Perth to Margaret River by Hire Car: The Ultimate Guide

Perth to Margaret River by hire car ultimate guide — Burswood Car Rentals road trip Western Australia

The Perth to Margaret River drive is one of Australia’s genuinely great road trips — and one that a hire car makes dramatically better. The region demands flexibility: wineries tucked down unsealed side roads, surf beaches without car parks, cape walks with no bus service, farm gates that are only open at certain hours. You can’t do it properly on a tour bus.

This is everything you need to know about making the drive — the route, the stops, the timing, the vehicle choice, and a few things that even experienced WA travellers sometimes miss.

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The Basics: Distance, Time, and Route

Margaret River township sits approximately 280 kilometres south of Perth — roughly three to three-and-a-half hours of driving on the main route, without stops. Most people turn this into a full day with stops, or leave the city mid-morning and arrive in time for a late afternoon winery session.

Leg Route Approx. Distance Approx. Drive Time
Perth → Mandurah Kwinana Freeway (Hwy 1) south ~75 km ~55 min
Mandurah → Bunbury Old Coast Rd or South Western Hwy ~95 km ~60 min
Bunbury → Busselton Bussell Hwy ~50 km ~35 min
Busselton → Margaret River Bussell Hwy ~60 km ~45 min
Total (direct) Kwinana Fwy + South Western Hwy ~280 km ~3–3.5 hrs

All roads are sealed, well-maintained, and suitable for all Burswood vehicles. No 4WD is required for the main route — though side roads to some surf beaches and forest tracks may be gravel.

📌  Off-road policy: Burswood vehicles are not permitted on unsealed off-road tracks. The sealed highway to Margaret River and the majority of the region’s roads are all fine — but confirmed off-road or beach driving is not within the hire agreement.

Which Vehicle for a Margaret River Road Trip?

The right vehicle depends on your group size and priorities. Here’s how the Burswood fleet maps to a Margaret River trip:

Group Best Vehicle Why
Solo or couple Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio Economical, great fuel range, easy to park in busy Margs on weekends
Family of 4 Toyota RAV4 SUV Generous boot for luggage + food/wine, comfortable for the 3-hour drive
Group of 5–8 Kia Carnival 8-seater Everyone in one car, shared cost, no convoy logistics
Couple seeking comfort Toyota Camry Hybrid or Luxury Smooth, quiet, excellent fuel economy for a multi-day stay

For groups, the 8-seat people mover often works out cheaper per person than multiple smaller cars — and keeps the whole group together. If you want to arrive in style after winery visits, a luxury vehicle is an option worth considering — and receives the winter fleet discount if you’re heading south in June–August.

The Route South: Stops Worth Making

Mandurah (approximately 75 km south of Perth)

Mandurah makes a good first stop for fuel, coffee, and a stretch. The Mandurah waterfront is pleasant, and if you’re doing the Old Coast Road route rather than the freeway, there are beach access points worth a quick look.

Bunbury (approximately 170 km from Perth)

Bunbury is WA’s second-largest city and a popular lunch stop. The town beach is one of the better urban swimming beaches in WA, and the dolphin discovery experience at Koombana Bay is worth an hour if you’re travelling with children. There’s a solid range of cafes and supermarkets if you’re stocking up for the stay.

💡  Stock up in Bunbury: Margaret River township has good food and provisions, but Bunbury offers a wider supermarket choice — useful if you’re self-catering or want to bring wine without buying at cellar door prices.

Busselton (approximately 230 km from Perth)

Busselton is where the landscape starts to shift from the flat coastal hinterland to the rolling hills of the South West. The Busselton Jetty — at almost two kilometres, one of the longest timber jetties in the world — is worth a 30-minute stop. The town also has a solid main street for a coffee before the final push south.

Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste

Dunsborough sits just north-west of Margaret River and is a popular base in its own right. The road to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse (sealed) is one of the region’s most scenic drives — exposed limestone capes, turquoise water, and whale watching (June–September) that rivals anywhere in Australia. If you’re doing the full South West loop, this is the northern entry point to the Cape to Cape Track.

Margaret River Region: What to Do Once You’re There

Wineries and Cellar Doors

The Margaret River wine region is one of Australia’s most significant, producing a disproportionate share of the country’s premium cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. There are over 200 cellar doors in the region — you’ll need a strategy rather than hoping to cover them all.

