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Mackay car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car rentals in Mackay

Small car
Small
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Medium car
Medium
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Large car
Large
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Van car
Van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
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Pickup truck car
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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 a rental car in Mackay?

You should book your rental car in Mackay around 76 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular rental car in Mackay?

Hires in the Medium category (Kia Forte or similar) are the most popular option in Mackay, costing $137/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 November at an average cost of $111/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in Mackay when prices are $161/day on average, which tends to be 23% above the yearly average hire price for Mackay.

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Mackay car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Mackay by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

$96 - $282

All Car Types

$150 - $237

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Mackay?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Mackay?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Mackay?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Mackay?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Mackay?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Mackay?

Small car hire in Mackay typically costs around $163 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $96 per day, which is about 42% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 14% cheaper than the average car hire in Mackay, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Mackay typically costs around $109 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $100 per day, which is about 9% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 43% cheaper than the average car hire in Mackay, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Mackay typically costs around $269 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average $87 per day, which is about 68% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 30% more expensive than the average car hire in Mackay but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in Mackay typically costs around $191 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $157 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Mackay but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Mackay typically costs around $263 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $149 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Mackay but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Luxury car hire in Mackay typically costs around $265 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $185 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Mackay but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Average price

Good deal

Sixt
$151/day
$139/day

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Mackay for $139 or less
  • Medium rental cars in Mackay are around 30% 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 much does it cost to hire a car in Mackay?

    On average a rental car in Mackay costs $151 per day.

  • Which hire car agencies are at Mackay airport (MKY)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Mackay airport include Sixt, Europcar, Thrifty and Budget.

  • Which hire car agencies 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 Europcar, Thrifty and Budget.

  • 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 Special car hire cost in Mackay?

    A Special car hire in Mackay costs $109 per day, on average.

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

    A Small car rental in Mackay costs $116 per day, on average.

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

    A Medium car rental in Mackay costs $104 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

 

Europcar

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

2.0

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 406 389 407

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

7.6

Good

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

6.3

One location in Mackay

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 - 19:45
Sunday08:00 - 21:45

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Extremely helpful and friendly staff

1 out of 2

Thrifty

2.0

Poor

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

2 locations in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

8 Longwall Place

+61 7 4998 5202

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

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 - 21:30

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

9.0

Wonderful

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Boundry Rd

+61 749 514 685

Monday07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday07:00 - 22:00
Thursday07:00 - 22:30
Friday07:00 - 22:30
Saturday07:30 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.6

Very Good

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

In Terminal Boundary Road

+61 7 4998 5799

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

8.6

Very Good

One location in Mackay

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 - 19:45
Sunday08:00 - 21:45

Filters

No reviews available

Sixt

8.4

Very Good

One location in Mackay

from$88/day

Locations in Mackay

Terminal Building

+61 2 8337 2700

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00

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 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 19:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday07:30 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

7.4

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 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 21:30

Filters

No reviews available

National

7.0

Good

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

Boundary Road East Mackay

+61 7 4998 5799

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5.8

Fair

One location in Mackay

Locations in Mackay

In Terminal Boundary Road

+61 7 4998 5799

Opening times not available

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

8 travellers who rented a car in Mackay gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.1

Car hire locations in or near Mackay

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Mackay car hire information

Pick-up locationMackay
Car types
Hire locations17
Airport locations15