Plan Ahead with our Optional Add-Ons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Additional Driver<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>Enjoy a more comfortable and flexible journey by sharing the drive.\u00a0Simply make sure every driver brings their valid driver\u2019s\u00a0licence\u00a0at pick up and\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0all set for a smooth experience.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Baby Seat Rear (0-9kg)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0These car seats are for babies who weigh up to 9 kilograms.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Baby Seat Forward (9-18kg)<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>These car seats are suitable for infants and toddlers between 9 kilograms\u00a0and 18\u00a0kilograms.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Child Booster Seat (18kg+)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>These booster seats are for\u00a0children\u00a0who weigh at least 18 kilograms.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFuel Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Please return the car with a full tank of petrol alternatively, you can choose an optional extra: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Flexi Fuel<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>bring your rental back with any amount of fuel or charge and\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0refill\/recharge\u00a0it for you at the normal pump price\/charging rate\u00a0with a service fee\u00a0\u2013 with no refueling penalties or surprise fees.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prepaid Fuel<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0pay upfront and return empty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6. Know the Road Rules Before You Drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia has strict road safety laws. If you\u2019re new to Australian roads, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with local signage and conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key rules include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Drive on the\u00a0left<\/strong>\u2011hand\u00a0side<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Always wear seatbelts\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t\u00a0use your phone while driving\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to\u00a0the\u00a0speed limit (often enforced by cameras)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05%\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Prepare for Tolls & Parking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Toll Roads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
City parking can be limited and expensive. Look for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Hotel parking\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Park\u2011and\u2011ride\u00a0stations\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Council car parks\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Perks of renting with SIXT Australia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Are you a Velocity Frequent Flyer member<\/a>? You can\u00a0earn up to 6 Velocity Frequent Flyer points per $1 spent\u00a0renting\u00a0with SIXT<\/a>.\u00a0Are you\u00a0another airline\u00a0or hotel\u00a0member?\u00a0\u00a0Add your membership details at the time of your booking.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you have a loyalty status with another car rental company, SIXT will match it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Access to\u00a0recent model luxury & premium vehicles to hire\u00a0such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi & more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Plan Your Route & Enjoy the Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia\u2019s most iconic drives include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Great Ocean Road (VIC)<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pacific Coast Drive (NSW to QLD)<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tasmania\u2019s East Coast<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Darwin to Uluru\u00a0(NT)<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Margaret River Region (WA)<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With a reliable SIXT rental car, you can explore hidden beaches, mountain lookouts, wineries, and country towns at your own pace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Pacific Coast Drive (NSW to QLD)<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you a Velocity Frequent Flyer member<\/a>? You can\u00a0earn up to 6 Velocity Frequent Flyer points per $1 spent\u00a0renting\u00a0with SIXT<\/a>.\u00a0Are you\u00a0another airline\u00a0or hotel\u00a0member?\u00a0\u00a0Add your membership details at the time of your booking.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prepaid Fuel<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0pay upfront and return empty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Baby Seat Rear (0-9kg)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0These car seats are for babies who weigh up to 9 kilograms.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduced Excess\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- $0 Excess\u00a0Protection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SUVs<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 ideal for families or regional\u00a0road\u00a0trips\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compact cars<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 perfect for city breaks in\u00a0Sydney<\/a>,\u00a0Melbourne<\/a>, or\u00a0Brisbane<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfort<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for families, groups, or\u00a0long-distance\u00a0travel\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/PHOTO-2026-01-06-07-25-46-edited-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/Booster-Seat-1024x1024.png\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/sites\/20\/2026\/05\/BMW-X5s-at-Adel-Airport-edited-scaled.jpg\")
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