Car & Van Hire - Perth

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is known for its sunshine and gorgeous surrounding scenery. It is considered the most isolated city on earth, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the inhospitable outback on the other. The city itself is an oasis of modernity, with huge skyscrapers marking its distinctive skyline.

Western Australia boasts some of the country's best beaches, as you'll see for yourself with a car rental in Perth. As Perth is a West coast city, the sunsets are truly spectacular, so it's worth heading to the shore in the evening. The most iconic is Cottesloe Beach, known for its surf culture and clear waters. Families flock to the gentler, kid-friendly waves of Mullaloo Beach. That's just the start, though — there are dozens of beaches to explore in and around the city, each with its own unique character.

The Western Australia Botanic Garden is one highlight of visiting Kings Park. Here, you can visit the DNA Tower, shaped like the famous double helix, and explore a wealth of beautiful plants and flowers. The park also has 400 acres of bushland. Hiking trails weave through this landscape, and it's a popular spot for both visitors and locals alike.

The Fremantle Markets, known locally as the Freo Markets, are famous all across Australia. Open Friday to Sunday, these markets have been a key part of the city for over a century. They offer an eclectic range of products, including handcrafted souvenirs, local fresh produce, clothes and all kinds of trinkets. There's also a baby animal farm to keep kids entertained at the market, and the place is always lively with buskers and street entertainers.

For an unforgettable day trip, take the ferry to Rottnest Island. This is a true highlight of the region, offering something for everyone. If you love the great outdoors, try cycling or hiking around the island or go snorkelling in the clear waters of the bays. Those who want to relax can chill out on the beach or visit a seafood restaurant. Best of all, the island is home to a large population of quokkas. Thanks to their cheerful expressions, these tiny marsupials are known as the happiest animals on earth. The friendly critters are curious about visitors and will often wander right up to you. Get ready to take the most adorable photos of your trip!

There's plenty more to see in this part of Western Australia. A car hire or van rental in Perth can take you inland to the old settler colony of York or the natural beauty of Wave Rock. If you prefer to hug the coast, you can visit many unforgettable sights, like Margaret River or the Pinnacles Desert. Wherever you go, your trip to Perth is bound to be memorable.

Traffic in Perth is not as heavy as you'd find in other Aussie cities like Sydney or Melbourne. There are some multi-storey car parks around, while on-street parking in the CBD is usually metered. Some streets will let you park for an hour at no charge, so check the signs carefully.

Most visitors to Perth will plan day trips outside the city. Western Australia has spectacular scenery, but the long distances between towns can be intimidating, and you'll often find yourself on the road without a mobile phone signal. Always bring plenty of water, carry paper maps, and check the locations of petrol stations and other important services.

Driver fatigue can be a serious problem on Western Australia's seemingly endless roads. Be sure to get plenty of rest and limit driving time wherever possible. Take regular breaks. If you're travelling in a group, swap driving duties when you can.

Many country roads are unsealed, and conditions can be variable. Drive slowly on dirt or gravel roads. As vehicles can easily get stuck in the mud, do not drive on unsealed roads during or after rain. Other weather hazards to watch out for include bushfires, cyclones and floods, all of which are known problems in Western Australia. Pay attention to local weather reports and follow all guidelines. If a road has been closed due to flooding, never attempt to enter it.

Even close to the city, animals can cause problems. Avoid driving from dusk to dawn, which is when Australia's marsupials are most active. Kangaroos are considered a major hazard on the road, so slow down whenever they are nearby.

You'll also need to take care when it comes to 'road trains', the enormous trailer trucks carrying goods between rural Australian cities. These can be over 50 metres long, so take extreme care when overtaking one of them. On country roads, a road train may be travelling at 100 km/h, and overtaking can be extremely risky. Keep your distance if sharing the road, and watch out for dust clouds and gravel.