Car hire in Mackay, Australia

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Choose from 13 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Mackay?

Our data shows that November is the cheapest month to rent a car in Mackay. It’s around Rs17,764 per day in November, compared to the yearly average of Rs25,569 per day.
Cheapest month avgNovember • Rs17,764
Yearly avg priceRs25,569

Select your Mackay pick-up location

There are 13 car hire providers in Mackay. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Mackay

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Mackay. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Mackay

What's the most popular car to hire in Mackay?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Toyota Corolla is the most popular car to hire in Mackay, with prices starting from Rs23,265 per day. The Suzuki Swift and similar models are also popular drives in Mackay.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla32% chose this
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift12% chose this
Hyundai i30
Hyundai i308% chose this
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra8% chose this
Most popular carToyota Corolla
Why?Comfortable, practical, good value

Mackay's cheapest car hire providers

Thrifty has the cheapest car hire in Mackay right now, with prices from Rs23,265 per day. You'll save an average of Rs2,451 per day when you book with them.
Thriftyfrom Rs23,265 per day
Avisfrom Rs25,220 per day
Hertzfrom Rs25,538 per day
Europcarfrom Rs26,390 per day
Cheapest providerThrifty
Book with them to save aroundRs2,451 per day

Hiring a car in Mackay: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily priceRs54,571
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Mackay

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Mackay car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Mackay

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Mackay? With prices averaging Rs54,571 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting an economy ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the top deals to land you a bargain.

  • Rs23,265 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Mackay.

  • Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from Rs162,852 and squeeze in a few road trips.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Mackay car hire. Try booking around four weeks before your departure date.

  • Get behind the wheel with Avis, Thrifty or Europcar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.

  • The coverage Avis or another supplier includes with your Mackay car hire can vary, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging Rs42,135 a day.

  • Next up is [this provider]([this provider), which offers daily rates of around Rs41,608.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly Rs45,151 a day.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Intermediate rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Mackay.

Flying to Mackay? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Mackay Airport. If you're flying to Mackay through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Mackay

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Mackay car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Mackay that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Mackay car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Mackay.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Australia.

  • Add a car seat to your Mackay car rental reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • Driving in Australia may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.

  • Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Australia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.

  • One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.

  • You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Mackay for drivers

  • Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel Official. About 2 kilometres from central Mackay, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and a restaurant.

  • Beachside Boutique Motel Mackay is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features accessible parking, along with air conditioning and express check-out. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Mackay and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Mackay and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. Get started with popular attractions like Lamberts Lookout, Bluewater Trail and Bucasia Beach.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Mackay

  • Around 32 kilometres south of central Mackay, Sarina easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Sarina District Historical Centre and Big Cane Toad.

  • You'll be well looked after at Tramway Motel and Sarina Motor Inn, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Sarina.

  • When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Motor on to Yeppoon, around 274 kilometres southeast of Mackay. From Capricorn Coast National Park to Yeppoon Main Beach, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

  • The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Coral Inn Boutique Motel and Bayview Tower have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Yeppoon.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Mackay will set you back around Rs54,571 per day or Rs258,801 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Mackay is a compact van or truck. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.

The cheapest car hire companies in Mackay are currently Avis and Europcar.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Mackay is currently May.

On average, around Rs258,801. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Mackay is Rs162,852.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Mackay for a whole month is Rs844,640. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Mackay, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Mackay that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Mackay.

Most places – Mackay included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs25,557 per day. The average price per day is around Rs41,973.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, Budget and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Thrifty as the best overall in terms of experience.

Yes – van hire is available in Mackay.