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Perth looks straightforward on a map. A coastal strip, a river bisecting the southern suburbs, a CBD grid, and a network of arterial roads heading north, south, and east. But like any large city, Perth has its quirks: roads that seem to double back on themselves near the river, a CBD that requires a bit of thought around one-way streets and free transit zones, a freeway system that still catches newcomers off guard, and a scale that surprises visitors who do not appreciate how spread-out a city of this size becomes.

Burswood Car Rentals has been helping visitors and locals navigate Perth from our base at 16 Teddington Road, Burswood for over 42 years. Here is the local knowledge guide: what you need to know about Perth’s roads before you get in the driver’s seat.

Use a Navigation App, Not Printed Maps

The single most important navigation decision you make before driving a hire car in Perth is to use a live, GPS-based navigation application on your phone. Google Maps and Apple Maps both work well in Perth and WA. Waze is popular for city driving. All three update in real-time for traffic conditions, which matters in Perth’s peak-hour freeway merges.

Before you drive, set up your navigation for the first journey while the car is parked. Enter your destination, review the route, and start the audio navigation. Do not try to read a map on your phone while driving: it is illegal and unsafe. A phone mount on the windscreen or dashboard keeps your navigation visible without requiring you to pick up your phone.

Understanding Perth’s Freeway System

Perth’s freeway network is the main structural element of its road system. Understanding the key freeways makes most navigation decisions much simpler:

• Mitchell Freeway (north/south in the northern corridor): runs from the Narrows interchange near the CBD northward through Joondalup and beyond. If you are heading to Scarborough, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Joondalup, or anywhere in Perth’s north, the Mitchell Freeway is likely your primary route
• Kwinana Freeway (south): runs from the Narrows southward through Fremantle direction, Cockburn, and toward Rockingham and Mandurah. Also provides access to Fremantle via the Stock Road turnoff. If you are going south of the river, the Kwinana Freeway is your main arterial
• Graham Farmer Freeway (east-west link): runs through a tunnel under Northbridge, connecting the Mitchell Freeway north of the CBD to the Eastern Freeway. Useful for bypassing the CBD when moving between north and east Perth
• Great Eastern Highway: the main road heading east toward the Perth Hills, Mundaring, York, and beyond into the Wheatbelt
• Tonkin Highway and Roe Highway: the eastern bypass route connecting the southern and northern suburbs without entering the CBD or using the coastal freeways

Driving in Perth’s CBD

Perth’s city centre has several features that catch out unfamiliar drivers:

One-way streets

Parts of Perth’s CBD grid run on one-way systems. Hay Street and Murray Street in the mall area, and sections of St Georges Terrace and Adelaide Terrace, operate differently to what navigation apps sometimes show on their first suggestion. Trust your navigation app over any instinct: it knows the one-way system.

Free Transit Zone parking restrictions

Perth CBD has a Free Transit Zone (FTZ) for public transport, but driving and parking within the CBD is separate from this. Parking in the CBD requires paid parking at meters or in commercial car parks. Council parking regulations in the inner city are actively enforced. For multi-hour CBD visits, using an off-street car park (Convention Centre car park, Wilson Parking on Roe Street, and others) is simpler than hunting for meter parking.

The Causeway and the Narrows

Crossing the Swan River between the north and south sides of Perth requires either the Causeway (connecting East Perth to Victoria Park) or the Narrows Interchange (the main freeway connection near the CBD). Both are clearly signed. The Narrows is the faster option for freeway travel; the Causeway is useful for accessing East Perth and Burswood from the south. Burswood Car Rentals is located right at the Burswood interchange, making it very easy to reach from both directions.

