We Compare Car Hire in Gold Coast
Need help with your Rental Car?
Reasons to Book With DriveNow
- Price Guarantee
- Book Direct
- Compare
- No Hidden Fees
- No Booking Fees
- Trusted Since 2003
Reviews From Our Customers
Explore the Gold Coast with car hire from DriveNow
The Gold Coast, one of Australia's most iconic holiday destinations, epitomises the bold, brash, and beauty of Queensland, where sleek skyscrapers such as Soul and Q1 meet the Pacific along some of the world's best beach resorts. Gold Coast is famous for its near endless stretch of white sand beaches, with sheltered sections such as Coolangatta ideal for families with kids, as well as world-class surf breaks such as Burleigh Heads and Snapper Point. Year-round sunshine and a range of attractions including theme parks and golf courses also add to the region’s appeal. And if you look beyond the glitz and glamour of the coast, there’s a lush hinterland brimming with beautiful national parks and cascading waterfalls. With a range of accommodation to meet every need, Gold Coast can be the perfect chill-out retreat. Equally Gold Coast is teaming with night-life, with swanky bars, restaurants, and clubs, and not forgetting Jupiters Casino in Broadbeach. Like the sound of it already? Read on to discover more about one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations and learn how you can make the most of your Gold Coast car rental. We share some of our favourite places to stay on the Gold Coast, hot local restaurants, bars, and cafés, as well as attractions you simply cannot miss.
Booking Cheap Gold Coast Car Rentals with DriveNow
Get your holiday off to a great start by comparing the best deals on Gold Coast car hire before you leave home. You'll be surprised at the savings that can be had by booking ahead.
Our rates are all inclusive so there are no hidden surprises. The service is 100% free, allowing us to pass on the best available rates on car rental in the Gold Coast directly to travellers. We stand by our prices with our lowest price promise.
Why use DriveNow to book a Gold Coast Hire Car?
- 100% Australian owned and operated
- The lowest rental car prices in the market
- We partner with brands you know and trust
- Free booking service with no fees and no hidden charges
- Immediate email reservation confirmation and a locked in rental rate
- Our system searches, finds and displays the lowest rental rate for you
- In most instances, no deposit or credit card is required when booking. Just pay on pick-up
- Impartial and instant rate comparison allows you to easily compare rental brands and price
- Need Help? Speak to a local, our Reservations team are available via live chat, phone or email
FAQs on car rental from the Gold Coast
►What type of licence do I need to hire a car in Queensland?
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in Queensland?
In Australia all drivers are required to hold a current full and valid driver’s licence for at least 12 months, without any restrictions. Probationary licences are not accepted. Your valid driver’s licence must be presented when collecting your rental vehicle along with the licenses of any additional drivers.
Driver licences must be in English or supported by a certified translation or international driving permit along with your licence. For non-English language-based driving licenses we always recommend to also carry an International Driving Permit.
►How old do I need to be to rent a car from the Gold Coast?
How old do I need to be to rent a car from the Gold Coast?
With some exceptions you need to be over 21 to hire a car in Australia. If you are between 21 and 25 the rental car supplier at
the collection point may ask you:
· To pay a Young Driver's Age surcharge to complete the rental agreement
· Be required to choose a particular insurance liability option
· To select a specific vehicle category that allows drivers to be under 25 years of age (some suppliers restrict certain vehicle categories to only 25+ hirers)
· Have your rental agreement denied and your booking cancelled if the driver does not meet the requirements of that rental branch (refer to the rental car supplier’s cancellation policy)
►Are there any Road Restrictions when hiring a car?
Are there any Road Restrictions when hiring a car?
Yes. Check with the staff at the rental branch where you collect your vehicle before departing. Failure to adhere to restrictions will invalidate all insurance cover.
Rental companies do impose restrictions on vehicle usage and these may include driving only on maintained sealed roads with strictly no off-road use and not taking the vehicle on a ferry.
Rental companies reserve the right to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions (such as Outback Australia and the Northern Territory during the Wet Season). There may be certain exceptions to this, your chosen rental company can advise you when collecting your vehicle.
►Can I be guaranteed a particular rental vehicle?
