Looking to rent a car in Gold Coast this year?! Here’s everything you need to know!
Renting a car in Gold Coast is by far the most convenient option to explore the city, take day trips to the Gold Coast hinterland and visit other spots like Brisbane or Byron Bay.
That said, with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start.
From finding the best deals to understanding the local regulations and the hidden costs, I’ll make sure you have all the information you need to have an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
OVERVIEW – RENT A CAR IN GOLD COAST
Before jumping into the main topic, let me introduce you to Discover Cars, the ultimate car rental search and comparison service for Gold Coast.
Discover Cars offer unbeatable prices and free cancellation on most bookings, so you don’t have to stress about any charge.
Whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term car rental in Gold Coast, Discover Cars have the perfect vehicle for your needs at an unbeatable price.
Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!
Discover Cars are one of the world’s largest online car rental platforms with vehicles in 10,000+ locations.
Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed!
QUICK ANSWERS: GOLD COAST CAR RENTAL
Below you’ll find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
IS IT WORTH RENTING A CAR IN GOLD COAST?
Renting a car in Gold Coast is definitely worth it! You’ll get to explore this part of Australia at your own pace without having to get public transportation.
Whether you’re looking for luxury, standard, full-size, SUV, or minivan rentals, you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs.
Plus, with prices starting from just $28 on Discover Cars, you won’t have to break the bank to get yourself a set of wheels.
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO RENT A CAR IN AUSTRALIA?
You need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Australia, and that includes all the car models.
Also, it’s worth noting that all drivers aged less than 25 years old will be charged a young driver surcharge.
IS IT EASY TO DRIVE AROUND THE GOLD COAST?
Driving around the Gold Coast can be a breeze if you know what you’re doing – it’s all about anticipating traffic and being experienced.
The roads are in excellent shape and the signage is clear, so as long as you keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians around the beachfront strips, you should have no problem navigating your way around.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A CAR IN GOLD COAST?
Renting a car for your next trip to Gold Coast has never been more affordable!
Starting at only $28 a day, you can easily rent a small car that will take you around this part of Australia.
IS IT CHEAPER TO RENT A CAR OR UBER IN GOLD COAST?
It is way cheaper to rent a car than calling an Uber in Gold Coast, especially if you plan to go to multiple places.
With cheap car hire Gold Coast, you’re guaranteed to find great prices!
To give you an idea, Uber quotes a trip from the airport to Surfers Paradise for $38. You can easily find a car rental for a day with that price tag.
IS IT SAFE TO RENT A CAR ON GOLD COAST?
When it comes to safety, you won’t have any issues when renting a car on Gold Coast as the roads are modern and well maintained.
Most rental companies offer roadside assistance and other services that can help keep you safe while on the road.
WHERE TO RENT A CAR IN GOLD COAST?
There are a few places where you can hire a car in Gold Coast, and they are:
- Gold Coast Airport: The sixth-busiest airport in Australia
- Downtown Gold Coast: The best area to drive around and see the city
- Brisbane Airport: Brisbane Airport is only 87 km (1 hour away) from Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast Airport: Located 190 km from Gold Coast, or about 2 hours
If you plan to spend most of your time in Gold Coast and surrounding places, then the airport and the downtown area are your best bets.
However, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Airports are great options when planning to go sightseeing in Queensland.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN RENTING A CAR IN GOLD COAST
Before diving into more details about car rental Gold Coast, let’s cover more ground and the information you need in terms of driver age, cost, and more.
DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR AND DRIVE LEGALLY IN AUSTRALIA
When renting a car in Australia, there are certain documents you need to have:
- A valid credit card in the renter’s name
- A driver’s license (or an international license, if needed)
- A valid passport (for foreigners – Australians only need their driving license)
Firstly, you must have a full driver’s license, either an international or Australian one. You must also be 21 years of age or older.
You should know that, for those under 25, the maximum damage liability will be set to $950.
And if you are between 21 and 24 years of age, you’ll be required to pay a “Young Driver Surcharge” of 23.50 AUD per day.
Of course, you also need to show an ID and driver’s license (for Australian nationals) and a passport for visitors.
Finally, remember that in Australia, you will be driving on the left side of the road.
COST OF A RENTAL CAR IN GOLD COAST
Compared to the cost of living, hotels, and food, the cost of car rental Gold Coast is pretty affordable.
According to Discover Cars, the average cost of renting a small car in Gold Coast is just $43 per day, while it gets to $77 per day for medium vehicles.
