Melbourne Car Rental

Need to rent a car whilst in Melbourne? Here you will find a competitive and reputable array of operators who provide an extensive selection of vehicles and services to suit all car, campervan, motor home, recreational vehicle, four wheel drive, motor cycle, disabled car, limousine charter and sports car renters. Trading with integrity and determination to give customers the best possible car hire service and value. Car Hire from Tullamarine International Airport, domestic or international terminals is as easy with all our agencies and operators. Car rental depots are located on or very near all airport terminals. All operators will transport you free to their depot from the terminal if required, simply call, either before or after you have collected your luggage and are ready for immediate pick up. You will need to return your rental vehicle one hour prior to your domestic flight and two hours prior to your international flight for transfer back to the airport terminal, in time to meet your departing flight.

What you need to read before you rent a car

What is Estimated Rental Price?

The Estimated Rental Price includes the total of all known rates, taxes, fees, surcharges and applicable drop off charges that you must pay either by law or by local policy for the length of a particular car rental request. This price does not include optional services such as insurance waivers, special equipment, mileage charges or fuel. It also does not include extra day or hour charges that can result from a late return of the rental car. This price is provided so you can better estimate the total price you may pay to the rental car company for your car, but is not a guarantee of your total charges.

Are taxes and insurance included in the quoted rate?

No, taxes and insurance are not included in the quoted rate.

What is the difference between base rental rate and total charges?

The base rate is the amount of the rental before any taxes; service fees or mandatory insurance charges are included. Total charges include all additional fees.

What are CDW, PAI, TPI, GST, VLF and airport taxes? Do I have to pay them?

CDW is Collision Damage Waiver, PAI is Personal Accident Insurance, TPI is Theft Protection Insurance, GST is Goods & Services Tax and VLF is Vehicle License Fee. Airport taxes are the fees that the airports charge to car companies for the use of their terminals, railroads, and roads; plus other service charges mandated by the airport. Yes, some of these various taxes and charges are mandatory and you will be advised of them at the time of vehicle pick up.

Will the car company that confirms my reservation be the same one that provides my car?

Not always. Some car companies have affiliates they use.

Will I need a credit card in my name to rent a car?

Yes, the driver will need to present a valid credit card in the driver's name. Debit cards are not accepted.

How old do I have to be to rent a car?

Most major car rental companies require renters to be a minimum of 25 years of age. Some car rental companies do allow renters at the minimum age of 18 but there is an increase in the rate of the rental and an additional deposit is often required.

Do I need a foreign drivers License?

Not all car companies require you to have a license from the country in which you are driving. Check with your car rental agency prior to pick up to be sure you are eligible and not disappointed.

Are car accessories available?

Many rental agencies offer car accessories such as child seats, ski racks, tape and CD players, etc. You can request these at the time of reservation; extra charges may apply for these items, supply will obviously be based on availability.

Is there a shuttle service to my rental car?

Most rental agencies offer a shuttle or transfer service to the car pick up location from the airport. You will need to ask about this service prior to your arrival or check at the airport.

Are there separate rules for local renters?

Many rental agencies do have additional rules and regulations for local renters or individuals not travelling by plane to their rental destination. Unlimited mileage offers and additional fees may vary for locals. Always ask prior to booking a vehicle to avoid counter misunderstandings and confrontations.

Major car rental companies operating in Melbourne

  • Hertz Rent-A-Car
  • Alamo Rent A Car
  • Avis Rent A Car
  • Budget Rent A Car
  • Dollar Rent A Car
  • Thrifty Car Rental
  • Europcar

Smaller car rental companies operating in Melbourne

  • Integra Car Rental Australia — Phone 1800 067 414 for cars, 1800 226 636 for campervans and motorhomes (free call from within Australia). Email.
  • Airport Car Rental
  • Abel Car Hire — Phone 13 14 29, Email.
  • Crown Rent-A-Car Melbourne — Phone 1800 63 12 54 (free call from within Australia).

Indicative car rental prices

The following table is a rough guide to prices for hiring a car in Melbourne.

Descripton Transmission Passengers Daily Rate
Mitsubishi Mirage Manual Four AU$50
Toyota Avalon Auto Five AU$60
Toyota Corolla Hatch Auto Four AU$60
Ford Falcon Auto Five AU$70
Toyota RAV4 Auto Five AU$80
Mitsubishi Magna Wagon Auto Five AU$80
Mazda MX5 Manual Two AU$100
Ford Fairlane Auto Five AU$110
Saab 9-3 Convertible Auto Four AU$115
Toyota Tarago Auto Eight AU$140

Exploring Melbourne

It is a wonderful experience to escape into Victoria’s wilderness by car. Outside of Port Phillip Bay is the ever-popular nature reserve and weekend destination Phillip Island, a gorgeous place to explore an absolute feast for the eyes. The highlight surely being the evening parade of fairy penguins as they rise from the sea, tied from another days fishing. They slowly waddle their way up the beach to their burrows, to feed impatient young and to re-energise by means of a night of sweet repose.

If you are trying to escape the throngs and masses, head for the secluded beaches and cliffs tops of Wilson’s Promonitory National Park untamed, peaceful, relaxing, a place for old fashioned, good clean fun.

Inland the Yarra valley has great vineyards, perfect for a day trip, while the Dandenong range provides an impressive backdrop to the area. Similarly, the Victorian Alps, an extension of the Snowy Mountains, have excellent skiing and absolutely breathtaking scenery.

Going inland once again the Grampian National Park is another popular destination for those seeking Aussie bush wildlife, the hills offer good vistas, several thunderous waterfalls and top shelf camping facilities.

The Great Ocean Road is unquestionably one of the world’s greatest drives. Beginning at surfing’s holy grail, Bells Beach, it hugs the coastline through the quaint towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. It then bends inland behind the beautiful Cape Otway National Park before passing the timeless Twelve Apostles, freestanding pinnacles in the ocean, running along the coastline road.

For a peek into Victoria’s gold rush heyday, more than a century ago, spend the day at Ballarat and Bendigo.