Can I be guaranteed a particular rental vehicle?
No. No rental supplier will guarantee that a particular make, model or colour will be available for a specific reservation. You will notice that vehicles are always designated “or similar” as specific makes & models within a vehicle category may vary in availability and features such as passenger seating, luggage capacity, equipment, mileage and engine size.
Vehicle types, images and specifications displayed online are given as a guide only, they are simply an example of the type of vehicle that the rental company includes within that Vehicle category. You will be booking a particular category rather than a specific vehicle model
►Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
No. DriveNow does not charge booking fees or service charges when making a booking through our website.
►How far is the Gold Coast from Brisbane?
How far is the Gold Coast from Brisbane?
87km and just over 1 hour's drive south via the M1 freeway.
►Can the prices change overnight?
Can the prices change overnight?
Yes. DriveNow is a comparison web site with live pricing fed directly from our rental partners. As such pricing can change at the discretion of the rental provider and as vehicles are booked by other customers. However once you have made your confirmed booking the rates are locked in for the booking dates you have selected.
Booking in advance is always recommended to secure the best rate, generally the earlier you book the cheaper the rate
►Do I need to book in advance?
Do I need to book in advance?
Where possible it is recommended that you book in advance. During peak periods such as long weekends, Easter, Christmas and School Holidays, vehicles sell out well in advance.
This is particularly true for specialty vehicles such as 12-seaters, People Movers, luxury & sport cars along with 4WD’s which all sell-out quickly and early. Customers should considering booking 3-4 months in advance to secure the best rate and avoid the disappointment of missing out due to supply being exhausted.
►Are rental vehicles allowed to tow?
Are rental vehicles allowed to tow?
No. All of our suppliers do not permit towing with their vehicles.
►Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Yes. A security bond amount will be required when you collect your vehicle and will be applied to your credit card. It is important you have sufficient credit on the card to cover this.
The amount on the security bond can vary due to a number of different factors including; the total amount of your rental cost, credit card type, age of the renter, type of vehicle, location of residency, length of the reservation, insurance options taken and if collection is from an airport, city, regional location or franchised owned branch.
The security bond is released when the vehicle is returned and without any damage. The release of the bond and the return of your funds are subject to your credit card’s terms and conditions (for example how long it takes for the bond to be credited back to your card).
►What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
Each vehicle is displayed with ‘or similar’. When making a reservation, you are booking a vehicle category and not a specific vehicle model. Specific makes and models within a vehicle category may vary in availability and features such as passenger seating, luggage capacity, equipment, mileage and engine size.
Car rental companies turn over their rental fleets on a regular basis and as vehicles move between branch locations and different cities. Therefore, occasionally the vehicle you pick up may not be the exact make and model you selected at the time of booking. Normally the vehicle will be within the vehicle category booked however if none are available it will be a similar size or alternatively the next category available.
Not all vehicles are available from all locations. We are unable to monitor a supplier’s fleet movements across a particular country.
As rental car companies will not guarantee that a particular make, model or colour will be available for a specific reservation, unfortunately DriveNow cannot either.
►Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Yes. Additional excess liability reduction is optional. DriveNow recommend you consider all options when collecting your vehicle. Some travel insurance policies & credit card company insurance cover include car hire excess option and not the car insurance itself.
Check with your travel insurer or credit card provider as to what you are covered for. In the event of an accident, you will still be required to pay the full excess amount to the car rental supplier and then submit a claim to your insurer. As a general rule travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Excess amounts, additional cover and security bond amounts will only be available at the time of vehicle collection from the rental company, as the costs of these may vary based on the customer’s and booking details. Please contact your rental location to confirm prior to pick-up if you have any questions.
For further information on insurance options with Prosura, contact DriveNow.
►Is entering a flight number important when booking a car rental at an airport?
Is entering a flight number important when booking a car rental at an airport?
Yes your arrival flight number is important information for the car rental company if you are collecting a vehicle from an airport. Your flight number will indicate to the rental car company which terminal you will be arriving at (Domestic or International Terminal).
If you experience a flight delay and the rental company is aware of your flight details, they are more likely to hold the vehicle for you. Without arrival flight details in your reservation and if you haven’t collected the vehicle at the booked time, they may treat your reservation as a ‘no-show’ and release the vehicle to another customer.
