This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Mackay with a pick-up date of 30/3 and drop-off date of 30/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Booking Insights
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Mackay car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Mackay with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Mackay?
You should book your car hire in Mackay around 73 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Mackay?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Budget ($54.45/day), Avis ($82.63/day), and Europcar ($86.43/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Budget Terminal Building (3.7 km from city centre).
What is the most popular car to hire in Mackay?
Hires in the Small category (MG 3 or similar) are the most popular option in Mackay, costing $97/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $59/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Mackay?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Mackay is August at an average cost of $86/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in Mackay when prices are $129/day on average, which tends to be 81% above the yearly average hire price for Mackay.
Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?
keddy by Europcar, Sunnycars and Thrifty operate 2 locations each in Mackay, more than any other car hire company.
Balmy throughout the year, Mackay is the perfect destination for a hire car, in order to stay out of the sun. Average monthly temperatures don’t often fall below 20°C and an air-conditioned cabin will be your best friend. A bus to Mackay Aqua Park takes roughly 45min from the centre of town; however, driving yourself requires only 10min. Scenic coastal spots such as Cape Hillsborough National Park, Bucasia Beach and Dolphin Heads are more than 15 km from Mackay and best reached by car if you’d like to avoid inner-city beaches.
The reception offices of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise and Thrifty are in the Arrivals Hall of Mackay Airport (MKY). After collecting your keys, exit the terminal and walk over the pedestrian crossing to find all hire cars on your right.
Extended freight trucks, known as road trains, frequent major arterial roads around Mackay, including Bruce Hwy and Peak Down Hwy. Some of the trucks are up to 50 m in length, requiring more space and time to overtake than regular vehicles. Travel at slow speeds if off-roading with a 4WD and avoid contact with saltwater. Native wildlife regularly wander across Mackay roads at night, so extra caution should be taken to avoid collisions. Yellow signs featuring a hopping kangaroo indicate areas where fauna are common.
Traffic congestion is mostly negligible in Mackay and it won’t heavily affect your travel plans. Key thoroughfares such as Gordon St and Sydney St can experience banked up cars between 16:00–18:00, though traffic still tends to flow smoothly. It’s recommended to not drive during the middle of the day in summer months, as Mackay can climb to above 35°C and make car cabins swelter.
Make sure to check the restrictions on any offers of cheap car hire in Mackay. Some companies restrict you from driving in certain areas, including some parts of Northern Queensland. You may also be restricted from driving on specific surfaces such as beaches or unsealed roads. Additionally, while almost all Mackay car hire companies will allow you to take your hire car between Queensland and New South Wales, some may not permit you to drive into the Northern Territory. Finally, check the restrictions on car ferries. Some companies will allow you to take your vehicle onto car ferries but usually only if you take out additional insurance.
Mackay is centrally located on Queensland's east coast, so you'll have multiple options for road trips driving up or down the Bruce Highway (A1). Cairns is roughly 10 hours away heading north and Brisbane is roughly 10 hours south. On the way to Cairns, you can stop at Townsville, Airlie Beach and Cardwell State Forest. You can also consider heading a bit further north to visit the Daintree Rainforest. Heading towards Brisbane, you can stop at Clairview, Hervey Bay and any town on the Sunshine Coast. Continue further south and you'll hit Queensland's famous Gold Coast beaches.
If you are planning a long road trip to Cairns or Brisbane, take note of the rest stops available along your route. You may find yourself needing to pull over for a short rest, but in Queensland, sleeping in your car is illegal outside of designated zones. Camping grounds are one area you're allowed to sleep, but they're less common. Rest stops are frequent and you can usually stay in them for 20 hours. They're also often equipped with useful amenities such as toilets, showers and barbecue facilities. Just bear in mind that some rest stops are only for large vehicles like trucks, so stick to the ones signed with a simple white P on a blue background.
25% of our users found a car hire in Mackay for $91 or less
Medium hire cars in Mackay are around 41% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Mackay
What type of car is recommended for driving in Mackay?
Thanks to wide open roads and spacious parking, there’s no need to forgo your ideal model when choosing a hire car. 4WDs are the only option if you are thinking about off-roading or beach driving, with compact SUVs and larger makes available. If a long journey up the North Queensland coast is what you’re planning, a fuel-efficient economy car will help save on petrol.
What’s the speed limit in Mackay?
Unless otherwise indicated by signs, the standard speed limit in Mackay is 50 km/h. 40 km/h is enforced in school zones between 07:00–09:00 and 14:00–16:00 on weekdays. Bruce Hwy and other motorways in the region usually have limits of 100 km/h; however, they can reduce to 80 km/h in more built-up areas.
Where are the best places to park in Mackay?
Mid-City Carpark on the corner of Gordon St and Gregory St has hourly parking from approximately A$ 0.70 and daily spaces for roughly A$ 5. Parking restrictions at Wharf Carpark and Riverside Carpark are not enforced after 18:00.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Mackay?
On average a car hire in Mackay costs $133 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Mackay airport (MKY)?
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Mackay airport (MKY)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Mackay airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
How can I find car hires near me in Mackay?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Mackay?
A Small car hire in Mackay costs $112 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Mackay?
A Medium car hire in Mackay costs $83 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Mackay?
A Special car hire in Mackay costs $82 per day, on average.
Which electric vehicle chargers are available in Mackay?
An electric vehicle can be an excellent choice for cheap car hire in Mackay. The Coles Andergrove car park offers free charging and the QESH Mackay car park has paid chargers. You'll need a Chargefox account to use the free options.
How can I get booster seats in my Mackay hire car?
Booster seats or child restraints are required for children under seven or who aren't tall enough to use an adult seatbelt. Luckily, most car hire companies can provide them, but there is often an extra daily fee.
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