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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.

Book Your Margaret River Hire Car From $25/day. Burswood delivers to Perth CBD hotels and both airport terminals. No hidden fees. 40+ years of Perth car hire. →  Book a Hire Car →

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.

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.

🚗 Burswood Delivers Direct to Perth Airport No rental stickers. No hidden fees. Airport and hotel delivery available — prearranged at any time. Call (08) 9362 4777. →  Book Your Airport Pickup →

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:

6. Walk around the car and check for any existing marks or damage — confirm these are noted on the agreement before you sign
7. Check the fuel gauge — the tank should be full; confirm this at handover
8. Confirm the kilometre allowance on your agreement — Burswood includes 100km or 200km free per day depending on vehicle type
9. Connect your phone to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay — most Burswood vehicles have this built in (you’ll need your cable)
10. 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.

Book Your Perth Airport Car Hire Burswood delivers to Perth domestic terminals T1 and T2 — prearranged at any time. No hidden fees. From $25/day. →  Book Your Airport Hire Car →

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.

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.

🚗 Price Match Promise — Perth’s Best Rate Guaranteed Burswood Car Rentals offers a price match promise. If you find a lower rate for the same vehicle and terms, we’ll match it. From $25/day. →  Get an Instant Quote →

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.

 

Book Your Perth Hire Car Today From $25/day. Winter fleet discount active June–August. Price match promise. No hidden fees. No rental stickers. 1,000+ five-star reviews. →  Get an Instant Quote →

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.

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.

🚗 Perth’s Trusted Car Hire Since 1984 No hidden fees. No rental stickers. From $25/day. Get an instant quote from Burswood Car Rentals. →  Get an Instant Quote →

 

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

Ready to Book? It Takes Two Minutes No hidden fees. No rental stickers. Price match promise. From $25/day across a full fleet of economy, SUVs, people movers and luxury vehicles. →  Book Your Perth Hire Car →

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.

Western Australia is one of the great road trip destinations on earth. Perth sits at the gateway to landscapes that range from pristine surf coast to ancient red rock formations, world-class wine regions to wild national parks. And unlike the crowded routes of the east coast, most of WA’s best drives unfold with astonishing space and very little traffic.

A hire car unlocks all of it. Here are the top road trips from Perth — covering everything from half-day escapes to week-long adventures — with practical notes on distance, what to see, and the best vehicle for each trip.

🚗 Ready to Hit the Road? Burswood Car Rentals has been getting Perth travellers on the road for over 40 years. From $25/day. No hidden fees. Price match guarantee. →  Book Your Hire Car →

1. Margaret River Wine Region — The Classic WA Road Trip

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~280km south	3–3.5 hours each way	Mid-size sedan or SUV

The Margaret River region is arguably the most popular road trip destination from Perth — and for good reason. World-class wineries, spectacular surf beaches (Prevelly, Gnarabup), sea caves (Ngilgi Cave, Lake Cave), old-growth karri forest, and artisan food producers are all packed into a region that rewards several days of exploration.

The drive south from Perth takes you through Bunbury, Busselton (with its famous Busselton Jetty — the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere), and into the forested wine country around Margaret River township. The roads are sealed, well-maintained, and largely uncrowded outside of the summer peak.

• Best time to visit: Autumn (March–May) for harvest season and fewer crowds; Spring (September–November) for wildflowers on the drive south
• Don’t miss: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet
• Ideal vehicle: Toyota Corolla or Toyota Camry Hybrid — fuel-efficient on the highway, comfortable for 5+ hour days

✅  Burswood Advantage: Burswood’s Toyota Camry Hybrid is an ideal Margaret River car — excellent fuel economy on the 280km highway run each way, plus a large boot for wine purchases on the way home.

2. The Pinnacles Desert via Cervantes — Perth’s Most Dramatic Day Trip

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~200km north	2–2.5 hours each way	Economy or mid-size sedan

The Pinnacles — thousands of limestone pillars rising from a golden desert floor — are one of Western Australia’s most photographed landscapes and one of the most accessible. Located within Nambung National Park near Cervantes, the Pinnacles are easily combined with a stop at Lancelin’s sand dunes for sandboarding, and the peaceful fishing village of Jurien Bay for lunch.

The drive north up the Indian Ocean Drive is itself a highlight — the coastal scenery between Perth and Cervantes is consistently stunning, with glimpses of turquoise ocean and white beaches along the Turquoise Coast.

• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon at the Pinnacles — the low-angled light is spectacular and the heat is manageable
• Entry: National parks pass or day entry fee applies at Nambung National Park
• Combine with: Lobster fishing in Cervantes — the town is known for its crayfish

💡  Day trip tip: The Pinnacles drive works perfectly as a day trip from Perth in any of Burswood’s economy or mid-size vehicles — the roads are all sealed and easy.

3. Swan Valley — Perth’s Closest Wine Region

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~25–30km northeast	30 minutes	Any vehicle

If you want wine, food, and chocolate without the 3-hour drive, the Swan Valley is Perth’s closest wine region — just 30 minutes from the CBD. The Great Northern Highway through the Swan Valley takes you past cellar doors, breweries, honey farms, nougat factories, and farm-gate providores.

The Swan Valley is ideal for a leisurely half-day or full-day loop. It’s also a great first-day option if you’ve just collected your hire car and want to get a feel for driving in Perth before heading further afield.

• Highlights: Sandalford Estate, Houghton Wines, the Caversham Wildlife Park, and the Bells Rapids walking trail
• Food trail: The Swan Valley Food & Wine Trail map is available at most cellar doors

4. The Turquoise Coast to Kalbarri — The Long North Drive

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~600km north	5.5–6 hours each way	SUV or comfortable mid-size

For travellers with a week or more, the drive north to Kalbarri is one of the most rewarding in Western Australia. The route passes through Lancelin, the Lobster Coast, and Geraldton before arriving at Kalbarri — famous for its dramatic gorges (Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park), stunning cliff-top walks, and excellent fishing.

Burswood even has a dedicated travel guide to Kalbarri on their website — a testament to how popular this drive is among Perth hire car customers.

• Best time: April to October — summers in Kalbarri are hot and some inland trails close due to heat risk
• Don’t miss: Murchison Gorge, Z-Bend lookout, and Rainbow Valley at sunset
• Ideal vehicle: Toyota RAV4 SUV for comfort on the longer sections and flexibility if exploring any gravel access roads

✅  Burswood Advantage: Burswood’s fleet includes vehicles with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard on most models — essential for navigating and managing music on long regional drives.

5. Perth Hills & Avon Valley — The Weekend Escape

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~45–80km east	45 min–1 hour	Economy sedan or SUV

The Perth Hills rise to the east of the city — the Darling Scarp — offering a completely different landscape from the flat coastal plain. The towns of Kalamunda, Mundaring, and Toodyay are accessible within an hour, and the Avon Valley around York and Beverley rewards a full weekend with heritage sandstone architecture, farm stays, and wildflower drives in spring.

John Forrest National Park, just 35km from the CBD, is a beautiful short escape with bushwalking, swimming, and wildlife. The Valley of the Giants walk among ancient tingle trees near Walpole (further south, en route to Albany) is worth a detour if you’re heading to the South West.

6. Fremantle & The Southern Coast — The Urban Escape

Distance from Perth	Duration	Best Vehicle
~20km south	20 minutes	Any vehicle

Fremantle is the closest significant day trip from Perth — just 20 minutes south — and an essential one. The port city has an extraordinary concentration of Victorian-era limestone architecture, a thriving café and bar culture centred around the Cappuccino Strip, the WA Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Prison (World Heritage-listed), and Little Creatures Brewery.

Combine Fremantle with the coastal drive south through Cockburn, Rockingham (dolphins!), and Mandurah for a full day on the Southern Coast. The highway south is smooth and fast.

7. The Wheatbelt Wildflower Drive — September to October

Every year between August and November, Western Australia’s Wheatbelt erupts in wildflowers — one of the most extraordinary natural events in Australia. The drives through York, Merredin, and Corrigin reward visitors with roadsides blanketed in everlastings, wattle, and banksias. This is one of those experiences that’s genuinely unknown to most international visitors — and unforgettable to those who stumble upon it.

💡  Wildflower season: Wildflower season timing varies year to year based on rainfall. The WA Wildflower Society publishes seasonal guides — check ahead if planning specifically for the blooms.

