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Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 346242
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Port Hedland Airport (PHE)
  • Get your car right away
  • Major rental companies available
  • Open when flights arrive
  • Extra airport fees
  • Fewer car types available
  • Very busy when workers change shifts
Port Hedland Town
  • Cheaper prices (no airport fees)
  • Easy walk from hotels
  • Can arrange pickup times
  • Need transport from airport
  • Limited hours (usually 8 AM-5 PM)
  • Book ahead recommended
South Hedland
  • Good prices
  • Near shopping centre
  • Good for long rentals
  • 15 km from Port area
  • Limited weekend hours
  • Fewer luxury cars

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Port Hedland?

On average, car rentals in Port Hedland cost around AUD $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $60 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Dodge the airport fees. Picking up your car in Port Hedland town or South Hedland can be cheaper than grabbing it right at the airport terminal.

  • Book ahead for the busy season. If you're visiting between May and October, locking in your car a few weeks early can help you find a better deal.

  • Avoid the Monday/Friday rush. Port Hedland gets busy with mine workers travelling at the start and end of the week. A mid-week pickup can often mean a better price.

  • Staying a while? Look for weekly deals. Renting for five or more days often unlocks better daily rates, so it's worth comparing prices for a longer period.

Car hire prices in Port Hedland 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Car Parks Available:

  • Port Hedland Town: Free spots throughout, some have time limits
  • South Hedland Square: Free spots, 3-hour limits in some sections

  • Port Hedland Airport: Short-term and long-term paid options available

  • Port Viewing Areas: Designated free spots at port lookouts and the Esplanade

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in town areas, 70 km/h on connector roads, 110 km/h on highways
  • Be alert for road trains and mining vehicles, especially near port areas
  • Give way to ore trains at level crossings (trains can be over 2 km long)
  • School zones (40 km/h) during school hours

Important Road Cautions:

  • Heavy industrial traffic around port facilities
  • Extreme heat can affect vehicle performance during summer months
  • Unsealed roads may be impassable after rain
  • Coastal roads can experience sand drift in windy conditions

Is it possible to see the iron ore port operations with a rental car? Yes, several public viewing areas allow you to observe port operations. Good spots include the Seafarers Centre lookout and the Marapikurrinya Park viewing platform. For closer access, consider joining an organised port tour.

Can I drive to Eighty Mile Beach with a standard rental car? The main highway to Eighty Mile Beach is sealed, but the final access road (approx. 10 km) is unsealed and can be sandy in parts. Many rental agreements prohibit driving on unsealed roads in 2WD vehicles. Some allow limited unsealed-road use in 4WDs on gazetted roads, but beach driving is usually prohibited. Always check your specific rental contract for restrictions before attempting such routes.

What's the best vehicle for driving between Port Hedland and Broome? A mid-sized SUV or larger vehicle can offer extra comfort, visibility and stability for this 610 km journey on a remote highway shared by road trains. Fuel efficiency is also a consideration as service stations are limited.

Are there any driving restrictions during cyclone season? Yes, during cyclone warnings (November-April), authorities may close roads and implement travel restrictions. Always follow emergency directions and delay travel until conditions are safe. Rental companies may also restrict vehicle usage during severe weather warnings.

Is it worth renting a car in Port Hedland for a one-day stopover? Yes, even for a short stay, a rental car allows you to see the port facilities, visit South Hedland and explore coastal areas like Pretty Pool and Cooke Point. The compact size of the town means you can experience the highlights efficiently using your own transportation.

Why rent a car in Port Hedland

Get a rental so you can see:

  • Port Hedland West End – Esplanade, port lookouts

  • Marapikurrinya Park and Seafarers Centre lookout – viewing platforms, ore train crossings

  • Cooke Point and Pretty Pool – tidal flats, Staircase to the Moon viewpoints

  • South Hedland – shopping centre, Town Square

  • Cossack and Point Samson – museum, jetty

  • Redbank Bridge – sunset views

Car Rental Driving Distances from Port Hedland, Australia