If no flight details are entered into your reservation, we cannot guarantee the rental car supplier will hold the vehicle for you, especially during busy holiday periods.
Where to Stay on the Gold Coast
With the money you’ve saved on cheap Gold Coast car hire with DriveNow, you’re free to splurge on accommodation at some of the many fabulous hotels and resorts the Gold Coast has to offer.
Most of the Gold Coast’s hotels and resorts are spread between two suburbs: vibrant, commercialised Surfers Paradise and the quieter, more upscale Broadbeach to the south. That said, some of the region’s most premium properties are located in affluent Main Beach, located at the north end of the Esplanade.
As many visitors to the Gold Coast hire a car and locals predominantly drive, you’ll find parking an easy proposition and you won’t have to pay through the nose for it unlike many of the bigger cities on Australia’s east coast. Many resorts and hotels have their own private carparks or parking lots, while in Surfers Paradise there are plenty of public parking garages with car spaces at reasonable prices.
Our Favourite Hotels on the Gold Coast
Palazzo Versace Hotel
The Palazzo Versace’s elegant sweeping entrance
Source: palazzoversace.com.au
This opulent Main Beach hotel is not for the faint hearted, with its ornate mosaics, bold fabrics, Juliet balconies, and gilt-edged mirrors. Everything here is pure Versace, from the daring cushions and the signature dinnerware all the way to the tiny in-room bath soaps adorned with the brand’s distinctive logo. If you’ve ever wanted to be a rockstar, the fantasy begins here the minute you pull up in front of the Palazzo Versace Hotel’s extravagant lobby.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast
Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast unveils its refreshing new look
Source: sheratongrandmiragegoldcoast.com
The Gold Coast’s only 5-star beachfront resort recently had a pricey facelift, and the new look interiors now feature plenty of clean lines, while the iconic pool and lagoon have been transformed with some seriously luxe Miami Beach-inspired landscaping. The gorgeous Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast is situated just across the road from the Palazzo Versace Hotel.
QT Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s coolest hotel
You can’t go past QT Gold Coast for vintage cool. This hotel is quirky to the core with its 1950s pin up wall decals and friendly staff clad in candy-coloured jumpsuits. On Staghorn Avenue, it’s also right amongst all the action of Surfers Paradise if you can bring yourself to leave the chic market-style restaurant, swanky bar, and tropical pool. There’s a spa complete with nail bar onsite as well so you can always look your beachy best.
Meriton Serviced Apartments Broadbeach
Meriton offers excellent value for money across the country, and their 405-unit Meriton Serviced Apartments Broadbeach is no exception. Expect oversized contemporary apartments with modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, well-equipped kitchenettes and built-in robes, as well as access to a fitness centre, swimming pool, and undercover parking. Housekeeping services are also available every day. The Jupiters Casino entertainment complex is just across the road.
Other Fantastic Locations Farther Afield
Did we already mention Gold Coast’s stunning outback? World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park is just one hour’s drive (around 45km) southwest of the Gold Coast and harbours over 200 bird species, hundreds of waterfalls, and a multitude of walking trails. A good place to base yourself here is at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Canungra. Welcoming visitors to area since 1926, this rustic property offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, vineyard as well as a range of exciting activities including a flying fox experience, guided walks, and glow worm tours. O’Reilly’s also has a splendid day spa with a sparkling infinity pool, a couples’ therapy room with a handcrafted wooden tub and a steam room.
A relaxed resident of Queensland’s stunning hinterland
Mount Tamborine is another hinterland destination deserving of at least an overnight stay. This luxuriant green region is approximately 525m above sea level and favoured by city dwellers looking to escape the humidity of the coast. In winter it offers temperatures cool enough to invite sitting in front of a crackling log fire.
Mount Tamborine’s scenic walking tracks are ideal for visitors to discover the natural beauty of southern Queensland’s subtropical rainforests. Look for native birds such as kookaburras in the dense tree canopy fringing the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, and be sure to stop at an orchard, a winery, or the award-winning Tamborine Mountain Distillery. The fertile volcanic red soils here support crops such as avocado, macadamia nuts, and all manner of fruit.
