Gold Coast Car Rental

Gold Coast is a major tourist destination with plenty of things to see and do. Naturally, the main attraction is the beach. There are many beaches in and around the city, but the most famous is Surfers Paradise. Even if you're not a surfer, this iconic seaside spot is a great place to spend a day soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the sights.

If you do want to hit the waves, Surfers Paradise is just one of many options. Currumbin Alley has gentler waves, making it ideal for novice surfers. Seasoned veterans will want to head south to Rainbow Bay or Snapper Rocks, where big waves attract plenty of serious surfers. Of course, surfing isn't the only activity you can enjoy in the water. All kinds of water sports are available in this area, including diving, snorkeling, jet skis and more.

Want to see some of Australia's iconic animals? The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular spot for young and old alike. Here, veterinarians and staff have long cared for sick and injured animals and birds. The sanctuary works hard to educate visitors about the dangers of bushfires and road accidents.

When you're tired of the beach, head to the Hinterland. It's a lush, green rainforest located just inland from the city. A car or van rental in Gold Coast is a great way to explore this sub-tropical paradise. You can drive to Tamborine Mountain, just 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise, and enjoy the dizzying sights of the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Here, you'll also find the Underground Glow Worm Caves. These caves are home to thousands of luminous worms that light up the darkness.

For families or thrill seekers, Gold Coast is also known for its theme parks. There are five: Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and WhiteWater World. With a mix of family-friendly attractions, adrenaline-pumping thrill rides and exciting animal shows, these parks are an easy way to spend a day or two. Together, they make up the southern hemisphere's largest collection of theme parks.

If you're feeling peckish on the weekend, visit the Carrara Markets. Open Saturdays and Sundays, from 07:00 to 15:00, these enormous markets offer an eclectic blend of handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs and more. However, they're best known for their delicious food stalls. There's a real emphasis on local farm produce, and they're the ideal spot to pick up some Queensland jam or Gold Coast cheese to take home.

Gold Coast is fairly easy to drive around, with a speed limit of 50 km/h in most parts of the city. As many of the locals cycle, make sure to actively watch out for bikes. If you are sharing the road, make sure to give them plenty of room. In particular, you can expect to see a huge number of cyclists and pedestrians in Surfers Paradise. As a result, traffic in this area usually moves slowly, but it's still easy to drive in.

The roads around Gold Coast are clearly signposted. There is plenty of parking in the city as well, usually payable by the hour. If you are heading to theme parks, you're in luck — they are all signposted, and all of them are located in the same area. There is ample free parking at the theme parks, but it's still a good idea to get there early if you want to spend all day enjoying rides and attractions.

There are no tolls within Gold Coast, but you will need to pay a toll if you are driving to or from Brisbane on the Gateway Motorway. Car rental in Gold Coast usually involves an e-Tag being fitted to your vehicle, and the toll payment will be automatically deducted.

With Brisbane approximately one hour away, many people live in Gold Coast and commute back and forth. Rush hour usually runs from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Rush hour traffic is generally going toward Brisbane in the morning and returning to Gold Coast in the evening, so keep this in mind when planning your trips.

Queensland is known for its extreme weather, and it's essential that drivers pay attention to weather warnings. In the wet season, which runs from April through November, heavy rain can be common. These showers can cause flash floods and road damage. Bushfires, which can take place at any time of year, are another hazard. Keep an eye out for local warnings and always follow instructions from authorities when renting a car in Gold Coast.

When driving outside the city, watch out for local wildlife. Kangaroos are one of the leading causes of accidents on Australian roads. These animals are heavier than they look! Kangaroos are most active at night, so always watch out for animals crossing.