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Car rental in Australia
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Car rental in
Australia

4.5
Our customers love us
4.5 stars from 76,177 reviews in Australia.
Easy pickup and returns
Our 43 SIXT Australia airport locations make renting a car hassle-free.
More flexibility
Change or cancel bookings at no extra cost at most of our locations worldwide.

Discover Australia

SIXT car rental in Australia

Australia offers everything from world-class cities to vast outback landscapes, and a rental car is the best way to experience it all. SIXT car rental in Australia gives you access to a premium fleet across the country’s most popular destinations.

With branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Cairns, and Darwin, SIXT covers Australia’s major airports and city centers. Choose from compact hatchbacks for city driving, SUVs and 4WDs for outback adventures, luxury cars from brands like Mercedes-Benz, and electric vehicles for eco-friendly road trips. For relocations or larger groups, pickup trucks, vans, minibuses, and moving trucks are also available.

Add optional extras like child seats or GPS navigation at booking. One-way rentals are available across Australia, and flexible rental terms cover everything from a single day to long-term arrangements. Book your Australia car rental with SIXT online today.

Driving tips for Australia

A valid driver’s license from your home country is required to rent a car in Australia. If your license is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. US license holders can drive in most Australian states for the duration of their stay — in New South Wales and Victoria, the limit is six months.

Drive on the left

Australians drive on the left side of the road and use right-hand drive vehicles. Overtake on the right. Take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, especially in the first few days.

Speed limits

Speed limits are posted in km/h. Urban areas are typically 50 km/h (31 mph), school zones drop to 40 km/h (25 mph) during school hours, and highways range from 100 to 110 km/h (62–68 mph). Speed cameras are common and fines are steep.

Toll roads

Toll roads operate in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. All tolls are electronic — there are no cash toll booths. SIXT manages toll charges through a partner service for your convenience, so there is no need to set up a separate toll account.

Parking

Park on the left side of the road, facing the direction of traffic. Signs displaying 2P or 3P indicate the maximum number of hours you may park. CBD parking in major cities is metered and limited.

Fuel in remote areas

Distances between towns can be significant in regional Australia. Check your fuel level and plan stops carefully before driving into remote areas, especially in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and outback Queensland.

Wildlife

Kangaroos and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving in rural areas during these hours when possible. If an animal appears on the road, brake firmly in a straight line — do not swerve.

Explore Australia by rental car

A rental car opens up some of Australia’s most iconic destinations and road trips:

  • Sydney — Australia’s largest city. Explore the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Blue Mountains. Rent a car in Australia and start a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
  • Melbourne — Victoria’s cultural capital, with laneways, street art, and world-class dining. Drive the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles.
  • Brisbane — Gateway to Queensland’s beaches. The Gold Coast is approximately 95 km south, and the Sunshine Coast approximately 100 km north.
  • Perth — Western Australia’s capital. Visit the Swan Valley wine region or drive to Margaret River for world-class wine and surf.
  • Cairns — Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas is approximately 70 km north.
  • Adelaide — South Australia’s elegant capital. The Barossa Valley wine region is approximately 75 km north, and McLaren Vale is approximately 40 km south.

Book your Australia car rental with SIXT and explore one of the world’s most diverse countries at your own pace!

Customer reviews & feedback

4.5
4.522899
Based on 76177 reviews
from our Customer Excitement Score survey*

What our customers are saying

4.8
Vehicle handover
4.6
Vehicle return
4.6
The way to SIXT
Helen D.
5.0
Friendly helpful staff, pick up and drop off was fast and easy. The car was exceptionally clean and perfect for what I needed.
Dan G.
5.0
Quality vehicles and great staff. I was even offered a slice of pizza on my way out of my last rental. Thanks SIXT Charmhaven 👍
Leonie D.
5.0
Very easy to book a car. They explain every detail and costs involved. Lovely staff to talk to on the phone and when you pick up the car. The car was very nice and comfortable. Clean and tidy. Thanks again

*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Australia. The score is an average of all customer responses.

Good to know when renting in Australia

Car rental under 25 in Australia

The minimum age for a SIXT rental in Australia is 21 with a license held for at least 1 year. Some car categories have a higher minimum age for rental, and an underage driver surcharge is applied for those under 25.

Documents you need to rent a car in Australia

You will need a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year. International renters and drivers need their passport and an international driving permit.

Tolls

Australia has multiple toll roads, and they all use an electronic toll payment system. Cash is not accepted. The SIXT fleet is outfitted with e-Tags that make electronic toll payments automatically. Your credit card will be billed for the toll amount without any additional fee added.

Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia, and beware of the frequent roundabouts! Looking at your phone, not wearing your seatbelt, and drinking and driving are absolutely not allowed.