Car Hire in Western Australia: How to Rent the Right Car (2WD vs 4WD, Costs & Tips)
Hiring a car in Western Australia isn’t optional for most travellers — it’s the key to actually seeing the state.
Western Australia is enormous, public transport outside Perth is limited, and many of the most spectacular places (Exmouth, Esperance, Karijini, the Kimberley) are only accessible by car. Choosing the wrong vehicle or booking too late can cost you hundreds — or completely derail your itinerary.
This guide explains exactly how car hire works in WA, including when you need a 2WD vs 4WD, what it really costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
🚗 Compare Car Hire Prices in Western Australia (Start Here)
Car hire prices in WA vary wildly by season, pickup location, and vehicle type. Comparing providers early can easily save you hundreds of dollars, especially for road trips or one-way rentals.
👉 Compare Car Hire Prices in Western Australia
(This is the #1 thing to do before planning anything else.)
Do You Really Need to Hire a Car in Western Australia?
In short: yes, in most cases.
You can get around Perth itself without a car, but the moment you want to:
- Visit multiple beaches easily
- Do day trips beyond Fremantle or Rottnest Island
- Travel to Margaret River, Esperance, Exmouth, or the Kimberley
…you’ll need your own vehicle.
Tours can work for short stays, but they don’t offer the flexibility most travellers want in WA.
👉 Western Australia Travel Guide
Where Can You Hire a Car in Western Australia?
Perth Airport (Best Option for Most Travellers)
- Largest range of vehicles
- Often cheaper than city pickup
- Ideal for road trips
👉 Compare Perth Airport Car Hire Prices
Perth City
- Convenient if staying in the CBD first
- Smaller fleet
- Often more expensive
Regional WA Locations
Available in places like:
- Broome
- Exmouth
- Kalgoorlie
⚠️ Availability is limited — book as early as possible, especially in peak season.
👉 Check Regional Car Hire Availability
2WD vs 4WD in Western Australia (This Matters a Lot)
Choosing the wrong vehicle is the single biggest mistake visitors make in WA.
When a 2WD Is Enough
A standard car or SUV is fine for:
- Perth & city driving
- Margaret River
- Albany & Denmark
- Esperance town (not all beaches)
- Sealed coastal highways
If your itinerary sticks to sealed roads, a 2WD will be cheaper and easier.
When You Need a 4WD
You must hire a 4WD for:
- Kimberley region & Gibb River Road
- Karijini National Park (many gorges)
- Remote beaches
- Outback routes
- Roads marked “4WD only”
Driving these in a 2WD can:
- Void your insurance
- Result in extremely expensive recovery fees
🚙 Which Vehicle Should You Book? (Quick Guide)
| Your Route or Destination | Recommended Vehicle | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Perth city & beaches | 2WD | Fully sealed roads |
| Margaret River | 2WD / SUV | Easy highway access |
| Esperance (town only) | 2WD | Beaches vary |
| Coral Coast | SUV / High-clearance | Long distances |
| Karijini National Park | 4WD | Gorge access |
| Kimberley / Gibb River Rd | 4WD | Mandatory |
👉 See Available Vehicles for Your Route
How Much Does Car Hire Cost in Western Australia?
Prices depend on season, vehicle type, and availability.
Typical Daily Costs
- 2WD: AUD $60–100
- SUV: AUD $90–150
- 4WD: AUD $150–250+
During peak season (June–August), prices can double — especially for 4WDs.
👉 Check Current Car Hire Prices in WA
One-Way Car Hire in Western Australia
One-way rentals are very common and perfect for road trips.
Popular routes include:
- Perth → Exmouth
- Perth → Broome
- Broome → Darwin
Expect:
- One-way fees
- Limited vehicle availability
Still worth it for long-distance itineraries.
👉 WA Road Trips Guide
👉 Check One-Way Car Hire Options
Car Hire Insurance in Western Australia (Don’t Skip This)
Standard rental insurance usually comes with:
- Very high excess ($4,000–$8,000)
- Exclusions for gravel roads
- Limited tyre & windscreen cover
Why Insurance Matters More in WA
- Long, isolated drives
- Gravel and unsealed roads
- Wildlife collisions (especially at dusk)
🛡️ Insurance Check
Many WA travellers assume they’re covered — and only discover exclusions after something goes wrong.
Driving Distances in Western Australia (Reality Check)
Distances in WA are far longer than most visitors expect.
- Perth → Margaret River: ~3 hours
- Perth → Esperance: ~7.5 hours
- Perth → Exmouth: ~13–15 hours
- Broome → Kununurra: ~1,000 km
Plan fuel stops carefully and avoid driving at night.
Tips for Hiring a Car in Western Australia
✔ Book early — especially for 4WDs
✔ Check road access conditions
✔ Download offline maps
✔ Avoid night driving
✔ Don’t underestimate fuel costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Hiring a 2WD for a 4WD route
❌ Not reading insurance exclusions
❌ Booking last minute in peak season
❌ Assuming all beaches are accessible
Is Hiring a Car in WA Worth It?
Absolutely.
A hire car gives you:
- Complete flexibility
- Access to WA’s best destinations
- Better value than tours on longer trips
For most travellers, renting a car is what turns a WA trip from good into incredible.
🔒 Ready to Book? Do This Next
Before you lock in accommodation or tours, check car availability.
👉 Compare Car Hire Prices in Western Australia
Booking early = better vehicles, lower prices, less stress.