  • The main concentration of cellar doors runs along Caves Road and its cross-streets between Cowaramup and the township
  • Most are open 10am–5pm; some require bookings for tasting flights, particularly on weekends
  • If you’re planning an afternoon of tasting, designate a non-drinking driver — the roads are winding and policed, and it’s not worth the risk

Having your own hire car is the difference between ticking three wineries on a tour bus schedule and genuinely exploring at your own pace, in your own order, for as long or as briefly as you want at each stop.

Surf Beaches

Margaret River’s surf coast is world-class — Main Break, Surfers Point, Gnarabup Beach, and Redgate Beach are all accessible by car from the township. Most have sealed car park access. Prevelly Park, just west of the township, is the most accessible beach for swimming and has cafe facilities.

  • Surfers Point is the marquee surf location — worth visiting even if you’re not surfing, particularly when there’s swell
  • Gnarabup is better for swimming and families — calmer, supervised in season
  • Moses Rock and North Point require more local knowledge — ask locally for current conditions

Caves

The South West limestone country beneath Margaret River contains an extraordinary network of caves. The publicly accessible ones include Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Ngilgi Cave — each with a different character and all within a 30-minute drive of the township. Check opening times and consider booking ahead for popular caves in peak season.

The Margaret River Township

The town itself is small but excellent — a main street with a concentration of good cafes, bakeries, chocolate and cheese producers, and craft breweries. The Margaret River Chocolate Company and the Goodfellow’s bakery are perennial stops. The Saturday morning Farmers Market is worth timing a visit around if your dates allow.

Practical Tips for the Drive

  • Fuel up before Bunbury or in Bunbury — petrol is cheaper here than in the Margaret River region, which is more tourist-priced
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on most Burswood vehicles — bring your cable and save the offline maps before you leave Perth signal
  • Mobile coverage is generally fine along the main highway and in the township; some rural winery and beach access roads have limited signal
  • The 45L esky available from Burswood as an optional accessory is genuinely useful for this trip — wine and cheese from cellar doors stay cool all the way back to Perth
  • Allow at least two full days in the region — one day is not enough to do it properly; three is ideal

Getting the Most From Your Hire Car on This Trip

The value of a hire car on a Margaret River trip is flexibility above everything else. The freedom to leave a winery when you’re ready, detour to a lookout, take a longer coastal route back, or stay for one more hour at a beach — none of this is available on a tour. Burswood’s no-rental-sticker policy also means your hire car doesn’t announce itself as a rental, which matters when you’re parked near wineries or beaches.

If you’re heading south in winter — June to August — don’t let the season put you off. The region is genuinely beautiful in winter: the forest is lush, the caves are dramatic, the wineries are uncrowded, and Burswood’s winter fleet discount makes the hire cost lower than any other time of year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Perth to Margaret River?

Approximately three to three-and-a-half hours direct, on the Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway. With stops in Mandurah, Bunbury, or Busselton, most people take four to five hours for the full journey. There are no tolls on the route.

Do I need a 4WD for Margaret River?

No — the main highway and the vast majority of roads in the Margaret River region are sealed and suitable for all standard passenger vehicles. Some access tracks to remote surf breaks or forest parks are unsealed gravel, but the main attractions (wineries, beaches, caves, township) are all accessible without 4WD. Note that Burswood vehicles are not permitted on genuine off-road or beach driving terrain.

What’s the best time of year to drive to Margaret River?

The region is genuinely worth visiting year-round. Summer (December–February) brings beach weather and a busy, vibrant atmosphere. Autumn (March–May) is the grape harvest — a spectacular time to be in wine country. Winter (June–August) brings lush green scenery, uncrowded wineries, whale watching from the capes, and the best car hire rates. Spring (September–November) brings wildflowers and the build-up of the new season’s energy.

Can I pick up the hire car in Perth and drop it off in Margaret River?

One-way hire arrangements are available — contact Burswood directly to discuss the options and any applicable fees for one-way hire. Airport collection and hotel delivery can also be arranged for both pickup and return.

How to Pick Up a Rental Car at Perth Domestic Airport

How to pick up a rental car at Perth domestic airport — Burswood Car Rentals airport collection guide

Flying into Perth and picking up a hire car is one of the smoothest ways to start a WA road trip — but it helps to know exactly how the process works before you land. Perth Airport’s domestic terminals (T1 for Qantas and T2 for Virgin Australia) are well-organised, and Burswood Car Rentals delivers directly to the airport, making the collection process genuinely simple.

