Hertz
- Child seats limited, so request them early
- Additional drivers usually charged per day
The most practical people mover for families and groups: eight seats, sliding doors and a deep boot that still takes luggage with every seat in use.

Typical rental specifications Seats, luggage space, fuel type and version can vary by supplier. Rentals are booked by class, so you may receive a Kia Carnival or a similar vehicle.
Compare Carnival-class rentals in the cities where most trips start. Each city guide lists its airport, CBD and suburban pick-up points.
NSWAirport, CBD and suburban depots
Carnival rental in Sydney
VICTullamarine, CBD and suburbs
Carnival rental in Melbourne
QLDGateway to both coasts
Carnival rental in Brisbane
WAStart of the south-west loop
Carnival rental in Perth
SAWine regions and the Fleurieu
Carnival rental in Adelaide
QLDReef, rainforest and tablelands
Carnival rental in Cairns
QLDBeaches, theme parks, hinterland
Carnival rental in Gold Coast
NTTop End parks and long drives
Carnival rental in DarwinSearch for a Kia Carnival or similar at the major Australian airports.
Airport desks may be in the terminal or reached by a free shuttle. Add your flight number so the supplier can hold the car if you land late.
Longer rentals usually cost less per day. Use these as a guide, then search your dates for live prices.
| Rental length | Typical from-price | Example total |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 daysShort hire | from A$119/day | about A$238 for 2 days |
| 3–6 daysLong weekend to a week | from A$105/day | about A$525 for 5 days |
| 7–13 daysOne to two weeks | from A$95/day | about A$665 for 7 days |
| 14+ daysLonger trips | from A$86/day | about A$1,204 for 14 days |
Indicative prices in AUD before extras and one-way fees. Prices vary by dates, location, supplier and availability; your quote shows the total before you book.
The same class can come with different conditions, so look beyond the daily rate.
Indicative from-prices for a 7-day hire. Which suppliers have this class depends on the location and dates you search; conditions shown are the ones that most often differ for this kind of vehicle.
Pick up in one city and drop off in another. Distances and times are approximate.
One-way fees depend on the route, supplier, season and vehicle. The fee is included in the total shown before you book.
Real travel scenarios, with an honest verdict for each.
Sliding doors make child seats easy, and everyone has a proper seat with room for bags.
Up to eight people in one car, which saves on fuel and parking compared with two cars.
Four large cases fit with all seats up, which is rare for an eight-seater.
It is a two-wheel-drive people mover. Use a 4WD for remote tracks.
Easy to drive for a large car, but allow more room when parking in older city car parks.
People movers sell out first in school holidays. Book early and request child seats at booking.
Popular for family one-way trips along the east coast, such as Brisbane to the Gold Coast or Sydney to Brisbane.
Some suppliers list the Carnival as a 7-seater class and others as a van. Compare by seats and bags, not the label.
Not sure about the Carnival? These are the closest alternatives.
Drives where the Carnival’s space, range or style genuinely helps.
Short answers to the questions renters ask most. Details depend on your supplier and booking.
Typical from-prices start at about A$95 a day on a week-long rental, and short hires cost more per day. The final price depends on your dates, pick-up location, supplier and availability, and any one-way fee is shown before you book.
Usually 8 seats (8 seats in most versions). Seat numbers can differ slightly between versions, so check the vehicle details in your quote.
Around 4 large (with all seats up). Deep boot behind the third row. Soft bags pack more easily than hard cases.
A full, unrestricted car licence held for at least a year, usually with a minimum age of 21. If your licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
Yes, the main airports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Cairns have suppliers offering this class. Desk or shuttle pick-up depends on the supplier, and the exact model is booked as “or similar”.
Often yes, for example Brisbane to Gold Coast. A one-way fee may apply and varies by route, supplier and season.
Automatic. Australian rental fleets are mostly automatic; if you can only drive an automatic, check the transmission in the quote.
Usually yes on sealed roads, including one-way trips between states. Some suppliers restrict travel to the Northern Territory or Western Australia, ferries (including the Spirit of Tasmania) and unsealed roads, so check the terms.
Yes for up to 8 people. Sliding doors make child seats easy, and everyone has a proper seat with room for bags.
Total prices, conditions and pick-up options from multiple suppliers.