Tips for Renting a Car During Australian Public Holidays
Tips for Renting a Car During Australian Public Holidays
Public holidays in Australia are a popular time to hit the road — whether it’s a long weekend getaway, a trip to see family, or an extended break around Easter or Christmas. But if you’re planning to hire a car during these peak periods, it pays to be prepared.
Demand for rental cars in Sydney, Hobart, and other hotspots often spikes during public holidays, and availability can disappear quickly. To help you avoid stress (and unnecessary costs), we’ve put together our top tips for renting a car during busy holiday periods.
Table of Contents
Why Public Holidays Are Peak Rental Times
Long weekends and school holidays often lead to surges in car hire demand. Travellers from interstate, local families planning getaways, and even people moving house all compete for available vehicles — especially in places like Sydney Airport and Hobart city.
Holiday periods like:
Easter
Christmas and New Year
Australia Day
Labour Day
ANZAC Day
Queen’s Birthday
…can see rental cars book out weeks in advance.
1. Book Early to Lock In Your Car
The most important thing you can do is book well ahead of the holiday. If you leave it too late, you may find:
Limited vehicle options (e.g. no SUVs or people movers)
Higher daily rates due to demand
Fewer convenient pick-up times or locations
Tip: If you know your travel dates, don’t wait — book your YesDrive rental early to get the best rates and selection.
2. Be Flexible with Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Holiday weekends often mean adjusted trading hours. Many car hire locations may:
Close earlier than usual
Be closed altogether on public holidays
Have limited staff or longer wait times
What to do:
Confirm pick-up and return hours when booking
Choose flexible times to avoid peak-hour traffic and queues
Ask about after-hours drop-off options (YesDrive offers these at select locations)
3. Understand Holiday Surcharges and Opening Hours
Some rental providers charge public holiday surcharges — often hidden in the fine print. At YesDrive, we keep our pricing transparent and fair, even during busy periods.
Still, it’s worth asking about:
Public holiday opening hours
Weekend or public holiday surcharges
After-hours pick-up/return fees (if applicable)
Planning ahead helps you avoid surprise costs.
4. Choose the Right Vehicle for the Occasion
Think about the kind of trip you’re planning. For example:
City day trips → Small hatchbacks for easy parking
Family beach weekends → SUVs with space for bags and gear
Long-distance road trips → Fuel-efficient sedans for comfort
Group travel → People movers or vans to keep everyone together
Public holidays usually mean full cars and more luggage — so don’t cut it too close on space.
5. Watch Out for Traffic and Toll Roads
Holiday travel often means heavier traffic — especially around major cities like Sydney and tourist hotspots in Tasmania.
Here’s how to plan ahead:
Use a GPS or apps like Google Maps to avoid congested routes
Expect delays when leaving or returning to the city
Check for toll roads — especially around Sydney — and ask YesDrive to set up toll payment for you
How YesDrive Helps During Peak Travel Times
At YesDrive, we make public holiday travel easier with:
✅ Easy online bookings and early reservations
✅ Flexible pick-up and return times
✅ Well-maintained, road-trip-ready vehicles
✅ Airport and city locations in Sydney and Hobart
✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden holiday surcharges
Our local teams can also provide travel tips, public holiday info, and directions to help make your journey smooth from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Public holidays are the perfect time to escape — but if you’re planning to rent a car, it’s best not to leave things to chance. With a little preparation, you can avoid the rush, skip the queues, and get the vehicle that fits your trip perfectly.
Travelling over a holiday weekend? Book your car hire with YesDrive now and get ahead of the crowd — while the best options are still available.
