Car hire in Australia follows the school holidays and the weather. In most of the south, late autumn and winter are cheapest. In the tropical north, it is the opposite: the dry winter is peak season and the wet summer is cheapest.
At a glance
1Cheapest and Most Expensive Months by City
| City | Cheapest month (2025) | Most expensive (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | June, A$77 | October, A$110 |
| Melbourne | June, A$69 | December, A$97 |
| Brisbane | May, A$85 | July, A$113 |
| Perth | July, A$92 | April, A$124 |
| Adelaide | August, A$67 | April, A$109 |
| Gold Coast | May, A$71 | July, A$96 |
| Cairns | February, A$80 | July, A$150 |
| Darwin | February, A$56 | July, A$129 |
| Hobart | August, A$64 | January, A$171 |
| Canberra | December, A$64 | October, A$90 |
Average daily rates from VroomVroomVroom’s 2025 data.
2Seasons Across Australia
- Summer (Dec–Feb): peak in the south and Tasmania; wet season and lowest prices in the tropics.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Easter is expensive; May is cheapest nationally.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): cheapest in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart; peak in Cairns, Darwin and the Red Centre.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): shoulder season in most places, with school holidays in late September and early October.
3When to Book
In 2025 data, booking two weeks ahead averaged about A$84 a day, one week ahead A$89 and same day A$95. For school holidays and peak tropical months, book much earlier, as cheaper cars sell out.
Book a free-cancellation rate early, then check prices again closer to your trip.
4Best Time for Popular Road Trips
| Trip | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Great Ocean Road | October to April | Warmest weather; winter is quieter |
| Sydney to Brisbane | September to November, March to May | Mild weather, outside summer crowds |
| Brisbane to Cairns | May to October | Dry season |
| Red Centre | April to September | Cooler days |
| Tasmania | November to April | Warm, long days |
| Perth to Broome | May to September | Dry season in the north |
5School Holidays: When Prices Peak
Australian school holidays fall roughly in April (around Easter), late June to mid-July, late September to early October and from mid-December to late January, with exact dates set by each state. Car hire and accommodation are most expensive and most likely to sell out in these periods, especially in coastal and family destinations. If you can travel outside them, you will usually pay less and have more choice of cars.
6Booking Strategy by Season
Peak (school holidays, Easter, Christmas, tropical dry season)
Book as early as you can on a free-cancellation rate, then recheck the price nearer the date. Cheaper car classes sell out first.
Shoulder (spring and autumn outside holidays)
Two to four weeks ahead is usually enough for a good price and choice.
Off-peak (southern winter, tropical wet season)
Prices are lowest and availability good. You can often book a week or two ahead without paying more.
7Weather Tips for Drivers
- Tropical wet season: flooding can close roads. Check road conditions daily.
- Summer bushfire season: check fire danger ratings and road closures before rural drives.
- Alpine winter: snow chains may be required on mountain roads in NSW and Victoria.
- School holiday weekends: coastal roads and ferries are busiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Australia?
Nationally May in 2025 data. In the tropics, the wet season (around February) is cheapest.
When is car hire most expensive in Australia?
Around Easter and the school holidays, and in the tropical dry season.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
At least two weeks, and months ahead for school holidays.
Is it cheaper to rent a car in winter?
In the south, yes. In Cairns, Darwin and the Red Centre, winter is peak season.
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