Car rental in Perth (Western Australia)

Exploring Perth and its surroundings with a rental car

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is a fun destination for a holiday trip. It offers tourists a diversity of natural and urban attractions. Golden beaches, beautiful parks, and sophisticated shopping venues can all be found in Perth.

The city is also an ideal holiday destination for any lovers of outdoor activities. Fishing, swimming, surfing, and sailing—these are just a few of the many interesting options you can pursue in the capital of Western Australia. The scenic Swan River adds to the city’s atmosphere and will be a great place to start your exploration of Perth.

Western Australia offers a huge variety of interesting things to do, too, and it couldn’t be easier to explore it with a rental car. With Driveboo, you can compare offers of many different rental companies and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Where should I rent a car in Perth?

There are plenty of options when it comes to car rental around Perth. Due to the fact that aeroplane is the main means of transportation when travelling to Australia, the easiest way to find your dream vehicle is to search for car rental companies at the airport.

The nearest airport to the city centre is Perth Airport (PER), located only 15.6 km away. It doesn’t matter which terminal you arrive at—you will find car hire companies at T1 International, T1 Domestic, T2 Domestic, and T3 & T4 Domestic Terminals.

What are the conditions for booking a rental car in Perth?

The conditions may differ from company to company. However, all car hire companies offer some type of insurance. In order to ensure the full protection of your passengers, you should choose full insurance with or without deductibles. This insurance sometimes allows you to additionally register another driver free of charge.

Important traffic rules when driving around Perth

Australia follows left-hand traffic. If you are an inexperienced driver, try your hand at driving away from main roads before venturing into busy areas.

Penalties for road traffic offenses are extremely high in Australia. Therefore, you must observe the speed limits at all times. Within built-up areas, the speed limit is set at 60 km/h, and outside built-up areas at 100 km/h.

When it comes to seatbelts, it is mandatory for all passengers to wear them. There are also high penalties applied when drivers are caught drinking and driving. The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.05%. It is also forbidden to use your mobile phone while driving.

In the case of parking spaces where the car has to be parked perpendicular to the sidewalk, the signs determine the angle at which the car should be parked and whether it has to be facing forwards or backwards. Remember to always park in accordance with the direction of traffic, as breaking this law will result in a penalty of $100.

Do I need an international driver's license to rent a car in Perth?

Your EU driver's license will be accepted by police and car rental companies (as long as it is translated into English!) in certain states of Australia. Most states, however, require drivers to have an International Licence. You should also carry your original driver’s licence with you at all times.

Is there wildlife on the roads around Perth?

Kangaroos, wombats, or koalas are all animals you should watch out for while driving around Australia. There are also numerous unfenced roads with cattle grazing on the adjoining fields. This may pose a serious risk for you and your passengers.

What emergency numbers should I know in Perth?

000 is the most important number to remember in any emergency. By calling it, you can reach the police force, fire department, and ambulance service 24 hours a day throughout the whole of Australia.

You should call 131 126 to reach the Poisons Information Centre if you are stung or bitten by a dangerous or poisonous animal.

When visiting a doctor or a hospital in Australia, you will be required to pay the costs in cash. Traveller’s checks and credit cards are not accepted in such situations.

Attractions of Perth that you can enjoy with your rental car

Perth holds plenty of interesting tourist attractions in store for holidaymakers. One of the popular highlights is King's Park and Botanic Garden, which is ideal for those looking for some solitude and scenic landscapes. It offers wonderful views of the Swan River. This peaceful paradise is located just a stone’s throw from the heart of Perth.

Near the garden, tourists will have a unique opportunity to sunbathe on one of the region’s stunning beaches. You can choose from such stunning spots as Port Beach, City Beach, and Rockingham Beach. Each of them is characterised by great infrastructure and plenty of water sports options.

Families with children should plan a trip to Perth Zoo. The city zoo is home to such animals as wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and koalas.

Hillarys Boat Harbour is another highlight of Perth. It can be found just 20 km from the city centre. In its near vicinity, tourists will find fancy shops, family-friendly venues, and interesting restaurants serving traditional Australian food.

Exploring the area surrounding Perth with a rental car

 Perth is also considered a great starting point for the exploration of the wider region. After a long sightseeing tour around the city, it’s time to head for Western Australia. Below, you will find some of the popular highlights in the region:

• Fremantle – Located at the mouth of the Swan River, this is a great place to run away from the bustling city streets of the Australian metropolis. This harbour city is rich both culturally and historically. While in Fremantle, you should see its Town Hall, Fremantle Prison, and the Western Australian Maritime Museum.
• Caversham Wildlike Park – Offering a great insight into the diversity of Australian wildlife, the park is home to numerous animal, bird, spider, and butterfly species. It is a top highlight for families with children.
• Pinnacles Desert – This is part of the Nambung National Park and a very popular destination among photographers. Wind-sculpted dunes, golden colours, and clean blue sky are the defining characteristic features of the area.