Mackay car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Mackay

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
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* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

KAYAK insights for Mackay car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Mackay, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Mackay?

You should book your rental car in Mackay around 72 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best rental car company in Mackay?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Mackay are Budget (7.6, 5 reviews, {2,plural,=1{Europcar review}other{Europcar reviews}}), 4.9, 2 reviews (Thrifty, {5,plural,=1{2.0, 1 review review}other{2.0, 1 review reviews}}), and Firefly (9.0, {8,plural,=1{{8} review}other{{8} reviews}}).
Budget
Budget
Rated 7.6/10
Europcar
Europcar
Rated 4.9/10
Thrifty
Thrifty
Rated 2.0/10
Firefly
Firefly
Rated 9.0/10

What is the most popular rental car in Mackay?

Intermediate rentals (Kia Sportage or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Mackay. Intermediate rentals in Mackay cost ₪280/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as ₪205/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Mackay?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Mackay is January at an average cost of ₪152/day. March is the most expensive month to rent a car in Mackay when prices are ₪243/day on average, which tends to be 272% above the yearly average rental price for Mackay.

What rental car company in Mackay has the most locations?

keddy by Europcar, Sunnycars and Thrifty each operate 2 locations in Mackay, more than any other rental company.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Mackay

  • 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.
  • Compact rental cars in Mackay are around 52% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting 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 can I find car rentals near me in Mackay?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Mackay?

    An Intermediate car rental in Mackay costs ₪265 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Mackay?

    A Special car rental in Mackay costs ₪336 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Mackay?

    An Economy car rental in Mackay costs ₪285 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. 

Mackay car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

6.3

One location in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 7 4967 3921

Monday07:30 - 20:45
Tuesday07:30 - 20:45
Wednesday07:30 - 20:45
Thursday07:30 - 20:45
Friday07:30 - 20:45
Saturday07:30 - 20:45
Sunday08:00 - 21:45

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Extremely helpful and friendly staff

1 out of 2

Europcar

4.9

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.9

Value for money

1.9

One location in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 7 4952 6269

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

2 locations in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

8 Longwall Place

+61 7 4998 5202

Monday08:00 - 21:45
Tuesday08:00 - 21:45
Wednesday08:00 - 21:45
Thursday08:00 - 21:45
Friday08:00 - 21:45

Boundry Rd

+61 136139

Monday07:00 - 21:30
Tuesday07:00 - 21:30
Wednesday07:00 - 21:30
Thursday07:00 - 21:30
Friday07:00 - 21:30
Saturday09:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

9.0

Wonderful

One location in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

Boundry Rd

+61 749 514 685

Monday07:00 - 21:30
Tuesday07:00 - 21:30
Wednesday07:00 - 21:30
Thursday07:00 - 21:30
Friday07:00 - 21:30
Saturday07:30 - 20:45
Sunday08:00 - 21:45

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

8.6

Very good

One location in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 7 4967 3900

Monday07:30 - 20:45
Tuesday07:30 - 20:45
Wednesday07:30 - 20:45
Thursday07:30 - 20:45
Friday07:30 - 20:45
Saturday07:30 - 20:45
Sunday08:00 - 21:45

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.5

Very good

One location in Mackay

Show locations

Locations in Mackay

In Terminal Boundary Road

+61 7 4998 5799

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sixt

8.5

Very good

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 7 4957 5868

Monday08:00 - 21:45
Tuesday08:00 - 21:45
Wednesday08:00 - 21:45
Thursday08:00 - 21:45
Friday08:00 - 21:45

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

8.0

Very good

2 locations in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

174 East Boundary Road

+61 749 526 269

Opening times not available

Terminal Building, Mackay Airport

61 7 49526269

Monday07:30 - 20:45
Tuesday07:30 - 20:45
Wednesday07:30 - 20:45
Thursday07:30 - 20:45
Friday07:30 - 20:45
Saturday07:30 - 20:45
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

7.8

Good

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Boundry Rd

+61 7 4953 6790

Monday07:00 - 21:30
Tuesday07:00 - 21:30
Wednesday07:00 - 21:30
Thursday07:00 - 21:30
Friday07:00 - 21:30
Saturday09:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

National

7.0

Good

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Boundary Road East Mackay

+61 7 4998 5799

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6.5

Okay

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

In Terminal Boundary Road

+61 7 4998 5799

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Boundry Road

Opening times not available

Terminal Building

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Red Spot

No score available yet

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Mackay Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

9 travelers who rented a car in Mackay gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.2

Car rental locations in or near Mackay

Mackay car rental information

Pick-up locationMackay
Car types
Rental locations17
Airport locations15

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