Australia is famous for its breathtaking coastline—stretching more than 34,000 kilometres and home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. From white-sand paradises and hidden coves to rugged surf beaches and tropical turquoise bays, the best way to experience Australia’s coastline is with the freedom of your own wheels.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore remote shores, stop at lookouts, enjoy oceanfront cafés and spend full days hopping between your favourite beaches. Whether you’re exploring Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia or Tasmania, having a vehicle lets you shape your coastal adventure exactly how you want.
In this guide, we reveal the best beaches in Australia to rent a car and travel to, complete with insider tips, driving routes, and convenient vehicle options through Trend Car Rentals. If you’re planning your next coastal road trip, this is your perfect starting point.
Why Renting a Car Is the Best Way to Visit Australian Beaches
Australia’s beaches are incredible—but many are located far from major public transport routes. That’s why travellers and locals alike choose to rent a car from Trend Car Rentals (https://www.trendrentals.com.au) for coastal trips.
Top reasons to rent a car for a beach holiday:
- Flexibility to stop at viewpoints, markets, cafés and walking tracks
- Easy access to remote or lesser-known beaches
- Comfort and space for beach gear, coolers, chairs and bags
- Better time management, especially when visiting multiple beaches in one day
- Safety, with modern vehicles equipped for long-distance travel
- Freedom to choose your own schedule, route and pace
With branches in major hubs and tourist regions, Trend Car Rentals offers SUVs, economy cars, and family vehicles perfect for sand-to-city adventures.
1. Whitehaven Beach – Whitsundays, QLD
Whitehaven Beach is one of the most photographed beaches on the planet. With 98% silica sand and swirling turquoise waters, it feels like a postcard brought to life.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Although Whitehaven is only accessible by boat or seaplane, Airlie Beach—the gateway to the Whitsundays—is easily reached by car. Renting a vehicle from Trend Car Rentals allows you to explore all the surrounding beaches, waterfalls, hikes and lookouts at your own pace before joining your day cruise.
Driving Highlights
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Shute Harbour Road coastal viewpoints
- Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach (incredible off-the-beaten-track beaches)
2. Bondi Beach – Sydney, NSW
Bondi Beach is synonymous with Australia’s beach lifestyle. Surf culture, coastal walks, cafés, markets and vibrant energy—the perfect mix for a full-day outing.
Why It’s Better with a Car
Parking has improved over the years, and renting a car makes it easy to:
- Visit multiple beaches in one day
- Drive the Bondi to Coogee trail access points
- Explore surrounding suburbs like Bronte, Tamarama and Watsons Bay
Driving Tips
Avoid peak-hour arrival. Early mornings guarantee parking, golden light and dolphins offshore.
3. Noosa Main Beach – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Noosa’s gentle waves, national park trails and boutique village vibe make it one of Australia’s most family-friendly beaches.
Why Rent a Car for Noosa
Public transport in the region is limited, and the best attractions—like Dolphin Point, Tea Tree Bay and the Fairy Pools—are easier to reach when you have full control of your schedule.
Nearby Beaches Worth Driving To
- Sunshine Beach
- Peregian Beach
- Castaways Beach
- Coolum Beach
Rent your vehicle from Trend Car Rentals to explore the Sunshine Coast with ease:
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au
4. Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, WA
One of Western Australia’s crown jewels, Turquoise Bay sits inside Cape Range National Park and offers some of the best drift snorkelling on earth.
Why You Need a Car
This remote region has limited transport options. A rental car lets you:
- Explore multiple snorkelling bays
- Drive to Yardie Creek
- Visit nearby beaches like Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Drift
- Stop at lighthouse lookouts at sunset
The drive from Exmouth town into the national park alone is worth the trip.
5. Wineglass Bay – Freycinet National Park, TAS
Wineglass Bay is a world wonder—featuring a perfect crescent of white sand and sapphire water framed by pink granite peaks.
Beach and Bush Adventure in One
The magic starts long before you reach the viewpoint. Driving from Hobart or Launceston reveals breathtaking farmland, coastlines, mountains and wineries.
What Makes Renting a Car Essential
There’s no public transport into Freycinet National Park. With your own car, you can:
- Start hikes early
- Visit multiple beaches like Honeymoon Bay
- Explore Cape Tourville Lighthouse
- Enjoy local oyster farms along the Great Eastern Drive
6. Cable Beach – Broome, WA
Known for camel rides at sunset, blazing orange skies and 22 kilometres of beach, Cable Beach is a must-see.
