Southbank Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Southbank

Renting a car in Southbank offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Southbank Promenade, which provides a vibrant city experience right in the neighbourhood. The historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, located 3 km away, is perfect for sports enthusiasts, while the National Gallery of Victoria, situated in Southbank, caters to those interested in cultural experiences.

A rental car is particularly advantageous for families, allowing for easy management of luggage and ensuring everyone can travel together comfortably. Whether you're planning to visit the bustling Melbourne Central Business District, just 2 km away, or the Docklands area, also 2 km distant, having a car simplifies your journey. This convenience makes it easier to explore various attractions like Collins Street and St Kilda Beach without the constraints of public transportation. For those on business trips, a rental car facilitates efficient travel to meetings and events. Overall, having a car enhances your experience, providing the flexibility to create your own itinerary in and around Southbank.

Most popular car rentals in and around Southbank

• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travellers and offering space for 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a top choice for those travelling with families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle provides the flexibility and comfort needed for exploring Southbank and its surroundings, making it perfect for those who appreciate both space and versatility during their travels.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact car accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate the busy streets of Southbank while still providing enough space for your luggage. This option is perfect for those seeking a balance between convenience and comfort on their journey.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is perfect for families or groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with the capacity for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space for everyone and their belongings, making it an excellent choice for those planning a longer stay or wanting to travel with extra comfort and convenience as they explore Southbank.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Southbank

• Hertz: Hertz is a top choice for car rentals in Southbank, boasting 4 rental locations within close proximity, with the nearest less than 1 km away. This supplier is popular for its reliable fleet, particularly the Compact and Midsize SUV models, which receive high bookings from travellers. Hertz is known for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, making it easy for visitors to explore the attractions around Southbank at their own pace.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 2 rental locations situated less than 1 km from Southbank, Thrifty Car Rental is a convenient option for those looking to rent a car. Travellers frequently opt for the Midsize SUV and Compact vehicles from this supplier, highlighting their comfort and practicality for city driving. Thrifty is appreciated for its competitive pricing and friendly service, allowing visitors to manage their travel plans effortlessly while enjoying the flexibility of a rental car.
• Avis: Avis offers 3 rental locations in the vicinity of Southbank, all less than 1 km away, making it easily accessible for tourists. This supplier is favored for its Midsize SUV and Fullsize cars, providing ample space and comfort for both short trips and longer journeys. Avis is recognized for its professional service and reliable vehicles, ensuring that travellers can navigate the diverse attractions of Melbourne and beyond with ease and convenience.

Where to stay around Southbank

• Southbank: A vibrant area in Melbourne, Southbank is perfect for visitors seeking a mix of family, city, and business experiences. Here, you can indulge in nearby attractions like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a historic stadium ideal for sports and cultural events. The proximity to St Kilda Beach offers a lovely beach holiday option, while the area's array of restaurants and wineries ensures delightful dining experiences.
• Melbourne Central Business District: Located 2 km away from Southbank, the Melbourne Central Business District is bustling with activity. This neighbourhood is a hub for city-themed adventures, family outings, and business engagements. Explore the historic buildings and vibrant streets, such as Collins Street, and enjoy the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground for sports enthusiasts. With numerous restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your palate.
• Docklands: Situated 2 km from Southbank, Docklands is another excellent choice for tourists. This suburb is known for its family-friendly activities, city-themed exploration, and business opportunities. Attractions include the historic buildings and sports facilities, while Collins Street provides a lively city atmosphere. Additionally, enjoy the nearby St Kilda Beach for a relaxing beach holiday and sample the local restaurants and wineries to enhance your culinary journey.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Southbank

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, making it advantageous to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to navigate in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking on Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking lengthy road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Southbank

The best value period to rent a car in and around Southbank is June, when prices are at their lowest and demand is mild. May and September also offer slightly lower prices and manageable demand. In contrast, March tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand as well. January and February are also quite busy, making them pricier options for renters. April and October see average prices and demand, while November remains moderately priced with stable demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
February	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
April	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	48.9°F (9.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
August	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
September	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
October	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High