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from landing to driving — including how airport delivery works with Burswood, what to do when you arrive, and what to check before you leave the airport precinct.

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Step 1: Book Your Car Before You Fly

The first step happens before you board. Book your Burswood hire car online or by phone before your travel date, and specify that you require airport delivery when booking. Airport and hotel delivery is available — and can be arranged at any time of day or night as a prearranged pickup.

At booking, confirm:

  • Your arriving terminal — T1 (Qantas and alliance partners) or T2 (Virgin Australia)
  • Your estimated arrival time, including realistic buffer for baggage claim
  • Your flight number — this lets Burswood track delays without you needing to call
  • Your vehicle preference — see the full fleet to choose the right car for your trip
💡  Book early for airport pickup: Airport delivery slots, particularly for popular vehicle types like SUVs and people movers, should be secured well in advance — particularly during school holidays and December–January. Don’t leave airport bookings to the day before.

Step 2: Understanding Perth’s Domestic Terminals

Perth Airport’s two domestic terminals are separate buildings. Knowing which one you’re arriving into matters for the collection process.

Terminal Airlines Location
T1 (Domestic) Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, and alliance partners Northern section of the airport precinct
T2 (Domestic) Virgin Australia and partner airlines Southern section, approximately 1.5km from T1

If you’re unsure which terminal you’re arriving into, check your boarding pass or the Perth Airport website (perthairport.com.au). Burswood coordinates delivery to whichever terminal you specify — just make sure your booking has the right one.

📌  T1 and T2 are separate: Don’t assume you’ll arrive at T1 because you’ve booked Qantas before — always check your current booking. Arriving at the wrong terminal expecting your hire car can cause significant delays.

Step 3: After Landing — What to Do at the Airport

  1. Disembark and follow signs to the baggage claim carousel for your flight — domestic Perth arrivals are straightforward and well-signed.
  2. Collect your luggage. No border security or customs for domestic arrivals.
  3. Head to the arrivals area — once through the baggage hall, you’ll enter the arrivals concourse where ground transport options are available.
  4. Contact Burswood to confirm your arrival — when you’re through and at baggage claim, a quick call or WhatsApp message to 0438 757 909 confirms you’ve landed and gives them your precise location. This is the cleanest way to coordinate the handover.
  5. Meet the Burswood representative — they’ll come to you with the vehicle, or direct you to the vehicle’s location. Confirm the meeting point when you call.
💡  WhatsApp works too: Burswood can be reached via WhatsApp on 0438 757 909 — useful if you have international roaming data or prefer messaging over calling on arrival.

Step 4: Vehicle Collection — What to Bring and Check

At handover, have your documents ready:

  • Current driver’s licence (physical card)
  • Credit or debit card for the bond (charged the day prior to collection)
  • International Driving Permit if applicable

At collection, take a few minutes to:

  1. Walk around the car and check for any existing marks or damage — confirm these are noted on the agreement before you sign
  2. Check the fuel gauge — the tank should be full; confirm this at handover
  3. Confirm the kilometre allowance on your agreement — Burswood includes 100km or 200km free per day depending on vehicle type
  4. Connect your phone to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay — most Burswood vehicles have this built in (you’ll need your cable)
  5. Confirm where to return the car — if you’re doing a one-way trip or have specific return instructions, clarify these now
📌  Pre-existing damage: Always document any existing marks before driving off — photos on your phone with a visible timestamp provide your own record in addition to what’s noted on the rental agreement.

Step 5: Leaving the Airport — Perth Orientation

Once you’re in the car, here’s the basic orientation for leaving Perth Airport’s domestic precinct:

  • Perth CBD is approximately 12–15 km south-west of the airport — a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic
  • Fremantle is approximately 25–30 km from the airport via the Roe Highway or Graham Farmer Freeway
  • Burswood depot (16 Teddington Road, Burswood) is approximately 10 km from the domestic terminal — useful if you need to visit the office after collection
  • Margaret River direction — head south via the Kwinana Freeway; see Blog 4 in this document for a full Perth to Margaret River driving guide

Most Burswood vehicles include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay — connect your phone to access Google Maps or Apple Maps for turn-by-turn navigation from the airport.