The hinterland is easily reached by car and offers a tranquil, green alternative to the golden beaches, bright lights, and lively clamour of the Gold Coast.
Of course, there’s also Brisbane. Referred to affectionately as simply “Brissy”, Queensland’s state capital is a sprawling riverside metropolis one hour north of the Gold Coast. Travel here to see the annual best-of-three Australian rugby league football match known as the State of Origin. Played between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons, this series is often touted as Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry. Alternatively, hit the shops of the CBD’s Queen Street Mall or discover Fortitude Valley’s thriving food scene. Stay the night in a city hotel or head back to the Coast - the Pacific Motorway (M1) makes commuting between the two cities a breeze.
Top Things To Do on the Gold Coast
A DriveNow rental car or campervan hire offers the most convenient way to get around the Gold Coast, even if all you want to do is travel between the bustling foreshore and entertainment venues of popular Surfers Paradise and the two main icons of Broadbeach: Jupiters Hotel and Casino and the Pacific Fair shopping centre.
Wax Museum and Infinity Attraction, while visitors of all ages will appreciate 7D Cinema Gold Coast, which lets viewers become part of the movie experience using the latest in virtual reality technology.
In Broadbeach, it’s easy to spend an entire day browsing the shops of Pacific Fair, which houses one of Australia’s largest collections of luxury boutiques set amid tropical greenery. Although Broadbeach is located right next to Surfers Paradise, it has a laid-back, almost suburban feel, with plenty of natural space for the whole family to enjoy. Learn to catch a wave at the local surf school or fire up the barbecue at Cascade Gardens, which is home to a huge kids’ playground, many pretty trails, and one the nation’s most significant war memorials - both these attractions are within walking distance of the Meriton Serviced Apartments Broadbeach.
If you’re looking for something to do around your hotel in Main Beach, you’re in luck. This suburb is home to Sea World as well as the terminal where whale watching boat tours depart between May and November each year. Palm-lined Tedder Avenue is a trendy local dining strip, while Marina Mirage offers some 60 specialist shopping boutiques and a Saturday farmers’ market. Stroll down to the heritage-listed bathing pavilion on Main Beach for fish and chips or a potato cake in the evening. Built in 1934, the building provided public bathing facilities to the citizens of Southport and continues to do so to this day.
A southern humpback whale making a splash
The Gold Coast’s Best Restaurants and Cafes
The Gold Coast dining scene has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, catching up to its big sister Brisbane up the road. Naturally, many of the restaurants we’ve shortlisted make the most of Gold Coast’s charms - fresh seafood, balmy weather, and a casual laid-back vibe. The Gold Coast’s coffee and bar scene are also fast growing up, taking on the same kind of edge and understated urban cool that characterise the hippest venues in Melbourne.
Hellenika
Opened by Melbourne-born Simon Gloftis, this Gold Coast institution at Nobby Beach sits next to a highway but you don’t come here for the view. The main drawcard is the food: don’t miss Hellenika’s rich taramasalata (fish roe dip), smoky chargrilled calamari and the house special - a kilo of baked lamb which falls right off the bone. As for beverages, aside from wines of Greek and Australian origin, this unpretentious restaurant offers a number of classic cocktails, many of which feature refreshing combinations of gin or rum and citrus or mint - a perfect complement to the coastal evening breeze.
Etsu Izakaya
This Japanese bar-style eatery, whose entrance is marked by a red paper lantern (as is customary in Japan), has put Mermaid Beach firmly on the gourmet map with its colourful fresh sashimi platters, mouth-watering tempura Moreton Bay bugs, and deliciously charred meat and veg skewers slow-cooked over the traditional charcoal-fired robata grill. There’s nothing formal about eating at this bustling hip-and-happening hangout - use your fingers and knock back as many ice-cold Asahis as you can handle!
Bazaar
So you think that buffets are only for cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts? Think again. QT’s Bazaar requires that patrons “dress to impress” - no bare feet or singlets are allowed in this atmospheric dining space. An all-you-can-eat international restaurant, Bazaar has the buzz of a busy marketplace, with different “stalls” set up where you can watch the chef at work or see your meal get made. Think golden dumplings, decadent seafood, juicy roast meats, and crisp, colourful salads. The indulgent dessert section is also amongst the biggest on the Coast. If you’re a guest at the QT Hotel upstairs, consider having breakfast here - there’s an egg station plus an impressive spread of fruits, juices, cereals, and baked goods.
