Can you rent a car from Sydney to Townsville?
Yes, one-way rentals make it possible! If you want to pick up your car rental in Sydney and drop it off in Townsville, simply hire with Redspot. Give the friendly team a call, send an email, or use the online contact form to lock in your plans and hit the road with confidence.
One way rental Sydney to Townsville
Drive Australia your way with flexible one way rentals, letting you pick up your car in Sydney and drop it off in Townsville with ease. It is a simple way to save time, skip the backtracking, and cut down on fuel costs in one move. Booking is easy. When you make your booking online, head to the Extras section and tick the One Way Fee box. That is it. You are ready to roll north. Keep your Sydney to Townsville drive running smoothly with Redspot fuel options that suit your plans. Pre pay, pay on return, or refill it yourself. The choice is yours. You can also add handy extras like baby seats or a Toll Pass Waiver to keep things simple along the way. Unlimited km applies to standard passenger and leisure vehicles across Australia, so long distances are no worry on this route. If you are hiring a van, truck, or ute, km limits may apply. Give the friendly team a call on 1300 668 810 to check the details before you go. Note: 24/7 vehicle drop offs are available unless stated otherwise. After hours pickup is available on 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 Sydney:
Drop off in Townsville:
Meet Our Fleet
Make the drive from Sydney to Townsville simpler with Redspot’s flexible one way rentals. Our local team is ready to help you move from city streets to tropical roads without the hassle of returning the car. Check out our wide range of vehicles and enjoy convenient pick up in Sydney with drop off in Townsville. It is an easy setup for a big Aussie road trip done your way.
We’ll set you up with Redspot add ons to keep your Sydney to Townsville trip easy from the first key turn to drop off. Travelling with kids? Add child seat hire so everyone stays comfy and secure for the long drive north. Hitting toll roads when leaving Sydney? The Toll Road Waiver is a handy option that takes the fuss out of toll charges before you’re cruising up the 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 dependable sedan, your belongings are sorted for the long haul north. Pick up your car from one of our Sydney locations, load up your gear, and hit the road towards Townsville. Once you arrive, the friendly team at our Townsville branch will be ready to take the car back, so you can get straight into settling in and enjoying your new surroundings.
Is it better to fly or drive from Sydney to Townsville?
Driving or flying comes down to what matters most to you. Flying gets you to Townsville faster, but driving lets you soak up the changing scenery, explore coastal towns, and enjoy the freedom to stop when you feel like it on the way north. Choosing to drive also means skipping baggage limits, airport queues, and transfers into town once you land. It is worth weighing up both options based on your time and budget. We might be a little biased, but after more than 35 years helping Aussies hit the road, we reckon the drive from Sydney to Townsville is part of the holiday.
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 Sydney to Townsville
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie makes an easy early stop north of Sydney, known for its relaxed coastal vibe and long stretches of beach. Take a walk along the Coastal Walk, visit the Koala Hospital, or grab a bite by the waterfront before getting back on the highway.
Coffs Harbour
A classic NSW road trip stop, Coffs Harbour is ideal for a night or two. Climb the Forest Sky Pier for sweeping views, cool off at Jetty Beach, or pull over for the obligatory Big Banana photo. It is a great mix of beach time and easy sightseeing.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is worth the detour if you want laid back energy and stunning coastline. Catch sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, browse local markets, or enjoy a swim at Wategos Beach before continuing north into Queensland.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers a change of pace with long beaches, buzzing cafes, and plenty of places to stay. Spend time in Surfers Paradise, head inland to the hinterland for a quieter break, or enjoy a relaxed evening before tackling the next leg.
Sunshine Coast
Swap crowds for calm on the Sunshine Coast. Stop in Noosa for coastal walks and beach swims, or explore smaller towns like Mooloolaba and Caloundra. It is a great place to slow things down and recharge.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays and a highlight for many heading north. Even if you are short on time, the coastal views and laid back atmosphere make it a memorable stop before the final stretch.
Bowen
Just south of Townsville, Bowen is a quieter coastal town with beautiful bays and easy beach access. It is a nice last stop to break up the drive and enjoy one more swim before reaching your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Sydney and leave it in Townsville?
Yes, it’s too easy with our flexible one-way rentals! Simply select a pickup in Sydney and drop off in Townsville, subject to availability. Wherever you plan to finish your trip, we are happy to make it work. Just get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email to lock in the details and get your Sydney to Townsville drive sorted with ease.
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 Sydney to Townsville?
This really comes down to what you value most on the trip. If you are short on time, flying to Townsville is the quicker option. If you are keen on coastal views, changing landscapes, and a classic Aussie road trip, driving gives you a front row seat to it all. For a scenic Sydney to Townsville drive, the coastal route is a favourite. Cruise north through Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Sunshine Coast, with plenty of chances to stop, swim, and explore along the way. It is the kind of journey that turns the trip into a highlight, not just the destination.
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 Sydney and Townsville?
Road conditions on the drive from Sydney to Townsville are generally good, with major highways and coastal roads that are well suited to long distance travel. That said, it is a long journey that crosses multiple regions and states. Before you set off, it is a good idea to check current traffic and road condition updates through New South Wales and Queensland government websites. This helps you stay across any roadworks, weather impacts, or incidents that could affect your drive north. *NOTE: Non-4WD vehicles must be driven on roads that are properly formed and constructed as metalled, sealed, gazetted or gravelled roads. Our 4WD vehicles are allowed off-road following local regulations and on existing tracks. No vehicles are permitted to be driven in restricted areas such as beaches, creeks, rivers, fire trails, fields or paddocks. Additionally, no vehicles may be driven in non-permitted Area of Use locations without written approval of Redspot.
Want more info?
Contact our Redspot team for all the details for your next Sydney to Townsville car rental.