Traveling between cities in Australia becomes far more convenient when you have the flexibility of your own vehicle. Instead of being tied to strict schedules, you can pick up a car in one city and return it in another, making your journey stress-free and time-efficient. With car hire, you can easily plan your route, travel at your own pace, and carry everything you need in one go—pets, luggage, and more. Larger vehicles such as SUVs or vans are ideal, offering space for 4–5 bags and the comfort needed for long drives, like the 9-hour trip from Melbourne to Sydney.
The best one-way rental destinations
In Australia, one-way car rentals are especially popular in the following areas:
- Sydney — Melbourne: high traffic, well-developed infrastructure. Discounts are often offered for the return trip.
- Brisbane — Sydney: popular among students and young professionals.
- Adelaide — Melbourne: compact distance, good track coverage.
- Perth — Esperance or Broome: rare but profitable routes for seasonal workers or tourists.
Many companies waive the return fee in another city if the destination is included in the list of popular interstate routes. These are called relocation deals, and they are especially profitable during the low season (May–August).
What to look for when choosing
- Fuel Return Policy: In Australia, a full tank return is considered the standard. If the fuel is not filled up, a fine is charged — an average of 3-5 AUD per liter, sometimes an administrative fee is added.
- Mileage limit: some tariffs suggest a limit of 300-400 km per day. If exceeded, an additional fee is possible — about 0.25–0.40 AUD per km.
- Age restrictions: Interstate trips are often only allowed for drivers over 25 years old with at least 1-2 years of experience.
- Deposit and insurance: the standard deposit is from 400 to 1,000 AUD. Full insurance covers the damage but does not always include the windshield and tires — check in advance.
- Second driver: additional payment may be required (starting from 10 AUD/day) if the car is driven by two people.
Tips for saving money
- Book in advance: 2-3 weeks before the date — then there is a higher chance of getting a favourable rate.
- Choose city branches: airport rentals are usually 17-25% more expensive due to additional fees.
- Compare rates on aggregators: platforms allow you to filter offers by car type, mileage, and insurance availability.
- Keep an eye on one-way relocation promotions: this allows you to rent a car almost for free — often the cost is only 1 AUD per day with fuel included.
- Check the cancellation conditions: free cancellation is possible up to 24-48 hours before the start of the rental — an important point if plans change.
Conclusion
Car hire for moving between states in Australia is easy and helps save money. One-way rental with clear fuel rules is a good choice if you want less stress. Just check the rules, pick the right car, and make sure it fits your things.
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