We’ve updated our Winter Car Hire Guide for 2010. All you need to know about who and where to rent from! Have a look see and enjoy tearing up the slopes! Yeehaw!

Time’s a-ticking so pay attention: Europcar’s Earlybird Special offers 10% discount if you place your booking by 11 June 2010!

Related posts:

1. Driving Rental Cars to the Snow
2. VIC Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011
3. NSW Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011

Inter-City Driving Routes Map

For complete details including directions, open this Inter-City Driving Route map on Google Maps.

View Major Inter-City Routes in a larger map

Related posts:

1. Unleaded Petrol Prices: Today’s Cheapest Fuel
2. Adelaide Airport-City Public Transport
3. Sydney Airport-City Public Transport

1. Click on any of the cities’ badges to display the exact addresses of the petrol stations offering the low prices
2. Use Google Maps to navigate your way to your chosen station
3. And save!

Unleaded fuel price data below is manually collected and updated twice daily in the morning and afternoon on Mondays to Saturdays, and once daily on Sundays.

For specific suburb search and prices of other types of fuel, use MotorMouth’s Price Search.

Related posts:

1. Best Comparison Site for the Major Car Hire Companies
2. Inter-City Driving Distances and Times

CityLink

CityLink in its entirety, connects Malvern (Monash Fwy) in the south-east to Essendon (Tullamarine Fwy) in the north-west via the City. This is made up of two parts: the Southern Link (connects Monash Fwy to CBD) and the Western Link (connects West Gate Fwy and Tullamarine Fwy). There are several toll passes available for you to buy depending on your needs.

CityLink Map and Toll Details PDF (0.8 Mb)

Eastlink

Eastlink is a north-south tollway that connects the Eastern, Monash and Frankston Freeways. It is a fair bit more expensive for those without an electronic tag because each Eastlink pass costs the maximum trip fee instead of being aggregated to the distance travelled.

A single Trip Pass in one direction costs $5.15. Buying passes over-the-counter will unnecessarily incur you an extra $2.45 purchase fee. Avoid this by getting them either over the phone (call 13 54 65 or 13 LINK) or over the internet via Breeze.

Passes remain valid for 6 months and you don’t have to specify your travel dates. You can exit and re-enter Eastlink in the same trip, provided you keep going in the same direction, don’t repeat any section, and complete your trip within 60 minutes. Any unused passes are non-refundable.

Alternatively, consider the Melbourne Pass which covers travel on both the Eastlink and CityLink toll roads (refer to CityLink section).

You can pay for your pass either before or up to 3 days after travelling on the Eastlink.

Eastlink Map and Toll Details PDF (2.0 Mb)

Related posts:

1. Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
2. Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
3. Toll Roads in Australia

Toll roads are found in the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Everywhere there is a move towards electronic payment sensors with the acceptance of cash being phased out. This means it is possible to use the toll road without physically paying for it on the spot (your car registration plate will be photographed as you go through the toll and it’s your responsibility to make sure you have paid for it before or within a couple days of using it).

Any fines will be sent to your car hire company and not only will you be charged for it (in the vicinity of $140 each) but they will also add on a “processing fee” which commonly comes in at about $35-60 each.

With all the care taken to save on your car hire, the last thing you need is a fine for unpaid toll charges. So you don’t accidentally miss one, below you’ll find information for toll road locations, toll charges and purchasing passes, payment methods and meanings of toll road signs.

Toll Roads, Charges and Electronic Passes

• Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
• Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
• Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

Payment Methods

Cash Payments

If your toll road accept cash payments, that’s easy. You’ll just want to make sure you have some change. Some toll booths only accept the exact amount while others will give you change. Keep to the left lane as that’s where most cash booths are located and pay attention to the signs:

• Exact change lanes are labelled ‘exact toll’ or ‘auto’
• Booths marked ‘change’ will, you guessed it, give you change.

Cashless Electronic Toll Payments

As mentioned, not all toll roads have cash booths in which case payment must be made electronically with an E-Tag or pass, or over the phone by credit card after using the road.

• Over the Phone
 
Along the road you will see large signs with the relevant phone number so remember it and make the call to pay within 48 hours of passing the toll. A small fee will be charged for credit card payments. Online payments are also possible and incurs a lower fee than over the phone.
• The Electronic Pass
 
For interstate and foreign visitors, the electronic pass will likely be your best option. All you need is a credit card and they are usually valid for 30 days with minimum or no start-up fees. If you’re travelling to multiple places e.g. Sydney, Melbourne AND Brisbane, you’ll need to get the relevant passes for each city i.e. unlike the E-Tag, a pass bought in Sydney will NOT be usable in other cities.
• The E-Tag
 
The E-Tag is a little device you attach to your car’s windscreen which automatically deducts from your account each time pass a toll sensor. Naturally having an E-Tag in the car is the most efficient option and spares you having to worry about forgetting to pay.

However, it is designed for longer term or frequent usage, often requiring a security deposit and prepaid toll balance which may not be appropriate for a visitor. Most rental car companies do not equip their cars with an E-Tag but if you find one that does, great!

