Can you rent a car from Melbourne to Sunshine Coast?
Yes, 100%! Need to pick up your car rental in Melbourne and return it on the Sunshine Coast? We’ve got your back and your boot with our flexible one-way rentals. Get in touch with our friendly team by phone, email or online contact form, and we’ll help get your plans rolling.
One way rental Melbourne to Sunshine Coast
Drive Australia your way with our flexible one-way rentals. Pick up your ride in Melbourne and drop it off on the Sunshine Coast, without the return trip. It can save time, effort and extra fuel, all while giving you more room to plan the trip your way. Simply go to the Extras section on your online booking form, check the ‘One Way Fee’ box, and you’re ready to roll. Fuel your one-way trip with your choice of Redspot refuel options. Pre-pay, post-pay or fill it up yourself, the choice is yours. Our rental car accessories, including baby seat hire and Toll Pass Waivers, can also help make the drive smoother. Unlimited km for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia means you can keep the road trip going for longer. However, km restrictions may apply if you’re hiring a van, truck or ute. Please get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 668 810 to confirm before you hit the road. Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless specified. After-hours pickup is available upon request and subject to availability.
Booking is simple. When you make your reservation online, head to the Extras section and select the One Way Fee. That is all it takes to lock it in.
Sort fuel your way with Redspot refuel options to match your plans. Pre-pay, post-pay, or refill it yourself before drop-off. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things running smoothly on the road.
Unlimited km is included on standard passenger and leisure vehicles, so the road trip won’t be a problem at all. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to double-check before you set off.
Note: 24/7 vehicle drop-offs are available unless stated otherwise. After-hours pick-up can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Pick up in Melbourne:
Drop off in Sunshine Coast:
Meet Our Fleet
Make the trip from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast easier with Redspot’s flexible one-way rentals. Our local team is here to help you drive from city streets to coastal Queensland with less backtracking. Choose from our vehicle range, with easy pickup in Melbourne and drop-off on the Sunshine Coast, so you can focus on the road ahead.
We’ll help you get road trip ready with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your drive from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast smoother from start to finish. Travelling with little ones? Take a look at our child seat hire to keep them strapped in for the ride. You can also add a Toll Road Waiver, handy for toll roads around Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Small Car Hire
From economy and compacts to intermediate cars like the Toyota Corolla, you can’t go past our diverse small car fleet! These affordable, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
Sedan Hire
Spot your road trip with our range of versatile sedans, featuring a rotation of your fave brands. Get rolling to Australia’s vibrant coffee capital in the reliable 5-seater car we all know and love.
Minibus and Minivan Hire
Round up your crew and hit the road with our spacious 8–12 seater minibus and minivan hire. Whether you’re on a family getaway or group adventure, we’ve got the right ride to back it.
Baby Seats & Other Accessories
We’ll have you fully loaded with Redspot’s rental car add-ons, making your travels between A & B a smooth ride from start to finish!
Travelling with little ones? Our child seat hire will keep your kids safely strapped in for the journey. Plus, our convenient Toll Road Waiver makes it easy to navigate the tolls along the way, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
One-way Moving House Car Hire
Whether you need a roomy SUV or a reliable sedan, your personal belongings can come along for the ride. Simply pick up from one of our Melbourne car hire locations, load up your gear and head north to your new life on the Sunshine Coast. Our friendly team at one of our Sunshine Coast branches will be ready to take the rental car off your hands, so you can get straight into unpacking, settling in and finding your new favourite beach.
Is it better to fly or drive from Melbourne to Sunshine Coast?
Driving or flying, the choice comes down to your plans. Flying is faster, but driving gives you the freedom to take in country towns, coastal stops and a few classic Aussie sights on your way to the Sunshine Coast. By driving, you can skip airport baggage checks, long queues and extra transfers once you land. You can pack what you need, stop when you like and take the trip at your own pace. Try comparing both options before you go to see what works best for your time and budget. We may be biased, but with over 35 years in Aussie car rentals, we reckon the drive is worth considering.
Redspot Driver Facts.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers:
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21 (mine-spec and commercial vehicles included).
Maximum Age is No Barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light for leisure, commercial and mine-spec vehicles – one of the few Aussie companies that do!
Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Overseas visitors welcome:
Explore every Aussie hotspot with Redspot! Temporary overseas visitors can hire a car with:
- A full valid driver’s licence and passport
- Licences must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English then you will need an official translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit
Family-friendly car hire:
Redspot is a family-run business and selects modern SUVs, sedans and people carriers for family comfort. With a range of baby, child and booster seats available to hire, the little ones don’t miss out.
Credit Card Condition:
Cover your back and ours. All rental cars require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Fuel Flexibility:
Pre-pay, post-pay or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for an Australian adventure.
Local P-Platers and Full Licences:
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Maximum age is no barrier:
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age to hit the road.