Why It’s Perfect for Road Trips
Renting a car gives you freedom to:
- Drive to Gantheaume Point
- Visit Town Beach and the Staircase to the Moon
- Go beyond Broome into remote Kimberley beaches
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a desert-meets-ocean paradise, this is it.
7. Palm Cove – Cairns, QLD
Just 30 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a tropical beach village lined with palms, spas and restaurants overlooking the Coral Sea.
Why Rent a Car for Palm Cove
With your own vehicle, you can visit:
- Ellis Beach
- Trinity Beach
- Clifton Beach
- Kuranda
- Great Barrier Reef Drive
The oceanfront road from Cairns to Palm Cove is one of Australia’s most stunning coastal drives.
Need a rental in Cairns?
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au
8. Bells Beach – Great Ocean Road, VIC
A legendary surf destination and home to the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach attracts surfers from around the world.
Why You Need a Car
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic driving routes in Australia. With your own vehicle, you can explore:
- Anglesea
- Lorne
- Apollo Bay
- Twelve Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge
Every few kilometres offers a new place to stop and explore.
9. Hyams Beach – Jervis Bay, NSW
Many claim Hyams Beach has the whitest sand in the world—and standing on it, you’ll understand why.
Perfect by Car
Drive your rental into Booderee National Park for a day of:
- Shoreline walks
- Beach hopping
- Dolphin spotting
- Snorkelling in crystal-clear water
Hyams Beach is part of a cluster of equally stunning beaches like Murrays Beach, Green Patch and Bristol Point.
10. Lucky Bay – Esperance, WA
Lucky Bay is famous for its beach-loving kangaroos lounging on powdery white sand. It’s one of the most photogenic beaches anywhere.
Why Renting a Car Is Essential
Esperance is remote, and driving allows you to explore:
- Cape Le Grand National Park
- Hellfire Bay
- Blue Haven Beach
- Twilight Cove
Each beach feels untouched and cinematic.
11. Burleigh Heads – Gold Coast, QLD
With world-class surf breaks, scenic headlands, markets and buzzing nightlife, Burleigh is one of the Gold Coast’s most loved beaches.
Why It’s Better with a Car
The Gold Coast is built for beach hopping. With your own vehicle, you can explore:
- Tallebudgera Creek
- Currumbin
- Surfers Paradise
- Miami Beach
- Coolangatta
Driving also allows you to reach hinterland waterfalls and lookouts.
How to Plan the Perfect Beach Road Trip
Whether you’re visiting one state or crossing the continent, planning your beach journey starts with choosing the right vehicle.
Vehicle Tips
- SUVs are ideal for long drives and families
- Compact cars are great for city-to-beach travel
- 4WDs allow access to certain remote beaches (where legally permitted)
- People movers are perfect for group adventures
Find your ideal vehicle here:
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au
Packing Essentials
- Sunscreen and hats
- Reusable water bottles
- Towels and swimmers
- Portable cooler
- Beach umbrella or shade shelter
- Sand-safe bags
- Snorkel gear or bodyboards
Driving Safety Tips
- Start early to secure parking
- Avoid soft sand unless your vehicle and permit allow it
- Watch for wildlife on dawn and dusk drives
- Check tide times for remote beaches
- Keep your phone charged for navigation and photos
The Best Time to Visit Australia’s Beaches
Queensland (Cairns–Sunshine Coast)
Best: May–October
Tropical dry season with calm seas and warm weather.
New South Wales (Sydney–Jervis Bay)
Best: October–April
Ideal for swimming and sunshine.
Victoria (Great Ocean Road)
Best: December–March
Warmest water and best surf conditions.
Western Australia (Broome–Esperance)
Best: April–October
Dry season in the north, calm conditions in the south.
Tasmania (Freycinet)
Best: December–March
Perfect for hiking and beach days.
Why Trend Car Rentals Is the Ideal Choice for Beach Road Trips
Planning a coastal adventure is easier with a dependable rental provider.
Benefits of renting with Trend Car Rentals:
- Wide range of vehicles for all types of beach travel
- Well-maintained, family-friendly and road-ready cars
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible rental options
- Convenient locations
- Support for road trips, long drives and regional travel
Book your next adventure here:
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au
Conclusion: Australia’s Beaches Are Best Explored by Car
From Western Australia’s wild coastline to Queensland’s tropical coves and Tasmania’s pristine bays, the best way to experience Australia’s greatest beaches is behind the wheel.
A rental car gives you:
- Freedom
- Comfort
- Flexibility
- Access to hidden gems
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a long road trip or a family holiday, Trend Car Rentals makes beach adventures simple, affordable and unforgettable.
Start your journey today.
👉 https://www.trendrentals.com.au