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Get moving on the Sunshine Coast with the right rental car
Pick up a car hire at the Sunshine Coast Airport in beautiful Queensland, Australia, and you’ll be ready to explore this naturally blessed region. There are flawless beaches, fantastic surf breaks, a string of unique resort towns, and a lush hinterland with verdant and dramatic scenery. The Sunshine Coast is quite the destination, particularly for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
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Free 1 Additional Driver Black Friday Sale Alpha Car Hire Australia Brisbane Airport, Brisbane - Hendra + 4 more 01 December 2022 - 31 March 2023 Minimum hire period: 3 days
Essential information for your Sunshine Coast Airport car hire
Airport guide
Sunshine Coast Airport (IATA: MCY) was previously known as Maroochydore Airport. It is located towards the northern end of the Sunshine Coast region and has a regular arrivals and departures schedule of primarily domestic flights with a few services to and from Auckland, New Zealand. It has one terminal which can be separated into an international and domestic section when necessary.
The departures area has a convenience/gift store, a surf store, and an eatery called Swell Cafe. There is free WiFi throughout the terminal, and an array of services such as ATMs, a mailbox, baggage trolleys, a public telephone, and bathroom facilities.
Car rental counters at Sunshine Coast Airport are located in the arrivals hall near the baggage conveyor belt.
Driving tips for your car rental Sunshine Coast Airport
It’s important to stay safe on the road, whether you are here for a quick business trip or a lengthy holiday journey. We’ve put together some of the most important pointers for drivers new to the area of the country, so read on and arrive prepared.
- Drive on the LEFT in Australia! International drivers from right-side driving countries may need some time to get accustomed to this.
- In Queensland, the driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt or, if under 7 years old, use an appropriate child car seat or restraint.
- Distances are posted in kilometres and speeds in kilometres per hour (kph).
- The default speed limits in Queensland are 50 kph in built-up or urban areas and 100 kph on rural or open roads. There are many variations to these basic limits, so you should always look for speed limit signs to give you accurate information.
- If you’re heading into the Outback, go prepared with plenty of food and water in your vehicle, as well as a method of communication. It is sparsely populated and remote.
- The blood alcohol concentration limit for fully licenced drivers in Queensland is 0.05%.
Where to go on the Sunshine Coast
With a hire car from Sunshine Coast Airport, the whole region is available to you. But with so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to go! We’ve listed below a few ideas—all within a few hours’ drive of the airport—to help you start your planning.
Bribie Island
This carefree and beautiful island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easily accessible for visitors. There are plentiful beaches, coastal camping grounds, and adventure activities like kayaking, eco-tours, and 4WDing available. A fantastic place to spend a day or two.
Noosa
Most visitors to the Sunshine Coast end up here at some point! It’s a fashionable and fun resort town, mixing designer shops and high-end restaurants with laid-back surf vibes and the natural assets of beach and rainforest. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-recognised area with an outstandingly diverse ecosystem.
Australia Zoo
Don’t miss this iconic zoo and conservation centre during your trip to the Sunshine Coast! It’s easily accessible with a rental car, just 30 minutes drive from the airport. The Irwin family are beloved in Australia as wildlife warriors, and visitors can learn so much here about the country’s amazing fauna.
Cooloola
This recreational area is located within Great Sandy National Park and it is all about sand: dunes, multi-coloured sand cliffs, and a sweeping beach. It’s a beautiful spot to surf, hike, and explore. The ideal day out from the Sunshine Coast, where bush meets sea with nothing but sand between.
Brisbane
It’s not far from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane in a rental car, and for those who want some urban entertainment or retail therapy, the city is the place to be. Visit the open-air Eat Street market for fabulous food, walk the riverbank, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and enjoy the boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes of Brisbane.
Looking for a new epic adventure? Consider a campervan rental trip in The Land Down Under. You can explore Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, or Gold Coast in a motorhome. GoSee will provide you with all of the best options and deals for this journey.
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Hire car Sunshine Coast Airport: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to hire a car at Sunshine Coast Airport?
The base cost of a car hire from Sunshine Coast Airport will depend on the supplier, whether they are located on or off the airport, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. It can range widely from around AUD$40 per day for a compact car to upwards of AUD$250 per day for a large SUV or luxury vehicle.
To find the rental cars Sunshine Coast Airport that fits into your budget, use the price range filter to narrow down your search results. You can also arrange them by “Highest Price” or “Lowest Price” to find what you’re looking for.
What is the cheapest car hire company at Sunshine Coast Airport?
Different rental suppliers will claim this title at different times, but the more affordable rental companies on the Sunshine Coast may include Apex, Hertz, Europcar, and East Coast Car Rentals.
Which car hire companies in the Sunshine Coast have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most rental suppliers operating at Sunshine Coast Airport have updated policies in place as a response to COVID-19. Look for “Enhanced Cleaning” and “Contactless Pick Up” in the features of a listing, as these are safety measures. More detailed information will be available on each supplier’s website.
Can I collect a car from Sunshine Coast Airport and return somewhere else?
Yes, most of our rental partners will have depots in multiple locations and will allow one-way car hire journeys to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and other parts of Australia. Select your desired pick-up and drop-off locations to see what is available for your trip.
How old do I need to be to rent a car from Sunshine Coast Airport?
Most rental suppliers in Australia require that renters be aged at least 21. Some will add surcharges for drivers under the age of 25.
Where do I collect my Sunshine Coast Airport rental car?
The exact procedure for picking up your Sunshine Coast car hire will be outlined in your confirmation. For rentals from on-airport suppliers, this involves simply heading to the counters in the Arrivals Hall. For off-airport suppliers, there will likely be a number to call upon arrival so you can be collected by a shuttle.
Where do I return my rental car at Sunshine Coast Airport?
Read your rental confirmation for instructions on how to return your Sunshine Coast car hire. For off-airport suppliers, you will take it back to the depot. For on-airport suppliers, there will be a specified area in the airport car park to which you should return the vehicle.
Do I need to fill up the tank before returning my rental car?
Yes, you are advised to fill your rental vehicle with petrol or diesel before you return it to avoid any extra charges.
What is the speed limit in Queensland?
The default speed limits in the state are 50 kph in urban areas and 100 kph on open roads. Many variations to these basic limits are in place, so always look for speed limit signs to give you the most accurate information.
What is the highest-rated rental car in Sunshine Coast Airport?
The highest-rated car hire Sunshine Coast Airport is Hyundai Elantra (or similar) according to our customers.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the car at Sunshine Coast Airport?
One of the fuel stations near Sunshine Coast Airport terminal is the Caltex on Aerodrome Road, which operates from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Which car rental suppliers are based in or around Sunshine Coast Airport?
Car rental companies operating from or near Sunshine Coast Airport include Alpha, Apex, Alamo, National, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Keddy, and East Coast.
