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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in the Sunshine Coast is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Australia with no booking fees. We search for low prices at all the main pickup spots, from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to depots in Noosa and Maroochydore.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| City Locations (Maroochydore, Noosa) |
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On average, car rentals in Sunshine Coast cost around AUD $79.03 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $19.53 per day.
For the best deals, try to travel outside of school holidays when prices can easily double. If you must travel during peak times like Christmas or Easter, booking a few months in advance is a smart move.
Compare prices between the airport and nearby depots. Picking up a car a short shuttle ride away from the Sunshine Coast Airport, or in a town like Maroochydore, can save you cash on airport fees.
Always go for the "full-to-full" fuel option. It's the simplest and usually the cheapest choice. Just remember to top up the tank before you drop the car back.
Look out for deals on extras. Some rental packages include an additional driver for free. If you plan on sharing the driving, comparing these deals can save you a bit each day.
| Location | Parking Options | Tips |
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| Noosa Heads |
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| Mooloolaba |
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| Maroochydore |
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| Caloundra |
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Important Local Driving Rules for Queensland
Get a rental so you can see:
Beaches and coastal towns – Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum, Noosa
Hinterland towns – Maleny, Montville, Kenilworth, Eumundi
National parks – Noosa National Park, Glass House Mountains
Scenic drives – Blackall Range Tourist Drive 23, Steve Irwin Way, David Low Way
Family attractions – Australia Zoo
Easy day trips – Brisbane
Do I need a 4WD on the Sunshine Coast? For standard tourist destinations, no. All towns and main attractions are accessible via sealed roads. A 4WD may be necessary for specific activities like permitted beach driving (e.g., Noosa North Shore, Rainbow Beach). Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is usually restricted or prohibited by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions, and visiting Fraser Island (K'gari) requires specialised vehicle hire (you cannot take a regular rental car).
What's the minimum age to rent a car? Most companies rent to drivers 21 and over, charging surcharges for drivers under 25. Some will rent to 18-20-year-olds but charge higher fees and restrict vehicle options. Enter the driver age into the Road Genius comparison tool and we'll show you availability and prices.
Can I do a one-way rental? Yes, most major companies offer one-way rentals between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane or Gold Coast, but expect a one-way fee (included in the price shown in our comparison tool). Smaller local companies may not offer this option.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations? Yes, the Sunshine Coast has a growing number of charging stations, including fast chargers at Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore and others in Noosa and Caloundra. Most hotels don't yet have dedicated chargers.
What documents do I need to rent a car? A valid driver's licence (if not in English, an International Driving Permit or an official English translation is required), passport for ID, and a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Some companies accept debit cards that meet their criteria so check your rental's payment policy.
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