Needless to say, this is a pretty affordable deal, and you can easily get away with less than 100 bucks a day, including petrol!
INSURANCE COVERAGE IN GOLD COAST
When booking a car online, you’ll get the basic insurance included, which is pretty nice. However, basic insurance has a deductible of about $2,895 USD($4,400 AUD).
Essentially, this means that if you get into a car crash, you’ll have to pay that amount before the insurance starts to pay.
For this reason, I recommend getting the Full Coverage, which only costs about $20 AUD more per day and refunding you the full amount in case you get into any issues.
BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANIES IN GOLD COAST
There are multiple companies you can rent a car from in Gold Coast, and they are:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Thrifty
- Dollar Rentals
- Abaa Car Rentals
- Bargain Car Rentals
- East Coast Car Rentals
Most of them are international companies and you’ve probably seen them around the globe, like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
However, some local companies, such as Bargain, Abaa, and East Coast Car Rentals are also worth checking out and have all pretty good reviews online.
RELATED GUIDE: BEST Beaches in Gold Coast
HOW TO FIND THE BEST RENTAL CAR DEAL
Finding the best rental car deal in Gold Coast can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect Gold Coast rental car for your trip.
DON’T RENT AT THE AIRPORT
Despite being convenient, renting a car at the airport can be more expensive than in the downtown area.
In fact, many companies charge a so-called “Customer Facility Charge” and that is going to cost you a little more.
Of course, it’s not a deal-breaker, but something you should be aware of.
COMPARE PRICES & AGENCIES
Take some time to compare prices and agencies online by reading reviews and checking the prices; you may just find the perfect deal!
You can also keep an eye out for discounts or special offers on websites such as Discover Cars.
RELATED GUIDE: Where To Stay In Gold Coast – The Best Areas & Hotels
Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!
Discover Cars are one of the world’s largest online car rental platforms with vehicles in 10,000+ locations.
Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed!
BOOK IN ADVANCE
The best way to secure the best deal when hiring a car is by booking in advance.
Of course, with so many Gold Coast car rental companies around, it can be hard to decide which one to go with.
But if you book early, you can get the best deals and discounts available. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to compare prices and find the perfect car.
And don’t forget; try local companies as they might have better prices and great customer service!
CHECK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY
If you already have travel insurance, it may be worth checking their policy before getting the one from the car rental company.
For instance, Heymondo refunds up to $500 in rental car excess in case of any damage, theft, etc.
The average Full Coverage for a booking is $20, and while it is worth it, your travel insurance might work just fine!
THINGS TO DO IN GOLD COAST
Now that you’ve got a rental car in Gold Coast, you may be wondering what to do and the best places to visit.
Lucky for you, I have put together a complete itinerary for the Gold Coast to help you plan your trip!
READ MORE: 3-Day Gold Coast Itinerary
WHERE TO STAY IN GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is a thriving tourist hub with no shortage of accommodation options and most people want to be by the beach as often as possible – I don’t blame them!
See below for the best places to stay on the Gold Coast with options suited for small families, budget backpackers, and luxury travelers.
Luxury: Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace is one of the best 5-star resorts on the Gold Coast featuring multiple swimming pools, award-winning restaurants, a fitness center, and free WiFi throughout.
The rooms and suites are decorated with Versace furnishings and include a balcony, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with spa baths.
Located in Main Beach, Palazzo Versace is the perfect place to stay for families and couples.
Mid Range: Outrigger Burleigh
The best and most affordable hotel in Burleigh Heads is the Outrigger which is just a two-minute walk from Burleigh Beach and features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and ocean views!
The rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with a kitchenette, a living room, a private bathroom, and a balcony.
Perfect for couples and families on a mid-range budget.
Budget: Maxmee Backpackers Resort
Maxmee Backpackers Resort is one of the cheapest and best backpackers on the Gold Coast!
Located a stone’s throw from the beach, it features a beach club, outdoor pool, table tennis, and even hammocks.
There are dorm rooms and private apartments available, perfect for friends and solo travelers.
FOR MORE OPTIONS, SEE THIS GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLD COAST
BEST GOLD COAST TOURS
WHAT TO PACK FOR GOLD COAST
When visiting Gold Coast, here are a few items I highly recommend taking with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
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SUMMARY – CAR HIRE GOLD COAST
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about car hire Gold Coast and cheap car hire Coolangata Airport and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
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