Choosing the Right Hire Car for Your Road Trip

Road Trip	Recommended Vehicle	Why
Margaret River (280km)	Toyota Camry Hybrid or Corolla	Fuel-efficient on highway, comfortable boot for wine
Pinnacles Day Trip (200km)	Economy sedan (Kia Rio)	Sealed roads, short distances, great value
Swan Valley (30km loop)	Any vehicle	Local drive, any hire car is ideal
Kalbarri (600km)	Toyota RAV4 SUV	Comfort on long drives, flexibility on access roads
Perth Hills/Avon Valley	Economy or mid-size	Easy roads, not a distance vehicle
Group trip anywhere	Kia Carnival 8-seater	8 passengers + luggage — the best group road trip option

Browse the full Burswood fleet and choose the vehicle that matches your itinerary. If you’re unsure, call the team on (08) 9362 4777 — they know Perth roads well and can help you choose the right vehicle for your specific trip.

🚗 Plan Your Perth Road Trip From $25/day. No hidden fees. Airport delivery available. Let Burswood Car Rentals get you on the road and into Western Australia’s best landscapes. →  Book Your Road Trip Car →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Margaret River from Perth?

Margaret River is approximately 280km south of Perth — around a 3 to 3.5 hour drive. It’s comfortably doable as a weekend trip and ideally explored over 2–3 days.

Can I take the Burswood hire car on long WA road trips?

Yes. Burswood vehicles are well-maintained and suited to WA’s highway drives. Check your daily kilometre inclusions at booking — for longer trips, confirm the excess kilometre rate to budget accurately. See the FAQs for kilometre policy details.

Are the roads to destinations like Kalbarri suitable for standard hire cars?

The main highways to Kalbarri and most popular WA destinations are sealed. Access roads within national parks may be unsealed — note that Burswood vehicles are not permitted on unsealed off-road tracks. For any destination involving significant unsealed road driving, confirm suitability with the Burswood team before your trip.

What’s the best car for a group road trip from Perth?

The Kia Carnival 8-seater people mover is the best option for groups of 5 to 8. It’s comfortable on highways, handles luggage easily, and sharing the hire cost between 6–8 people makes it one of the best value options available.

Do Burswood vehicles have GPS?

Most vehicles come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which effectively turns your phone into a GPS. Bring your phone cable. If you don’t have a smartphone, speak to the team at booking about alternatives.

Are there any current special offers for road trip hires?

Yes — check the Burswood special offers page for current promotions. Winter rates across the full fleet are typically discounted, making the cooler months an excellent time for a WA road trip — wildflowers in spring, whale watching in winter, and vineyards at harvest in autumn.

You’ve touched down in Perth, your bag is on the carousel, and you’re ready to get moving. The last thing you want is a confusing shuttle bus system, a long wait at a rental counter, or an unexpected charge that wasn’t in your original quote.

This guide covers exactly how Perth airport car hire works — including how Burswood Car Rentals handles airport collections and what makes it different from the on-site airport rental experience most travellers default to.

✈️ Flying into Perth? Burswood Car Rentals delivers directly to Perth domestic and international airport terminals. No airport surcharges. From $25/day. →  Book Airport Car Hire →

Understanding Perth’s Airports

Perth Airport handles both domestic and international flights through four terminals:

• Terminal 1 — Qantas domestic and Qantas regional flights
• Terminal 2 — Virgin Australia domestic flights
• Terminal 3 & 4 — International departures and arrivals

Perth Airport is located approximately 15–20 minutes east of the Perth CBD. Burswood Car Rentals is based at 16 Teddington Road, Burswood — directly en route between the airport and the city — which makes both pick-up and drop-off extremely convenient.

Option 1: Burswood Delivers to Your Terminal

The most convenient option for travellers flying into Perth is to have Burswood deliver the vehicle directly to the terminal at the time of your arrival. This means you clear customs, collect your bags, and your hire car is waiting — no shuttle bus, no counter queue, no airport surcharge on top of your rental.

Burswood offers delivery to all Perth airport terminals within 20km of the depot at no additional cost. Simply arrange this when you make your booking and confirm your flight arrival time.

✅  Burswood Advantage: No airport surcharge — a significant advantage over on-site airport rental desks, which typically levy a fee of $10–$30 per day on top of the base rate just for the privilege of picking up at the terminal.

Option 2: Pick Up at the Burswood Depot

If you’d prefer to collect the vehicle from the Burswood depot at 16 Teddington Road, Burswood, this is a short drive from the airport — either in a cab, rideshare, or on the Perth Airport shuttle. The depot is in Burswood, immediately adjacent to the Crown Hotel and just minutes from the Perth CBD. This option works well if you’re arriving at a time when the airport delivery logistics are less convenient, or if you’d prefer to sort accommodation first.