Key Routes Worth Knowing

Destination	Recommended route	Notes
Perth Airport from city	Orrong Rd or Great Eastern Hwy east	Follow airport signs from Great Eastern Hwy
Fremantle from city	Kwinana Fwy south to Stirling Hwy	Or Stirling Hwy direct; 20-25 min
Cottesloe or City Beach	West via Hay St then Stirling Hwy	Stirling Hwy runs along the coast
Scarborough Beach	Mitchell Fwy north, West Coast Hwy exit	30 min from city in light traffic
Swan Valley	Great Eastern Hwy or Midland and north	Midland Gate is the gateway suburb
Hills and Kalamunda	Great Eastern Hwy east to Zig Zag	Winding roads in the Hills; take it easy
Margaret River (280 km)	Kwinana Fwy south to South West Hwy	Allow 3 to 3.5 hours

 

Perth Driving Habits to Know About

Local knowledge goes beyond knowing the roads. Here are a few Perth-specific driving habits that help newcomers blend in and stay safe:

• Merging at freeway on-ramps: Perth’s freeways use zip-merge (alternate merge) at on-ramps. Do not stop at the top of an on-ramp: accelerate to match freeway speed and merge when a gap appears
• Right turns at traffic lights: unless there is a dedicated right-turn arrow, you may be required to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before turning right. Do not block the intersection while waiting
• School zones: 40 km/h speed zones operate around schools on weekday mornings and afternoons when the zone lights are flashing. These are heavily policed and the reduced limit genuinely applies even when the streets appear quiet
• Cyclists: Perth has an expanding network of dedicated cycling infrastructure, but cyclists are also present on many roads. Give cyclists at least one metre of clearance when overtaking (1.5 metres on roads above 60 km/h)
• Kangaroos at dusk and dawn: on regional roads outside the metropolitan area, particularly on routes heading toward the Wheatbelt, South West, or north of the city, kangaroos are a genuine road hazard at dawn and dusk. Slow down and stay alert on country roads in low-light conditions

With a good navigation app, a well-maintained hire car from Burswood Car Rentals, and the local knowledge in this guide, Perth’s roads are straightforward and the rewards of getting out and exploring are enormous. Whether you are heading to Fremantle, the Hills, Margaret River, or simply getting around the city, Western Australia is best experienced from behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Perth roads easy to drive for visitors?

Generally yes. Perth’s roads are well-maintained, clearly signed, and less congested than Sydney or Melbourne. The main adjustments for visitors are driving on the left, understanding the freeway merge system, and watching out for speed cameras, which operate throughout the metropolitan area and on country roads. The Burswood FAQs page has more practical answers for first-time Perth visitors.

Is there a toll system in Perth?

Perth does not have a toll road network. There are no tolls on the Kwinana Freeway, Mitchell Freeway, or other metropolitan roads. You can drive anywhere in the Perth metropolitan area without toll charges, which is a practical advantage compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

What size hire car is best for driving in Perth?

For solo travellers and couples, a compact car or mid-size sedan is easy to park and navigate in Perth’s CBD and inner suburbs. For families or groups, the 8-seater Kia Carnival people mover handles Perth’s wider roads and regional highways comfortably. For a premium experience, Burswood’s Audi luxury range delivers exceptional comfort across both city and regional driving.

Perth is one of the world’s most driveable cities for international visitors. The roads are wide, the traffic is manageable by major city standards, the scenery is stunning, and within an hour of the city centre you can be in some of the most beautiful landscape on earth. The hire car is how most international visitors get the best out of WA, and getting the paperwork right before you pick up the keys makes the whole experience significantly smoother.

Burswood Car Rentals has been welcoming international visitors to Perth for over 42 years. We are conveniently located on the route from both the domestic and international airports, and our local team speaks from real experience when guiding overseas visitors through the hire process. Here is everything you need to know.

Driving Licence Requirements for International Visitors

Your ability to drive legally in Western Australia depends on the country that issued your licence and whether it is written in English.

• Licences issued in English: a valid overseas driving licence that is written in English may be used in Western Australia. Carry your licence at all times while driving
• Licences not issued in English: if your overseas licence is not in English, you will generally also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in WA. The IDP is a translation document issued by the motoring authority in your home country, and must be carried alongside your original home-country licence
• Your IDP cannot be used alone: an IDP is a translation document. It is not valid without the original licence it translates. Always carry both

Specific requirements, including any time limitations on using an overseas licence, are set by the Road Traffic Administration Act and related regulations in Western Australia. Please verify current requirements with Main Roads WA at mainroads.wa.gov.au before your trip. Requirements can change.

