How much does it cost to rent a car in Merimbula?

On average, car rentals in **Merimbula** cost around **AUD $71** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from **AUD $57** per day.

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Finding a car rental in Merimbula is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands all around Australia with no booking fees. Grab a car from the airport or a depot in town, because you'll definitely need one to properly visit the Sapphire Coast's beaches and national parks where public transport won't take you.

Car Rental Locations & Options

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Merimbula Airport

Car Hire Locations and Options

Location	Pros	Cons
Merimbula Airport (MIM)	Six rental companies on-site (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, etc.) Get your car right after your flight Only 2 km from town centre Open weekends and evenings for flight arrivals	Higher prices with airport fees Fewer cars available in busy season May have long waits if many flights arrive Must match pickup time with your flight
Merimbula Town	Usually cheaper than airport No airport fees Good location if arriving by bus	Most big companies only at airport Few local companies in town Need taxi from airport if flying in
Bega	More rental choices Sometimes more cars available in busy season	25 km from Merimbula (30 min drive) Need transport to/from Merimbula Limited opening hours

Peak Season Notes

Summer holiday period (December-January) has very high demand with limited cars available. Book at least 3-4 months early for this period. Easter holidays and school holidays also have high demand.

Car Rental Prices

Average: AUD $71/day
From: AUD $57/day

How to pay less?

Skip the airport pickup. Picking up your car in Merimbula town is often cheaper because you avoid airport fees. Compare prices between the two locations to check the savings.
Travel in the off-season if you can. Rates are at their lowest from May to September and can be double the price during the summer school holidays.
If you must travel during peak times like summer or Easter, book your car several months ahead to lock in a better price and make sure you actually get a vehicle.
A longer rental can mean a cheaper daily rate. Play around with your return date—sometimes a 7-day hire costs less per day than a 5-day one.

Car hire prices in Merimbula 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Location	Parking Options
Merimbula Town Centre	2P (2-hour) spaces on Market St and Main St All-day spaces at Club Sapphire Free spaces at Merimbula Plaza (time limits in some sections)
Beaches	Free spaces at Main Beach car park Free spaces at Bar Beach Large car park at Spencer Park near the boardwalk
National Parks	Free spaces at most coastal park access points National Park entry fees may apply at staffed parks

Local Driving Rules

Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 80-100 km/h on highways
School zones (40 km/h) strictly enforced weekdays 8-9:30am and 2:30-4pm
Give way to pedestrians on the shared zones in town centre
No toll roads in the region

Road Conditions

Princes Highway is well-maintained and fully sealed
Some beach access roads may be unsealed.
Caution required on rural roads after heavy rain
Wildlife hazards (especially kangaroos and wombats) common at dawn and dusk
Fog can occur in valleys and mountains during early mornings

Why rent a car in Merimbula

Rent a car so you can see:

Eden – whale-watching vantage points
Tathra – wharf, beaches
Bermagui – Blue Pool, fisherman's wharf
Ben Boyd National Park – Light to Light Walk trailheads
Bournda National Park
Merimbula Lake – Boardwalk, Top Lake

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Merimbula, Australia

FAQs

Is it possible to take a rental car on the Merimbula-to-Melbourne coastal drive?

Yes, this route is allowed by most rental companies. Inform them you'll be crossing into Victoria. One-way rentals between states usually incur a fee unless part of a relocation deal. You can drive to Melbourne this way.

Can I drive rental cars to all beaches in the area?

Access to beaches often involves unsealed roads. Driving on unsealed roads is usually prohibited by standard car rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for driving area restrictions before attempting to access beaches via unsealed roads.

Are there any seasonal roads or closures I should be aware of?

Some national park access roads may close after heavy rain. Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park) occasionally has track closures for maintenance. Check the NSW National Parks website before travelling to remote areas.

What's the best way to avoid wildlife collisions?

Limit driving between dusk and dawn when possible. If driving at these times, reduce speed and use high beams when no oncoming traffic. Be particularly cautious on roads through forested areas.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle for exploring the Sapphire Coast?

No, a standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for most attractions accessible via sealed roads. While some remote tracks might exist, driving rental vehicles (including 4WDs) off sealed roads or on unsealed tracks is generally prohibited by rental agreements. Always check your contract for specific restrictions.

Is it easy to find parking during peak season?

Town centre parking can be challenging during the Christmas/New Year period. Beach parking fills quickly at popular spots like Main Beach and Bar Beach before 10am. Spencer Park and Club Sapphire offer larger alternatives.