Renting a Car in Australia as a Tourist: Rules, Costs and Essential Tips

1Documents You Need

Visitors on a temporary visa can generally drive in Australia on their current overseas licence. You must carry the licence whenever you drive, and if it is not written in English you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation. The IDP has to be issued in the country that issued your licence, so get it before you travel.

How long you can drive on an overseas licence depends on the state and on your visa. Austroads notes that the Northern Territory requires visitors to get a local licence or an exemption after three months, and NSW says you must be able to show police you are a temporary visitor. If you are staying long term or your visa changes, check with the state road authority.

• Your current, full (not learner) overseas licence.
• An IDP or English translation if your licence is not in English.
• Your passport.
• A credit card in the main driver’s name.
• Your booking voucher.

Also read: Do you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Australia?

2Age, Payment and the Bond

Most suppliers rent to drivers aged 21 and over, and charge a daily young-driver fee under 25. Some vehicle classes, such as luxury cars and 4WDs, have higher minimum ages.

At pick-up the supplier holds a bond (security deposit) on your card. A credit card in the main driver’s name is accepted everywhere. Some suppliers take debit cards for standard cars, often with a larger bond, but most refuse prepaid cards. Foreign-issued cards can take longer for the hold to be released.

Also read: Car rental security deposits in Australia: how much will you pay?

3Road Rules That Catch Visitors Out

• Australia drives on the left. Take it slowly on your first day, especially at roundabouts, where you give way to traffic from the right.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced with fixed, mobile and average-speed cameras. Fines are sent to the rental company, which passes them on with an admin fee.
• The legal blood-alcohol limit for full licence holders is 0.05. Random breath tests are common.
• Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal and camera-enforced in several states.
• In Melbourne’s CBD some right turns are “hook turns” made from the left lane, and you must give way to trams.
• Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone, and children need an approved child seat.

4Distances, Fuel and Wildlife

Australia is big. Sydney to Melbourne is about 880 km, and Perth to Broome more than 2,200 km. Plan no more than four or five hours of driving a day on holiday, and swap drivers every two hours.

In the outback, fill up whenever you can and carry water. Kangaroos and other animals are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid driving at those times outside towns. Most standard rentals also exclude unsealed roads, so check your route.

Also read: Are rental cars allowed on unsealed roads in Australia?

5Tolls, Fuel and Practical Tips

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have electronic toll roads with no cash booths. Rental cars carry an e-tag or are matched by number plate, and the supplier charges the tolls to your card after the rental, usually with an admin fee per toll or per day. Fuel is self-service; you fill up, then pay inside or at the pump. Most rental cars use regular unleaded (91), but check the label inside the fuel flap, and diesel cars are common among 4WDs and vans.

• Keep coins or a card for parking meters; many accept app payments only.
• Petrol stations in country towns may close early in the evening.
• Call 000 in an emergency.
• Your rental includes roadside assistance details on the key tag or in the glovebox.

6A Simple Checklist for Your First Day

• Collect the car well rested; after a long-haul flight, consider picking up the next morning.
• Walk around the car and photograph any damage before leaving.
• Adjust mirrors and seat, and find the lights, wipers and indicators (often on the opposite side to cars from right-hand-drive countries).
• Set the navigation before you drive off.
• Take the first drive on quieter roads if you can.

7What It Costs

In 2025 price data, average daily rates ran from about A$84 to A$105 nationally, with large swings by city and season. Add fuel (about 242c a litre for unleaded in October 2026), any excess cover, tolls and a young-driver fee if you are under 25.

Also read: How much does it cost to rent a car in Australia?

Frequently Asked Questions