The First Rule of Driving in Australia: Keep Left

If you are visiting from a country that drives on the right (which includes the USA, most of Europe, China, and many other nations), the single most important adjustment to make is driving on the left side of the road.

This sounds straightforward until you are tired from a long-haul flight, it is your first time in an unfamiliar hire car, and you are making a right turn at a busy Perth intersection. Here is how to set yourself up for success:

• At every intersection, consciously remind yourself to keep to the left as you exit the turn
• At a roundabout, traffic flows clockwise: give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, entering from your right
• The driver sits on the right side of the car in Australia: if you feel like you are in the wrong seat, you are in the right one
• Be particularly careful when departing from quiet car parks or after a rest stop, as these are common moments for left-right disorientation
• Give yourself an easy first drive: do not leave the airport at peak hour heading directly into the CBD. A short, quiet route on your first drive helps the left-side habit settle in

Key Road Rules for International Visitors to WA

Western Australia’s road rules are based on the Australian Road Rules, which apply across the country with minor state variations. The following are the most important for international visitors to understand:

• Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up residential areas, 40 km/h in school zones when active, 60 km/h on most urban arterial roads, 80 or 100 km/h on suburban freeways, and 110 km/h on open highways. Speed cameras operate extensively across WA and fines are substantial
• Seatbelts: mandatory for all occupants in all seating positions. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 16 are properly restrained
• Mobile phones: it is illegal to hold or use a mobile phone while driving in WA. Hands-free systems are permitted. Even brief phone handling at traffic lights is an offence. Use your phone before you start driving or invest in a car mount for navigation
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05 for most licence holders. Zero for learner and probationary licence holders. Western Australian police conduct roadside breath testing. The penalties are severe. Do not drink and drive
• Give way to pedestrians: at marked pedestrian crossings, pedestrians have right of way. At intersections, give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into
• Bicycle lanes: do not drive in bicycle lanes. Some bicycle lanes in Perth allow car access only at specific times and for specific purposes

What to Bring When Hiring a Car in Perth

When you arrive at Burswood Car Rentals to pick up your vehicle, bring:

1. Your original overseas driving licence
2. Your International Driving Permit (if your licence is not in English)
3. Your passport
4. The credit or debit card you will be paying with (the same card used for the booking)
5. Your booking confirmation if you have one

If you have any questions before you arrive, the Burswood FAQs page covers many common hire questions, or you can call the team directly on +61 8 9362 4777.

Perth Distances and What Vehicle to Choose

Understanding Perth’s geography helps you choose the right vehicle for your trip:

Destination	Distance from Perth CBD	Vehicle recommendation
Fremantle	About 20 km south-west	Any vehicle in the fleet
Swan Valley	About 25 km north-east	Compact or mid-size sedan
Rottnest Island	Ferry from Fremantle	Ferry only; leave the hire car in Fremantle
Margaret River	About 280 km south	Sedan or SUV; comfortable for the drive
Albany	About 420 km south-east	Sedan or SUV; allow a full day’s driving
Kalbarri	About 590 km north	SUV recommended for longer trip comfort
Groups or families	Varies	8-seater Kia Carnival people mover

For families or groups, Burswood’s 8-seater Kia Carnival makes large-group travel comfortable and economical compared to two separate vehicles. For a premium Perth experience, our Audi luxury vehicles deliver a driving experience that matches Perth’s world-class attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a car in Perth if I am under 25?

Burswood Car Rentals has minimum age requirements for hire vehicles. Check the FAQs page or contact the team directly to confirm the current minimum age requirements and any applicable young driver policies. The minimum age varies by vehicle type.

Can I pick up my hire car from Perth Airport?