Stingray Lounge
Another plus if staying at QT Hotel Gold Coast is the ability to totter back up to your room after a big night at the Stingray Lounge. Tucked inside the hotel, this fashionable watering hole offers 50 different kinds of tequila (yes, 50!), Mexican-inspired bites, and plenty of beautiful people dressed to the nines to dance the night away. Decor is industrial-chic, with exposed pipes painted black running across the ceiling and plenty of moody lighting.
Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co
This kooky Queensland chain is responsible for some of Australia’s most satisfying burgers, with a busy shop on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. A delightfully simple menu - classic burgers, chips, onion rings, thick shakes and ‘concretes’ (a frozen custard served with toppings such as hot fudge or caramel sauce) - has the place crawling with fast food aficionados of all ages. Presentation is kitschy-cute and the icing on the cake is that this Betty’s Burgers is licensed, with a selection of beers and wines on the menu.
Elk Espresso
This low-key cafe on Chelsea Avenue in Broadbeach wouldn’t look out of place at all in Melbourne’s Yarraville or Fitzroy, with its edgy warehouse aesthetic. Catering to a mostly local crowd, Elk Espresso makes a mean latte and a decadent hot chocolate. The menu is also chock-full of good honest breakfast fare like bacon and eggs and Bircher muesli. However, it’s the little things like the passionfruit-and-coconut panna cotta and ‘The Summer Doughnut’ that remind you that you’re very much on the warm and sunny Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast’s Greatest Food Markets
If you enjoy feasting with both your eyes and your mouth, there’s no better place to go than the local market - the Gold Coast has plenty of options in this respect. Early birds should look no further than the morning Bundall Farmers’ Markets at The Arts Centre, which brings rural treasures such as fresh bread, baked goods, sweet home-grown strawberries, and homemade jams straight from the farms into the city. A truly wholesome way to start the day!
Night owls will appreciate the wide selection of eclectic sunset markets on the Gold Coast. Head to the fortnightly covered Miami Marketta for a huge array of street foods, ranging from Thai stir-fries to tacos. Already had dinner? No problem, there’s also a designated dessert hall - heaven for sweet tooths. The sprawling Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on the iconic Esplanade is open-air and boasts over 120 stalls selling everything from jewellery and confectionery to homewares, with live entertainers to add to the ambience.
Stock up on seasonal produce straight from the farm
Gold Coast Events: Get Outside!
While Gold Coast might be most famous for its warm weather and picturesque landscapes, it has plenty more to offer. In addition to its wonderful climate, dazzling beaches, fantastic hotels, and slew of excellent restaurants, Gold Coast also plays host to a number of world-class events throughout the year. Here are just a handful of the biggest ones:
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast
Held in March at Snapper Rocks, home to arguably the finest right hand point break in the southern hemisphere, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is the first stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Come see the planet’s top surfers - male and female - compete for the crown and a big prize pool.
Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Really stretch out those legs and breathe in the pure coastal air on this scenic road race which attracts over 27,000 runners of all ages and abilities each year. The course is flat, fast and usually puts on perfect weather for running in July.
Gold Coast 600
The three-day Gold Coast 600 held in Surfers Paradise over a weekend in October is one of the toughest V8 Supercar street circuits on the planet. If your need for speed and action isn’t fulfilled during the day, don’t worry - Gold Coast’s biggest party continues long after it gets dark.
Australian PGA Championships
Some of the nation’s best golfers have competed in this prestigious tournament, held in December at some of the country’s top courses including the RACV Royal Pines in Benowa. Previous winners include international superstars Adam Scott, Robert Allenby, Geoff Ogilvy and Greg Norman.
So be sure to make the most of your Gold Coast holiday by picking up a quality rental car from DriveNow. We offer the best deals on cheap car rental in the Gold Coast from the most respected car hire companies in Australia. Use the handy search box to start comparing deals today.