From Bays to Playgrounds: Exploring Australia with Short-Term Car Hire
Australia is a country with adventure found in every corner. This makes it the perfect backdrop for families to explore beyond their local community and see what the rest of the country has to offer.
It doesn’t matter where your starting point is—you’re often no farther than a couple of hours from a scenic landmark, a charming town, or a stunning natural formation when in Australia.
That said, with the country’s naturally large land area, it can be tough to get from place to place relying solely on public transportation, which is often the case for people flying into a new region or simply those with no vehicle at home.
The good news? You’re not out of luck if you aren’t a car owner or if your vehicle isn’t suitable for long-distance drives. There are a plethora of car hire options that you can consider for a single-day or multi-day excursion.
These car hire options allow you to travel Australia in a way where you and your family dictate the pace, making it one of the best and most flexible travel strategies for families. Plus, you don’t have to be locked into tour groups where you’re being herded from one sight to another at fixed schedules.
If you want your next holiday to be one for the books, then you’re in the right place. We’ll break down what you need to know about exploring Australia with a car hire arrangement, why it’s a great option, and how you can make the most of your trip while still keeping your family safe.
Let’s jump straight into it!
5 Benefits of Hiring a Car
Renting a car is a great way to get access to instant road and travel freedom. It allows you to stop wherever you want or adjust your plans depending on circumstances on the road.
But beyond that, renting a car can also help improve the quality of your next holiday in other ways, namely through the following:
Gives you access to more places: Lots of places don’t have public transportation stopping by them, or have infrequent public transportation options. Renting a car allows you to stop and go whenever you and your family want.
Privacy and comfort for the passengers: You, your family, and friends can enjoy the drive without disturbing or being disturbed by strangers. On top of that, there’s also more room for everyone and their luggage.
Cost-effective: Hiring a car isn’t expensive. This is especially true if you’re bringing along more than three guests, as you can all share the costs of the ride and avoid buying separate public transportation tickets each time.
Car option flexibility: You can choose a budget-friendly sedan, an off-road capable SUV, a luxurious sports car, an RV, an electric vehicle, or anything in between. And you don’t have to shoulder the cost of maintaining one or having it sit in your garage for months unused right after.
Insurance and add-ons: You don’t have to buy a baby seat or extra insurance policy for this vehicle, as the company can provide these add-ons for you at a reasonable cost.
With a wide range of short-term car rentals Australia-wide, you have no limit to finding a capable four-wheel drive when planning your next holiday trip. That said, it’s crucial to make reservations and vet your providers early so that you won’t be left stranded with no vehicle on the day of the trip.
Hiring a Car in Australia: How to Do It
Hiring a car is a straightforward process.
That said, if it’s your first time, it’s good to familiarise yourself with it far in advance to ensure that you won’t encounter any hiccups down the road.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on securing a hire vehicle and returning it once the trip has come to an end.
Ensure you’re eligible: You must have a driver’s license with no restrictions when driving a car hire in Australia (or any car, for that matter). If you’re from overseas, then you would need an international driver’s permit to be eligible to drive the vehicle—no exceptions.
Make a booking online: Most reputable car hire businesses have an online website where you can choose a car, the date of the rental, and add-ons. Fill these out alongside your personal information. Afterwards, they’ll provide instructions on how to claim the car and a reference slip or email.
Arrive at the rental pick-up point: Show up with your driver’s licence (and passport/ID if required), plus the card you used to book. The staff will confirm your details, get you to sign the rental agreement, and place a security bond on your card.
Inspect and document: Do a quick walk around of the vehicle and check for scratches and dents. Take pictures and videos too. This is for the sake of protecting yourself later on, so you’re not held responsible for damage.
Clarify fuel and toll rules: Some car hire businesses require you to return the car on a full tank. Follow this rule. Some car hire providers also have varying toll rules where some charge while others don’t—so clarify this before setting out to drive.
Drive safely: Take care of the car while using it. Don’t hesitate to contact the car company in case you encounter any hiccups on the road or need clarification on how certain things work.
Return the car on agreed-upon terms: Return the vehicle at the time and place you agreed on with the car hire provider. Do so on time.
Get your deposit back (if needed): Once the staff has completed their final inspection, they will release any bond and identification cards you may have submitted. That’s it!
In 99% of cases, your car rental process will be smooth and trouble-free. Just be sure to read the contract agreement thoroughly and take good care of the car while on the road. Your trip will be exciting and easy if you drive safely and plan ahead—so don’t leave anything off until the last minute.
Travelling With Kids: How to Stay Safe While Still Maintaining The Fun
Travelling with kids is noticeably different from travelling with friends or travelling solo. You’ll not only be taking care of yourself, but you’ll also be watching over your little one and ensuring that they’re needs are met and that they’re enjoying themselves on the trip.
Having a rental car to drive your entire family around is the first of many things you can do to bolster the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment for your whole family. But it’s not the only thing you can do. There are several things to keep in mind to ensure that the family road trip is one you’ll remember fondly.
Here are some ways you and your kid can enjoy your next trip while still staying safe:
Use a suitable car: Pick a car that fits your family’s size and space requirements, first and foremost. Secondly, pick a car that’s fuel-efficient and capable of driving down the roads you plan on passing through. You should also ensure that the car is fitted with child seats and safety locks.
Plan drives around their energy levels: To keep them happy, match driving time with their usual daily cycle. If they tend to take an afternoon nap, then plan your drive around that so they can easily fall asleep in the car until they reach their next destination.
Bring all your essentials: Prepare a road trip checklist and ensure that these essentials are easily accessible for you and your kid. If they require assistance of any kind, then it’s a good idea to have these items ready in a bag in the front seat so that you can take them out as needed.
Set car rules: Be firm when it comes to enforcing road safety on them. For instance, prevent them from stepping on the car seats or making a mess. Keeping their seatbelt on is also necessary. This way, they won’t cause damage or endanger themselves while you’re all out on the drive.
Include them in the itinerary planning: If your kid wants to go to a certain landmark, like a bay or playground in another town, then let them. You have the freedom to do so with a car hire, so don’t hesitate to keep them happy.
By following these tips, you can make it easier for the entire family to look forward to and enjoy the upcoming Australia road trip. We hope that we’ve helped you plan your next trip more thoroughly. All the best in planning your next dream vacation!