E-Tags from NSW, VIC or QLD are usable throughout Australia so if you have an existing one, you can use it with your rental car or consider borrowing a friend’s. Just notify your E-Tag provider of your hire car registration number (and remember to call them to remove it after finishing your rental unless you are feeling particularly charitable).

E-Tags are available from RTA, RoamExpress, and Roam (NSW providers), Breeze (VIC provider), go via (QLD provider). Each provider has a slightly different payment structure and you’ll need an Australian address.

If you are a visitor to Australia or infrequent traveller (one or two trips on a toll road), look instead at getting yourself an electronic pass for the city you require.

Toll Road Signs

E-tags are accepted in these lanes

Electronic Passes are accepted in these lanes

An E-tag ONLY lane

A lane where you can use an E-tag or pay with the EXACT amount of cash

A lane where you can use an E-tag or pay with ANY amount of cash and change will be given

A lane where you can use an E-tag or an Electronic Pass

A lane where cash is accepted and change is given

Related posts:

1. Brisbane Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
2. Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes
3. Sydney Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

2010
Friday 1 January – New Year’s Day
Tuesday 26 January – Australia Day
Monday 8 March – Labour Day
Friday 2 April – Good Friday
Saturday 3 April – Easter Saturday
Monday 5 April – Easter Monday
Monday 26 April – Anzac Day (replacement for 25 April)
Monday 14 June – Queen’s Birthday
Tuesday 2 November – Melbourne Cup Day (metro area)
Monday 27 December – Christmas Day (replacement for 25 December)
Tuesday 28 December – Boxing Day (replacement for 26 December)

2011
Monday 3 January – New Year’s Day (replacement for 1 January)
Wednesday 26 January – Australia Day
Monday 14 March – Labour Day
Friday 22 April – Good Friday
Saturday 23 April – Easter Saturday
Monday 25 April – Easter Monday, Anzac Day
Tuesday 26 April – Replacement for Easter Monday and Anzac Day falling on the same day
Monday 13 June – Queen’s Birthday
Tuesday 1 November – Melbourne Cup Day (metro area)
Monday 26 December – Christmas Day (replacement for 25 December)
Tuesday 27 December – Boxing Day (replacement for 26 December)

VIC School Holidays

2009 / 2010
Summer: 19 December 2009 – 31 January 2010
Autumn: 27 March – 11 April
Winter: 26 June – 11 July
Spring: 18 September – 3 October

2010 / 2011
Summer: 18 December 2010 – 3 February 2011
Autumn: 9 April – 26 April
Winter: 2 July – 17 July
Spring: 24 September – 9 October
Summer: 23 December 2011 – 31 January 2012

Related posts:

1. SA Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011
2. WA Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011
3. NT Public and School Holidays 2010 / 2011

From Thredbo to Perisher, Falls Creek to Mt Baw Baw, comes the oft-asked question: Are you allowed to drive your rental car up to the snow?

In their standard terms and conditions, the Big Boys of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty do NOT allow you to take any rental cars above the snowline or to any area that requires the use of snow chains during the winter season (June-Sep/Oct). If you do, you will be fully liable for any and all damages to the car. However, selected branches of the various companies do offer you the option to purchase additional “snow cover” insurance (although they tend to only be available on larger rentals e.g. Standard, Full-sized, 4WD/AWDs). Also, keep a look out for special winter deals that may already include the snow cover on some vehicles.

Winter 2010 Car Hire Guide for NSW and VIC

Snow cover is usually only available at selected branches. Always double check for your required pickup location and the exact details of the offer.

Related posts:

1. Snow Snow Snow! Winter 2010 Car Hire Guide is here!
2. Inter-City Driving Distances and Times

• Hitching a taxi costs around A$40 one-way off-peak and will probably be cheapest if there are 3 or more of you
• Jetbus Airport Shuttle brings you door-to-door between the airport and numerous accommodation within a 3km radius of the city including CBD, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, Southbank and Docklands. A$15 one-way, A$24 return per adult between 6am – midnight daily. Tickets have to be pre-booked online paid via Paypal, or over the phone at a A$2.50 surcharge. Allow 1 hour 20 minutes to get to the airport
• The Skybus Super Shuttle provides a 24 hour service between the Tullamarine Airport and Melbourne city CBD at A$16 one-way, A$26 return for an adult. It picks up/drops you off at Southern Cross Station on Spencer St where you can take their free Skybus Hotel Shuttle (0600-2200 Mon-Fri and 0730-1830 Sat/Sun) that provides transfers from/to your city accommodation

More airport-specific details can be found at the Melbourne Airport site. For a full overview of public transportation throughout Victoria, see Metlink, which also has a useful planning tool that tells you the best way to get from one location to another.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport-City CBD Map

View Larger Map

Related posts:

1. Melbourne Airport – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Melbourne City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
3. Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes

Hiring from the companies located on-site Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty or Europcar) will incur you a 13.85% Premium Location Fee which you can avoid by either hiring from Melbourne city (of course) or the independent car hire companies located about 5 minutes off-site. Amongst these, we’ve filtered through the duds and overpriced to find the ones with the best rates.

