Car Rentals in Caloundra, AUS

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What you need to know for your Caloundra car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Caloundra

Renting a car in Caloundra offers you the freedom to explore this beautiful region at your own pace. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or beach experiences, having a rental car makes it easy to manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit local attractions like Bulcock Beach, which is perfect for enjoying the sun and surf, or head to the Caloundra Events Center for a taste of local culture. For a scenic drive, consider taking a trip to Mooloolaba Esplanade, located 14 km away, where you can enjoy outdoor activities and family experiences. Additionally, nearby Kings Beach and Moffat Beach, both less than 2 km away, offer further opportunities for relaxation and exploration. With a rental car, you can also venture into the wider Sunshine Coast area, experiencing attractions such as Hastings Street and Noosa Beach with ease. Overall, hiring a car in Caloundra provides the convenience and flexibility needed to make the most of your trip, ensuring you can discover the best of what this stunning region has to offer.

Most popular car hires around Caloundra

  • Compact SUV: This vehicle accommodates up to 5 travellers and has space for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, providing a perfect balance of comfort and manoeuvrability. With its higher seating position, it offers better visibility, making it easier to navigate the roads around Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast.
  • Standard: The Standard car option can comfortably seat 5 travellers and has the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases. This type of vehicle is particularly suited for couples and families seeking a spacious ride. Its ample boot space ensures that you can manage your luggage effortlessly while enjoying the flexibility of exploring the area at your own pace.
  • Midsize: Offering seating for 5 travellers with room for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize car is a fantastic choice for couples and families. This vehicle provides a good compromise between comfort and size, allowing you to store your belongings without sacrificing passenger space. It’s perfect for those looking to explore Caloundra and its surroundings while ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

Top rated car suppliers around Caloundra

  • Avis: Avis is the most popular car hire supplier in Caloundra, with a rental location situated 17 km away. Many travellers favour Avis for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles. The most booked option with Avis is the Compact SUV, which provides a comfortable and spacious driving experience, perfect for exploring the stunning Sunshine Coast at your own pace. With its strong reputation and convenient offerings, Avis is an excellent choice for those looking to hire a car in the Caloundra area.

Where to stay around Caloundra

  • Caloundra: Known for its stunning beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, Caloundra is a vibrant destination located in the heart of Sunshine Coast. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Bulcock Beach and the nearby tourist precinct, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration. The area offers a variety of dining options and local shopping experiences, perfect for those looking to indulge in local cuisine and culture.
  • Kawana Waters: Situated 6 km from Caloundra, Kawana Waters is a great choice for families and business travellers alike. This suburb features a shopping mall and beautiful beaches, including Mooloolaba Beach, which is perfect for a beach holiday. The local dining scene offers plenty of options for a casual meal or a coffee break, making it a convenient base for your Sunshine Coast adventures.
  • Bribie Island North: Just 8 km away from Caloundra, Bribie Island North is a lovely seaside suburb renowned for its outdoor activities and family-friendly environment. With its golf courses and shopping areas, visitors can enjoy both relaxation and leisure. The proximity to local beaches, such as Mooloolaba Beach and Bulcock Beach, provides ample opportunities for sunbathing and beachside fun, making it a delightful location for a memorable stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Caloundra

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available to them. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in the event of unexpected incidents during your trip. It is straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required in order to rent a car.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
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From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Caloundra?
You get bang for your buck in Caloundra, with hired car prices within the past seven days starting from as low as a day.
Can I hire a car from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)?
You can, and there's lots of choice. After you've disembarked and grabbed your bags, head to the rental car centre in the arrivals hall adjacent to baggage collection. Here you can choose from great companies like Thrifty, Eropcar and Hertz. If you'd like some more options, see what's available with Enterprise and Avis.
What happens if I need to cancel my Caloundra car reservation?
Subject to your hire agreement, you may qualify for a refund. Many reservations offer a complete refund if you let us know six hours before collecting the car. Got any questions? If you can't find the answer in your confirmation, our Customer Service Portal is always available.
What types of cars can I rent in Caloundra?
Not too small and not too big, compact cars are the first choice for many rental customers in Caloundra. Offering superb mileage and easy parking and handling, they're perfect for dashing around the city. A compact car offers slightly more room than an economy vehicle, so you can cruise around in a little extra style and comfort. Prefer a bit more legroom? Check out our intermediate, standard or full-size range.
Where can I go on a road trip from Caloundra?
Once you've visited all of the amazing places in Caloundra, there's more to explore in the surrounding region. Pick up the keys to a hire car, pack your bags in the trunk and take to the open road. Here are some drives we think you'll enjoy:

  • Gold Coast is about 85 miles from Caloundra. Famous tourist attractions like Warner Bros. Movie World should be at the top of your list while you're in town.
  • Your next stop? Consider Brisbane, which is around 45 miles away. Suncorp Stadium is one local highlight you shouldn't miss.
  • Head to Bargara Beach to feel grounded in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just recharge your batteries in the fresh air. From Caloundra, it's 140 miles away.

How do I find the best car hire deals in Caloundra with Expedia?
Scoring an amazing deal on your Caloundra rental car is a piece of cake with Expedia. Choose your preferred car class, add in a few more details and compare prices from top suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You'll get access to even bigger savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Caloundra?
Hire car rules in Caloundra require drivers to be 21 and over. Are you a younger driver? Surcharges and restrictions could apply. Most hire providers impose what is known as a young driver surcharge, which is an extra fee to the rental car cost. Restrictions usually apply to the categories of cars young people can hire as well. Age limits may vary between outlets, so check before you book.
What do you need to hire a car in Caloundra?
A valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? Then there's a good chance you'll also need proof of other coverage. Requirements can differ between hire companies, so read your policy thoroughly.
What is the cheapest car hire in Caloundra?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the lowest daily rate was . The second lowest price to hire a ride in Caloundra was a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Caloundra?
Whether you're planning to stop in Caloundra or discover what's beyond, you can book a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip dates and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll find you incredible long-term car hire deals.
Where can I find a Caloundra hire car if I am younger than 25?
You'll need to look into the age policy of the Caloundra hire suppliers you're considering. If you're under 25 years old, be aware that some will charge additional fees. It's better to know this in advance so you can tailor your budget accordingly. Each rental car company has its own rules for young drivers, so it pays to do your research.
Why should I rent a Caloundra car with Expedia?
From quick work trips to road trips you'll never forget, Expedia has vehicles to suit every adventure and style. Take your pick of multiple reliable rental companies in Caloundra. And with our exclusive offers and discounts, you can be confident you'll get a good deal on your shiny set of wheels. Did you know you can combine your bookings into a package? Add a hotel or flight to your hire car and watch the savings add up! Plus, when you join our One Key™ rewards programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and redeem it on eligible hotels, flights, car rentals and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

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