Toll-road Tricks:
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver and say goodbye to unexpected charges.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on.
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 40 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
A Track Record of Satisfied Customers in Australia
For over 35 years, Redspot has provided smooth rides for our local and international customers with top-notch leisure and commercial vehicles. Buckle up and explore their road-worthy experiences here:
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
Popular Stops From Melbourne to Sunshine Coast
Shepparton
Start your Melbourne to Sunshine Coast road trip with a stop in Shepparton, a relaxed regional city in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. It’s a handy place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and check out the colourful MooovingArt cows dotted around town. You can also visit local orchards, parks and the Shepparton Art Museum before getting back on the road.
Albury
Sitting on the banks of the Murray River, Albury makes a great cross-border stop before you head deeper into NSW. Walk along the riverside trails, visit the Albury Botanic Gardens or take a short drive to nearby Lake Hume. It’s a good spot to break up the drive, refuel and reset before the next leg.
Wagga Wagga
Add Wagga Wagga to your itinerary for a classic inland NSW stop with plenty of space to slow down. Wander through the Botanic Gardens, visit the Museum of the Riverina or enjoy a meal in the city centre. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s also a practical place to pause and let everyone burn off some energy.
Dubbo
Dubbo is a popular stop for families, couples and road trippers heading north. Spend time at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, walk through the Old Dubbo Gaol or enjoy a quiet break along the Macquarie River. With plenty of accommodation and food options, it’s a solid overnight stop on the way to Queensland.
Moree
Roll into Moree for a slower-paced stop known for its natural artesian hot springs. After a long stretch behind the wheel, a soak at the local pools can be a welcome break. The town also has cafes, heritage buildings and country pubs, making it a good place to rest before continuing towards the Queensland border.
Toowoomba
Before you reach the Sunshine Coast, stop in Toowoomba for gardens, lookouts and fresh mountain air. Visit Queens Park, take in the views from Picnic Point or spend time in the city’s cafes and laneways. From here, you can make your way towards the Sunshine Coast, sticking to sealed roads in your Redspot rental car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Melbourne and leave it in Sunshine Coast?
Yes, absolutely! We offer one-way car hire between our Melbourne and Sunshine Coast branches, subject to availability. Wherever you want to wrap up your trip, we’re happy to help. Simply contact our friendly team by phone or email to arrange your plans, then gear up for some smooth cruising north.
Is it more expensive to rent a car one way in Australia?
When it comes to one-way rentals, fees will vary depending on factors including the requested pick-up and drop-off locations, plus vehicle availability. The one-way fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its original location. Typically, the further you want to travel, the more one-way rentals can save you on time and fuel costs that you’d otherwise spend heading back to your journey’s starting point!
We recommend comparing your total trip costs if you choose one-way vs standard returns. With Redspot, you can check rates and vehicle availability through our online booking tool so you can determine what’s best for your plans.
How many kilometres can I drive in a day in a Redspot car hire?
For maximum freedom, there are no km limits for our standard car rentals including compact, sedans, hybrids, and SUVs.
However, as Australia is such a big and beautiful country (bigger than Europe in land mass!), there are some instances where we have to impose a km limit to help maintain our vehicles:
- If you need a van, truck, or ute for a business car hire
- If you head to remote locations, such as Alice Springs or Darwin
For more info, please contact our friendly team at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your plans.
Is it worth it to drive from Melbourne to Sunshine Coast?
This depends on your priorities. If time matters most, flying may be more practical. If country towns, changing scenery and a proper interstate road trip are more your speed, driving is a great way to experience more of Australia along the way. For a practical Melbourne to Sunshine Coast driving route, we recommend heading inland through regional Victoria and NSW before crossing into Queensland. You can stop in Shepparton, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Moree and Toowoomba before rolling into the Sunshine Coast. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot rental car, take regular breaks and enjoy the ride north.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
At Redspot, there’s no maximum age limit! We say that age is just a number. Whether you’re a retiree, hold a seniors card, or you’re just young at heart, we welcome anyone over 21 to rent with us and keep their adventures rolling.
What is the minimum age to rent a car with Redspot?
For most Aussie car rental companies, the minimum age is 25. However, with Redspot, we don’t think age should keep you from getting the job done! Drivers from 21 years old are welcome to rent with us, including commercial and mine-spec vehicles.
Check out our Young Drivers guide for all the details to get you rolling. (Note: Vehicle size restrictions for Young Drivers do not apply to mine-spec and commercial vehicles. Speak with your employer to confirm details.)
What are the road conditions between Melbourne and Sunshine Coast?
Road conditions from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast are generally well-maintained on major highways, but this is a long interstate drive, so it pays to check before you go. Make sure to stay updated on the latest traffic conditions via Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland government websites in case of roadworks, accidents, floods or other incidents that could impact your trip. Stick to sealed roads in your Redspot rental car and never drive through floodwater.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Melbourne to Sunshine Coast car rental.