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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ballarat City Centre |
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| Melbourne Airport |
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| Melbourne City |
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On average, car rentals in Ballarat cost around AUD $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $34 per day.
Dodge the airport surcharges. Picking up your car in Ballarat city instead of Melbourne Airport can save you a decent bit of cash. It's often worth the extra step to get to a city depot.
Check the weekly rate. If you need a car for 5 or 6 days, get a quote for a full 7 days. Car rental pricing can be weird, and you might find it’s actually cheaper.
Fill up in the city. Before you head to the country, fuel up your car in Ballarat. Petrol is usually cheaper there than in the smaller surrounding towns.
Travel during the off-season. You'll generally find the lowest prices from May to September. If you're visiting during peak school holidays, booking in advance is the smart move.
| Parking Area | Cost | Time Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballarat CBD | Paid spaces apply. Check meters or SmartPark app for current rates. | Varies by zone | Use meters or the SmartPark app to register your spot |
| Off-Street Car Parks | Early bird and all-day options available. Check current rates. | Varies | Care Park at 25 Doveton Street offers all-day spaces |
| Sovereign Hill | On-site spaces available for visitors | Follow on-site signage | Large area available |
| Lake Wendouree | Street spaces available | Check local signage | Plenty of street spots around the lake perimeter |
| Shopping Centres | Customer spaces available | Usually time limited. Check signage | Central Square and Stockland have ample spaces |
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
Get a car to drive to:
Sovereign Hill - 5 km from CBD
Daylesford - 45 km
Grampians (Halls Gap) - 140 km
Pyrenees Wine Region - Avoca, Moonambel
Great Ocean Road - 200 km, Warrnambool or Port Campbell
Lake Burrumbeet - 20 minutes

Is an International Driving Permit required in Ballarat? If your licence is in English, an IDP is not required. Otherwise, carry both your home licence and an International Driving Permit or an official English translation.
Can I pick up a rental car in Melbourne and drop it in Ballarat? Yes, most major companies allow this, but one-way fees may apply. Check your rental provider.
Are there any toll roads between Melbourne and Ballarat? No, the Western Freeway (M8) is toll-free. However, if you drive through central Melbourne, you may encounter CityLink toll roads.
What fuel do rental cars in Ballarat use? Most rentals use regular unleaded petrol (91 RON). The fuel type will be noted on your key tag or fuel cap.
Can I take a rental car to the Grampians National Park? Yes, standard 2WD vehicles can access all main attractions in the Grampians. The roads to major lookouts and waterfalls are sealed. Driving on unsealed roads may be restricted by your rental agreement so check your contract terms carefully.