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Compare rental cars from major suppliers in Wollongong with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Wollongong's best spots are spread out, making a hire car the easiest way to get from the city beaches up to the Illawarra escarpment lookouts. You can pick up your vehicle from depots in the CBD, North Wollongong, or check the industrial areas like Unanderra for some sharp rates.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| North Wollongong |
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| Unanderra/Kembla Grange |
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| Wollongong CBD |
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Major Rental Companies: Wollongong has all major rental brands including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar/Keddy and SIXT (formerly Thrifty). Locations are mainly in North Wollongong and Unanderra, with some smaller offices near the city centre.
On average, car rentals in Wollongong cost around AUD $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $26 per day.
Compare prices before you book. Different companies can have wildly different rates for the same car in Wollongong.
Pick up your car from an industrial area like Unanderra or Kembla Grange. It might be less convenient than the city centre but can be noticeably cheaper.
If you're visiting during summer or a big event, booking ahead is your best bet for a good deal. For quieter times, last-minute deals can sometimes pop up.
Look for cheaper fuel at Metro or United stations, and use your supermarket shopping dockets for extra discounts at their partner petrol stations.
Parking Availability:
| Location | Type | Time Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Wollongong CBD | Street parking | Usually 1-2 hour limits during business hours |
| Crown Street Mall area | Council car parks | 2-3 hour limits on weekdays |
| Wollongong Hospital | Hospital parking | Strictly enforced time limits |
| North Beach/Stuart Park | Beach parking | 3-4 hour limits (strictly enforced in summer) |
| Innovation Campus | Campus parking | Visitor parking areas available |
| Wollongong Central | Mall parking | Commercial centre hours |
Local Driving Rules:
Traffic Enforcement:
Toll Road Information:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Sea Cliff Bridge
Nan Tien Temple
Kiama – blowhole
Mount Keira Lookout
Royal National Park
Southern Highlands – Macquarie Pass
Where is the best place to pick up a rental car if arriving by train to Wollongong? North Wollongong has several rental companies within a short taxi ride (5 minutes) from Wollongong Station. Alternatively, some companies offer pickup service if arranged in advance.
Are there any free parking options in Wollongong CBD? Street parking is free after 4:30pm on weekdays, after 12:30pm on Saturdays and all day Sunday. Several council car parks also offer free weekend parking.
Can I drive to Sydney and back in a day from Wollongong? Yes, Sydney is roughly 80km north of Wollongong (1-1.5 hour drive depending on traffic). A day trip is very doable. Consider traffic conditions; avoid northbound morning and southbound evening rush hours.
Is it necessary to rent a car for my entire Wollongong stay? If staying mainly in the CBD, you could rent for specific days only. The free Gong Shuttle serves many central attractions, but a car is essential for escarpment lookouts and exploring beaches and surrounding towns efficiently.
How difficult is the drive up Macquarie Pass to the Southern Highlands? Macquarie Pass is steep and winding but manageable in any standard vehicle. Allow extra time (40+ minutes), use lower gears on descent and avoid driving in heavy fog or after significant rainfall when conditions can be challenging. The destination is the Southern Highlands.
Where can I find the best views of Wollongong for photography? Sublime Point lookout offers panoramic views over the entire city (15-minute drive plus short walk), while Mount Keira lookout provides closer views of the CBD and harbour (10-minute drive). Bald Hill near Stanwell Park offers coastal views of the northern Illawarra (25-minute drive).
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