EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental cars from top brands in Airlie Beach with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. A rental car makes getting from the airport simple and lets you see the Whitsunday coast beyond the main tourist center, including beaches and lookouts that tour buses often miss.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) |
|
|
| Airlie Beach Town |
|
|
One-Way Car Rentals You can return your car to a different location with many companies. Popular routes are from Airlie Beach to Cairns and Airlie Beach to Mackay.
On average, car rentals in Airlie Beach cost around AUD $115.52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $78.74 per day.
Compare prices for a pickup at Whitsunday Coast Airport versus in Airlie Beach town. Sometimes grabbing your car in town can save you from paying extra airport fees.
For peak times like June to October, it pays to book your car in advance. Prices can climb when vehicles get scarce.
Save on petrol by filling up in Cannonvale or Proserpine instead of the main tourist strip. And always return the car with a full tank to sidestep hefty refuelling charges.
Check the daily rates. Often, a multi-day rental works out cheaper per day than just hiring for a day or two.
| Area | Options | Cost | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlie Beach Main Street | Street spots and public lots | Free for limited time | 1-2 hour limits in central areas, patrolled during business hours |
| Airlie Lagoon | Large public parking lot | Free | High demand during peak season |
| Port of Airlie Marina | Dedicated lot | Paid for long-term | Good for ferry connections |
| Coral Sea Marina | Marina parking lot | Paid | Convenient for boat tours |
| Shute Harbour | Terminal parking lot | Paid | Secure for multi-day stays |
Local Driving Rules:
Emergency Details:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Shute Harbour – marina, Lions Lookout
Cedar Creek Falls – waterfall, swimming hole
Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay – beaches, coastal communities
Bowen – Horseshoe Bay, Big Mango
Cape Hillsborough – kangaroos on the beach, sunrise
Conway National Park – Mt Rooper trailhead, lookouts
Can I take a rental car to the Whitsunday Islands? No, there are no car ferries to the Whitsunday Islands for tourists. Secure parking is available at marinas if doing overnight island stays.
What license requirements apply for international visitors? You need a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license isn't in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation, plus your original license.
How far in advance should I book a rental car? For peak season (June-October), book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. For the quieter wet season, 1-2 weeks is usually enough.
Is it worth renting a car if I'm staying in central Airlie Beach? While central Airlie is walkable, a car lets you explore beyond the tourist center, access better shopping options and take day trips to areas not covered by tours.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support