Burswood Car Rentals is located at 16 Teddington Road, Burswood, on the route from both Perth’s domestic and international airports to the CBD. We offer free pickup from Perth hotels in the city. Contact the team to arrange airport or hotel pickup for your hire vehicle.

What is the nil damage excess policy?

Burswood Car Rentals offers a nil damage excess policy, which means you are not required to pay an excess in the event of accidental damage during your hire period. This is particularly valuable for international visitors who may not have suitable travel insurance cover for hire car excess. Review the full terms or ask the team to explain the policy clearly at pickup.

Travelling responsibly does not mean giving up the freedom and flexibility of a hire car. It means making thoughtful choices about which vehicle you hire, how you drive it, and how you plan your trip. For visitors and locals in Perth, there are genuinely meaningful ways to reduce the environmental impact of your hire car travel without compromising on where you go or how comfortable you are getting there.

Burswood Car Rentals has been a Quality Tourism Accredited Perth car hire company for over 42 years. As Perth’s transport landscape shifts toward lower-emission vehicles, we are shifting with it. Here is the practical guide to eco-friendly car hire in Perth.

Step 1: Choose the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle for Your Trip

The single biggest factor in the environmental footprint of your hire car trip is the vehicle you choose. A smaller, more fuel-efficient car produces meaningfully less CO2 per kilometre than a large SUV or ute, regardless of how eco-consciously you drive.

Burswood’s practical guide to vehicle choice by trip type:

• Solo travel or couple in Perth: a compact car like the Kia Rio or similar economy option is the lowest-emission choice in the conventional fleet and is perfectly adequate for Perth CBD and inner suburb travel
• Family or small group: a mid-size sedan or small SUV uses fuel more efficiently than an 8-seater if you don’t genuinely need the extra seats. Hire the right size, not the largest available
• Any trip where charging is viable: the CUPRA Tavascan produces zero tailpipe emissions. For Perth city and short regional trips where the charging network supports the route, the electric option is the most environmentally responsible choice available

Step 2: Consider the Electric Vehicle Option

Burswood Car Rentals is currently trialling the CUPRA Tavascan, a premium electric SUV that produces zero tailpipe emissions. For a visitor to Perth whose itinerary includes the city, Fremantle, the Swan Valley, and possibly Margaret River, the Tavascan covers the journey without burning a single litre of petrol.

The environmental argument for an EV hire in Perth is straightforward. A week of city and regional driving in a petrol vehicle produces a substantial CO2 output. The same trip in the CUPRA Tavascan produces no direct tailpipe emissions. The full lifecycle carbon comparison between EVs and petrol vehicles is more complex (manufacturing, battery production, and the grid mix all factor in), but for the in-use travel emissions that most travellers think about, an EV hire is the clear environmental choice.

Step 3: Drive More Efficiently

Once you have the right vehicle, how you drive it has a significant effect on fuel consumption and emissions. These habits apply equally to petrol and EV hire cars (for EVs, they extend range and reduce overall energy use):

• Smooth acceleration and braking: rapid acceleration burns significantly more fuel than gradual acceleration to cruising speed. Anticipate the road ahead, accelerate gently, and let the car coast before braking where safe and legal to do so
• Maintain a steady speed on highways: fuel consumption increases sharply above 100 km/h on Western Australian highways. Keeping to the posted speed limit is both the legal and the more fuel-efficient choice
• Use air conditioning strategically: air conditioning adds fuel consumption. In mild Perth weather, opening windows is more efficient. In summer heat, air conditioning at moderate settings is more efficient than open windows at highway speeds
• Avoid unnecessary idling: turning off the engine at extended stops of more than a minute or two reduces fuel consumption and emissions
• Check tyre pressure before longer trips: underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption. The Burswood team maintains vehicles in good condition, but it is worth a quick check before heading out on a longer regional drive

Step 4: Plan Your Route to Minimise Distance

The greenest kilometre is the one you do not drive. Perth is a large, spread-out city, and route planning genuinely affects total distance travelled:

