Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries
24/7 SupportRent a Car in Parkes - Compare Prices
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower rental car prices in Parkes with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. We compare hire car deals from Parkes Airport and locations in the town centre. Having a car is the only way to reach the famous Dish telescope and explore the Central West region.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Parkes Airport (PKE) |
|
|
| Parkes Town Centre |
|
|
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Check prices for a car in both the Parkes town centre and at the airport. A short taxi ride into town might save you a decent chunk of change on the rental rate.
- Heading to the Elvis Festival in January? Book your car months in advance to avoid scary prices. For any other time, comparing prices a couple of weeks out can land you a great deal.
- Choose a smaller, fuel-efficient car. You’ll save on the daily hire and at the bowser, as fuel can be a bit more expensive out here than in the city.
- Play around with your rental dates. Picking up on a weekday is often cheaper than a weekend, and you might score a discount for rentals of 5 days or more.
- Skip the pricey GPS rental. Your phone's map app works just fine, just be sure to download the offline map for the area before you go.
Parking Tips
Town Spaces
- Free timed spots (1-2 hours) throughout Parkes CBD
- All-day spaces available on streets surrounding the centre
- Clarinda Street (main street) has angle spots with time limits during business hours
- Shopping centres offer free customer areas with generous time allowances
The Dish Spaces
- Free designated area at the visitor centre
- Large vehicles and coaches have dedicated spaces
- Uncovered spaces only, consider sun protection in summer
Local Driving Rules
- School zones strictly enforced at 40 km/h during designated hours
- Main street (Clarinda Street) has pedestrian crossings requiring full stops for waiting pedestrians
- Newell Highway speed cameras active on approaches to town
- Agricultural machinery commonly encountered on rural roads, exercise patience
Local Rental Locations
- Bathurst
- BHQ Airport
- Broken Hill
- Car Rental Cobar
- Car Rental Leeton
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Cobar Airport (CAZ)
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Griffith Airport (GFF)
- Cowra
- DBO Airport
- Griffith
- Mudgee
- OAG Airport
- Orange
FAQs
When should I book a car for the Elvis Festival?
As early as possible, ideally 3-6 months in advance. This annual January event attracts thousands of visitors and rental vehicles are among the first accommodations to book out completely.
Is there public transport from Parkes Airport to town?
No regular public transport serves the airport. Options include pre-arranged rental cars, taxis (usually waiting for scheduled flights) or accommodation shuttles by prior arrangement.
Can I drive to The Dish at night for stargazing?
The Parkes Radio Telescope visitor area closes in the late afternoon (usually around 4:15 PM). For stargazing, consider Goobang National Park or ask local rental agents about designated dark sky sites accessible to the public.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Parkes?
No. Standard 2WD vehicles are suitable for all major attractions including The Dish, Peak Hill and surrounding towns. All main tourist sites are accessible via sealed roads. Driving on unsealed or gravel roads is often restricted or prohibited by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions.
What happens if I get a flat tyre in a remote area?
Most rental vehicles come equipped with a spare (often a space-saver) or a tyre repair kit along with basic changing equipment. Make sure you know what's supplied and how to use it before departing. Most rental agreements include roadside assistance for mechanical issues, though response times may be longer in rural areas.
Can I pick up in Parkes and drop off in another location?
One-way rentals are available to locations like Dubbo, Orange or Sydney, though fees apply (usually $100-300 depending on destination). Limited fleet size means one-way rentals should be booked well in advance.
