Surfers Paradise FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much to hire a car in Surfers Paradise?

Depends! The cost of car hire in Surfers Paradise can vary heavily. Factors include the vehicle itself, the season, how long your booking period is and more. Use our handy Rental Car Booking tool to see the latest rates on our vehicles. We’ll find the perfect match for you before you hit the road!

How old do you have to be to hire a car in the Gold Coast?

At Redspot, we don’t think age should limit your holiday. That’s why we allow customers 21 years old and over with valid provisional P2 licences to hire with us! 

Please note that for Young Drivers, there is a small daily surcharge. Car hire is also limited to ECMR, ECAR, CDAR, and IDAR class vehicles for drivers under 25. Provisional P2 licence holders can reduce damage cover up to $330.

Can an 80-year-old hire a car in Australia? 

With Redspot, yes you can! We don’t have a maximum age on our car hires.

Can P platers hire cars in Queensland?

Yes! Redpost is ready and able to offer our services to Provisional P2 license holders (green Ps). 

Remember to factor in the daily surcharge involved when renting. This surcharge applies to all drivers holding an Australian provisional driver’s licence. Keep in mind that P-platers can also reduce damage cover to a maximum of $330. 

Aged between 21 and 25? You have access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. Provisional drivers over the age of 25 can enjoy renting any vehicle available from our entire fleet. We don’t want any costs to sneak up on you. Check out our Provisional Drivers guide for all the details to get you geared up for the road.

What is the most popular car rental type? 

The most popular rental varies from location to location. But on average, the Toyota Camry is the reigning champion of car rentals. The next most popular car rentals are the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Mazda CX-8. 

Check out our fleet guide for the latest options.

How close to full does a rental car need to be? 

It’s best to fill your rental car as much as possible before you return it so you can avoid any extra charges or refill fees. Redspot offers the following fuel options:

  • Prepay for a full tank and you won’t have to worry about refueling at drop-off. 
  • Refuel yourself to avoid extra charges or rates. 
  • Post-pay on your fuel after we’ve used our refuelling station. Note that you will be charged for the fuel used and at a higher rate.

I had a speeding infringement sent to me, but it was my friend driving the rental car at the time. What do I do?

We suggest contacting your friend and asking that they pay the fine. If you can, keep any evidence that you were not driving at the time with you. 

No matter who was driving, the speeding fine will be sent to the address given to us at the time of hiring. A $55 admin fee will also be charged for this service. Overall, it’s best to avoid this scenario as much as possible and stay under the speed limit while on your adventures.

Can my friend and I split-pay for the rental?

Yes, you can definitely split-pay your rental with a friend! 

However, there must be a designated hirer and the primary credit card must be in their name. This is in case there are any extra charges, like fuel or rental extensions. Aside from that, there is no trouble at all with split payments!  

What documents do I need to rent a car in the Gold Coast? 

Be sure to bring the following when you reach our Surfers Paradise branch on the Gold Coast:

  • A valid credit/charge card or a purchase order/prepaid voucher if you have one. 
  • A valid driver’s licence and the licence of any other drivers using the car. If your licence is in another language, you also need an English translation as provided by your embassy or national traffic authority. 
  • If your licence does not list your current address for any reason, you will also need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill. 
  • If you are not an Australian citizen, you will also need to provide your passport.

Do I need a car to get around the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast has a well-functioning public transport system that is great for getting around. However, public transport to gorgeous places like the hinterlands is limited, so a self-drive could be what you need!

If you want to see all the Gold Coast has to offer, from beaches to theme parks, public transport could slow you down. By hiring a car, you can experience the Gold Coast like never before!

Is it okay if I return my car early? 

Need to pack it up early? No trouble at all! You can easily return your Redspot car earlier than planned.Please be aware: unless booked through our All-Inclusive Package, there is no refund for early returns or voucher payments. 

What is a mystery car rental?

The Mystery Car Rental is our deal for bold explorers (or those not picky about their cars)! The Mystery Car Rental is simple: For a reduced price, we’ll determine a vehicle for you on pick-up. You’ll know all the vital details before the final pick-up. We’ll tell you how many people it seats, or if it’s automatic or manual vehicle as well.

Can I use my phone as a sat nav in the car?

Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, it is recommended to use your phone for sat nav in Redspot hire cars. 

Our rentals unfortunately do not come with GPS sat nav systems. However, our cars are equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, letting you set up hands-free navigation. 

Please be sure to bring your own USB or USB-C connector with you as we do not provide these devices ourselves.

Can I book more time with my rental car?

Want to extend your time in Aus for a little longer? No problem! 

Call the branch you got your rental from or call 1300 668 810. If there’s an availability, we’ll be happy to extend your rental period! However, please keep in mind this will influence your rental rates.

Should I prepay for my hire car?

Generally, yes! It’s the best way to make sure you’ll get the best value for hire on your car. Even in busy seasons like Christmas, you can secure the exact car and journey you want by prepaying!

Do hire cars come with insurance?

With Redspot, our hired vehicles come with Standard Cover insurance for your safety. Considering more coverage? Check out our Collison Damage Waiver or Super Collision Damage Waiver options for greater peace of mind.

Do you offer one-way car hires at Redspot?

Yes, we offer one-way car hires at Surfers Paradise Redspot! This is also known as ‘vehicle relocation’. It’s no trouble at all if you’re ending your time with us at a different branch than you started.

Can I rent a car as a tourist in Australia?

Yes, absolutely! All you need to do is present a valid international driver’s licence and your passport when you pick up your car.

Do you pay GST on car hires?

Yes, you will pay GST on car hires in Australia. 

Good news, GST is already included in all our Redspot rental charges! You don’t have to worry about adding it on manually, making for a stress-free car hire experience.

Do rental cars have cameras?

Yes, some of our rental cars may have a dashcam or rearview camera installed for safety. Redspot values full transparency. This is why we will make sure to tell you in the rental agreement if your vehicle is equipped with either camera. 

We respect your privacy while you ride with us. Rest assured that no internal cameras are filming you inside your rental car.

Car Rental Branches near Surfers Paradise

Brisbane City

Brisbane City

46 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, 4000

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
8:00 am - 03:45 pm8:00 am - 03:45 pm8:00 am - 03:45 pm8:00 am - 03:45 pm8:00 am - 03:45 pm8:00 am - 03:45 pmClosed

Gold Coast Airport

Gold Coast Airport

1 Eastern Avenue, Bilinga, 4225

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm6:30 am - 9:00 pm

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise

32 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise, 4217

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm8:00 am - 4:00 pm