From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 9259722191
logo_img

Discover the Best Car Rental Options for Your Gold Coast to Melbourne Journey

Experience the scenic drive down Australia’s eastern coast with flexible one-way car rentals.

Document required for international visitors
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

    Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking. Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g., copy of utilities bill, phone bill).

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (approximately USD 10.85), with some policies capping the fee at AUD 115.5 (approximately USD 75.97) for the rental period.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted combinations include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence), Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (English translation must be provided on the back of the license), and Original driving licence + NAATI Translation (certified by the Australian Translation and Accreditation Institute).

    Notes: If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking. Budget Australia may require a customer renting a vehicle to complete a Rental Qualification Form and provide additional identification as it deems necessary or appropriate or in accordance with applicable law (e.g., copy of utilities bill, phone bill).

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as AUD 16.5 per day (approximately USD 10.85), with some policies capping the fee at AUD 115.5 (approximately USD 75.97) for the rental period.
requirements.image

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 299-1421US$ 197.34-3289.14US$ 466-1567Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 1101-1101US$ 897.04-3289.14US$ 1188-1188Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 304-1387US$ 197.34-1184.09US$ 484-1555Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 306-3528US$ 197.34-3289.14US$ 484-3624Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 337-1229US$ 197.34-3289.14US$ 571-1368Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 3537-3537US$ 2990.12-2990.12US$ 3638-3638Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware of additional charges for returning your vehicle at a different location.
  • Drop-Off Locations: Ensure the drop-off point is easily accessible and convenient.
  • Travel Restrictions: Certain rentals may not allow crossing state or territory borders.
  • Rental Duration and Timing: Plan your journey to align with pickup and drop-off times to avoid late fees.
  • Vehicle Availability: Verify if the desired vehicle type is available for one-way trips.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in Advance: Secure your preferred vehicle and avoid last-minute surcharges.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Review the insurance policies included to ensure adequate coverage for the trip.
  • Consider Refueling Policies: Choose the most cost-effective option; usually, a full-to-full policy is best.
  • Prepare for Long Drives: Ensure the vehicle is equipped for comfort on longer journeys.
  • Familiarize with Traffic Regulations: Understand local traffic laws and conditions for a safe trip.
  • Download Offline Maps: Having offline navigation aids can be very helpful in remote areas.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

BP Tullamarine - 182–184 Airport Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

7-Eleven - 61-63 Mickleham Rd, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to optimize fuel consumption.

Avoid unnecessary idling to save fuel.

refueling-bg
Gold Coast Parking

Utilize park-and-ride facilities for cheaper options.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Melbourne Parking

Consider booking parking spaces in advance using apps for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

parking-bg
Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Ensure you have a valid toll pass to avoid fines.

Actual toll roads and charges

tolls-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Best Routes from Gold Coast to Melbourne:
Coastal Explorer
Scenic Road 23 hours

A coastal journey offering breathtaking ocean views and stops at charming beach towns.

Byron Bay , Sydney , Canberra , Geelong
Great Alpine Way
Mountain Route 27 hours

Traverse through stunning alpine landscapes and explore quaint mountainside villages.

Bright , Mt Hotham , Wangaratta , Ballarat
Direct Drive
Efficient Route 18 hours

A direct path ensuring minimal detours for quick travel between cities.

Brisbane , Albury , Wodonga
Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Ahead: Reserve your accommodation and rental cars in advance to secure the best deals.

Choose Your Route Wisely: Consider scenic or direct routes based on preferences and time constraints.

Gas and Charging Stations: Plan your route with stops for refueling or charging electric vehicles.

Safety First: Always follow traffic regulations and ensure your car is equipped for emergencies.

Budgeting: Allocate sufficient budget for tolls, fuel, and unforeseen expenses.

Understand Rental Policies: Familiarize yourself with the rental company's terms to avoid additional fees.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a reliable car rental company for your one-way trip from Gold Coast to Melbourne ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Large fleet of vehicles including luxury options , Flexible cancellation policy , Extensive network of rental offices in Australia.
Avis$$$MediumHigh Wide selection of eco-friendly vehicles , 24/7 customer support , Seamless online booking process.
Thrifty$MediumModerate Competitive pricing for one-way rentals , Online and mobile app for easy management , Transparent policies.
Budget$$HighLarge Special offers for long-term rentals , Comprehensive insurance options , Provides GPS and additional accessories.
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Gold Coast Car Rental Centers Information

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Car Rental Center Location:

The rental offices are located in the vicinity of Gold Coast Airport, easily accessible by foot from the main terminal building.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle services to nearby hotels and parking lots are available every 15 minutes.

Road Assistance:

24/7 on-road assistance is provided by all major rental companies for emergency situations.

Book your vehicle in advance to secure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best car rental companies offering one-way rentals from Gold Coast to Melbourne?

Several reputable companies offer this service, such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar. It’s advisable to compare rates and terms for your desired travel dates.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals on this route?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to the original location. This fee varies by company and the distance between locations.

How long does the drive from Gold Coast to Melbourne typically take?

The driving distance is around 1,700 kilometers, which typically takes about 18 to 20 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Do I need to return the rental car full of fuel?

Yes, unless you choose a prepaid fuel option, cars must generally be returned with the same fuel level as rented to avoid additional charges.

Are there scenic stops or attractions along this route?

Yes, you can enjoy attractions like Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley wine region, and coastal towns such as Sydney. Plan your itinerary to include these wonderful experiences.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