• Use a navigation app with live traffic data to avoid congestion, which dramatically increases fuel consumption
• Cluster activities by area on each day of your trip rather than crisscrossing the city
• For shorter distances in central Perth, consider using public transport (the free CAT buses in the city centre, or the train network to Fremantle) and using the hire car for the trips that genuinely require one
• When driving in the Perth Hills, Margaret River region, or other scenic areas, plan a circuit route rather than an out-and-back where possible

Step 5: Offset What You Cannot Avoid

For the emissions you cannot eliminate, consider a carbon offset. Several Australian organisations offer verified carbon offset programmes. A two-week hire car trip in WA can be offset for a relatively modest cost. Look for offset programmes that are independently verified against recognised standards (such as the Australian National Carbon Offset Standard or Gold Standard accreditation).

A Note on Vehicle Returns and Fleet Efficiency

Burswood Car Rentals maintains its fleet to a high standard, with regular servicing that keeps vehicles operating at their rated fuel efficiency. The no-hidden-fees, nil damage excess policy means there are no incentives for customers to hide vehicle issues that might affect performance, which helps us keep the fleet in optimal condition for both efficiency and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hiring an electric car in Perth more expensive than a petrol car?

The daily hire rate for the CUPRA Tavascan is higher than our economy and standard petrol vehicles, reflecting its premium positioning. However, the lower cost of charging versus petrol partially offsets the rate difference, particularly on longer hire periods. For customers for whom the environmental benefit or the premium driving experience has value, the Tavascan represents good value on both dimensions. Contact us for current pricing.

Which car in the Burswood fleet has the lowest emissions for a short Perth city trip?

For a short Perth city trip, the CUPRA Tavascan has zero tailpipe emissions and is the clear lowest-emission choice where the route is viable. For those who prefer a petrol vehicle, our economy and compact options have the lowest fuel consumption per kilometre in the conventional fleet.

Perth has changed. A city that was once almost entirely reliant on the car and the petrol bowser now has a growing network of EV charging infrastructure, a new generation of genuinely impressive electric vehicles on the road, and hire car customers asking a question that barely existed five years ago: should I hire an electric car?

Burswood Car Rentals has been on Perth’s roads for over 42 years and has recently added the CUPRA Tavascan to the fleet as part of our commitment to giving customers modern transport options. Whether an electric hire car is right for your Perth trip depends on where you are going, how far you are travelling, and what kind of driving experience you are looking for. Here is the honest guide.

What Is Available for Electric Hire in Perth?

Burswood Car Rentals is currently trialling electric vehicle hire in Perth with the CUPRA Tavascan, a premium electric SUV from the SEAT/Volkswagen Group’s CUPRA brand. The Tavascan is not a budget compact: it is a proper, striking SUV with European design, instant acceleration, a quiet and refined cabin, and the kind of technology package you would expect from a premium vehicle.

The CUPRA Tavascan delivers an experience that is genuinely different to a conventional petrol car. The acceleration is immediate and smooth. There is no engine noise, which gives the cabin a calm, quiet quality that is particularly noticeable on long highway stretches. And at a time when Perth petrol prices remain a talking point for everyone from commuters to tourists, the running costs of an EV tell their own story.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring an Electric Car in Perth?

• Running cost savings: charging an electric vehicle costs significantly less per kilometre than fuelling a petrol car at Perth pump prices. For a week-long hire in an EV, the difference between charging costs and petrol costs represents a genuine saving, particularly on longer drives
• Zero tailpipe emissions: for travellers who want to reduce the environmental impact of their visit to Western Australia, an EV hire produces no direct tailpipe emissions
• The driving experience: instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a quiet cabin are features that experienced EV drivers consistently describe as something you can’t appreciate until you have driven one. The CUPRA Tavascan in particular delivers genuine driving pleasure alongside its efficiency
• Technology and comfort: the Tavascan comes with advanced driver assistance technology, a premium interior, and cutting-edge infotainment, making it a compelling option for business travellers and anyone who values a premium-quality hire experience
• City driving efficiency: EVs are particularly well suited to city driving because the regenerative braking system recovers energy during deceleration. Perth’s stop-start CBD and inner suburb driving is well matched to an EV’s strengths

What Are the Limitations to Consider?

