Continuing your trip
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Travel Services · Car Hire
Car Hire
Compare car hire worldwide with destination-aware guidance — licence rules, included cover and the best providers at every destination.
Can I book it?
Compare car hire
Why should I book here?
Built on how you actually travel
Compare like-for-like
Rates between providers vary 20–30% for the same car category.
Know your cover
Check included insurance — at-counter add-ons can double the listed price.
Licence rules by country
Many countries require an International Driving Permit alongside your licence.
Inspect at pickup
Photograph any damage to avoid disputes on return.
What could this journey become?
Where it could take you
Scenic coastal drives
Open-road journeys
Mountain drivesHow it works
Car Hire in Australia
Compare car hire prices across multiple providers — rates can vary 20–30%. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence, and at-counter insurance can double the listed price. Check included cover before booking.
Makutet recommends
For most visitors to Australia, we recommend comparing car hire across multiple providers before booking — rates vary 20–30%, and inclusive insurance usually beats the add-on sold at the counter.
Quick facts
- Currency:AUD (Australian dollar)
- Visa:Most Western visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, ~AUD 20 via the official Australian ETA app) or eVisitor (free for EU citizens).
Things to avoid
- Hidden insurance add-onsAt-counter insurance can double the price — check if your travel insurance covers excess before you leave.
- International Driving PermitMany countries require an IDP alongside your national licence.
Local tips
- No tipping culture — round up or leave small change for great service. Tipping 15–20% is not expected.
- Sunscreen is essential — UV index regularly exceeds 10 in summer. Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.
- Apply for the ETA at least 72 hours before departure — most Western visitors are eligible; EU citizens use the free eVisitor.
- Distances are huge — fly Sydney–Melbourne (1h), Sydney–Cairns (3h) rather than drive.
Helpful Information
Read before you book
Choosing the Right Car Hire
What matters when picking a car hire
Car Hire Tips
Related
What should I know?
Good to know
Many countries require an IDP alongside your national licence — check the rules for your destination before travel.
Related
Continue planning your trip
Other decisions to make before you travel — pulled from the same intelligence behind this page.
Travel Connectivity in Australia
Telstra has the strongest rural coverage (essential for the Outback and Great Ocean Road).
Explore
Travel Insurance in Australia
Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, NZ, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Norway, Malta and the Netherlands — check eligibility before travel.
Explore
Transfers & Transport in Australia
A car is essential for the Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains and Tasmania.
Explore
Accommodation in Australia
Hotel, hostel, apartment and guesthouse prices vary by date — 3+ weeks lead time gives the widest inventory.
ExploreContinue planning your Great Barrier Reef trip
Next recommended step: Travel Connectivity in Australia — or jump straight back to your full itinerary on Mantra.
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