Car Rental in Gold Coast
This information is correct as of June 2015.
Where to rent a car in Gold Coast
Many major international and local minor car rental companies have offices in and around Gold Coast and its surrounding municipalities, making it easier to look for rental cars. Most of these companies are settled near the Surfer's Paradise Area, along the coast and near the waters. Some of them have set up near the airport, while others still have offices near the Nerang River. Travellers may rent out most types of cars, and may get some for as low as AUD 20. Travellers may also decide to pick their cars up near the airport or within the city centre, depending on their preference. They may inform their chosen car rental companies upon booking so that any of their special requirements may be met. Booking can be done in advance through online means or via telephone; some provide quotations (if this happens, try to get a better deal and haggle so that prices will be within your budget), others have fixed prices.
Some of the car rental companies that serve the city include international Redspot, Hertz, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, and Europcar, and several local companies such as Allimo, Cut Price Car Rentals, Costless Car Rentals, Brian's Auto Centre, and East Coast Car Rentals. Some of the local companies may not be able to grant several special requests, so it is best to research first before diving straight ahead into the booking. More often than not, the bigger car rental companies may be able to provide a wider range of vehicles, while the smaller ones sometimes offer overused and old models. Note too, that most of the car rental companies only rent out vehicles to people aged 25 years and above, although some rent them out to people as young as 18. Check with your car rental providers first before making a reservation.
What to expect when renting a car from Gold Coast
Gold Coast is primarily surrounded by water, with a coast facing the Pacific and with most areas having rivers and streams. This is not a hindrance, however – as the said bodies of water have not been disturbed by the roads that surround the area. Speaking of roads, the roads of Gold Coast are relatively clearer as compared to its neighbour Brisbane, which is another huge business district. Gold Coast may be all that – but heavy traffic is limited to peak hours (7:00 - 8:30 in the morning and 3:30 - 5:00 in the afternoon), and is not much of a concern. During most of the day, travellers will experience light to moderate traffic – with short build-ups on roundabouts and intersections. Most, if not all, destinations and attractions within Gold Coast are accessible by car, and there are numerous parking spaces at the said attractions. Parking metres can also be found on the busiest streets such as Surfer's Paradise, Southport, and Burleigh Heads, although we're letting you in on a secret: free spaces can be found a few street blocks away from these. If persistent in looking for a paid space, there still are other options – those that are operated by shopping centres and the city council that charge about AUD 1 per hour.
Getting to your destination
Brisbane
Creative and positive, that is what describes Brisbane. A coastal city at the heart of Queensland, it invests its energies into keeping true to what it is – colourful, youthful, laid-back, and friendly.
Busy and Bustling Brisbane can be reached from Gold Coast by driving getting on the Pacific Motorway towards the M1, all the way to the M3 and in the Brisbane central business district. Note that Brisbane traffic is busier than Gold Coast's, so make sure to avoid peak hours (usually between 7:00 am to 9:00 am).
Toowoomba
A regional centre and considered as the largest inland city in Australia, Toowoomba, or fondly called “Woombie,” is an inviting city that has beautiful and scenic nature parks for the whole family. Enjoy lush picnic areas and gardens, as well as several museums.
Toowoomba can be reached from central Gold Coast by driving through the Pacific Motorway/A1 towards A2 in Brassall and all the way to Toowoomba. There is a construction/road work on Warrego Highway along the M1 before the A2.
Lamington National Park
A beautiful nature destination filled with refreshing rivers and waterfalls, cool and lush forests, and several tourism amenities, Lamington National Park is a must-go place for locals and tourists alike. Book for an accommodation in advance so as to get the site that you need.
Reach Lamington by taking State Route 90 all the way to Binna Burra Road in Beechmont. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit to stay in Binna Burra Road, and continue on to the Lamington National Park.