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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hervey Bay Airport (HVB) |
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| City Centre |
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| Other City Areas |
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Rental Companies in Hervey Bay:
On average, car rentals in Hervey Bay cost around AUD $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $44 per day.
Book smart, not just early. For busy times like whale season (July to October) or school holidays, booking way ahead is key to getting a good price. For the rest of the year, you have more wiggle room.
Compare all your options. Don't just go with the first name you know. Checking out different companies on our site, including smaller local ones, can save you real money.
Dodge the airport surcharge. Picking up your car from a depot in town instead of right at Hervey Bay Airport can often be cheaper. Just make sure to check their opening hours.
Look for weekly rental deals. If your trip is five days or longer, a weekly rate can be a lot cheaper than paying by the day.
| Location | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Esplanade |
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Generally plentiful except during peak events and whale season weekends |
| Urangan Pier/Marina |
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Busiest during markets and tour departures |
| Shopping Centres |
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Abundant spaces available all year |
| Whale Watching Departure Points |
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Arrive 30 minutes early in peak season (Jul-Oct) |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can drive to:
Urangan Boat Harbour – whale tours, marina
River Heads – Fraser Island ferry terminal
Maryborough – heritage buildings, Mary Poppins connections
Burrum Coast National Park – trails, wildlife
Tin Can Bay – dolphin feeding
Esplanade (Urangan to Point Vernon) – beaches, Urangan Pier

Can I take a rental car to Fraser Island/K'gari? No, standard rental vehicles are not permitted on Fraser Island. The island requires specialised 4WD vehicles that have high clearance. Book a tour or specialised 4WD rental if you wish to explore the island.
What's the best way to reach whale watching tours using a rental car? Most whale watching tours depart from Urangan Boat Harbour, which has plenty of free parking. Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure during peak season (Aug-Sept) to secure parking and check in.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Hervey Bay? No, all major attractions and suburbs in Hervey Bay are accessible via sealed roads. A standard 2WD vehicle is perfectly suitable for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Hervey Bay? Yes, EV charging infrastructure is growing. There are public charging stations at locations including Stockland Shopping Centre and some accommodation providers. Check PlugShare app for current locations.
How does the Urangan Pier Market affect parking? The popular Urangan Pier Markets (every Wednesday and Saturday morning) fill the pier parking areas quickly. Arrive before 8am for close parking or use the extended parking areas along the Esplanade.
Is it necessary to hire a car for my entire Hervey Bay stay? Consider hiring a car for specific days if your itinerary includes staying at central accommodations offering whale watching or Fraser Island tours (which include transfers). For most visitors exploring the wider region, a car for the entire stay provides the best flexibility.