💡  First left out of Perth Airport: If your GPS loses signal in the airport tunnel or multi-level car park, it usually reacquires quickly once you reach the surface roads. Don’t panic — just pull over safely once you’re in the open if you need to reset navigation.

What If My Flight Is Delayed?

Flight delays are common, and Burswood accounts for them. When you book with airport delivery, provide your flight number — this allows Burswood to monitor your arrival and adjust accordingly without requiring you to call mid-flight. If there’s a significant delay or change, contact Burswood as early as possible via phone or WhatsApp to update the collection time.

Returning the Car After Airport Use

If you picked the car up at the airport and want to return it there too (or at a hotel), call Burswood to arrange. Prearranged drop-offs at the airport are available. Alternatively, the primary depot at 16 Teddington Road Burswood is open Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday 8am–4pm. See the contact page for full details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Burswood deliver to both T1 and T2?

Yes — Burswood can deliver to whichever terminal you specify when booking. Just confirm whether you’re flying with Qantas (T1) or Virgin Australia (T2) at the time of booking. Contact Burswood via the contact page or on (08) 9362 4777 for specific collection arrangements.

What’s the best vehicle for a family arriving at Perth Airport with luggage?

For families of four or more with luggage, the Toyota RAV4 SUV or the Kia Carnival 8-seater people mover are the practical choices — generous boot space and comfortable for longer drives south toward Mandurah, Bunbury, or Margaret River.

Can I pick up at the airport and return to a different location?

Yes — discuss one-way hire and return arrangements with Burswood at booking. Airport pickup with hotel or depot return is available prearranged. Contact Burswood directly to confirm the specific arrangements for your trip.

Cheapest Time of Year to Rent a Car in Perth

Cheapest time of year to rent a car in Perth — Burswood Car Rentals seasonal pricing guide WA

Perth’s population has grown significantly over the last decade, and so has domestic and international tourism. That means car hire demand in Perth is more seasonal than ever — prices move with visitors, events, and school holiday calendars. If you know when demand dips, you know when to book.

This guide maps the year honestly — peak seasons, off-peak windows, and the specific winter discount that Burswood Car Rentals offers during the quieter months. Prices vary so always get a current quote, but understanding the seasonal pattern helps you plan and book smarter.

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Perth Car Hire: How Seasonal Demand Works

Like most Australian cities, Perth car hire demand follows a predictable pattern driven by school holidays, major events, and tourist peaks. The general pattern is:

  • High demand (and typically higher rates): December–January, April school holidays, September–October school holidays, any period coinciding with major Perth events
  • Moderate demand: February–March, May, August, November
  • Lower demand (best value window): June–August — Perth’s winter, when fewer interstate and international tourists visit

Understanding this pattern doesn’t just help you find cheaper rates. It also helps with availability — popular vehicle types like SUVs and people movers book out quickly during peak periods, and having flexibility on dates means better choice.

The Cheapest Window: Perth Winter (June–August)

Perth’s winter is genuinely mild by any reasonable standard — daytime temperatures typically range from around 13°C to 19°C, rain is more common than in summer, but the city and its surrounds are absolutely accessible and enjoyable. Many travellers actually prefer visiting during this period: the wildflower season in WA’s south-west is one of the world’s great natural spectacles, Margaret River wineries are in full swing, and the crowds at most destinations are noticeably thinner.

For car hire specifically, Burswood Car Rentals discounts the entire fleet during winter to give customers the best possible value. This is a direct, confirmed discount across all vehicle categories — economy, mid-size, SUV, people movers, and luxury — making it the most practical single answer to ‘when is the cheapest time to hire a car in Perth?’. Check the current special offers page for the latest rates.

💡  Winter sweet spot: June and July are typically the best months for a combination of lower car hire rates and good availability. The July school holidays see a short demand spike — booking early in the winter window (June) usually offers the most flexibility.

