How can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia? 1300 Meteor

Planning a long road trip across Australia is one of the best ways to see the country. Wide highways, long open roads, small inland towns, rainforest routes, outback stretches and coastal drives make it a trip worth doing at least once. But before you start your journey, you need to know how to rent the right car and follow the rules that come with it. Many travellers ask the same thing: how can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia?

The process is simple once you understand the steps. This guide covers everything based on the real terms and conditions from 1300 Meteor Rentals, a long running family company with branches in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa. We have been renting cars, utes, 4WDs, vans and trucks since 1982, which means we have clear rules set out for anyone planning a long drive.

This post shows you how to rent, what documents you need, how the bonds work, what the zones of use are, what is allowed, what is not allowed, and how to prepare for a long road trip across the country.

Start with the right rental company

If you want to rent a car for a long road trip, you need a company that understands distance. 1300 Meteor has depots in Cairns at 48 Comport Street in Portsmith, in Townsville at 329 to 333 Ingham Road in Garbutt, and in Mount Isa at 3 Killara Crescent in Kalkadoon. These areas are common starting points for big drives across Queensland and beyond.

1300 Meteor is a second generation family business that has been around since 1970 and renting to the public since 1982. We understand long distance travel and outback conditions, and our terms and conditions set clear rules so you know exactly how to stay covered during your trip.

Step 1: Make sure you meet the age and licence rules

1300 Meteor lists the minimum age as 21 for all vehicles. We also charge a young driver fee for people aged 21 to 24. This is not unusual, as younger drivers often have less experience.

Our rental info page states:

• minimum age: 21

• overseas licences must be in English

• if not in English, you need an International Driving Permit or translation

• provisional licence holders may rent 4x2 cars only and pay an extra fee

So before you even book, check that:

• your driver licence is current

• it is in English

• you are old enough to rent the type of vehicle you want

• everyone who plans to drive has their licence ready to show

If you do not meet these rules, you cannot hire the car. This is one of the biggest reasons to read the terms first when asking how can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia.

Step 2: Bring the right payment method for the rental and the bond

1300 Meteor does not accept all forms of payment. Our terms say:

• a bond is required:

  • 250 dollars for standard cars

  • 1000 dollars for 4WD vehicles

• the bond must be done with a credit card or a debit card with a credit facility

• we do not accept cash, travel cards or EFTPOS only cards

This matters for road trips because a long rental period means the bond stays on hold on your card for that whole time. If you only have a travel money card or a basic bank card, you will not be able to rent.

To rent the car, bring:

• a credit card in the main driver’s name

• enough funds to cover the bond

If you do not bring the right payment card, the rental will be cancelled before you even begin your trip.

Step 3: Understand the zone of use

This is one of the most important parts of the 1300 Meteor rules and must be followed during your road trip.

Our terms state:

• unlimited kilometre vehicles are only for local use within a 200 km radius from the depot

• any use beyond 200 km must be arranged separately at extra cost

• some vehicles may only be used in approved areas

• the use of vehicles on beaches, mine pits, quarries or underground is banned

• if you drive outside the rules, your loss and damage cover becomes void

This is where many travellers make mistakes because they assume all rental cars in Australia can be driven anywhere. But companies have strict rules to protect the vehicle.

If your road trip crosses large distances, you must:

• tell 1300 Meteor in advance

• confirm your route

• check that your planned region is inside the allowed areas

• ask for approval if you want to go beyond the 200 km zone

If you take the car outside the allowed zones without approval, you will lose your cover and could lose your full bond.

This is a key part of how can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia, because long drives often cross multiple regions.

Step 4: Understand where you cannot drive

Based on the official 1300 Meteor rules:

• no driving on beaches

• no driving in mine pits

• no underground driving

• no quarry pits

• only drive on approved roads and zones

• get approval if you want to go further than 200 km

These rules exist because salt water, sand, rough surfaces and mine sites increase the chance of damage. If you break these rules, the bond can be taken, and all loss and damage cover becomes void.

During a road trip, beaches and unsealed tracks are tempting, especially in Queensland, but the rules are clear. If the agreement says no beaches, then stay off beaches.

Step 5: Know the driver rules

1300 Meteor states that only drivers listed on the rental agreement can drive the vehicle. If someone else drives and they are not listed, all cover is void.

To add a second driver, they must:

• show their licence

• meet the same age rules

• be present at pickup

You cannot add a driver by phone or by sending photos of a licence. They must be listed on the agreement.

This is important for long road trips because many people want to swap drivers during long stretches. Make sure all drivers are listed from the start.

Step 6: Understand the fuel, return and damage rules

From the terms and conditions:

• you must return the vehicle with the same fuel level

• you must pay for any damage not covered by the agreement

• you must report any accident immediately

• if you use the wrong fuel type, you are responsible for the cost

These might sound simple, but long trips mean long distances, unfamiliar towns and fuel stations that may not always be clear. Always check the fuel type printed on the rental contract or fuel cap.

Step 7: Plan your route with the rental zones in mind

A road trip across Australia can be huge. Some drives are thousands of kilometres long. To do this with 1300 Meteor, you must plan within the rules.

If starting in Cairns, common road trip routes include:

• Cairns to Townsville

• Townsville to Bowen

• Atherton Tablelands

• Cairns to Cape Tribulation (sealed road only)

If starting in Townsville:

• Townsville to Airlie Beach

• Townsville to Charters Towers

• Townsville to Cairns

If starting in Mount Isa:

• Mount Isa to Cloncurry

• Mount Isa to Longreach

• Mount Isa to the NT border

For any route beyond the 200 km local use radius, you must request approval. The terms say: "Use beyond this zone is available by arrangement."

This is important for anyone asking how can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia. The answer is simple: you can, but you must get approval if your route goes further than the standard zone.

Step 8: Check the type of vehicle you need

1300 Meteor rents:

• cars

• mine spec 4WDs

• commercial 4WDs

• utes and vans

• trucks and trays

• buses

• trailers

Each vehicle type has different rules, bond amounts and zone restrictions.

For light road trips, a car is usually enough. For rougher regions or long inland drives, a 4WD might be better. But remember:

• mine spec vehicles may have extra rules

• some vehicles have higher bonds

• some vehicles have different licence requirements

Always pick a vehicle that suits your route and ask staff if you are unsure.

Step 9: On the day of pickup

When you arrive at Cairns, Townsville or Mount Isa:

Bring:

• your driver licence

• your credit card

• your booking details

• your second driver (if needed)

Staff will go over:

• the agreement

• the zones

• the fuel type

• the bond

• the return rules

Take your time and ask questions. A long road trip needs clear planning.

Step 10: Follow the rules during your trip

On the road, follow the 1300 Meteor rules:

• stay within the approved zones

• stay off beaches

• stay off mine sites

• keep the vehicle on approved roads

• call the depot if you want to change your route

• do not let anyone drive unless they are listed

• refuel before returning

• report problems early

If you follow the rules, you keep your cover and avoid surprise costs. If you break the rules, you may lose your bond.

This is the root of how can I rent a car for a road trip across Australia. Renting is simple. The key is following the terms.

Renting a car for a road trip across Australia is easy when you follow the steps. The most important part is understanding the rules in the 1300 Meteor terms and conditions. Our age limits, licence requirements, bond rules, zone of use restrictions and banned areas are all written clearly.

If you start your journey in Cairns, Townsville or Mount Isa, plan your route, bring the right documents, get approval for long distances and drive safely. With those steps covered, your road trip will be a smooth one.