Travel Guides

Australia

Car hire Australia

From cosmopolitan attractions in the large, modern cities, to some of the world’s most well-known wildlife, Australia is rich in diversity and popular with US travelers. Additionally, with Tasmania, New Zealand nearby and being a gateway to Asia, it’s a great place to touch down and enjoy the sun, sea, sand and sassy cities.

Americans from the west coast can fly directly to the major cities of Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney, although the flight is a testing one, at more than 12 hours. A stopover in Malaysia or South Korea is available on some itineraries and it even gives you the chance to see somewhere different. Compare car hire before leaving the States, as booking online is cheaper than once you land. Car rental is a great way to go from city to city in Australia, as the distances are incredibly long.

Australia’s attractions

There is an abundance of wildlife, zoos and parks to see, with kangaroos, koalas and wombats making regular appearances. Despite the arid desert in central Australia, there are lush rainforests in the north and of course, the surfing opportunities along the eastern coast, including the famous Bondi Beach. Snorkeling and scuba diving is popular with Americans, mainly due to the abundance of weird and wonderful fish that can be seen here.

It’s a sporty country, so expect rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking and golf to be thrust upon you. Victoria has ski areas, as does Tasmania, but for the true adrenaline-junky, hot air ballooning, bungee jumping and skydiving should be high on your to-do list.

Best time to visit

Depending on where you’re going the south is hot and dry throughout October to February, and wet and colder through the North American summer months due to it being in the southern hemisphere. Major rains hit the far north in December, January and February and cyclones are a risk this time of year.