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| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Perth Airport |
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| Perth City/Suburbs |
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| Regional Airports (Broome, Exmouth) |
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| Regional Towns (Margaret River, Albany) |
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Pick up your car in the city, not the airport. Grabbing your rental from a depot in Perth instead of right at the terminal can help you avoid extra location fees.
For trips during peak times like school holidays, book your car months ahead. For quieter periods, comparing options a few weeks out is usually fine.
WA means long drives, so choose a fuel-efficient car to save serious cash. A smaller car can easily save you $200 on a 2,000 km trip compared to a big SUV.
Here's a local secret for Perth: fill up your tank on a Tuesday. Prices drop every week on that day, so plan your refills to save a few bucks.
| Location | Availability | Costs | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth CBD | Street spaces, multi-storey car parks | Fees and time limits apply. Check local signage. | Check time limits (usually 1P-2P during business hours). |
| Fremantle | Street spaces, car parks | Hourly rates may apply | Spots available slightly away from the centre (near Monument Hill). |
| Major Tourist Towns (Margaret River, Broome) | Plenty of street spaces, car parks | Often time-limited; check signage | Main streets may have 2-hour limits. Shopping centre spots are usually available. |
| National Parks | Designated areas | Entry fees apply | Consider a park pass if visiting multiple parks. |
| Beaches & Remote Areas | Informal areas | Varies by location | Early arrival recommended for popular beaches like Turquoise Bay in peak season. |
Key Driving Regulations:
Toll Roads: Western Australia has no toll roads, unlike eastern states.
Wildlife Warning: Between dusk and dawn, kangaroos and other wildlife present a collision risk on rural roads. Avoid driving at night outside urban areas when possible. If driving at night, reduce speed and stay alert.
What documents do I need to rent a car in WA? A valid driver's licence from your home country (in English or an International Driving Permit if in another language) and a credit card in the renter's name.
What age restrictions apply to renting in WA? Most major companies require drivers to be 21+ and charge extra fees for those under 25. Some local companies accept drivers from 21 without extra charges.
Can I pick up in Perth and drop off in Broome? Yes, one-way rentals are available but usually come at a significant one-way fee ($700-$900). Look for seasonal promotions that cap these fees.
Are there rental options for the Gibb River Road? Yes, but you'll need a proper 4WD vehicle and specific permission from your rental company. Many rental agreements exclude this route.
What happens if I get a traffic fine in my rental car? The rental company will charge an admin fee ($30-$60) and either transfer the liability so the authority issues the fine to you directly or pay the fine and recharge it to your card. Speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras.
What insurance comes in a rental car in WA? Rental agreements include a standard damage liability or excess, often between $4,000-$5,500. Options may exist to reduce this excess amount by purchasing excess reduction cover from the rental company or using third-party rental insurance.
Is it necessary to rent a 4WD in Western Australia? Not if you're staying on sealed roads. All major tourist destinations including Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Kalbarri, Exmouth and Broome are accessible by regular 2WD vehicles on sealed roads. A 4WD is only necessary if you plan to visit off-road destinations.