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Finding a rental car in Mount Gambier is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Australia with no booking fees. A hire car is pretty much essential to properly see the famous Blue Lake, the Coonawarra wine region and the rest of the Limestone Coast at your own pace.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Gambier Airport (MGB) |
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| Mount Gambier City |
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Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- Travel in the off-season. You'll find the lowest rates from May to September. If you're coming for the summer holidays, booking a couple of months ahead can help avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Don't book more car than you need. A standard 2WD car is perfect for all the main roads and attractions in the area. Save your cash by sticking with a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Compare your trip options. A rental of 3+ days often has a cheaper daily rate. Also, if you're ending your trip in Adelaide, compare the cost of a one-way rental against the fuel and time you'd spend driving back.
- Fill up the tank yourself. All rentals here are "full-to-full". Be sure to return the car with a full tank to avoid the rental company's expensive refuelling service.
Parking Tips
| Location | Where to Park | Cost Range | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Gambier CBD |
|
| Commercial Street (main street) can be busy on weekdays. Larger free lots behind main street shops. |
| Blue Lake/Crater Lakes |
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| Viewpoint spots can fill during peak tourist season. Early morning offers best lighting for photos. |
| Tourist Attractions |
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| Umpherston Sinkhole car park is small, arrive early evening to see resident possums. |
| Coastal Towns |
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| Even during summer holidays, finding a spot is rarely an issue in this region. |
Local Driving Rules
- Same as rest of South Australia: drive on left, 50 km/h urban speed limit, 100 km/h rural roads
- Mount Gambier has few traffic lights and is easy to navigate
- No toll roads in the region or when crossing into Victoria
- Victorian border is approximately 20 km southeast of Mount Gambier
- Speed camera enforcement along major highways, particularly near border crossing
Important Road Hazards
- Wildlife: Kangaroos and wombats are common on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk
- Fog: The Limestone Coast is prone to thick morning fog, particularly in winter months
- Farm Machinery: During harvest seasons, large agricultural vehicles may use rural roads
- Tourist Traffic: During peak season, some visitors drive slowly while sightseeing
Local Rental Locations
- ADL Airport
- Car Hire Port Augusta
- Car Hire Port Lincoln
- Car Rental Kangaroo Island
- Car Rental Kingscote
- Car Rental Olympic Dam
- Ceduna
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Kingscote Airport (KGC)
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Olympic Dam Airport (OLP)
- Coober Pedy
- Penneshaw
- Rent a Car at Kangaroo Island Airport (KGC) - Compare Prices
- Whyalla
- Whyalla Airport
FAQs
Can I pick up a car in Mount Gambier and drop it off in Adelaide?
Yes, one-way rentals between Mount Gambier and Adelaide are available from most major rental companies. Expect a one-way fee of around $100-300 depending on the company and vehicle type. Book these well in advance as availability can be limited.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about in the Mount Gambier region?
Most standard 2WD rentals must stay on sealed/bitumen roads, and AWDs are usually treated as 2WD under rental contracts. Some providers allow hired 4WDs on formed, gazetted unsealed roads but still prohibit beaches, sand dunes, 4WD-only tracks and off-road use. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions. Some coastal tracks in Canunda National Park require true 4WD and are not permitted under most rental terms.
How long should I rent a car to properly explore the Mount Gambier region?
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to see Mount Gambier's attractions and nearby coastal areas. Allow 4-5 days if you want to include the Coonawarra wine region, Naracoorte Caves and coastal towns like Robe or Beachport in your itinerary.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Mount Gambier?
If your driver's licence is in English, you don't need an International Driving Permit. If your licence is in another language, an International Driving Permit or an official translation is required along your original licence.
Is winter a good time to rent a car and explore Mount Gambier?
Winter (June-August) offers the advantage of lower rental rates and fewer tourists. However, be prepared for morning fog which can affect visibility, especially around the lakes area. Winter is also when the Blue Lake changes to its steel-grey colour rather than the blue seen in summer months.