East Coast Car Rentals Go To Site

Great value for all car sizes with unlimited km’s

With over 20 years of history, East Coast Car Rentals have recently expanded to serve Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. With unlimited mileage included in all their rentals, they offer likely one of the best rates across all vehicle sizes from the economy Toyota Yaris hatchback (manual), mid-sized Toyota Corolla sedan, standard Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and Kia Carnival van.

The standard damage liability is A$3000 that will cost A$13.20/day or less to lower to A$200. Being a few minutes off-site, they will arrange a courtesy shuttle to transfer you to and from Tullamarine Airport. Placing a booking online will require you to input your credit card details but you will only be charged when you arrive at their depot for your pickup.

Bargain Wheels Go To Site

New/Used Small and Mid-sized Cars. Used Cars only for anything Larger. Unlimited km’s

Bargain Wheels’ prices are certainly competitive especially for rentals 3 days and under after taking into account they include unlimited km’s. They are located just 3 minutes off-site and offer free pickup and return service from both the airport or your local accommodation. Or, depending on how comfortable you are with the idea, you could go for their used cars for some major savings (e.g. a 7-day rental for a mid-size may cost you A$290 for a new car but only A$220 for a used car) but you probably run a higher risk of running into car problems. For anything larger than the mid-sized Toyota Corolla sedan, they only carry used cars. They have a collision damage liability/excess of A$2500 and an extra A$15/day reduces it to A$350.

Airport Rent-A-Car Go To Site

Good value on Economy (smallest) and Mid-Size Car. Only 200km/day

If you are renting for two or more days, their economy Hyundai hatchbacks (manual or automatic) and mid-sized Toyota Corolla sedans are one of the lowest priced you’ll find for a Melbourne airport car hire (particularly during non-holiday periods where they offer 10% discounts). Bear in mind prices only include only 200km/day (A$0.25/extra km). Their standard Collision Damage Liability is A$2500 which you can reduce to A$500 for A$15/day (compared to A$24-26.40/day charged by the Big Boys). Located 5 minutes off-site, they offer free pickups from the airport. The site is somewhat wordy so you’ll need to scroll down a little to get to the booking section.

Discount Car Rental Go To Site

Great prices especially for Mid/Full-sized Sedans. Check for Wagons too. Only 250km/day

Rent for 2 or more days and there’s a good chance you’ll find decent savings (particularly on Intermediate Toyota Corolla Sedans and the Standard-sized Toyota Camry). Their Ford Falcon Wagon can also be cheaper. Their rates include only 250km/day with a standard Collision Damage Liability of A$2750 that can be lowered to A$550 for A$16/day (which again is cheaper than the Big Boys who charge between A$24-26.40/day) and they offer a free customer pick-up and return service to the airport.

Related posts:

1. Melbourne City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Melbourne Airport-City Public Transport
3. Best Comparison Site for the Major Car Hire Companies

For Melbourne City car hires, the best independent rental companies for short term rentals 3 days and under can be found at Bargain Wheels and A1 Car Rental. East Coast Car Rentals is a value alternative particularly for anything longer.

East Coast Car Rentals Go To Site

Best value especially 4 days or more with unlimited km’s

East Coast Car Rentals have excellent deals across a broad range of sizes from the smallest manual hatchbacks to vans. They have primarily operated in Queensland where they also offer great prices but have recently expanded their operations into Melbourne. If you are looking to hire for 4 days or more, they are hard to beat. All rentals have a basic excess liability of A$3000 which you can opt to lower.

Bargain Wheels Go To Site

Value deals for hires 3 days and shorter

Bargain Wheels is a comparison site displaying rates from a number of independent companies. They are worth checking for any rentals 3 days or under in which case you should look out for deals from A1 Car Rentals and East Coast Car Rentals where booking via Bargain Wheels can result in lower prices than booking with either directly (although with A1, only 200km/day will be included as opposed to unlimited).

Do take the time to read the Supplier and Rental information provided to ensure you fully understand the terms, conditions and inclusions of the company you are interested to rent from.

A1 Car Rental Go To Site

Value for Economy, Mid-size, Standard, Family and Wagon, 3 days or shorter

A1 Car Rental offers one of the lowest prices for car hires 3 days or shorter. From the economy manual Hyundai Getz up to a standard Hyundai Sonata sedan, all rentals come with unlimited km’s. Their larger Toyota Camry V6 and Holden Commodores come with 200km/day costing 20 cents/extra km. Basic credit card information is required to secure the booking.

Note: If 200km/day is adequate, booking with A1 via Bargain Wheels above can fetch you slightly lower prices on the smaller hatchbacks or mid-sized sedans.

Related posts:

1. Melbourne Airport – Best Independent Car Hire Companies
2. Melbourne Airport-City Public Transport
3. Melbourne Toll Roads, Charges and Passes