Illawarra Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Illawarra

Renting a car in Illawarra offers significant freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can explore the stunning attractions around Illawarra at your own pace without the constraints of public transport. The area is home to beautiful sites such as North Wollongong Beach, located a mere 1 km away, perfect for a relaxing day by the shore. If you enjoy golf, the Wollongong Golf Club is less than 1 km from Illawarra, providing a great experience for enthusiasts. For those interested in cultural experiences, the Nan Tien Temple, located 6 km away, is a must-visit. A rental car also allows for easy luggage management, making it convenient for families or groups travelling together. You can easily navigate to nearby destinations such as Wollongong, which is less than 1 km away and features attractions like Wollongong City Beach. Additionally, exploring Gwynneville, 2 km from Illawarra, offers opportunities to visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden. Overall, renting a car in Illawarra enhances your sightseeing experience and allows you to discover the area's natural beauty and attractions effortlessly.

Most popular car rentals around Illawarra

• Midsize: This car option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize cars offer a comfortable balance between space and fuel efficiency, making them an ideal choice for couples or families looking to explore Illawarra at their own pace. With ample room for luggage, you can enjoy your journey without worrying about space constraints.
• Fullsize: Suitable for 5 travellers, the fullsize car can carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is particularly beneficial for families or groups who require more space for both passengers and their belongings. The fullsize car provides a comfortable ride and flexibility for longer trips around Illawarra, ensuring that everyone can travel together without sacrificing comfort.
• Compact: The compact car is designed to accommodate up to 5 travellers with the capability of handling up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to manoeuvre and park in urban areas. The compact car is not only economical but also provides the freedom to explore the beautiful surroundings of Illawarra with ease.

Top rated car suppliers around Illawarra

• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has a location situated 7 km away from Illawarra, making it a convenient option for travellers. Known for its wide selection, the most booked vehicles are Compact and Fullsize SUVs, ideal for those seeking space and comfort. Thrifty is appreciated for its reliable service, providing flexibility for exploring the beautiful attractions of the Illawarra region at your leisure.
• Sixt: Sixt operates a rental location 6 km from Illawarra, making it easily accessible for visitors. With popular choices including Economy and Midsize vehicles, Sixt caters to a range of budgets and preferences. Travellers often commend Sixt for its efficient service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you navigate through the stunning landscapes of Illawarra.
• Budget: Budget is conveniently located just 2 km away from Illawarra, offering an excellent option for those looking to rent a car close to their base. Their most popular vehicles include Midsize and Compact cars, catering to both individuals and families. Budget is well-regarded for its competitive pricing and friendly service, making it a practical choice for your car rental needs during your visit.

Where to stay around Illawarra

• Wollongong: Located less than 1 km from Illawarra, Wollongong is a vibrant city known for its outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and stunning scenery. Key attractions include Wollongong City Beach, perfect for a beach holiday, and the Wollongong Golf Club, offering excellent golfing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the cultural site of Nan Tien Temple. With various restaurants and wineries nearby, Wollongong is an ideal base for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
• Mount Kembla: Situated 7 km from Illawarra, Mount Kembla is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This suburb offers scenic views and access to both North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, making it suitable for beach holidays. The area also features the cultural landmark of Nan Tien Temple. Visitors can enjoy a blend of nature and culture while indulging in the local scenery.
• Cordeaux: Located 8 km away from Illawarra, Cordeaux is renowned for its outdoor experiences and picturesque landscapes. The suburb provides access to North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, ideal for beach lovers. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Wollongong Golf Club and explore local wineries. With its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere, Cordeaux is a great place to unwind and take in the natural surroundings.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Illawarra

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're after an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most beneficial option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable too; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help mitigate unnecessary expenses and provide you with peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to evade extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Illawarra

The best value period to rent a car in and around Illawarra is June, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains average. January and February also present good options, as they feature slightly low prices alongside slightly high and average demand, respectively. April tends to be the busiest and most expensive month, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High