Season-by-Season Breakdown

Season Months Demand Level Burswood Tip
Summer peak Dec – Jan Very high Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead; popular SUV and people movers go quickly
Late summer Feb – Mar Moderate Good availability, reasonable rates — a solid window for flexibility
Autumn holidays Apr High School holiday spike; book early, especially for families needing people movers
Early winter May Moderate Demand easing; pre-winter pricing before the fleet discount kicks in
Winter (best) Jun – Aug Low–Moderate Burswood fleet discount active; best value and availability window
Spring Sep – Oct High School holidays and wildflower season bring demand back up; book 2–3 weeks ahead
Pre-summer Nov Moderate Demand building; good window before summer peak pricing

Note: These are general patterns, not guaranteed price schedules. Actual rates depend on vehicle type, hire duration, and current availability. Always request a current quote for your specific dates.

Other Ways to Get Better Value Any Time of Year

Book as early as possible

Car rental pricing in Perth — as elsewhere — tends to increase as availability tightens. Booking weeks ahead of your travel dates typically secures better rates and better vehicle choice than leaving it to the last week. This is particularly true during school holidays and over Christmas–New Year.

Use the price match promise

Burswood Car Rentals offers a price match promise — if you find the same vehicle at the same terms for a lower price elsewhere, they’ll match it. This gives you the confidence to book without obsessively shopping every comparison site.

Consider the vehicle type carefully

Economy cars like the Kia Rio are the most affordable starting point at any time of year. If you’re travelling as a group, a people mover often costs less per person than multiple smaller cars — worth the comparison if there are five or more in your party. Luxury vehicles carry the highest daily rates but also receive the winter fleet discount. Check the full vehicle range to find the right fit.

Longer hire periods reduce the daily rate

Multi-week or long-term hire typically brings the effective daily rate down compared to shorter bookings. If your trip allows flexibility on duration, adding a day or two to cross a rate threshold can reduce the per-day cost. Ask Burswood about long-term hire rates for stays of a week or more.

Avoid peak event weekends

Perth hosts major events throughout the year — the Perth Festival (February–March), Fringe World, AFL finals, and various summer music events all drive short-term demand spikes. If your travel dates are flexible, avoiding these weekends can mean meaningfully better availability and rates.

Is Cheap Always the Right Priority?

A short note worth including: the cheapest rate on a comparison site isn’t always the cheapest total cost once you factor in hidden fees, excessive bonds, fuel charges, and limited kilometre inclusions. Burswood’s model is built around no hidden fees, transparent pricing, and a price match if you find a genuine like-for-like offer somewhere else. That’s the practical standard to compare against — not just the headline daily rate.

📌  Pricing note: All rates mentioned in this article are general guidance. Actual prices depend on vehicle type, hire dates, duration, and current availability. Request a current quote from Burswood for your specific travel dates.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Burswood really discount the whole fleet in winter?

Yes — the winter fleet discount is a confirmed offer applied across all vehicle categories from approximately June to August. Check the special offers page for the current discount and apply it to your booking.

What is the price match promise?

If you find a genuinely equivalent hire — same vehicle type, same dates, same terms — at a lower price from another Perth rental company, Burswood will match it. See the price match promise page for full conditions.

Are school holiday rates significantly higher in Perth?

Yes — April, July, and September–October school holidays in WA drive meaningful demand increases, particularly for larger vehicles. Booking two to three weeks ahead during these periods is strongly recommended. The mid-winter window (June, early July before the school holidays) typically offers the best combination of the fleet discount and availability.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Perth?

Documents needed to rent a car in Perth — Burswood Car Rentals licence and credit card requirements WA

Renting a car in Perth is genuinely straightforward — and Burswood Car Rentals keeps it that way on purpose. The list of things you need to bring is short. But knowing exactly what’s required before you show up means there are no awkward moments at the counter and no delays before you’re on your way.

This guide covers every document scenario — Australian licence holders, international visitors, debit card users, and everything in between. For answers to specific questions, see the Burswood Car Rentals FAQs.

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The Short Answer: Two Things

For the vast majority of people hiring a car from Burswood, you need exactly two things:

  • Your current driver’s licence — Australian or valid foreign licence
  • A credit or debit card in your name — for the bond and any charges

That’s it. No utility bills, no secondary ID, no passport (for Australian licence holders). Just a valid licence and a card. Everything else is optional depending on your specific situation.

💡  Quick check: Before you arrive at pickup, confirm your licence isn’t expired and your card has sufficient available funds for the bond — $400 for standard vehicles, $500 for luxury, plus an additional $200 if paying by debit card. The bond is charged the day before collection.

