Car Hire in Canberra

About Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia and has a population of over 400,000 people. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a territory within New South Wales (NSW). Canberra was originally chosen as the location for the nation's capital because it is centrally located and is not part of any of the existing states. The city was designed by Walter Burley Gryphon, an American architect, and construction began in 1913.

Canberra is home to many national institutions, including the Parliament of Australia, the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. The city also hosts a number of important events throughout the year, including the National Folk Festival and the Royal Canberra Show.

Canberra is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of attractions including museums, galleries, parks and restaurants. The city is also home to Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain, which offer great views of the city. Canberra is a great destination all year round and is sure to impress everyone who visits!

Basic info and car hire in Canberra

• Location: Australian Capital Territory
• Population: 400.000
• Official language: English
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Weather:     
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: The roads in Canberra are some of the best in the world. They are well maintained and very smooth. This makes for a pleasant driving experience, especially as the city is known for its traffic jams. There are also many road signs and markings to help drivers find their way.
• Car hire in Canberra: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Canberra is Canberra Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Canberra!

 Driving in Canberra

If you are used to driving on the left side of the road, then driving in Canberra can be a bit of a challenge. The city's roads are designed for right-hand drive. So drive slowly and carefully when you first hit the road. There are plenty of wide-open spaces and green suburbs to explore. So make the most of your time behind the wheel and enjoy the scenery. Just remember to watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, as they have the right of way in Canberra. And do not forget your camera - there are some beautiful sights to see!

• Age limits: Minimum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 21. The maximum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 99. Please note that Young/Senior Driver fees will only be displayed correctly if you entered your age correctly in the search criteria. If you add Additional Drivers to your rental and any of them are considered Young/Senior Drivers, you may have to pay both an Additional Driver Fee and a Young/Senior Driver Fee.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if the National Driving Licence you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not clearly identifiable as a Driving Licence, e.g., it is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). English translations of foreign licences are also accepted.
• Additional papers: You and all Additional Drivers must present a full valid original Driving Licence and the voucher or booking confirmation document when picking up the vehicle. If your Driving Licence has multiple parts, you must present all of them. All requirements apply to both you and any Additional Drivers.  
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle
• Children in the car: The minimum legal requirements for the use of child car seats in Australia are based on age: children under six months must use a rear-facing child seat with an integral harness. Children aged six months to four years must use a rear-facing or forward-facing child seat with an integrated harness. Children aged four to seven years must use a forward-facing child seat with an integrated belt or a booster seat with an adult lap belt or a child safety belt. Children aged seven and over must use a booster seat with an adult lap belt or a child safety belt or a standard seat with an adult seat belt.
• Driving side of the road: Left side. 
• Lights: Daytime headlights is recommended at all times and required in the rain, fog or under challenging weather conditions.
• General speed limits: In the Australian Capital Territory, speed limits vary between 10km/h-110km/h. 
• Parking suggestions: There are numerous parking options in Canberra, including on-street parking, off-street parking and multi-storey car parks. 

Popular day trips from Canberra

Some great day trips from Canberra include exploring Namadgi National Park, hiking in the Australian Alps or visiting the pretty town of Jindabyne. If you are looking for something urban, Canberra's city centre is worth a visit with its museums, art galleries and restaurants. If you are craving a shopping spree, visit one of Canberra's popular malls like Belconnen Mall or the Tuggeranong Hyperdome. Whatever you choose, make the most of Canberra's beautiful sunny weather and enjoy your time exploring this wonderful city!

What to see in Canberra

Canberra is a great city to explore, with lots to do and see. Here are some of the best:

1. visit Parliament House - this iconic building is a must-see in Canberra. You can take a tour inside and learn about the history and workings of Parliament.

2. explore the city centre - there are many shops, restaurants and bars in the city centre, as well as museums and other attractions.

3. visit the Australian War Memorial - this museum is dedicated to Australia's military history and is one of the most popular attractions in Canberra.

4. spend time in nature - Canberra is surrounded by beautiful scenery that is great for walking, cycling or just relaxing in nature.

5. visit Lake Burley Gryphon - this man-made lake is a popular place for swimming, boating and fishing and is also home to some of Canberra's most famous landmarks.

There's plenty to see and do in Canberra. Explore the city to the fullest and you are sure to have a great time!

Drive your rental car beyond Canberra

There are many great road trips you can take from Canberra, but here are five of the best:

1. the Snowy Mountains: Just a few hours' drive from Canberra, the Snowy Mountains offer stunning scenery, great hiking and skiing opportunities and many charming mountain towns to explore.

2. NSW's South Coast: This beautiful stretch of coastline has it all - sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and crystal clear waters. And it's all just a short drive from Canberra.

3. the Victorian High Country: If you are looking for stunning mountain scenery and some of Australia's best skiing, the Victorian High Country is definitely worth a visit. It's only a couple of hours' drive from Canberra.

4. The Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most famous stretches of road and passes through some of the country's most breathtaking coastline, from the Twelve Apostles to Bells Beach. The route is a little further from Canberra than some of the other options on this list, but it's definitely worth the extra driving time.

5. the Blue Mountains: Just a short drive from Canberra, the Blue Mountains offer stunning views, great hiking and many charming mountain towns to explore.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Canberra

Canberra is a great place to eat and drink, with a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes. Here are some of our top tips:

If you are looking for a casual meal or snack, head to one of Canberra's many food trucks. You'll find everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to Mexican street food and ice cream.

For fine dining, head to Aubergine or Sage Restaurant, both of which offer modern Australian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. If you are looking for something a little different, check out Pod Food, which puts an innovative spin on traditional dishes.

For a night on the town, head to Garema Place in Civic, which has a range of bars and nightclubs. If you want to take it a little easier, head to one of the many wine bars in the city.

Whatever your taste, you are sure to find something to suit in Canberra.