The depot is open 8am–5pm Monday to Friday and 8am–4pm on weekends. Outside these hours, pre-arranged pick-up is available around the clock — so early morning or late night flights are not a barrier.

Comparing Airport Car Hire Options in Perth

Option	Burswood Terminal Delivery	On-Site Airport Desk	Burswood Depot Pick-Up
Airport surcharge	None	Typically $10–$30/day	None
Waiting time	Car ready at arrival	Queue at counter	Short drive from airport
After-hours	Pre-arranged, available	Limited/closed	Pre-arranged, available
Daily rate from	$25/day	Variable	$25/day
Hidden fees	None	Possible	None
Stickers on car	None	Usually yes	None

 

💡  No stickers: Burswood vehicles carry no rental stickers — a detail that matters for travellers. Rental stickers mark you as a tourist and can attract opportunistic theft, particularly of bags left in parked vehicles. No stickers means less risk.

What to Organise Before You Fly

A bit of pre-trip planning makes airport car hire seamless. Here’s what to sort before you board:

1. Book your vehicle in advance — summer and school holidays see availability drop fast. The best vehicles at the best rates go first.
2. Confirm your arrival terminal and flight time with Burswood when booking, if you’re using terminal delivery.
3. Check your licence requirements — Australian state licences are fine. International visitors travelling from countries where licences aren’t in English need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
4. Arrange payment — have your credit or debit card ready. The bond ($400 for standard vehicles) will be pre-authorised at pick-up.
5. Add extras at booking — if you need a child seat ($5/day), confirm it when you book. See the FAQs for full optional accessory details.
6. Check current special offers — seasonal promotions, including winter discounts, can meaningfully reduce the total cost.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for a Perth Arrival

What you hire from the airport depends on what you’re doing in Perth. A couple on a week’s holiday is well served by an economy sedan. A family coming through Terminal 3 with five suitcases and three children needs something much larger — the Kia Carnival 8-seater is the go-to for groups. A business traveller heading to corporate meetings wants something that presents well — Burswood’s luxury vehicle range covers that. Browse the full fleet to find the right fit before you fly.

Important Things to Know on Arrival

Road rules in Western Australia

If you’re from interstate or overseas, note a few Western Australia-specific road rules: the speed limit in built-up areas is generally 50km/h unless otherwise signed; some Perth roads have variable speed limits enforced by cameras; and mobile phones must not be used while driving unless the phone is in a hands-free cradle or holder.

Fuel

Perth has plentiful petrol stations across the metro area. The full-to-full fuel policy means you receive the car with a full tank — fill up before returning the vehicle to avoid the $3.50/litre shortfall charge.

Parking in Perth

Perth CBD parking is largely metered or in paid car parks. Most hotels offer parking (sometimes at a fee). If you’re hiring a car primarily for day trips out of the city rather than city driving, parking is much less of a concern — and the car genuinely comes into its own on the open roads.

24-Hour Roadside Assistance

Every Burswood rental includes 24/7 RAC roadside assistance. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, the number is on the bottom of your rental agreement. If the fault is with the vehicle, the call-out is free.

📋 Book Your Perth Airport Car Hire No airport surcharges. Terminal delivery available. Over 40 years of trusted Perth car hire. Get a quote online in under a minute. →  Get an Instant Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Burswood pick up from Perth Airport?

Burswood Car Rentals can deliver your vehicle to any Perth Airport terminal — domestic or international — within 20km of the depot. Arrange this when booking and confirm your arrival time.

Is there an airport surcharge with Burswood?

No. Unlike on-site airport rental desks, Burswood does not add an airport surcharge for terminal delivery. The rate you’re quoted is the rate you pay.

What if my flight is delayed?

Contact Burswood as soon as you know about the delay. The team is experienced at handling flight schedule changes — call (08) 9362 4777. You can also contact them via WhatsApp. See the contact page for all contact options.

Can I return the car to the airport?

Yes — return arrangements can be made to Perth Airport terminals within the 20km service area. Confirm drop-off logistics when you book.

What are Burswood’s opening hours?

The depot is open 8am–5pm Monday to Friday and 8am–4pm Saturday and Sunday. Pre-arranged collections and deliveries are available outside these hours — including early morning and late-night airport arrivals.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Perth?

If your driver’s licence is not in English, yes — you’ll need an IDP alongside your foreign licence. Australian state licence holders need only their licence.