 

Document Requirements by Driver Type

Australian Licence Holders

If you hold a current Australian driver’s licence — from any state or territory — you’re good to go. Your Australian licence is valid across all of Western Australia and is accepted without any supplementary documentation.

  • Licence must be current — check the expiry date before you travel
  • Any Australian state or territory licence is accepted — no need for a WA licence
  • Learner or provisional licences — minimum age requirement is 19 years, and Burswood will advise on licence class requirements when you book
📌  Minimum age: You must be at least 19 years old to hire a car from Burswood Car Rentals.

International Visitors — Overseas Licence

If you hold a licence issued in a country that uses English and the Roman alphabet, your overseas licence is generally valid to drive in Western Australia without any additional documentation.

Licences issued in countries where the licence is not in English, or does not use the Roman alphabet, require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to the original overseas licence. An IDP is a translation document issued by a motoring authority in your home country — it must be accompanied by your original licence at all times.

Licence Country/Type What You Need
Australia (any state/territory) Current Australian licence only
New Zealand Current NZ licence only
UK, USA, Canada, Ireland Current overseas licence (English, Roman alphabet)
Non-English or non-Roman alphabet Current overseas licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
Expired licence (any country) Not accepted — licence must be current

Note: WA road rules apply to all drivers regardless of where their licence was issued. International drivers are responsible for understanding and complying with Australian traffic laws.

💡  IDP tip: International Driving Permits are issued in your home country before you travel — they cannot be obtained in Australia. If you need one, arrange it through your country’s motoring authority before departure.

Payment: Credit Card vs Debit Card

A credit card is the standard payment method for car hire. It’s used to hold the bond, cover the daily rate, and manage any charges during the hire period.

Burswood does accept debit cards — but an additional $200 bond applies on top of the standard bond amount. So for a standard vehicle on a debit card, the total bond is $600 ($400 standard + $200 debit card surcharge).

  • Credit card: $400 bond (standard) / $500 bond (luxury)
  • Debit card: $400 + $200 = $600 bond (standard) / $500 + $200 = $700 bond (luxury)
  • Prepaid credit cards, Zippay, Afterpay, and Klarna: not accepted
  • The card must be in the hirer’s name
  • The bond is charged the day before collection
📌  Bond release: The bond is held as a pre-authorisation on your card and released at the end of the hire period, minus any applicable charges. Bond release timing depends on your bank.

Additional Drivers

Additional drivers can be added to the hire agreement at no extra charge. Each additional driver must present their own current driver’s licence at collection — or have it verified beforehand if they won’t be present.

Child Car Seats — Extra Documentation? No — Just Book in Advance

If you need a child car seat, no additional documentation is required — but book it in advance. Seats are $5 per day and are fitted in the vehicle before pickup. Burswood also offers lightweight baby strollers on request.

What to Check Before You Arrive

Check Details
Licence is current Check expiry date — licences must be valid on the day of collection
Licence is physical Most rental companies including Burswood require the physical licence card
Card has sufficient funds Bond (up to $600 debit) + daily rate must be available at time of charge
Card is in your name The card used for the bond must match the hirer’s name
IDP (international only) If your licence is non-English or non-Roman alphabet, bring your IDP
Minimum age Must be at least 19 years old at time of collection
Child seat booked (if needed) Book in advance — $5/day, fitted before you arrive

What You Don’t Need

For the sake of clarity, here’s what you don’t need to bring to pick up a Burswood hire car:

  • A utility bill or proof of address
  • A passport (for Australian licence holders)
  • Your own insurance documents — every Burswood vehicle is comprehensively insured
  • A printed booking confirmation — though having it handy on your phone is always helpful

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up a car booked in my name?

Yes — the person collecting the car just needs to present a current driver’s licence in their name. There’s no requirement for the person who booked to be the one who collects. See the Burswood FAQs for full details.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have an Australian licence?

No. Your current Australian driver’s licence is all the identity documentation you need. Passport is not required for Australian licence holders.

What happens if my credit card is declined for the bond?

Contact Burswood as soon as possible before your collection date. The bond is charged the day before collection — if you’re using a debit card, ensure the additional $200 is accounted for in your available balance.

Can I use a digital licence on my phone?

This may vary — call Burswood directly to confirm their current position on digital licences before your pickup day. Having the physical card available as a backup is always the safest approach.