An honest guide to EV hire would be incomplete without addressing the genuine limitations. These are not reasons to avoid an electric hire car, but they are factors to plan around.

• Range planning: the CUPRA Tavascan has a strong range per charge, but any EV hire in Western Australia requires some route planning if you are heading into regional areas. Perth to Margaret River is an entirely manageable trip in the Tavascan. Perth to Kalbarri or Albany in a single day without advance charging planning requires more consideration
• Charging time vs refuelling time: topping up a petrol car takes four minutes. An EV rapid charge takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the charger and the state of charge. For some itineraries, this does not matter at all. For others, it requires scheduling a charging stop into the day
• Charging network familiarity: first-time EV drivers sometimes find navigating the charging network slightly unfamiliar. Burswood Car Rentals provides a guide to Perth and WA charging options when you hire the Tavascan, and the car’s navigation system will route you to chargers along your journey

Perth’s EV Charging Landscape

Perth’s public charging network has expanded considerably in recent years, driven by state government investment and commercial deployment. Key charging points relevant to Burswood Car Rentals hire customers include:

• Fast DC chargers in Perth CBD and major shopping precincts including Karrinyup, Innaloo, and Midland Gate
• Rapid charging on the Kwinana Freeway corridor heading south toward Fremantle and Rockingham
• Charging at selected service stations on the South West Highway heading toward Bunbury and Margaret River
• Charging infrastructure at major regional centres including Bunbury and Busselton

The Tavascan’s built-in navigation uses real-time charging point data to plan routes and identify available chargers, which removes much of the guesswork from charge planning.

Is an Electric Hire Car Worth It for Your Perth Trip?

Trip type	EV suitability	Notes
Perth CBD and inner suburbs	Excellent	City stop-start driving plays to EV strengths. No range concerns.
Perth to Fremantle	Excellent	Short trip, easy charging options. Highly recommended.
Perth to Margaret River	Very good	Charging available en route and in the region. Plan one stop.
Perth to Swan Valley	Excellent	Short round trip well within single charge.
Perth to Albany or Esperance	Moderate	Possible with advance planning; requires charging stop at Bunbury or further.
Perth to Kalbarri or Exmouth	Not recommended	Charging infrastructure thins significantly beyond Geraldton.

For the majority of Perth tourist itineraries and business travel needs, the CUPRA Tavascan is not only a viable choice: it is arguably the most enjoyable hire car we have. Contact the Burswood team to check availability and discuss whether the Tavascan suits your planned route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special knowledge to drive a hire EV?

No. The CUPRA Tavascan drives like a conventional automatic car with one significant difference: there is no gear selection beyond Drive, Reverse, and Park. The accelerator and brake pedals work the same way. The main adjustment for first-time EV drivers is getting used to regenerative braking (a mild resistance when you release the accelerator) and remembering to plug in at charging stops. Burswood’s team walks you through all the key functions when you pick up the vehicle.

Is the CUPRA Tavascan available at the airport?

Burswood Car Rentals is located at 16 Teddington Road, Burswood, on the route from Perth’s domestic and international airports to the CBD. We offer free pickup and delivery to Perth CBD hotels. Contact us to discuss airport pickup arrangements for the CUPRA Tavascan.

How much does it cost to charge the CUPRA Tavascan?

Public charging costs in Perth vary between providers and tariff types. Fast chargers at shopping centres typically charge by the minute or by the kilowatt-hour. For a full charge from near-flat, a rough comparison to petrol costs consistently shows EV charging to be significantly cheaper per kilometre at current Perth petrol prices. Exact charging costs depend on which network and tariff you use during your hire period.

 

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.

🚗 Book Your Perth to Margaret River Hire Car Burswood delivers to Perth CBD hotels and airport. No rental stickers — safer on the road. From $25/day with no hidden fees. →  Get a Quote Now →

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.