When I first visited Australia, like many others, I assumed the public transport system was extensive enough that renting a car was completely unnecessary.
Discover new places and experiences
Before setting off, I had even meticulously studied Sydney’s train lines, bus schedules, and guides on various transit passes, feeling fully prepared. However, once I actually arrived, I realized that Australia is vastly different from many Asian countries.
While public transport within the city is excellent, getting to many of the truly worthwhile destinations becomes far less convenient once you leave the city center.
It was precisely that experience that completely shifted my perspective on traveling in Australia.
On subsequent trips, I’ve almost always booked a car with Hertz in advance, because I discovered that a truly free Australian travel experience often begins the moment you get the keys.
Learning the hard way: Underestimating Australian distances
My itinerary for my first trip to Sydney was flawless. I had everything perfectly organized—the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour.
But problems arose on the third day when I set out for the Blue Mountains National Park. I had assumed getting there from the city would be simple, but it turned out to require a combination of trains, buses, and walking, taking nearly three hours for a one-way trip.
The most frustrating part was missing a connecting shuttle and having to wait at the station for nearly forty minutes. Standing there at the Blue Mountains station, I suddenly realized something: if I had been driving myself, none of these issues would have existed.
From that point on, I began to seriously look into renting a car in Australia.
Why Australia is perfect for a road trip
I later discovered that much of Australia’s most stunning scenery isn’t found in the cities. Think of the Blue Mountains near Sydney, the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, the small towns surrounding the Gold Coast, or the coastal highways of Tasmania.
Relying solely on public transport to visit these places not only consumes a lot of time but also makes it impossible to reach many hidden gems.
I once drove from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Along the way, I passed numerous seaside viewpoints—some didn’t even have names, just small roadside parking areas. But when you pull over and walk to the seaside cliffs, you’ll find the scenery before you even more breathtaking than the viral “must-visit” spots featured in travel guides.
If you’re on a group tour or relying on public transport, you’d likely miss out on these moments. The greatest appeal of a self-drive trip is the freedom to stop whenever you like—whether it’s for a stunning view, a wild kangaroo sighting, or a unique-looking café.
You are in complete control of your travel pace.
Why I ultimately chose Hertz
My first real car rental experience was on the Gold Coast. After comparing various platforms and rental companies, I settled on Hertz.
The reason was simple: their extensive network of locations. You can find a Hertz counter at almost any major airport—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast. For a traveler, this means picking up the car immediately upon arrival without needing extra transfers.
Secondly, the brand gave me peace of mind. Being in an unfamiliar place and driving abroad for the first time, I prioritized vehicle condition and after-sales service over simply finding the lowest price. That decision proved to be the right one.
My five-day Gold Coast road trip
That trip left a lasting impression on me. After landing at Gold Coast Airport, I headed straight to the Hertz counter to handle the paperwork. The whole process took about ten minutes; once the staff verified my driver’s license and booking details, they handed me the keys.
I had rented a mid-sized SUV. When I reached the parking area, the car turned out to be even newer than I’d expected. The exterior was spotless, the mileage was low, and the interior was fresh and odor-free. The trunk easily accommodated two 28-inch suitcases and a camera bag—a huge plus for someone like me who travels with a camera and a drone.
Over the next five days, that car became an essential companion for the journey.
Discovering the freedom of the open road
It takes just over an hour to drive from downtown Gold Coast to Byron Bay. While public transport would require bus transfers, driving made everything much simpler.
I could sleep in and start my day at noon. I’d stop at any beach that caught my eye or pull into a lookout point for photos. I could even change my route on a whim without any hassle.
One evening, I watched the sunset near the Byron Bay Lighthouse. On the return journey, I intentionally took a detour along the coastal road. The setting sun cast its glow over the ocean, with golden clouds visible in the distance.
In that moment, I realized that this kind of experience simply cannot be replicated on a group tour. After all, the most beautiful scenery often reveals itself when you step off the beaten path.
Vehicle condition and driving experience exceeded expectations
Many people worry about encountering issues with the condition of rental cars. However, my experiences with Hertz have consistently been positive.
The vehicles were well-maintained; the tires, brakes, and lights were all in perfect working order. Connecting my phone to the navigation system was effortless, and fuel efficiency was impressive. During a round trip from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay—plus some local exploring—my fuel costs over those few days were far lower than anticipated.
The seats were comfortable for long-distance driving, too; I didn’t feel overly fatigued even after two or three hours behind the wheel. In a country like Australia, where distances are vast and the population is sparse, this level of comfort is crucial.
Renting a car truly shines during family trips
I later took a trip to Melbourne with my family, including elderly relatives and children. Relying solely on public transport would have been completely impractical.
Having a rental car made the itinerary much more relaxed. We could head back to the hotel whenever the kids got tired, and the elderly family members didn’t have to deal with the hassle of frequent transfers. We even dedicated a day to a self-drive tour along the Great Ocean Road, passing the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and various coastal viewpoints.
This way of traveling made me realize—for the first time—that my schedule was no longer dictated by the constraints of public transport.
The booking experience matters just as much
I also discovered that the booking process is just as important as the vehicle itself. Hertz’s official website features clear vehicle categories, making it easy to quickly locate economy cars, SUVs, family vehicles, or business models. The booking process is straightforward: simply confirm the details and place the order.
It is very user-friendly, even for first-time renters. Plus, many airports offer an express pickup service, so you don’t waste time waiting in line after landing—a huge plus after a long-haul flight.
A true Australian adventure begins with having your own car
After visiting many parts of Australia over the years, I’ve come to feel that self-driving is the perfect way to experience the country. Its most captivating aspects often aren’t found at the popular tourist spots marked on a map, but rather on the open road between cities.
In those small towns you decide to detour into on a whim. Those seaside viewpoints discovered by chance—scenery I hadn’t even known existed when researching my trip—all become easily accessible when you have a car.
For me, Hertz is more than just a car rental company; it is the key that unlocked a whole new way to experience Australia.
