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Finding a car rental in Port Macquarie is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around Australia with no booking fees. A hire car is pretty much essential for getting to the beaches and hinterland attractions. We compare low-priced deals from suppliers at Port Macquarie Airport and in the town centre.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) |
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| Port Macquarie CBD |
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| Off-Airport Independents |
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| Taree Airport/Taree Town |
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Rental Companies in Port Macquarie:
In CBD: Enterprise, East Coast Car Rentals
Local Operators: Port Rent A Car, Mid Coast Car Rentals, Nifty Car Rental
Transport to Port Macquarie Without Initial Car Rental:
On average, car rentals in Port Macquarie cost around AUD $106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $69 per day.
Compare prices between the airport and town locations. A short taxi ride into Port Macquarie might cost less than the airport surcharges, saving you some cash.
Heading here for Christmas or Easter? Booking ahead for peak holiday times is a smart move to avoid last-minute price hikes.
If you need a car for five days or more, look for weekly rates. You can often get a much cheaper price per day compared to shorter rentals.
Planning to explore the hinterland? A smaller car can save you on fuel, especially on those hilly inland drives around the Comboyne Plateau.
| Location | Parking Options | Costs & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port Macquarie CBD | On-street, multi-level parking | Mix of free time-limited (1-3 hours) and paid options. Hourly rates apply in some areas. Port Central may offer free spaces when you buy something. |
| Town Beaches | Dedicated beach lots | Free parking, but Town Beach and Flynns Beach fill quickly in summer |
| Lighthouse Beach | Large parking areas | Free unlimited parking and beach access |
| Koala Hospital | Dedicated lot | Free parking plus 2-hour limit during opening hours |
| Coastal Walk Access Points | Small parking areas | Free but limited spaces, especially at Tacking Point |
| Shopping Centres | Large customer lots | Free time-limited parking (usually 3 hours) |
Local Driving Regulations:
Speed Limits: 40-50 km/h in town areas, 80-100 km/h on rural roads
School Zones: 40 km/h during 8-9:30 AM and 2:30-4 PM on school days
CBD Layout: Port Macquarie town centre has a mix of one-way streets and roundabouts
River Crossings: The Hastings River is crossed by a single bridge on the Pacific Highway
North Shore Access: Vehicle ferry operates 6:30 AM-11:00 PM for access
Beach Driving: Driving on beaches is usually prohibited by standard rental agreements. Always check your contract.
Seasonal Traffic Notes:
Easter Long Weekend: Popular holiday period plus increased traffic throughout region
School Holidays: Higher traffic, especially between 10 AM-2 PM at tourist attractions
Traffic Hotspots:
Settlement Point Road approaching the ferry during summer
Horton Street in the CBD, particularly on market days
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Port Macquarie beaches – Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach
Tacking Point Lighthouse & Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – boardwalk
Camden Haven – Laurieton, North Brother Mountain, Pilot Beach
Comboyne Plateau – rainforest, dairy farms
Ellenborough Falls – waterfall, lookouts
South West Rocks – Trial Bay Gaol, beaches
Can I take a rental car on the Settlement Point Ferry to North Shore Beach? Yes, standard rental cars can use the Settlement Point Ferry (around A$10 return), but most rental agreements don't allow driving on beach sand. Even 4WDs from major brands are usually not allowed on beaches. If beach driving is a priority, check for specialised local 4WD hires that allow beach use and make sure you get the required Port Macquarie-Hastings Council beach driving permit. Always check your rental agreement for restrictions.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring Port Macquarie and surrounds? For most visitors, a standard sedan works fine. However, if you're planning lots of hinterland exploration (Comboyne, Ellenborough Falls), an SUV offers better comfort on winding roads and unsealed sections. Note that driving on unsealed roads may be restricted by your rental agreement. 4WD is only necessary if you plan permitted beach driving.
Is Port Macquarie a good base for day trips? Port Macquarie's central location makes it great for exploring the Mid-North Coast. You can reach various attractions from mountain waterfalls to beaches in a 90-minute drive. The town also offers accommodation and dining options.
Do I need to book a rental car in advance for Port Macquarie? Yes, especially during peak periods. For December-January and Easter, book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. For school holidays and whale watching season, 2-3 weeks notice works well. During quieter periods, same-week bookings are usually possible but may have limited selection.
Is it feasible to arrive in Port Macquarie without a car and rent one later? Yes, this works well. If staying in the CBD or Town Beach area, you can spend 1-2 days exploring on foot before picking up a rental for wider exploration. Taxis and a limited town bus service can help get you around initially.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Port Macquarie? Yes, EV infrastructure is growing. Public DC fast chargers are available in the CBD (e.g., Port Central area) and at service centres along the Pacific Highway near town. Many accommodations offer Tesla destination and Type 2 AC charging. Check a live map (such as PlugShare) for current locations, speeds and availability.
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